WEST KIRK OF CALDER & POLBETH HARWOOD CHURCH
Both Churches will re-open on Sunday September 20th following new guideline’s now in place, in line with Covid-19 restrictions. This will be on a temporary basis for now; the first and third Sunday of the month. During the current climate any further changes will be advised on both Church notice boards and our website. Due to restrictions in numbers everyone who would like to attend must pre-book your seats and families are welcome.
Everyone must wear a face mask in the Church and we are not allowed to sing. You must sanitise your hands as you enter and provide contact details for the NHS “Test and Protect” scheme.
West Kirk Service 9:45am - booking information:
Telephone: 01506 872486 (An answer machine will pick up if not at home) Text message: 07732 857777
Email: asmacrae@btinternet.com
Polbeth Harwood Service 11:15am booking information:
Telephone: 01506 871125 (An answer machine will pick up if not at home) Text message: 07973305211
Email: marian.kinsman@btinternet. com
For all up to date information please check out our Church website: west-kirkpolbeth-harwood.co.uk for our weekly Sunday video service for all ages, and a midweek message. OR Should you not have internet you can listen to a recording of our service in the comfort of your own home by calling: 01506 286 884
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, is supporting the campaign to save indoor and soft play centres in Scotland. Mr Briggs has submitted a motion at the Scottish Parliament which has gained cross party support from Liberal Democrats, Labour and Independent MSPs.
Indoor and soft play areas employ hundreds of staff across Edinburgh and the Lothians, whose jobs are at risk because of enforced closures.
Indoor play centres were due to open on the 14 September, but was postponed with 4 days’notice. The new opening date of 5 October is looking increasingly unlikely with the rise in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Scotland.
Thousands of pounds have been spent by indoor and soft play centres preparing for a reopening that is looking like it will not happen. The autumn and winter months are the busiest times for indoor and soft play centres, with the weather being less good.
Indoor and soft play centre campaigners will be holding a rally outside the Scottish Parliament tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September, between 12 and 2pm to raise the profile of indoor play centres and highlight the lack of support from the SNP Ministers and the Scottish Government.
Mr Briggs, said: “Indoor and soft play areas have spent thousands of pounds getting themselves Covid-19 ready, to minimise the spread of transmission, and allow them to open their doors again.
“These businesses have been told at short notice that they are no longer able to reopen and many are at real risk of closure, with companies taking on large amounts of debt.
“If the indoor and soft play areas are being singled out to stay closed, then the Scottish Government must provide them with the necessary support to survive through to next year.
“Indoor and soft play areas are valuable in the community, allowing young children to play and interact, as well as being sociable places for parents.”
An online petition has received over 6,000 signatures, since indoor and soft play centres were told they couldn’t open:
https://www.change.org/p/ the-scottish-government-save-scotlands-soft-plays?utm_source=share_ petition&utm_medium=custom_ url&recruited_by_id=9d4cf510-a7f511e4-95e7-3d2fba8083fe