Where are we going?

Where are the services going to be held when we are out of the Church? Where can our organisation have its meeting? What if we can't afford the cost? ......

There have been lots of questions and anxieties about the time when we don't have access to our premises. Since the April edition of 'The Bridge' a number of our groups have actually arranged accommodation, using suggestions from the team that has been looking into the problem. This summary is intended to let the congregation, at large, know what is likely to happen in relation to our services, and to list a number of possible locations for alternative accommodation for the groups that have not, as yet, been able to make arrangements.

There are several important points that need to be made at the beginning.

•No group or organisation will have access to our premises during the construction work. It is difficult for us to notify directly all of the many groups from the Church and Community that use our premises, so this is an intimation to all.

•Each group and organisation is responsible for making its own arrangements for alternative accommodtaion. There are some suggested locations listed below where people can meet, but it is up to each group to make its own arrangements. If you would like to discuss possibilities, please speak to Anne Shaw or Jared Hay.

•Where cost is involved in relocating, the Congregational Board will be glad to help, using funds specifically allocated for use by Church organisations. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend this benefit to the Community groups that use our premises. Some venues, like Balerno Community High School, will charge a fee; other venues, such as the Community Centre, will look for a donation. The Congregational Board has bequest funds for Church organisations that can be used to meet reasonable costs.

•Each group and organisation is responsible for organising storage facilities for its equipment and materials. We are looking into storage opportunities at present and, where there are issues with your storage, please speak to Anne Shaw or Jared Hay.

Services:

Although the details of the arrangements are not tied up as yet, Fr. Michael Regan and our neighbours in St. Joseph's have kindly agreed to let us use their building. Details of the times of the services for the summer, and beyond, will be printed in the June edition of 'The Bridge' and here on the website. The Community Centre on the Main Street has been booked for Sunday Special and the details of use, such as where to go at the start and where to pick up the children after, will be notified later.

We will meet in our own building until the construction work starts. When that date is known, it will be communicated as widely and quickly as possible. In the light of the capacity of St. Joseph's, the Kirk Session will decide soon how many services will take place for the duration of the construction time.

Meeting Places:

Community Centre - Main Street:
Chief Keyholder, Alice Anderson. Much used during the day but there are some slots avaiable. Cost - donation for Church organisations

St. Joseph's - Main Street:
Available for services and some meetings. Please contact Jared Hay for details.

Balerno Community High School - Bridge Road:
Not available Sundays and mornings/afternoons are difficult but useful for small groups in the evening. £11.50 per session. Details from the School 477-7733

Dean Park Primary School - Marchbank Gardens; Annexe - Main Street:
Not available during the summer because of repair work, but available beyond that on application to City of Edinburgh Council. Cost, variable. Application Forms from Dept. of Education 0131-469-3451/3458

Scout Hall - Ladycroft:
Availability by negotiation with the Scouts. Contact Craig MacLeod 449-6561

Balerno Bowling Club - Ladycroft:
Possible negotiation. Contact Secretary Robin Tonge, 1 Turner Avenue 449-6269.

It is inevitable that during this period there are things we would like to do that we will not be able to do. When the details of the relocation of our groups are known, they will be intimated widely. Patience and understanding will be needed by all, and when this transition is behind us, we will relaise it has been worthwhile in order to have the new facilities available to us.