Fauch Hill Windfarm has not been granted planning consent at appeal by the DPEA Inquiry Reporter and the Camilty windfarm that has consent and where KCDT would have a possibility of income has been delayed as it was recently sold to EDF. 

The board of Kirknewton Community Development Trust recognised that the chances of approval of the reviewed Fauch Hill were slim, however the role of KCDT is to get the best deal we can from any acceptable developer proposal for the benefit of the Kirknewton community. 

At the original planning meeting West Lothian Council dismissed the significant socio-economic impact that the Fauch Hill proposal would have delivered to Kirknewton, therefore it is good to know that the Reporter took this factor into consideration this time around, as evidenced in the quotation from his decision letter below, thanks to the help of community volunteers and as part of an external review put forward by the Developer.

Of course it would have been nice to provide employment and on-going funds (in the region of £80,000 a year) to improve activity and facilities in our village as well as being able to easily invest in housing for the elderly, youth projects, park improvements and guarantee events such as the fireworks each year.  This will, in the short term, not be the case but we will continue our efforts to achieve this.

“Direct and quantifiable economic benefit would also be provided by the appellant’s intention to allow the community to acquire shares in the ownership of the proposed development – the appellant having entered into legally binding heads of terms with two local community development trusts. The income from such investment (in the region of £80,000 per annum for each trust) could be used to fund valuable local community facilities to the benefit of the wider community and support up to 11 full-time equivalent jobs, according to the appellant’s predictions – a significant number in the context of a relatively low local population. In accordance with the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principles for Shared Ownership of Onshore Renewables (2015), this is a matter to which positive weight should be given.”

Kirknewton Community Garden Services is a new project run by Kirknewton Community Development Trust through funding from the Scottish Government and Development Trust of Scotland.

To ask for a quote contact gardenkirknewton@gmail.com or call 01506 883988

The aims of the project are:
 To provide a range of gardening and factor services for the people of Kirknewton.
 Work with local volunteer groups to enhance areas around the village.
 Provide additional volunteer and training opportunities.
 To reinvest profits made back into the project and community.

The gardening project will offer a range of services for a competitive price that will be reinvested back into the community including:

 Grass and hedge cutting
 Small tree, bush and shrub removal
 Weeding and general tidy up
 Small landscaping work
 Fencing
 Small painting jobs
 Edible gardening
 Composting and recycling
 Garden design
 Advice and consultancy
 Snow/path clearing

The project will also support landscaping areas such as the Charles Jencks art project, the Camps Junction elderly housing project, the community woodland and a project to enhance the area near the Meadowbank bus stop.  We are also aware the Trust has been approached by community groups wishing to change or find a local factor, contribute financially or volunteer help in other areas/woodlands around the village or simply have an option for their garden and this project hopes to help with that.

To ask for a quote contact gardenkirknewton@gmail.com or call 01506 883988

As this is a community project all the profits will be reinvested in expanding
the project and to provide training opportunities for local people.

We realise some people have difficulty maintaining their garden and we are here to help.  The key element in this project is making Kirknewton an attractive and appealing
village to those who live and pass through here as you identified in the Kirknewton Community Development Plan. This project will allow the people to see visible everyday examples of the progress that KCDT is making in enhancing Kirknewton and support the work identified and done by volunteer groups.

Getting the community involved is another critical part of this project. Along
with undertaking project out in the community we will also be running various
workshops such as:
 Composting and soil management
 Seed swap
 Wild food foraging
 Organic gardening

We will also run an open day to help introduce us to the local community, to
show examples of the work we undertake, and to recruit new customers and
volunteers.

A direct contact to Greg will be available soon but if you wish a quote contact gardenkirknewton@gmail.com or call 01506 883988

As part of the Scottish Government and Development Trust Association of Scotland Strengthening Communities Programme Kirknewton Community Development Trust has secured funding for two part time roles – a Community Gardener and a Community Fundraiser.

The intention is to raise funds to maintain jobs in the community beyond the ten month programme.

Application is by CV and covering letter.  The deadline for applications is 16th May at 5pm to tonykirknewton@gmail.com or by post to the Green Room, 12 Main Street, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH

Kirknewton Community Gardener

21 hours a week, £10,000, To March 2019

We are currently looking for a part time community gardener to help us move our projects into the next stage of its development and raise funds for the community. You will have experience, with some landscaping knowledge.  A proven track record of developing and managing projects is preferred as is experience of working with volunteers/community work.

Responsibilities:

• Working with our Board to develop and implement a number of projects designed to engage the local community. This includes consulting with local community groups, schools and local residents. This will include assisting with local groups.
• Improving the look and our standards of basic practice across the community, on projects such as the Charles Jencks artwork, housing for the elderly landscaping, Village Improvement Projects, Community Woodland.
• Working with the community to identify areas for improvement, for a factor fee
• Working with the community to look after local gardens who require it, for a fee.
• Identifying training needs of our volunteers in conjunction with our youth and volunteer co-ordinator, devising appropriate training sessions to fulfil these needs.
• Ensuring all relevant health and safety standards are met in relation to your personal safety, the safety of volunteers, visiting school or community groups and members of the public.
• Conducting and reviewing risk assessments as required.
• Being responsible for the proper use, maintenance and safe storage of all plant, machinery, tools and equipment.
• Reporting on all matters relating to the postholder’s activities
• Undertaking such additional duties commensurate with the post as may reasonably be requested from time to time.

Person specification

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of successful project planning from idea, through implementation to completion.
• Gardening experience with good knowledge of plants & tools
• Experience of working with and supervising volunteers including an ability to teach volunteers by example the principles of good practice.
• Am understanding of how community-based organisations work

Skills and attributes

In addition, the candidate should be 

• Genuinely excited by gardening keen to communicate this enthusiasm to as wide an audience as possible
• Able to work with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• Strongly committed to working as part of a team.
• Aware of all issues affecting personal safety and the safety of others, including volunteers.
• Sensitive to community issues, values and demographics.
• Reliable and organised
• Friendly and approachable.
• A confident and effective communicator both verbally and in writing
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Willing to work flexible hours including and weekends.
• Qualified First Aider or willing to acquire this qualification.

Hours

This is a part-time position 21 hours per week. Note that some weekend and evening work may be required.

Salary

£10,000 for 10 months, 21 hours a week

Job description and person spec for community gardener

Holiday entitlement

28 days pa pro rata

Pension

KCDT has an opt in pension plan.

Looking after volunteers

KCDT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers interacting with these groups to share this commitment. This position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check

KIRKNEWTON COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

The role of the Community Fundraiser is to raise funds to help assist the financial stability of the Kirknewton Community Development Trust and the work we do.

Job Description

• To stimulate, encourage and support fundraising activities in Kirknewton carried out by individuals, organisations and associations on behalf of the Trust.
• Develop our community lottery and fundraising raised through events.
• Identify and apply for funding that meets the aims and objectives of the Kirknewton Development Plan.
• Make links with individuals and groups, including companies, schools, churches and community organisations
• Identify and develop fundraising initiatives to engage individuals and groups including companies, schools, churches and community organisations.
• Encourage local participation in KCDT calendar of events
• Work with organisers of events taking place in Kirknewton to encourage participants to raise funds for the Trust and community projects specific to the Development Plan
• Produce resources such as posters, sponsorship forms, fundraising packs and thank you certificates to support and promote community fundraising events.
• Actively find new supporters to promote Kirknewton collection tins and merchandise across the area and grow income as a result
• Identify and maintain knowledge of all products offer, including lottery and events so that opportunities for cross-promotion can be utilised.
• Recruit volunteers to assist you with fundraising activities

Community Fundraising Administration

• Record all CF data and contact activity
• Respond to CF enquiries, sending agreements, fundraising packs and thank you letters.
• Add CF events to the website.
• Log and maintain collection boxes and community lottery funds
• Ensure risk assessments and agreements for CF events are sent and completed as and when needed.

Friends of Kirknewton / Supporter Groups

• To explore the potential and provide administrative support and general support to the Friends of Kirknewton legacy programme.
• To build effective relationships with Friends of Kirknewton.

Fundraising materials for Community Fundraising

• Order and distribute CF materials and merchandise.
• Monitor stock levels and carry out a regular stock take.

Other duties

• Regular reporting and evaluation on areas of responsibility
• Keep up to date with local government legislation, charity law, national fundraising guidelines and KCDT policies and procedures to ensure all fundraising activities comply.
• To undertake all other reasonable duties as required by the organisation.
• Provide support to the initiatives and events organised by other KCDT volunteer groups, including providing help and attendance as needed.
• Hours
• This is a part-time position 21 hours per week. Note that some weekend and evening work may be required.

Salary

• £10,000 for 10 months, 21 hours a week.

Holiday entitlement

• 28 days pa pro rata

Pension

• KCDT has an opt in pension plan.

Looking after volunteers

• KCDT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers interacting with these groups to share this commitment. This position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check

Local parent and Community Counsellor Fiona Halliday wished to start a support group in Kirknewton for parents and carers of children with additional support needs.  She recognised that parents and carers can experience high levels of isolation, and thought that a regular group would help people to meet and share experiences.  She noticed that Thursday 1st Feb is also “Time to Talk Day”, a day that encourages open exchange and talking to reduce isolation for people suffering mental health issues.

The Kirknewton Christmas Family Fair and BBQ was a great success, raising over £1500 for local community organisations.

The Kirknewton Community Development Trust wanted to do something slightly different with the annual event, making it less about craft stalls and more about family friendly Christmas activities.  They also put less into publicity and more into entertainment with an additional marquee, a magician (three shows), snow machine, BookBugs, Mini and Me, Scout games, face painters, balloon makers, local choirs and the Kirknewton Primary School Brass band.  Santa was also there for the whole duration, giving out 100 books to young people.

The Gala Committee are running their own whisky night for Burn’s Night.  It takes place in the Kirknewton Pub on Friday 26th January from 7.30pm

Tickets are £10 for 6 x 25ml measures of whisky.

Tickets are available from the Inn, Kirknewton or contact the Gala through their facebook page.