We had a lovely day welcoming visitors to Doors Open on Saturday. Please take time to fill in the online survey and let them know about your experiences. 

 http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/resources/doors-open-days-visitor-survey-2018/

Midlothian Doors Open Day at Cousland SmiddyCousland Smiddy and Heritage Hub
Rural Life in the Past
To celebrate 100 years of 'The Rural' in the village, there will be a Cousland SWRI Centenary Exhibition in the cottage.
Lots of 'retro' activities to try including Carpet Beating, Butter Churning, Granny's Wash Day, Horse Shoe Quoits and more!
Demonstration of Blacksmithing happening throughout the day in the forge.
Soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available in the marquee and local produce from the organic plots.
Something for everyone, so do drop in for a visit!
Opening times:
Saturday 8 September 2018 - 1000 until 1600 hrs

Hooray - the red telephone box is now ours for posterity.
Cousland Local History Project shelled out the £1 to claim it on behalf of the village,
so it will continue to be in it's historic position.
A popular idea for use is as an information point for visitors, walkers, cyclists where they could find walking maps, local historical information, event info. and also a book borrow.
​Defibrillator was an idea, there are plans to possibly locate one elsewhere in the village.

We are delighted to share a video from our recent FAM trip showcasing Midlothian where we educated people working in tourism in #scottishborders #midlothian to ehance their product knowledge. Please share with your colleagues and visitors - more reasons to visit VisitMidlothian

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World Dalkeith Country Park Cousland
Melville Golf Centre Dobbies Saltire Hospitality Ltd MBTAG - Midlothian Borders Tourism Action Group


YOUTUBE.COM
Discover Midlothian 2 by MBATG
Discover Midlothian - explore Midlothian. Dobbies, Cousland Smiddy, Dalkeith Country Park, Melville Golf, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect…
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​Sheena Irving, Chair of the Smiddy Trust was delighted to be invited to present the 3rd annual Tynewater Heritage Trophy to the winning pupils at the last day of term Assembly today.

The winning class were P4 with a well thought out and presented display on Midlothian's Farming Heritage.
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Well we had a fabulous day on Saturday 9th - the sun shone all day for us and we had over 100 visitors who enjoyed 'retro rural' themed activities, such as Granny's Washing Day, Live Butter Churning, crafts to try, Guess the object and more. We hope to revisit some of these for Doors Open Day 8th September.meanwhile many many thanks to the volunteers and SWRI members who made it possible. Here are some images for you to enjoy!  

 A call went out to the village yesterday for some 'muscle' to help install a power hammer in the smiddy for Sean the blacksmith. 

As ever volunteers arrived suitably kitted out and when the hammer was delivered by Ratho Byers Forge who had had it in storage until the location was ready, helped to guide the machine weighing over 1 ton into position onto a purpose built solid raft, made especially to provide a level surface and protect the listed flooring. Over 1 hour later all was complete and a traditional brew was provided. Many thanks again to all who took part in this efficient and well planned exercise.

Cousland Smiddy Trust are pleased to announce the awarding of a Tyne Esk Leader grant, supported by funding from Historic Environment Scotland and totalling £36,000 to undertake some listed building restoration and upgrading during the Spring. Many thanks go to all those who have helped with the application process.
The works should not hold back the start of a new Open Days programme from May – September details of which can be found on http://www.couslandsmiddy.co.uk/visit-us.html
Unfortunately, the Smiddy suffered a burst oil tank during the Christmas break. Being essential for keeping the Hub and archive warm & dry, it was necessary to replace it immediately from existing general operational funds which are now needing topped up. Crowdfunding to cover this one critical expense is an option we may consider.
Our regular fundraising events, Open Day donations and those from visiting groups and talks given by Smiddy Trust members do much to keep us afloat, so enquiries about those are very welcome.
info@couslandsmiddy.co.uk

Scotland's Community Heritage Conference 2017 is go! Now in its sixth year, this is a unique event for community groups to share and discuss their work and passion for heritage and archaeology. This year we are hosting a two day event in Glasgow to celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and although we have let some pesky professionals in to speak, the focus is still very much on hearing from the groups themselves. Booking is now open and draft programme is available to view at the link below. We love it and we hope to see you there!


Community Heritage Conference 2017
A unique annual event giving heritage volunteers and professionals the chance to network, showcase their achievements, share experiences and create future working partnerships.
HISTORICENVIRONMENT.SCOT

​www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=f184db2f-6c36-481d-b3d8-a7fd0101c976
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