Welcome to our latest e-newsletter! 

 

Included in this issue:

 

Following the Christmas and New Year period our centre has now returned to its usual opening times of;

Join Beetroots Collective CIC and a storyteller (Claire McNicol) for a series of folktales events with art workshops.

 

In these workshops you will learn how to design and create your own linocuts prints. Previous arts and crafts knowledge is not required.

 

For inspiration on themes Claire will introduce you to an enchanted world of Scottish myths and folktales.

 

The six workshops open to all members of the local community but are specifically targeted at immigrants and asylum seekers. Beetroots Collective believe that exploring local lore and mythology will help New Scots find commonalities at the roots of our cultures promoting a feeling of belonging in the New Scots. Meeting with diverse members of the local community will also encourage community ties and inter-cultural integration.

Artists of Beetroots Collective will transform the artwork from the workshops into an animation, which will be screened at the heart of the neighbourhood as an outdoor projection shown at The Causey. It will give something community-driven and enjoyable to look forward to in the long, dark, and depressing winter months.

 

Over the last year many centre users have told us that we needed to manage our waste better. We've taken this feedback onboard, and are making changes now.

 

From this month there will be four bins in our hall, and rooms 1 and 2. A bin is provided for;

Each bin will be clearly labelled and there will be a guide displayed near the bins which helps explain what goes into each bin.

 

Please keep in mind that if any rubbish is put in the wrong bin the entire contents of that bin will be put through the non recyclable materials processing pathway.

 

We'll gather some feedback over the next couple of months to see how this new arrangement works. 

As part of our work to support citizens through the ongoing cost of living crisis we have had some discussions with Cyrenians and Goodies SCIO around bringing a Cyrenians community pantry into the centre.

 

From Friday 10 January 2025, and every Friday thereafter until the end of March (though we are hoping it can be longer!) the pantry will be open from 10am until 11am, in our in centre cafe seating area.

The pantry is membership based, with membership costing £1. Once you are a member you then pay £2.50 per weekly shop.  To sign up - just come along!

PS - Please bring your own bag to take your shopping home in!

We are pleased to have been awarded £1,500 by Edinburgh Airport Community Board, to be used to support our warm spaces over the cold winter months.  The grant will be used to fund hot drinks, snacks and activity materials / items.

The Southside Art Group have met in our centre for a great number of years. The group brings together a number women for art sessions with a strong focus on social connections.

 

The group was due to come to an end, but thanks to external funding received from the City of Edinburgh Councils Community Grant Fund the group will continue running on Tuesday afternoons.

 

Good news for everyone involved, and we hope to show some of their art work in this newsletter in a future edition.

In November we began opening our in centre cafe space as the ‘Warm and Welcoming Cafe’, from 11am until 4pm. The cafe is a safe and inclusive space operating over the cold winter months.  

Those coming along can enjoy some free hot drinks and biscuits. There are some individual and group activities which happen, and plenty of opportunity for a conversation. 

Over recent weeks there have been many card and board games played, and even more conversations enjoyed!

We're looking for a new Treasurer to join our Board, could it be you? Do you know someone who may be interested?

 

We're in an exciting time of development in which we are investing in new services and facilities, but also during a time of challenge as we focus on achieving a sustainable future.

 

As Treasurer you will support the Board to help manage its financial resources. Although you will take the lead in overseeing strong financial management, you will be aided by our Chief Executive and our very supportive accountants, as well as your fellow Trustees.

 

The City of Edinburgh Council deliver a number of Adult Education Programme classes in our centre throughout the year. The next term of classes us due to begin early / mid January.

 

Classes include Italian, Genealogy and Crochet.

The cost of the classes varies, but each class does provide both a concessionary and reduced rate for those on low income and / or in receipt of certain state benefits.

 

Join Frances every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11:30am in our hall for Hatha Yoga - beginners are welcome. £5 per class, on a drop in basis.

 

If you would be interested in taking part please call Frances on 07504 823 952.

Applications for 2025 memberships are currently being accepted. All 2025 memberships shall end on 31 December 2025.

 

Membership forms are available from the centre office between 9am & 5pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9am until 3:30pm on Fridays. Or can be downloaded on our website by clicking here. 

 

You should return your fully completed membership form, along with payment of £5 (or £2 for those who are on a low income). Your application will be considered at the next Board of Trustees meeting, and you will receive a letter or email shortly afterwards letting you know the outcome of your application.

 

Throughout the month of January 2025 our hall can be booked for the very special price of £8 per hour, and our rooms for only £4 per hour.

 

There is some small print! (1) Applies only on Saturdays in January, between 9:30am and 4:30pm, and (2) People participating in the bookings should not need to pay more than a couple of pounds to join in.

 

 

Ultima Thule - A polish movie with English subtitles - is being shown on Saturday 25th January 2025 from 5pm in our hall. Doors open at 4:45pm. The movie shall be followed by a live online q & a.

 

 

Borscht Film Club have been regularly showing movies in our centre this year, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2025!

In December Shelter Scotland held a very successful sale of clothing & footwear, with items on sale for £1, £2 or £3. This event raised funds for important charitable work whilst ensuring a positive impact for the environment.

 

The next event will take place in our centre on Sunday 26 January from 11:30am until 4pm.

We have a variety of activities which take place in the centre across each month, many of which are open groups which welcome new attendees. Please keep in mind that some activities will take a break during the Christmas and New Year period.

Click here to view our programme on our website.

Our in centre cafe, Goodies Cafe, operated by Goodies SCIO shall re-open from 10am on Wednesday 8 January 2025.
 

Goodies Cafe is usually open Monday to Thursday from 10am until 6pm, and on Fridays from 10am until 3pm.

The Crannie - Community Growing Collective Launch event on Monday 20th January from 1-3pm. A project to improve access to green spaces and to grow some fresh fruit and veg for the local community in Old Town. Click here to view their poster.

 

Southside Faith Care - Man Friday, every Friday from 10am until 12noon in Priestfield Church. A group to meet other men in the community. Click here to view their poster.

 

Grassmarket Community Project - Burns Night Eve Murder Mystery and Dinner on Friday 24th January from 7pm. Should Auld Acquaintance Be Found Dead - help solve a thrilling murder mystery. A Burns Eve to remember and a great way to support GCP! Click here for more information and bookings.

 

The Salisbury Centre - Edinburgh's Changing Climate: Stories, Solutions & Community Action workshop. An engaging Climate Workshop discussing Edinburgh’s changing climate, share observations, and explore practical ways we can adapt together. No prior knowledge or experience is needed—just your curiosity and willingness to be part of the conversation! Click here for more information and bookings.

 

The Charteris Centre - Community Community Coffee Mornings on Thursday 9th & Thursday 23rd January from 10:30am. Free coffee, pastries and conversation, open to all! Click here to view their poster.

 

City of Edinburgh Methodist Church - Soul Food dinners every Monday from 5:30pm. A regular free dinner for those in need at the Nicolson Square Methodist Church. No booking required, just go along. Click here for more info on other Soul Food location.