Gorebridge community hub set to be a hive of activity

The local group behind a new community hub in Gorebridge is excited to be opening, just over a year after picking up the keys.
By Kevin Quinn
Published 10th Feb 2021, 07:00 BST
Lynne , Ellen and Mhairi from Gorebridge Cares.Lynne , Ellen and Mhairi from Gorebridge Cares.
Lynne , Ellen and Mhairi from Gorebridge Cares.

Through a Community Asset Transfer, funded by a grant from the Scottish Land Fund, Gorebridge Cares purchased the former Police Station in Gorebridge and received the keys just before Christmas 2019. However, soon after, someone broke-in to the Gorebridge Hive, stole the copper piping and started stripping the electrics.

Ellen Scott from the group said: “That was a great shock going in to find this, I thought ‘what have we taken on’. However, a local donor paid for CCTV – there are always good people in the world.

"That was then and this is now. We have been very lucky.

Aileen with Christmas boxes at the Gorebridge Hive.Aileen with Christmas boxes at the Gorebridge Hive.
Aileen with Christmas boxes at the Gorebridge Hive.

"Here we are very snug and starting to open our doors.

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"Working in partnership with Midlothian Council, our development manager Mhairi will help deliver the Foundation Apprenticeship Hospitality Course on a Tuesday and Thursday and the first students started the week before last.”

During the pandemic, Gorebridge Cares provided a ‘Friendly Voice’ telephone service, making more than 1,000 calls since last April.

And what about the future at the Hive community hub for Gorebridge Cares?

Arniston Rangers YFC with donations.Arniston Rangers YFC with donations.
Arniston Rangers YFC with donations.

Ellen said: “Bringing local services to the area is one of our priorities and we are happy to say we will be sharing some of our space with UPMO, a charity for young adults with learning disabilities and autism.

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“Our mission is to create solutions and opportunities to remove inequalities and poverty, and through positive action make our community a happier and healthier place to live. We want to bring families together through growing food, cooking and eating with their children.”

The group also offers help with CVs, computer help, support services for families and homework/study clubs among so much more.

It also gave 110 families a Gorebridge Cares’ Christmas Surprise of a craft box with a toy, biscuits donated by the parents of Arniston Rangers Youth Football Team, and Christmas pies and cakes donated by The Premium Bakery.

Jonathan and Dougie from UPMO moving their stuff in to the Hive in Gorebridge.Jonathan and Dougie from UPMO moving their stuff in to the Hive in Gorebridge.
Jonathan and Dougie from UPMO moving their stuff in to the Hive in Gorebridge.

Ellen was also full of thanks to local tradespeople for helping Gorebridge Cares ensure their Hive is fit for purpose for locals.

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She said: “We have used local firms and trades people for the building project – the building belongs to the community and we want everyone to take ownership. I, personally, cannot begin to thank paid tradesmen who always seemed to go the extra mile for us, and reduced their costs as well.

"And the unpaid volunteers who have given their skills, time, encouragement and goodwill to us – I have probably used up all my favours for the next 20 years!

"Help with painting, tidying the grounds, cleaning and just giving us the enthusiasm and motivation to keep going.”

Thirty people will also get a free “Tasty Takeaway” which is being launched this week, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a couple of weeks. Families were identified by the local Schools to give them a ‘pick me up’ during these hard times.