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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​Don't forget to come along and join us for Midlothian            Doors Open Day 9th September

www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/midlothian/cousland-smiddy-and-heritage-hub/ 

 I was delighted to be invited to Tynewater School last week to present the Tynewater Heritage Trophy to the winner for 2017 Isla Tulloch, who created this well observed picture of blacksmith Sean at work in the smiddy.

2nd place went to Melissa and 3rd to Kairo - many thanks to all who took part - it was a difficult choice.

Sheena Irving - Chair Cousland Smiddy Trust

a
​e will be selling a wide range of herbaceous, shrubs, tomotoes, courgettes and other plants for Smiddy funds at the Community Cafe on Saturday 3rd June in the Village Hall. 10.30 - 12.30.Hope to see you there.
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This week one of our volunteers, Trustee Robin Donald has been at a tools & equipment conservation course held at the Scottish Mining Museum and organised by STICK, Scottish Transport & Industry Collections Knowledge network.

Tidying up your herbaceous borders?
If you are splitting any clumps of herbaceous plants Cousland Smiddy Trust would be please to receive them for selling at plant sales for smiddy funds. Please leave at the smiddy patio, potted, and named and with the colour of the flower would really help when we come to sell them on. Hoping to have a plant sale at May or June community cafe and at Village Day in August so if you are growing anything on that might be spare we'd be happy to have that too.

Members of Cousland Local History Project were invited to 'cross the border' into East Lothian and took part in the EL Heritage Gathering on Saturday 25th February at Haddginton Town Hall. Cousland was once in Haddingtonshire so we are pleased to be considered honorary East Lothianers!