Dear All
Well that was the week that was! I didn’t defy a meteorological Red Alert or trudge through the snow and the ice and the driving wind to get in to the City Chambers and send out an Update last week. And I am not sorry! More on weather and its effects later.
It was super busy at the Action Porty drop-in event event at Portobello Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday Action Porty run by their Action Westbank sub group. Local people and users of the existing facilities were invited to input their views, especially on the Saturday, and respond to three different community-generated designs, to be presented on the Sunday. Altogether 385 people on the Saturday and 177 people on the Sunday – not including design teams and volunteers – all worked hard to shape a shared community vision for the Wesbank/ Pitz site. We want to turn a threat into an opportunity. More information here: www.bellfield.scot/westbank-pitz
Community Link Worker, Mark Ralton is based at Niddrie Medical Practice and provides a safe space to talk about the issues that stop people living well and he has the time to explore the kinds of changes and support people might need to improve their health and well-being. You can give Mark a phone direct on 07880 474 686. More about his role here:
https://www.facebook.com/craigmillarbooksforbabies/posts/1654599731253463
We have quite a few fabulous community food gardens across Portobello/Craigmillar Ward. They might want to open up to show the wider public what they do, as part of the Power of Food Festival in June 2018. If you are part of a group and are interested in opening up, please do register ASAP and no later than 31 March. More here: https://poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.com/take-part-in-2018-edition/
If you missed the archaeological open day at Fishwives Causeway in the old Baileyfield depot site, do see the coverage in the Edinburgh Evening News. Lots of interest in our industrial past. https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/industrial-history-unearthed-at-portobello-archaeological-dig-1-4695773
And what about that dose of weather last week! This is an amazing time lapse film of 48 hours of the skies over Craigmillar Castle as the weather changed during the storm. Wow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=578Btk9OSrk&sns=em
What was happening, how and why? This explains the science: https://theconversation.com/beast-from-the-east-the-science-behind-europes-siberian-chill-92385
Portobello kids, big and small, had fantastic fun the the snow, this beings rare event and, for some, their first chance since 2010. Quite right that all the schools were closed, but surely not on safety grounds alone! Lots of good learning opportunities for families and friends playing in the snow! More on how we coped here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2446/praise_for_winter_weather_efforts_as_normal_service_resumes
And just this weekend, in one day, seven crews (1×3.5t vehicle + 2 staff) refilling grit bins and in one day last week filled over 325 bins and used 26 tonnes of salt. With just over 3000 bins to get round it does take a few days to check them all. If any are missed, do let us know! If you need a grit bin, new or an established one re-filled, click here and make it happen: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20047/severe_weather/1140/report_a_problem_with_a_grit_bin/1
The big Brighton Place Setts decision is this afternoon. The Transport and Environmental Committee was cancelled last Thursday because of the weather conditions, of course. This is the report with the recommendation to replace the setts on Brighton Place. http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/56287/item_76_-_finalised_strategy_for_setted_streets.
Portobello might be famous for the Brighton Place Setts controversy (among others) but here’s some more fun facts about Porty: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/image-gallery/in-pictures-11-things-you-ll-only-know-about-portobello-if-you-ve-lived-there-1-4699322/4699323/img14699311
Would you like to learn how to get more out of your laptop or tablet? Then sign up for free Get Online Course in one of the Council’s libraries. Complete beginners welcome! To enrol, call tutor Kenny Sharkey on 07809 320432. More here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20012/libraries/1380/get_online
Porty Podcast has been in abeyance, as the brilliant podcaster David Calder recovers from prostate cancer and the effects of his treatment. His podcast about it is here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622/651001-60-prostate-cancer. Well worth a listen! It’s a hot topic right now in the mainstream media too.
The investigation into antisocial behaviour on Saturday 13 January 2018 involving motorbikes has borne fruit. Police Scotland have now enforced 8 evidential warrants at various addresses across the city and recovered evidence at most of these houses. 16 individuals have been arrested and charged with a variety of offences; 69 charges in total. Of those arrested, 5 individuals have been released on special bail conditions not to be on motor bikes. 12 Antisocial Behaviour Order notices have been issued to those involved, in particular at the Jack Kane Centre. The following links contain a short video montage of the Operation:
https://twitter.com/EdinburghPolice
https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghPoliceDivision
Police Scotland are sending a clear message that antisocial behaviour linked to motorbikes will not be tolerated.
Like the Friends of Figgate Park, the Friends of Porty Prom want to make a difference. We are a group of locals aiming to change our prom for the better. We need your thoughts and ideas on what the prom needs! Maybe more toilets or a climbing wall, outdoor showers or improved access for all? Come and let us know at our public meeting. This will be held on Saturday 10 March, 1-3pm, at St John’s Church Hall off Brighton Place.
You can find our Facebook event here – https://www.facebook.com/events/1772983459387855/
Response to concerns about the construction of the new Treverlen Park once the new Duddingston Primary School is finished. See here: at http://www.treverlen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/17_05217_FUL-RESPONSE_TO_PLANNING_QUERIES_LETTER-3854248.pdf
Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes at Craigmillar Library are every Tuesday, 11am -12 noon. These are free, fun filled times of stories, songs and rhymes for parents/carers and children aged birth to 4 years. Older siblings are also welcome to come along. If you would like more information about Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes, do contact Michelle or Kara on 0131 621-2621.
Portobello and Joppa Parish Church Drama Group is putting on a show next week. ‘Call Me Madam’, the musical with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, is set in the 1950s and tells the story of the relationship between the mighty USA and tiny, impoverished Lichtenburg. Personal relationships become interesting too. For tickets, contact Anne McKerchar on 669 3123 or anne.mckerchar@gmail.com
Wednesday March 14 to Saturday March 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets – Adults £10 and children £5.
Edinburgh Tool Library is at Craigmillar Library every Tuesday afternoon. Edinburgh Tool Library works exactly like a library, but with tools instead of books. So whether you need a hammer, a spanner, a drill or a sander you can borrow them. Do drop in on Tuesdays between 1pm and 3:30pm to find out more or become a member! Portobello is on Mondays 4.30pm to 7pm. They are looking for volunteers, so if you live in Portobello, think about it. Find out more ere: https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/
Have a great weekend!
Maureen
Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | The City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 | Mobile 07718 666 481 | Twitter @MaureenChild1 | Facebook Maureen Child for Portobello/Craigmillar