Born in Edinburgh, I settled in Juniper Green in 1996 after living in various places and quickly discovered its charm. With a perfect balance of scenic outdoor spaces and the cultural vibrancy of the city, it has been a wonderful place to call home and raise a child (now an adult!). Having a strong sense of community here is invaluable and I would like to help build on that.

I have a background in civil engineering and currently work in estate management in the higher education sector.

AGENDA

1. Apologies

2. Dr MacKay’s Wood update

3. Muddy field path update

4. Local Place Plan

5. Councillors’ Corner

6. Reports and Recent Meetings

a. Secretary

b. Treasurer

c. Planning

d. School

7. AOB

8. Date of next meeting, 25 June 2025

After a successful open call, the Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) art trail is excited to announce its inaugural event, taking place over the weekend of 30–31 August 2025. The trail invites art lovers to explore the breathtaking upper valley of the Water of Leith, winding through the picturesque villages of Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie, and Balerno. This event will showcase the work of 18 professional artists and makers, offering a rare opportunity to experience their work up close in the creative spaces where it is made.

Created by local volunteers, the POSt art trail provides a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with artists in their own studios, see live demonstrations, and purchase original works directly from the creators. 

The trail features diverse studio spaces, including six working artist studios and four generously donated exhibition spaces.

Donated exhibition spaces on the trail Include:

• Craw’s Nest, Currie – A private business space hosting three artists, complete with kitchen and toilet facilities, conveniently located just off Lanark Road West.
• Colinton Village Enterprise ‘Shed’– A charming, charity-owned space housed in historic stone stables within Spylaw Park. Visitors will enjoy the possibility of a pop-up café and toilet facilities.
• Hub@531, Juniper Green – A welcoming community-owned venue on Lanark Road, equipped with kitchen and toilet amenities, ideal for a relaxed and engaging visit.
• Malleny Garden, Balerno – The beautiful National Trust for Scotland property offering a unique setting for art displays within its greenhouse.

In addition to painters, visitors will have the chance to experience the work of artists specialising in a variety of mediums, including artist bookmaking, printmaking, jewellery design, and textile art doll-making. The full list of participating artists will be announced on the POSt website in May.

A printed brochure and map will be available to help visitors navigate the trail, showing how the studios are linked via the scenic Water of Leith Walkway. The brochure will also include information on public transport routes, making it easy for cyclists, pedestrians, and those using public transit to plan their visit. Local landmarks will be highlighted to guide visitors along the way.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend, celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning natural beauty of the Pentlands. The event offers an exceptional opportunity to support local artists and makers, while also enjoying the rich history and charm of this picturesque region.

Interested in helping out? Volunteers are warmly welcome to assist in both preparing for and running the event. Those wishing to contribute can find more information on the POSt website.

For more information, updates, and a list of participating artists, visit:

https://Linktr.ee/POStudios

I was born and brought up in Edinburgh and I have lived in Baberton Mains since 2003. My daughter attended Juniper Green Primary School and is now at Currie Community High School. 

I work for NHS Lothian managing support services staff and enjoy the many challenges this brings. 

I play tennis at Juniper Green Tennis Club and like to get involved in community events. In becoming part of the Community Council I wanted to ensure there was representation from Baberton Mains.

I moved to Juniper Green in 2009 when I returned from London, with my family. I am married with two step-children, who attended Balerno High School, and a son. We enjoy the Pentland Hills walking with our two springer spaniels.

I am a qualified Chartered Surveyor and have run my own practice since 2007.

I enjoy the outdoors, especially golf, skiing and cycling, as well as the occasional swim in the reservoir or sea. 

We have lived in Juniper Green since 1991 which has been a great place to raise a family and walk the dogs. I often think how fortunate I am to have ended up in an area with such wonderful natural resource on our doorstep.

I worked within the NHS for most of my professional life and retired in 2021 and enjoy the outdoor life. I have a keen interest in horticulture and apparently spend too much time in my allotment.  

Born and raised in Colinton, it took me 40-odd years living and working in a dozen different countries to arrive in Juniper Green.  After an itinerant life, Ros and I have been involving ourselves with C&B News; Pentlands Book Festival; Pentland Art Club, and other local activities, as well as the Fairtrade movement.

I have been working to help build the community in Juniper Green and Baberton Mains and increase links with our neighbouring villages and beyond.

Vic Stewart has lived in Juniper Green since 1961 and is a Chartered  Secretary. He has worked in the civil service and the NHS and, most recently, the charity sector. 

He is a radio amateur and is involved in emergency communications with the local Council Emergency Planning Officers and was an Activities Adviser to the Scouts.  Vic takes the lead on Resilience matters in the CC.   

I have lived in Juniper Green for the last 25 years.  My son is from here: he’s now off to college but this is will always be where he’s from.  I like that sense of place and community.

I commute by bicycle.  You might think this makes me a keen cyclist but no: we’re just a one car family & I’m quicker by bike than bus.  I would like to see fewer cars and more cyclists and walkers.  

1.           GRANTED PLANNING APPLICATIONS

2.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS MADE 

25/01887/FUL: Proposed storey and a half rear extension with glass link and single storey entrance porch with store. at 29 Belmont Road Juniper Green EH14 5DZ

3.       TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS MADE

4.       REFUSED APPLICATIONS 

5.       CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS PROPOSED/ENFORCEMENT NOTICE

6.       AWAITING PLANNING DECISIONS

25/00623/FUL: New entrance with external steps, loft conversion with dormer and re-roofing. at 561C Lanark Road Juniper Green EH14 5DE.  

25/00305/FUL: Single-storey rear extension, replacement doors and new roof lights to the rear elevation, solar panel to the rear roof slope. at 557 Lanark Road Juniper Green EH14 5DE. 

7.       APPEAL 

OUTWITH JGBMCC AREA THAT IS WORTH NOTING

25/01681/PPP: Ten new buildings including a medical centre, transport building, offices, storage, 

garage / workshops and accommodation. Refurbishing the existing Category C listed Barracks building for 

office and storage use. The new buildings would be a mixture of single and two storey. The proposal forms part

 of a wider relocation of army facilities due to the scheduled closure of Redford Barracks. at Dreghorn Barracks

 82 Redford Road Redford Edinburgh EH13 9QW

1.     Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) Needs New Members

2.     Muir Wood Path Improvement Project – have your say!

3.     Dr MacKay’s Wood

4.     Juniper Green Tennis Club Court Upgrade Progress

5.     Grit Bins

6.     Poppy Appeal 2024

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1.     Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) Needs New Members

We’re still looking for new members to join us. We try to represent all residents and make our community a better place to live, and we need you.  The only qualification needed is that you live in the community. 

We’ve had a few residents join our meetings in recent months and they have been able to discuss local issues with some of our elected ward councillors and one of our MSPs, and our recently-elected MP is planning to attend in future.  You are welcome at any meeting.   

Examples of the breadth of our activities include:

·        creating the Pentlands Book Festival

·        setting up a charity to raise funds to purchase the disused public toilets and convert them into a community hub, with a flat above providing new housing accommodation

·        persuading a mobile bank to visit

·        working with students on projects including traffic surveys on the A70; mental health concerns post-pandemic; local neighbourhood essential facilities, and resilience topics

·        installing a defibrillator, a bike rack, arranging repairs in Bloomiehall Park and the walkway to the Water of Leith

·        organizing a series of hustings starting from Westminster in 2010 to Holyrood in 2021

·        celebrating the centennial of Bloomiehall Park, leading to the erection of information boards in the park

·        research that led to the publication of the history of Baberton Mains

·        running a farmers’ market

·        commenting on planning applications, especially where they affect the road network, provision of public transport, medical facilities, etc

·        organising the national Poppy Appeal

The Community Council website is https://jgbmcc.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil.  We issue periodic newsletters electronically and have noticeboards at the entrance to Juniper Green Primary School and the Lanark Road junction with Baberton Ave.      

We meet at 7:30pm in the Hub, 531 Lanark Road, on the fourth Wednesday in the month.  We are the lowest level of representation, so we play an important part in local democracy. 

If this has stimulated your interest in participating in JGBMCC, you can drop in at a CC meeting (the next being on Wednesday 22 January), or email correspondence@junipergreencc.org.uk, or we can arrange a chat with a CC member.

==****====

2.     Muir Wood Path Improvement Project – have your say!

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains and Currie Community Councils are together leading a project to improve the existing ‘muddy path’ between Bloomiehall Park and Muir Wood Road.  The path is well-used by school pupils, dog walkers and for general leisure and, as anyone who uses it will know, it can get muddy and wet underfoot especially at this time of year! 

To help with this work the Community Councils recently appointed Pell Frischmann consultants to progress the design of the path improvement.  Their input is being supported by funding received from Paths for All’s Ian Findlay Path Fund.  The Fund supports the improvement of local paths within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose active travel and public transport for everyday journeys for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.  The Fund is backed by Transport Scotland. 

Hearing from the local community on options to improve the path, how they would like the path to look and what features are more / less important is very valuable to inform the design process.  There will be the chance to see some options, share your views, and speak to the design team at two public engagement events in the new year. These will take place on:

·        Wednesday 29 January, 6 – 8pm at the Hub@531, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ

·        Thursday 30 January, 2 – 4pm at the Gibson Craig Hall, 156 Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5NY

If you can’t attend either day, there will still be a chance to give your feedback – please keep a look out for more details in the new year on posters around the local community and on the JGBMCC website.

We look forward to hearing your views.

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3.     Dr MacKay’s Wood

Dr MacKay’s Wood is a valuable green space in our village.  In 2004 a woodland was created on the land, but it has since become overgrown.  Following a meeting to gauge interest, local volunteers met on-site to discuss what could be done to improve the area, for people and wildlife.  Emily Ronaldson of Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust is providing leadership.  Some observations were:

·        The ivy is too dense to allow other flora to prosper;

·        An old fence and broken tree protectors littered the wood;

·        People wished to see more biological diversity and light within the trees;

·        A handrail was requested for the steps at the lower end of the woods; and

·        bird boxes, dead-hedges and wildflower areas were also suggested.

Some tasks were carried out such as removing old tree tubes and the redundant fence; cutting back ivy from trees and signposts, and dead vegetation was removed to improve the view in front of the bench.

The wood is already looking better and there will be more on-site sessions before Spring.  We will be looking to underplant the trees with a variety of bulbs to bring colour at different times of the year.  JGBMCC has agreed to provide £150 to buy the  bulbs.    

We are very keen to involve the local community in shaping how the wood should evolve.  So, if you have ideas that you wish to put forward, or if you want to get involved in practical work, please contact Michael.muirhead1@gmail.com to be placed on the mailing list.

The next session is on Thursday, 12^th December 2024 (10am - 12noon) at the Wood.

==****====

4.     Juniper Green Tennis Club Court Upgrade Progress

Further to the recent appeal to secure donations, interest-free loans and membership commitments from club members, local organisations and businesses, JGTC has managed to fulfil the financial obligations to qualify for inclusion within the central government funded nationwide LTA Park Tennis Project. This scheme will deliver, at approximately half the normal cost to the club, the substantial upgrading of the club's playing facilities with the resurfacing of our two playing courts and the provision of new fencing and a smart gate. The new macadam-based playing surface will support all-weather, all-year-round play and will underpin the club's plans to grow participation in the sport locally for all age groups and all abilities. 

It is currently hoped that the initial program of works will start in January. JGTC will share full details with its neighbours once confirmed. There will be a deliberate pause between the initial "heavy lifting" work and the subsequent painting of the new surface and marking lines which will complete the project. The latter stage requires temperatures of at least 10 degrees so is unlikely to occur before April. 

On behalf of everyone with a past, present and future connection with JGTC, the club would like to express our deep appreciation for all the financial support and words of encouragement from the local community, which has enabled it to clear the first, and undoubtedly the most challenging, obstacle of raising the requisite funds to join and benefit from the LTA Park Tennis Project.

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5.     Grit Bins

If you want to request a new grit bin or to report an empty one that needs filled, you can do so at https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/gritbinproblem  

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6.     Poppy Appeal 2024

Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council, in collaboration with Currie Community Council, is pleased to report that we banked £1,205 in the recent poppy collection.  We would like to thank all those who helped to raise this amount, particularly our shops and schools.

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1.     Pentlands Book Festival Programme Release and Ticketing

2.     Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) Needs New Members

3.     Pentland Art Club Needs A Treasurer

4.     Juniper Green Tennis Club Court Upgrade Plans

5.     Join the Friends of MacKay’s Wood

6.     Pentland Probus Club

7.     Poppy Appeal 2024

8.     Hub at 531 Drop-in Community Café and Fairtrade Stall

==****====

1.     Pentlands Book Festival Programme Release and Ticketing

The PBF 2024 programme - this year running from 23 October to 28 November - is now finalised and all is revealed on our spiffy rebranded website https://pentlandsbookfestival.org/.

Flyers are being distributed to libraries, shops, and cafes from Colinton to Balerno, or you can access a copy here.

Tickets are being released on 23^rd September, when all the “Get Tickets” buttons on the individual events pages on the website will go live, and they will also be available in Currie and Colinton libraries.  All events are free, with an optional pay what you can donation, but you will need a ticket for any you wish to attend.

==****====

2.     Juniper Green and Baberton Mains Community Council (JGBMCC) Needs New Members

Can an organisation set up under the Local  Government (Scot) 1973 Act as an intermediary between the community and Edinburgh Council (CEC) really be fun?  What might surprise you most about JGBMCC meetings is the amount of laughter in amongst serious discussion. 

CC members want to represent all residents and make their community a better place to live, and we need you to join us.  The only qualification needed is that you live in the community.

Examples demonstrating the breadth of our activities include:

·        creating the Pentlands Book Festival

·        setting up a charity to raise funds to purchase a disused public toilet and convert it into a community hub, with a flat above providing new housing accommodation

·        persuading a mobile bank to visit

·        working with students on projects including traffic surveys on the A70; mental health concerns post-pandemic; local neighbourhood essential facilities, and resilience topics

·        installing a defibrillator, a bike rack, arranging repairs in Bloomiehall Park and the walkway to the Water of Leith

·        organizing a series of hustings starting from Westminster in 2010 to Holyrood in 2021

·        celebrating the centennial of Bloomiehall Park, leading to the erection of information boards in the park

·        research that led to the publication of the history of Baberton Mains

·        running a farmers’ market

·        commenting on planning applications, especially where they affect the road network, provision of public transport, medical facilities, etc

·        organising the national Poppy Appeal

The Community Council website is https://jgbmcc.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil.  We issue periodic newsletters electronically and have noticeboards at the entrance to Juniper Green Primary School and the Lanark Road junction with Baberton Ave.      

We meet at 7:30pm in the Hub, 531 Lanark Road, on the fourth Wednesday in the month.  We are the lowest level of representation, so we play an important part in local democracy. 

If this has stimulated your interest in participating in JGBMCC, you can drop in at a CC meeting (AGM and regular meeting on Wednesday 25 September), or email correspondence@junipergreencc.org.uk, or we can arrange a chat with a CC member.

==****====

3.     Pentland Art Club Needs A Treasurer

Pentland Art Club is looking for a new Treasurer as the incumbent is stepping down after 10+ years.  The role is not onerous: mainly keeping tabs on our bank account, co-signing cheques when bank transfers to visiting artists are not possible, and reconciling the books after our annual exhibition.  No knowledge of art or ability to sketch is required.

Please contact Edingell thomsoneere@hotmail.com  or Ros ros.salton@outlook.com for more information.

==****====

4.     Juniper Green Tennis Club Court Upgrade Plans

Juniper Green Tennis Club (JGTC) is trying to transform the current playing facilities by raising funds to resurface the courts.  This would deliver an all-weather, year-round tennis facility as opposed to the current truncated seasonal offering where rain often stops play. 

JGTC plans are consistent with the objectives of Tennis Scotland and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which are to increase participation levels across all ages and abilities, and make tennis more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable. With new playing facilities JGTC aspires to deliver outreach exercises with local schools and expand existing programmes such as community tennis for the over-50s.  This would have required raising approximately £100,000 but unfortunately JGTC was not successful in getting any funds from Sportscotland.  

Fortunately the LTA is running a project to upgrade park tennis courts, and a successful application would halve the costs required to be generated by the club.  However, JGTC is still significantly short of the funds needed, so is appealing for help and financial donations towards its goal of delivering an upgraded all-year-round sporting asset for the Juniper Green, Baberton and Currie area.   All assistance would be gratefully received.

Please contact Paul Murphy, Chair of JGTC, at junipergreentennis@gmail.com if you wish to make a donation.

==****====

5.     Join the Friends of MacKay’s Wood

MacKay’s Wood is a small but important part of Juniper Green.  In 1939 Dr MacKay donated the land on which the wood stands.  In 1921 he had moved into a house on Lanark Road opposite the woodland which bears his name today.  In 1927 he purchased the field across from his house, partly to preserve the view.  It provides a natural woodland oasis and originally afforded magnificent views of the Pentland Hills.  It gives access to a wildlife corridor from those hills through to Curriemuirend Park. 

In 2004 the Juniper Green Village Association took responsibility for the site, creating a woodland for the community.  A new entrance was added to connect with the Water of Leith Walkway.  Maintenance of the woodland in the last decade, involving weeding, grass-cutting and tree thinning, has been carried out by volunteers from the Community Council.  The CC recently sought funding for a feasibility study to identify what is needed to reveal its ecological potential, suggest practical improvements, and provide a realistic management plan that volunteers can maintain.  We await news on the bid.

If you are interested in being a Friend of MacKay’s Wood please contact Cliff at c.e.beevers@gmail.com

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6.     Pentland Probus Club

Probus Clubs provide an opportunity for retired professional and business people to meet and enjoy social activity after finding themselves cut off from the interaction of working life.

Pentland Probus Club meets on a regular basis ín Juniper Green, with members resident in an area from Balerno to Colinton /Kingsknowe.  There is a separate Pentland Ladies Probus.

Meetings are held in Juniper Green on Wednesday mornings from 10.00am.  Twice-monthly speaker events run from September to May on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of the month at Pentland Parish Church Halls.  Other Wednesdays are coffee mornings at the Kinleith Mill.  The annual programme usually includes a morning outing to places of interest twice a year and a summer lunch when wives and partners are welcome.

Visitors are welcome - details of membership and meetings can be had from the Secretary, Leslie Hannaford, 0131 453 3012, or email lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk.

==****====

7.     Poppy Appeal 2024

Currie and Juniper Green and Baberton Mains CCs will be selling poppies in Juniper Green and Currie leading up to 11 November, including a street collection in Juniper Green and cans issued to local businesses and schools.  Both cash and electronic payments are most welcome for this very worthwhile cause.

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8.     Hub at 531 Drop-in Community Café and Fairtrade Stall

Tea, coffee and home-baking.  To mark Fairtrade Fortnight (9th - 22nd September) The Hub will be hosting a Fairtrade Stall with items for purchase ranging from chocolate to cleaning products. Come along and find out more about Fairtrade products and the positive impacts they have.

Received from City of Edinburgh Council

You may already be aware that members of Unite and GMB trades unions are planning strike action in Edinburgh from 5am on 14 August until 4.59am on 22 August. If the strike goes ahead, we are expecting this to cause significant disruption to bin collections, street cleansing services, recycling centres and public toilets during this time.

We’ve created dedicated web pages with information and advice for residents, businesses and visitors about the strike, how it will affect people and how to manage waste safely and responsibly during this time.

During the strike we are anticipating that

• there will be no bin collections or street cleaning services
• recycling centres will be closed
• our flytipping and special uplift services will be suspended
• public toilets will be closed.

Trade waste collections will not be affected as this is not a service the Council provides for businesses.

I’d appreciate it if you’re able to share this information with your stakeholders, customers and colleagues via your communications channels to help us raise awareness of the strike as widely as possible. 

Advice for businesses

Please visit our website and our X feed (formerly Twitter) ahead of and during the strike. These will be updated regularly with the latest information.

During the strike, please help us to minimise litter in the city by

• making suitable arrangements so your business is ready for the impact of the strike
• speak to your trade waste provider and adjust your collections accordingly to make sure you have enough capacity and collections scheduled during the strike
• make sure bags/bins are not left out when your business is closed. They should only be put out during your trade waste collection window
• if your business provides packaging that could become litter (eg takeaway food or drinks) please encourage your customers to bring their litter back to your premises to dispose of it or to take it home with them
• provide reusable packaging for customers wherever possible
• continue to provide bins, where possible on your premises, to collect any potential litter created from your business eg used drinks containers etc
• downloading and displaying a printable poster on your premises to help raise awareness of the strike with your customers.

Why is the strike happening?

This is a national dispute over pay, with strike action planned across the country. Discussions are ongoing between COSLA, trades unions and the Scottish Government with a view to agreeing a pay deal and resolving the dispute.

Edinburgh is the first local authority in Scotland where the action is taking place with strike action confirmed to go ahead in other council areas unless agreement is reached.

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 25 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

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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.

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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

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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/

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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

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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/.

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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. 

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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/

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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/

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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

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