After four years of tree-planting, the “Cramond Commemorates” project culminated on Friday (20 March) with a celebration event for everyone who donated and dedicated a tree.
The project came about as the world emerged from the Covid19 pandemic when so much had been lost. It quickly developed into a commemoration, not only of experiences missed, but also of loved ones who died.
Some 58 trees were planted in four locations: Cramond Hall grounds, Cramond House parkland, Cramond Walled Garden and Cramond Primary School grounds.
All the plantings have been carefully recorded and mapped, and appear with their individual dedications on a website that showcases the project https://www.cramondcommemorates.com
Rev Ian Gilmour, who came up with the tree planting idea, said: “Dedicating a tree to someone whom you’ve loved and lost can be a means of having a tangible reminder of their presence and a focal point for remembrance.
“The Cramond Commemorates plantings represent a living heritage of people with a connection to the area or to Cramond Kirk.
“As well as enhancing the environment and the beauty of the area, these trees are symbols of renewal and a reassurance that life goes on.”
The first tree, a Sessile Oak, was planted in November 2021 by pupils from Cramond Primary and Cargilfield Schools. Other varieties include Beech, Maple, Silver Birch, Rowan and Sycamore, as well as a number of fruit trees.
John Naylor chose a James Grieve apple tree in memory of his wife Margery who died in 2022. He said: “Margery was a lover of trees and of Cramond. She was Secretary, then President, of the Cramond Association and a great supporter of the Woodland Group.
“What better way of celebrating and remembering her life well lived.”
Christine Roy dedicated a Wheelers Russet apple tree to her late husband, Jim. She said: “Jim loved his garden, trees and everything outdoors in nature.
“My sons and I thought it would be a lovely way to remember him. Somewhere that we and the grandchildren could go and see the tree grow over time in a woodland setting. We have planted bulbs around it, and had a little plaque made.”
Lending itself to an obvious choice of memorial tree, the song ‘O Rowan Tree’ was a favourite of Dorothy Spence’s grandmother, a member of Cramond Kirk from 1882 till 1958, now buried in the Kirkyard with her husband and two sons.
The event was attended by many of the tree donors and organisations involved in supporting the project: Cramond Association’s Woodland Group, Cramond Estate, local poet David Bleiman, Edinburgh Council’s Parks and Greenspaces.
Many of the Cramond Community became involved in clearing and preparing ground for tree plantings.
When new trees required watering in their early days, local schoolchildren, Cubs and Scouts saved the day by forming bucket chains to areas which hose-pipes could not reach!
Local care home Strachan House has had a week full of royal themed activities but the fun didn’t stop there. They hosted The Big Coronation Picnic event yesterday (Sunday 7th May) for their residents, family friends and their entire local community.
In attendance was local MP Christine Jardine who kindly accepted her invitation to unveil a rose bush in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth ll after her son King Charles lll take the royal crown on Saturday 6th May.
Christine Jardine spent the afternoon chatting with everyone who attended the event. Enjoying everything Strachan House had to offer Christine explained “It has been a lovely afternoon I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Chatting with the residents and staff has been lovely. Such a wonderful home and the amount of support was outstanding.”
Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “Our residents have had a fantastic week on the run up but this event demonstrated that community spirit is very much alive and judging by all who attended it was prevalent that Strachan House is a very special place in our community.
“It has been a whole home approach to ensure our residents had a fantastic coronation. Having our local MP Christine Jardine accept our invitation was a testament to how valued we are within our community.”
Paul Dow, Head Chef at Strachan House, said: “It was an amazing day and an honour to cater for our local community and an absolute pleasure to showcase what we have to offer here at Strachan House.
“It’s certainly an event I won’t forget in a hurry!”
Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support and community spirit throughout our celebrations of the Kings Coronation, it has been such a special occasion for everyone not to mention our residents.
Our staff have gone over and above to ensure Strachan House and everyone who lives and works here have had a spectacular day. To have so much continued local community support truly humbling.”
Bernard Saltmarsh, resident at Strachan House added: “it was an honour to meet Christine and have my picture taken with her.
“We even had the sun come out for the afternoon which was a big relief to what the morning was like!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.
Margaret Runcie, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, was the guest of honour at a tree-planting event marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee held at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House yesterday.
Margaret, who was born in Hertfordshire and now resides in Haddington, East Lothian, served as a Petty Officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in the Second World War.
In June 1944 at the age of 18, she was posted to Royal Naval Air Station Crail in Fife (HMS Jackdaw) as a radio mechanic for 785 Squadron where her duties included changing batteries from aircraft returning from missions, usually at night. During here service, which continued until the end of 1946, Margaret lived in Crail House, a mile from the base.
Despite her South East of England roots, Margaret spent most of her military leave travelling throughout Scotland where she eventually settled following her marriage to Ken in 1956. Her former base in Crail is now one of the biggest preserved Naval Air Stations in the UK, and a room in Crail Museum is dedicated to the life and people who served on HMS Jackdaw.
Margaret visited Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House, a supported housing facility run the charity Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), where she joined residents to plant a tree in celebration of this year’s Platinum Jubilee.
The tree was sponsored by the Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services Edinburgh Branch. The Royal Naval Association Edinburgh branch also planted a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
SVR has been operating for more than 100 years providing accommodation and services for UK military veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The charity’s housing support services in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow provide accommodation for up to 160 veterans at one time.
Commenting from Whitefoord House, Margaret said: “I’m delighted to be here planting this tree on behalf of The Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
“The Queen and her father, King George, were an immense inspiration to all servicemen and women throughout the war so it’s an honour to be here celebrating the 70th year of her reign.”
Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive SVR said: “As an organisation which is fully committed to supporting veterans, we are absolutely thrilled to have Margaret and so many representatives from the Naval Services Association at today’s tree planting.
“As we mark the Queen’s historic milestone, it’s important we also acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice of our veterans who have kept the UK secure during the past 70 years.”
Tree planted at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre to celebrate activism
It’s been a long time but community activities are, slowy but surely, starting up again at last.
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre opened it’s doors to forty guests yesterday who came together to celebrate the life of local activist Roberta Blaikie and to carry out one of Roberta’s last wishes: to have a tree planted in the grounds of the centre to celebrate community local activism.
Royston Wardieburn chair Mizan Rahman welcomed families, friends, colleagues and local activists to the community event and introduced the superb Nevis Ensemble, Scotland’s unique pop-up orchestra. The quartet played a thoughful selection of music which ended with a resounding rendition of that favourite anthem ‘Bella Ciao’
Guests then moved outside and heard a succession of tributes to Roberta. I was honoured to make the opening address (see below) and I was followed by fine contributions from Lydia Markham, Lynn McCabe, Jane Jones, Linda Garcia and Mary Mbae.
Following the speeches, poems and personal reflections, Roberta’s daughter Donna and her family went on to plant a young cherry blossom tree in front the Centre and guests were also invited to participate in the planting ceremony.
Yes, this was a celebration but it was a also a very poignant afternoon; the sense of loss remembering those who are no longer with us, and missing those others who could not be there on the day.
Roberta herself has been gone for five years now, and so much has changed. This crazy last eighteen months of pandemic, lockdown and restrictions has been particularly cruel – taking away loved ones, keeping friends and families apart and stealing precious time.
So it was day of mixed emotions: joy and melancholy all jumbled up together – but I was honoured to be part of it.
ROBERTA BLAIKIE – A TRIBUTE
Hi everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name’s Dave – for those of you who DO know me, my name’s still Dave!
Thanks for coming along today. I know there are many more people who can’t be with us on this special afternoon and my thoughts are with them too
I’ve been asked to say a few words about Roberta and her community activism and I’m very proud and honoured to do so.
I can’t say for certain the first time I met Roberta, but it was maybe during the campaign to Save A & E and maternity services at the Western General.
But if I can’t quite remember our first meeting, I can recall many, many more meetings over the years that followed. She was one of those people – usually women -who were always there when their community needed them: one of North Edinburgh’s magnificent, mighty band of Strong Women, some of whom I’m delighted to say are here with us today.
Roberta first got involved in community activism in the mid-1970s when she got up at a public meeting to complain about a lack of activities for young mothers in this local community centre. You’ll know that it takes quite a lot of courage to speak at a public meeting, but Roberta stood up, spoke up and spoke out … and that’s something she did and continued to do for the rest of her life.
Like everyone who gets involved in activism, Roberta was driven by a sense of social justice. She cared about people, she cared about her community and she was willing to work hard to change things for the better.
Yes, she could talk – Roberta loved to talk! – but that talk was backed up by action. She didn’t just talk about things, she DID things. And she got things done.
Roberta poured her energies into so many community campaigns: there health campaigns, housing tenants campaigns and she was at the heart of so many of the key agencies in North Edinburgh over the years – Pilton Elderly Project, Pilton Health Hut (now Pilton Community Health Project), Granton Information Centre and The Pilton Partnership to name just a few.
Throughout, Roberta was always a strong supporter of Royston Wardieburn Community Centre – community is the key word here – both as a member and an active Chairperson and she worked hard with others to ensure that the centre was at the heart of the community, offering activities for the whole community.
The centre was also the venue for the Womens International Group (WIG). Roberta was a founder member and an enthusiastic participant – and I feel privileged to have attended a number of WIG events here as the token bloke!
Whenever, wherever Roberta was involved, her enthusiasm was infectious. She didn’t seek praise or reward or pats on the back – and I do wonder how she would have responded to having a street named after her! – but her hard work, her dedication and her humour inspired others and encouraged them to get involved.
And that, I think, is the true reward for genuine, committed community activists – that others will be inspired to follow in your footsteps to campaign, to challenge, to fight to make their communities better places to live.
The planting of the cherry blossom tree symbolises this today.
Roberta was a key member of the Social History Group that produced the wonderful Never Give Up book and film and exhibition that detailed the history of community activism in North Edinburgh.
It was a real labour of love – the group met every week for two years to produce Never Give Up and it’s hard to believe that launch was over ten years ago – and it’s particularly sobering to note that so many of those involved are no longer with us. On a lighter note I know the project put years on Lynn McCabe – but it really was worth it in the end!
Roberta explained back then: “Local people have always had to fight for the services they have. It hasn’t always been the way it is now. People don’t realise that. We wanted to show people all the things that people like ourselves had achieved, all the battles we had won to give us the projects and the services we have today“
And that fight goes on to this day. Just this week the UK Government cut Universal Credit payments by £20 a week, plunging tens of thousands of families into poverty. There will always be fights – and we will always need people like Roberta to be leading the campaign.
Only exceptional people inspire others, but Roberta was one of that rare breed. Inspirational. She would never have said it herself, but Roberta was inspirational.
And if I can’t remember our first meeting, I can certainly remember one of our last – and of course it was here in this very community centre! I don’t think she always really enjoyed being centre stage, but Roberta was in her element that day, beaming with laughter, surrounded by friends and having a great time. I will never forget the love there was in that room that day – it was so powerful, you could almost touch it.
And that will be my lasting memory: The laughter, the warmth and the love for Roberta Blaikie, an inspirational woman.
And I know I speak for many when I say: Thanks for everything you did, Roberta; I am so glad to have known you.
STRUGGLE
A poem by Jim Aitken
Not to certainly means
worsening conditions
inevitable defeat.
To engage in action
even if you lose
means dignity at least.
It also means
just could mean
that you actually win.
But its more than that
for in the process
people change.
They awaken and grow
like desert seeds
receiving rain.
And give to others
a sense of vision and possible dreams.
The poem was read by Lynn McCabe
It’s from ‘A Rose Loupt Oot’: Poetry & Song Celebrating the UCS Work-in
