issue 4
oct ‘16 -jan '17
VOLUNTEERING IN ACTION COMMUNITY
FIREWORKS
2016
DEVELOPMENT
TRUST
AGM
29th NOV 2016 7.30pm
3rd NOVEMBER 7.30pm
GREEN ROOM SCHOOL REOPENS
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POTTER AROUND
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3 Kirknewton News is a community newspaper, witten by and for local people in Kirknewton. It is produced by Kirknewton Community Development Trust (KCDT), supported by the Big Lottery Scotland. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the KCDT. If you would like to get involved with the Kirknewton News, please get in touch at infokirknewton@gmail.com WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Submit articles or letters to the Editor at: infokirknewton@gmail.com or to the Kirknewton Green Room, 12 Main Street, EH27 8AH. Alternatively call 01506 883 988. WANT TO SPONSOR? To sponsor, email: infokirknewton@gmail.com or call 01506 883 988
KCDT is registered with the office of the Scottish Regulator No SC037895
Welcome to issue 4 of the Kirknewton News! Christmas is coming and we cover what things are going on over the Kirknewton Winterfest, including the fireworks and family BBQ/Christmas Fair at the Stables in November. We take a look at volunteering in action from various groups around the village, including Muddy Boots and the Parent Staff Association. There are features on the Mini & Me’s, the playgroup, the primary school re-opening, the new Head Teacher at Balerno High School and opportunities for young people through the youth club. Plus all the latest Development Trust news including moving our Annual General Meeting to November each year, the first being on Tuesday 29 th November at 7.30pm. Hope to see you there. Tony Foster
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After a hugely successful night in 2015 the Kirknewton Fireworks are returning on Thursday 3rd November 2016 to Kirknewton Park from 7.30pm. The display is put together by 21cc Fireworks on behalf of the Kirknewton Community Development Trust. 21cc are well known for their epic displays in such venues as Hopetoun House in West Lothian and Stirling Castle. Tony Foster, CEO of KCDT, explains how the Firework display came about. “We’d been talking about a firework display for a couple of years. Then someone local offered their services, as they were working with 21cc, and it came together with help from a local DJ and sound engineer. We thought a few people would come in the first year, but nearly 1000 turned up! People from all over Kirknewton, East and Mid Calder, West Lothian and Edinburgh were there. Families and friends had arranged dinners and parties around the fireworks. It was amazing. The firework display exceeded our expectations. Everyone leaving the park enjoyed it and comments on social media were very positive.” Tony continued, “We’ve been planning the 2016 show for a year. We are keen to make it a bigger and better annual event. We ask for donations on the night, as it is a major fundraiser for us. With other firework displays costing anything from £5-£15 per person I hope
people will be generous knowing how good it was last year. There will be volunteers with orange buckets. The money we took in donations last year is going back into this year’s event, so we’ve been able to put more money into the fireworks. It should be a blast!” The fireworks start off a season of events celebrating ten years of the Kirknewton Community Development Trust – and is the launch of the new Kirknewton Winterfest. Tony went on to explain, “We’ve had a Kirknewton Christmas Festival for about five years now and we wanted to refresh it a little. We are making the Kirknewton Christmas Gifts, Food Fair & Family BBQ at the Stables an annual event – it brings together several groups together and is good fun. Last year, despite the rain and fog, we had as many visitors as the first year we did it when we had glorious sunny weather. The only difference is more people came by car rather than a nice stroll. So there is obviously a demand for it. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in the village and we hope to offer a free burger or tea and coffee to everyone who gives their time to making Kirknewton a great place to live and work during the year.” The Kirknewton Christmas Gifts, Food Fair & Family BBQ is on Sunday 20th November, 12-4pm at the Kirknewton Stables. If possible, please walk to each
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event and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. If you have to come by car please park for the fireworks from the train station car park upwards, using Station Road. Avoid the Main Street if possible as this could cause congestion for those being dropped off with mobility issues. For your safety please do not go inside the firework cordon or Community woodland. If raining the fireworks will NOT be cancelled. Only very high winds will postpone the event. Please do not bring any dogs or animals to the firework event For the Stables event limited parking is available inside the entrance and close to Hillhouse. The front of the Stables is reserved for dropping off people with mobility issues. Again, no pets inside the Stables please. Both events are fundraisers, so please give generously as all proceeds go back into Village projects throughout the year. We hope you have a good time at the Kirknewton Winterfest 2016.
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sensory garden takes shape In May of this year, Kirknewton village was successful in receiving a grant of £10,000 from Groundworks UK to create a Sensory Garden in the community woodland. Richard Irving will create a unique space, open to all members of the community. Richard Irving has worked as head gardener at Jupiter Artland for 8 years and we are hoping he will bring some of their magic to Kirknewton. The Sensory garden will be filled with plants, features and equipment which would create a sensory experience, stimulating the senses of its visitors so that they can touch, smell and hear things which are reassuring, inspiring and relaxing. The garden will be an ideal place for community members to visit, especially benefiting the elderly, those with disabilities as well as young children. Sensory gardens can benefit communities in a number of ways, starting with helping garden users to connect with the world outside their immediate communities. We are working to create a space which stimulates the senses but is also accessible, durable and free from litter. Local blacksmith artist Sean Cockburn will be contributing to the project, transforming the worn bridge, into a more artistic entrance to the garden. If anyone would like to volunteer their time to the project, please get in touch. We have also been able to donate a section of the funding to Kirknewton Primary School. The PSA and Muddy Boots volunteer group will be installing vegetable and flower beds in to the school’s garden, which can be maintained by the school children.
andre leaves kirknewton parish André Johannes Groenewald was born on the 9th of May 1969 in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa. He married Jonanda Klopper on the 26th of February 1999 and has two sons Henro and Nehan. He studied at the University of Pretoria and graduated with the following degrees: BA, BD, MDiv (cum laude) & DD. The title of his doctoral thesis is: “Nietzsche’s impulse towards the development of a concept of God that transcends modern atheism and theism - a philosophicaltheological study.” He was ordained in 1994 and inducted into his first charge in April 1995 in Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He ministered in Cradock until his call to Midrand in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1998. In 2008 he immigrated to Scotland and did a year’s placement in Craigsbank, Corstorphine Edinburgh. On the 2nd of April 2009 he was inducted in Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church. On Sunday 11 September Balerno Parish Church welcomed Rev Dr André Groenewald to preach as sole nominee. After a service that was both energetic and moving, the congregation overwhelming voted to call André as their new minister. His induction service in Balerno will be 27th October at 7pm and his first Sunday service will be 30th October. We wish Andre all the best in his new home and role and note he will be sadly missed.
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who are muddy boots?
When Kirknewton Community Council was informed by West Lothian Council that they had decided to re-direct funding away from taking care of all flower beds previously cultivated by local authority staff - it was met with some sadness. Two of Kirknewton Community Council’s newest members with a passion for their own gardens took up the challenge to address this situation. Assisted by friends from Kirknewton Allotment Association a
group of likeminded and green fingered volunteers was formed and named Kirknewton Muddy Boots Volunteer Gardeners. With funds raised, plants chosen, weeds removed, soil improved and plants in place the first project is complete. Our second and third projects within Kirknewton are being planned currently and our flower beds continuously require de-weeding and watering, so we are still looking for volunteers to join our team.
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Our main contact is via the Kirknewton Community Facebook page or email susancampbell.vn@gmail.com We have 105 British native trees to plant during the weekend of Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November and would love extra help. But first we need to plan where to plant them within the village and would like some help deciding, please get in touch and let us know your thoughts.
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school psa raise funds
We are the Kirknewton Primary School Parents Staff Association (PSA). You may have heard about us through the various fundraising activities we have been doing throughout the year. It has been a busy year for us. We were lucky enough to be given Kirknewton Stables as a venue and we hosted a Princess/ Superhero Ball in February, raising £900. We then had a huge raffle in May which raised an amazing £2,000 and our latest fundraising event was our Homecoming Fair in September which was a fantastic success and raised in the region of £2,000, but more importantly, was a great welcome back for the kids.
We have incredible support from local businesses and the parents and we are very grateful to everyone who donates, volunteers and turns up at our events.
The purpose of the PSA is to finance any extra items the school needs, which are perhaps out with the budget it is given. Things such as the mud kitchen in the nursery and the welly boot rail are examples of where the funds are spent. This year has been a bit different as we are currently trying to raise funds to upgrade the school’s outdoor areas, which you will appreciate is going to cost substantially more than we would normally spend. We have already purchased 8 new outdoor picnic tables for the school playground
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but hopefully this is just the beginning. We would really like to see some play equipment and outdoor learning areas. There is quite a bit of space and the potential is huge, we just want to make sure we get it right. We are in the process of pulling ideas together from the children, teachers and parents to see what they would like to see in the playground. Ideas so far have included willow wigwams, orchards and an outdoor shelter. If you would like to get involved in the playground project or fundraising or have any thoughts on what you would like to see get done in the school then please do get in touch. This is an exciting time to get involved. Contact us at: committee@psa.kirknewton.net
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EARLY YEARS VOLUNTEERING KIRKNEWTON PLAYGROUP
Kirknewton Playgroup are bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative to develop the garden at Kirknewton Village Hall. Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork on its Bags of Help initiative across Scotland. The scheme will see three community groups and projects awarded grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag charge. greenspace Scotland are working with Groundwork to support Scottish communities. Bags of Help offers community groups and projects in each of Tesco’s regions across the UK a share of revenue generated from the 5p charge levied on single-use carrier bags. The public will now vote in store from 31st October to 13th November on who should receive the £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 awards. In total, there is over £12.5 million up for grabs. Three groups in each of Tesco’s 416 regions have been shortlisted to receive the cash award. We are one of the groups on the shortlist! If we are successful, we plan to create a willow woodland garden
mrs charleston retires
with a beautiful igloo woven from living willow at its centre. Voting is open in stores from 31st October to 13th November 2016. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. This is the second round of the initiative: the first round saw approximately eight million shoppers vote in stores up and down the country earlier this year. Customers can cast their vote in the east Calder Tesco. We are going to need lots of support to make sure that we are awarded the maximum grant of £12,000 so please tell your family and friends and ask them to support Kirknewton Community Playgroup at the check-out!
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The Kirknewton News offers its congratulations to Mrs Charleston, who recently retired as the Kirknewton Primary School lollipop lady. Mrs Charleston has been in the role for as long as many of us can remember, having seen many of the parents over the road who are now taking their own kids to school! We will miss her cheerily wishing us well as she stopped the traffic and thank her for all her years service to Kirknewton Primary.
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school reopens after years’ closure Counsellor Dave King officially opened the new Kirknewton Primary School on Friday 23rd September.
The school has been closed for a year for a ÂŁ1.4million refurbishment. All the school children performed songs in between a number of speeches about what work had been done. The following day the school also had its Homecoming event, similar to the Spring Fair with added fun for all the family. The Kirknewton News would like to pass on its thanks to the teachers, staff and parents who helped with the move in and out of the school, a year of bus journeys and putting on the Homecoming event. Well done!
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a letter from the new headteacher - balerno high school Dear Parent / Carer I would like to begin by introducing myself as the new Headteacher at Balerno Community High School. I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the school and I look forward immensely to working closely with you, your children, staff and wider community in the coming years. I took up my role on Monday 15 August and over the course of this week, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with parents, staff and pupils. I have been delighted by the warm and welcoming reception I have received from all in the school community and this has made my introduction to the school an enjoyable one. Over the course of this week, I have been able to meet all pupils in the school through a series of Assemblies. This has allowed me to share with the pupils who I am and also my expectations and hopes for the school as we look to move forward. I shared with the pupils that the staff will be working hard for them and that I will be looking for all of our pupils to apply themselves to the best of their ability at all times to allow us to help them achieve their full potential. I have also had the opportunity to visit all departments over the course of the last few days to see how the pupils are settling in to the routine of the school day and to take the opportunity to get to know them and the staff better. I have quickly gained an impression of a school that has pupils and staff who are hardworking, purposeful and very proud of their school. I look forward to building on these strong foundations and continuing the progress of the school. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Lindsay Fullarton (Depute Head Teacher) for his leadership of the school during the last term. This allowed consistency in the school during this time and I look forward to working with him and all of the staff in the school. I look forward to working closely with you over the coming months and years to allow us to develop the school community and to build on the excellent position we are currently in. As Headteacher I will continually do my best to ensure that we grow as a school and that all our young people are afforded the opportunities to develop. We can only achieve this by working in partnership with you and as part of this I will be seeking to ensure that we develop our communications with you, so that you are fully aware of what is happening in the school and have a key voice in the development of the school. Yours sincerely Neil McCallum, Headteacher facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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halloween fundraiser helps young people achieve saltire award
Young people in Kirknewton have been taking part in the Saltire Award scheme since October 2014. The Saltire Award is a volunteer scheme open to all young people 12-25 years old. Saltire certificates are awarded for the amount of volunteering done. On completion of each stage of the award participants receive a certificate which is endorsed by the Scottish government and signed by the Scottish Minister. They capture a young person’s volunteer experience and are a great way to keep a record for a CV. Plus with young scot reward points they entitle young people to fantastic prizes. To enter on to the scheme young people must initially complete a group volunteering task. For the past 2 years the youth club have been running a Halloween fundraiser cake sale. The young people create the posters and flyers, advertise and bake everything on sale. This group volunteering effort, counts towards the first stage of the award. The next stage of the Award is called the ‘Approach’ which is based upon individual volunteering. KCDT have been building links with The Cyrenians farm, and the young people have previously given up their time to clean out chicken coups, assist with
planting veg and general tidying! We would like to encourage as many young people in the village on to the scheme. If you would like your child to be involved in the Saltire Award scheme in
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Kirknewton please get in touch with Jennifer Ba at The Green Room. jenniferkirknewton@gmail.com
THE NEXT YOUTH CLUB
HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER
will be held on FRIDAY 28 th OCTOBER 2016 2pm, THE GREEN ROOM www.kirknewton.org
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making music for the under fives
Mini & Me Music Group was established in October 2014 after demand for an under fives "music group". It is now one of many groups for children which runs in Kirknewton. Music is a great way for younger children to learn words, actions and build confidence in groups as well as allowing adults to bond with their Mini Me. At Mini & Me it's not necessarily the parents that bring the children along; we have aunts and uncles, grandparents and childminders who come along frequently. We also realise that not all adults enjoy going to children's groups where many believe there is an unseen pressure where you feel you must build new friendships with others in the same situation and make conversations with strangers. Not everyone's objective at classes is to go out and make new friends. Mini & Me focuses on the children and the music, so the grown up with the Mini Me doesn't need to "mingle" if they don't want too. We're a small, friendly group and many carers have given feedback on how relaxed the group is and how at ease they feel when they're there. Some
have even said that it's helped them build relationships with others, meet their neighbours and discuss parenting issues in a nonjudgemental environment. Because of these comments we're keen to keep the group as a voluntary group and a drop-in group where there is no commitment to block book or attend every week. However, that all being said a lot of us do enjoy a cuppa after class or wander to the local park. Back in 2014 Mini & Me was held weekly in the Greenroom with carers and their Mini Me's attending and singing and playing instruments to well known nursery songs. Now, two years on, there have been many changes to the group all due to the feedback of the attendees and support from KCDT providing funding for instruments. We have changed the start time to a later time to factor in
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naps for the younger ones, included movie afternoons, parties, sign language classes and craft sessions at Potter Around; and we even have our first social group night out for the adults only at the end of September in The Inn! Because of comments and feedback over the past few months we are now looking at changing the Greenroom session from a Thursday to either a Monday or Tuesday depending on the results of a poll issued on various Facebook sites, so please keep an eye on the Mini & Me Facebook page to hear of the new day and time. We always love welcoming new faces, and you don't have to be from Kirknewton to come along, we have many Mini & Me's who come along from Mid & East Calder, Wilkieston and Ratho so please don't be a stranger.
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green room visit as scottish government funding announced
Communities across Scotland will now receive support to become land or buildings owners thanks to a £350,000 fund. The money, awarded to the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) for 2016/17, aims to provide community groups and public bodies with support to transform buildings or land assets. The service has previously helped to turn former council offices and empty shops into community hubs, art venues or sports centres. Since 2011, the service has supported more than 490 projects, helping facilitate 78 asset transfers of buildings or land to local communities. The support service offers expert advice on all aspects of asset transfer, as well as training courses, good practice guides and toolkits for communities wanting to take on buildings or waste land.
Communities Cabinet Secretary Angela Constance announced the funding while visiting Kirknewton Community Development Trust, who benefitted from support from COSS and have recently received funding from the Scottish Land Fund to help buy land which will be used to build zero-energy housing for older people. Ms Constance said: “I’m delighted to announce this funding today, which will support communities across Scotland to take on buildings and land and use them for the good of their community and improve their local area. “Every area has a building or land that could be transformed if local people were given the support, help and, importantly, control, to make a difference. “This fund will help communities transform buildings into spaces fit for purpose, and inject life
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into town and village centres by regenerating disused spaces, generating income and creating jobs. “Kirknewton Development Trust is an excellent example of where community ownership has helped bring people together and create spaces with purpose.” Ian Cooke, Director of the Development Trusts Association Scotland, which delivers COSS, said: “This announcement of renewed funding for the Community Ownership Support Service is most welcome. Groups the length and breadth of Scotland are using asset transfer to protect and sustain local services, create economic benefits and generally transform their communities. “The Scottish Government’s ongoing funding will allow COSS to continue supporting these communities to fulfill their ambitions for asset ownership.”
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kirknewton group helps launch community asset lottery fund
Community led groups from across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to apply to a new multi-million pound fund which will allow Scottish communities to buy, manage or develop buildings or land. Between now and 2020 up to £45 million of Big Lottery Fund cash will be available through Community Assets to support community led projects to develop or build assets for their community use. Groups can apply for grants from £10,000 to £1 million and, where needed, will receive professional technical support and advice from Community Asset mentors to turn their project ideas into reality. This week staff members from the Big Lottery Fund joined Kirknewton Community Development Trust in West Lothian to find out more about their fantastic resource centre and the impact it is having at a local level. Welcoming them Martin Hall of Kirknewton Community Development Trust , said: “We were delighted to have Big
Lottery Fund staff visit us this week to see and hear about the difference our community owned building makes to the lives of local people. Now, thanks to this new Community Assets funding, local groups like ours will be able to follow in our footsteps by applying for funding to buy, manage or develop buildings or land today. The Kirknewton Community Development Trust received £433,120 of Big Lottery funding. This money will be put towards the internal fit out, as well as maintenance costs of the Resource Centre, which incorporates renewable technology and is used as a community meeting and training space providing energy advice, volunteering opportunities, training and youth activities. Launching Community Assets and encouraging other groups to consider and develop their project ideas, Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: “This is new funding which will allow even more communities to follow in the footsteps of organisations like Kirknewton Community
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Development Trust . The Big Lottery Fund has 15 years of experience in supporting local communities to take greater control of their futures through the acquisition, management and development of local assets. And we know the positive difference this can make. “Community Assets is part of a wider funding offering here in Scotland aimed at supporting activity which is people centred, strengths based and has good local connections. It recognises that there is strong appetite in communities across Scotland to purchase and develop local assets which can bring huge, lasting benefits such as sustaining jobs and helping connect people to activities and services.” Big Lottery Fund is the leading non statutory funder of the voluntary and community sector and since 2006 has awarded over £768 million to over 27,000 projects here in Scotland. Between now and 2020, the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland has £250 million to support people and communities dealing with challenging circumstances. Community Assets is the third and final stream of funding to open following the launch of Improving Lives and Community Led in November 2015. If a group has an idea for Community Assets funding, email us at advicescotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk to discuss your proposal. You can find out more about the Kirknewton Community Development Trust visit www.kirknewton.org/community_ groups/community_development_trust
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consequence of playing with fire “Sadly, I see our little village arsonists were at work again last night, setting fire to hay bales in the field. I 'get' that the young ones are bored, feel they have nothing to do, go out looking to have a laugh and a muck about. Us 'oldies' were that age once too and know what its like. Oh I know, the young ones amongst us will be reading this and muttering "another old bat having a moan at us, yet again". But there is a line that should never be crossed....you should never do anything "just for a laugh" that requires our emergency services to come out and deal with your mindless acts of vandalism. I am sure they found it hilarious seeing the bale set alight...but what if there was a family somewhere trapped in a house fire that had genuinely needed that fire engine to save their lives but unfortunately, it had to come here to put out a stupid hay fire?? 28 years ago, I was in that situation..trapped in a burning house. I can only sit here now referring to myself as an "oldie" because the fire crews got me out in time. My mum died in the fire...I've heard the words shouted "non responsive...resuscitate". I have spent weeks in hospital and in a burns unit because of the smoke inhalation and burns sustained. I have felt the sheer and utter terror of being trapped and having no way out. I have gasped for air and felt the panic of not being able to breath because of the thick acrid smoke filling my lungs with every attempt. I have felt the heat and smoke searing my eyes. I have felt my skin burn and experienced the awful pain. I have heard and seen the fire raging....all before going unconscious myself. This didn’t all happen over a long period of time...this was all in a matter of minutes. It is absolutely vital that our emergency services can get to those who need it in the shortest time possible...minutes, even seconds are crucial in saving lives. I know. Thankfully the fire engines got to us in time and they managed to resuscitate my mum so we still have our lovely wee mum with us today. If they had been even a few minutes longer we might of had a very different outcome. So, young ones, think before you get out the matches or lighter and set light to something for a "laugh". Mums and Dads, please please please explain to your kids that their little acts of stupidity could cost someone their life. Have fun....mess about....do silly things.....but please don’t abuse our emergency services. The next time, it could be one of your loved ones dying needlessly in a house fire because the fire engine was here putting out a fire set by local kids "just having a laugh"!!” Pamela Anderson
update on pharmacy / post office incident I am sure you are already aware of the armed robbery that occurred at Pharmacy/ Post Office. I would just like to brief you on the circumstances, as passed on from Police to local Councillors. About 1600 hours on Monday 10 October 2016, a male, armed with what appeared to be a firearm, and another male, entered the premises of Kirknewton Pharmacy and Post Office, 24 Main Street, Kirknewton. They threatened two female members of staff prior to making off with approximately £9,000 and a quantity of drugs from the premises. A number of local and specialist Police resources including firearms officers attended the premises
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– an initial search of the area for the suspects proved negative. The weapon was not discharged. No members of staff were injured. As a result of Police enquiries, five people have been charged with the offence. This was clearly a traumatic event for the victims and will raise considerable concerns for local residents. The Community Action Team and Ward Officers will be providing a high visibility presence in Kirknewton over the next few days to reassure the public and will also be undertaking door to door enquiries. If you are not already a member you may want to join the Kirknewton Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Find out more information on the website www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
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planning for our community KIRKNEWTON PARK PAVILION Discussions are ongoing about design and the facilities for a Community Activity Building in Kirknewton Park. It is hoped this would include toilets, changing rooms, showers and facilities for the disabled. The area which the Nursery previously occupied is preferred by West Lothian Council to site the new facilities but Kirknewton Community Groups feel that it would be better sited on the higher ground in the South West area of the Park. Negotiations are ongoing. ROAD SAFETY There are ongoing concerns with regards to excessive speeds, there are views that 20 miles per hour would be a more suitable limit in the built up areas. PARKING Potentially dangerous parking is a problem on the corner of the road going East to Edinburgh just before the Green Room. At Hillhouse Crescent and Hillhouse Terrace the roadside parking area in front of the houses also has to accommodate parked vehicles from Meadowbank View. There is often the odd inconsiderate parking situation, when there is a driver coming from the Meadowbank Road Estate to park, alternately either a van or a car and walking back to the estate. Recently a resident at Hillhouse Terrace was unable to drive away because his vehicle was jammed in bumper to bumper with other vehicles.
EDINBURGH AIRPORT CONSULTATION Kirknewton Community Council hosted a meeting with Mr Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport who was presenting and consulting on changes to their flight paths. The majority of those present, who are residents in the area, commented they had already experienced an increase in traffic overhead, which some thought were test runs by the airport and that the noise was already unacceptable. Kirknewton Community Council agreed that we should support No increase in flight path changes over Kirknewton. CAMPS JUNCTION As can be seen, the area to the North East of the village by the Railway Pedestrian Bridge alongside the road to Edinburgh has been partially cleared. The works also uncovered a buried mini skip complete with it’s load of debris. However, ongoing works have been held up because it appears that the Network Rail fence requires to be adjusted to allow complete site clearance. Kirknewton Community Development Trust have been awarded £10,000 for a feasibility study from the Rural Housing Fund to help develop the site. KIRKNEWTON CONSERVATION AREA A major appraisal is underway by West Lothian Council to identify areas and buildings in Kirknewton which would benefit from the status of being included in a conservation area with it’s enhanced protection and improvement to the Community. KIRKNEWTON STATION LEVEL CROSSING We are told yet again the Level Crossing was closed for a considerable amount of the day on Saturday 24th September, 2016.
There is still a problem with vehicles coming up from Smithy Brae wishing to turn right, because speeding traffic heading east along Main Street, with vehicles parked on the roadside, vehicles have to move to the centre of the road putting the Smithy Brae Traffic at risk. The Car Park accessed off Smithy Brae behind houses on South side of Main Street is being used to work mechanically on vehicles and the discarded parts are being left lying around This can cause damage and harm to residents and other vehicles. As there is also a car parking problem here, may we request the residents of the Whitemoss Lane Estate, who have their own allocated car parking and access from the back garden gate onto the footpath of the car park who conveniently park there, not to do so. This kind gesture will free up a safe car parking space for others who do not have one, thank you.
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TURBINE AT ORMISTON FARM KIRKNEWTON A Reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers made the decision to allow an appeal and grant planning permission for the erection of a 61-metre-high wind turbine, despite all the previous refusals to grant permission by West Lothian Council’s Development Planning Committee and its Local Review Body. As well as objections from our local Councillors, Kirknewton Community Council, the closest residents to the Turbine, the wider Community and many more from around Scotland. This decision to some is a social injustice, an environmental crime, it is particularly immoral that a developer and presumably a Reporter living outside the area can inflict such misery upon the closest residents against the democratic wishes of the Community. It is a view that this matter is a breach of the Human Rights Act 1998. Vic Garrad Planning Secretary, Kirknewton Community Council
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18
Good News— Now the land belongs to Kirknewton, the clean-up of the rubbish dumped and buried there by Strathclyde Homes about 15 years ago, has started. Kenny Stewart Plant, from Humbie, dug through almost the entire site (see below re fence), and removed more than a dozed 20 ton loads of large inert rubbish—manholes, boulders, kerbs etc -- which went to Ratho Tip. The weeds (and grass?) have been piled up to compost, to avoid tipping costs hopefully. There is also a pile of old fence posts, plastic and wood, which needs to be disposed of as noninert possibly slightly harmful waste—as it decomposes when buried. Burning plastic produces toxic gases so that is not a good solution—but plastic is light weight, so costs less to dispose of the rubbish uncovered included even a whole metal waste skip (rusty and useless however) but this went for recycling with the other metal bits. The next stage is to rake through the field again, with a finer sieve, and take out all the bricks and smaller stones—who would want a garden full of them? There may be quantity of reasonable soil left after this, which can be offered to anyone who needs it, as the amount of dumping raised the site level by around 2ft 6 inches, (75 cm), and we want to get back to the old field level, so the foundations do not need to be dug too deep, and huge excavations and upfill are needed for the roads. Finally, the site will be checked to prove there is no chemical pollution, rotovated, and returned to grass—which will avoid a huge crop of weeds by
the spring! A grant has been given for the new preliminary design work to be re-done- since the original scheme was for 11 houses, and was too expensive for affordable rents. Bad News-- Network Rail have still not moved their fence back onto their own land. We have the photographs of the original fence line now, and the measurements to the new (silver) fence, and the replacement green fence—and they how that the fence is still on Kirknewton’s land. The big step at the wooden fence, is also still on our Kirknewton land— even though they thought that was the end of it. This has now been placed in the hands of our lawyers, along with a claim for the costs of the mess they have already made and left behind. Network Rail have also now fenced off the land behind the Hillhouse Wynd Sound barrier—which belongs to the locals—and is needed for access to maintain the barrier. West Lothian Council— although generally supportive of the plan for houses, have failed to produce the Section 75 Agreement which they wanted Kirknewton to sign—giving them donations for various things—including cemeteries and schools and affordable houses. The Planning Permission in Principle was due last year,
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but because of the failure to produce the agreement, it has not been passed yet by West Lothian Council. The school’s contribution (between £10,000 and £20,000 in Kirknewton) will not apply since the houses are to be occupied by retired people (without school age children). The Affordable Housing Contribution has not yet been agreed, but it seems daft to charge this on affordable houses—and make them un-affordable—West Lothian Council do not charge themselves this payment when building affordable housing, and also use the cash from other developments to build affordable houses—but have refused Kirknewton any of this.
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19
kirknewton park changing pavilion Two alternative schemes have been produced by West Lothian for the park, one without showers, which was not preferred for obvious reasons! The Community Council and Development Trust have had a look at these, and gone back to West Lothian, with a report and proposal for a cheaper and better arrangement. This would place the Pavilion nearer the football field, use the old nursery site as a builder’s compound and eventual car park, and be easily extendible in the future, if Kirknewton can raise the money for a clubhouse or similar. This would reduce the traffic and parking on Park Terrace in the short and long term, minimise disturbance to residents during building and afterwards, and be situated so any future clubhouse would have a view of the field. A meeting has been held with the Council, and feedback is due shortly.
zoe hubbard resigns
neil greer resigns
Zoe Hubbard, Admin and Finance Officer of Kirknewton Community Development Trust has resigned. Her last day for the Trust will be 20 th October 2016. Zoe has secured a new post as Office Manager for Canongate Youth Project in Edinburgh. This is a fantastic opportunity for her and one in which she says she couldn’t have achieved without an improved skill-set and experiences gained whilst in employment with Kirknewton Community Development Trust. Zoe says she will look back on her three years with the Trust with fondness, and is sad to be going!
Following a move from Kirknewton to East Calder Neil Greer will resign as Treasurer at the Annual General Meeting on 29th November Neil has enjoyed his time with KCDT and working with the rest of the Board and feels the Green Room project has been a fantastic addition to the community and wishes us all the best in fulfilling our further aims and objectives in the future. Neil introduced Paxtons Charity software to the Trust and that means we can now get our accounts up to date earlier for our Annual General Meeting. AGMs previously for year ending August have usually happened in April. To help make them more timely and relevant the new AGM date will usually be November each year.
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gala day success This summer saw a fabulous Gala Day in the village with the sunshine making a welcome appearance along with a whole lot of smiles on the faces of the children and adults alike. From cakes to coconuts, beer to bouncy castles, we had it all.
It is not just the Gala Day that the committee organises.
We are on the countdown to Christmas and preparation for the popular Torchlight Procession and Lighting of the Tree is well underway. Get ready to enjoy the magic of the lights and music that heralds the festive season.
It probably goes without saying but this fun day does not appear in the village by magic. An awful lot of hard work goes into the organising and preparation of the day with the committee pretty much working behind scenes all year and on the day the help of all those who volunteer is much appreciated by both committee and all those who come to enjoy the day.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
LIGHTING OF THE
TREE Put a message on the Gala Committee Facebook page if you are interesting in helping out and come along to the AGM on the 29th of November 2016.
SUNDAY
4 TH DECEMBER 2016
However, as the old saying goes, many hands make light work and so if you have a little spare time and want to see the Gala grow from strength to strength, why not consider joining the committee. The AGM will be in early November and is a good time to come along and see what happens.
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local business focus course Mrs Clause will be making her annual visit to the studio to help with Christmas decorations. She will visit on Saturday 10th December.
Call us for more information on 01506 238 961 or visit our website at www.potteraround.co.uk and click on the link to become a friend of Potter Around and join our mailing list. As winter approaches you may want to think about more indoor activities to keep out the cold. Potter Around can offer pottery painting and decopatch on a drop in basis, as well as all the workshops we offer including learning how to throw pots on the potter’s wheel. Occupy the kids with activities such as sweetie making, 3D printing, app development, potter’s wheel and more. Join in one of our Crafternoon Teas on the last Sunday of every month where you will do crafting combined with having a yummy afternoon tea. The next one will be Hallowe’en themed on 30th October. For adults there are a range of classes from knitting and crochet, to oil painting and mosaics, sketching to glass fusion and much much more.
FAMILY TREEPOT
If you are looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for family or friends that have everything, why not consider a Family Treepot – their family tree on a teapot that is not only decorative and a lasting memory, but is also practical. Call us at Potter Around to discuss if you fancy giving this personalised gift this Christmas (or anytime). Tel: 01506 238 961.
Heading to Christmas we will have plenty festive pottery to paint, can help you make lasting memories of your children’s handprints on Christmas baubles and of facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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22 ANGELA CONSTANCE MSP In May, I was delighted and privileged to be re-elected to the Scottish Parliament as your MSP. I am particularly honoured to represent this area, having been born, raised and educated in West Lothian. No matter how you voted, I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability. The European referendum in June saw West Lothian and Scotland vote overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, a result that was not echoed across the whole of the UK. The full implications of the leave vote are not yet known and won’t be for some time. We have asked for EU funding guarantees to be extended by the UK government. EU funding is vital to rural communities like Kirknewton and helps to support, create and sustain jobs in Almond Valley. Analysis has shown that not securing Scotland’s position in the EU will be a serious threat to jobs, investment and economic growth. For any EU nationals living in Kirknewton, please remember that you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued. Please be assured that I and my Scottish Government colleagues will continue to fight for the best possible outcomes and will explore all options to protect our relationship with Europe. If you have any issues that you would like to discuss, please contact me on: angela.constance.msp@parliament.scot or call my constituency office on 01506 460 403.
NEIL FINDLAY MSP For all the time I have been in Parliament I have had very serious concerns about social care and the provision of services for our elderly, disabled and vulnerable people. As chair of the Parliament’s health and sport committee I had the pleasure of meeting a group of care workers this week to hear about their job, what motivates them and how they are treated by their employers and the system. All of the people we met stressed they went into care work because “they wanted to help people.” But each and every one of them spoke of the stress of the job, the low pay, the short or zero hours contracts they were on, the lack of paid travel time, how some have to pay for their own uniforms and work related phone calls etc. All in all our discussions were with a group of workers who feel undervalued, underpaid and overworked. In Scotland we have an ageing population; more and more of us will need social care support at some time in our lives. If we fail to address the very real, hear and now issues raised by the people who care for our mums and dads and grannies and granddads then we are storing up huge problems for our future. So the next time you speak to home care and care home worker ask them about their job and how you can help put pressure on the powers that be to deliver a better deal for them and their colleagues who do such a vital job. As an MSP this will my focus over the coming year.
COUNCILLOR DAVE KING I officially opened the impressively refurbished Kirknewton Primary School on Friday 23rd September. I have to say the children were delighted with the improvements. The community changing rooms that will be located in the public park are due to commence construction in March 2017. This will allow many groups to use these new facilities. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
COUNCILLOR DAVE KING WILL HOLD SURGERIES Every Wednesday 9.15am, Linburn 10am, Uphall Station 3pm, Kirknewton Green Room 6pm, East Calder Community Centre Every Thursday
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2pm, Pigeon Club
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23 HANNAH BARDELL MP It was a great privilege to take on my new role as the SNP’s Head of Business and Economy Engagement, as part of the SNP’s new Brexit team at Westminster. These are extraordinarily turbulent times and the team aims to anticipate and respond speedily to concerns that are raised. It is extremely important that we are tuned into what business wants and what the economy needs as their views will help shape our approach. I am totally committed to ensuring that the expressed will of the Scottish people is reflected in the negotiations and the outcome of Brexit. In September I was pleased to submit my response to the Edinburgh Airport Initial Airspace Consultation as It is of vital importance that people in affected communities can engage, have their voices heard and see real change where they have concerns. I was also honoured to present my WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) Campaign petition from the people of the Livingston Constituency with 530 signatures of support for the women facing state pension inequality. We want to get the best outcome for these women, many of whom have paid National Insurance contributions for in excess of 40 years. We need to remember that pensions were not a benefit they are a contract which the Government seems happy to break. October the 13th saw the House of Commons host a 3 hour long debate where MPs discussed the scope of the Inquiry into Primodos, The Hormone Pregnancy Tests. Primodos dubbed the “forgotten thalidomide” was a drug given to pregnant women in the 50s, 60s & 70s, including my constituent Wilma Ord which caused deformities in thousands of babies. This debate was an opportunity to review the Inquiry process and ensure that the answers these families who have been so badly affected have been looking for, are revealed once and for all. COUNCILLOR CARL JOHN The village still has the same problems as last year and I am active in seeking early settlement to the 300 space park and ride at Kirknewton station with improvement to the B7031 providing safer access. There may be hope on the replacement footbridge at the station giving a safe way of accessing both platforms. I welcomed the refurbishment of our school and nursery and look forward to the sports pavilion being constructed in the park giving much needed changing facilities to sports teams. I am also active in researching the possibility of Kirknrewton running a community bus service on the same model as villages in the Highlands and East Anglia.I think this is possible but it takes a large amount of volunteering to sustain. I have also been campaigning to try to redirect the many large trucks passing the school every day and have had the Police monitor speeds on station road. In recent weeks concern has been raised over the trial of new flight paths over the village. I have attended consultation meetings and let the airport management know the views of residents.
COUNCILLOR CARL JOHN WILL HOLD SURGERIES Every 1 and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm, East Calder Community Centre st
Every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5.45pm, The Green Room, Kirknewton Every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6.30pm, Mid Calder Community Centre Or by arrangement, phone 01506 281 726
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