February Members Update

The Extraordinary General Meeting:

On 1st February we held an Extraordinary General Meeting in Bellfield that unanimously voted to turn Action Porty from a limited company with charitable status, to a community benefit society with charitable status. This will enable us to work towards holding a community shares issue to raise funds to transform Bellfield, in particular to turn the Celebration hall (the Church building) into a flexible, well heated, well soundproofed, space for more community activity.

Action Porty is also restructuring to better support wider initiatives in Porty. A good example was the Action Westbank campaign that helped the community save the pitches and Tumbles. Now Portobello is faced with trying to ensure that Seafield is developed into a thriving sister community rather than a monotonous density of unaffordable housing. If this matters to you, can you let those standing for election know?

Save Our Swifts:

Action Porty is working with the RSPB Scotland as part of their Swift City Project. Swifts used to be prevalent along Edinburgh’s shoreline, but they are now on the Amber List of conservation concern, and are a priority species for Edinburgh’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
We have applied for Listed Building Consent to install up to 6 swift boxes on the northern elevation of the Celebration Hall; and would welcome your comments and support..

New Class:

We are loving the variety of classes we have on offer at Bellfield. Check out the beautiful art work by Gaynor Davis who will be running Adult Drawing classes on a Monday evening.

Support the Makers- Spring Market

Looking to shop locally, then look no further than our next event at Bellfield on Sunday 6th March from 11.00am - 4.00pm, showcasing a beautiful selection of handmade products, ranging from baking, home wear, jewellery, art, accessories & textiles. Advance Tickets are on SALE now via their website, and also on the day at the door (children under 16 are free).

Spring is on the way!

We are pleased to see that the shorter days are behind us and the spring flowers coming out in our grounds. Look out for the burst of colours over the coming months. Also, a reminder to help yourself to salad from the raised bed. Finally keep an eye out for information on the regular gardening sessions for the whole garden which will be starting soon.

Meet Our Team:

Hear from some of our amazing staff & volunteers and find out why they want to be part of Bellfield. This time, we ask Morag S. Donaldson Trustee and Board Member Member to tell us a bit about herself:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Lived nearly all my life in Portobello. Went to Towerbank and Portobello Secondary the old building which is now flats. Left at 15 to work in the Bank as a junior clerkess. Had three employers, Bank, Insurance Company and finally Local authority. Spent many happy years dealing with Housing Benefits and Council Tax Rebates in Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Fife. Keen Scottish Country Dancer and Floral art supporter although have won both a second and third prize at Duddingston Show. Graduate of the University of Life and now happily retired doing the third age activities. Regular church goer and works on various committees for the United Reformed Church throughout the UK.

2. What's it like working at Bellfield?
Variety is the spice of life. Everything from the routine and mundane enquiries to dealing with issues round Historic Building status. Learning all about being responsible for a Graveyard and enjoying the many events held on the premises including some lovely Weddings and Funeral Celebrations. Have even cleaned the place from time to time. Seeing the building open and lively with a sense of purpose for the good of the Community which was why the journey was started in the first place.

3. What's your favourite part of Bellfield?
I like the Celebration Foyer for its cosy and welcoming space for small groups. The surrounding grounds and green space is also good to have.

4. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A super power would be to ensure enough finance to run it fully occupied for the benefit of all in Portobello and surrounding area. The ability to forecast trends would also be helpful to ensure we always spent the money wisely. Dream on.

GIFTS BY DONATION:

You generosity keeps us going. As a charity, we rely on your donations (one off or regular) to enable us to support Bellfield and make a difference to the community of Portobello. Don't forget that, in addition to gifts by donation, you can find out more about ways to donate here.
Lastly you can also support us each time you shop on Amazon, then please use AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate to Actio Porty, at no cost to you.

Till the next update,

Yours Aye

The Action Porty Board for Bellfield