‘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.

Call us at the Beacon 01875 816320 or get us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gorebridgebeacon

The Community Garden is open every day for you, the PlayCafe (under 5’s) is on Friday (9:30 until 12, under 5’s, siblings welcome), and remember the Gorebridge Community Pantry is open over the summer school holidays 3 – 5 at the Beacon. Not a member? Just come at the opening time with proof of address and we will get you signed up to use that afternoon.

Whether you have a few hours a week to spare or are just curious about getting involved, come along for an informal evening where you can meet our team, hear from current volunteers, and see how you could play a part in something meaningful.

From helping out at community events to supporting our café, assisting with projects, or lending a hand with admin, there’s something for everyone. Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence, and feel more connected to your local area. We also have a few new projects coming up that might be right up your street. Maybe the development trust and the Beacon is not for you, but there are so many groups and organisations in Gorebridge we may be able to guide you to one of them.

No commitment is needed—just come by, have a chat, and enjoy a welcoming evening with others who care about making a positive impact in Gorebridge. Can’t make the date but want to know more? Fill in the form below and we will give you a call.

We hope to see you there. Can you help us out by completing the wee sign-up for below (just in case we need to contact you in emergency, or we need to make more cakes)

Venue: The Gorebridge Beacon
Date: Tuesday 20th May
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm

If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to help.

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!

Highlights from Week

Winter in the Garden
Our garden space was transformed into a twinkling wonderland, draped in fairy lights and full of charm. It became the perfect place to pause, take in the magic, and snap a few festive photos.

Live Music
Inside, the hall was filled with the sound of live local talent. From acoustic sets to joyful seasonal sing-alongs, the music brought warmth and energy to every corner of the Beacon.

Breakfast with Santa
We kicked things off with one of the most magical moments of the day—Breakfast with Santa. Little ones enjoyed a cozy morning meal while meeting the big man himself. There were smiles, stories, and plenty of excitement as Santa listened to Christmas wishes and posed for festive photos.

Christmas Crafts & Wreath Making
Craft tables were buzzing with activity all day long! Children (and more than a few adults) got stuck into festive crafts, while our wreath-making sessions offered a slower, creative space for people to get hands-on and take home something beautiful.

Craft Fair
Our craft fair featured an inspiring selection of local makers and small businesses. From handmade gifts to tasty treats, it was a great way to support local and find something unique for under the tree.

Thank You: we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made Winterfest possible—our volunteers, workshop leaders, stallholders, musicians, and all of you who came along and filled the day week joy. Your support is what keeps events like this at the heart of Gorebridge life. Until next time, we’re already dreaming up ideas for Winterfest 2025, and we’d love to hear your feedback or ideas. Let’s keep building something beautiful—together.

Have a great holiday! And Happy New Year when it comes.

A few pictures for you:

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, The Beacon Blether!

Join us as we dive into engaging interviews with local figures, share the latest news from the Beacon, and keep you updated with our ‘What’s On’ guide. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the community, there’s something for everyone!

**First Episode Out Now!** Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more platforms:

Please listen and subscribe/follow the podcast, and leave us a (5*) review!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN IN

#TheBeaconBlether #CommunityPodcast #gorebridge #CommunityCentre

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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