This year – 2019 – marks 50 years since the first area of Wester Hailes, Dumbryden, was completed in 1969, and the Wester Hailes Community Trust will be holding a planning event open to all on Thursday 4 April 2019, 2.30pm – 4.30pm at the Open Heavens Church, 75A Harvesters Way to make sure this year is one to remember with plenty of events and activities taking place.
The event will build upon a previous planning event that took place in Wester Hailes library on Saturday 24 November 2019. The planning event invited local people to come along and answer the question “How can we make Wester Hailes 50th Birthday a Year to Remember?” People were asked to list what they would like to see happen as well as what events and activities from the past they would most like to celebrate.
The most common answer received were:
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
- Holding events celebrating the different cultures and people living in Wester Hailes, including different foods, dances and dress
People of Wester Hailes
- Celebrating the men and women who have made Wester Hailes what it is. A joint birthday for people turning 50 the same year as Wester Hailes.
Big Summer Party
- Hold a big Summer barbecue and party in the spirit of the old Carnivals and Gala days, full of public music and shows.
Public Art and Environment
- Create pieces of public art and change the environment to celebrate the anniversary. Ideas included creating sculptures, exibitions, planting different fruit trees and organising a huge litter pick.
Eoghan Howard, Vice Chair of the WHCT said:
The Directores of the Trust would be delighted to invite as many local residents, past and present as possiblt to come along and have your say. Please also bring a friend or neighbour if you can!
Don’t worry if you can’t make it on the day. The Trust still wants to hear from you! Let them know if you are interested in the planning, or even just share your great idea by contacting them on 0131 458 3267 or info@westerhailesct.org.uk.
