Updates from Maureen Child

Dear All

For a while, the building of the new Treverlen Park did not seem to be going to plan, but the story was revealed at a meeting in St John’s Primary School last week. There was a point at which it looked like some landscaping elements would need to be cut from the project to make sure it came in on budget.  The savings had to make way for the necessary drainage and lighting elements added at the statutory planning stage. But the Council’s planning officers ensured that those already consented elements were restored and the Council found more cash to close the funding gap. Portobello Community Council’s account is here:  http://www.portobellocc.org/pccpn/2019/03/01/treverlen-park-skate-park-commitments-delivery/. You might have a different view on it, but that’s AOK!

As the Council inches towards a decision on the extension of our successful Edinburgh tram (more here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/ ) and we favour a radical approach to making our streets more pleasant places to be, it’s worth reflecting on our collective love affair with the motor vehicle.  In 1895, there were 15 motor vehicles in the whole of UK.  Just guess how many there are now! And 100,000 commute across our boundaries into Edinburgh every day. Some of us make use of cars, but all of us are also pedestrians.  And yet, motor vehicles dominate our streets. The charity Living Streets aims to help us restore the balance for the benefit of all.  Find out more here: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/take-action-in-your-area/local-groups/edinburgh

Sometimes, I walk home through Figgate Park from the No 5 bus stop on Mountcastle Drive South and last week I noticed new tree ID posts. I hear there are 10 so far and another 7 arriving in a few weeks time.  Once they are all installed, thanks to the Council’s park rangers, the Friends Group will be putting their Trail Map together. There is a rubbing plate on each post to support educational activities for local schools and nurseries. They’ll include some tree facts on the map and some wildlife spotting tips. Have you ever thought about volunteering for the Park?  Please do email friends@figgatepark.org.uk if you are interested in getting involved. Next Sunday, 10 March, is their first Volunteer Day of 2019. Come on down for 9.30am, and give a helping hand cleaning up the park, and at the same time give an even bigger helping hand to the wildlife. You can pop down for as long or short a time as you can spare.

National Trust’s Newhailes House monthly outdoor kids clubs are starting up again soon. ‘Nature Nippers’ is for children aged 3-5 (accompanied by their parents or carers) ‘Nature Ninjas’ is for children aged 7-12. Both will meet on the first Saturday of every month starting in May and finishing in December. To book, or for more information, please contact: newhailes@nts.org.uk. More about what’s on at Newhailes here: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes/events

Sandy’s Community Centre puts on a ‘Food and Blether’ and all are welcome, every fortnight.  The next one is 5 March 12.30pm-2.30pm, next one 19 March at 76 Craigmillar Castle Avenue EH16 4DW.

Cllr Mary Campbell and I were free to help with some litter picking last week in Magdalene, ably led by Cris Thacker of Community Renewal and working in partnership with local people in the neighbourhoods of Magdalene and Bingham.  More here:  https://mailchi.mp/abe9f6ee2b8b/magnificent-march-in-bingham-and-magdalene

I was very sorry to miss the Edinburgh Shoreline celebration event on Saturday at the Botanic Gardens, but we humans can’t do everything nor be in more than one place at once.  More about the project here:  http://edinburghshoreline.org.uk/. I did make the Portobello Market this month, though! Next one is the 1st Saturday in April.  More here: https://www.pedal-porty.org.uk/food/portobello-market/

Our Portobello Market is not nearlyas big and famous as Portobello Market in London.  However, we are creating a link!  Do get on board with this fantastic initiative to bring our two communities together, raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and get funding for more research to combat MND! Lots more here: www.portobellotoportobello.co.uk

Portobello and Joppa Drama Group’s next show is the story of Deacon Brodie written by two of the group. It runs from 19-23 March and tickets are on sale now. Brodie! The Musical by Gavin Booth and Nancy Kent is at 7.30pm each evening at Abercorn Terrace EH15 2DH.  Accessible entrance is on Brunstane Road North.  Tickets are £12/£4 concessions. For ticket enquiries, call 0131 669 3123 or email anne.mckerchar@gmail.com

Edinburgh Fair Trade Festival comes to Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 9 March form 10.30am to 3.30pm. There will be free entry, free fair Trade refreshments, fair Trade stalls, speakers including an International Fair Trade producer, kids activities, arts and crafts and a choir. More here:  http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20206/sustainable_development_and_fairtrade/939/edinburgh_fairtrade_city

See you there?

Best wishes

Maureen

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