vision

vision

vision

vision

Company Chairman: Harry Mealyea

I Imagine that the word 'Ark' conjures up a variety of mental images in people's minds. For some it might be that of an ancient craft, crammed full of animals, safely bobbing up and down on a dangerous and restless sea. Others might think of The Ark band from the U.S.A. noted for its Roots Reggae Music - and theirs is a pretty unique sound. Yet others - and not just adrenaline junkies - might make a connection with an Indiana Jones adventure film.

Which of these three images does our management team most closely identify with? In some senses all three. For a number of years the local churches have recognised the value of providing young people with a place to chill out. A place, where they don't feel the need to be constantly looking over their shoulders or, wonder when some pusher is going to hit on them. A place, where its possible to be cool without being legless. The Ark is such a place.

However, safe doesn't have to be boring. And for this reason we have an ongoing commitment to provide contemporary music that young people will enjoy in the form of live bands, DJ evenings and karaoke sessions. The suggestions and feedback we get from those attending is very important to us. We want to be told that 'The Ark rocks'.

We also want The Ark to be a place of adventure. Not by providing a brief escape from the harsh realities of life but by creating a climate where youngsters can discover and develop both their potential and sense of self-worth. It is easy to be sucked into harmful practices by peer group pressure where no attractive alternatives are on offer. Our aim is to make The Ark a healthy and exciting alternative to the surrounding culture of drug and alcohol abuse.

Mental images can become realities and we are grateful to all those who have helped in the realisation of The ark dream. A great many people have helped with the leasing and preparation of the building and with its equipping and running costs. We are also grateful to have such an excellent team of staff members made up of full-time, part-time and volunteer workers. They share a common vision to develop, what I believe is one of the most exciting youth projects to found in Ayrshire.