Spotlight Magazine - Issue #1 (Spring) - 2024

Welcome to Spotlight Magazine!

Welcome to the spring issue of Spotlight! Who knows what the weather will be doing when you are reading this? Hopefully the worst of the winter is now firmly behind us, a theme touched upon by Adam in his feature on page 6. Looking forward, our plans for 2024 are exciting. Spotlight Magazine’s parent, Words & Pictures, has been asked to publish several exciting publications this year. These include the annual programme for our friends at the Ferry Fair Festival committee, a book celebrating Lodge St Margaret’s sesquicentennial and a very exciting publication for a partnership formed between QDCC and homebuilder, Cala. There is more information to come in due course but safe to say it is an honour to put these publications together for the community. The main ingredients for these publications will be, of course, carefully chosen pictures and thoughtfully written words. I am especially looking forward to collaborating with everyone involved.

As always, thanks to all our regular contributors. I’m delighted to continually welcome new contributors and advertisers to Spotlight and a special welcome goes to the latest additions to the Spotlight family, Muscari Blue Flower Studio and RCS Landscapes. A preview of the forementioned celebrations at Lodge St Margaret can be found on page 20 and a look back at the loonies who dooked in January with a photo feature on page 30. Isn’t it nice that the community has reclaimed this event? A massive thanks to the organisers. For the third issue in a row, we feature an update from one of our local schools and we are planning to increase school provided content in future issues.

This issue is jam packed with local news, events, and updates from local organisations – it is especially nice to see the collaboration between Queensferry’s

Special thanks to all our contributors, contact details are listed with features where appropriate.

Cover picture: East Terrace, Queensferry by PhotoFires

Feature picture (pages 6 & 7): Waves at Hawes Pier by Kenny Riley

Editorial & pictorial enquiries: alistair@ wordsandpicturesUK.com

Advertising sales & enquiries: spotlight@ wordsandpicturesUK.com

Heritage Trust and History Group on page 26. There is also a call for volunteers from nearby Seagull Cruises on page 23. If you run an organisation or charity that would benefit from being featured in Spotlight, just drop me a line at spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com and I’ll do my best to accommodate you – I am still particularly keen to hear from groups in Kirkliston, and with as much notice as you can manage if you are planning an event you’d like to be featured! The Spotlight publication schedule for 2024 underway, with the next printed issue planned for the summer, (out in May). This will be preceded by an online edition as usual. The deadline for contributions is on the last day of April 2024.

Finally, I’m aware the community is always expanding. So let me close with a short word about the purpose of the magazine for new readers. The magazine exists to provide a platform for local community groups and showcase, through photography, the events that take place throughout the year in it. There is either no charge, or a heavily discounted rate applied, to the charities who feature, and the costs are defrayed by advertising. The businesses who advertise are a much-valued part of the magazine and they are commended to readers - please use them! We have an ever-growing network of distribution points throughout the town. It’s a model that has evolved and has worked for far longer than I ever dared to expect when I was first asked to contribute by the magazine’s founder, and my dear friend, Mike Smith, over 10 years ago. If you are new to the community, a warm welcome to you, and I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Alistair Pryde Spotlight Editor

Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Spotlight Magazine is not responsible for 3rd party content submitted in good faith from contributors. Readers should always check with advertisers directly before making bookings or purchases. Spotlight Magazine is a Words & Pictures publication. Write to us at 48 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HN. Back issues available online at: www.wordsandpicturesUK.com/Spotlight

Keep your stories coming: spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com

The Wind and the Waves Obey Him!

‘What’s the weather going to be like?’ If there’s a question that occupies our national consciousness more than this then I’ve not heard it. At the time of writing, we have just said goodbye to Storm Isla and Storm Jocelyn has just arrived. There has been widespread damage to homes and power lines and people’s transport plans have been hugely affected by the high winds. Hopefully, this storm will pass soon, and spring is just around the corner.

I want to put it to you that there is an even more important question that we all need to ask, and it’s this: Who is Jesus?

During one of Jesus’ most famous miracles – which involved a storm – Jesus’ disciples (his closest followers) come face to face with the question of Jesus’ identity. In chapter four of Mark’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples are sailing across the Sea of Galilee one evening when a furious squall arises. Waves crash over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. It must have been bad, because several of Jesus’ disciples were experienced fishermen and yet they begin to fear for their lives. In their fear they call on Jesus who, at this point, is at the back of the boat asleep on a cushion. They cry, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ Jesus gets up and says three words: ‘Quiet! Be Still!’ At this, the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Jesus is speaking to the storm like a teacher speaking to a naughty school

pupil. What power! As I look out the window just now the trees outside are swaying at alarming angles and the Forth is looking more than a bit choppy. I cannot imagine what it would be like to see Storm Jocelyn stop instantly. Yet that’s what happened when Jesus spoke.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t need to be in a storm at sea to know what it means to be fearful. I wonder what it is for you. Maybe a recent medical diagnosis for you or someone you love. Maybe it’s unemployment that came out of the blue. Maybe it’s the breakdown of a relationship that you didn’t see coming. How will you face this storm?

After Jesus’ spoke to the storm, he then speaks to his disciples: He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:40-41

The disciples’ fear shows that they still don’t understand who Jesus is even though they’ve had back-stage passes to Jesus’ earthly ministry. Some people think that Jesus was just a good teacher but someone who is merely a good teacher cannot calm storms. He must be more than that. By speaking peace to a storm on the Sea of Galilee and by bringing us peace with God through his death at Calvary, the answer must be that Jesus is the Son of God.

Strangely, I’m encouraged by the disciples’ fear and lack of faith because that is so often what I am like. When Jesus questions them about their faith, he’s challenging them about their faith in him.

Fear is not conquered by pretending to be brave or playing down our circumstances. Fear is dispelled when we view Christ Jesus properly and trust Him fully – as the son of God – the one who has authority over all things. Who do you say Jesus is? Whoever we are, whatever storm we face, faith in Jesus – the one that the wind and waves obey – changes everything.

If you would like to know about Jesus’ identity and mission you would be welcome to come to one of our gatherings any Sunday at Rosebery Hall. You can find out more here:

www.christchurchqueensferry.org/ planyourvisit

About the author

Adam McNinch lives with his wife and two children in Queensferry. Adam is the pastor of a church called Christ Church Queensferry that meets in Rosebery Hall on Sunday afternoons. You can find Adam at The Hub most Thursday evenings living out the twilight of his 5-a-side football days.

150 years of Freemasonry in Queensferry

This year Lodge St Margaret No 548 celebrates 150 years since receiving its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 2nd February 1874.

The meetings of the committee of founder members of Lodge St Margaret were held in the Hawes Inn, previously known as Newhalls Inn. For the Consecration meeting on 7th May 1874, the Lodge hired the Queensferry School classroom, its current premises. The Lodge continued to hire the classroom until December 1874 when the Lodge purchased the classroom and school house for £200 from Dalmeny and Queensferry School Board. In 1882 the lower part of the school house was purchased for £73 from the Provost and Treasurer of the Burgh.

During the late 1800’s Lodge St Margaret was very active in masonic traditions participating in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone at construction projects around Linlithgowshire (latterly West Lothian). This included Broxburn Parish Church, Bo’ness Docks and the Masonic Temple in Grangemouth.

From 1874 until the early 1900s the annual Installation Ceremony was on the 4th Tuesday in December when the new Master and Office Bearers for the year were installed. Before the following dinner the Master, Office Bearers and Brethren of the Lodge held a torchlight

LODGEST MARGARET

No 548

procession around the principal streets of the town led by Queensferry Brass Band. The Brethren returned to the Lodge for dinner and a convivial evening of food, drink and entertainment.

In 1927 the Lodge installed electric lighting and 5 sockets costing £34. Then in 1937 gas central heating was fitted comprising 6 radiators at an annual rental of 13 shillings (65p) each.

In 1930 the Lodge purchased the current East section of the building, known as the Old Library, and land to the east for £50 at a Public Roup (auction) from Queensferry Burgh Council.

During the early part of the Great War the Lodge premises were commandeered by the Black Watch Regiment as a billet paying a rent of £3 per week. This only lasted a few months. At the conclusion the Burgh Sanitary Inspector was involved in cleaning and disinfecting the Lodge premises.

At the Lodge meeting on Tuesday 12th November 1918, the Master referred in appropriate terms to the cessation of hostilities after 4 years. He intimated that 60 Lodge Brethren were involved in the conflict and sadly 6 Brethren paid the supreme sacrifice.

In 1939 at the start of the Second World War the Lodge building was occupied

by the Royal Air Force and when the Lodge re-occupied its premises, damage amounting to a repair bill of £106 – 9/was discovered.

While the Lodge premises were occupied the Lodge held meetings in the Vennel Church Hall and the Stag’s Head Hotel.

In the summer of 1963 a new Gentlemen’s toilet was built on land to the east of the main door and the Hall Keeper’s house was converted into ante-rooms as it was no longer suitable as live-in accommodation.

The summer recess of 1970 saw major transformation of the building when the partition between the main hall (classroom) and kitchen/ bar (Old Library) was removed and the main hall extended. A new bar and storeroom was built on land along the south wall and a new kitchen, ladies toilets and committee room built in the former Hall Keeper’s house. This was in preparation for the Lodge’s Centenary Celebrations in 1974.

The Lodge’s Centenary Rededication Ceremony was carried out by the Grand Lodge of Scotland on 9th February 1974. Prior to the ceremony Bro Provost James Milne and Senior Baillie Bro Jack Colquhoun Past Master hosted a lunch for members of the Grand Lodge deputation in the Burgh Chambers. The Master in 1974 was Bro James Orr when a pint of beer cost 15p and 17p for a nip.

In 1979 Bro Alec Fraser Past Master was installed as Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire, this is the highest accolade ever conferred on any member of Lodge St Margaret.

In 1981 the Lodge was further renovated when the west end of the building and the lower floor were redeveloped to create a bar, lounge seating area, kitchen, ladies and gents toilets and a committee room at a cost of £40,000.

On the 14th June 2001, a fire caused extensive damage to the building. Fortunately most of the Masonic artefacts were saved. The repairs took 6 months and during this time the Lodge met in Kirkliston Maitland 482.

One of the principle tenets of Freemasonry is charity and over the years Brethren, their widows, members of the community and organisations have benefitted from Lodge st Margaret donations. The first record of a donation was in 1887 when out of the Master’s Relief Fund, a Brother from Lodge Royal Arch Cumbuslang was given 2/- (10p) the equivalent of £20 today.

Since 2005, an annual fund raising dinner the Lodge has raised over £60,000. Over £30,000 went to the Ferry Fair and the rest to local good causes. This year the Lodge has identified over 20 Queensferry organisations including schools, churches, youth groups and local good causes that will receive a cash donation to mark Lodge St Margaret’s 150 years in the community.

Today while we think of 150 years of Freemasonry in Queensferry, we also remember those Brethren known and unknown whose memorial is not in stone or mortar but is writ into the incomplete and continuing story of Lodge St Margaret No 548.

Derek Milne

Past Master Lodge St Margaret

Volunteers Wanted!

Looking for a new rewarding volunteering opportunity in 2024?

Seagull Trust Cruises which runs free canal cruises for the elderly, infirm, and those with special needs is looking for new volunteers at their Ratho base.

Seagull Trust Cruises, is a registered charity, and runs more than 2000 cruises per annum from four bases in Scotland (Ratho, Falkirk, Kirkintilloch & Inverness), regularly taking around 22,000 passengers onto canals for short morning or afternoon cruises. Many of these cruises run from Ratho where Seagull has 3 specially designed wheelchair friendly boats operating 7 days a week in the summer. Many of the volunteers give a day, or even just a morning, each week, so the amount of time you want to give is entirely up to you.

Volunteering with Seagull can cover a variety of roles depending on your interests. Whether you want to get involved with running the boats (no experience needed as full training is given), or simply wish to help host our passengers by talking with them over a cup of tea, there is much to do alongside our existing team of some 90+ Ratho volunteers. You may have an interest in maintenance, engineering, or be a wizard at wielding a paintbrush, you may have an interest in admin, or want to work from home in your own time. No matter your interest there will be a role for you at Seagull Trust Cruises.

Among the benefits that getting involved brings to the volunteers, experiencing the enjoyment that our passengers get

from their cruise is exceptionally heart-warming. As one care home operator says:

“Over the years, we have been on many trips with Seagull Trust Cruises and quite simply, the trips are brilliant.

“The residents love it and the volunteers are so lovely and so helpful. We value the work that Seagull Trust Cruises does because the trips are memorable for our residents and are frequently and fondly talked about.”

Stuart Rennie, Chairman at Seagull Ratho, has been volunteering on the Union Canal for over 15 years, and highlights that the canal is a community of its very own. ‘Everyone you pass on the tow path smiles or waves as you travel past at a leisurely 4 mph. It really is an opportunity to slow down from today’s hectic lifestyle, while bringing a bit of enjoyment to the passengers and their carers alike.’

If you would like get involved, or to know more about volunteering with Seagull Trust Cruises, have a look at their web site at www.seagulltrust.org.uk or email

RathoVolunteer@seagulltrustcruises. org.uk

Seagull Trust at Ratho is also proposing some taster sessions cruises for those thinking about volunteering, but not too sure if it’s really for them. If you are interested, give Stuart a call on 07847 611398.

School Update: Dalmeny Primary School

Children at Dalmeny Primary School have been learning about Sustainability and Children’s Rights.

The Rights Rangers developed “Dalmeny Shining Ideas” last year and we have been seeing some great work this year, led by pupils. (Article 12: I have the right to be listened to). P5/6 organised a foodbank collection during the Christmas season, they did this as part of their Kindness calendar they had for December. The local foodbank charity came to the school to collect the items, they were so overwhelmed, they could not believe we were such a small school

because of the number of items. They came out to talk to P5/6 about their charity work and how the children’s work has supported them and the local community. (Articles 1 & 2: all children have these rights and article 24: the right to food).

Other year groups have been working with the eco’ pupil group to plant trees donated from the Woodland Trust and we are working with ‘the free tree project’ to host an event at the end of this year to invite our families and the local community to our school to collect a free tree.

The younger children have been observing the biodiversity in our school grounds and finding ways to enrich our environment. We are looking forward to a visit from The Conservation Volunteers. They will be visiting the school three times; during the first visit the children will have the opportunity to learn about hedgehogs and how to carry out a survey of the environment, on the second visit they will have the chance to develop our grounds through planting or habitat building and the final session

will be the chance to conduct an outdoor survey with footprint tunnels. (Article 13: I have the right to find out and share information -at Dalmeny we believe that children should be well informed about the environment and what they can do to protect it).

P3/4 participated in a live lesson with ESERO-UK for protecting our planet (#POP23) in November, where they were learning about things they could do to help protect the planet. The ESEROUK provide support for teaching and learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) projects, developing future engineers and inventors.

Following on from this introduction, P6/7 worked with Edinburgh University

this week in a live online ‘bridge building’ lesson. We will be doing more in school with bridges as our theme to mark the Forth Road Bridge 60th anniversary (Article 29: I have the right to an education which develops my personality).

The Junior Road Safety Officers in P6 have started a new campaign in school to ensure all children are being extra careful during the dark winter months. They have started a poster competition to raise awareness (Article 36: Children have the right to be kept safe and Article 3: adults must do what’s best for me). We will display the poster competition winner around the school to encourage children and adults to be safe.

RNLI 200th Anniversary

On Monday 4 March 2024, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) – the charity that saves lives at sea –will celebrate its 200th birthday.

The RNLI has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, in that time, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives. Funded by voluntary donations, and with lifeboats crewed by specially trained volunteers, the RNLI is a truly unique rescue organisation. From triumphs to tragedies, from oar-powered vessels to the boats packed with cutting-edge technology used today; from introducing the first lifeboats on the River Thames to rolling-out a UK beach lifeguard service; from running

the UK’s biggest ever drowning prevention campaigns to working with others to save lives overseas – the RNLI has a remarkable 200-year story to tell.

Throughout its bicentenary year, the charity will be running events and activities to remember its important history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. Exhibitions, outdoor events, special services of thanksgiving, partnerships and education programmes are just some of the activities which will be taking place across the UK and Ireland. There will also be a special 200th anniversary retail range available through the RNLI’s shops and online.

Today, the charity is saving more lives, in more ways, in more places than ever before. It operates 238 lifeboat stations and has seasonal lifeguards on over 240

lifeguarded beaches around the UK and Ireland. It designs and builds its own lifeboats, and it runs domestic and international water safety programmes.

But, while innovations and developments in technology over the course of 200 years have inevitably changed how the charity saves lives, some things have remained the same. The volunteering ethos at the heart of the RNLI is what makes the charity so special – volunteers have given their time and commitment over the past two centuries, as they continue to do today. And generous donations have

continued to power the RNLI’s lifesaving work – everything the RNLI has achieved since 1824 has been made possible thanks to their generosity. RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, says: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the helm of the RNLI for approaching five years, and to see the charity reach its bicentenary. For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable. It is through the courage and dedication of its incredi-

ble people that the RNLI has survived the test of time, including tragic losses, funding challenges, two World Wars and, more recently, a global pandemic.

‘In 2024, we mark the bicentenary of the RNLI. We remember the achievements and commitment of all those who have been part of the RNLI family over the past two centuries; we celebrate the world-class lifesaving service we provide today, based on our 200 years of learning, expertise, and innovation, and we hope to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters who will take the RNLI into its next century and beyond.

‘I am immensely grateful to everyone who is involved with the charity – our volunteers, supporters, and staff. This is our watch, and it is our role to keep our charity safe and secure so it can continue to save lives into the future, as we strive in our vision to save every one.’

For more information on the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, or to donate, visit RNLI.org/200. Please keep an eye on Queensferry RNLI's social media pages for events and information specific to Queensferry’s Lifeboat throughout the year.

Spring into Ice Creamsferry!

Spring is coming and what better way to spend those long (and hopefully warmer) days down by the water’s edge in beautiful South Queensferry, with an ice cream in hand? The team at The Little Parlour has been getting ready to welcome you this summer with the largest range of ice cream flavours for miles around! With over 60 to choose from, plus toppings and sauces there are millions of possible flavour combinations - what will you choose?

The Little Parlour is so much more than an ice cream shop - if you are planning a party, it can supply party bags, complete with ice cream vouchers. Let The Little Parlour come to you! Book the famous Little Parlour ice cream trailer to make your party one to remember! Birthday party, barbecue, wedding and corporate event guests all love ice cream!

Meanwhile, back on the High Street, the shop remains open again for those who like to browse.

AND FINALLY... back by popular demand... The Little Parlour ice cream offer! Take the chance to try one out for HALF PRICE when you buy ANY ice cream using the voucher from the printed copy of Spotlight Magazine! Pick up your copy instore at The Little Parlour from March 2023. Terms apply.

Get in touch

Phone: 0131 629 5160

Instagram: @littleparloursq

Facebook: @thelittleparloursq

Email: littleparloursq@gmail.com

• Ice Cream

• Coffee

• Tea

• Hot Chocolate

• Sweets

• Party Bags

• Hand decorated biscuits

• Gifts

HALF PRICE ICE-CREAM

Buy any ice-cream and get a second HALF PRICE! Choose from 60 different flavours. One voucher per family or household per visit. Valid until 31st May 2024.

Queensferry Heritage Trust

Queensferry Heritage Trust (QHT) protects the heritage of Queensferry and promotes its potential; find out more at https://queensferryheritage.org.uk and QHT’s Facebook page.

Our annual programme of evening talks is open to all. The talks take place at 7.30 pm at the Masonic Lodge, 3 Stoneycroft Road, next to Hawthornbank Community Garden, and are free to Queensferry Heritage Trust members. Annual membership is £10 per person or entry on the night is £5 per person. Contact treasurer@queensferryheritage.org.uk for more information.

6 March: Duntarvie Castle and other work, Ed Kelly, Architect. EK:JN Architects have overseen the conservation and conversion of derelict Duntarvie Castle (uninhabited since 1840).

27 March: Accidents during construction of the Forth Bridge, Frank Hay discusses findings uncovered during recent research.

17 April: QHT’s Annual General Meeting. The best opportunity to learn about QHT activities – and get involved! With a provisional contribution, An illustrated talk on the Lute and Guitar in Scotland, 16001850, by local resident Rob McKillop. Rob’s talk will be confirmed on QHT website and Facebook.

QHT works closely with the Queensferry History Group whose members research, record and publish the history of South Queensferry and the surrounding area. See next page!

Queensferry Heritage Trust looks forward to welcoming you!

Contact us: mail@queensferryheritage. org.uk

Queensferry Heritage Trust is a Registered Charity no SCO45644

Queensferry History Group

Queensferry History Group has been in existence for some thirty years. In that time, we have published four booklets, put on several exhibitions at the museum and elsewhere in Queensferry and taken part in a series of open days. We lay a wreath at the War Memorial in the High Street every year and are responsible for the “Poppy Drape” that features prominently at the Remembrance Day ceremony. Our “Queensferry at War” booklet gives a thumbnail biography of each of the many men whose names appear on the 1914 - 1918 section of the war memorial.

We meet on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings for about two hours and we are currently involved in collating, archiving and digitising the thousands of photographs that have been donated over the years by local inhabitants. However, much of our work is research carried out by individual members in their own time. We have our own website (www.queensferryhistory. org) which has pictures of Queensferry in days gone by and the stories behind these pictures. For example, did you know that Queensferry once had a holiday camp?

We respond to enquiries from people from all over the world who believe that their forebears lived, worked or died in Queensferry and help them as much as we can. We are a registered charity and donations are always welcome.

For example, recently we were sent a 1940s photograph and asked if we could identify any of the RAF personnel depicted. We could not, but were able to identify the autograph on the reverse as that of a Royal Air Force hero of the Battle of Britain; the sender was subsequently able to sell the autograph for charity. We are currently working on the story of a locally born WWII heroine; keep your eyes on the website for further information about her.

You can find out more about the Queensferry History Group by emailing us at queensferryhg@gmail.com or by coming along to the Monday morning meeting in the basement of the City of Edinburgh Council Offices at 53 High Street. Visitors and new members welcome!

YOUR LOCAL CONTACT - GWEN TILBURY

With over 30 years experience in being there to support people through di cult or stressful times.

Barclays and Gwen are here for you anytime. Whatever your wishes, we can provide a funeral to suit you.

Q C C C Queensferry Care

Q C C C Queensferry Care

Connecting people with their Community

Connecting people with their Community

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, RATHO, RATHO STATION, DALMENY, NEWBRIDGE, KIRKLISTON

For 30 years we’ve been Connecting people with their Community, tackling loneliness and isolation and supporting people to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

For 30 years we’ve been Connecting people with their Community, tackling loneliness and isolation and supporting people to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

Day Opportunities: is a service for older people who have a diagnosis of dementia or who are socially isolated due to stroke, other illnesses, or long-term health conditions. This service provides an opportunity for older people to meet with others at The Haven or to have one-to-one support in their home/community. Activities include going for a walk or enjoying a catch up with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, enjoying a visit to a local garden centre, fun games and live music at The Haven, and support with personal care.

Access our support services

The

The Haven

25B Burgess Road

Day Opportunities: is a service for older people who have a diagnosis of dementia or who are socially isolated due to stroke, other illnesses, or long-term health conditions. This service provides an opportunity for older people to meet with others at The Haven or to have one-to-one support in their home/community. Activities include going for a walk or enjoying a catch up with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, enjoying a visit to a local garden centre, fun games and live music at The Haven, and support with personal care.

Supper Club: is for older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carer /family member. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal.

Supper Club: is for older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carer /family member. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal.

Ratho Lunch Club: is for older people and their carer/family member living in Ratho, Ratho Station or Newbridge. A warm welcome and delicious lunch is offered every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre (12noon - 2pm).

Ratho Lunch Club: is for older people and their carer/family member living in Ratho, Ratho Station or Newbridge. A warm welcome and delicious lunch is offered every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre (12noon - 2pm).

Befriending: trained volunteers will visit older people who are living alone to offer companionship, a friendly ear and contact with the wider community.

Befriending: trained volunteers will visit older people who are living alone to offer companionship, a friendly ear and contact with the wider community.

Telephone Befriending: trained volunteers will phone an older person at an arranged time each week to provide friendly conversation and reduce isolation.

Telephone Befriending: trained volunteers will phone an older person at an arranged time each week to provide friendly conversation and reduce isolation.

Garden Tidy Service: volunteer gardeners work in teams of 2 to maintain older peoples gardens providing vital support in the community.

Garden Tidy Service: volunteer gardeners work in teams of 2 to maintain older peoples gardens providing vital support in the community.

Driving Service: provides transport for older people to attend local appointments.

Driving Service: provides transport for older people to attend local appointments.

EH30 9JA

South Queensferry

Information and Advice: we are a community resource for older people and carers, to access general information particular to their situation as well as having contact details for a wide range of other organisations and services, both locally and nationally.

EH30 9JA

0131 331 5570

0131 331 5570

info@qccc.org.uk

info@qccc.org.uk

www.qccc.org.uk

Information and Advice: we are a community resource for older people and carers, to access general information particular to their situation as well as having contact details for a wide range of other organisations and services, both locally and nationally.

Volunteer Hub: we help older people access other volunteer led groups and organisations providing social activities.

Volunteer Hub: we help older people access other volunteer led groups and organisations providing social activities.

Loony Dook 2024

An estimated 600 participants braved the elements on 1st January to take part in a beloved Queensferry tradition, The Loony Dook. With over 2500 onlookers, the brave souls raised more than £1500 for the RNLI. Hats off to organiser, Tony Pirouet, for successfully reclaiming and resurrecting this local event. Enjoy this photo feature, did the Spotlight camera catch you?

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