Dear All

ArtWalk Porty’s All At Sea films, premiered at Bridge Street last weekend, are now available to watch online until Sunday 25 October. There are 17 short films relating to our seas, recent uncertainties, pandemic, climate change and more. The programme curated by Rosy Naylor.  Click here:  https://www.artwalkporty.co.uk/2020/all-at-sea-filmprogramme.html

I took a day off this week, but still felt the need to check emails and was struck by three great bits of good news.  A man got the property with wet floor shower that he desperately needed; a leak of foul water was now obviously being taken very seriously by Scottish Water; an abandoned car and flytipping was removed from a residential street. Sometimes problems do have solutions and the news is not all bad.  Everything else is still work in progress!

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) and partners have put together a Halloween outdoor challenge here:  http://www.elgt.org.uk/projects/walking-cycling/halloweenadventurelfp/.  If you wonder where Little France is and the paths within and through it, click here: https://www.innertubemap.com/little-france/

Portobello Community Council meet one Monday teams.  How to take part here: http://www.portobellocc.org/pccpn/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PCC-Agenda-October-2020.pdf

One of the ghost stories here is about Craigmillar Castle: https://blog.historicenvironment.scot/2019/10/three-ghost-stories/

Absent Friends is a Scotland-wide event, 1- 7 November, helping people remember, grieve and celebrate loved ones who have died. St Marks Portobello welcomes all those who wish to mark their own stories of personal loss. Their garden is open all week for us to reflect and remember. You’re welcome to make your own journey through the garden and and think about those you have loved. 

The new pump track at Hunter’s Hall Park has been completed, the barriers are down and the kids can have a lot of fun there with their bikes, scooters and skateboards. There are still some cosmetic works to finish off the surroundings, but it’s ready for rolling. 

You think you know our local beach?  Have a look here: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/local-environmental-quality/my-beach-your-beach/portobello-beach/

You might know a group or a project that would benefit from one of these grants: https://www.scotlandstowns.org/scotland_loves_local_fund_application_form_and_guidance

Last week’s 183rd (!)  Porty Podcast by David Calder was about Bellfield’s creation of a community garden. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622/5911462 and maybe riffle through the back catalogue?

Scottish Water are supplying taps throughout Scotland for refilling water bottles and one is to be on Portobello Promenade.  More here: https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/about-us/news-and-views/201020-tapping-into-a-thirst-for-sustainability

It might annoy you, or interest you, or both, but here is a blog on changing streets and how to go about it:  https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/opinion/2020/october/backlash-over-new-street-changes-is-inevitable-but-it-can-be-managed. And another article that justifies major changes in the way we move about: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/downloads/transport-use-health-and-health-inequalities-the-impact-of-measures-to-reduce-the-spread-of-covid-19/

You might also be interested in taking part in these discussions with the Edinburgh Climate Change Commission : https://edinburghtalksclimate.dialogue-app.com/from-thomas-cook-to-elon-musk-and-everything-in-between

The best fire safety measures are those that prevent it starting in the first place.  Click here to find out how to make sure your home is safer: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/online-hfsv-checker.aspx

Have a great weekend!

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child