‘Our Place’ will be a year-long celebration of creativity, it will celebrate community, and empower local people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their artistic potential. 

‘Our Place’ is a space for everyone in the local community to access and share their skills, create, and express themselves. Through accessible, high-quality workshops, performances, and collaborative learning experiences, we will foster an inclusive environment where you can develop new skills, express yourself confidently, and connect with others.  

‘Our Place’ will: 

• Champion creativity as a vital part of wellbeing, learning, employability, and community life. 

• Provide diverse cultural opportunities—from visual arts and music to writing, filmmaking, crafts, and performance. 

• Remove barriers to participation, ensuring our programme is welcoming, affordable, and open to all. 

• Support local tutors and emerging talent, enabling skills development, confidence-building, and artistic growth. 

• Celebrate community stories and voices through monthly themes, shared projects, and collective cultural expression, offering opportunities for local people to gain experience of performance and exhibition. 

Most of all, it’ll be fun! Whether you’ve always wanted to paint, play music, act, write or just be creative, there will be something for you!  

At The Gorebridge Community Development Trust, we believe creativity belongs to everyone—and together, ‘Our Place’ will light the way for a thriving, connected, and culturally vibrant community.

We are getting everything ready for you (booking tutors, organising times/workshops, getting the blurb ready). BUT. You can read a little more by clicking here.

The Gorebridge Beacon is here for everyone in our community – whether you pop in all the time, come along now and then, or have never been through the doors. We want to make sure what we do really reflects what people want and need.

That’s why we’ve put together a short survey. It’s quick to fill in, and your answers will help us decide what activities, events, and services we focus on in the future.

Your thoughts matter – even the little things you might not think are important could make a big difference.

So grab a cuppa, take five minutes, and let us know what you think.

Click here to fill in the survey.

Thanks for being part of the Gorebridge Beacon story.

We’ll be working closely with VOCAL Midlothian and The Breather Cafe will be available to anyone who identifies as an unpaid carer on a Saturday afternoon 12:30 until 2pm at the Gorebridge Beacon.

Are you an unpaid carer? 

An unpaid carer is someone who supports a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health condition, ‘if you spend time caring for someone who relies on your help, you’re an unpaid carer.’

Why the Breather Cafe? 

Many people who are unpaid carers may not identify or recognise themselves as such, that means they may be not receiving (or even aware) of all the different types of support available to them. Midlothian has one of the largest increase of unpaid carers. Over the months the Breather Cafe will invite individuals, groups and other services to informally ‘be in the space’ should anyone want to ask anything. 

Unpaid carers need support. It’s been identified (Midlothian Carers Survey 2023) that unpaid carers would like:

• Having time away from the caring role
• Understanding of legal rights and entitlements
• Emotional and wellbeing support
• Pursuing hobbies and interest
• Speaking to other carers
• Building social networks

The Breather Cafe is not a service, we wanted to create a space where you can come along, out from your caring role, chat and once a month (to be arranged/decided) maybe take part in an activity. You don’t need to attend every week, it’s there for you, should you want it.

We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our team. Whether you’re interested in supporting events, gardening, helping at the community hub, or just want to give back in any way you can—we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering with Gorebridge Development Trust is a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and make a real difference in your local community.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Get in touch with us at office@gorebridge.org.uk we’d love to welcome you on board!

ShowGardens

The ShowGardens were undoubtedly a highlight of the day. Each garden was a masterpiece, meticulously designed by SRUC Horticulture and Design Students. The ShowGardens have been donated to Gorebridge, and you can pop along and see them anytime.

Student Designs Images:

Plant Sale

Adjacent to the ShowGardens was the bustling Plant Sale, with plants available from the Gorebridge Community Gardeners and Gorebridge Community Cares. The Plant Sale is a testament to the community’s passion for gardening and sustainable living.

Gorebridge Community Choir

Adding harmony to the day was the performance by Gorebridge Community Choir. Their performance was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and elevate the spirit of any event.

Garden Party

The picnic area was dotted with colorful blankets and cheerful conversations, creating a warm and inviting environment. Games and activities kept the younger attendees entertained, while the adults relished the opportunity to catch up and relax. The Garden Party was a true celebration of community, capturing the essence of what Spring Fling is all about.

SRUC Recruitment Fair

Spring Fling was also an occasion to look towards the future, with the SRUC Recruitment Fair providing a platform for those interested in careers in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental sciences.

A Day to Remember

Spring Fling on the 18th of May was more than just an event; it was a celebration of nature, community, and the shared joy of coming together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended. Your support and passion made Spring Fling a blooming success, and we look forward to many more such celebrations in the future.

Here’s to the next Spring Fling – may it be even more vibrant and joyous!

A few pics of the week before and the day itself …

Our botanical wonderland transformed into a festive paradise, creating those little lasting memories for families and friends alike.

Visitors were greeted by a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights, transforming the lush greenery into a winter wonderland. The cold night was filled with the scent of pine and the soft melodies of classic Christmas tunes, setting the perfect atmosphere for a magical evening.

Our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners worked tirelessly to dress the garden with thousands of sparkling lights. From illuminated pathways to dazzling tree displays, every corner of the garden became a canvas of festive joy. Until next year, may the magic of the season continue to shine bright.

A few pictures of the night ..

• 4th August 12.30 – 2.00PM
• 11th August12.30 – 2.00PM Cancelled
• 18th August 12.30 – 2.00PM
• 25th August12.30 – 2.00PM

Bring yourself, your family, your friends, and a blanket to sit on. Maybe a game or two. We will provide the picnic, and (TBC) Play Midlothian will be offering play sessions.

To book:

1. Please complete the form below
2. You will receive a confirmation email
3. Turn up on the day

Can you book more than one picnic? Of course you can. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Be lovely to see you.

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What is a Community Action Plan you might ask? 

This is a way of giving local people an opportunity to have a say on how our communities will develop in the future.  We want to know what you would like to see included, how you feel about living here, the good, the bad what is missing and what can be improved.

How Can you help?

There will be a virtual engagement room which you can access by clicking on this link – through www.crtconnect.org.uk Look for the live link on the front page ‘Connect with the Gorebridge Consultation’ and it will take you into the virtual engagement room where there are a few videos from local people that you can watch before answering the questions. Please also share this email and the link to the survey and encourage friends, family, neighbours and anyone else you know living in Gorebridge or Moorfoot Districts who may want to give their views.

Face to Face event

For those people who would rather come and visit the “real” room, a two day event will be held at the Beacon from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20th  February 2022, where you will have the opportunity to discuss and ask any questions with the organisers .  More details will follow, but you can be sure that it will be a happy and memorable event and whisper it, fun!

What difference will it make?

This Community Action Plan will be an important document to take forward and will be used by Midlothian Council Planning and other Departments as a testament to what our community wants to achieve and look like five years from now. It will also help Local organisations applying for grant funding for their projects as they can mention this document in their applications and demonstrate how their project will help the community achieve what they said they wanted. It is a Place Standard approach to community involvement and sets out what is important to those living here.

Please get involved and complete the survey this is your community and your views matter. 

Gorebridge & District Community Council

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Gorebridge Community Cares

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Gorebridge Community Development Trust

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Moorfoot & District Community Council

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Dear Crafters/Artists/Makers,

We are in the throws of planning for WinterFest 2021 (6th to 12th December) at the Gorebridge Beacon (loads more details soon) think of it as a week of wonderful wintery events and gatherings.

But first, and urgently …

What we know for certain is the WinterFest Craft Fair will take place over 2 days on the 11th and 12th of December. Would you like to be here selling your work? You can register your interest/booking at the bottom of this post.

We know you need to be planned, so we are getting this out super early (well, not really, it’s only 4 months away). If you are thinking about taking a stall at this fundraising event, here’s a few FAQ’s you may need to know:

Can I bring my own table? 

No, we have the space all measured out for own tables. Tables are 5ft long. And are supplied as part of the hire price.

How much is a table?

£25 per day.

Can I choose my own space?

Your space/table will be allocated to you. We will send you details/map before the Craft Fair. This is to ensure that there is a spread of different goods, and no similar sellers are side by side.

Will you be charging an entrance fee?

Yes, £1 for adults and children under 12 free.

How will you be marketing the event?

We will be using our social media channels, networks, partners, our website, flyers and noticeboards. We will also create posts and pictures for you to share. We don’t want you to have a slow day, however we aren’t responsible for income made and potential footfall.

Will you be sifting/raffling spaces?

Yes we will. We will be accepting local makers, crafters and artists. That means we expect your products to have been made locally. We are looking for quality, fair priced, and a wide range of products with no duplications. We hope to have completed this by the end of October 2021.

Is priority given to makers/artists/crafters in Gorebridge and surrounding district?

As this is a local event we would love to offer spaces to local business owners first. However, we will take into account quality, price, and no duplications.

What can I sell?

We are strictly looking for handmade goods from local makers, crafters and artists who are based/or goods are based in Midlothian.

This is part of WinterFest 2021, what does it really mean?

We are a social enterprise activity. We want to offer activities and events during WinterFest that may be funded: we are applying. But, the Craft Fair on the 11/12th Dec is not part of this plan. It is a fundraising activity. What does that mean? Any income made from the Craft Fair will go back into the Trust/Beacon as unrestricted funding so we can deeper and reach our charitable aims.

Who is the craft fair for? 

In 2019 (t was so good), many local people came to the Craft Fair, and from wider Midlothian. We are looking for quality but not excessively expensive goods and products. You know your market the best. What we learned from 2019 is that people are looking for unique, bespoke, handmade, lovely goods they simply cannot get elsewhere. Is that you?

How many crafters/stall holders will be there?

20 each day of the fair.

Can you book the 2 days?

You can request it, but it may not be possible to offer both so that we can offer fair allocation of space.

When will I know I have a table? 

The latest will be the end of October 2021, we hope earlier.

What about Covid? Restrictions? Guidelines?

Since March 2020 we have been following restrictions and determining what we can and cannot do. Obviously government guidelines have to be followed. When we know who is attending (you, maybe?) we will create a private Facebook or Whatsapp group for sellers etc. so we can keep you up to speed should there be any changes as we approach the date. We know how hard last year was for you, so we will always be transparent and share. We are thinking that we will have to operate a one-way system, and we will have to be super vigilant of numbers in the ‘craft fair’ at any one time.

Will you be using outside? 

It depends. We obviously aren’t out of Covid yet. And we have learned that things can change quickly (read: overnight). At time of writing we will be using the inside hall at the Beacon and other areas. We may/may not have to operate a booking system for attendees. But, as of right now, we know we will have a one way system.

We/I sell food goods, can we book? 

This is a fundraising event for the Trust/Beacon. We will however ask you for your FH certificates if you make your own goods. All food goods have to be labelled with allergens, BBE dates etc.

I am interested, what do I need to do?

Please complete the form below, giving as much detail as you can. We will be in touch and ask you to send us pictures of your products and ask for more details if needed.

Warmest,

Gorebridge Community Development Trust

Interested? Fill in the form below. We WILL be in touch. Please allow is a little time. 

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A few pictures of the summer days …