Bridgend Farmhouse Stakeholders Event Report

Bridgend Inspiring Growth Farmhouse Renovation Project

Stakeholders Event

20^th January 2010 at Inch Community Centre

Summary:

A very well attended event with lots of enthusiasm, good ideas and suggestions. There was the opportunity to find out more information on the farmhouse, fill out questionnaires and membership forms and visit stalls of different local organisations before hearing from different speakers and then offering views through groupwork sessions and a final Q&A.

Stalls: Bridgend Inspiring Growth, Walk Edinburgh, Volunteer Scotland, Carr-Gomm Scotland, Craigmillar Woods Action Group, Teens Plus, Mountain Bike Action Project, Countryside Ranger Service

Attendees: Over 60 in total – including representatives from Bridgend Residents Commitee, Bridgend Allotment Community Health Inclusion Project, EVOC, Community Learning and Development, Community Renewal, Craigmillar Ability Network, Edinburgh Community Food and Health, Inch Park Community Sports Centre, Active Schools, Princes Trust, ELGT, Climate Challenge Fund, University of Edinburgh, Forth Sector, Black Diamond FM, Transition Town Edinburgh University, FirstPort, Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, Councillor Buchanan, Councillor Snowden, as well as the organisations above and the presenters.

Presentations: A summary of the 8 presentations is available by email at the presentations page on this blog.

Groupwork: After the main presentations, the meeting broke away into four groups to discuss various aspects of the BIG project: restoring the farmhouse, health and well-being projects, outdoor education and training, and community involvement. Their suggestions were written down and are available via this link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/48063719/BIG-Groupwork-feedback

Q&A: Several good points made: the need to get schools and young people involved, the importance of using the whole of Craigmilar Castle Park as a resource, remembering the history of the park, castle and farmhouse and the need for a simple, clear aims and structure for the project.

Conclusion and next moves:

• A meeting of the steering committee on Monday 7th February at 6.30 in the Inch Community Centre...to which all interested individuals and organisations are invited.

• The planning of the next community involvement events.

• The drafting of a business plan.

• Submission of grant applications to the National Lottery Fund, the Climate Change Fund and a some environmental and training funds.

We would like to emphasise that is an voluntary community project open to all and would welcome any ideas, suggestions, help, comments and further feedback. It is only through the dedication, time, passion and energy of all involved that this can possibly happen. Please get in contact at:

bridgendfarmhse@gmail.com or on 07949230245.