Dear All

I hope you’re all having a great Summer!  I’ve been doing a lot of walking about the Ward, besides gardening and time with grandchildren –  and not a lot of writing about it. 

Just before the Council recess, the four of us Portobello/Craigmillar Councillors formed a Kiltwalk team and are seeking sponsorship as part of the Thistle Foundation’s fundraising bigger team of (hopefully) 100.  I’m having difficulty getting in to edit my page and put a photo there instead of my boring MC initials – still unresolved – but the page is there and open for contributions and words of encouragement – I hope! https://edinburghkiltwalk2018.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-4.  Do have a look, at least and check if it works!

The fabulous Edinburgh Shoreline exhibition is now open at the Botanic Gardens with Portobello and Joppa featured among the contributions our coastal communities are making to the exploration of the rich cultural and natural heritage of our shoreline. More information on the project on www.edinburghshoreline.org.uk.  As a key part of this project, the Edinburgh Shoreline mapping team is hosting a drop in event in the Washhouse, Portobello on Tuesday 7 August between 4pm and 7pm.This is the second of five events to explore how Edinburgh’s coastal communities engage with their 27 km of shoreline.  The information gathered will be used to inform an alternative map/artwork of the coast. If you have any questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to get in contact bergschotten@gmail.com

David Calder’s Porty Podcasts are always well worth a listen.  This one is about the Portobello Tool Library now officially open in the former Earthy space in Windsor Place:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622.  You can also access David’s previous fab Podcasts.  This one is and amazing Number 86!

Do you want to be part of something different that celebrates the heritage and proud history of Craigmillar? The Tapestry project are looking for new and experienced stitchers to help take this project to the next level into the local community. Please do get in touch if you are interested. Please do also share and come along to our event for local people on the 9 August to find out more and help plan this amazing project.  Come along to an open afternoon at the Thistle Foundation, Queen’s Walk, Thursday 9 August any time 2-4pm,  

Portobello/Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership is launching our next participatory budget initiative ‘You Decide’.  This funding stream encourages the local community in the partnership area to vote for projects and pieces of work submitted by community and third sector groups.  All that said this ‘meet the funders’ event will be open to all communities and third sector groups in and around the City.

• The venue will be the North East Neighbourhood Centre, Conference Room and library, at 101 Niddrie Mains Road Edinburgh, EH16 4DS. 
• Date is the 5 September 2018, from 1pm (set up from 12 noon) till 4pm.
  • There is parking next to the building to allow exhibiters to unload equipment and materials, with off street parking nearby.  
• Tea and coffee will be available and the centre has its own café for those looking for a bite to eat during their visit.

If you would like a table to exhibit your organisations funding opportunities please contact Scott Neil to confirm your attendance.  An early response would be appreciated. 

Scott Neill / Lifelong Learning Service Manager / North East Locality/ 101 Niddrie Mains Road/ Edinburgh / EH16 4DS/ Tel: 0131 469-5326

Neighbourhood Partnerships are part of the way Edinburgh – as a whole, not just the Council – works together.  There is a current consultation on how best to do this at ‘grassroots’ level.  Your views would be welcome: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/bi/edinburgh-partnership-review-and-consultation-of-g/

Scottish Water have let us know that survey work in the Firth of Forth will ne happening off Portobello shores. This to identify ways to help improve the water quality at Portobello beaches (West and Central) and Fisherrow. From Monday 6 August an 18-metre high and 18-wide, floating platform will be on the Firth of Forth approximately one kilometre from the Portobello shoreline. An team of 8 specialist engineers will carry out tests and investigations in the area to help inform options to improve bathing water quality. The team will be carrying out ground investigation works including drilling boreholes into the sea bed. The 215-tonne platform is due to be on site for 5 weeks. Staff will be transported to and from the site in a support vessel. The team will work during the week and at weekends between 8am and 6pm

That’s all I have the energy for at the moment, I’m afraid.  It’s hard to get back into reporting gear after a month with the foot not quite on the pedal – and a frozen shoulder.

Kind regards

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child

Labour Councillor Portobello/Craigmillar Ward

Office: 0131 529 3268

Mobile: 07718 666 481

Facebook Page: Maureen Child Standing Up for Portobello/Craigmillar

Twitter: @MaureenChild1

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