The Kirknewton Community Council election is being conducted as a full postal ballot.  Ballot papers will be issued on 5^th October to all electors whose names and addresses appear in the register that has been specifically drawn up for the Kirknewton Community Council election. 

The deadline for receipt of ballot papers is

5pm on Thursday 26^th October. 

The count will take place on Thursday 26^th October at 6pm and all candidates have been invited to attend and observe the proceedings.

PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE – IN THE LAST ELECTION 25% OF YOU VOTED – LETS MAKE IT MORE THIS TIME AROUND AND PLEASE VOTE!

CANDIDATES BIOGRAPHY & MANIFESTO

All candidates were offered the opportunity to give a short biography and election address.  The print version will also be available closer to the election day.

MARTIN LEE BLAINEY

As a father of two I am standing for council to ensure our village has a successful future ahead of it, one of which my sons will be proud of. My wife and I are already active in the community and well known throughout which gives me a wider audience to interact with.

 JULIA HELEN BRACEWELL

No election address

 SUSAN MARY CAMPBELL

Kirknewton has been my home for 16 years. Keeping our village clean, safe and beautiful are priorities. Having pride in our community requires both attitude and action from every individual. Listening to one another, formulating a plan and working together is how we keep improving our village for our needs.

JOHN CUNNINGHAM

An HR Management, Employment Law and Litigation Consultant (retired), I am experienced in matters concerning people. Also, being a Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Board member gives me additional community-related perspective. Having lived in Kirknewton since 1994 I hope to contribute to the benefit of our village via the Community Council.

JOHN DAVID SHOLTO DOUGLAS

No election address

DERRICK EMMS

I’ve been resident in Kirknewton for 19 years .  I have developed myself here as an individual.  I run a successful environmental engineering company.I would like to bring alternative viewpoints that should implemented for future generations.  Transparency & Representation of what we expect locally and possibly at a national level.  I’m a keen environmentalist too.

VIC GARRAD

Involved with many Community interests, youth groups, down through the years. At present, a Kirknewton Community Councillor where I am also the Planning Secretary. A member of Kirknewton Community Development Trust.  Have a very through understanding of how a local Authority works. Who would appreciate your support ! Thank you.

ROB GRAHAM

I’ve lived in Humbie Holdings since 1974, and locally otherwise since early childhood – just about a local then.  I joined the KCC 6 years ago for community assistance in addressing a problem local to Humbie and have always been impressed by the effort given in supporting the whole community.

NEIL GWYNNE

I have lived in the village for over 10 years. I am a Civil Engineer with 20 year’s experience. I can bring to the council the ability to ask questions and get informed answers about issues like the transport, infrastructure, level crossing, broadband, development and renewables.

FIONA HALLIDAY

Fiona Halliday is a part time staff nurse and full time mum of 3 young children. She has lived in Kirknewton for 10 years and has an interest in community development and volunteering and has chaired committees within the village.  Becoming a member of the community council, Fiona aims to act as an advocate for the children and young people. Another interest is supporting parents and carers of children with additional support needs in order to empower them and to alleviate isolation.

GRAHAM JOHN HAMILTON

Living as I do on the edge of the Kirknewton council area, and with my children now all flown, I intend to devote more time to the community. I already represent the Harperrig area on the Pentland Hills Consultative Forum and attend the local branch of the NFU.

PATRICIA STEWARD HASTINGS

Pat Hastings has been active on the Community Council for many years, has recently been involved in the recruitment of new ‘blood’.  As Community Councils are the bridge between local authorities and communities, Pat encourages action and participates in making Public bodies aware of opinions and the needs of Kirknewton.

HUGH HUNTER GORDON

Have lived here for over 40 years. All our children attended the Primary School.  A member of the Community Association in the late 70’s. For the last 12 years I have chaired the Council.  My primary concerns are to develop community interests, enhance the community infrastructure and encourage the legitimacy of the Community Council through proper elections.

ANGEL JONES LYNCH

Hi. I am 20 years old and a 4th year student at Queen Margaret University. I am standing for election to the KCC because I feel it would be advantageous for the youth of Kirknewton to have someone relatively young to represent their interests on KCC. I have had some experience of committee work at both QMU and prior.

FRANK JOHN LYNCH

I have been on the KCC for a number of years now and I must admit it has been a very rewarding experience. I was brought up in Kirknewton and have always thought the village to be somewhat special compared to West Lothian as a whole and found the KCC to be an organisation which helps our little village punch above its weight.

SIAN WYNNE MARKX

Having lived in Kirknewton for almost a decade and through working in the Green Room, I understand what issues impact on local people of different ages and backgrounds. I will lend my voice to issues including social problems, public transport, planning and development, also supporting initiatives which engender community spirit.

IAIN ADAM MASTERTON

Iain recently retired from a career in computer software design.  Born in Dunfermline, he studied at St. Andrews University before moving to Edinburgh and then, 30 years ago, to Kirknewton.  Retirement allows Iain to re-explore long-lost interests, and contribute more fully to local life.  He is married with two children.

STEWART JAMES McKENNA

I am a graduate of Heriot Watt and have owned my own businesses in heating, printing and e-commerce. Now retired my hobbies are energy and sailing.  I built our house in Kirknewton in 1983, living here ever since.  I have been a member of KCC for 18 years and I am currently Chair of Kirknewton Community Development Trust.  Please vote to ensure a fully elected community council for our wonderful village.

KIRSTY McKEOWN

I have lived in Kirknewton for 15 years I’m interested in the people and politics at the centre of this community. Having been a participant in the Community Council for some years, I have been most concerned about education, housing and the level crossing. I am a teacher at a local high school where I am a very active member of a vibrant department.

BEVERLEY MORRIS

No election address

MARY ANNE HAMILTON PINKERTON

I have lived in Kirknewton for 35 years. We built our house and raised children who went to the local schools. I ran a catering business in Edinburgh. Now retired, I am interested in facilities to make us more active, young people’s chances, gardening, food and getting the village’s voice heard by statutory bodies and services.

MICHAEL WILLIAM RAE

My family have lived in the community for a long time and I’ve been in the community council for the last few years and I’d like the opportunity to help carry on the great work that’s been achieved so far for Kirknewton.

JOHN SIVES

Resident for about 15 years.  Career: Over 30 years management in Private Security Industry.  Interested in Neighbourhood Watch- reducing anti-social behaviour – greater involvement of youths in positive activities – greater use of park for sports.  Traffic issues including speeding in Main Street and surrounding area.  Senior Citizen issues.

JOHN THOMAS

Kirknewton is listened to more by West Lothian Council and others when KCC is elected by the community. So please vote.

KCC should push for:

• Permanent pedestrian access across the railway line;
• Safer streets for all travelling on foot, bicycle, wheelchair or buggy;
• Offenders requiring close supervision should not be rehoused in communities with no full time authority presence.

JENNIFER SUSAN CLARE THOMSON

No election address – no email supplied

 IAN WATT

No election address

TAMMY WOOD

I live in Kirknewton and care about the community.  I am a volunteer, a bookkeeper, a counsellor, and artist but enough about me I want to find out about YOU and being part of the community council will enable me to do the best for Kirknewton and the Kirknewton people.

There will be a full election for the Kirknewton Community Council – for the second time! Last time around there were 13 candidates for 12 positions.  Following new guidance from the Scottish Government there are now 18 places – and we have 27 candidates standing.

We are just putting together their information about themselves that will be made available online and as a printed document delivered to (most) doors or in various outlets prior to the election late October.  More details to follow but meantime here are the names of those who have put their name forward.

Kirknewton Community Council
Final List of Candidates for 2017 Election

List of Nominees

Martyn Lee Blainey

Julia Helen Bracewell

Susan Mary Campbell

John Cunningham

John David Sholto Douglas

Derrick Alan Emms

Victor Garrad

Robert Graham

Neil Gwynne

Fiona Halliday

Graham John Hamilton

Patricia Steward Hastings

Hugh Hunter Gordon

Angel Jones Lynch

Francis John Lynch

Sian Wynne Markx

Iain Adam Masterton

Kirsty McKeown

Stewart James McKenna

Beverley Morris

Mary Anne Hamilton Pinkerton

Michael William Rae

John Sives

John Thomas

Jennifer Susan Clare Thomson

Ian Watt

Tammy Wood

The Kirknewton Firework Display blasts off BIGGER, BETTER & BRIGHTER for a third year at 7.30pm on Thursday 2nd November in Kirknewton Park.

Limited tickets for the event go on sale at Festival Stores from Monday 25th September.  Adults are £5 but children under 18 are free.  Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

21CC, who are running the Hopetoun House fireworks (among others) will be launching the Kirknewton Firework Display after last years hugely successful event.  This year we have put more funds into the firework show thanks to your kind donations last year.

THIS YEAR ENTRY IS BY TICKET FOR ADULTS – AVAILABLE FROM 25TH SEPTEMBER!

For your safety and security the fireworks will be a ticketed event this year. Tickets are available to purchase in advance from Festival Stores. Tickets are also available by post for an additional £2 per ticket before Fri 20th Oct – call 01506 883988 or e mail infokirknewton@gmail.com to book and arrange payment.

Entry to the park is by ticket only for adults, and security will be there on the night.  Children under 18 go free.  Children at primary school age must be accompanied by an adult.  Ticket entry will go back to community activities and next years show.

Please note official event organiser lightsabres for children will only be available in Festival Stores – available to purchase for only £3 in advance or on the night.  Unofficial vendors will be in the streets and we advise not to purchase from them.

Please prepare for the Kirknewton Fireworks display with our ten pieces of advice;
1 – Please wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear on the night.  If it rains the show will still go ahead.  We will only postpone in very heavy winds.
2 – Please bring a torch.
3 – Please walk and avoid travelling by car if you can.  Please park from train station car park up to park and avoid Main Street except for dropping off elderly and infirm.  You can reach Kirknewton on 28 bus or train from Edinburgh.
4 – Please enter by the bottom entrance of the park if possible (Whitemoss Road) – pop into the Festival Stores shop for food and drink
5 – Set up will begin around 2.30pm in the park. Entry to the back of the park and pitch will be limited from 5pm onwards as the fireworks are set up. At this time and on the night do not go beyond the cordon for your safety and to ensure the show continues.  Please do not bring pets.
6 – Entry to the park will not be possible when the show starts (approx 8pm) so please be in plenty of time.  Events begin at 7.30pm
7 – Note we are not selling anything other than supporting the sale of refreshments from the shop and light sabres for children. Avoid any other vendors who may set up and sell you items.  Black bags will be available for rubbish.
8 – This is a charity event.  If you save money on travel to another diSplay, enjoy from home or feel the event is worth more to you then please donate by mobile text message.  You can donate to the charity by Text message to 70070 with the message KCDT01 followed by £2, £5 or £10 – a donation by text does not give you entry to the park.  There will be no donation buckets this year.
9 – The local Kirknewton pub will be open for older visitors after the fireworks!
10 – Finally, have fun!!!

Kirknewton Gala launched their first ever pet show this year – see some of their pictures at https://www.facebook.com/events/1801661943177865/permalink/1814949188515807/

The event raised £65 for Gala funds.

Well done to all the winners

Cyrenians Farm is an Organic Market garden and social enterprise located in Kirknewton at Humbie holdings

http://cyrenians.scot/home-and-housing/residential-communities/

As well being a safe community for vulnerable young adults they grow and sell fruit and vegetables for sale to the public, all profits from the sales are committed to sustaining the Charity. They specialize in a ‘Veg Bag’ scheme where customers, for £10 per bag, get 8 items and up to 3.5kg of produce. The following link has a guide to how it works and an FAQ. Any specific questions and enquiries can be directed to  farm@cyrenians.scot.

http://cyrenians.scot/community-and-food/good-food/farm/

Kirknewton Community Development Trust are now looking to partner with Cyrenians to make this excellent offer available to people in the village. To begin with you will be able to pick up your bag from the Green Room on Thursdays between 10am and 2pm, or from the farm at any time on Thursday or Friday between 9am and 4pm. The farm may consider home delivery if those times are too awkward.

http://cyrenians.scot/community-and-food/good-food/farm/

Rob Davidson, Manager Farm Enterprise

During the next twelve months we hope to make the Green Room a true hub of community activity.

Built by the community for the community the Green Room, built in 2014, is now making our spare capacity available to community members, groups and people who work here or from home in Kirknewton.

The Green Room is opening it’s doors to studying students, people who work from home, outreach workers looking for a base, people working for volunteer groups or community members simply looking for a regular time and place to meet or work on a new idea.

You can have use of free wifi and by agreement use of mailing address, phone, internet, tea/coffee and equipment.

If interested you must register for this service at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GRregistration and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.