Gatehouse community champion Tarena Dickie shares her story in Galloway People

Gatehouse Community Champion Tarena Dickie Shares Inspiring Story

Gatehouse community champion Tarena Dickie’s story is one of dedication and community spirit, shared in a recent interview with Galloway People. Tarena, a 45-year-old mother and part-time hairdresser, is a member of the local Community Church and plays a key role in the Gatehouse Christmas Lights and Gala Committee. This committee organizes one of the most popular gala weeks in Galloway, including events like the torchlight procession and the Grand Parade, which attract thousands of participants.

Tarena’s journey to community activism began six years ago when she tragically lost her father-in-law. Motivated by his memory, she spearheaded a project to improve a local play park. Despite initial challenges, the project received overwhelming support from the community, surpassing its fundraising goals and resulting in a revitalized park that became a social hub for local families, especially after the challenges of the pandemic.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Tarena went on to lead a project to upgrade Garries Park, the town’s main outdoor events space. Through her tireless efforts and with the support of various community groups and funders, including the Murray Usher Foundation, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and the Coastal Benefit Fund, the project received substantial funding and is set to enhance community facilities further.

In a recent triumph, the multi-use-games area (MUGA) at Gatehouse Primary School, another project driven by Tarena, was officially opened with plans for community access and added floodlights. Tarena credits the power of prayer and community support for the success of these initiatives, highlighting the importance of collaboration and belief in making positive change happen.

Tarena’s unwavering dedication to improving her community’s facilities and fostering togetherness exemplifies the impact one individual can have with a steadfast commitment to a shared goal. Her story serves as an inspiration for others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.