In an era marked by evolving community dynamics and changing societal needs, village and community halls across The Lothians have developed into central hubs for an ever-growing variety of activities.
In addition to the traditional group meetings, toddler groups and pantomimes, these spaces now foster the growth of small enterprises, facilitate community engagement, and house community businesses, such as post offices, cafes, and libraries.
However, the threat to their continued success lies in the balance as the addition of activities and changes in purpose bring new risks that may invalidate their insurance coverage.
Ansvar, the expert insurers for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, are urging centre committees to verify the adequacy of their existing protective coverage to guarantee the protection of these venues for future use.
There are approximately 3,000 centres[1] across Scotland that host thousands of events and celebrations every year. With some of these halls and centres being built before World War I or to commemorate it, many have been vital community spaces for over 100 years.
The varying usage agreements and quality of provisions and building materials differ considerably across the country. As such, they can face various risks, from accidental damage and fire hazards to potential liability claims.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, emphasises the importance: “Village and community halls are no longer limited to being mere event venues; they have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of everyday life.
“From hosting yoga classes and farmers’ markets to providing space for personal trainers, art workshops and post offices, these halls have become the lifeblood of community interaction. This evolution has created vibrant ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive, neighbours can connect, and shared resources can flourish.
“Indeed, by acting as vaccination centres during the Covid-19 pandemic and, due to the current cost of living crisis, as places families can go to receive emergency food provision, their importance to a community has been reaffirmed. The transformation of village and community halls into multi-purpose hubs is a heartwarming reflection of communities adapting to changing times. However, this also calls for a reassessment of the protective measures in place.”
Due to recent inflationary pressures and the rapid increase in the cost of materials, a significant number of village halls and community centres will now be underinsured.
Adam Tier added: “Being underinsured can have devastating consequences in the event of a large loss or significant damage to these buildings, where policyholders are forced to find the shortfall to reinstate the property.
“These delays in getting back up and running, or in severe cases back open at all, can leave a big hole in the local community. Therefore, it is imperative that a buildings valuation is regularly updated and contents and other items are frequently inventoried.
“We understand the immense value community halls hold and want to ensure they are protected. Without adequate coverage, these community spaces and the clubs and local businesses they support can face significant financial strain or even closure.
“Working with a specialist insurer will ensure that the essence of what makes these community spaces thrive is preserved. They will understand the unique challenges community-driven initiatives face and provide tailored coverage to address those needs, ensuring peace of mind for community organisers and members.”
A MEMORIAL BENCH – WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
Last Thursday, we were delighted to welcome a group of volunteers from Natwest Bank NatWest to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre. The volunteers, who were organised by The Conservation Volunteers TCV Scotland, spent the day helping us in the gardens and preparing the area for a Memorial Bench.
The volunteers worked hard to prepare an area at the rear of the centre and plant new flowers. They also helped us to install the Memorial Bench, which was built by Penny and Andrzej in memory of a much-loved member of our staff and community,
Dawn Taylor will always be remembered for the amazing impact she had on so many young lives. The materials for the bench were donated by North Edinburgh Arts – Shed Project. If not for their help, this would not have been possible.
We are very grateful to Natwest Bank and The Conservation Volunteers for their support. Their hard work has made a real difference to our gardens, and we are sure that the Memorial Bench will be a popular spot for people to come and reflect and remember.
Responding to reports that the Muirhouse Millennium Centre was holding a ‘Save Our Centre’ public meeting last night, Thursday 26th January, due to fears that they are at risk of closure, Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“The Muirhouse Millennium Centre is sadly at risk of becoming another community loved facility threatened with closure.
“Citizens up and down Scotland depend on these community facilities, especially during the cost-of-living crisis where warm banks and food hubs have become a lifeline for many households.
“When local authorities aren’t given adequate funding, it is not just the community centres who miss out. It is the people who themselves are dependent on these community centre services who are hit the hardest, especially in areas of high deprivation.
“Over the past weeks, I have attempted to ask questions in the Scottish Parliament about the Centre being at risk and potential solutions. Unfortunately, my questions have not been chosen but I will continue to try and raise awareness of this matter wherever possible.
“It is time for the Scottish Government to wake up and listen to the effect that their funding cuts are having on local services and people. They have starved Scotland’s councils of funding for years and unfortunately they show no sign of stopping.
“Unless the Scottish Government increases funding to local authorities, community, culture, and sport groups will not have the necessary funds to support essential community centres such as the Muirhouse Millennium Centre.
“I will continue to support our essential community groups and will be paying close attention to the outcome of the public meeting on Thursday. Enough is enough, action is needed now before the Scottish Government strips away all of our essential community lifelines.”
With the colder months of the year now upon us the city council has announced the official launch of a network of Warm and Welcoming Spaces across the capital.
Council Leader Cammy Day formally launched the initiative yesterday during a visit to Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
Council venues such as libraries, community centres, museums and galleries, alongside partner and community spaces, will put on free activities for a variety of age groups and provide a space where people feel safe, warm, and at ease.
In certain spaces residents will be able to access information to help alleviate food/fuel poverty and other support available to them.
At this stage, there are more than 60 Warm and Welcoming Spaces across the city. The council ia also working with a network of partners to provide and promote further spaces.
Residents will be able to find out more about the initiative and find their nearest ‘Warm and Welcoming Spaces’ via an interactive map on a dedicated webpage.
Please also visit our dedicated home energy page for advice on how to keep your homes warmer, save money or if you’re worried about your bills.
If you are an organisation and want to get involved in Warm and Welcoming, please email us on warm.welcoming@edinburgh.gov.uk
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We are now in the midst of one of the most challenging winters in recent times with the cost-of-living crisis, rising energy prices, and inflation. Many of our residents will rightly be concerned about heating their homes in the months ahead.
“The Warm and Welcoming Spaces initiative brings together a host of spaces across the city where people can connect with others, learn new skills, and relax.
“These spaces are also key in combatting social isolation, boosting mental health and welling, and allowing people to access services and support in a respectful and friendly manner.
Biddy Kelly, Managing Director at Fresh Start, said: “As we head into what we know will be a difficult winter the need on our communities is ever growing. That is why it has been so important that we work collectively to ensure that we have community spaces, both statutory and in the third sector open and that people are aware of where they can go and when.
“Working in this collaborative manner ensures that we have places open that people feel supported in a dignified manner and where they can access a wide breadth of services and support. The co-ordinated Warm and Welcoming website will allow both staff and people access on site to find vital information.”
Ian Brooke, Deputy Chief Executive of Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), said:“The voluntary sector always plays a part in supporting communities during difficult times and will have a key role to play in the Warm and Welcoming Spaces programme.
“Our shared priority is to offer meaningful opportunities for people to gather together within their own community, activities that can also help combat issues of social isolation, loneliness and mental health.
“Our priority to Edinburgh’s voluntary sector is getting cash into people’s pockets, as the primary solution to combatting the issues of poverty that have been worsened so much by the current cost of living crisis.
“The Warm and Welcoming spaces programme is and must continue to be supplementary to that.”
Now that the Community Centres Crisis is over -at least for now – I feel more comfortable writing about a community event I attended in Royston Wardienurn last week.
The rebuilt Royston Wardieburn Community Centre opened ten years ago, and a day of events celebrated not only that milestone but also the completion of two notable projects completed by groups based in the community centre.
The centre’s Spring Chickens group produced ‘Living Through Lockdown’, a publication that captures the highs and lows of life under lockdown – and the importance of community and companionship offered by groups like the Spring Chickens in combating loneliness and isolation through these darkest of days.
Guest speaker Elizabeth Bryan from Age Scotland spoke of the damage caused by Covid and congratulated the group on it’s fine piece of work. The Spring Chickens then presented their report to a packed audience of invited guests.
That was impressive enough, but there was more to follow.
Royston Wardieburn’s Time for Change project participants worked with other groups from across the area to create a hand-stitched quilt that beautifully illustrates the local scenes and important places in the local area.
I was delighted to be invited to say a few words before the quilt was unfurled by members of the group:
ROYSTON WARDIEBURN: THE UNVEILING OF THE QUILT
Hello everyone, I’m delighted to be here with you today at this special event. I’ve been fortunate enough to have participated in many memorable events here over the years.
Royston Wardieburn is a centre that holds many fond memories, so it gives me great pleasure to be asked along to unveil the quilt/banner – you choose! – and thank you to the management committee for inviting me.
I know plaques are unveiled, and banners can be unveiled, but quilts? Do you unveil a quilt? Unwrap a quilt, maybe. Or how about defrock, even? Now that I’ve seen it close up, I’ve settled for unfurl!
But whatever we call this ceremony, before I have the honour of performing the task – perform makes it sound like I’m going to do something really spectacular – I’d like to give you some background to this impressive piece of work and thank those who have been involved in the process.
The quilt came about as a result of a collaboration between the Time for Change history group and the Time for Change crafting group. Lifelong Learning Worker Lynn McCabe worked with the Men’s History group and they used material that was first researched by the Power to the People group when they were doing their own local history project back in in 2012. I remember that group well and it does seem like a long time ago now!
The History Group saw presentations and participated in local tours before choosing their final selection of symbols and images to represent the area’s history. One a person note I was disappointed to find that there is no place for the Jubilee Supper Room!
The women from the Time for Change crafting group then took over. They worked with other local groups and designed and stitched the symbols on to panels which were then joined together painted and decorated to create the banner. Their work was supported throughout by artist Jess Howarth.
Many of the women had never stitched before so what you will see shortly really is an amazing achievement.
As you can imagine, given the scale of this project there are many organisations and individuals to thank for their support and involvement:
Royston Wardieburn CC management committee who funded the Time for Change programme of activities
Nancie Massey Charitable Trust for funding the artist workshops, and EVOC for their contribution.
Then there are the individuals: All the local activists who have helped to preserve the area’s rich social history – and, like today, helped to create a little piece of new history, too!
Local historians including Ian Moore, John Dickson, Bill Weir and Kenneth Williams. I would add others like Andrew Boath of the original Granton History Group, and local man George Scammell, who I’ll come on to later.
Betty McVay, Donald McDonald and the late Jenni Marrow, local activists who each gave up huge areas of their homes to house community archives.
Then there’s Jen at Screen Education Edinburgh, which many of you will still fondly remember as Pilton Video, who supported the history group by providing film achives.
And don’t forget Lynne and Lorrane, Lifelong Learning Workers here at RWCC.
And finally, Jessica Howarth, the community-based artist who put her heart and soul into creating this wonderful quilt and made it all possible.
Then there are all the groups who contributed, made and stitched and painted images and squares:
Both of the Time for Change Groups – the crafters and the history group.
Royston Wardieburn’s After School Club
Granton Youth
RW’s Spring Chickens group.
Power to the People group, and
Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden
I do apologise if I have missed anyone. Please show your appreciation for all those who have been involved in this impressive collective effort.
Now, earlier on I mentioned George Scammell, who is one of the local characters who has helped to paint the area’s rich tapestry. George’s particular skill was model boat-building.
Geeorge’s greatest creation was a huge model of the Great Michael, a colossal warship which was built in Newhaven harbour and at the time was the biggest ship in the world.
George’s hand-crafted model was mighty too – so mighty that he couldn’t get it out of the hoose when it was finally completed!
The ship finally went on display at The Peacock in Newhaven before moving on to Ocean Terminal. I would imagine that flitting was a lot easier than the first one!
Over the years George built many, many boats and I would get regular calls to go and see the latest one to get pictures for the NEN. The trouble was that there were just too many models for one wee Granton flat. There were models – finished, half-finished and barely started – on every inch of flat surface.
And where there wasn’t room for a model there was an ash-tray! The house was thick with tobacco smoke and it became really difficult to navigate your way through the boatyard obstacle course get to the latest creation.
On my last visit, the inevitable happened and there was an almighty ‘CRACK’ when I stood on something ship -shaped. “Oh, no! Which one is it, George?”
“Dinnae worry yersel’, son” he said. “That was just a spare lump of wood. I was going to make the Titanic but you’ve saved me the bother! Ye’ve sunk her!”
Now, just before we perform The Unveiling of the Quilt – that really should be a song or a Highland Reel! – I will close by emphasising the importance of our community centres and projects like this one.
History is not just about dates on a calendar from days gone by, of battles fought long ago, of kings and queens and stately homes. WE have history too. Our communities have history – a proud history that’s more relevant to local folk than the date of the signing of the Magna Carta or the Battle of Agincourt.
Our communities’ stories need to be told. And the Time for Change quilt is now the first entry on the next page in our very own Local History story.
TWO North Edinburgh community centres were saved from closure following a last-ditch intervention by councillors at a marathon council meeting yesterday.
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre was braced for closure this summer following months of uncertainty over funding, while the voluntary management board of West Granton Community Trust announced on Monday that the Prentice Centre also faced closure due to spiralling running costs.
Councillors unanimously agreed a composite motion after three similar motions were submitted on Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre:
Noting that there are three motions tabled on Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, this amendment is to composite motion 8.3 by Councillor Day (Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre) with motion 8.4 by Councillor Osler (Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre) and motion 8.12 by Councillor Nicolson (Save Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre). Amends the text of motion 8.3 as follows:
“Council;
notes the work towards a model of 20-minute neighbourhoods across the city which requires the development of strong local community facilities that are locally and easily accessible for all residents.
recognises the critical role that neighbourhood and community centres play in our communities, not only providing services to those of all ages, but also in maintaining safe places for people to meet and spend time.
notes the board of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre have made clear that the centre is not going to survive financially beyond summer without one-off funding support from the council.
thanks officers for their actions so far in offering advice and some practical support to the organisation but regrets this has not managed to help the centre reach a positive outcome.
agrees that officers should work with Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre’s Management Committee to create a sound and sustainable financial arrangement that allows the Centre to continue over the long term.
Yesterday’s marathon full council meeting also agreed the following Addendum, which was moved by new Forth SNP councillor Stuart Dobbin and seconded by his SNP collague, Invereleith’s Vicky Nicholson, who was also elected in May.
The Addendum reads:
Notes the decision by West Granton Community Trust (announced on June 27th) to close the Prentice Centre in a matter of months unless immediate action is taken.
Recognises the critical role that the Prentice Centre plays in the community it serves, not only providing services to those of all ages, but also in maintaining safe places for people to meet and spend time.
Agrees therefore to also delegate to the Director of Education and Children Services to award £50,000 from Council Unallocated Reserves for the Prentice Centre to ensure the Centre can remain open and continue serving the community in the short term. The award of grant is subject to appropriate due diligence, including grant conditions on expenditure and assurances from the Centre on additional funding being secure.
Agrees that due to the number of community-run centres facing closure due to financial strain, that a report is brought to Council in one cycle identifying those under financial strain and where additional resources can be made available to keep valuable community resources open. This report should also consider the state of management in the community-run centre sector and recommend principles for the relationship between CEC and centres on financial matters.
The eleventh hour funding agreement does not guarantee that either Centre will remain open long term, but it does at least give both of these valuable community resources some time and support to explore other options to ensure their survival.
The council decision of short-term financial support will come as a huge relief to staff and management committees in particular but also the hundreds of residents of all ages who support their local community centres.
The work must begin now to ensure that both Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and The Prentice Centre can look forward to sustainable futures.
UPDATE:
West Granton Community Hub Manager Moira Fanning has been in touch (Saturday 2 July) to say that the Prentice Centre “remains CLOSED as negotiations with the Council have not been finalised”.
I will post more information when it becomes available.
Learning new things: where and how would you want to do it?
If you were looking to learn something new – whether it’s to get a job, for a hobby or just because you fancy it – where would you want to do it? At home? In a local school or community centre? With a local employer or community group? Online?
We’re working with our Granton Waterfront regeneration partners to find out what people living in the area think about learning – why is learning important to you?
How does it affect you and your life? What you would like to learn about? How do you learn best? What things help you learn? What things make it harder to learn?
Please give us your answers on our online questionnaire:
As the current plan comes to an end, it’s time to explore opportunities, hopes and aspirations for the next 3 years.
Help make sure the community and voluntary sector has a voice in this process, by getting involved in this discussion.
You’re invited to have a say on Edinburgh’s Community Learning and Development Plan for 2021 – 2024.
About this event
You might ask yourself what is Community Learning & Development (CLD) and why is it important for my group or organisation to have a say in future planning?
The ambition for the Edinburgh CLD plan is to make a positive difference for the citizens and communities of the City and the organisations in the community / voluntary sector work with children, young people and adults to do just that.
That means it’s essential that our sector plays a part in strategic planning in areas like adult learning, youthwork, community centres, communities and citizens who are seldom heard and so much more.
THE EVENT
Paul McCloskey (CEC Lifelong Learning Strategic Manager – CLD and Libraries), Laurene Edgar (LAYC Director and Edinburgh Community Learning and Development Partnership Chair) will lead this event.
They’ll take you through the plan and the potential for this to be a key aspect of the development of citizens and communities in Edinburgh.
You will also have the chance to join in 2 of the following themed breakout groups:
Adult Learning
Community Centres
Youthwork
Seldom Heard Communities & Voices
EVENT LINK
Registration for this event closes TODAY – Wednesday 18 August at 6pm.
You will receive an email through Eventbrite by 9am on Thu 19 Aug that includes the Zoom link for this event.
If you don’t receive this email please get in touch, but we recommend checking your email junk folder: esther.currie@evoc.org.uk
A number of key Council services, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week.
Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map out of lockdown.
Services resuming include:
Three libraries reopening on Monday (3 May) with a further six in the coming weeks (full details below)
The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with four free summer exhibitions scheduled
Outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools restarted this week
Edinburgh Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching, with outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds and community access to high school sports facilities also restarted.
We’re also working closely with Community Centre Management Committees to decide what services are able to operate from the centres and when.
We’ll be following the latest Scottish Government and health guidance to make sure all venues are safe to reopen. Our first priority thus far has been ensuring our schools could reopen safely for our young people and staff but strict cleaning regimes and other measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting venues or taking part in activities.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.
“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.
“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities as there’s so much more to a library than just borrowing books. They are trusted and much-loved hub buildings which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.
“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and supporting literacy.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.
“I’m particularly delighted that our libraries are able to begin reopening, especially here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but also that the City Art Centre is able to open with four fantastic new – and free – exhibitions for our residents to enjoy as they take their first steps back towards normality.”
Libraries
Central, Drumbrae, and Kirkliston will be open this Monday (3 May) followed by Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, McDonald Road and Stockbridge (10 May). Wester Hailes will reopen on 17 May and Gilmerton on 24 May.
It is hoped that the remaining libraries will open again as soon as possible after these dates.
Residents are reminded that numbers will be limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.
The buildings will be open by appointment for browsing and borrowing books, using computers and the internet, processing bus passes (National Entitlement Cards) or collecting hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.
Social distancing measures will be in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.
Museums and Galleries
The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with two new exhibitions –Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s and Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light. Two further exhibitions are planned Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay (22 May) and Islander: The paintings of Donald Smith following a week later. All exhibitions are free.
Plans are being finalised for the reopening of other galleries and museums. Updates regarding reopening dates and measures in place to keep everyone safe will be published as soon as possible.
Community centres
We’re contacting all Community Centre Management Committees this week to provide support in re-establishing essential services such as youth work. As was the case before lockdown, processes are in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume and any support required to do so.
Extracurricular activities (ECA)
Outdoor ECA resumed in schools on 26 April and include activities such as sport, drama, dance music and art.
Indoor ECA aren’t currently permitted under the guidance but we’re considering their resumption alongside the need to maintain the strict cleaning regimes currently operating in our schools as the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority.
Edinburgh Leisure
Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020 with golf, in particular, seeing an upswing in participation (winter golf membership up 400%, year-on-year).
Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June (as per Scottish Government’s current route map).
