Scottish Government Phase 3 update
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that Scotland will remain in Phase 3 of the route map yesterday, but gave provisional dates for when further restrictions may be changed.
These are summarised in the graphic below with further details provided on the Scottish Government website.
It was confirmed that schools will be back open from 11th August. Details of arrangements for West Lothian schools can be found at https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/back-to-school.
Virtual Community Cake
We welcomed individuals representing a number of local community groups at our first online Community Cake event last week.
There was representation from the following groups:
| Scotch Hop | Linlithgow Farmily |
| Linlithgow String Orchestra | Linlithgow Churches |
| West Lothian Clarion Cycling Club | St Peters Church |
| Linlithgow Twinning Association | Linlithgow Folk Festival Association |
| New Well Wynd Garden | Transition Linlithgow |
We’ve had brilliant feedback from community groups that Community Cake events are a great way to meet people from other groups and do some friendly networking. We wanted to give groups opportunities to do this by trying out an online event.
Lockdown Activities
All the groups had been busy over lockdown, with lots of innovative activities taking place. We heard about music sessions over zoom, online bike time trials, community prayers, searching for hidden objects around the town, and the further development of the new community garden at New Well Wynd. There have also been quizzes, virtual dancing, throwbacks to previous years, zoom meetings, provision of support for members of the community who need it and the creation of a network of 650 families growing their own veg across the town. Busy busy!
Ideas
There were lots of ideas and enthusiasm for bringing people together in different ways and/or establishing activities which create a sense of community. One idea was small musical performances around the town, perhaps members of a street delivering socially distanced recitals. Or households decorating windows with a specific theme which can be enjoyed as people walk around the town, similar to rainbows and teddy bears during lockdown. There is already a nature trail planned for Book Week in November.
Support Needs
The following points were noted for consideration of further investigation and discussion.
- Capitalising on volunteers who have offered their time during Covid-19.
- How to access funding as opportunities are more limited at present. Covering how to go about it/best practice/governance.
- Look at opportunities to formalise sharing of resources across groups within the town.
Next Event
The next Community Cake event will be held on Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. The theme will be sharing funding opportunities and fundraising ideas. If you are interested in attending please contact [email protected].
Linlithgow Farmily
The Linlithgow Farmily team took up residence on the High Street last Saturday – chatting all things ‘grow your own’ and giving away over 170 starter packs to help people get started with growing their own food at home. Containing everything you need to grow salad, parsley, coriander and microgreens, the packs were enthusiastically snapped up – thanks to everyone who came along! If you picked up a starter pack and haven’t quite got going yet, you can watch our instructional video, which talks you through the planting process step by step, here. Anyone interested in joining the 650+ members of Farmily can like the Facebook page or check out the new website.
Throughout August we’ll be continuing to distribute starter packs via local community groups – aiming to reach as many people as possible who wouldn’t usually get involved, or who are especially struggling with lockdown. If you’re part of such a group and would like to get involved in getting starter packs to your community, then please email [email protected].
Linlithgow & Linlithgow Bridge Community Council Update
The Community Council trialled public participation at their Zoom meeting this week and it proved successful with some useful feedback. Thank you to those who took part. Therefore, the August meeting will be open to members of the public to test out this approach more formally.
This meeting will be held on Tuesday August 25th at 7.30pm and will be advertised two weeks in advance. Meeting papers will be available to view on the Community Council website in advance of the meeting.
Business Spotlight – Flex Fitness
Flex Fitness, based at Braehead Business Park, is ready to help you lose any lockdown weight gain!
Owner Gordon Hunter has spent the last few months training clients online and is looking forward to getting back into the studio. The personal training studio is designed to provide a “unique training experience for all”, including small group fitness classes (subject to government guidance).
Flex Fitness is “here to provide a service of uncomplicated fitness for everyday people”, said Gordon. “We specialise in coaching motivated individuals to feel leaner, stronger and fitter, and to make fitness become part of their life. Whether you’re a complete beginner to exercise or someone who is looking to take their fitness to the next level, we’d like to work with you. We provide exercise, nutrition and lifestyle advice for busy people who are dedicated to their health and fitness.”
You can read more about Flex Fitness in the latest edition of The Black Bitch Magazine on page 7. You can also follow on Facebook or find out more on their website!
Community Spotlight – 2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade
2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade is one of the largest Boys Brigade Companies in West Lothian.
During Lockdown we were unable to meet, but our Leaders and Helpers kept things running throughout by providing boys with our #BBatHomeProgramme that was developed and was sent out to the boys on a weekly basis with lots of fun activities.
We are in the process of planning our new session which we hope will be face to face, but fear not we are ready to start the session in other ways if face to face isn’t yet an option.
For more info find us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
