March Members Update

Governance Update!

At the recent Extraordinary General Meeting, it was agreed to convert Action Porty to a Community Benefit Society (while still retaining our charitable status). The main benefit of this will be to enable us to raise funding through a community shares issue. Following the EGM, Action Porty submitted an application for registration (along with a copy of our new draft rules and other documentation) for approval to the Financial Conduct Authority. We expect to hear about the outcome of our application, from the FCA, within the next few weeks.

Future Development of Bellfield

The Board of Action Porty are working on bringing forward plans which will hopefully lead to significant investment in Bellfield, and create a community facility which is better fit for purpose. These plans will require a significant level of investment in Bellfield, so once we have finalised and costed our development proposals, we will be kicking off the fundraising efforts with a community shares issue. More information on all of this will be provide at the AGM.

Treasurer

Jennifer Elliot has intimated that she is stepping down from her role as Treasurer, but will continue to play an active part on the Board of Action Porty. Jennifer has been Treasurer for the last 5 years, and the Board would like to record our huge thanks to Jennifer for this absolutely vital contribution.

Do you have any financial experience? Could you spare some voluntary time to ensure the ongoing operation of Bellfield as a community facility and generally support the work of Action Porty? If so, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to find out a bit more about what would be involved, please contact us here.

New Housing and Mixed Use Development Proposed for Seafield

Plans are starting to take shape for a huge development of new housing and mixed use between Seafield Road and the promenade.
This is in the Craigentiny Community Council area but Portobello community council is taking a keen Intested, as is Action Porty since it’s within our catchment area and any development there will have a huge knock on effect - positively or negatively - on the beach, Prom and Portobello.
Before Edinburgh council give planning approval a masterplan must be drawn up, and the community consulted. It’s likely consultants will be appointed soon, and the advert for them will appear soon on the government procurement site.
AP and the PCC are working with Craigentinny and Leith CCs to try to ensure that there is a clear and coordinated approach to placemaking for the whole site, and to ensure that public engagement is open, accessible and effective in ensuring a joined up positive development rather than a disjointed destructive development.
The masterplan might take 6 months to shape up and we’ll keep you posted on how and when you can make your voice heard.

New Judo Classes Coming Soon

Due to popular demand, there will be new judo classes starting at Bellfield after Easter. The classes will run on a Tuesday (pm) and a Saturday (am).
Children and adults of levels of experience are welcome to join the club. If you would like to book a space, please contact Nick on 07908 023267 or sportingenso@gmail.com
PORTY JUDO (sporting ensō) | Facebook

Something is cooking!

As a community based charity we love to see other community projects come to life.
The Porty Food Map: The Traders' Stories was started to fundraise the re-opening of Portobello Town Hall- it has been attracting a lot of interest and the sales have been fabulous.
We cannot wait to receive our copy and love the phone box, at the top of Bellfield street, which showcases Porty’s food traders.

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 Ella Lees, our newly appointed volunteer co-ordinator to tell us a bit about herself:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm originally from Manchester and moved to Scotland nearly 7 years ago, I fell in love with it, put down roots and had my two children here. I've always enjoyed music, travelling and making connections with interesting people and communities- which I have found in abundance here! I've recently learned to paddleboard, which I'm finding to be lots of fun (providing I can stay on it!)

2. What's it like working at Bellfield?
I'm delighted to join the team at Bellfield. It's great to see how this beautiful old building has such a lot of life, the range of activities on offer and the sense of community it provides. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, it's great to hear their vision and ideas.

3. What's your favourite part of Bellfield?
I am constantly drawn to the community around the beach at Portobello, it's a really special place. I have been spending some time in the garden at Bellfield recently and am looking forward to seeing it develop and blossom.

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