Garden project starts to take root

Whitburn’s new community garden is taking root as one of the pioneers in a new county-wide food growing strategy that echoes a return to the Good Life.

But the only similarity to the famous TV sitcom is the enthusiasm with which the scheme has been met in the town.

Volunteers at the town’s Community Development Trust are serious when it comes to developing a resource which can bring emotional as well as physical nourishment to local people.

The trust secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Town Capital Grant Fund and the West Lothian Town Centre Improvement Fund to create the community garden in the grounds of the town’s community centre.

Now, with raised planting beds in place along with polytunnels and tool storage, they are ready for the first growing season.

The community garden will contain a variety of features including a food growing area where produce will be made available to the local community fridge project.

Other features are set to include a sensory garden and a wild flower meadow which will include a therapeutic space for people to recuperate, a learning zone full of exciting things to touch and smell whilst being fully accessible for all users.

The overall space is designed to be one where people will be able to share knowledge, such as how to grow fresh food, how to support wildlife, how to improve the local environment and much more.

As well as looking to benefit the wider community, it is also hoped that the community garden project will see participants get the positive mental and physical impacts that are often associated with volunteering.

The CDT has already developed a successful Community Fridge which is supported by local supermarkets. Alongside pre-packed food they also hope that the community garden will boost their offer of fresh locally grown fruit and veg.

The trust’s community development worker, David MacDonald, said: “Through both our community garden and Community Fridge project, Whitburn and District Community Development Trust are striving to reduce food waste in our community by redistributing surplus food from local supermarkets and then ensuring that any waste is being used to compost to make more soil for our raised beds.

“We are also excited for our first growing season to be able to grow some fruit, vegetables and flowers at a local level to then be available to the members of our community fridge project, working towards a cycle of sustainable food growing and distribution at local level.”

West Lothian Council has joined other local authorities in signing the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration in a further commitment to reducing carbon emissions at a local level.

The Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration brings together local and regional authorities from across the world to speak with a unified voice in committing to putting into practice integrated food policies to tackle the climate emergency.

Locally this commitment will see the council enhancing its work with local organisations on initiatives which promote sustainable food production which can also benefit local communities.

Through the West Lothian Food Growing Strategy, West Lothian Council has outlined its support to all forms of community food growing, from allotments and community gardens to community planters and fruit trees in public spaces.

Depute leader of the council Kirsteen Sullivan said she backed the scheme. She said: “By signing the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration, West Lothian Council is further demonstrating its commitment to looking at how the environmental impact of food production and consumption can be mitigated and improved upon.”

JANET COOPER TEL 01506 855832 JANETC13@HOTMAIL COM

THE LIGHTHOUSE BABY & TODDLER GROUP

Will be starting on Friday, January 28, 9 - noon, at Broxburn Baptist Church. All

welcome.

We aim to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere to aid Parents, Grandparents, Carers and Child-minders in caring for and entertaining the wee ones in their care.

This group is new and we are interested in suggestions to help its evolution and growth.

We will be following the Scottish Governments’s Guidance regarding Covid; we hope this will give folks confidence to come along!

IMPACT DANCE NLA

Are running an EASTER DANCE CAMP from Monday April 4 - Wednesday April 6 at Broxburn Scout Hall Station Road.

Come along, join in the fun and learn in a nurturing and confidence boosting environment. 5-8 years from 9am-12pm - Includes dance fitness fun + games and a workshop with industry professionals each day. 9 years + from 12pm-3pm Includes dance fitness + conditioning and a workshop with industry professionals each day. Open to everyone.

Limited spaces remaining in both sessions. P

op over to our page or email impactdance@outlook.com for further info or to book a space. Receive a FREE trial voucher to use towards any available weekly classes when booking.

BUMBLEBEE SPORTS WEST LOTHIAN

1st Lesson free for all. All Classes have now started (classes subject to change)

Tuesday :- Strathbrock Community Centre, 9.30-10.15am (Baby bee, zero up to 2 years), 10.30-11.15am (pre-School, 2 to 5 years)

Saturday :- Strathbrock, Broxburn, 10.00-10.45am (Baby bee, Zero up to 2 years), 11.00-11.45am (pre-School, 2 to 5 years) https://bumblebeesports. class4kids.co.uk

For more information please check out our website here: www.bumblebeesports. co.uk

BROXBURN PARISH CHURCH

Our church is now open for morning worship every Sunday at 11am. We are pleased to welcome friends old and new back to our newly upgraded Sanctuary. Please check our website for up to date information.

17TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS GROUP

Has spaces for Beavers. Girls or boys aged 6 to 8 years old are welcome. Please email Beaverswlandsq@gmail.com Meetings are on Mondays 6.15pm to 7.15pm at the Canon Hoban Hall.