October Update
First of all, Welcome to our new members! We are delighted to see our membership growing—and we would be grateful if you could help us spread the word by encouraging your family, friends, and neighbours to join as well. And if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Following our update in September, we are endeavouring to provide monthly updates, as we have received feedback from members that they would like more information on what is happening.
In this update:
Tree Felling
'Leaves' Journal
AGM Update
Feasibility Study
Open Door Day
Related News
Photo of the Astley Ainslie Hospital Autumn 2020, image credit Chris Hall Images.
(1) Tree Felling
A number of members have been in touch, sharing their concern regarding tree felling that has been taking place on the site. Roger Kellet of the AACEG (Astley Ainslie Community Engagement Group) has been in contact with both the Council and the NHS. We are thankful for his prompt reaction to this important issue and have been informed that permits for some of the work had not been approved when the work took place, and Roger has reminded the NHS of their obligations.
(2) ‘Leaves’ Journal
Have you got yourself a copy of Leaves yet? We are tremendously proud of this exciting and thought provoking new journal, in which the Astley Ainslie takes centre stage.
"I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying the beautiful journal you have produced. It really is exceptionally beautiful, both in photography and in words, and full of such interesting information and ideas that are so much needed in this world now. I think you and your colleagues have done an amazing job." - Kate Thuillier.
You can support AACT and perhaps provide a gift for friends and family by ordering a copy or two today.
(3) AGM Update
With the latest changes in restrictions making a physical AGM impossible, we are planning to hold a virtual AGM soon. We will be sending out invitations shortly, so please keep an eye in your inbox.
(4) Feasibility Study
Oliver Chapman and Associates are hard at work on the first part of the Feasibility Study, initially concentrating on survey the site to understand the natural and built landscape. This will form the foundations of understanding the range of community uses that the site can be put to.
(5) Open Door Day
In case you missed it, here is the video AACT members Sara and Michele made for the Cockburn Association's Virtual Open Door Day.
(6) Related News
The John Muir Trust have an event on the 9th December (7–8.30pm) focusing on community and conservation. Discussion will address "how conservations can better engage people with their local environment and respond to their needs". This is the last of a series of four online events.
Tickets cost £5 each to join via Zoom and are available through their website.
Fantastic news for St. Oswald’s Church and Hall, Bruntsfield!
In August 2020 the City of Edinburgh Council approved the purchase of the church and hall by Bruntsfield St. Oswald's Ltd. (St. Oswald’s). St. Oswald's aims to create a vibrant, family-focused, community hub which will facilitate a wide range of clubs, classes and leisure opportunities for all local residents as well as wrap-around childcare and after-school activities for local children and young people. It is hoped that St. Oswald's Centre will open in Spring 2022 after a period of renovation and refurbishment.
Please also invite your family, friends, and neighbours to sign up to AACT! The more people follow our story, the more members of our community participate in this effort, the more noise we will be able to make. Please ask everyone you know to have a voice in our vision for the Astley Ainslie grounds by signing up as a member.
That's all for now. We wish you all a warm and comfortable autumn.
AACT Executive Committee