I hope everyone has heard the news of the project to develop the new visual identity/logo for Oxton & Channelkirk. It is in partnership with the Design students at Edinburgh Napier University who have been asked to make submissions of their ideas for all of us to consider.

 Some people have said they met the students when they came to visit in January, they met quite a few folk, visited the school and took lots of photographs and certainly the pub was rocking at lunchtime!

 The students’ ideas will be submitted on Monday 20th February and will be on display on Wednesday 22nd February 4.30p.m. – 6.45p.m. in Oxton Village Hall. Please come along to review the images and give your responses to them

Please get in contact of you have any queries about the project. I look forward to seeing you on the 22nd.

 Stephanie Knight

I am going to the Edinburgh event on February 14th with special focus on our children and young people involved in the Arts Workshops. If any of you should like to come as well, please book your place [it's free] on the link below and I will be delighted to share transport with you.

Warm wishes on a cold, cold afternoon,

Stephanie Knight

Oxton & Channelkirk Arts & Education project

+ 44 [0] 1578 750694
+ 44 [0] 7817 359703
stephaniejaneknight@gmail.com

Focus Group Roadshows Creative Scotland is leading the development of Scotland’s first National Youth Arts Strategy. The strategy isn’t Creative Scotland’s, it’s Scotland’s and we would like you to join the conversation. It will have the vision of establishing Scotland as an international leader in youth arts. Perhaps you think we already are? We need to hear your thoughts and opinions to help shape and inform the strategy. If you’re committed to enriching children & young people’s lives through the arts whether you’re an artist, parent, arts organisation or any other agency working with children or young people then we hope that you can join us at one of the focus groups below.

PLEASE NOTE: These focus groups are specifically for service providers but Young Scot are running a number of consultations with young people on our behalf. We’re expecting spaces to fill up fast as numbers for each venue are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.If you would like to attend one of the events please click the Event Bright button below to register online.

Date Venue Time RSVP
13 Feb Glasgow, Scottish Youth   Theatre 10.30am – 12.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2M-1/c.aspx>
13 Feb Ullapool, MacPhail   Centre 10.30am – 12.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2N-1/c.aspx>
13 Feb Paisley, Paisley Arts   Centre 2.30pm – 4.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2O-1/c.aspx>
14 Feb Edinburgh, Creative Scotland   Office 10.30am – 12.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2P-1/c.aspx>
14   Feb Inverness, Eden Court 10.30am – 12.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2Q-1/c.aspx>
14 Feb Dumfries, Oasis Youth   Centre 11.00am – 1.00pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2R-1/c.aspx>
14 Feb Glenrothes, Rothes Halls 2.30pm – 4.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2S-1/c.aspx>
14 Feb Elgin, Elgin Youth Cafe 4.00pm – 6.00pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2T-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Shetland, Video Conference, Details   TBC TBC BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2U-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Orkney, Video Conference, Details   TBC TBC BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2V-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Comhairle   nan Eilean Siar, Video   Conference, Details TBC TBC BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2W-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree 10.00am – 12.00pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2X-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Kilmarnock, The Palace   Theatre
10.30am – 12.30pm
BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2Y-1/c.aspx>

15 Feb Hamilton, Hamilton Town   House 2.30pm –   4.30pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV2Z-1/c.aspx>
15 Feb Dundee, Dundee Contemporary   Arts 3.00pm – 5.00pm BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV30-1/c.aspx>
16 Feb Perth, Perth Concert   Hall
10.30am – 12.30pm
BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV31-1/c.aspx>
16 Feb Hawick, Heart of   Hawick
1.00pm – 3.00pm
BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV32-1/c.aspx>
16 Feb Stirling, Macrobert
2.30pm – 4.30pm
BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV33-1/c.aspx>  
17 Feb Oban, Corran Halls 12.00pm – 2.00pm
BOOK <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FV34-1/c.aspx>

Other Ways to Get Involved:

Twitter – If you want to join the national youth arts conversation on twitter then use the #tag: #YouthArtsScot to get us trending!

Young Scot Online Questionnaire <http://dmtrk.net/FES-OTDJ-3NUDCU-9FS3M-1/c.aspx>  – this one’s for young people aged 11-26yrs old to complete. We’d be grateful if you could forward to young people you work with, post it on your website or promote across your networks.

Creative Scotland
Waverley Gate
2 – 4 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3EG Creative Scotland
249 West George St
Glasgow
G2 4QE

Channelkirk & Oxton Arts & Education

Spring 2012 Programme

Workshops in Drama & Theatre

Monday 6^th February –Monday 26^th March 2012

inOxton Memorial Village Hall

 at the following times:

4.30p.m. – 5p.m.           for 3-5 years*

5p.m. – 6p.m                 for 5 – 7 year olds.

6.15p.m. – 7.15p.m.        for  8+ age.

NEW Workshop7.15p.m. – 8.30p.m.              for  12+ age

Each workshop is for up to 20 children and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. These workshops will be based on Drama and Theatre work, and as they develop other artists and art forms are being introduced over the coming year, including Music, Dance and Design.

*please bring an adult with you

Fees per session:  

3-5 years Workshop = £1

5-7 years & 8+ = £2.50

12+ = £3

If the fees are paid in advance, then the

following discounts are available:

 3-5 years = £7

 5-7 & 8+ = £18

  12+ = £21

If you have any queries and to book a place, please contact:

Stephanie on stephaniejaneknight@gmail.com

or 01578 750 694

]]> http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/02/01/channelkirk-oxton-arts-education/feed/ 1 speedyhaggis drama http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/01/30/occc-30th-jan-2012/ http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/01/30/occc-30th-jan-2012/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:28:26 +0000 speedyhaggis http://oxtonchannel.org.uk/?p=1085 Continue reading →]]> Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council

 ‘Floreat Oxtona – Let Oxton Flourish’

            Minutes: Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council

                                    30^th January 2012

                                    Oxton War Memorial Hall

                                    7.30 pm

In attendance:

Jules Reeley – (Chair)

Dave Burrell – resident

Stephanie Knight – resident & Committee Member

Raymond Smith – resident and Hall Committee Chair

Paul Docherty – resident

Allan Dawson – resident

Ian Young – resident

David Parker – SBC Council

Councillor John Paton Day

Jonathan Stevenson – resident

Andrew Cunningham – resident

Sonia Borthwick – resident and Committee Member

Len Todd – resident

Apologies:

Iain Robinson

Malcolm Edgar

1. 1.      Welcome and Introductions: JR welcomed everyone and asked for a ‘round the table’ introduction

1. 2.      Apologies: JR intimated apologies, as above

1. 3.      Adoption of previous Minutes: JR proposed the adoption, SK seconded the motion.

1. 4.      Matters Arising: SK raised a Point of Order in connection with the identification of roles in the attendees list and suggested some uniformity and proposed that members of the OCCC Committee be designated as such.

ChannelkirkPrimary School:

PD reviewed the recent history surrounding the threatened closure of Channelkirk PS some 6 and a half years ago ,indicated that the Commission for Rural Schools had convened a public meeting at which he would be attending. PD asked for both JPD and DP to give comment on the long term status of Channelkirk PS.

DP responded by saying that in his opinion there was no cause for concern over the future status of the School, that the elected Members had previously voted overwhelmingly to retain the School and that he could not foresee a situation where this decision would require to be revisited. He indicated that he was aware that COSLA were looking again at the definition of what constitutes a rural school and that in some circumstances schools within small towns are caught by the current definition of a Rural school which may not necessarily be the case and that this can lead to difficulties for Local Authorities who may wish to review the provision of schools in certain areas.

PD made a further point regarding the cost per pupil for providing education at a rural school such as Channelkirk and a school like Lauder with the difference in cost per pupil being negligible for a rural school as for a town school. DP reaffirmed his previous statement about the status of Channelkirk. JPD added that he was against any school closure unless it was driven by a parental body and in those cases where parents had made conscious decisions to remove their children from a school. JR thanked PD for his support for the school.

1. 1.      Village Resilience planning: a. Update – JR noted that equipment was in the portacabin.

1. 2.      Village Improvements: JR noted that prices were being collated.

1. 3.      Community Path Network: JR noted that IR had been unable to get in touch with Neil Mackay regarding this project and that NW had provided an indicative cost at the last meeting.

1. 4.      Village Cemetery: JR indicated that there may be money to be diverted from savings on the cost of the bus stop to help with the proposals for the cemetery.

1. 5.      Film Nights: SB reported that Lauder had started up a Film Night as part of the Lauder Trading Post and that their first night had gone well and therefore OCCC needed to decide whether it goes down the same route of some sort of resources sharing route. JR asked how many folk had attended from Oxton. SB replied that two car loads had gone down. JR indicated that in light of recent events such as fireworks and Extravaganza where the events were free they were well attended. The meeting went on to discuss the lack of support for the Burns Supper and that perhaps price had a bearing on ticket sales for that event. SB indicated that she’d be happy to pursue the idea of a film night, and perhaps a trial night could be arranged sometime after the Easter Holidays to gauge support and reaction.

1. 6.      Web site: JS indicated that the site was live, that a leaflet drop was proposed to raise further awareness for the web site and that it was linked to U Tube. JR asked whether a link to Facebook could be achieved and it was thought this could be a good idea.  

1. 7.      Village Hall: RS reported that there was no further updates at this stage.

1. 8.      Defibrillator: JR informed the meeting that both BT and SBC had responded to the adoption to phone box and that this was progressing. DB made the point that awareness of the presence of the defibrillator was still very low and that progress to locate the defibrillator needs to move quickly and that he’d previously had a quote to paint the phone box, which was passed to SB. JR asked about power into the phone box. A discussion ensued surrounding the provision of power to the phone box and that this required investigation.

1. 9.      Village Logo: SK informed the meeting that Napier and students had attended Oxton and met with Henry Borthwick, Iain and Dot Robinson and that they had also gone to the School and, thanks to Miss McLaren, had been given the opportunity to speak to the children as well. Submissions were due on the 20^th Feb, a short list would be drawn up, thereafter the Village residents would be given the opportunity to see the short listed presentations themselves. JR suggested that the School may be a venue for hosting the presentations. A general discussion surrounding arrangements ensued it being left to JR and SK to sort out logistics.

1. 10.  Broadband: PD reported that he had met with Duncan Nisbet and informed the meeting that SBC along with Dumfries and Galloway were to launch a joint bid for some of the £144m funding coming into Holyrood for upgrading of broadband around the region.

1. 11.  Windfarm Planning Applications: JR read a precognition statement that would be submitted on behalf of OCCC to the Planning Enquiry for Rowantree.  See attached.

RS noted that he held a totally different view to that represented by the statement. JPD noted that if the Community felt that development had gone far enough then the Community was well able to object. JR noted that the OCCC default objection position would be lodged with reference to the recent proposal for a wind farm at Gilston.

1. 12.  Music Workshop and Ceilidh Dance: SK reported that a music workshop was planned for 12^th May and that help would be required in the 6 week period leading up to the workshop. The Arts workshop would start again on the 6^th Feb.

1. 13.  Burns Night: JR noted that this event had been cancelled due to lack if ticket sales.

1. 14.  Games Day and Village Day: JR reported that ME had matters in hand.

1. 15.  Windfarm Grant Applications: It was noted that DLX next meeting to discuss applications was the 15^th February.

1. 16.  Planning Applications: it was noted that a recent application for two houses at Carfraemill had been submitted.

1. 17.  AOB: JPD noted that if there were any groups within the Community that were experiencing difficulties in nay shape or form with the new PVG (Disclosure Act) then he’d be pleased to offer assistance where he could. DB asked DP to comment on the timeframe for works at Justice Park, DP responded that there were a few minor obstacles to overcome but that he was confident that works would be completed by the end of June. DB then reaffirmed the need to act swiftly to locate the defibrillator as Scottish Borders TV was keen to do a piece on the new equipment. SB commented that if it proved easier in the first place to house the equipment in the Hall then this at least would provide a temporary home whilst matters to adopt the phone box moved along. Finally DP asked everyone that was a Member of the Lauder Health Practice to exercise their vote  

regarding the proposal for a new facility in Lauder.

Next Meeting: JR closed the Meeting and arranged that the next Meeting be held the 27^th February 2012.

Precognition by Mr Iain Robinson

Appeal Reference SECTION 36 APPLICATION FOR THE PROPOSED ROWANTREE WINDFARM NEAR OXTON, SCOTTISH BORDERS

Iain Robinson, Oxton & Channelkirk Community Council, Chair

1. 1.    I am representing the Community Council and their position on this application.

1. 2.    When the Community Council received the first application to develop the Windfarm in our area, known as Dun Law 1, a questionnaire was sent around all residents of Oxton & Channelkirk to gauge their views on that proposed windfarm and other potential windfarms that were in the ‘pipeline’ for development

1. 3.    An overwhelming reply from all those who participated (>65%), indicated that they were concerned that this application would be the ‘tip of the iceberg’ for other similar windfarm developments and that the area around Oxton and Channelkirk would be saturated with wind turbines.

It was for that reason the Community at large rejected the windfarm development known as Dun Law 1

1. 4.    Since then, there have been the following developments which have either been commissioned, under construction or consented which are within a 20Km radius of Oxton

1. a.    Dunlaw 2       <10Km
2. b.    Carcant          <10Km
3. c.    Toddelburn   <10Km
4. d.    Long Park      <10Km
5. e.    Pogbie           <10Km
6. f.     Keith Hill        <10Km
7. g.    Bowbeat        <20Km
8. h.    Fallago Rig   <20Km

1. 5.    While it is appreciated that not every turbine can be viewed from the heart of the village, there is a tremendous amount of recreational activity in and around the village, walking, riding, cycling etc for which the sight of the turbines impacts peoples appreciation of the surrounding countryside.

For many, this was the reason they moved into the area.

1. 6.    Following a recent (November 2011) Community Council meeting, a point was raised on the agenda to gain the current opinion of the Community on windfarm developments.

It was concluded that the opinion of the Community has not altered in the time since the initial survey and it is generally viewed that the surrounding area of Oxton & Channelkirk is saturated with wind turbines and that this current application to develop a further 23turbines within a 10Km radius is beyond the ‘tipping point’ of acceptability

It was also a serious point of concern from many residents who lived and worked close to the turbines that the noise emitted was totally unacceptable and in many cases had caused a detrimental impact to their life style.

Conclusion

It is the opinion of the people of Oxton & Channelkirk who live and work within our area that the volume of windturbines is already at saturation point and that any further developments which further adds to the concentration of these turbines within a radius of 10Km  is totally unacceptable.

For this reason alone, I would ask you to refuse this application.

Your local community officer, PC Gina Johnstone, is holding a community meeting on Wednesday 1st February 2012 from 5 to 6pm at Oxton Village Hall.

Come along, meet PC Johnstone and talk about any concerns you have in your area. If you cannot come, you can always get in touch through some of our contacts below:

t: 01578 722 222 (office)  t: 0131 311 3131 (24hrs)

e: gina.johnstone@lbp.pnn.police.uk       w: lbp.police.uk

OXTON BURNS SUPPER

Saturday 28th January

Village Hall

CANCELLED

 ‘Floreat Oxtona – Let Oxton Flourish’

            Minutes: Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council

                                    9^th January 2012

                                    Oxton War Memorial Hall

                                    7.30 pm

In attendance:

Iain Robinson – (Chair)

Dave Burrell – resident

Cathy Rooney – resident

Paul Hunt – resident

Stephanie Knight – resident & Councillor

Councillor Nicholas Watson – SBC Councillor

Hugh Sloan – resident

Raymond Smith – resident and Hall Committee Chair

Sandy Sutherland – resident and Hall Committee

John Moffat – resident

Paul Docherty – resident

Dave Dickson – resident and Secretary

Malcolm Edgar – resident, Committee Councillor and Member Toddleburn Wind Farm Panel

Allan Dawson – resident

Ian Young – resident

Fiona Donaldson – resident

Apologies:

Sonia Borthwick – resident and Treasurer

Councillor John Paton Day –

David Parker – SBC Councillor

Jules Reeley – Committee Councillor

1. 1.      Welcome and Introductions: IR welcomed everyone and asked for a ‘round the table’ introduction

1. 2.      Apologies:

IR intimated apologies, as above

1. 3.      Adoption of previous Minutes:

IR proposed the adoption, DD seconded the motion

1. 4.      Matters Arising:

PH raised a Point of Order in connection with the Agenda and asked, given the time given up to the meetings by the Local Councillors, that it may be better use of the meetings time, when Councillors are present, to focus on issues that they can readily answer in the early part of the agenda rather than finding the meeting time runs on and that matters upon which Councillors could be usefully asked to comment have not been given sufficient time for debate.

IR responded that as far as the Committee were concerned no one matter should take precedent over another and that all items on the agenda were open for discussion and that the agenda is circulated to all, ahead of the meeting, specifically to allow members of the community to raise agenda items or to ask that certain items are prioritised during the meeting.

PH responded to say that it may be useful from time to time to prioritise certain items that may require Councillors input, this may then allow Councillors to take leave of the meeting at a point to allow the meeting to focus on other more general social and cultural aspects of the agenda.

1. 1.      Village Resilience planning:

a. Update –  IR noted that matters are progressing and that prices for individual sections of the plan were coming ahead and that SBC were to provide a new bus shelter free of charge. IY noted that the bus stop was to be of an open design and, given the weather at certain times, that this may not prove to be the best design. IR noted that the design could be amended fairly simply and cheaply and that a free bus shelter was going to save about £6000 from the budget.

b. First Aid – IR informed the meeting that 6 people had attended the First Aid Course and that there were now 14 people trained in the use of the defibrillator and that their names would be circulated to all villagers and would also be displayed in various prominent places around the village

c.Salt store – IR noted that SBC had offered to improve the containers and a 1T store but IR reiterated that salt was for public road use only. DD asked about the equipment storage facilities and IR reported that a number of items of equipment would be stored in the container at the side of the hall, hard hats, Hi Viz jackets etc.

1. 2.      Christmas Lights and Christmas Fayre:

IR proposed a Vote of Thanks to Jules Reeley and Sonia Borthwick for all their help in organising such a successful event and that many people had passed favourable comment

1. 3.      Village Improvements:

IR noted that this was work in progress.

1. 4.      Community Path Network:

IR to follow up with Dave McKay and that this was work in progress. NW later brought to the meeting a costed proposal to improve the core path from Oxton to Lauder and that the cost was estimated at £102,000. NW commented that this was an initiative from SBC to improve the paths to allow walkers and cyclists access to the paths. Given the proposed costs IR commented that money for the village improvement plan may well take up much of the wind farm money but that investigations as to joint contributions from Lauder and Oxton would be sought. RS asked for a plan of the proposed route and SS commented that the landowner in the middle section had been approached to seek consent.

1. 5.      Village Cemetery:

IR indicated that this was work in progress.

1. 6.      Film Nights:

Nothing to report

1. 7.      Web site:

IR proposed a Vote of Thanks to Steve Jones and Jonathon Stevenson and read an update from Steve Jones – contained here. Site is now live. Plans to advertise are in hand, estimating publicity in community 10th February. We have volunteers already lined up to help in distribution and have been in consultation with businesses around the area; who are delighted to help in our promotion and aid this drive. Contact has been made with all ‘linked’ sites so that we have their permission to link (this is Net Etiquette) and importantly that they insert our web address on their site. We are waiting on only a few replies; however this is not something which will hold us back. Content on the site is improving with more people contributing and the enthusiasm shown has been fantastic to date. Some people have not been able to supply us with relevant material; however we have sourced other individuals who are committed to the cause and keen to get involved. Again, enthusiasm is overwhelming! We have Channelkirk and Lauderdale church already keen to meet up to exchange ideas. Henry Borthwick, author of Channelkirk Walks, is contributing

We have many interesting and creative ideas to involve the community and are always open to suggestions. It is anticipated that the workload will increase sharply as more people learn of the website, but again there are so many members of the community wanting to help us, that we are starting up a waiting list! The video coverage of events in the village is excellent and creates a positive picture of the village, such vibrancy and imagination with a great bunch of people.

Real community spirit.

Photographs and stories, places of interest, what’s on and where etc etc, we are striving to include as diverse a representation of the community as possible and importantly make it accessible and interesting to all who read it.

The site will be constantly maintained and monitored to ensure a secure environment for all users. If there are any questions relating to the website, please email using the addresses on the contact us page. www.oxtonchannel.org.uk oxtonchannel@gmail.com channeloxton@gmail.com

1. 8.      Village Hall:

SS opened by informing the Meeting that he had met with Douglas Westwater and Orla McDonald of Community Enterprise who were willing to assist with providing expertise in achieving funding support and that they had produced a time line for taking the Hall Construction Plan forward. The first step was to secure some seed funding to allow the employment of a professional team, architect, QS, ME and Planning Supervisor to draw up formal plans that could then be submitted to SBC for planning consent. SS commented that at this stage there was no real feel for whether the funding goal was achievable but that feeling was the sums required, in the region of £600,000, were achievable being less than a £million. A VAT consultant would be required to comment on whether the scheme would be VATable or not and this would obviously have impact on the overall cost. JM commented that other local halls had been successful in getting financial support for their new halls . PD commented that politically it would be expedient to show that some Wind Farm money had been provided to, perhaps seed fund, as this would show willingness to seek funding from a variety of sources rather than just from the Lottery Development Fund. SS commented that it would take about 1year to get to the planning application stage. CR asked that any Business plan should show need and want etc and PD replied that the Community Action Plan had already identified these issues and that this would, in hind sight, provide a valuable tool to the Hall Committee team and their advisors. SS commented that help would be required to pull the Plan together for ultimate presentation to the Lottery Fund. A discussion ensued about the future running of the Hall and whether it would continue to run as a ‘not for profit’ hall and that this would impact on whether the scheme was deemed VAT able or not. RS asked that the insulation Grant be applied for but ME replied that if the Grant hadn’t been spent it would drop into the main Toddleburn Fund and that ultimately this would prove easier to access. SS commented that a more detailed business plan would be produced by April. SK commented that clear leadership would be required in order to drive the process forward. PD made the point that the Hall Committee should seek a number of quotes for the work of taking a Business Pan forward rather than just giving it to Community Enterprise .

1. 9.      Defibrillator:

IR informed the Meeting that the defibrillator had been delivered and was currently located in the shop but that the ultimate location would be BT telephone kiosk but  that the kiosk would need to be adopted by the Community Council prior to the relocation.

The CC has commenced proceedings to adopt the kiosk.

There would be a key code to access  the defibrillator and this would be accessible by all.

1. 10.  Village Logo:

IR commented that Andrew Mercer, a local historian, had found the Coat of Arms of Oxton and that perhaps this could be incorporated into the brief for the design competition. SK addressed the meeting and informed the meeting that the brief had been issued, that two representatives from the village attend Napier and that on the 19^th Jan students would be invited to attend Oxton and meet with local villagers such as Henry Borthwick and others. Submissions were due by the 20^th Feb with judging panel required and finalists to attend the village on the 27^th Feb at 2.30. Prize money and bus fares would be required on that day to give to those students who had attended.

SK has prepared a brief for the students – see end of this report for details

1. 11.  Broadband:                                                                                          

PD informed the meeting that he was looking into how to upgrade the village Broadband speed to Superfast speed and that he was meeting with Duncan Nisbet of SBC on Monday 16^th January and would report thereafter.

1. 12.  Financial Position:                                                                                           

IR noted that the fireworks event had provided about £600 profit, mainly on account of the Grant received and that with other income the balance stood at £4944 with a further £484 to add as a grant towards the costs of the Christmas lights had been received.

1. 13.  Windfarm Planning Applications:  

IR noted that Rowantree was the subject of a public enquiry to be heard mid March. IR was meeting the QC who is acting for the Opposition Groups on Monday 16^th and would represent OCCC standard position as opposing new wind farms. IR noted that there would be a new planning application for Gilston Wind Farm coming to the attention of the OCCC shortly and that, here too, the standard default opposition would be voiced.

1. 14.  Future Events

1. 1.      Burns Night:

IR reported that the Burns night would be held on the 28^th January and that speakers were John Wilkinson and Stephanie Knight. The cost of tickets was agreed at £15.

1. 2.      Music Workshop and Ceilidh Dance:

SK reported that a Halloween Dance was planned and that a music workshop was planned for either 5^th or 12^th May. The Art workshop would start again on the 6^th Feb and that an older age group may be set up CR added that advertising could also be achieved at no cost through Border Events and Lauderdale News.

1. 3.      Games Day and Village Day:

ME informed the Meeting that the New Years day dance raised about £200 and this was given as a donation to the Village Hall. IR asked about the enthusiasm to extend the Games Day through to the Sunday to make use of the equipment hired and the ground etc. ME commented that the Games Committee were already fully committed and that any other initiatives would have to be taken up by others. IR replied that he would be happy to lead this and would report again to the next meeting.

1. 1.      AOB:

DB informed the meeting that he had met with Councillor David Parker and that all matters would be attended to by the end of the current financial year to finish off the adoption of JusticePark.

1. 2.      Next Meeting: IR closed the Meeting and arranged that the next Meeting be held the 30^th January 2012.

Brief for Graphic Design Students, Edinburgh Napier University.

Visual Identity/Logo

for

Oxton & Channelkirk Community Council, Scottish Borders

The Community Council requires the creation of a logo/identity to promote its visual identity, which illustrates the living culture and opportunities of the area as well as the heritage of this part of the Scottish Borders.

This visual identity/logo will be used in a variety of settings including the Community Council website, letterhead, posters and official documents. The logo will have to work in 2D and 3D, as the Community Council wants it to be carved into a new wooden structure that is being constructed in the village – a Bus Shelter with a miniature gallery inside it. The Community Council offers a prize of £250 to the successful student/s. Expenses will be paid for travel to the village for those students whom are shortlisted for presentation.

The deadline for submission is Monday 20^th February 2012. Students who are chosen for short-listing will be expected to make their presentation on Monday 27^th February 2012 at 2p.m. as well.

Initial enquires may be made to:

Stephanie Knight

Community Councillor

Oxton & Channelkirk Community Council

stephaniejaneknight@gmail.com

Timetable

Monday 16^th January 2012 – two Community Councillors to do a presentation to the students on the brief at Merchiston Campus.

28/30 Students to visit Oxton on Thursday 19^th that week to get a sense of the place [expenses of £50 towards travel costs from OCCC]

The deadline for submissions are Monday 20^th February 2012.

Those chosen for short-list will be expected to make their presentation on Monday 27^th February 2012 at 2p.m. in Oxton Village Hall.

]]> http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/01/09/occc-9th-jan-2012/feed/ 0 speedyhaggis http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/01/05/channelkirk-and-lauder-parish-church/ http://oxtonchannelkirk.com/2012/01/05/channelkirk-and-lauder-parish-church/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:58:14 +0000 speedyhaggis http://oxtonchannel.org.uk/?p=518 ]]> Please note that the Sunday services will now be in the village hall until April 2012.

Services are at 10.00am everyone welcome.

Burns Supper 27th January at The Lodge, tickets are £15.00 each. Tickets contact Graeme Donald 01578 722422

www.clchurch.org.uk

 ‘Floreat Oxtona – Let Oxton Flourish’

            Minutes: Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council

                                    28^th November 2011

                                    Oxton War Memorial Hall

                                    7.30 pm

In attendance:

Iain Robinson – (Chair)

David Parker – SBC Councillor

Douglas Slight – resident

Lindsay Montgomery – resident

Dave Burrell – resident

Willie Lothian – resident

Andrew Cunningham – resident

Cathy Rooney – resident

Eb Rooney – resident

Clive Cruickshank – resident

Patricia Glennie – resident

Angus Glennie – resident

Paul Hunt – resident

Stephanie Knight – resident & Councillor

Councillor John Paton Day –

Councillor Nicholas Watson – SBC Councillor

Len Todd – resident

Sonia Borthwick – resident and Treasurer

Hugh Sloan – resident

Steve Jones – resident

Raymond Smith – resident and Hall Committee Chair

John Moffat – resident

Paul Docherty – resident

Dave Dickson – resident and Secretary

Malcolm Edgar – resident, Committee Councillor and Member Toddleburn Wind Farm Panel

Allan Dawson – resident

Apologies:

Jules Reeley – Committee Councillor

Steve Jones – resident

Jonathan Stevenson – resident

1. Welcome and Introductions: IR welcomed everyone and asked for a ‘round the table’ introduction

2. Apologies:

IR intimated apologies, as above

3. Adoption of previous Minutes:

IR proposed the adoption, SK seconded the motion

4. Matters Arising:

There were no matters arising from the previous meeting

5. Fireworks Night:

ME and IR reported a successful evening and noted that around £350 had been raised from contributions on the night and that the event had been supported by Dunlaw Wind Farm Fund to the tune of around £2300. DS stated that he felt that the request for contributions could have been better publicised, adding that perhaps some of the school children could help by gathering donations from the crowd and that the wearing of Hi Viz jackets would also draw attention to the collectors. IR responded that he felt that asking children to carry out this task would not be appropriate and that, in any case, the event was a ‘free event’ for the Community with no requirement to donate.

6. Village Resilience planning:

a. Update –  IR noted that the questionnaire had been well supported and that he and ME would be attending a meeting at SBC on the 29^th November to discuss the Resilience Plan further. CR asked a question relating to First Bus contingency planning for drop off and pick up points in the event of poor weather. IR responded by explaining the role of the six volunteer Community Councillors to act as first point of contact for information coming out of SBC and First Bus etc. Thereafter there would be designated people to distribute the information through email / web site and other social media forms

b. First Aid – SBC had been contacted and The Red Cross will come and give a 2 day course in the village on 12^th and 13^th December at 7.30pm.

c.Salt store – Councillor DP noted that salt stores can be improved and filled and that there was an opportunity to acquire a 1 ton bin in addition to the normal bins and that he was in the process of negotiating a cost for OCCC. IR asked for a vote in favour and there were enough hands to suggest a favourable response

7. Christmas Lights and Christmas Fayre:

a. SB gave a general update that all was in hand, invites were to be distributed to all nursery to P7 children and that volunteers would be required. The decorations were ordered, the hall was to be decorated Sat 3^rd December, there are to be 7 stalls at the Christmas Extravaganza and the lights were to be erected. DLX had knocked back the first application for funds for lights but that a reapplication was due to be lodged Wed 30^th November. The lights for the tree and the hall had been bought. A general discussion surrounding the extent of the lights, the state of repair of the current lights, the erection of the lights took place with comments and contributions from JM, DS, LT and IR responding to indicate that SBC had provided a safe power supply, that the lighting was to extend up to the cross roads and beyond in the years ahead and that Robert Thomson together with a forklift and cage would assist with light erection.

8. Village Improvements:

IR had budget figures from SBC and that SBC had committed to improving the verge along Station Road by replacing the verge with a membrane and stone chips. Thereafter planters and hanging baskets and a new bust stop would complete the improvements with a budget of £5-6,000. Councillor DP added that he was aware of a bus stop that might be available and that he had put OCCC forward as a suitable recipient and that he would have a decision within a month. IR was going to apply to Toddleburn and Dunlaw Wndfarm Trust Funds for money to carry out the improvements. The overall budget is approx. £26,000 to carry out the village improvements.

9. Village Cemetery:

IR indicated that many of the cemetery improvements were included within the budget above.

10. Film Nights:

SB reported that she had attended a Film Night at Humbie recently and that their film society was run by way of an annual subscription and that the Society had been going for 10 years and was a great success. The coordinator, Al Beck, had offered support and SB reported that a way forward may be for a taster evening sometime early 2012. JM commented that there used to be a film club in the village, run by a former teacher, but that it was latterly attended by children and was used by parents as an alternative to child care and that eventually it folded. PH also commented that research would be required to further indentify village support and potential attendances before taking the matter forward more formally as there was other Film Clubs in proximity and that this would avoid clashes with other film nights. IR commented that he had been contacted by PNE, developer of windfarms in the locality, who were offering financial support for Community Projects and that this may well fit the bill.

11. Web site:

IR reported that SB, SJ and JS were attending a training day. Councillor NW asked about the previous web site that Mike Reid had established, IR responded that this current training would allow the current web site to be accessed by a wider audience.

12. Village Hall:

RS opened by informing the Meeting that the village hall keys hadn’t been returned promptly and that this had led to inconvenience and suggested that in future a sign out system be used so that the whereabouts of the keys could be ascertained to avoid future issues. RS then informed the Meeting that the plans for a new hall had been inspected and that of the 44 folk that had reviewed the plans the majority wished for the hall to be knocked down and replaced. RS sought a further meeting before Christmas in order to take matters on. IR added that Community Enterprise (CE) could be invited to assist with fund raising, PD suggested that CE be invited to the first meeting. Councillor DP asked about the ‘hub’ idea, PD responded by adding that the Hall Committee had stepped forward to take on the replacement of the Hall and that there were no other groups taking matters forward on the ‘hub’ idea. RS responded to comments about planning and roads by saying that he had several meetings thus far with Planning Department and Road Department and that support was there for the scheme.

13. Defibrillator:

IR informed the Meeting that the defibrillator had been delivered, DB added that it’s accessibility was to be controlled by a satellite link rather than a land line link and that training sessions were required before it could be located and that it was still the intention to locate it at the Village Hall.

14. Village Logo:

SK addresses the Meeting and informed all that the Brief to the School Of Design at Napier had been circulated and it had been well received. The proposal was for 2 Community Councillors to present the Brief to students on either 16^th or 17^th January 2012, thereafter students would attend site on Wed or Thursday that week, thereafter submit proposals to OCCC from which the Council would select a presentation to attend the Community Meeting end of Feb 2012 – Mon 27^th. SK and IR would attend in January. PH asked how the logo was to be used, SK responded that it could be used in a variety of instances such as on letter heads, on documents, on the web site, and in the village e.g. the bus stop.

15. Community Position on Wind farms:

IR wished to reaffirm the Community Council’s position on the development of wind farms in the locality in order to present a unified response to Applications that may be received from time to time. IR stated that the current Council position was‘“Oxton takes the overall view that we will oppose the continuing development of windfarms in a localised area on the basis of cumulative impact. However, we are also aware that windfarm developments are part of the Governments policy to meet energy renewable targets and as such the opportunity to oppose such developments will be limited.

As a community council we have an obligation to all residents within the community and as such we are aware that some residents, who will also be farmers/landowners, may not be so opposed to these developments on the basis of the financial income this will represent to them. We also believe that this income will dissipate to the localised community at large through farm and land improvements that may occur as a result.

If Oxton is to have further windfarms in our surrounding area we will be putting our efforts into gaining as much financial benefit as possible through the Community Benefits programme, which allows us to develop the village improvement programme we are carrying out along with community events such as our very well attend free fireworks display and BBQ we recently had.”

At this stage the discussion was opened up to the floor and CR stated that the village decision to oppose further wind farm development had taken a lot of effort to establish a community wide opinion on this matter and that there was opposition, in general, to the proliferation of Wind Farms, therefore the OCCC position had already been established and that this meeting should seek to add further as to how best to handle future applications and best achieve opposition. LM added that it is Government Policy to seek further wind farm development but that this policy was possibly outdated. DS asked directly about how the Meeting could establish a different Community position. PD asked that if the OCCC lay down a marker on Policy does it have any negative comeback on the Community. Councillor NW responded by saying that it was perfectly sensible to have an initial Community view on a planning application and that the Community Benefit resulting from a Wind Farm could be treated entirely separately. CC stated that he opposed wind farms in the locality and that he had suffered loss due to the visual impact of the wind farms in the surrounding area and due to the noise disturbance produced by them. PG added to this stating hat she was currently pursuing a complaint against the Developers of Toddleburn on the ground of Noise disturbance. The floor added general comments to the support of the noise disturbance and the floor indicated that they wished to see the wording of the current OCCC Statement improved. IR as Chair asked the floor if it was felt that there was a need to change the current statement. ER suggested that the current statement did not go far enough to record the potential loss of amenity suffered and the potential for noise disturbance as a result of a Wind Farm development. Councillor DP noted that the Community already had a stated policy and that further, more detailed, opposition should be added, if required, at the Planning Application stage as a response to an individual application. IR took a straw poll on two motions a. that the current statement and policy be maintained and b. that the current statement and policy wording be amended. The results showed that there was a majority in favour of both motions and in response to the second motion that wording to record the visual impact, noise disturbance, and loss of amenity needed to be added to the Community Statement.

16. Burns Night:

Date for the event confirmed for 28^th January, with a male speaker required for the Toast to the Lassies and with SK lined up to reply. LT suggested John Milligan at Clints may be a potential volunteer.

17. Music Workshop and Ceilidh:

SK confirmed that she is working on setting up workshops on the 12^th May 2012, an all day event, and that she is looking to Halloween 2012 as a potential date for a ceilidh

18. Games Day:

ME reported that the date for the Games Day would be 30^th June 2012, that there would be a fancy dress dance on the 1^st January and that any funds generated would be split between the Hall Committee and the Games Committee.

19. Wind Farm grant applications:

IR reported that there were no applications in at present.

20. Planning Applications:

IR noted that there was one application in for Change of Use from Amenity ground to Garden ground

21. AOB:

Discussion surrounding the proposed extension of the Community Path network to run from Lauder to Oxton with the general view that this would be a good idea.

ER noted that the marquee lying at the side of the hall together with the steel frame was inviting someone to steal it. SB undertook to ask Cammie and Graham Sharp to take the steel and to give the Committee the scrap value of it.

DB raised the question of the adoption of Justice Park and Councillor DP responded by indicating that the original Road Bond Holder was now in administration but that SBC would step in behind the Road Bond and make good the final repairs and would separately pursue the Developer for recovery of their costs and added that any Resident Assistance would be appreciated.

AC made the point about the speed of Collielaw tractors through the village and the need to trim the hedge from Kirkhouse to the Cemetery. DP indicated that he would seek SBC assistance on this matter.

LT requested that the pot holes at the junction onto the A68 be attended to.

CR requested that the Committee make representations to the Planning Department to oppose the Rowantree Wind Farm development and to engage in opposition to this scheme. Similarly that OCCC make representations in opposition to the proposed wind farm development at Brunta Hill. IR confirmed that he would make the necessary representations.

JM asked about the football goals at the park and Councillor DP responded by affirming that sockets would be placed in the ground to allow goals to be taken down and put back up to assist with grass cutting etc.

IR noted that he had spare copes that could be used to replace the cope that had already come adrift on the repaired wall outside the Hall. DB said he would mix up an epoxy resin mixture and re-fix loose copes meantime

22. Next Meeting: IR closed the Meeting and arranged that the next Meeting be held the first Monday in January 2012.

‘Floreat Oxtona – Let Oxton Flourish’

Minutes: Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council

24th October 2011

Oxton War Memorial Hall

7.30 pm

In attendance:

Iain Robinson (Chair)

Jules Reeley – resident & Councillor

Stephanie Knight – resident & Councillor

Councillor John Paton Day –

Jonathon Stevenson – resident and Member DLX Wind Farm panel

Fiona Johnston – resident and Channelkirk PS Parent Council Representative

Councillor Nicholas Watson

Len Todd – resident

Sonia Borthwick – resident and Treasurer

Hugh Sloan – resident

Steve Jones – resident

Raymond Smith – resident and Hall Committee Chair

John Moffat – resident

Paul Docherty – resident

Malcolm Edgar – resident, Councillor and Member Toddleburn Wind Farm Panel

Allan Dawson – resident

Apologies:

Councillor David Parker –

Dave Dickson – Secretary

1. Welcome and Introductions: IR welcomed everyone and asked for a ‘round the table’ introduction

2. Apologies: IR intimated apologies, as above

3. Adoption of previous Minutes: IR proposed the adoption, SK seconded the motion

4. Matters Arising: There were no matters arising from the previous meeting

5. Co – opting Member for the DLX Wind farm: IR indicated that at present the DLX wind farm Panel required one representative from the OCCC

Committee to take the place of Douglas Slight who had stepped down from the OCCC Committee. JS indicated that he would fill the position and IR thanked him for taking this on

6. Village Resilience planning: IR thanked those who had responded to the questionnaire and indicated that in order for the SBC to provide further back up to the plan at least 10% of the village population were required to have responded and early indications were that, with at least 20 replies, this condition should be met.

IR sought a Village Co-ordinator, at least one Deputy and asked for volunteers. ME indicated that DD had previously indicated that he was keen to take on the roll of Co-ordinator and that he would check with him and report back. IR indicated that he would be prepared to act as a Deputy, along with JR, ME and SB with SK acting as the Carfrae Representative.

The Plan would come into force next month.

IR told the meeting that he had contact from SBC and BBC Scotland, both seeking interviews, in order to raise the awareness of such plans to the wider Scottish audience.

SK commented that in light of possible SBC cutbacks to winter clearing the Plan could well prove to be invaluable.

Finally IR commented that he was encouraged by the returns and the fact that a large number were from people previously unknown to IR.

7. Fireworks Night: ME confirmed that plans were in place for the fireworks night including a plan of the park and how it was to be set up.

ME confirmed that Toodleburn Wind farm grant (£2,300) would be used to pay for the night including the insurance which was costed at £190.

It was a condition of the Grant that proof of Insurance be submitted.

The night would start at 6.30pm with a bar b q, followed by fireworks around 7pm.

ME was seeking help to set up from 2pm on the day, SK confirmed she was unavailable.

Contributions would be collected on the night, all proceeds to OCCC funds. ME was coordinating food, JS volunteered to set up lights and ME asked for 1 marquee to be provided.

8. Christmas Lights and Fair: JR confirmed that she was seeking extra lights and that these would be for around the village hall, Christmas tree. JR confirmed that she was waiting for the SBC report on the electrical installation and that she would apply to Dunlaw 1 for a grant to cover the costs of the additional lights.

The costs for the Fair would be in the region of £600 and that the event would take place Sunday 18th December from around 3.30pm till 6pm, activities to include children’s party, carol singing, Christmas fair, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

9. Village Improvements: IR informed the meeting that these improvements were already underway and included hedge cutting, tree cutting, the rebuilding of the wall and other matters. He confirmed that SBC had agreed to the works along Station Road and verge works and that, thereafter, OCCC would be

providing planters, hanging baskets, hanging basket poles on concrete blocks, a new bus stop and other items.

The bus stop would incorporate the village logo, there would be a ‘Welcome’ sign and the siting of it on corner of Station Road had been requested from John Taylor.

IR was collating prices and was seeking ‘match funding’ from Scottish Community Foundation. He confirmed that he was aware that both Toddleburn and DLX wind farm funds had around £30,000 each to spend on such projects.

Along the Loan the investigation into the removal of the hedge proved that it would be too difficult, and potentially damaging to the adjoining property, and that the hedge would be flayed back and thereafter some form of retaining structure in a terraced fashion would be provided. LT suggested that the road be widened, IR replied that SBC had confirmed that this was not within their ownership and therefore they would not be providing any assistance on the landscaping works.

JM sought action regarding the rebuilding of the wall and the Chair confirmed that an Order had been placed by SBC with a contractor, the identity was unknown, and that in due course the wall would be rebuilt.

IR asked ME to address the meeting on the subject of the parking along Station Road and he confirmed that he had met with Sergeant Jones of Lothian and Borders Police and that after much discussion it was agreed that the current situation be left as is on account of the general rule of safety to park away from pavements; to avoid a ‘blind alley’ effect that would result from parking on the opposite side and to maintain the best sight lines for all traffic.

JM raised a further point regarding the former lay by opposite Campbells Of Oxton offices and commented that perhaps the lay-by could be reinstated on account that the safety of the children at school drop off and pick up times could be better served. IR confirmed that SBC would be contacted.

JM further commented on the use of the lane alongside the Campbells yard and that the signage needed to be improved so as to make all aware that the lane was for the use of the school, to accept deliveries to the school and for pedestrian access. Councillor Paton Day asked that the sign be adhered to and that perhaps a new sign in a more prominent position could be sited. FJ was asked to take matters up with the school and seek their comment.

ACTIONS – IR to contact SBC regarding the reinstallation of the lay-by.

FJ to consult with Channelkirk PS regarding the general use of the lane and signage along it.

10. Film Night: JS explained that the equipment required to put on a film night was expensive and thought it cost around £120 a night to put on a film night. The equipment could be acquired and could become a village asset. SK suggested that perhaps the way forward would be to set up a club, pay an annual sub and that the Club could hire the equipment. IR tasked JS to set up a trial night sometime in early 2012.

ACTION – JS to set up trial night in 2012

11. Burns Night: IR confirmed that the item would be discussed further at the next meeting

12. Web Site: SJ addressed the meeting and confirmed that his investigations resulted in him obtaining a quote of £300 pa for someone to manage the web site, to move the Domain Name, to provide some training and thereafter OCCC members could be able to add info in a similar way to a blog. IR asked SJ to carry out further information gathering and to report at the next meeting. ACTION – SJ to contact Mike Read and to report further to the next meeting

13. Lauderdale News: IR confirmed the deadline for entries was today and SK confirmed she would contact News and add an article about the Workshops. ME would add the information about the Burns Supper

14. Music, Ceilidh and Dance workshop: SK proposed to hold a day of workshops aimed at children, young people and adults and activities to include beat box, drumming, music and dance.

LT suggested that a suitable date be early May ,SK to work on the proposal and dates with possible street theatre in June and a ceilidh in October

15. Games Day: to be discussed at next meeting

16. Village Hall: RS confirmed that following the Hall Trustees meeting the plan was to seek a rebuild of the Hall on the existing site and that after initial consultation with Roads, Planning there would appear to be few issues to overcome with a re-build other than to pull the building back into the site to create parking to the front of the Hall.

The next step was to produce a display in the Hall and to present it to the Village in the third week of November. Councillor

NW reminded the meeting that if the Planning Application was submitted by OCCC then it would half the cost of the Application itself.

RS confirmed that applications would be made to the wind farms to seek funding to assist with the Professional Fees required to employ an Architect, Planning Consultant etc.

17. Village Defibrillator: IR reported that the defibrillator should be installed by November and that all that was required was for it to be paid for by DLX.

18. Village Logo: SK reported that the village logo design was in hand, SK would produce, present and write a brief for Art and Design students from Napier Design School. IR reported that the lead in time for the logo was to have the finished product for the end of January 2012 meeting. SK asked whether there would be a prize fund offered and whether students transport costs would be met.

19. Village Cemetery: IR confirmed that plans to improve the cemetery would form part of the wider Improvement plan that was in hand. NW confirmed that

Fraser Dunlop of SBC Parks Department would be consulted over the plans to improve the cemetery.

20. Wind farm grant applications: JR confirmed that the application for funds towards the Christmas Fair would be submitted to DLX in time.

21. Planning Applications: IR reported that he was unaware of any new applications. PD brought the matter of the proposed wind farm at Brunta Hill to the attention of the meeting and that planning had been lodged. There was a general discussion and it was felt that as the site was remote to Oxton there was no real negative impact to the village.

PD confirmed that he had been part of the party that negotiated the Community Benefits with the developer and that they had achieved a £5k per megawatt of output contribution to Community Projects from the developer on a per annum basis should the application be successful and come into production. A general discussion around the return of business rates directly to Communities then ensued.

22. AOB: there being no further business IR thanked the attendees and closed the Meeting.