1.               GRANTED PLANNING APPLICATIONS (1)

23/05299/FUL - 507 Lanark Road - Attic conversion inc. with new dormer to rear and rooflight to front

2.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS MADE (1)

23/06631/LBC - 508 Lanark Road - Replace existing windows – comments due by 22/12/23

3.       TREE REMOVAL (0)

4.       REFUSED APPLICATIONS (0)

5.       CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS PROPOSED/ENFORCEMENT NOTICE (1)

23/06096/CLP - Land 21 Metres West Of 14 Belmont Road Registered 26/10/23 - To determine that the development started is lawful – awaiting assessment  JGBMCC observations and objections notified to planning department on 15/11/23

6.       STILL AWAITING DECISIONS (3)        

23/05897/FUL - 10 Woodhall Terrace - Window replacement

23/03796/TCO - 29 Belmont Road - Removal of Holly tree causing root ingress & movement in the property. Removal of Silver Birch which has become a danger to the property due to its size

22/04501/FUL – 62 Belmont Road – Change of Use to annex to allow mixed use of residential and short term let – awaiting assessment

7.       APPEAL (0)

OUTWITH JGBMCC AREA THAT IS WORTH NOTING IN OUR AREA

23/04269/FUL – Land 25 Metres East of 36 Clovenstone Drive - Proposal for 8 x new build flats and communal stair with front and rear garden space, parking provision and shelter for 20 x bikes – awaiting assessment

22/03302/FUL - 7 Murrayburn Gate - Proposed affordable housing development comprising 73 units with associated infrastructure and landscape - Planning granted 01/11/23

23/01308/FUL - Wester Hailes Education Centre 5 Murrayburn Drive – Prospect Community Housing - Erection of Secondary School building with associated hard and soft landscaping and car-parking - Planning granted 02/10/23

22/06181/PND – Wester Hailes Education Centre (WHEC)

Prior notification for demolition of school buildings only

22/06013/PAN – Wester Hailes High School

A proposal of Planning Application Notice has been submitted for a future project to deliver a new 800 pupil high school building.  It aims to consolidate the educational facilities into one building, allowing for community use whilst retaining shared facilities in the existing community centre building.  The details can be seen in the planning application portal Planning applications – The City of Edinburgh Council using the above PAN reference number.  PRE APPLICATION CONSULTATION APPROVED 16/12/22

AGENDA

1.       Apologies

2.       Minutes of Last Meeting

3.       14 Belmont Road

4.       Community Council Focus 2023

a.       SW Communities Corridor Project

b.       Greenspaces

c.       Bin Provision and collection

d.       Transport

e.       Baberton Mains Defibrillator

f.         Practice Boundary Consultation: 70906 Sighthill Red MP

g.       Local Place Plans and City Plan 2040

5.       Councillors’ Corner

6.       Reports and Recent Meetings

a.       Secretary

b.       Treasurer

c.       Local Planning Matters

d.       School

7.       Any Other Community Business

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council October 2023 Newsletter

1.     JGBMCC: Search for New Blood

2.     Pentlands Book Festival: 6-20 November.  Tickets now released

3.     Friends of Baberton Mains: meeting 15^th November

4.     Poppy Appeal

5.     Papermaking could return to Juniper Green

==****====

1.     JGBMCC Search for New Blood

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council needs another resident to join the Community Council as soon as possible. We work with our local elected Councillors, Edinburgh Council officials, and others to improve our area in whatever way - be it schools, bus services, health services, green spaces, planning matters, infrastructure, etc.

If you have an interest in being the next Chair of the CC, so much the better.

If you want to get more information and have an informal chat with the current Chair and/or other members of the CC, please email correspondence@junipergreencc.org.uk

==****====

2.     Pentlands Book Festival: 6-20 November.  Tickets now released

Tickets have been released for all PBF 2023 events on Eventbrite and at Colinton and Currie Libraries.  All events are free to attend but donations are always appreciated. 

You can find all the information regarding the events: who is appearing, where, when, and a brief bio, on our website http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066452693789.   Tickets are available via the Eventbrite links on the website http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/tickets.htm and the individual events set up on our Facebook page. 

But please note that spaces on the Botanics Library visit and visit to Malleny Gardens are booked by phone call to Liz Beevers on 0131 453 4115.  Also please note that no tickets are needed for the Local Authors’ Showcase – just come along!

==****====

3.     Friends of Baberton Mains: meeting 15^th November

The “Friends of Baberton Mains” (formerly “Friends of the Grassie”) group held its inaugural informal meeting on 11th October to discuss how to improve the grassland areas which surround the Baberton Mains estate.  We are looking for more residents to attend these meetings and to contribute their thoughts.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 15^th November at 5pm in the Hub@531 on Lanark Road.

We are planning at some stage to do some planting of bulbs and wildflower seeds, so any donations of such would be much appreciated. 

Any comments, donations, or enquiries, please contact Lynn on lynn13.elliott@gmail.com

==****====

4.     Poppy Appeal

Once again JGBMCC, supported by Currie Community Council, will be selling poppies in support of the national appeal.  This year a new environmental-friendly design is being introduced to replace the plastic poppy with a sustainable biodegradable design.  The Scottish four-stem design was first launched in 1926 with the opening of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh and over the years small changes have been introduced.  Rather than ditch the old stock, it is being used up this year, so you never know which version you might get!

Poppies will be on sale at local businesses including schools etc.  Around  42% of national donations are now cashless but we can of course accept cash too.

Please help us exceed last year’s contribution of £2,015 for such a worthy cause.

==****====

5.     Papermaking could return to Juniper Green

Paper-making could return to Juniper Green … if you want it

If you are interested in participating in a papermaking workshop, please read on.

The workshop lasts around 3 hours and covers:

·        Background to basic paper science and history.

·        Pulp preparation – the tutor prepares pulp in advance but demonstrates a version of the process that students can use at home.

·        Equipment and sheet forming.

·        Working with colour.

·        Working with shape.

·        Embellishments and decoration including watermarking.

·        Drying methods.

A handout with a summary of workshop content and list of suppliers will be provided at the workshop.

Attendees can expect to go home with about 10 A6 sheets of damp plain and embellished paper that they can finish drying at home with the instructions provided at the workshop.

No date has been fixed for this workshop but it would run in 2024 if there is sufficient interest.  To be viable the workshop needs 8-10 people to enrol and the subsidised cost would be £15 per head.  Before a tutor can be engaged it is important to know if there is any appetite for this.  So, if you would like to bring papermaking back to Juniper Green on this very small scale please contact Cliff Beevers at c.e.beevers@gmail.com to record your interest in attending.

Agenda

6. 1. Apologies 

7. 2. Minutes of last meeting and actions arising 

8. 3. 14 Belmont Road

9. 4. Community Council Focus for 2023 

10. a. SW Communities Corridor Project 

11. b. Greenspaces

12. c. Bin provision and collection 

13. d. Transport

14. e. Baberton Mains Defibrillator

15. 5. Councillors' Corner

16. 6. Reports and Recent Meetings 

17. a. Secretary 

18. b. Treasurer 

19. c. Local Planning Matters 

20. d. School

21. 7. AOCB 

The AGM Of Juniper Green & Baberton Mains Community Council will take place at The Hub at 531 Lanark Road on Wednesday 27 September at 7.30pm. 

All JGBM residents are welcome but please email correspondence@junipergreencc.org.uk in advance if you wish to attend so that we can ensure we have space for you. Thank you. Agenda will be sent to those registering.

1.     Delivering Future Edinburgh: getting your views on proposed action plans

2.     HUB@531

3.     Pentlands Book Festival seeks local debut authors

==****====

1.     Delivering Future Edinburgh: getting your views on proposed action plans

The City of Edinburgh Council wants to create good places to live and work across Edinburgh.  It is asking people’s views on a framework for how to best use our limited street space to provide a more welcoming environment for all.  It has also set out proposed actions in five plans which aim to:

- make Edinburgh’s streets accessible for everyone

- improve public transport and active transport networks

- fully join-up the cycle network

- deliver a people-friendly city centre including vibrant shopping streets

- create safer, thriving neighbourhoods

- achieve ambitious road safety targets, including zero fatalities on our road network by 2030

- harmful emissions across the city.

The Council is holding drop-ins where you can find out more before giving your views online www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cmpconsultation.

Monday 12th June, Currie Library, 3-7pm

Find out more and details of other drop-in event dates www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citymobilityactionplans

==****====

2.     HUB@531

PART-TIME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER VACANCY

Pentlands Community Space (PCS) has been awarded a grant from Awards for All to employ a part-time Development Officer, temporary for a 6-month contract initially.  The post will be advertised more widely shortly but will seek to build on the initial set of events already operating.  Anyone interested and wishing more information should contact chairperson Lynn Elliott at lynn13.elliott@gmail.com. 

VOLUNTEER TREASURER VACANCY

PCS is also looking for a Treasurer: our current incumbent having to give up the role due to job commitments.  Given that the building works are finished, more routine treasurer duties are required from now. Anyone interested in getting involved and volunteering please contact Lynn at: lynn13.elliott@gmail.com.

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS AT THE HUB@531:

TWO “GREEN” TOPICS, Monday 12 June at 10am.

Paul Bullen will talk about the Edinburgh Tool Library: what it has, how to access it etc.  And Lorraine O'Shea will talk about Colinton Village Enterprises’ Repair Cafe, and how that works.  No need to book - just turn up.  

STRESS MANAGEMENT, Monday 12 June at 7.30pm.

Following a successful similar event last year, PCS is running a mental health session entitled “Stress: What is it, why do I have it and how do I get rid of it?”, led by Dr Stephen Smith, D Clin Psy.  This standalone one-hour session will offer tools and techniques to help manage everyday stress and include a brief Q&A.

Places are limited to a maximum of 12 people.  Contact c.e.beevers@gmail.com to book.

CRAFTING  CROCHET, Wednesday 14 June, 7.15pm, or Thursday 15 June, 1.30pm.

Do you fancy a relaxing fun time, chat, and meeting new people?  If so, come along to Crochet Crafting for beginners and more experienced alike.  All equipment and nibbles provided.  Donations appreciated.  Book your place by emailing Hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com

GUIDED MINDFULNESS, Thursdays 8 and 15 June at 6pm

Raymond Collins will guide a mindful session to bring awareness to the present with no judgement.  Book at Hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com or just drop in.  Raymond runs our regular Monday 12noon session and we are looking to see if there is sufficient demand for an evening session.

For other events please check the notices at the Hub itself and look out for the regular Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday sessions for Young Mums, Knitters and Sporting Memories respectively.

==****====

3.     Pentlands Book Festival seeks local debut authors

The Pentlands Book Festival committee is hard at work putting together the 2023 programme to take place in mid-to late-November, coinciding with – and extending either side of – Book Week Scotland’s annual celebration of the written word.  This year’s BWS theme is “adventure”—and certainly trying to pull together the PBF programme is exactly that.

We’re not in a position to release names yet but, as usual, we are aiming to offer something for every taste.  However, we are short of local debut authors and we would welcome and happily cover the expenses of anyone who would like a platform at Colinton Library to talk about their book(s) and perhaps sign and sell a few copies.  The date within the Festival period is still to be determined.

If you are interested in appearing at our friendly local festival please email pentlandsbookfestival@outlook.com with an outline of your publication(s) and, ideally a link to any website publicising it/ them. http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org

The City of Edinburgh Council wants to concentrate on creating good places to live and work across Edinburgh. It is asking people’s views on a framework for how to best use our limited street space to provide a more welcoming environment for all. It has also set out proposed actions in five plans which aim to:

- make Edinburgh’s streets accessible for everyone

- improve public transport and active transport networks

- fully join-up the cycle network

- deliver a people-friendly city centre including vibrant shopping streets

- create safer, thriving neighbourhoods

- achieve ambitious road safety targets, including zero fatalities on our road network by 2030

- harmful emissions across the city.

The Council is holding drop ins across the city where you can find out more before giving your views online www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cmpconsultation.

Monday 12th June, Currie Library, 3-7pm

Find out more and details of other drop in event dates www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citymobilityactionplans 

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council April 2023 Newsletter

1.     Friends of the Grassie

2.     HUB@531 Craft Club

==****====

1.     Friends of the Grassie

One of Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council’s focus areas is the safeguarding and improvement of our many wonderful greenspaces.  Bloomiehall Park has been awarded a Green Flag, and there have been various improvements to the Water of Leith walkway, but there has been very limited investment in Baberton Mains.

As a Community Council it was very important to us that we, as a small group, did not decide what was needed to improve the greenspaces in Baberton.  But that, instead, the ideas and enthusiasm would come from those who used the spaces most.  The most obvious place to start was the field in the centre of Baberton Mains, known to some as the Grassie.

In discussions, our local Councillors advised of the benefits of formalising such involvement through a "Friends of ..." group which could inform decisions around the space, including any improvements; fundraise for them, and could even in time take ownership of the space.

We engaged through various media to determine interest in forming such a group and to understand what improvements, if any, might be made to the Grassie.  We've had a couple of very positive meetings, and many views were expressed at the second meeting, which took place at The Grassie on 20^th March with around 25 residents present.  After discussion a show of hands was in favour of more waste bins, particularly to the north end; investigations into drainage problems / mud / how slippery it becomes in winter; and planting flowers  - whether in planters around the path or in the grass banks.  Other suggestions included improved lighting; fruit trees similar to the recent planting in Campbell Park by Friends of Campbell Park, and benches at path level. 

At the March CC meeting, attended by Baberton Mains residents, further discussions raised concerns regarding encouraging antisocial behaviour.  However, overall it was felt that establishing a Friends of The Grassie group and making small improvements would make the area more attractive and accessible.  The Friends would also have a stronger voice in any landowner or City Council plans in the future (to be clear JGBMCC is not aware of any such plans).

If you would be interested in joining the Friends, please email secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk or message via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil/

==****====

2.     HUB@531 Craft Club

The HUB@531 is thinking of setting up a monthly 'Craft Club', for keen crafters, and we are working on plans with members of the WI. The first activity is 'Glass Painting' on Wednesday 3^rd May at 7pm and Thursday 4^th May at 1.30pm – bring your own glass jar to paint.  The next will be 'Crochet' in early June, but we are also looking for suggestions for other activities, and volunteers to lead some other monthly activities. 

Suggestions, ideas, offers to help to: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com. We would love to know what crafts you would like to try. 

Agenda

6. 1. Apologies 

7. 2. Minutes of last meeting and actions arising 

8. 3. Community Policing update

9. 4. Community Council Focus for 2023 

10. a. SW Communities Corridor Project 

11. b. Greenspaces

12. c. Bin provision and collection 

13. d. Traffic

14. e. Baberton Mains Defibrillator

15. 5. Councillors' Corner

16. 6. Reports and Recent Meetings 

17. a. Secretary 

18. b. Treasurer 

19. c. Local Planning Matters 

20. d. School

21. 7. AOCB 
    

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council October 2022 Newsletter

1.            Pentlands Book Festival, 9 - 22 November 2022

2.            Pentlands Community Space: Free events at the Hub at 531

3.            Friends of the Grassie?

4.            Double Yellow Lines

5.            Poppy Appeal: 26 October to 11 November 2022

==****====

1.            Pentlands Book Festival, 9 - 22 November 2022

Planning is complete and we are ready to release the programme and issue tickets.  Full details of each event are on the Pentlands Book Festival website http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/.  Flyers listing the programme with venues, dates, and times will be available shortly in local libraries and businesses.  Tickets are being released on Tuesday 11 October and available at the links below, or via the website, or at Currie and Colinton Libraries.  All tickets for all events are free, although we do welcome small donations - £2 per person in cash at the event is suggested (but not required).

Expect controversy, crime and cracking stories and, for those of a quieter disposition, there’ll be poetry, local history, local authors and two exciting archive visits.  Discover how to recover from illness or even write your own books.  It’s all brought to you by a team of volunteers and the wonderful Colinton and Currie libraries.

Talking of wonderful: we are looking for a wonderful person or two who would like to learn the business of sound engineering for events like these.  You’d need some evenings to spare in November and enough brain and brawn to help to set up and manage technical equipment under supervision.  To find out more about this great opportunity email russell.salton@outlook.com 

We hope that you will find something of interest in this year’s PBF and look forward to seeing you again.

Ticketed events:

Peter Sawkins, “Peter’s Baking Party”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peters-baking-party-tickets-432750898587

Lesley Riddoch, “McSmorgasbord”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mcsmorgasbord-tickets-418053849317

Crime Writers’ Panel, “Three Chairs for Crime”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-chairs-for-crime-tickets-418745237277

Central Library, “Treasure your History”, 2pm start:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/treasure-your-history-central-library-edinburgh-and-scottish-collection-tickets-420492222557

Central Library, “Treasure your History”, 3pm start:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/treasure-your-history-central-library-edinburgh-and-scottish-collection-tickets-420496675877

Mary Paulson-Ellis, “Heir Piece”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heir-piece-tickets-419765619267

Debut Authors’ Panel:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/debut-authors-panel-tickets-419769972287

Local Authors’ Panel:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-authors-panel-tickets-419776451667

Rosemary Goring, “Location, Location, Location: where Mary Queen of Scots made history”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/location-location-location-where-mary-queen-of-scots-made-history-tickets-420501139227

Gavin Francis, “Your Good Health”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-good-health-tickets-418176305587

No tickets on Eventbrite but available by calling Liz Beevers on 0131 453 4115:

Liz Beevers, “Our Mills: the Story and Storyteller”: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-mills-the-story-and-storyteller-tickets-418085634387

Heriot-Watt University Archive, “The Tweedie Collection”:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tweedie-collection-a-remarkable-archive-of-our-local-area-tickets-420477588787

And no tickets required for this event, but feel free to drop in any time between 2 and 4pm:

Local Authors’ Panel:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-authors-panel-tickets-419776451667

Keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Pentlands-Book-Festival-903223373082029  or Twitter https://twitter.com/PentBookFest or website http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/.

==****====

2.            Pentlands Community Space: Free events at the Hub at 531

Pentlands Community Space (PCS) is delighted to be organising the first events at the Hub@531 Lanark Road as preparations continue in the new community hub.  These events - guided Nordic walking groups, stress management workshops, and mindful yoga - are free thanks to a small grant won by the charity.

NORDIC WALKING: Taster and learning the technique of this total-body version of walking, using special poles to give extra support and improve arm and leg toning.  These social walking experiences, guided by Trevor, a local Nordic walking leader, are done at a gentle pace and walking poles are provided.  There is a maximum of 10 spaces on each one-hour session.  Nordic walking is a fantastic way to get out in the fresh air.

The sessions will start from the Hub@531 Lanark Road on the following dates and times:

Tuesday 11th October at 5.15 pm

Saturday 15th October at 12.00 pm

Thursday 20th October at 1.30 pm

Monday 24th October at 10.30am (only for those who have attended any of the previous sessions)

STRESS MANAGEMENT: PCS is running two mental health sessions entitled “Stress: What is it, why do I have it and how do I get rid of it?” led by Dr Stephen Smith, D Clin Psy.  These standalone one-hour sessions, which will offer tools and techniques to help manage everyday stress, will be held on Monday 24 October at 7.30pm and Tuesday 1 November at 7.30pm in the Hub@531 Lanark Road.  Places are limited to 12  each night.

MINDFUL YOGA: The yoga sessions, managed by local expert Monica from Karma Tree Yoga, https://www.karmatreeyoga.co.uk/ will involve chair sessions for those less mobile, as well as traditional mat sessions for the more able.  They will incorporate breath and relaxation work and encourage you to let go of your everyday stresses, giving you the space to nurture your health and general wellbeing.  These sessions are likely to take place on Tuesdays towards the end of the month. 

Any of the above can be booked by emailing info@pentlandsspace.org or by texting 07923 831 584.

If you have already indicated your interest in any of these activities we will be in touch again nearer the time. 

==****====

3.            Friends of the Grassie?

“The Grassie” is the grassed mound in the middle of Baberton Mains, widely used as a recreational space and maintained by Edinburgh Council in terms of grass cutting etc.

Edinburgh Council is keen to work in partnership with local communities and give residents a greater say in what goes on in greenspaces such as the Grassie.  To do this various “Friends of...... “ groups have been created: in our area alone we have Friends of Curriemuirend Park, Friends of Muirwood Park, and Friends of Hailes Quarry Park.

We’re keen to understand if there is any appetite from residents to set up a similar group for the Grassie.  This group could ensure residents’ views are considered should any proposals affect the area, and could even crowdfund for improvements to the space.

More information can be found here:

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/22577/friends-of-edinburgh-greenspace-information-pack

Or search online for “friends of edinburgh greenspace”

If you would be interested in joining such a group, please email secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk or message via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil/

==****====

4.            Double Yellow Lines.

Traffic safety is a regular source of concern to our community, and a recurring theme is inappropriate parking on both main and residential roads.

In an effort to address these we have considered various locations where we believe increased enforcement using double yellow lines would improve the safety of pedestrians and drivers and the flow of traffic including public transport.

We have listed some of the potential locations below but are keen to get your views on these and if there are any others where you think improvements could be made:

·     Around the bus stop on Baberton Mains Drive between the Avenue and the Green

·     The top of Baberton Mains Hill

·     The junction at the south-east corner of Baberton Mains Drive

·     Cul-de-sac entrances in general

·     Junction of Baberton Park and Baberton Avenue

·     Around the exit from the turning circle on Baberton Avenue

·     Around the corner of Belmont Avenue and Juniper Avenue

·     Narrower sections of the Lanark Road e.g. west of Juniper Avenue

·     The junction of Woodhall Millbrae and Baberton Crescent

If you have any suggestions or views on any of the above please email secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk or message via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil/

==****====

5.            Poppy Appeal: 26 October to 11 November 2022

JGBMCC is again combining with Currie Community Council and Pentlands Community Space to manage the Poppy Appeal this year in our shops and businesses, including Heriot-Watt University and the Oriam Sports Centre subject to their agreement.  The event runs from 26 October to 11 November.  Please consider supporting this very worthwhile cause.  More information on the Appeal is available here https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal

==****====

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) meets monthly except July and December, on the fourth Wednesday of the month.   If you wish to attend the meeting please email secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk.  

AGENDA

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of last meeting and actions arising

3. Community Council Focus for 2022

    a. Education Corridor inc. improving path across Muirwood Field

    b. Greenspaces inc. Queens Canopy fund

    c. Bin provision and collection

    d. Traffic inc. bike racks and double yellow lines

4. Councillors' Corner

5. Reports and Recent Meetings

    a. Secretary

    b. Treasurer

    c. Local Planning Matters

6. Any other meetings

8. AOCB

Next meeting Wednesday 26 October 2022

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) meets monthly except July and December, on the fourth Wednesday of the month in Juniper Green Village Hall, Baberton Avenue.   If you wish to attend the meeting please email secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk.  

AGENDA

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of last meeting and actions arising

3. Community Council Focus for 2022

    a. Education Corridor inc. improving path across Muirwood Field

    b. Greenspaces – provision for older children, dogs and removing flooding

    c. Bin provision and collection

    d. Traffic – changes to Lanark Road to better meet community needs

4. Councillors' Corner

5. Reports and Recent Meetings

    a. Secretary

    b. Treasurer

    c. Local Planning Matters

6. Venue for future meetings 

7. Any other meetings

8. AOCB

Next meeting Wednesday 28 September 2022

1.            Pentlands Book Festival, 11 - 22 November 2022

2.            Pentlands Community Space

3.            Garden Waste Collection Registration Closing on 6 September

4.            Winter Booster Jags; Out-Of-Date Bank Of England paper banknotes, and Royal Mail Stamps

==****====

1.            Pentlands Book Festival, 11 - 22 November 2022

Pentlands Book Festival will celebrate its eighth year around Book Week Scotland 11-22 November. The theme is Scotland’s Stories and we will bring exciting books and their writers back to our well-loved venues.

There will be controversy, oh yes, with journalist and podcaster Lesley Riddoch. And challenge with Rosemary Goring, whose new book questions why Mary Queen of Scots got her heid chopped aff. Was it just her own fault? Or must our quarrelsome Scots ancestors bear the blame?

We shall welcome Edinburgh medic and explorer Gavin Francis, who has recently written on the very topical subject of recovery.

And no Pentlands Book Festival would be complete without some serious crime. There’ll be lots of it this year with a panel of three spanking-new crime writers and a literary visit to “the territory of the dead”, aka Portobello, with the award-winning Mary Paulson-Ellis.

We bring you new and emerging writers, too, with a panel of Scottish debut authors, organized by our own debut writer Caron McKinlay. And our local poets Helen Boden and Dorothy Baird make a welcome return: this time showcasing their published work.

Firm favourites also return, like an afternoon meeting our local authors, our visits to archives, and a history walk honouring local hero John Tweedie.  Scotland’s Stories will be told, in prose and in verse, at our 2022 Festival!

Keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Pentlands-Book-Festival-903223373082029  or Twitter https://twitter.com/PentBookFest or website http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/ as the programme takes shape.

==****====

2.            Pentlands Community Space

Pentlands Community Space would like to hear from you.

Below you will find information on free taster sessions coming to the hub in the Autumn and a request for your views.

PCS has been awarded a small grant to run a couple of stress management groups, six Nordic walking classes and five yoga sessions; all free.  Dates are being fixed for these events and further information will appear when we have all the dates so you can book the event(s) of your choice.  Places will be limited and allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please keep an eye out for booking details in the next C&B News; on posters; this newsletter list, and the PCS Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PentlandsCommunitySpace.

In addition, PCS is starting to take bookings for other classes, including first aid for parents and grandparents.  More details on this and other events will appear in due course, so keep watching for PCS news.

Looking to the future to when the hub is fully open, we would like to hear from you.  What would you like to see running at the hub?  Would you be a regular user of facilities there?  What cost for events would be reasonable?  Would you contribute your talents to the hub’s success? 

A short survey has been prepared online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PentlandsCommunitySpace]

Or on paper by picking up a form from Molly’s Deli in Juniper Green and returning it there.

Your views are important to PCS so please give us your feedback.

Feel free to pass this message on to your own network of interested residents.

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3.            Garden Waste Collection Registration Closing on 6 September

Garden waste permits expire on 6 November 2022 and permits, £35 each, must be renewed by 2 pm on 6 September 2022.  You can pay by direct debit or make a one-off payment.  A family member or friend can register online for you if you can’t do it yourself.

Some households don’t have to pay for a garden waste permit: if you qualify for council tax reduction; or get council tax discount or exemption because someone who lives in the property is classed as severely mentally impaired; or receive garden aid but don't have to pay for it. You will still need to register for the service but won’t be charged.

Find out more and sign up online at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/gardenwaste and follow the instructions.

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4.            Winter Booster Jags; Out-Of-Date Bank Of England paper banknotes, and Royal Mail Stamps

Quick reminders. 

If you're 65 and over, you'll soon receive a letter inviting you to get your flu vaccination and a COVID-19 booster.   You’ll only need one appointment for both.   Appointments for all other priority groups will be made as the programme progresses: wait until you are contacted or called forward.

More information here: https://news.nhslothian.scot/2022/08/15/people-aged-65-and-over-to-get-winter-booster-jab/

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30 September is the last day you can use Bank of England £20 and £50 paper notes.  Read more here https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/exchanging-old-banknotes

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Royal Mail is adding barcodes to all regular ‘everyday’ stamps.  Any non-barcoded stamps will be valid until 31 January 2023. If you won’t use all of your stamps by that date you can swap them for barcoded ones.

More information is available on the website https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps...

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Royal Mail is adding barcodes to all regular ‘everyday’ stamps. These are the stamps that feature the profile of the Queen on a plain coloured background.

Any non-barcoded stamps will be valid until 31 January 2023, but not after that date. If you won’t be able to use all of your stamps by that date you can swap them for barcoded ones.

Note: Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don't need to be swapped.

Using them up:

You can carry on using any non-barcoded stamps you have until 31 January 2023.

If you have too many stamps to use them up before this date you can exchange them for new barcoded ones through Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme.

Swapping them out:

Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of the Stamp Swap Out forms and send it to Royal Mail along with your non-barcoded stamps. The step by step process for doing this is explained below.

How to get a ‘Stamp Swap Out’ form

If you have a printer, you can swap out up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps by printing out and completing the Stamp Swap Out form on the Royal Mail website and send it free of charge, along with your stamps, by writing on the envelope Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details or postcode are needed.

If you have a printer, and more than £200 worth of stamps to swap out then use the Bulk Stamp Swap Out form. The address to send this to is:

Royal Mail

Swap Out

Tallents House

21 South Gyle Crescent

EDINBURGH

EH12 9PB

If you don’t have access to a printer you can request a Stamp Swap Out form to be posted to you by completing this form online https://www.royalmail.com/.../barcoded.../swap-out-request . The instructions for sending back will depend on the form you request.

'Stamp Swap Out' forms are also available from the Customer Service Point at your local Delivery Offices (but please note they will only have the forms for the up to £200 option). Or you can call the Customer Experience Team on 03457 740740.

More information is available in the Q&A section on the website https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps

Yes, your PBF committee has been working hard and is pleased to advise the following:

Pentlands Book Festival will celebrate its eighth year in 2022 around Book Week Scotland 11-22 November. The theme is Scotland’s Stories and we will bring exciting books and their writers back to our well-loved venues.

There will be controversy, oh yes, with journalist and podcaster Lesley Riddoch. And challenge with Rosemary Goring, whose new book questions why Mary Queen of Scots got her heid chopped aff. Was it just her own fault? Or must our quarrelsome Scots ancestors bear the blame?

We shall welcome Edinburgh medic and explorer Gavin Francis, who has recently written on the very topical subject of recovery. And no Pentlands Book Festival would be complete without some serious crime. There’ll be lots of it this year with a panel of three spanking new crime writers and a literary visit to “the territory of the dead”, aka Portobello, with the award-winning Mary Paulson Ellis.

We bring you new and emerging writers, too, with a panel of Scottish debut authors, organized by our own debut writer Caron McKinlay. And our local poets Helen Boden and Dorothy Baird make a welcome return: this time showcasing their published work.

Firm favourites also return, like an afternoon meeting our local authors, our visits to archives, and a history walk honouring local hero John Tweedie. Scotland’s Stories will be told, in prose and in verse, at our 2022 Festival!

Watch this website as the programme takes shape http://www.pentlandsbookfestival.org/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Pentlands-Book-Festival-903223373082029

We’re very pleased to let you know that Merryhatton Garden Centre has been successful in taking over the lease at the old RBS building, 540A Lanark Road.  

Helen, the owner, and Nick, the manager, were very pleased with all the helpful comments made on Facebook, and look forward to further community input.  

To give you an idea of what the shop may stock, the link to the Garden Centre is here https://www.merryhatton.co.uk/

Students from Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities are working on 20-minute neighbourhood projects that hopefully will produce data that will be helpful to our communities.

It would be really useful if people over 60 from Currie and Juniper Green/Baberton Mains could complete the survey form. The deadline is 22nd July 2022.

The survey is online at:

 https://forms.gle/nbicaAo9cqyZpgZf8.

You do not need to provide personal details, or your address if you do not wish to.

JGBMCC has been approached by a business considering opening a plant shop in the old RBS building in Juniper Green and would appreciate input from the local community in terms of what it might sell as well as what services it could offer the community.

The concept is a garden shop which would focus primarily on houseplants and related products, but also include small ranges of other items such as high-quality gifts, greetings cards, cookware etc. The business already operates a garden centre and would also look to offer their entire range of goods such as peat-free composts, garden furniture and a large, diverse range of outdoor plants, with next-day delivery.  In the lead-up to Christmas the seasonal gardening section would be turned into a Christmas boutique with a focus on quality decorations and lights in “stunning displays”.  However, the business is very much plant-oriented and plans to keep this to the fore.

If all goes to plan they hope to open around mid-August this year.

Please email any comments or feedback for the business to secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk. 

(BTW, if you wondered about the possible pet shop opening in the same premises, unfortunately that plan is not now going ahead.)

Thank you

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) is holding its Annual General Meeting, followed by an Ordinary Meeting, on Wednesday 22 June 2022 at 7.30pm.  The meeting will be held physically in-person in Juniper Green Village Hall and, we hope, online via Zoom.

These meetings are open to the public.  Should you wish to attend, either physically or online, please email chair@junipergreencc.org.uk and secretary@junipergreencc.org.uk to receive joining instructions and agendas

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council June 2022 Newsletter

1.            Pentland Ukrainian Support Group

2.            Pentlands Community Space

3.            Water of Leith Walkway Upgrading Works

4.            Juniper Green Tennis Club

5.            Young Person's Free Bus Travel Scheme

6.            RBS Mobile Bank; Pop-up Post Office; Iceland

7.            Currie Beer and Curry Festival

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1.            Pentland Ukrainian Support Group

The Pentland Ukrainian Support Group has been set up to support Ukrainians who have been displaced and are now living in our area.  It currently supports 20 people, with three more families arriving shortly, and possibly others in future. 

The aim is to help our guests and their hosts in obtaining benefits, bus passes, English lessons, interpretation, and other practical matters.  Also to provide vouchers to give them some dignity in buying items of their choice such as clothes, birthday presents, etc.  The Group is also asking guests for their input into what they need to help them in this traumatic time.

The Group is requesting our community to donate to a fund managed by Currie Balerno Rotary Club on its behalf.  If you wish to make a bank transfer or set up a standing order, please email cbrotary.ukrainian.appeal@gmail.com for details, or else you can donate at the donation boxes: posters and leaflets are being delivered to local businesses, with collection cans soon to follow.  Alternatively you can send a cheque to Doug Marr, Treasurer, Currie Balerno Rotary, 2 The Green, Balerno, EH14 7LD. 

The Group is looking for regular and one-off volunteers to help with social events, English classes and fundraising. If you'd like to get involved please email pusg2022@gmail.com or message the Group via its Facebook page.

You can follow the Group at https://www.facebook.com/Pentlands-Ukrainian-Support-Group-107457941898024 and read more on page 22 of the June 2022 issue of C&B News http://candbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CB-News-477-Jun-22-Web.pdf.  Sincere thanks to CB Rotary Club for all its support.

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2.            Pentlands Community Space

NEARLY THERE!

We are delighted to announce that our new community building is now watertight and we are getting ready to get internal work planned.

We want to hear from our community to find out what you think would be useful activities to be held in it, and we will be welcoming not only views but offering an early look-around.  Please get in touch.

If you are thinking "what are we building it for?", it is to enable our community to support its most vulnerable and improve the mental and physical health of many.

We want to promote small group activities such as a gathering of exhausted new parents getting baby feeding support; Alzheimer’s sufferers with their carers playing dominos while listening to golden oldies; arts and crafts mindfulness sessions; bereavement support groups; toddlers’ play; yoga classes; chatting at a book group; board games evenings.  We want activities to promote fun and relaxation, to enable our community to support each other, and strengthen community connections.  But we want your ideas.

We want to link with existing spaces like JG Village Hall and the church halls so that the right space can be available to the community for different needs: with PCS being a more intimate, cosy room rather than a big hall.

We are at the stage where we want folk to get in touch with us either to give their suggested activities or to offer help.  Contact us by email info@pentlandsspace.org or via website pentlandsspace.org or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PentlandsCommunitySpace.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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3.            Water of Leith Walkway Upgrading Works

The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust is upgrading the walkway from the Union Canal to Balerno during June to August 2022.

The upgrade will use a recycled material called Ultitrec (not a sealed surface) that should require less maintenance and, along with drainage and other associated works, will result in a surface that will allow better access for all abilities.

The first section being upgraded is from the Union Canal to Colinton Tunnel, starting on 6th June for 2-3 weeks.  Unfortunately, due to the machinery being used and the need for the path surface to settle before use, this will mean a need to use alternative routes.  Maps of these will be posted online rand onsite.

The next phase of works will be from Colinton Tunnel to the by-pass from approx. 27th June for 2-3 weeks, and further phases of work will be timetabled.

It is unfortunate that this needs to be undertaken at this busy time of year.  However, for the path surface material to stabilise it needs to be laid in the warmer weather.

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4.            Juniper Green Tennis Club

A tennis road-trip in aid of MND Scotland is coming to Juniper Green Tennis Club on Thursday 30th June at 7:15pm. Stuart is raising funds for the charity MND Scotland by playing 40 tennis matches over 4 days at 40 different tennis clubs between East Lothian and  Orkney.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an incurable, life-shortening disease which stops messages from the brain reaching the muscles - you can read the story behind the challenge on Stuart’s JustGiving page  

Juniper Green Tennis Club has provided a volunteer to play against Stuart and they’d be delighted to see anyone who wishes to come along.

Stuart would really welcome any donations to his campaign for this very worthy cause. You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/Fast4Forty.  If you’d like to follow the build-up to his challenge and track his progress you can do so here https://www.facebook.com/Fast4Forty

Please note, in a show of community support the JG Tennis Club would like to offer displaced Ukrainian families in the area free membership of the club.  Please get in touch https://www.facebook.com/junipergreentennis

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5.            Young Person's Free Bus Travel Scheme

If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel. Children under 5 years old already travel for free on buses and don’t need a card.  If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC issued prior to applications opening on 10 January 2022, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel. 

The latest information for Edinburgh suggests only about 50% of 5 to 15 year olds have the Pass, but when the cost of living is a serious issue for many families and young people, free bus travel is a big help.

Hopefully applications are now easier with the launch of this website: https://freebus.scot/  and libraries can now deal with paper applications https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/public-transport/get-replace-nec/1

You can read more here https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/

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6.            RBS Mobile Bank; Pop-up Post Office; Iceland

Just a reminder that the RBS mobile bank continues to provide service at Iceland on Tuesdays from 11:45am to 12:45pm. While you’re there take advantage of Iceland offering 10% discount on Tuesdays on all products to those over 60, but take proof of age such as a bus pass or driving licence.

The pop-up post office also continues at the Scout Hut on Lanark Road on Wednesdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.

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7.            Currie Beer and Curry Festival

Taking place from 6pm this Friday and Saturday, 10 and 11 June, at Currie Community Centre, the last few tickets are available at £15 each https://cbdrt.com/events/beer-festival/2022/.   Volunteers are needed for Saturday night, and if you can help clear up on Sunday you are promised free tickets for next year’s festival.