We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Picture Not Perfect,” a unique intergenerational photography project that aims to bring together two diverse age groups—16 to 21-year-olds and individuals over 50. Scheduled to commence on July 25th and running for six weeks, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, this project promises to be a journey of creativity, learning, and meaningful connections.

Equipment needed: smartphone only

What is “Picture Not Perfect”?

“Picture Not Perfect” is not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing moments, perspectives, and stories across generations. This project is designed to foster mutual understanding, bridge the gap between different age groups, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection in photography.

Why Join Us?

Whether you’re a teenager/young adult passionate about exploring the art of photography or someone over 50 looking to rediscover your creative side, “Picture Not Perfect” offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Participants will have the opportunity to:

1. Learn Together: Engage in collaborative learning sessions where younger participants can learn from the experience and wisdom of older participants, and vice versa. E
2. Capture Stories: Use photography as a medium to capture stories, moments, and perspectives that reflect both individual experiences and collective narratives spanning generations.
3. Create Meaningful Connections: Build friendships and mentorship relationships that transcend age barriers, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect through shared creativity.
4. Explore Creativity: Experiment with photography in a supportive environment that encourages exploration and embraces the idea that every photograph tells a unique story, regardless of technical perfection.
5. Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate the diversity of perspectives and life experiences within the group, encouraging participants to embrace the beauty of imperfection and individuality in their photographic expressions.
6. Showcase Work: Exhibit the culmination of their work in a final showcase, sharing their creative journey and the stories they’ve captured with the wider community.
7. Gain Confidence: Develop confidence in their photographic skills and creative abilities through constructive feedback and encouragement from peers and mentors.

“Picture Not Perfect” is not just about taking pictures; it’s about fostering connections, nurturing creativity, and celebrating the richness of life through the lens of a camera. Join us on this six-week journey starting July 25th, where every click of the shutter captures a moment in time.

Join Us/Sign Up

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Are you passionate about storytelling, sharing your knowledge, or connecting with others? Have you ever dreamed of starting your own podcast but didn’t know where to begin? Look no further! We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming 6-week podcasting workshop designed to guide you through every step of creating your very own podcast.

Why Podcasting?

Podcasting is a powerful medium that allows you to share your voice with the world. Whether you’re looking to entertain, educate, or inspire, a podcast provides a unique platform to reach a global audience. With the podcasting industry booming, there’s never been a better time to dive in and start your own show.

What You’ll Learn:

Our workshop is designed for beginners and covers everything you need to know to launch a successful podcast (with no special equipment necessary, just your phone to start with), you’ll learn:

• • Finding Your Niche: Identify your unique voice and target audience.
  • Content Creation: Learn how to plan, script, and structure engaging episodes.
  • Technical Skills: Get hands-on experience with recording equipment and editing software.
  • Interviewing Techniques: Master the art of interviewing guests and keeping conversations flowing.
  • Distribution and Marketing: How to reach the people that want to hear your Podcast

Workshop Details:

Duration: 6 weeks
Start Date: 25th July 2024
Sessions: Weekly on Thursday’s 6:30 – 8PM
Location: Gorebridge Beacon, Hunterfield Road, Gorebridge, EH23 4TT
Cost:  Free (donations always welcome)
Registration Deadline: 23rd July

Why Join Our Workshop?

• Professional Instructor: Learn from experienced podcasters who have successfully built and grown their own shows.
• Community Support: Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for podcasting and learning.
• Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience and receive personalised feedback to improve your skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential collaborators, guests, and mentors.

How to Sign Up:

Ready to embark on your podcasting journey? Sign up today by completing the form below or contacting us Derek at the Beacon on 01875 816320. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your podcasting dreams into reality. Join us and discover the power of your voice!

Sign up! Please complete the form below.

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Timetable

12:30 – 4PM SRUC Showgardens (Judging @ 12:30)
12:30 – 4pm SRUC recruitment fair
1:00 – 3pm Plant Sale
2:00pm Gorebridge Community Choir
1:00 – 4pm Spring Craft Fair (local crafters)
4:00 – 6pm Garden Party

Craft Fair:
Support local crafters and makers and browse through a delightful array of handcrafted goods at our craft fair. From handmade soaps to beautiful botanical skincare, there will be something special for everyone to discover.

Gorebridge Community Choir:
Let the uplifting melodies of the Gorebridge Community Choir lift your spirits as they serenade us with their enchanting voices. Simply sit back and enjoy the harmonious tunes. Starts 2PM.

SRUC Showgardens and Recruitment Event:
We are excited that the students from the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) will be installing within the Beacon Garderns their show gardens this year. Come and explore, meet the students, get inspiration and ideas for your own green spaces (no matter if it’s a large pot or a large garden). The Showgardens will be judged at 12:30 for 2024.

Plus, don’t miss the SRUC recruitment event where you can learn more about exciting courses and opportunities offered by SRUC from horticulture to animal care, agriculture to forestry the courses at SRUC is vast, and on our doorstep. More information https://www.sruc.ac.uk/course-catalogue/

Plant Sale:
The annual Gorebridge Plant Sale. Come and join the Gorebridge Community Gardeners, and Gorebridge Community Cares and fill your garden with vibrant blooms and lush greenery from our plant sale. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll find the perfect plants to add a splash of color to your outdoor space.

Garden Party:
Wrap up the day with a lively garden party filled with laughter, good food, and great company. Come and spend time in the garden, listen to music, have something to eat.

Join us at the Gorebridge Beacon on May 18th for a day of community celebration at our Spring Fling.

Admission is free, so bring the whole family and let’s make some wonderful memories together!

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 ..

Here are the details of the event:

10:15AM Meet Newbyres Nursing Home

10:30AM Parade Leaves

10.45AM Arrive Memorial Garden at the Gorebridge Beacon & Service Begins

After: Refreshments in the Beacon

How does it work?

The Pantry is open to all households/residents of EH23, anyone who lives in this Post Code area can apply to become members of the Pantry and ‘shop’ there once a week. Membership is free, and weekly ‘shop’ costs £3.50 which is put back into buying stock into the Pantry the following week. Each member receives 10 credits for £3.50, and these credits can be used to ‘spend’ on fresh, ambient or store-cupboard ingredients. If available, free bread will be offered, and volunteers will make each member a bag of fresh fruit and veggies.

When is it open?

Tuesday’s 4 – 6PM.

Where?

Gorebridge Beacon, Hunterfield Road, Gorebridge, EH23 4TT (that big class building next to the church and in front of the leisure centre).

Donate

Would you like to donate to the Gorebridge Community Pantry? Please click here.

Who is it for?

Everyone in EH23. One application per household. Community Pantries are popping up all over, in fact they have been around globally for a while. Community Pantries are unique in that they are accessible to everyone, membership is free, they are perfectly placed to reduce the cost of food bills, stopping food too good to waste reaching landfill, and offer our community volunteering opportunities and a chance to come together.

Signing Up

Since opening on June 28th we have over 450 households signed up. That’s amazing. You can sign up at any Pantry opening time, or pop into the Beacon and ask for a membership form. The Community Pantry is first-come, first-served, however as each member has 10 credits to ‘spend’ there is a fair distribution of food. Many people have told us that the £3.50 is worth it for the veggies and fruit.

What food is available at the Pantry?

It varies from week to week. As we order from Fairshare, and receive donations, and top up we can’t guarantee the same produce each week. We will have fresh fruit and veggies, bakery items, store cupboard/cooking essentials. Often we have toiletries and cleaning items. Pantry volunteers will be able to share with you how to cook items if you aren’t sure.

Who runs the Gorebridge Community Pantry

Gorebridge Community Development Trust runs the Pantry at Beacon. There is an amazing group of volunteers who keep stock up to date, shop, sort, set up, display, serve members and make the pantry a wonderful community event each week.

In order to sustain the Pantry we will be seeking further funding, organising fundraisers, and all weekly shop fees go back into sustaining. If you would like to volunteer (admin, in the Pantry, setting up), have a fundraising idea please do get in touch here.

Want to support the Pantry but you don’t need to shop weekly?

Do you mean you want to donate to the Pantry? That would be so amazing. Pop into the Beacon and speak to a member of staff, or contact us here.

Are there any other Community Pantries in Midlothian?

Yes, please visit Midlothian Councils website here.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a nationwide tree-planting initiative launched by Her late Majesty to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

The ‘Tree of Trees’ stood in front of Buckingham Palace at the height of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London in June 22 and was seen on TV by more than one billion people worldwide.

The Lord Lieutenant for Midlothian, Richard Callander nominated Gorebridge Beacon’s community garden to receive one of the Tree of Trees in recognition of the work done by community volunteers over the past few years to develop the garden.

The unveiling of the Queens Canopy plaque took place on Friday 23^rd June in front of a small crowd of volunteers and community members as well as representatives from community organisations, local councillors, and the local MSP Christine Graham. The Chair of Gorebridge Community Development Trust, Val Cameron, gave a short speech in which she explained how the multi stemmed rowan had arrived at the community garden and how pleased the Development Trust is that the hard work of its volunteers had been recognised in this way.

The newly crowned Gorebridge Gala King Ollie and Queen Madison then cut the ribbon to reveal the tree’s plaque.

The ceremony was followed by a celebratory garden party attended by approximately 80 members of the community.

A few pictures of the day …

Come along to a community gathering: bringing together local community groups for an afternoon of celebrating, sharing, opportunities (volunteering) and plans for the future.

Join in drop-in activities to try something new! Speak to current group leaders, members and volunteers, find out more about what each group does and how you can get involved. Take part in the community action plan: share your views and help shape the future you want to see.

Calling all local groups, charities and organisations. Would you like to be at the Beacon for this event? Please get in touch if you, or a group you represent, have an idea for an activity for the day, or you would like to come along and take a table to share the great work you do. Or perhaps you want to pop along as a volunteer on the day. We would love to hear from you! For all enquiries and suggestions please email dawn@gorebridge.org.uk

P.S. We have emailed /contacted local groups with an invitation to this event. If you didn’t receive one please accept our apologies, we may have an old email address, or the information we have for you is out of date.

P.P.S What future do YOU want to see for Gorebridge? Leave your 3 wishes here.

What is a warm space? 

They are are all a little different. The Warm Space at the Beacon offers you somewhere to be comfortable and warm with no judgement, free WI-FI, and tea and coffee.

Why a warm space?

Because of the massive increase in costs and inflation or what we have come to know as the cost-of-living crisis emergency. We know many of us are facing really hard choices and decisions at the moment. We have just came out of a global pandemic, and are now faced with massive hikes in fuel, food and energy. Some are facing horrific questions such as ‘heat or eat’? A warm space can help.

Who is it for? 

Everyone. Anyone. All of us. It’s for all the community. A place to meet.

How much will it cost me?

Nothing. It’s free to use.

Can I donate?

Yes, if you would like to support the warm space at the Beacon, you can do so here (JustGiving), or, if you can afford to, bring in some vegetables so we can make soup or a packet of biscuits we can share.

Warm Spaces at the Beacon are: 

• Monday 9AM – 2PM*
• Tues and Wed 2:30PM – 4:30PM*
• Thursday 2:30PM – 9PM (Families)

Community Cafe

Is also open 9AM-2PM Tuesday to Saturday. All welcome. If you would like a bowl of soup (free) please say ‘Robert Sent You’ when you order.

Our Winter Craft Fair will take place on November 20th. We are looking for stall holders. Please read all the details below and complete the booking form. Completing the form does not guarantee a space, we will let you know if you have been successful by or on the 14th October 2022. 

Please share, we would like all local makers and crafters to apply, and not miss out this year.

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. 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.

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

As this is a local event, yes. We will take this into account when sifting.

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.

How many crafters/stall holders will be there?

20 – 25

When will I know I have a table? 

No later than the 14th October 2022.

We/I sell food goods, can we book? 

You will be asked to send us your Food Hygiene certificate 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 and we will be back in touch. 

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