We welcomed individuals representing a number of local community groups at our first online Community Cake event last week.
There was representation from the following groups:
| Scotch Hop | Linlithgow Farmily |
| Linlithgow String Orchestra | Linlithgow Churches |
| West Lothian Clarion Cycling Club | St Peters Church |
| Linlithgow Twinning Association | Linlithgow Folk Festival Association |
| New Well Wynd Garden | Transition Linlithgow |
We’ve had brilliant feedback from community groups that Community Cake events are a great way to meet people from other groups and do some friendly networking. We wanted to give groups opportunities to do this by trying out an online event.
Lockdown Activities
All the groups had been busy over lockdown, with lots of innovative activities taking place. We heard about music sessions over zoom, online bike time trials, community prayers, searching for hidden objects around the town, and the further development of the new community garden at New Well Wynd. There have also been quizzes, virtual dancing, throwbacks to previous years, zoom meetings, provision of support for members of the community who need it and the creation of a network of 650 families growing their own veg across the town. Busy busy!
Ideas
There were lots of ideas and enthusiasm for bringing people together in different ways and/or establishing activities which create a sense of community. One idea was small musical performances around the town, perhaps members of a street delivering socially distanced recitals. Or households decorating windows with a specific theme which can be enjoyed as people walk around the town, similar to rainbows and teddy bears during lockdown. There is already a nature trail planned for Book Week in November.
Support Needs
The following points were noted for consideration of further investigation and discussion.
- Capitalising on volunteers who have offered their time during Covid-19.
- How to access funding as opportunities are more limited at present. Covering how to go about it/best practice/governance.
- Look at opportunities to formalise sharing of resources across groups within the town.
Next Event
The next Community Cake event will be held on Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. The theme will be sharing funding opportunities and fundraising ideas. If you are interested in attending please contact helen@trust-linlithgow.org.uk.