3 ways to help Kirknewton this weekend

Help your village 1 – Speed Calming Petition

There is a petition in the shop and Post Office asking for traffic calming measures in the east side of the village up to the garage.  Signing the petition also commits you to pledge not to speed in the village.  It would be great if you could sign it.

From 2010 to 2011 1000 more cars went over the railway crossing on a daily basis.  The police have yet to provide us with a report on average speed in the east of the village but it has been reported to West Lothian Council as a potential danger area and was highlighted in the public consultation last February.  Thanks to a local resident the speed of public transport is being monitored at the moment.

Having met with the local councillor, planning and the police already they are aware this is a matter residents of Kirknewton take very seriously.  If you feel very strongly about the issue please sign the peitition.

Help your village 2 – Give It A Go!

The Give It A Go! meeting happens on Mon 13 Feb at 8pm in the Village Hall.  Prior to the meeting (if you are going or not) please fill out the quick survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QL66PJN and let us know what new clubs you would like to be part of and what outcomes of the Development Plan you may like to help with.

The meeting will look at what activities we can start for young people in the village, kick start some new clubs and activities for adults and utilise your skills and knowledge to achieve the Development Plan over the next three years!

During the community consultation you highlighted the lack of things to do for all ages, particularly young people, and the lack of facilities in the village. The Development Trust are working on building the Resource Centre to provide a base for volunteering activity and have organised the ‘Give It A Go’ meeting to discuss options available to the community now.  You could help with the running of a club or simply join in! The meeting starts at 8pm and is expected to last 1 and a half to two hours. The meeting will be a jumping off point to; Discuss what and who can help with clubs for young people in the village. To start new groups for adults in the village. To get involved with current groups in the village. To match your skills to projects in the Kirknewton Development Plan. Share help and advice between groups. Hope to see you there!

Help Your Village 3 - Fauch Hill Wind Farm Development survey

There is only one week to go to fill out the Kirknewton Community Council consultation on the Fauch Hill Wind Farm development that will be built within the Kirknewton Council boundary.  You can fill the survey out online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FauchHillWindFarm or by post in the pack that should have been sent to your home.  Nearly 100 of you have already done so but we need more to get a representative sample of the village. You can also find out more about this consultation at http://kirknewton.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/kirknewton-launch-wind-farm-consultation-2/

Fauch Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit update

The Kirknewton Community Council Fauch Hill Wind Farm survey can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FauchHillWindFarm. The Fauch Hill wind farm notification is on page 45 of this weeks West Lothian Courier. The details of the commmunity benefit package, negotiated by Kirknewton Community Development Trust, is summarised by Invicta, the public affairs organisation employed by the Developers EFRG.   1. As communicated in our last position paper on community benefit (issued just before Christmas) we have now agreed to partner with the West Lothian Development Trust to provide a community benefit of £4k per MW of installed capacity. Based on the submitted layout this would amount to £276k per  annum and circa £7m over the 25 year lifecycle of the project. As part  of the agreement of partnering with WLDT they have agreed to provide  60% of the funds on a revenue basis to be split equally between Kirkewton Development Trust and West Calder and Harburn Development Trust (once formed) to allow both host communities to take forward projects that benefit the local community. The remainder 40% of the fund will be distributed to neighbouring communities (tbc) and strategic projects that benefit West Lothian as a whole.

2. In addition the CBF we have also agree to provide a Local Infrastructure fund of £276k (effectively a 26th year of the CBF) for the benefit of the local community who live around our site and outwith any of the established settlements. (We are) in active discussions with the sub group about the amount and focus of this fund. However the broad criteria will remain that this money will be available during the construction period of the project (I.e 3 years from planning) and be focussed on capital investment projects that improve energy efficiency and micro renewables opportunities. (We are) currently waiting on feedback from (the group) following our last meeting and will be in a position to move this forward substantively in February.

3. Finally EFRG remain committed to offering a Community Investment Scheme that would allow the local community (scope tbc) to invest their own money into the project to help them realise an annual return in line with the performance of the windfarm. At this moment we do not have a workable model however once the CBF and LIF are agreed (we) again would like our attention to turn to this matter in a purposeful manner.

(We) look forward to seeing the results from your local consultation exercise. If you need input from us then please ask. Our project website is now updated with the submission details and we will be issuing briefing packs next week to all stakeholders. Thereafter (we) intend to hold a Liaison Forum meeting in February and arrange to  attend all relevant stakeholder organisation meetings to present on the application at next practical opportunity. Finally to move matters on on all matters outlined on community benefit we will be arranging as CB Working Group meeting. The timeline for all of these meeting will be mid to late February.

 

Kirknewton launch wind farm consultation

Dear Kirknewton resident,

This blog entry has been written on behalf of the Kirknewton Community Council.

Kirknewton has been identified by the company EFRG as one of the host communities for a wind energy power station to be sited to the west of Harperrig Reservoir. You may know it as the Fauch Hill Wind Farm.

The Kirknewton Community Council had been relying upon the developer’s consultation to ensure that the views of local communities were understood fully. However, we have not sufficient confidence in the results of the consultation, particularly with regard to the sample size of people from Kirknewton that have made their views known at the two events held in the Kirknewton Village Hall. We believe it is very important that a sufficient sample of the Kirknewton community has an input to this consultation so that there is confidence that the views expressed are those of the community as a whole.

Therefore we have asked IBP Strategy and Research to conduct some independent market research on the Community Council’s behalf to get yet your views.

Atached to this this blog entry you will find

• A background document relating summary of discussions between the Community Council, Kirknewton Community Development Trust and EFRG (represented by Invicta)
• A document written by Hugh Hunter Gordon from the Community Council on sources of energy (it should be stressed that this paper has been written by me in a personal capacity and you are also encouraged to look at other sources of information about these issues).
• A survey that covers
  • Your opinion of wind farms in general
  • The Fauch Hill Wind Farm proposal
  • The community benefit packages being offered by the developer of the Fauch Hill Wind Farm

The Community Council would appreciate it if you could fill this survey out online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FauchHillWindFarm or on the paper copy enclosed and send to IBP Strategy and Research in the Reply Paid envelope (provided in a pack that will be sent to all households in Kirknewton) by Friday 10^th February.

IBP will also contact a sample of the community through a door-to-door survey in early February.

The results should be available on or before 1^st March and will be presented at the Kirknewton Community Development Trust AGM on that date at 8.30pm.

It is important that you make your views known on this matter and both the Community Council and the Kirknewton Community Development Trust would appreciate your responses.

If you have any questions regarding this consultation please contact Fraser Grieve at IBP Strategy and Research on 01698 743075 (f.grieve@ibp.eu.com).

Thank you for your co-operation

Hugh Hunter Gordon

Chair of Kirknewton Community Council

Wind Farm summary

Energy options paper

Survey questions

100% want Kirknewton Christmas Festival next year.

Happy Chinese New Year – year of the Dragon!  I hope you also have a great Burn’s Night this week.  Apologies to those who would have liked village events for both of these nights, but maybe next year…In the meantime I thought it would be useful to share the results of the Kirknewton Christmas Festival evaluation survey

100% of you that responded to the survey said they would like to see it happen again next year.  It is quite clear from the results that the month of events were quite popular with you all.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR

60% of you who attended the new Christmas Craft and Food Fair thought it was excellent, 30% Very Good and 10% Good.

Comments included;

“Gill & Dan’s burgers were great. Thought was bit squashed in the barn could have done with bit more space.”

“I enjoyed this event greatly and purchased some decoration materials and gifts. I enjoyed the sing song and the Hamburgers also”

“The “barn” could do with some cosmetic improvements I guess.”

“I thought it was an excellent first attempt and very enjoyable. The boys really enjoyed it!”

“Fantastic  idea and believe it has  so much potential to be developed next year.Festive, warm & welcoming atmosphere Great selection of quality crafts & festive food. Saving the date for next year…please let us know earlier!”

HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

75% of you heard about the Christmas Festival from the facebook group, 62.5% from the flyer and 43% from the ad in Konect magazine.  31.3% heard about the event from the poster, the same percentage for the Kirknewton website and 25% of you heard about the event through word of mouth.

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR

42.9% of those who attended the School Christmas Fair thought it was excellent.  42.9% thought it was very good and 14.3% thought it was good.

Comments included;

“Thought fair was excellent”

“Bring back the home baking!”

“Some items quite expensive for what they were. Felt obliged to take son so he didn’t miss out.”

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

22.2% of those who attended thought the Lighting of the Christmas Tree was excellent.  55.6% thought it was very good. 22.2% thought it was good.

Comments included;

“Thought lights on tree a bit disappointing but the event was well organised”

(a number of people asked for improved lights and lampost decorations for next year)

“A sing-along next year please.”

“Excellent idea to have overspill in pub – just need some carols at the tree for next year……bit of festive music!”

“Bit crowded in the hall for refreshments but I don’t think that any improvement can be made as that’s a result of the Tree Lighting’s success!”

“Would be good to get a couple of carols at the tree! And would be nice if it snowed, just a little.”

“Nothing bad, the weather unfortunately was poor which spoiled it a little.”

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

20% of those who attended the Christmas Tree sale thought it was excellent.  40% very good.  40% good.

Comments included;

“Great idea selling Christmas trees. Some lovely glass work crafts & home baking  but overall  table top sale limited.”

“Hard to rate as just got my pre-ordered tree there but all looked good – table top a good idea but maybe need to try and combine with fair as as not too many things on in one month??????”

“Too Late for Xmas tree to be purchased on 17th December.”

CAROL SINGING AND TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

For those who attended the Carol Singing and torchlight procession 66.7% thought it was excellent and 33.3% thought it was good.

Comments included;

“My son attended I couldn’t as my younger one in bed. He has been at it 2 years and enjoys it really great idea for xmas eve.”

“A very enjoyable evening in good company”

“Didn’t go this year but have been every other year and I love it…”

“Probably would be good to stop and sing in a few more places.”

OTHER POPULAR EVENTS

Most attended events by those who responded to the survey were the lighting of the Christmas Tree, the Craft and Food Fair, School Carol services, the P1-3 nativity and the nursery nativity.

Comments included;

“Enjoyed the carol singing particularly as this year it was held in the church instead of school.”

“Was a lot of people crammed in m(nursery nativity). Perhaps next year it could be in gym hall or issue tickets.”

“Both lovely, so pleased the carol concert happened after 3 years of trying.”

“The nursery nativity was great though the venue was a bit cramped. However I don’t think you could move it to the hall as the kids would be too intimidated and it was difficult to hear them as it was. Maybe christmas songs would be easier at that age? Well done everyone!”

“Charged £4 (£2 each) to watch son sing in nativity. Most other parents I know from other schools didn’t have to pay as much/didn’t have to pay at all. (School seems to have something to pay for almost every week and you always feel obliged so that your kid doesn’t miss/get picked on because you can’t afford it)”

“Advertising dates  for events earlier.”

“Love all the Christmas events – think the school carol service would be good with mulled wine and mince pies after it???”

OTHER IDEAS AND COMMENTS

You were also asked for you ideas and comments for next year.  These included

“A suggestion box maybe”

“Would be lovely to have a childrens choir to sing at events…”

“Building on 2011 Christmas Festival & perhaps having a Christmas  Craft & Food Fair earlier in December too.”

“What about Santa going around the estates on a float/ trailer? Not sure how feasible this would be health & safety wise though”

“Think Tony has done fantastically well pulling this together and got some good publicity for the village too its a great idea.   I would have definately attended other events – school fair & lighting of xmas tree but had other commitments on these days.”

“Great ideas and congratulations to all the folk who gave up their own time and effort into running this activities.  Unfortunately, due to other committments this year did not get the opportunities to attend these programme but I heard wonderful things about them all from parents, neighbours & young people living in the village.  Well done to all involved and your hard work is very much appreciated.  Keep up the great work.”

“We would have attended more events but with little kids we can’t always get to everything on time. Maybe the lighting of the tree could be earlier, say 5pm? Then we might have managed!”

“Would have attended more if we hadn’t had other commitments/illness.”

“Thank you to those who organised events and put in the hard work & effort to make it happen!”

“Just need more bodies to make these things happen as ever but well done to everyone who did make them happen this year.”

“Can’t think of anything to add to this year’s one – it was smashing.”

and finally…

“The best wee christmas festival in West Lothian. Next year let us make it the best big festival”

Thanks very much to everyone who helped and attended the events.  Hope to see you next year!

 

 

Happy New Year – happy new you!

Happy New Year from the Development Trust.  I hope you survived the recent gale force winds!

It is time to gently get back into the swing of things – so we have a few new year suggestions for you.

HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

You may have a new year resolution that will help the environment – why not share your pledge on the Kirknewton website at http://www.kirknewton.org/pledge/make_a_pledge

If you wish to join the food waste scheme then you can collect a free food waste caddie from the Development Trust office – if we are closed e-mail infokirknewton@gmail.com and we can arrange a time for you to come and collect one.  This scheme is now guaranteed to continue until at least March 2013 thanks to a grant from West Lothian Council.  If you are already separating your food waste and preventing it going to landfill then tell us about it on the website pledge page at http://www.kirknewton.org/pledge/make_a_pledge

You may also wish to consider how you travel to work or weekly trips – try the West Lothian Tripshare scheme at http://www.westlothiantripshare.com/Default.asp?uxi=&cr=check to see if you can share a car.  The Trust also has guides to Cycling to Work – they are available free from the office and we will make some available at various outlets in the village.

VOLUNTEER OR JOIN A NEW GROUP

The Trust are working on facilitating groups to help kick start more youth events in the village, based on information gathered during  the volunteer and skills audit.  We hope to bring together people to start a number of new groups or encourage you to join a current group who could use your skills.  Over 60 people have already participated in our volunteer and skills survey and will be contacted over the next few weeks with more details.  There is still time to share your volunteering and skills at our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB if you want to know more!

You may have also heard we have received funding of £110,000 to build a new resource centre on the old Gospel Hall site.  Work will hopefully start soon on the build but we need to raise at least another £20,000 for match funding / interior work/equipment.  You will have the chance to fundraise for the new village project in the new year – details will be made available after the Development Trust Annual General Meeting at the end of February.

HEALTH AND WELL BEING

A number of local companies can help you eat healthier and improve your general health and well being.

My local 5 a day came to the Christmas Craft and Food Fair and are offering 25% off your first order at http://mylocal5aday.co.uk/

You can have fine dining from all the best ingredients at home or have fantastic catering for your party/event with David’s Kitchen at http://www.davidskitchen.co.uk/

Hedgerow are also offering locally baked bread at the local shop – read more about them at http://www.konectdirectory.co.uk/paulholborn.php

If you fancy a bit of pampering then contact local business Lisa Blair on 07910002251 or e mail beautytherapy@hotmail.co.uk

For Indian Head Massage, Reiki and Relaxation Therapy check out http://www.wholebodybalance.co.uk/

You can support other businesses in the local area – check out the directory on the Kirknewton website at http://www.kirknewton.org/business_directory.  If you have a local business that you would like to have on free on the directory then please contact us at infokirknewton@gmail.com

Thanks to Potter Around who hosted the Craft and Food Fair – you can read more about Potter Around in an article that appeared in the Scotsman magazine prior to Christmas here

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

There are couple of surveys currently running that need your feedback.  One is from a graduate at Napier who is doing some research on the proposed army barracks at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MWPQZNF and the other is from the Development Trust on the Kirknewton Christmas Festival at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VFLZPB3 - get your thoughts known for the new year on both before 12th January!

Kirknewton – 2011 review of the year

It has been a busy year for the small village of Kirknewton – as we approach the beginning of 2012 I thought it would be interesting to reflect on the last twelve months.

January

New job!

A year after the Kirknewton facebook group begins the Kirknewton twitter feed is launched at http://twitter.com/#!/KirknewtonEH27

The Kirknewton blog is launched to keep you fully informed of all developments in the village over the year!

Kaspars, the pre and after school club that was started and run by a group of volunteers in the village, is taken with thankful support from the committee by Simply Play.  This will provide umberella support and resources to improve the service.

February

I Love Kirknewton community consultation takes place, funded by the Big Lottery.  You are asked what you like about Kirknewton, what you don’t like and what you would like to see happen.  Over 500 people participate in the consultation and the work is regarded by the lottery as an example of good practice.

The Development Trust continue to work on investing in an anaerobic digestor, with potential bids for food waste collection and the building of an AD plant being considered.  Discussions also ongoing with Fauch Hill wind farm developers EFRG as they begin to consult with the local community their proposals.  All turbines are proposed to be within the Kirknewton community council boundary.

March

The Development Trust organise a talk on Wood Burning stoves and using wood for winter fuel at the Village Hall.  40 people attend the event.  They also begin feedback on the community consultation and present the ‘Big Ideas’ from the village at another drop in event.

The new Kirknewton Pottery range is launched at Potter Around at an event with MSP Angela Constance.  A new Kirknewton Riding and Trekking school is also announced.

The Development Trust begin the 6 month Food Waste Trial to prevent food waste going to landfill and to provide data for the proposed AD plant.  Their are 15 bin champions appointed and over 260 homes take part.

The new Kirknewton website is launched at www.kirknewton.org

April

The Fauch Hill windfarm develops with some turbines moved into the West Calder and Harburn Community boundary.  Kirknewton insist West Calder and Harburn join any discussions about community benefit or potential investment in the wind farm alongside the Kirknewton Development Trust.

A large road and an underpass are agreed to replace the level crossing at the train station.  Village opinion is largely not in favour of the proposals and Network Rail later announce they hope to put in a double barrier instead.

The new playpark is opened, just in time for the ‘summer’ that was April.  It is well used!  A Park Action Group begins to help West Lothian Council develop the park throughout the year.

Kirknewton Powerdown funding ends and, after two years in the village, we say good bye and thanks to Lisa Morton and her team.  They end with a fantastic ‘Meals and Wheels’ event at which over 300+ people attend.  The Clan cycling team make an appearance, cycle use is promoted by groups such as West Lothian Clarion and local food and drink is consumed and enjoyed!

May

The Community Consultation paper is published online at http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_final_report2011.1 - we begin consulting about where to put our recycling bins (still waiting!).  A copy of the ‘I Love Kirknewton’ community consultation is sent to the local history library in Linlithgow.

The Kirknewton Spring Fair takes place (and it doesn’t rain til the very end – yippee!)

The snow finally ends!

June

Kirknewton Primary School pupils win the Scotland Euroquiz at the Scottish Parliament.

The draft Kirknewton Development Plan is launched for consultation.  June seems to be the month for consultation!

The Park Action Group begin consultation on potential new outdoor gym equipment for the playpark (for kids and adults 15+)

The police launch a consultation on local community policing and safety.

The Kirknewton Gala happens.  Like most of the Gala’s in West Lothian during the ‘summer’  it rains.  And rains.  And rains.  But the residents of Kirknewton stay and enjoy the event til the bitter end.  An increase of Lem Sip being purchased is recorded afterwards at the local shop!

July

Kirknewton come 33rd out of nearly 1000 community groups on energyshare for our proposed hydro scheme at Harperrig Reservoir.  We are in the last 100 but don’t make the final cut but help support the Portobello and Leith Community turbine project, and they win £80,000 by only 30 votes!

MP Liam Fox announces a proposed new super barracks to be based at Kirknewton airfield just before the summer recess at parliament.  The national media turn up in our ‘sleepy village’ for comment – most of us are on holiday!  Kirknewton representatives attend a meeting in October but there is no new information scheduled until Spring 2012 at the earliest.

August

The Cyrenians Farm have an open day at Humbie Holdings.

The Park Action Group announce a potential new path around the park – it is completed by the end of September.

The first Police Drop In takes place at the Development Trust office.  The Police Drop In event takes place monthly thereafter.

The Lord Academy of Performing Arts continues throughout Saturday and Cathy Bird Highland Dance moves to Friday evenings, both in the Village Hall.

September

Network Rail announce their new proposals for the level crossing.

Angela Constance MSP has her first surgery in the Development Trust office.

The Development Trust take on the lease of the 24 Main Street office for another twelve months and extend the Development Officer contract til at least April 2012.

The food waste trial ends after a successful and well received six months.  Work begins on convincing West Lothian Council they should consider funding the project until their own food waste scheme begins.

Work begins on the new path around the park and the new Outdoor Gym is installed.

The Cycle Path Development Group, inspired by the Meals and Wheels event, kicks off looking at potential cycle/multi use paths at Selm Muir wood and cycle/multi use paths to it from the village centre.  By December discussions begin with the Forestry Commission and initial plans are drawn up for potential routes from Kirknewton in and around Selm Muir wood for further consultation.

We bid for RBS Community Force money for the initial paths but 100 supporters unfortunately does not take us to the top 3 groups.  Currie Playgroup get a £6000 award with over 400 supporters.

A series of cycle reports by the Development Trust and Transport Initiatives are also published online

Here are the cycling reports to Livingston from Kirknewton

http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_to_livingston_-_review_route_75

http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_to_livinsgston_-_route_a_using_route_75

http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_to_livingston_-_route_b_using_b_roads

Here are the cycling reports to Balerno

http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_to_balerno_-_review_route_75

http://issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/kirknewton_to_balerno_-_using_route_75

The Post Office launch an initiative to buy and sell second hand books.  Please go and pick up a book or two to read for your Christmas holidays today (£1 softback, £2 hardback – bargain)!  The PO also provide a facility to take out cash with any cash card during opening hours.

October

Kirknewton playgroup have a fundraising bingo night and the Allotment Association have their first Kirknewton Apple Day event.  Local MSP Angela Constance and Councillor Dave King choose their favourite village Apple Pies and Halloween lanterns.  Over 200 people attend the event and £300 is raised for the Allotment Association.

Consultation begins on replacing the roundabout in the playpark with a revolving climbing/rope frame.

Potter Around is one – you can see more local and new Kirknewton businesses online at http://www.kirknewton.org/business_directory

Kirknewton Development Trust are awarded £110,000 Leader funding (pending planning application and building warrant) for the new Resource Centre on the old Gospel Hall Site.  The fully sustainable building using renewable energy for power/heat will provide meeting space that will free the village hall for more activity based clubs as well as provide a new office for the Development Trust and space for volunteers/businesses in the village

November

The Kirknewton Community Development Plan for 2012-2015 is made available online http://www.issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/community_development_plan_nov_11 - this plan was developed from the community consultation is February 2011 and is based around five themes.  The themes are Community Development and Volunteering, Community Facilities and Services, Local Environment and Green Space, Planning and Strategic Development and Local Economy & Training.

The Kirknewton Community Skills and Volunteer survey is launched for 11 days from 11.11.11 to 22.11.11.

Good attendance at Remembrance Sunday event.

The village goes Zumba crazy throughout the year and a new club begins at the Village Hall every Thursday.

Bulb planting takes place in the park by a willing group of volunteers.  It is hoped that a new park youth art project will take place in the spring, a potential skate/bike area will be made available and that the basket swing will survive (as it will not be replaced again)!

Cars speed are monitored at Hillhouse Wynd following a meeting with Edinburgh police, local road planning and the local councillor.  Network Rail inform us over 1000 more cars a day go over the level crossing since 2010.

The Parent Staff Association Family Ceilidh at the Kirknewton Stables is a sell out and fun night that raises funds for the school.  The Parent Council launch an online group to discuss school issues and to help support each other through the primary school years!

The snow comes back!  But it is wind that will close the school!

December

The results of the Kirknewton Community Skills and Volunteer survey are published online at http://www.issuu.com/kirknewton/docs/skills_and_volunteer_survey_dec_2011 - over 60 people in the village responded.  You can still make sure your skills and volunteering is captured online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB

The first Kirknewton Christmas Festival is announced.  The second year of the lighting of the Christmas Tree is followed by free refreshements in the Village Hall and, for the first time, the Village Inn.  The new Christmas Craft and Food Fair has 200+ visitors to Potter Around with a BBQ, home baking, mulled wine, several community and business groups, Santa and Christmas Songs in the Potter Around barn.  Still to come are the School church service, the Carol Singing Torchlight Procession, the Watchnight Service and the Christmas Day service – check out the What’s On section of the website for more details at www.kirknewton.org

Christmas comes but once a year – but the food waste scheme will continue to March 2013 thanks to a grant from West Lothian Council.  Thanks especially to Councillor Carl John for his help on achieving that outcome.   If you want to take part in the scheme caddies are still available from the Development Trust Office.

And in early 2012…

We hope an agreement with EFRG/Fauch Hill wind farm and the West Lothian Development Trust will be reached soon.

That planning permission and building warrant will be granted for the new Resource Centre.

That we will be able to match volunteers/skills to the five themes of the Development Plan an help faciliate more youth groups in the village.

That we can update you shortly on traffic calming in the village, the provision of recycle units, the level crossing and continue work on the park and cycle/multi use paths.

And by spring we hope to have more of an idea about the impacts of the proposed Kirknewton super barracks.

And finally…

So – another busy year ahead!  I hope you enjoyed the whistle stop tour over the last 12 months.  Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to the work of all the community groups and events.  Apologies if I missed anything out – please feel free to share any landmark moments you may have had in the comments section.  From all at the Development Trust have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kirknewton Christmas Festival

The first Kirknewton Christmas Festival begins in one weeks time.  Thanks to all the community groups who have worked hard to put all the events together

Flyers with the full listings for the Festival are available around the village and should be delivered with the next issue of Konect.  Some of the highlights are below

On Friday 2nd December following the School Christmas Fair (10.30am – 12.30pm in the school hall) you can make Christmas Cards for Mum and Dad and from 2-3pm you can make fruity lip balm fo ryou or for pressies at Potter Around, Overton Farm – entry is £10 for each Kids Club (please note the change of time from the flyer).

On Saturday 3rd December at 6pm there is the annual lighting of KirknewtonVillage Christmas Tree.  This event was very well attended last year despite the thick snow underfoot.  The event is meeting from 6pm in the school playground for a 6.15pm departure with a torch lit procession along to the tree at Park Terrace.  Following the ‘switch on’ there are festive refreshments in the village hall (please be aware space is limited in the hall so there may be a queue to get in). Glowsticks are available to buy in advance from Kirknewton Community Development Trust office or Potter Around for £1 each or on the night (please bring change!).

On Sunday 4th December at 2-4pm there is a Playgroup Jumble Sale in the Village Hall.  Donations of kids clothes, books, dvds, CDs, and games can be made to the Playgroup from 9am to 11.15am the week before please.

On Saturday 10th December from 12 til 3pm the Development Trust presents the ‘Kirknewton Family Christmas Craft and Food Fair’ at Potter Around.  There will be craft stalls, Gala gifts and ice cream, Christmas decorations, BBQ, home baking, tea, coffee, mulled wine, carol singing, Santa’s grotto and special Christmas surprises.  Entry is free.

On Sat 17th December there will be a Christmas Tree and Table Top Sale in the School Playground.  Hot drinks, mince pies and even Father Christmas will be there.  Some come along to find a bargain!

The following day on Sunday 18th December from 4 to 7pm there is a Christmas gig with vocalist Kenny in the Main Street Village Inn.

As with other villages and towns there are plenty of school nativitie sand parties but for the true spirit of Christmas you can’t get any better than joining in the Carol Singing Torchlight Procession (followed by mince pies and hot chocolate) on Saturday 24th December from 10pm. The event is starting from Meadowbank Road, at the Roundabout from about 9.45pm (to leave at 10pm)

The procession is followed at 11.30pm with the Watchnight Service inKirknewton Church and on Sunday 25th December the Christmas Day Service is at 10am.

For listings go to the Kirknewton website at www.kirknewton.org and keep checking the facebook group / twitter for updates.

I hope you have a great time at all the events and have a Merry Christmas too!

 

Kirknewton Development Trust Open Day

Have you filled out the Skills and Volunteer survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB – only 2 days left!

Fill it in online at the Development Trust Office Open Day on the final day – 22.11.11 – staff will be on hand to help.

Hand in the paper copy of the survey now or on 22.11.11

Enjoy a warm cuppa and ask any questions on traffic calming measures, the Christmas Festival, the army barracks, the rail crossing barriers, the new Resource Centre building, park dewvelopments, investment in AD Plant / Hydro / Fauch Hill Wind Farm, the proposed cycling route, the Kirknewton Development Plan, the Development Trust (or anything else).

Collect new bags for the Food Waste Trial, get a free caddie and join in the food waste trial, collect a free energy monitor (worth £25 – while stocks last), free books on Cycling to Work or hand in your old shoes for recycling (in aid of the Variety Club).

Hope to see you there

Big push for the final weekend of Kirknewton survey

THE BIG SURVEY PUSH – your 11 days are nearly up!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB

Today is one of the biggest volunteering days of the year – Children In Need.

It is also the final weekend to let us know your skills (sometimes you may even be paid for what you do!), if you take time to raise funds for others or Kirknewton activities, if you are a carer, if you volunteer in or out of the village, if you want to volunteer but are unsure of what to do or even if you don’t have time to do anything.  We want to hear from you online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB.

Volunteer ‘hours’ can sometimes be used as ‘cash’ for match funding bids to help get things done in the village.

PLEASE take 5 minutes now to fill out the survey or this weekend.  You can fill out the survey online or on paper copies that have come through your door.

Paper copies can be delivered to the Development Trust office at 24 Main Street.  Deadline is 22nd November.

That link again is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8SCJJB

Thanks.

‘Tis the season to be jolly in Kirknewton

‘Tis the season to be jolly – the Kirknewton Christmas Festival is coming!

If you take a look at the Kirknewton Development Plan Theme One, Priority 2 is to identify and promote groups/events and to increase the number of successful annual events by 2013.

Already the Parent Staff Association have announced their events for 2012 (and the forthcoming Family Ceilidh at the Stables – get your tickets now!) and the Development Trust are keen for local groups to develop an annual series of events every year that make us the ‘Gateway to the Pentlands’ from the west/West Lothian and help our local economy.

The first ‘Kirknewton Christmas Festival’ from 2nd to 25th December is an example of that.  The idea came out of the successful Christmas tree lighting event last year (very cold, very slippy underfoot, very well attended!) and Potter Around suggesting a craft fair and the Development Trust thinking about having a traditional Christmas food fair.  Instead of several individual events struggling to promote themselves why not put them all together in one tiny festival and wrap them up with a lovely christmas bow on top!

So as soon as you could say ‘ho ho ho’ the school, the gala, the playgroup, Potter Around, Kirknewton church, the PSA, the Kirknewton Inn, the Allotment Association and the Development Trust (and a few others still to be contacted for help!) responded to the call and over 20 events were put forward to entertain Kirknewton folk on their very own doorstep during December.

Highlights are on after the School Christmas Fair  on Friday 2nd December 10.30am til 12.30pm in the school hall) you can make Christmas Cards for Mum and Dad from 1.30pm and from 3-4pm you can make fruity lip balm for you or for pressies at Potter Around, Overton Farm – entry is £10 for each Kids club.

On Saturday 3rd December at 6pm there is the annual lighting of Kirknewton Village Christmas Tree.  This event was very well attended last year despite the thick snow underfoot.  The event is meeting from 6pm in the school playground for a 6.15pm departure with a torch lit procession along to tree at Park Terrace.  Following the ‘switch on’ there is festive refreshments in the village hall.  Glowsticks are available to buy in advance from Kirknewton Community Development Trust office or Potter Around.

On Sunday 4^th December at 2-4pm there is a Playgroup Jumble Sale in the Village Hall.  Donations of kids clothes, books, dvds, CDs, and games can be made to the Playgroup from 9am to 11am week the before please.

On Saturday 10th December from 12 til 3pm the Development Trust presents the ‘Kirknewton Family Christmas Craft and Food Fair’ at Potter Around.  There will be craft stalls, Christmas decorations, BBQ, home baking, tea, coffee, non alcoholic mulled wine, carol singing, Santa’s grotto and special Christmas surprises.  Entry is free.

On Sat 17th December there will be a Christmas Tree and Table Top Sale in the School Playground.  Hot drinks, mince pies and even Father Christmas will be there.  Some come along to find a bargain!

The following day on Sunday 18th December from 4 to 7pm there is a Christmas gig with vocalist Kenny in the Main Street Village Inn.

As with other villages and towns there are plenty of school nativities and parties but for the true spirit of Christmas you can’t get any better than joining in the Carol Singing Torchlight Procession (followed by mince pies and hot chocolate) on Saturday 24th December from 10pm.  The event is starting from Meadowbank Road, at the Roundabout from about 9.45pm (to leave at 10pm)

The procession is followed at 11.30pm with the Watchnight Service in Kirknewton Church and on Sunday 25th December the Christmas Day Service is at 10am.

Full listings can be found on the What’s On section of the Kirknewton website

It’s thanks to volunteers coming forward that we get things done in Kirknewton – you will hear more stories on this blog all this week.  We also want to know what skills and volunteer time you do already or can offer (and we want to hear from you, even if you can’t) via our Skills and Volunteer survey that you can fill in online or on paper from various outlets in the village – it takes less than 5 minutes to fill in and we need your responses by 22nd November.  Thanks in advance for taking the time to fill out the survey.