Santa and Elves Come to Waterside, 19 December 2021
The most touching moment was perhaps when a toddler standing in a window spotted the familiar man in the red suit and squealed: "Santa, Santa, Santa!" Following which, at least one elf had a tear in her eye as Santa and his helpers walked round the village handing out early Christmas presents to happy, smiling youngsters.
With huge thanks to the team in red, white and green and to their Christmas DJ on wheels for bringing a little magic, colour and fun to Waterside. Enormous thanks too to McLaughlin and Harvey Construction Ltd for very generously providing all Santa's chocolate gift supplies for this leg of his visit from Lapland. And another debt of gratitude is owed to the unseen elves who beavered away wrapping presents on Santa's behalf or made other preparations behind the scenes.
With huge thanks to the team in red, white and green and to their Christmas DJ on wheels for bringing a little magic, colour and fun to Waterside. Enormous thanks too to McLaughlin and Harvey Construction Ltd for very generously providing all Santa's chocolate gift supplies for this leg of his visit from Lapland. And another debt of gratitude is owed to the unseen elves who beavered away wrapping presents on Santa's behalf or made other preparations behind the scenes.
Waterside Christmas Wanderland, 4 and 5 December 2021
A huge thank you to Gartconner Primary School and Ann's Coaches for driving home their Christmas message so beautifully. What a wonderful way to start our second ever Waterside Christmas Wanderland!
In Duntiblae, Christmas had already been under way, with a fantastic display at Archie's and the Shed...
And more was to come at the Duntiblae flats...
Not to be outdone, there were artists and Christmas enthusiasts at work in Waterside too...
In addition to the appreciation we should like to express to Gartconner Primary School and Ann's Coaches as well as to every one of you who took part, enormous thanks are due to Caroline Notman for again organizing Waterside Christmas Wanderland for the enjoyment of all, providing hot chocolate and even taking photographs; to East Dunbartonshire Council for funding Window Wanderland registration and craft materials; to Margaret Todd for baking mince pies and Christmas biscuits; to McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd for printing Waterside Christmas Wanderland posters and flyers; and to Edward Z. Smith, Danny McFadden, Lisa Giffen and Neil Wightman for capturing images of this lovely two-day event.
Finally, thank you very much indeed to all at the Carmelite Monastery for joining us in this pre-Christmas celebration.
Happy Christmas, everyone!
Finally, thank you very much indeed to all at the Carmelite Monastery for joining us in this pre-Christmas celebration.
Happy Christmas, everyone!
More Waterside Christmas Wanderland pictures below.
Waterside Halloween Spooktacular, 31 October 2021
In 2020, guising and ghosts were pushed to one side by pandemic fears, so 2021 just had to be a pumpkin-carving, scarcrow-creating, trick-and-treating spectacular in Waterside. And it certainly was.
By day, the scarecrows, pumpkins and ghosts looked almost friendly and welcoming.
By day, the scarecrows, pumpkins and ghosts looked almost friendly and welcoming.
By night, they were showing an altogether scarier side.
Despite which, lots of brave youngsters ventured forth and claimed their treats, some managing to scare the scarecrows and ghosts away.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to making Waterside and Duntiblae spooky this 31 October.
Above and right: some of the shapes and posters contributed by McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd
|
Particular thanks are due to Caroline Notman, Steven Moffat and Cordy Lilly for organising and shopping; to Louise and David Chapman for their very generous gift of straw; to McLaughlin & Harvey for creating fantastic wooden shapes, printing posters and donating a staple gun; to Danny McFadden for photographing the whole event; to Edward Z. Smith for researching Duntiblae's history and setting up and capturing haunting scenes; to everyone who took part in these, including Willie Hunter, who let the ghost hunters into Duntiblae's caves, and Matt Wilson, whose story of voices in his Duntiblae House led to the release of at least one ghost (portrayed by Margaret Todd). Finally, thanks to Karen Chesney-Bathie for her Waterside scarecrow brainwave.
|
Contact Details for McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd
The company building the school on Waterside Park is McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd.
For information or to report any problems, please contact [email protected]
For information or to report any problems, please contact [email protected]
Ten Years of Archie's...All Congratulations, Lisa and Family!
Photo: Debbie Carmichael
A massive thank you to Lisa (Giffen) for all the hard work, long hours, kindness, generosity and vision which, over the last ten years, she has poured into creating Archie's and now the Shed. Far more than a shop, Archie's has become the heart and centre of village life as well as a stopping place for walkers, workers and all seeking somewhere to have a lunch, tea or coffee break and shoot the breeze. As for the support Lisa and her team have provided to our community through crises and coronavirus, litter picks and village events, it's been beyond compare. Happy anniversary, Archie's!
Waterside Bench given a brush-up, August 2021
On a recent visit to Waterside to identify swing park options and possible green-space improvements on the little space that's left now that the park is to be built on, Streetscene and Greenspace officers saw that our bench needed restoring, and hey presto!
To make sure other improvements happen around Waterside, please fill in the Waterside and Rosebank Greenspace Improvement Plan survey if you haven't already done so, and/or add suggestions to the ideas map.
Preparatory Work for School build Due to Start on Waterside Park on 30 Aug 2021
A very sad day for Waterside, given that there is no other space for community functions in the village...and the work seems to have started a few days early.
Set Cynicism Aside: Survey worth completing To Ensure Waterside Benefits
A meeting took place on 16 August 2021 attended by Jennifer Wiggens and Niall Urquhart from EDC Biodiversity & Greenspace, Francesca Pandolfi from EDC Streetscene and, it turned out, only one Waterside resident. The subject: how Waterside might best use the £150,000 being made available for green-space improvements to make up to some small degree for the council's decision to use the village's only park to build East Dunbartonshire's new ASN school on.
And why did only one Waterside resident attend the meeting? Because of the deep cynicism and hurt in Waterside following EDC's decision to build a school on our only community event space so the council could sell off suitable brownfield sites for short-term financial gain. Comments on Facebook included: 'As you can see...the residents of Waterside have lost faith in anything promised to the village...the village will get exactly what EDC decides it can have while dangling a carrot of what it can have.'
Despite Waterside's understandable cynicism, the aim is that the community decides how this money is allocated. Those prepared to participate can state their priorities by completing the Waterside and Rosebank Improvement Plan survey as well as by contributing ideas to the ideas map. Please do this. It is important for as many local people as possible to engage to prove we care, to justify Waterside's being given this funding, and to increase the likelihood of Waterside's getting improvements we actually want. There could also be further funding made available longer-term if the need is highlighted. The officers working with us are well aware of our loss and the deep resentment this has caused and clearly want to do their best for us.
Key themes in the ongoing discussion are health and wellbeing; support for nature and biodiversity; space for community functioning; escape from the built environment; play provision.
And why did only one Waterside resident attend the meeting? Because of the deep cynicism and hurt in Waterside following EDC's decision to build a school on our only community event space so the council could sell off suitable brownfield sites for short-term financial gain. Comments on Facebook included: 'As you can see...the residents of Waterside have lost faith in anything promised to the village...the village will get exactly what EDC decides it can have while dangling a carrot of what it can have.'
Despite Waterside's understandable cynicism, the aim is that the community decides how this money is allocated. Those prepared to participate can state their priorities by completing the Waterside and Rosebank Improvement Plan survey as well as by contributing ideas to the ideas map. Please do this. It is important for as many local people as possible to engage to prove we care, to justify Waterside's being given this funding, and to increase the likelihood of Waterside's getting improvements we actually want. There could also be further funding made available longer-term if the need is highlighted. The officers working with us are well aware of our loss and the deep resentment this has caused and clearly want to do their best for us.
Key themes in the ongoing discussion are health and wellbeing; support for nature and biodiversity; space for community functioning; escape from the built environment; play provision.
So what have residents suggested so far?
- The need for a long overdue swing park
- Better paths along the Luggie
- Restoration and improvement of school paths (Moss Road to Gartconner; Taig Road to Moss Road)
- More wild flowers
- Enhancement of natural landscapes to increase Waterside's attractiveness to walkers and nature lovers
- Enhancement of other green amenity spaces
- Information notices about wildlife
- Board walks over local nature conservation site and swampy areas
- Natural play facilities (willow playhouses, tree-house-type facilities)
- Original and creative play options reflecting Waterside's identity
- Climbable carved animals/features near carved bench at the top of Moss and Taig roads
- More trees (including fruit trees and bushes)
- No more use of Waterside's amenity grass for storage containers
Longer-term/Outside this budget
- Sympathetic treatment of much-loved features (the Wee Wood and Pond) at the proposed Duntiblae development
- Preservation in perpetuity of much-loved natural spaces (the Horse's Field, the Cornfield, the meadow bordered by the Luggie and the Dam Braes path)
- As, thanks to EDC, there is now no event space in the village, could a changed council consider buying land to cover this need?
Facts that emerged at the meeting
Following the loss of Waterside Park, the Kirkintilloch area as a whole has a slight open-space shortfall (1.62 hectares). A request was made that officers look specifically at Waterside's shortfall, even though open-space audits do not currently look at smaller settlements. Accessible open space in Waterside (especially when the eventual replacement pitch is in use) will be very limited without Waterside Park.
Questions from officers
Other issues raised by resident
Following the loss of Waterside Park, the Kirkintilloch area as a whole has a slight open-space shortfall (1.62 hectares). A request was made that officers look specifically at Waterside's shortfall, even though open-space audits do not currently look at smaller settlements. Accessible open space in Waterside (especially when the eventual replacement pitch is in use) will be very limited without Waterside Park.
Questions from officers
- What other spaces could benefit from play facilities/other enhancements?
- What facilities are envisaged for teenagers?
- What do we think about play facilities for those with disabilities?
Other issues raised by resident
- The replacement pitch is to be sited in an area where it won't be visible from the road, making it an unsafe space for unsupervised play. If the political landscape changes to enable this, money should be spent acquiring some of the remaining green space for a play area.
- The report on the ASN school suggested building it on the park would increase pressure to build on neighbouring green space. (The officers responded that development on Green Belt would be resisted and that East Dunbartonshire had enough sites to deliver development requirements elsewhere. They fully appreciated the concerns about coalescence with neighbouring Kirkintilloch. NB The Government's National Planning Framework will be published this autumn.)
- Without suitable premises now the Miners Club has closed, the community has no affordable indoor space to enable envisioned youth clubs, groups and events. (This is to be taken up with Community Planning.)
- Waterside identity: Waterside needs to be put back as a named settlement in addresses. EDC must follow this up with Royal Mail.
Green space Improvements In Light of Playing Field Loss
Preliminary discussions with EDC officers beside the much-complained about containers on Taig Road, 30 July 2021
Photo: D Carmichael
Photo: D Carmichael
East Dunbartonshire Council is to spend £150K on improvements to green space, green space access and play facilities in Waterside and Rosebank in an attempt to make up just a little for the depressing loss of Waterside's only public park and playing field, which is to be built on (though a replacement full-size pitch has at least been incorporated in the site plan). Part of the £150K is likely to go towards a swing park in the village (Waterside's earlier swing park having been sacrificed to build the housing at Taig Gardens), while another part may go on footpath improvements. There could also be some funding available to spend on the planting of more wild flowers and perhaps a wetland area.
If you have been or will be affected by the changes in and around Waterside and would like to suggest green space and play provision improvements for the remaining green space, there are opportunities to do this.
If you have been or will be affected by the changes in and around Waterside and would like to suggest green space and play provision improvements for the remaining green space, there are opportunities to do this.
1. To take part in a Waterside and Rosebank improvement survey, go to https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/waterside-and-rosebank-greenspace-improvement-plan-consultation, where you can also sign up to attend a consultation event (specifically on improvements in Waterside and Rosebank) from 6pm to 7.30 on 16 August.
Swampy area near the doocots
Photo: D Carmichael
Photo: D Carmichael
Wild flowers flourishing by the Moss Goat burn
Photo: D Carmichael
Photo: D Carmichael
Wild flowers planted by EDC's Streetscene on the turning circle
Photo: D Carmichael
Photo: D Carmichael
2. East Dunbartonshire Greenspace Strategy Consultation, 26 July-28 September
As well as looking at how to reduce the negative effects of depriving Waterside of its only public park, East Dunbartonshire Council is in the process of creating a new "Greenspace Strategy", which, according to EDC, will "be the blueprint for making East Dunbartonshire a greener, healthier, better place to live." (Presumably, the council will need to start by looking at its failing football pitch provision policies – very regrettably, Rosebank United is now being forced to lose three teams because it can no longer secure enough pitches to play on.)
To sign up to attend a consultation event relating to Kirkintilloch, Lenzie, Twechar and Waterside from 6pm to 7.30pm on 20 September, go to www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/greenspace-strategy-consultation, where you will also find links to surveys on play provision to be completed by young people and their parents or carers.
You can additionally contribute your ideas on open spaces, the green network, play provision and active travel to an ideas map here.
As well as looking at how to reduce the negative effects of depriving Waterside of its only public park, East Dunbartonshire Council is in the process of creating a new "Greenspace Strategy", which, according to EDC, will "be the blueprint for making East Dunbartonshire a greener, healthier, better place to live." (Presumably, the council will need to start by looking at its failing football pitch provision policies – very regrettably, Rosebank United is now being forced to lose three teams because it can no longer secure enough pitches to play on.)
To sign up to attend a consultation event relating to Kirkintilloch, Lenzie, Twechar and Waterside from 6pm to 7.30pm on 20 September, go to www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/greenspace-strategy-consultation, where you will also find links to surveys on play provision to be completed by young people and their parents or carers.
You can additionally contribute your ideas on open spaces, the green network, play provision and active travel to an ideas map here.
|
You may also wish to take part in EDC's Active Travel consultation, which runs till 28 September and includes an online discussion on 4 September. For details, see https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/active-travel-discussion.
Duntiblae, June 2021
Waterside Community Council has submitted a representation relating to TP/ED/21/0365 (Fauldhead, Old Duntiblae Road, Kirkintilloch), which is the site proposed for the erection of 179 private and affordable dwellings. The plans do preserve both the "Wee Wood" and pond but show a four-storey housing block at the foot of the hillock. WCC very much hopes that the development will be set back further from the treed mound to allow walkers, bat watchers, photographers and other community members to enjoy it as they do at present.
In the past, there was mining activity in and around Duntiblae. A Coal Authority map records a mine entrance to the north of the site (in an area marked as a "Development High Risk Area").
If you have not yet submitted comments about this development or about TP/ED/21/0366 (Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch), for which the proposal is 77 private and affordable dwellings, it is not too late. Comments will be accepted until the proposal goes before the planning board.
In the past, there was mining activity in and around Duntiblae. A Coal Authority map records a mine entrance to the north of the site (in an area marked as a "Development High Risk Area").
If you have not yet submitted comments about this development or about TP/ED/21/0366 (Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch), for which the proposal is 77 private and affordable dwellings, it is not too late. Comments will be accepted until the proposal goes before the planning board.
Scottish Government Not Calling in ASN school planning Application, 23 June 2021
Look at those balloons flying at a height of 13.5 metres. In two years' time, this is likely to be the roof of a new ASN school, and any grass will have disappeared under tarmac and earth. For the Scottish Government has notified the council that it does not intend to call in EDC's planning application, and so "the Planning Service will move to issue consent in line with the decision of Council".
While this could potentially mean Waterside's days as a separate village with its own unique identity are numbered (unless EDC discovers that our community, our village and its history MUST be preserved in line with at least some of the local development plan policies), we can only hope that, if it does go ahead, a new school will be good for the generations of children from all over East Dunbartonshire who will use it. While wishing the school were not taking away our only public community space, Waterside will naturally welcome any youngsters who come here.
While this could potentially mean Waterside's days as a separate village with its own unique identity are numbered (unless EDC discovers that our community, our village and its history MUST be preserved in line with at least some of the local development plan policies), we can only hope that, if it does go ahead, a new school will be good for the generations of children from all over East Dunbartonshire who will use it. While wishing the school were not taking away our only public community space, Waterside will naturally welcome any youngsters who come here.
Waterside Looking Its best after EDC Roughcasting and Mowing, June 2021
'New school, yes – On Our Park, no!' Waterside continues to Protest Council Decision
On 30 May 2021, families profited from the sunshine to picnic on Waterside Park (while they still can, and keeping socially distanced, of course) and to send a powerful message to those who can save Waterside to please, please do so. The letters they held aloft spelled out: 'New school, yes. – On our park, no.'
Those who asked the significance of the balloons far overhead were shocked to discover that they showed the height of the proposed new school. Its length took people by surprise too. Instead of a beautiful view towards the Campsies, those on Cairnview could look out on a wall rising up 45 feet high by 295 feet long.
It is so wrong (and completely contrary to government and local government policy) that a council should find it acceptable to build on a community's only park (its vital green belt and open space) while selling off "feasible and suitable" brownfield sites to private developers.
Waterside hopes Holyrood will come to our rescue and make the council think again before its concrete boot comes down on the village we love.
With very grateful thanks to EZS, Matt Wilson and Debbie Carmichael for taking these pictures of sunny Waterside folk enjoying our park, as well as for their technical and other assistance.
Thanks too to everyone else involved in preparations on and before the day: Karen Chesney-Bathie, Lynne Bateman, Ian Bowman, Debbie and Jim Carmichael, Brian Sewell, Janice Whyte, Janice Herriot and Cordy Lilly.
And last but not least, thank you to everyone who came to the park, demonstrated how they feel and brought their families.
Those who asked the significance of the balloons far overhead were shocked to discover that they showed the height of the proposed new school. Its length took people by surprise too. Instead of a beautiful view towards the Campsies, those on Cairnview could look out on a wall rising up 45 feet high by 295 feet long.
It is so wrong (and completely contrary to government and local government policy) that a council should find it acceptable to build on a community's only park (its vital green belt and open space) while selling off "feasible and suitable" brownfield sites to private developers.
Waterside hopes Holyrood will come to our rescue and make the council think again before its concrete boot comes down on the village we love.
With very grateful thanks to EZS, Matt Wilson and Debbie Carmichael for taking these pictures of sunny Waterside folk enjoying our park, as well as for their technical and other assistance.
Thanks too to everyone else involved in preparations on and before the day: Karen Chesney-Bathie, Lynne Bateman, Ian Bowman, Debbie and Jim Carmichael, Brian Sewell, Janice Whyte, Janice Herriot and Cordy Lilly.
And last but not least, thank you to everyone who came to the park, demonstrated how they feel and brought their families.
Planning Applications Submitted for Duntiblae and Fauldhead Sites, May 2021
CALA has now submitted planning applications for housing at two sites locally: the bigger of the two being the area behind the former Miners Club and bordering Market and Chryston roads as well as the Dam Braes footpath; the smaller being the meadow between Chryston Road and the railway line. The bluebell mound and pond are to be preserved under the plans.
TP/ED/21/0365
Site At Fauldhead, Old Duntiblae Road, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Erection of 179 Private and Affordable dwellings, including associated infrastructure and landscaping, on land off Market Road, Kirkintilloch
Standard consultation expiry date: 31 May 2021
Neighbour consultation expiry date: 7 June 2021.
TP/ED/21/0366
Land At Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Erection of 77 private and affordable dwellings, including associated infrastructure and landscaping, on the land off Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch
Standard consultation expiry date: 31 May 2021
For more information on the above applications, enter the above-detailed references in the planning application search tool at http://planning.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/online-applications/
For advice on what aspects of a planning application you can and cannot comment on, click on the following link: https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-applications/comment-or-object
The deadline for comments and objections is 11 June 2021.
TP/ED/21/0365
Site At Fauldhead, Old Duntiblae Road, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Erection of 179 Private and Affordable dwellings, including associated infrastructure and landscaping, on land off Market Road, Kirkintilloch
Standard consultation expiry date: 31 May 2021
Neighbour consultation expiry date: 7 June 2021.
TP/ED/21/0366
Land At Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Erection of 77 private and affordable dwellings, including associated infrastructure and landscaping, on the land off Chryston Road, Kirkintilloch
Standard consultation expiry date: 31 May 2021
For more information on the above applications, enter the above-detailed references in the planning application search tool at http://planning.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/online-applications/
For advice on what aspects of a planning application you can and cannot comment on, click on the following link: https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-applications/comment-or-object
The deadline for comments and objections is 11 June 2021.
As the April sun comes out, so do Children and Families, 25 April 2021
Sunshine turned the currently calm and shallow Luggie Water into the perfect splash playground towards the end of April, while the cow field became a picnic area. Thanks to EZS for capturing these lovely, happy images of the fun to be had in a natural landscape and of the wonderful improvements to the path and banking carried out by kind and talented mystery volunteers.
Please note that all those appearing in these photos were made aware that their images might be used on the WCC website or in a future EZS publication.
Please note that all those appearing in these photos were made aware that their images might be used on the WCC website or in a future EZS publication.
How does our Garden Grow? 23 April 2021
What a paintbox of colours greets the eye as you cross over the footbridge or wander along Bankhead Road! It's the Waterside garden feature, lovingly tended by WCC secretary Janice Whyte and Jack Gartshore who, just like today, have planted and pruned, transplanted and tidied ever since Day 1. Thank you, both of you!
Photo: Debbie Carmichael
Christmas tree Gets some Much-Appreciated Care, 12 April 2021
Huge thanks to green-fingered Janice McBride for spotting that weedkiller use around the edging stones was damaging our Waterside Christmas tree, and for removing the stones, cutting a tidy circle in the turf instead and filling it with some much-needed feed and compost. She even pruned the dead branches. The result should be a much happier tree.
Thanks to EZS for capturing this image of work in progress when he chanced upon Janice at the tree.
Thanks to EZS for capturing this image of work in progress when he chanced upon Janice at the tree.
Much Sorrow at the loss of WCC's Former Chairman, Bill Lapping (18 June 1942–2 April 2021)
It is with much sorrow that Waterside has learned of the passing of William (Bill) Lapping on Good Friday, 2 April 2021.
Bill was well known by everyone in the area and was hugely liked and respected, whether by his friends and neighbours in Waterside; by the people who worked alongside him in his working days as a supermarket manager, then area manager; or by all those who encountered him elsewhere, perhaps on the golf course or through his roles on Waterside Community Council, of which he had been a member for nearly 25 years, chairing it for 15.
Along with other stalwarts of WCC (Margaret Whiteford, Janice Whyte and Elspeth Carlin, for instance), Bill and his wife and soulmate, Betty, convinced of the community council's value to the village, kept it going when it could so easily otherwise have been lost, welcoming and encouraging new members and making everyone feel welcome and valued (something he and Betty did too when they welcomed neighbours new and old into their house for tea and cheer).
Probably one of the most frequent comments made about Bill by those who knew him was that he was "such a gentleman", "a lovely gentleman". While outwardly "quiet and unassuming and respectful", he also had a wonderful sense of humour, which meant lots of laughter over aspects of official meetings.
The loss of Betty, towards the end of January 2013, was a very hard blow, but Bill went on serving the community, found solace with his family and continued to enjoy catch-ups with his siblings in Glasgow, family stays in Holland and Spain, and evenings with friends at Waterside Miners Club, playing bingo.
Waterside Community Council would like to extend all condolences and sympathy to Bill's family on their/our very sad loss. We would also like to express our gratitude for Bill's (and Betty's) long service to the community. As one of our local councillors said, "Bill was a really fine man who fought for Waterside but always steered debates back into a sensible route when meetings became heated. He'll be sorely missed in Waterside." Another councillor said, "That is indeed very sad news. He did so much for his community, and he will be missed." Meanwhile one of Bill's former neighbours said, "I was very sad to hear of Bill's sudden departure from this world. It seems like only yesterday that he retired from the Community Council, where he did such an excellent job as chairperson." Another said, "Lovely man Bill...we had the pleasure of being his neighbours for the last 19 years. He will be sadly missed."
He certainly will.
Bill was well known by everyone in the area and was hugely liked and respected, whether by his friends and neighbours in Waterside; by the people who worked alongside him in his working days as a supermarket manager, then area manager; or by all those who encountered him elsewhere, perhaps on the golf course or through his roles on Waterside Community Council, of which he had been a member for nearly 25 years, chairing it for 15.
Along with other stalwarts of WCC (Margaret Whiteford, Janice Whyte and Elspeth Carlin, for instance), Bill and his wife and soulmate, Betty, convinced of the community council's value to the village, kept it going when it could so easily otherwise have been lost, welcoming and encouraging new members and making everyone feel welcome and valued (something he and Betty did too when they welcomed neighbours new and old into their house for tea and cheer).
Probably one of the most frequent comments made about Bill by those who knew him was that he was "such a gentleman", "a lovely gentleman". While outwardly "quiet and unassuming and respectful", he also had a wonderful sense of humour, which meant lots of laughter over aspects of official meetings.
The loss of Betty, towards the end of January 2013, was a very hard blow, but Bill went on serving the community, found solace with his family and continued to enjoy catch-ups with his siblings in Glasgow, family stays in Holland and Spain, and evenings with friends at Waterside Miners Club, playing bingo.
Waterside Community Council would like to extend all condolences and sympathy to Bill's family on their/our very sad loss. We would also like to express our gratitude for Bill's (and Betty's) long service to the community. As one of our local councillors said, "Bill was a really fine man who fought for Waterside but always steered debates back into a sensible route when meetings became heated. He'll be sorely missed in Waterside." Another councillor said, "That is indeed very sad news. He did so much for his community, and he will be missed." Meanwhile one of Bill's former neighbours said, "I was very sad to hear of Bill's sudden departure from this world. It seems like only yesterday that he retired from the Community Council, where he did such an excellent job as chairperson." Another said, "Lovely man Bill...we had the pleasure of being his neighbours for the last 19 years. He will be sadly missed."
He certainly will.
Predetermination Hearing and Planning Board Meeting, 30 March 2021
Is this the beginning of the end for our village, our green space, our happy, healthy community life?
Photo © Edward Z. Smith
Photo © Edward Z. Smith
After some questions, including about the increased costs of the project (up £10m) the planning committee accepted the recommendations of EDC council officers and voted to take away Waterside's only community space and build a school on it. This was despite Cllr. Stewart MacDonald's proposing that the design of the building be reviewed due to concerns about its mass, car parking across the main entrance and whether the hard, rectangular shape was in keeping with the stated remit to “soften the impact on the surrounding area.” Unfortunately, no committee member was willing to second his proposed amendment, meaning that it could not be tabled, and the vote to proceed with the current plans was recorded as unanimous.
The school is very much needed, and the whole of Waterside celebrates the fact that the school community should eventually get a long-overdue new home. Unfortunately, this is the WRONG place for it.
A brownfield location described as "feasible and suitable" in EDC's documentation was rejected, as we were told by no less than Deputy Chief Executive Thomas Glen himself, because a single-storey building would not fit on it, which would have an educational impact. This site was not reconsidered even when EDC discovered a single-storey building would not fit on our park either. Instead the "feasible and suitable" and centrally located brownfield site (where Auchinairn Primary School once stood) was sold to private developers. Waterside Community Council had not even been informed about the proposal to build on our park or asked to give our opinion before the vote was taken by councillors in March 2018 that made this process unstoppable.
Waterside Park is a much-used community space that EDC has picked on because it owns it.The needs of a community to be a community, to come together as a community, to have a safe space to play and have family fun in is a sacrifice that EDC believes is justifiable despite the park's playing "an important role in providing access to parkland for the surrounding communities in Waterside and Rosebank. Loss of the western section of the park and the reduction of multi-functional open space will have a material effect on locally accessible parkland, as well as resulting in a deficit of open space generally in Kirkintilloch and Waterside"* and despite the fact that "allowing the development of this site would likely negatively impact on the setting and identity of Waterside and Rosebank through the coalescence of these two areas. It could also set a precedent which would result in adjacent green belt sites being challenged for development purposes and potentially undermine the LDP spatial strategy."*
The proposal goes against Scottish planning and local development plan policies on open space, green belt, design and placemaking among others, and the location of the school will cause huge disruption on Waterside Road and our one road in and out of the village, Bankhead Road.
At the predetermination hearing, only made necessary because this proposal "is an application for a major development which is significantly contrary to the Local Development Plan", members of our community explained, against the clock, why this proposal is such a poor idea and a tragedy for our area. If it had been possible, they would have made the attached presentation, which explains Waterside's reasons for being so opposed to building the school on our park. Nonetheless, the presentation was sent to all councillors in advance of the hearing.
*Quotes taken from EDC's agenda and report for the meeting of 30 March 2021
The school is very much needed, and the whole of Waterside celebrates the fact that the school community should eventually get a long-overdue new home. Unfortunately, this is the WRONG place for it.
A brownfield location described as "feasible and suitable" in EDC's documentation was rejected, as we were told by no less than Deputy Chief Executive Thomas Glen himself, because a single-storey building would not fit on it, which would have an educational impact. This site was not reconsidered even when EDC discovered a single-storey building would not fit on our park either. Instead the "feasible and suitable" and centrally located brownfield site (where Auchinairn Primary School once stood) was sold to private developers. Waterside Community Council had not even been informed about the proposal to build on our park or asked to give our opinion before the vote was taken by councillors in March 2018 that made this process unstoppable.
Waterside Park is a much-used community space that EDC has picked on because it owns it.The needs of a community to be a community, to come together as a community, to have a safe space to play and have family fun in is a sacrifice that EDC believes is justifiable despite the park's playing "an important role in providing access to parkland for the surrounding communities in Waterside and Rosebank. Loss of the western section of the park and the reduction of multi-functional open space will have a material effect on locally accessible parkland, as well as resulting in a deficit of open space generally in Kirkintilloch and Waterside"* and despite the fact that "allowing the development of this site would likely negatively impact on the setting and identity of Waterside and Rosebank through the coalescence of these two areas. It could also set a precedent which would result in adjacent green belt sites being challenged for development purposes and potentially undermine the LDP spatial strategy."*
The proposal goes against Scottish planning and local development plan policies on open space, green belt, design and placemaking among others, and the location of the school will cause huge disruption on Waterside Road and our one road in and out of the village, Bankhead Road.
At the predetermination hearing, only made necessary because this proposal "is an application for a major development which is significantly contrary to the Local Development Plan", members of our community explained, against the clock, why this proposal is such a poor idea and a tragedy for our area. If it had been possible, they would have made the attached presentation, which explains Waterside's reasons for being so opposed to building the school on our park. Nonetheless, the presentation was sent to all councillors in advance of the hearing.
*Quotes taken from EDC's agenda and report for the meeting of 30 March 2021
waterside_cc_presentation_fnl.pdf | |
File Size: | 5826 kb |
File Type: |
Waterside Litter pick, 27 March 2021
What a wonderful turnout for the first community litter pick of the year (a socially distanced one), with pickers from Woodilee, Lenzie and the Rotary Club, Kirkintilloch, adding to the usual numbers of Waterside residents and Luggiewatch members. The village is much cleaner now, though roll on the day when everyone sees how much damage to our environment this constant littering is doing, and disposes of their crisp pokes, sweetie wrappers, cans and bottles responsibly, along with their used face masks, gloves, old tyres, broken garden slides, roofracks and household waste.
Thanks to Karen Chesney-Bathie for organizing this litter pick on behalf of the community council; to Luggiewatch for providing high-visibility jackets, litter pickers and sanitizer; and to Tracey and Cammy at Archie's for making those restorative cuppas and quite delicious rolls and sausage. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to Debbie Carmichael and Karen Chesney-Bathie for capturing some images of the occasion.
Now, when's the next one?
Thanks to Karen Chesney-Bathie for organizing this litter pick on behalf of the community council; to Luggiewatch for providing high-visibility jackets, litter pickers and sanitizer; and to Tracey and Cammy at Archie's for making those restorative cuppas and quite delicious rolls and sausage. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to Debbie Carmichael and Karen Chesney-Bathie for capturing some images of the occasion.
Now, when's the next one?
No whole group photos were possible in this era of air elbow bumps and social distancing.
Verses, paintings and Pictures of Our Past Brought together in Must-Have Limited Edition
We've all heard of famous local poet David Gray, but did you know that Waterside had its very own versifier-coal miner, William Surgeon (1870-1951), whose verses (written in our local Scots tongue) used to appear regularly in the Kirkintilloch Herald? Now Edward Z. Smith has combined a selection of William's verses with gorgeous local landscapes by the late Brian Smith and old photos from yesteryear in a beautiful limited-edition booklet. The verses say so much about local life and locations and refer to people whose names still resonate today.
Whether you've lived here all your days or have left these isles and travelled the world (like William) before ending up around these parts, this beautifully crafted booklet (printed by local firm Kenwil) will gladden your heart, grace your coffee table and make you proud to live in our lovely landscape.
Copies (priced £8) are available from Archie's, Old Duntiblae Road, or you can order them from Waterside Community Council [email protected].
Whether you've lived here all your days or have left these isles and travelled the world (like William) before ending up around these parts, this beautifully crafted booklet (printed by local firm Kenwil) will gladden your heart, grace your coffee table and make you proud to live in our lovely landscape.
Copies (priced £8) are available from Archie's, Old Duntiblae Road, or you can order them from Waterside Community Council [email protected].
With thanks to the family of William Surgeon for allowing Edward to create this fabulous publication, and to Edward for once again ensuring this little corner of East Dunbartonshire celebrates its present and its past while it tries to preserve its future.
Waterside Area shows its Resilience by making the Most of the Snow – February 2021
Between Market Road, Old Duntiblae Road and the Dam Braes
Despite the immense difficulties, hardships and family tragedies caused by Covid, we all need to exercise and find fun where we can, so folk from Waterside, Woodilee, Fauldhead and beyond have been taking a break from home-schooling and worries by getting out their toboggans and snowboards. Here's hoping that the powers that be at East Dunbartonshire Council realize how important it is for us to keep some of this land for community fun, exercise and physical and mental wellbeing in the future as the areas shown in these photos by Edward Z. Smith are under threat.
Behind Waterside Miners Club
Waterside's only park: Is it really to be taken away without community consent and despite community needs?
Waterside Park:
Will Waterside children be able to toboggan here in 2022?
Will dog walkers and others still have a flat, safe space to exercise on?
Will Waterside children be able to toboggan here in 2022?
Will dog walkers and others still have a flat, safe space to exercise on?
The morning footprints show how much the park is used and needed as a park.
Thanks to Edward Z. Smith for capturing these images. Waterside and its community council desperately hope that this will not be the last year such pictures can be taken.
Thanks to Edward Z. Smith for capturing these images. Waterside and its community council desperately hope that this will not be the last year such pictures can be taken.
Please note that items of Waterside news from 2017 to 2020 can be found here.