Exciting! Our Cherry Blossom picnic. Save the date!!
Sunday 7th May 2-4pm.
The Edinburgh Brass band will be playing 
Cherry Blossom Picnic at Starbank Park
Category: Newhaven
Heart of Newhaven: April Newsletter
Welcome to your April Newsletter
Good news on Funding
We are pleased to report that Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) has generously agreed to fund a new Community Teaching Kitchen at the Heart from their Community Health & Well-being Fund.
The almost £13,000 will pay for a total revamp of the old VPS kitchen and provide a space where community-minded groups involved with the many aspects of food growing and preparation can come together to share their skills.
This will involve a lot of work, so accept our apologies for any disruption, especially around the cafe area, as it might not be completed until after the summer.
If you tasted the food offered by Mwamba at our two Coorie-In events, then you’ll be pleased to know that they have already signified their interest in using the new kitchen once it’s ready.
In the meantime, if you or your group would like to use the space for the benefit of the community, please get in touch with admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Working with us –
Age Scotland are also getting involved at the Heart. They are providing the funds for a six-month, part-time position (two days a week) for someone to help organise and run sessions at the Heart for local people living with dementia and their carers.
Applications for the position have now closed, but watch this space for more news as the successful applicant is due to start in June.
We also will be welcoming our new building maintenance officer, Ian White who joins us at the start of May to support all the activities in the Heart.
VIP visitors
The Heart has been happy to host VIP visits recently, with two local councillors, Councillor Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Councillor Stuart Dobbin and MP Deirdre Brock being given tours of the site and an introduction to what’s been going on, bringing them right up to date with both our achievements and our future plans.
We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future.
Our reminiscence volunteers are keeping busy.
Those who undertook reminiscence training are now offering drop-in sessions at the Heart once a month, on Wednesday mornings. (Wed 12 April, Wed 10 May, Wed 14 June, Wed 12 July, all from 10.30 – 11.30 am).
It is completely free, open to everyone and all ages and there is no need to book in advance – just come along to the Heart, take a seat and start chatting!
The aim is to have a different theme each month, with different pictures and objects to get the discussion going. Do spread the word if there is anyone you know who might be interested in coming along – feel free to bring a friend.
For any further information email admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Children and the future of the Anchor Building
Four Pop-up Play Cafes for carers and children aged 0-7, were held at the Heart in March, led by Froebelian Futures (https://www.froebel.ed.ac.uk/) with the support of various local organisations that support Early Years and families, including Homestart and Stepping Stones.
The aim was to gauge community response and around 200 people, adults and children, passed through the doors on each of the four days.
The feedback, which has all been very positive, is currently being evaluated and will inform our next steps. We will let you know!
Moving forward to August, DaddyDayCare will be opening their doors in the Anchor Building as well.
They are now accepting applications for places, so head to their website for all the details – daddydaycareedinburgh.com
Heritage
Meanwhile, HONC has not been neglecting the heritage side of things.
Representatives from the Heart and our partners the Victorian Schoolroom attended a consultation meeting organised by the City’s Museums Services held in the new Victoria Primary School last month.
A small but enthusiastic number of attendees put forward their ideas for working collaboratively and the representatives from the City Council will take away their ideas and work on them.
Similarly, we also attended a preliminary meeting of a new venture called the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network, also being led currently by the City’s Archives, Libraries and Museum Services.
The idea is for different heritage groups around the city to collaborate on exhibitions, events and publicity to make more locals as well as visitors aware of the many and differing heritage strands the area has to offer.
Finally, our Warm & Welcoming mornings (Wednesdays and Saturdays) are becoming popular but we really need more volunteers to help welcome and chat to visitors as well as make them a warming cup of tea or coffee.
If you think you could give a couple of hours a week, particularly on Wednesday mornings, please contact admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Remember to check our website and social media pages regularly for what’s happening around the Heart.
You’ll find the latest courses being run by Ink on Mesh and our bookbinder Cass, as well as the next date for a Leith Folk Club gathering, by clicking What’s On.
By clicking on Culture & Heritage news, you’ll find an appeal for photo identification and a lovely link between the Heart and the Victorian Schoolroom when the great granddaughter of a former pupil came to visit.
P.S. Save the date:
We’ll be hosting a Family Ceilidh on 29th April, so save the date.
More details to follow on the website / social media.
First trams on route to Newhaven
A little piece of local history was made on Monday night (13 March), when the first tram in over 65 years ran down Leith Walk, as the Trams to Newhaven project nears completion.
Ahead of the route opening for service in spring 2023, a period of testing and commissioning is required to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely.
On Monday, the first stage of testing began, which involves trams travelling at walking pace along small sections of the route, starting at Picardy Place. This will continue through the week, taking place during the night to minimise traffic disruption.
Once the first stage is completed, the frequency and speed of tram testing will increase, and trams will start running to a timetable. Drivers on the route have carried out significant training in the lead-up to testing, including on a state-of-the-art simulator.
People are still being encouraged to take care and be aware of the presence of trams on the route for the first time over the coming weeks.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a huge milestone for Trams to Newhaven as we see the first trams on Leith Walk in my lifetime.
“We’re fast approaching the start of passenger services this spring, and that the project is set to be delivered on time and within budget, despite the challenges of recent years, is testament to the hard work of all those involved.
“Bringing the tram to Newhaven will be transformative for the area, and the wider city. As well as boosting the economy and providing sustainable, high-capacity public transport to this densely populated part of Edinburgh, the project has significantly improved the entire route, with new cycle links, spaces to relax and spend time and newly planted trees and shrubs.
“As we enter the final phase of the project, testing and commissioning will make sure the line and infrastructure works safely and efficiently, while also confirming service capacity. Of course, this is the first time there will be trams on Leith Walk and in Leith in recent years so I would urge people to take extra care when in the area.”
Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, said: “To see one of our trams running along Leith Walk was a proud moment for us, and this latest milestone in the project will enable us to step up our own preparations for the launch of passenger services to Newhaven.
“This includes real-world driver training on the new section of line following an intense period of familiarisation involving our state-of-the-art tram simulator.”
You could argue that this ‘historic’ event is actually running years late. The line to Newhaven and the Granton Spur were part of the original TIE network plans. The trams fiasco is the subject to a long-running inquiry led by Lord Hardie which is investigating the reasons why ‘the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.’
The council maintains that the Trams to Newhaven project ‘remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction now complete’. A specific date for when the route will be open for passengers will be announced in due course.
As part of the commissioning process every aspect of the new infrastructure will be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the required safety standards.
There will be some bus diversions around Leith Walk in place overnight during the week commencing 13 March to allow for the testing.
The latest information on diversions is available on the Lothian Buses website.
The council warns: ‘Due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, impacted by Brexit and the war in Ukraine along with significant demand for labour in the UK and overseas, there are small pockets of public realm works that will now be completed over the coming months.’
Full details of the programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.
Maria Ortega, Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN), project director on Trams to Newhaven, said: “As contractors on the Trams to Newhaven project, the Sacyr Farrans Neopul JV team are extremely proud to be achieving this huge milestone.
“We have been working successfully alongside our partners, supply chain and client for over four years to deliver this significant project in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“Despite the challenges of unprecedented times experienced throughout the life cycle of the project, seeing the first tram travelling down the newly completed line as part of the testing and commissioning process will be a memorable moment.
“The testing and commissioning phase will allow the new systems and infrastructure to be integrated into the existing tram network.
“As we reach the final stages of delivering this key piece of infrastructure to the people of the city, we appreciate the public’s continued support during this final technical phase of the project.”
Steven Jackson, Director, Turner & Townsend, said: “As the City of Edinburgh Council’s delivery partner for the Trams to Newhaven project, we’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone with the commencement of the testing and commissioning period, which will see trams travelling the full route.
“Following approval of the project in March 2019, we have worked closely with all members of the project team and third parties through an early contractor involvement period, significant utility diversions, and the install of new infrastructure and systems.
“The complexity of this ambitious project has required the team to tackle and overcome many challenges along the way, but collaboration has been key.
“We look forward to successfully delivering this major transport project in line with the programme set out in the final business case; and the start of the passenger services this Spring.”
Find out more about Trams to Newhaven, including landscape plans and timelines.
The Heart of Newhaven Community
Welcome to your March Newsletter
There’s such a lot going on!
We have news of several events and a couple of requests.
Vote for us, join us in a community consultation and hear what is happening at the Heart.
First of all, please vote for us.
Edinburgh Community Climate Fund – Vote for the Heart
HONC has applied for funding from Edinburgh Community Climate Fund. Over 50 projects have been submitted and those with the most votes will be awarded grants until the fund of £100,000 is exhausted.
Voting is open to all Edinburgh residents over the age of eight, until 12th March.
The Heart’s proposal is the development of a teaching kitchen which will complement the partnership work we are already doing with Homestart in the development of a community garden within the curtilage of The Heart, and with Mwamba in our ‘pots of herbs’ project.
Other organisations and groups keen to work with us in developing and using the facility include Edinburgh Community Food, Leith Pantry and the Ukrainian community. We also have close links to Friends of Victoria Park and Victoria Allotments who would provide a seasonal input of fruit and vegetables to the kitchen for community use.
Please vote for the Heart.
Vote below or head to Leith Library (or any other Edinburgh Library) and they are ready to help.
Newhaven Community Consultation
Are you interested in local history and heritage? If so, we would encourage you to join Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (MGE) for a discussion of how they can best support heritage within the Newhaven community. The views of individuals and groups, old friends and new perspectives will all be welcomed. The event will be led by Diana Morton, Outreach and Access Manager at MGE.
The last community consultation took place in 2010 and in the intervening years, the Wee Museum at Victoria Primary School formed a focus for MGE’s support of local heritage. However the school community has moved to its new premises, some pillars of the community have passed away, new communities have moved to the area and new groups have been formed.
The consultation is to develop a coherent way forward for MGE to find a solution that meets the needs of the different communities and organisations in the area.
Please come along to find out more or contact Diana Morton, Outreach & Access Manager at diana.morton@edinburgh.gov.uk
The event will take place on 23 March, 6 -7.30pm at the new Victoria Primary School 1 Windrush Drive, Edinburgh EH6 4TN
New event at the Heart
Newhaven resident Gino’s bee journey began in 2014 when he took a beginner beekeeping course and got his first colony of honey bees to care for. He now holds a Beemaster qualification in practical beekeeping, is actively involved with the Scottish Beekeeping Community, keeps bees in Edinburgh, East & West Lothian, and is the recipient of several honey awards.
His three-part Thursday evening course will be a summary of all the important things you need to know about bees, beekeeping, products of the hive, plants, the environment etc…
It is aimed at people with no knowledge or experience, ideal for gardeners or people looking to learn something new or get into beekeeping. Gino’s very keen to persuade people away from thinking of honey as a cheap sweetener and to realise the rare and unique product that it is that captures the landscape in a jar.
Contact Gino at gino@simplyhoney.co
Second Coorie-In
We organised an evening event on February 23rd to welcome people into The Heart and give them the opportunity to connect with each other, to meet the people (artists and organisations) who are based in the building and to try their hand at creative activities. Teas and coffees were on offer and Mwamba provided ethnically diverse hot food which proved very popular.
The evening included a performance by the local Community Choir, taster sessions of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, felting and notebook making, visits to the pottery and violin workshops, as well as the Victorian Schoolroom and Victorian Homelife display. There was even a chance of a free massage and advice from Age Scotland and Ace-It.
Over 100 people attended, not counting the many volunteers helping in various ways, meaning that the demonstrators and tenants found themselves very busy all evening. Visitors loved the “friendly community feel” as well as “visiting each organisation and making connections.”
Here are just a few of the feedback comments we received:
“Watching book binding, seeing the Victorian school and meeting the Heart of Newhaven team!”
“Loved to see the print studio and the pottery.”
“The variety of events available.”
“Ceramics – so lovely and interesting! Ink on Mesh, violin repair specialist, felting, Victorian school. Was really great seeing all. Amazing evening!”
“We loved everything from the Victorian Schoolroom, to the Art, the lovely spaces and friendly members. Food was great.”
“EVERYTHING, BRAVO! Wonderful combination of art, craft, music, history and community initiatives. Also a very welcoming space.”
HONC’s Board is looking for a volunteer with secretarial skills to take on minute-taking for board meetings, etc.
There are also still opportunities to volunteer in various capacities, as well as a couple of places on the Board to fill, in particular for those with legal, financial, marketing or HR experience.
Please check the website for further details or contact admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Finally, welcome to the Leith Folk Club, (LFC) which held the first of its revitalised events at the Heart last month.
To kick things off in their new guise and in a new venue, they held a fundraiser in the old gym hall with music and merry-making for what turned out to be a packed audience.
A spokesperson for LFC said “The money raised will enable us to recover from the last three years and will be used to get us back to doing what we do best – presenting regular gigs featuring the best Scottish and international folk and world music in the Heart of Newhaven, just down the road from our previous venue.
“None of the musicians got paid for their services and the venue was staffed by LFC committee and HoN volunteers. The night was an unqualified success and a collaborative effort, with the door-take shared equally between both organisations.”
To keep up to date with all that is happening go to Heart of Newhaven and hopefully we will see you at the Heart soon.
Heart of Newhaven: February News
Welcome to your February Newsletter
Coorie-In again on Thursday 23rd February when the doors will open at 6.45 and events run from 7pm until 8.30. Come along and see what our partners have to offer you: everything from food tasting to pottery making, book binding, screen printing and learning about education and life in Victorian times.
There will be tea and coffee too! Come along and meet our partners and Trustees, not to mention other members of the community.
*****
We are delighted to announce that we are one of five organisations that have been awarded funding to develop Meeting Centres for people affected by dementia in Scotland.
The £10,000 award will go towards opening a social space and community support for people living with dementia, their families and unpaid carers.
Funds have been allocated through the Meeting Centres’ Seedcorn Fund, part of the partnership between the Scottish Government and Age Scotland’s About Dementia project.
Support is designed around attendees’ individual needs and activities are selected by members themselves based upon their interests, in order to help people affected by dementia adjust to the changes that often follow diagnosis and contribute to positive outcomes in the longer-term.
*****
Many of you already know that Heart of Newhaven is also a partner in Restoration Forth, a community-led project to restore seagrass meadows and native oysters in the Firth of Forth.
Led by WWF and sponsored by funders Aviva, Scottish Power Foundation, MoonDance Foundation and NatureScot, Heart of Newhaven is one of six project ‘hubs’ helping local people in Newhaven and nearby areas to get involved in the project. If you live locally and would like to know more about Restoration Forth please contact us on admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.
For more info see www.org.uk/scotland/restoration-forth or to see the map which is beginning to show the species as they come in click here:
*****
Edinburgh Community Climate Acton Network is uniting community groups across the city and inviting everyone to take part in the development of a Community Climate Hub.
The Network and Hub will be co-created by the people doing the work in their communities. This could involve, for example, knowledge-sharing and collaboration with other community groups, access to supporting organisations such as funders, policymakers and industry experts, support for administration and management, and collective lobbying.
On 16th February the Network will be holding the Winter Gathering in the Grassmarket, (86 Candlemaker Row) where new connections and partnerships will be forged, creating a map for a living city, and planning how a community network will support communities to make that future happen.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, either as an individual, or from a community group.
Here is the link to the ECAN website, and the upcoming 16th February event
*****
A reminder – Warm & Welcoming began on Wednesday 1st February and the room will be open to all-comers every Wednesday and Saturday morning from now on, from 9am till 12 noon.
The first session saw a small but appreciative number of visitors who enjoyed their tea and coffee and reminiscing over some old photographs of Newhaven. Ace IT were on hand to help with computer and phone problems and there were toys, books and games available for all ages.
*****
We have a new user settling into the Heart.
Kissy is offering Maths and English tuition to school pupils of all ages and will be running after-school sessions in the Anchor building, Monday to Friday, 4-6pm.
If you’re interested, you can contact her on 07873682133.
*****
Finally, a couple of pleas. We’re still looking for any potential volunteers out there who have community fund-raising or event-organising experience.
Your help is needed to plan future events at the Heart. Please get in touch with admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk or through the volunteering page on the website. Alternatively, contact any of the trustees.
*****
We’re also on the lookout for new trustees who would like to make a difference in their community. If you have legal, HR, marketing, fund-raising or secretarial experience, and live within our Area of Benefit, the Board would like to hear from you. Please get in touch.
Finally, we have been the recipients of some generous donations of old fishwives’ costumes and would love to be able to display them to their best advantage.
Does anyone have any old dressmakers’ dummies they no longer use, or perhaps a local business has some old shop window mannequins that are due for the scrapheap. Please consider donating them to us so that we can display our fine costumes. Contact christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Thank you.
At Last: Two-way traffic to return to Leith Walk
Two-way traffic will return to Leith Walk this month, as preparations for tram testing begin.
North- and southbound traffic along the length of Leith Walk will be reintroduced during the week commencing 13 February, followed by the electrification of the full line.
Energisation of the line will allow for testing and commissioning to begin, with the first test trams expected on the route at the beginning of March. Final track preparations will also take place in the lead up to the first test tram running.
All tram track, overhead line poles and communications and power ducting has been installed, 93% of the overhead lines are in place and the final section at Picardy Place is being installed over the next two weeks.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In just a matter of weeks we’ll see test trams running the length of the Trams to Newhaven route, which is really exciting. Energising the overhead lines and buffering of the tram tracks are the final steps before this happens.
“Reopening Leith Walk to two-way traffic is a key moment for the project too and, I’m sure, for all those who live and work in the area. I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and support while we’ve carried out these works.
Once fully complete, this project will be transformative for Leith Walk and the rest of the route, while benefitting the wider city economy and helping to cut congestion. Not only will it provide reliable, high-capacity connections to the north of the city but has significantly improved and enhanced public spaces and active travel links along the line.”
The Trams to Newhaven project remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction now complete ahead of the testing and commissioning period.
This TtN budget does not take into account the massive cost overrun during the original tram project, the failures of which are subject to an ongoing public inquiry under Lord Hardie.
Due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, impacted by Brexit and the war in Ukraine along with significant demand for labour in the UK and overseas, there are small pockets of public realm works that will now be completed over the coming months.
Full details of the updated programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.
A communications campaign has been carried out to remind residents, businesses and stakeholders about the electrification of overhead lines, including safety requirements and permits needed to carry out any work. This work was originally scheduled to take place in October but was re-programmed to allow key infrastructure works to be completed.
To allow for work to connect the lines to take place, Edinburgh Trams services from the airport will terminate at the West End between 13 and 19 February.
Further information is available on Edinburgh Trams website.
Find out more about Trams to Newhaven, including landscape plans and timelines, online.
Heart of Newhaven Community: January News
Happy New Year and Welcome to your January newsletter
We’d like to start this month’s newsletter with a little boasting:
“We just celebrated our daughter’s first birthday at the Heart of Newhaven! What a joy!
‘The hall was perfect and the team (particularly Kim) couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. The building is historic and quirky and we are so privileged to be able to use the facility in our community. If you’re looking for a quaint and wholesome venue to celebrate, the Heart of Newhaven is the perfect spot.”
That is a genuine review left on Google after a successful event held at the Heart. Why not consider it for your special event? Book here
There are also several regular classes now being held in the Heart. We have Zayna Dance Academy who are running nursery ballet and jazz, jazz and musical theatre classes for ages 5-8 and 8-11, and also some classes for adults. For more info contact zaynadanceacademy@gmail.com or Whatsapp: 07487450778.
If you have young children or are expecting, you might be interested in the regular Pregnancy Cafe events, run by Stepping Stones North Edinburgh. Check out their website at Home – Stepping Stones North Edinburgh
If you enjoy singing, then there is also Newhaven Community Choir – who practise in the Heart every week.
Some of our tenants are now up and operating as well. Our very own potter, Borja Moronta is beavering away in his top floor studio getting ready for a special exhibition (check out his own website at borjamoronta.com), and the History of Education Centre on the first floor is taking bookings for visits to their newly refurbished Victorian Schoolroom (check their website at histedcentre.org.uk).
Their very first visitors came this month, of course, from Victoria Primary School, who were thrilled to be back on home turf and amazed at the changes that had been made since they left.
There is also a drop-in hand-sewing group being started by Lorna at Ink on Mesh. This is in association with the ‘Stitch an Acorn’ Campaign for Louise Gardiner’s Cape of Courage exhibition at Marchmont House, Duns, later this year.
The sessions will take place at the Heart on Tuesdays from Tuesday 7th February until Tuesday March 28th, 6.15pm – 8.15pm. Just come to the main door.
You can find out more about the project here:
https://www.lougardiner.co.uk/blog.php
Lorna is also on the look-out for spare material scraps, sewing kit of any kind or even sewing machines that can be reused, repurposed and re-loved. If you have any such donations, please drop them off at the Heart for her attention or contact her on blessedunrest@aasfour601983
============
Repair Café
Saturday 28th January, 10am-1pm
At The Men of Leith Men’s Shed, Creel Building, Heart of Newhaven Community
Something broken? Why not bring it along to our Repair Café where our volunteers will help you to attempt a repair. The event is free; our goals are to help people to learn repair skills and to save waste and cost.
We can look at any small objects including small electrical items, toys, small furniture, ornaments, indeed anything you value which is broken – come along and give us a challenge!
www.facebook.com/leithmensshedrepair.org
============
We’re about to start a new venture at the Heart as well.
The Warm & Welcoming events on Wednesday and Saturday mornings 9 -12 , beginning Wednesday 1st February, will be open with tea, coffee and at very least biscuits. We will be hosting several pop-up events staffed by our partners and Heart residents. Just turn up, have a cuppa and meet them.
ACE IT will be running 1:1 advice if you need support with your laptop, phone or tablet: use the free Wifi and get any problems sorted out.
You will also be able to find out more about what’s happening the Heart in the coming months.
============
Now back to more mundane but very important matters.
We’re currently hiring.
We’re looking for a part-time Buildings Maintenance Officer.
If you’re interested in being part of our small but very important team, read more about it on the website and if you’d like to apply, please send a copy of your CV, a supporting statement describing how you meet the person specification, and a short covering letter to anna.brown@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.
We’re also looking for more volunteers to help with specific tasks.
We need volunteers to help at reception on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when we will be holding our multi-purpose Warm & Welcoming events.
We’d also like to hear from anyone with event organising and/or community fund raising experience.
If you’d like to volunteer in any of those areas, then contact us via the volunteer form on the website.
============
Finally, make a date to come and visit the Heart on the evening of Thursday 23rd February when we will be holding our second Coorie-In from 7 till 8.30 pm.
Come and meet some of our tenants and partners and see what the Heart has to offer.
More details in the next Newsletter.
The Heart of Newhaven Community
December Newsletter
Welcome to your December Newsletter and Season’s Greetings from the Heart
It’s been a memorable year, has it not, and just look where we are now: the community is finally installed in the Heart, which is going from strength to strength; members of the community have been welcomed in to the first events as work progresses towards opening the whole site; several community groups are holding regular sessions at the Heart, while tenants and partners continue to prepare their various premises.
Coorie-In for winter
We held our Coorie-In event on Saturday 26th November, attended by around 300 people keen to see what was happening. Various partners and users took the opportunity to let people see what to expect as we move forward and the afternoon was voted a great success.
Asked what they had enjoyed about the event, a common answer was “Everything!” Particularly noted was the warm welcome, the variety of workshops and people, the Ukranian crafts, the Victorian Schoolroom and the heritage displays. One special reply was this: Seeing the school “come alive” with voices of all ages. On the negative side, several people felt there should have been more signage, so we’ll work on that for next time.
And talking about the next time, watch out for our next such event, already in the diary for Thursday 23rd February, to be held in the evening this time, from 7- 8.30pm.
Reminiscence
Trained Heart reminiscence volunteers were among the groups taking part in the Coorie-In and were kept busy all afternoon.
They hope to organise regular reminiscence events once the building is up and running and the stories and memories shared at these events will eventually be shared with the whole community.
In the meantime, they are happy to go out into the community and gather memories that way.
If you’d like to get involved, contact christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Volunteer Information session
Before the Coorie-In, those who had signed up to volunteer had been invited to an introductory event on Saturday November 19th. It was the Heart’s first volunteer information session and had a tremendous turn out.
Prospective volunteers were given a tour around the building and a presentation on upcoming volunteer opportunities. It was a great opportunity for like-minded people to come together and there was a lot of friendly chat over a bowl of hot soup.
We hope to run these sessions regularly, so please register your interest by completing the volunteer form on the website
Christmas events coming up? Book here!
Bookings at the Heart have been increasing but if you have a one-off event you’re planning, or if you plan to hold regular meetings, then come along and see what we have to offer. If you’re interested in renting a space, whether by the hour or regularly, do fill in the form on the website. In particular we can offer evening spaces in the comfortable, modern Anchor Building or for larger events, perhaps the old school assembly hall might suit you. You only have to ask.
Bits & Bobs
1) Do you know of anyone who would appreciate receiving our newsletters? Spread the word and let us know.
2) Is there anyone with an electric keyboard/piano who would donate it for the Anchor building?
3) We’re still on the hunt for someone with some HR experience who might be able to help us. If you would like to get involved, then get in touch via the admin@ address or contact our Chair, Judy Crabb at judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Finally, in other news, the Heart is proud to report that It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity has marked us up to Level 3, Advancing, so thank you to everyone who has helped plant bulbs and other plants both around the Heart itself and elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
Stop Press
Save Our Ponds
You may be interested in this petition.
The aim is to save wildlife habitat on unused building plots near Western Harbour, which are currently up for sale for further development.
More information on the Community Council Website: https://lhncc.org.uk
Season’s greetings, however you celebrate it.
We’ll see you in the New Year.
Heart of Newhaven: November news
Welcome to your November Newsletter
Come and coorie-in
Work continues to bring the Heart up to the state where it can open fully to the public, but in the meantime, those of you who missed our Enliven event recently, need not worry.
We’re holding another taster event on Saturday 26th November, from 2 to 4pm.
This is a Coorie-In as winter approaches, where you’ll be able to take part in all sorts of craft activities and visit different parts of the site – the Anchor Building, The Creel Building and the Victoria Building. Different activities will be taking place in each.
Some of our recently trained volunteers will be ready to welcome you to a reminiscence session in the Atrium; The History of Education Centre will invite you to visit the transformed classroom on the first floor which will be the new home of the Victorian Schoolroom; The Men of Leith’s Shed will welcome you to their workshop in the Creel Building and tell you about their new Repair Shop, while the Anchor Building and the old gym hall will host numerous physical activities and craft sessions.
Do come along and see what’s on offer. There will even be food tastings!
Don’t miss it.
Can you help?
If you’ve visited the blog page on the website, you will have seen that there are various questions being posed of you. If you haven’t visited, check it out.
We’re searching for the families of two men who taught at VPS during the First World War. Please do have a look and see if you can help.
The latest blog also features an intriguing find in the Victoria Building. Do you recognise it? It is burned into the floor on the first floor.
Any information about it would be welcome
Volunteer Day
Those of you who have volunteered to help out at the Heart are being invited to a chat with our Volunteer Coordinator, Bryan, a tour of the site with our Manager, Roger, and maybe even a sandwich or a coffee and cake, on Saturday 19th November, from 11 till 2.
Please register to volunteer via the volunteering page on the website and let us now what activities you would be interested in helping with.
We would like to know by Tuesday 22nd if you will attend the event so that we can get the catering right.
Finally, we are pleased to welcome the Edinburgh-based youth theatre group Lyra to present our very first public performance in the Heart.
This will be Snowstorm, a charming winter’s tale for children aged 5-8. It will take place on Monday 21st November at 6pm.
Tickets are free but are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.
Email admin@heartofnewhavencommunity.co.uk with Snowstorm in the title, to enquire about availability, and pass the word along to those who might not otherwise have heard about it.
See you soon.
Spooky goings on at Starbank Park!
Looking for some Halloween fun?
Bring your carved pumpkins along – best pumpkin will win a prize!
Apple dooking, face painting, spooky storytelling, fancy dress competition, creepy crafts!
Come along and join the spooky adventure!
