ROTARY SOUTH QUEENSFERRY COMMUNITY FETE

As covid restrictions gradually relax and community activities become more possible, Rotary South Queensferry celebrated May Day with a Spring Fete showcasing local voluntary and civic organisations. Held in Hawthornbank Gardens in the heart of old Queensferry, the Fete was the inspiration of Rotarian Norman Watson who realised that an event promoting the local groups would be perfect for presenting their summer programmes and interesting potential new members. Many also raised funds through tombola, bric-a-brac and plant sales. The Fete attracted many local people and visitors. Ferry Blend's singing was a perfect accompaniment to the afternoon. President of  Rotary South Queensferry, Derek Clark, said that we were delighted how many local groups welcomed the chance to show people what they do. Queensferry and district has an amazing range of organisations offering opportunities to participate, volunteer or make use of their services.

Participants included:

QUEENSFERY COMMUNITY COUNCIL  Contact at www.queensferrycommunitycouncil.co.uk  

CHRISTMAS IN QUEENSFERRY  Organises Christmas lights, Switch-on Ceremony and entertainment. They would welcome volunteers to help with administration. See website or contact Keith on 07795098302.

FERRY BLEND  A community choir based in South Queensferry with around 50 members. They sing for enjoyment, the challenge and to share a real love of music. Contact at www.ferryblendchoir.yolasite.com

FERRY FAIR FESTIVAL   A week-long event in August combining tradition with entertainment, games and much more. The highlight of the year for many local children and adults too. Website: www.ferryfair.co.uk

QUEENSFERRY CARE (QCCC)  Supporting older people and their carers in South Queensferry, Ratho, Ratho Station, Dalmeny and Kirkliston. See website or contact lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk for volunteering.

QUEENSFERRY HERITAGE TRUST  Founded in 2015 to advance greater public interest in the beauty, history and character of Queensferry. Works in partnership with the Community Council and other statutory and non-statutory bodies. Website www. queensferryheritage.org.uk  Contact: mail@queensferryheritage.org.uk

QUEENSFERRY HISTORY GROUP  Researches the history of Queensferry and former residents, collects and archives photographs and artefacts, gives talks and produces publications on the town's history. Website: queensferryhistory.org  Contact: queensferryhg@gmail.com

THE BRIGGERS  A Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Contact: www.briggers.com

FRIENDS OF QUEENSFERRY CEMETERY  A volunteer group supporting City of Edinburgh Council Cemeteries team to make Queensferry Cemetery and The Vennel Kirk Burial Ground clean and tidy  for bereaved families and visitors. Next clean-up will be on 15th May. Contact Twitter: @sqcemetery or Jane Harkin on 07554 007765 

KIRKLISTON COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS  Do weeding, litter picking, maintain the Community Garden and build bug hotels in Kirkliston. Contact us on Facebook

GREENFERRY Volunteers work to enhance green spaces, conserve and improve the environment in and around Queensferry. Contact us on Facebook @GreenFerrySQ-Community

ECHLINE COMMUNITY WOODLAND  Manages woodland planted in 1992 by volunteers from local schools and community groups. It is now owned by the Community Council. More volunteers are needed. Contact by email at mail@ecwoodland.org.uk or phone 07454 959650

CEEP (Craigie's Education & Environment Project)  In the grounds of Craigie's Farm near Queensferry. Groups, clubs and charities can use Craigie's community gardens, apiaries and equipment for education, environment and community purposes. Email: craigiesproject@yahoo.com

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY BOYS' BRIGADE Have fun while maintaining the value of a Christian education, drill, sport and achievement. Contact through Queensferry Parish Church . Email: office@qpcweb.org

21st SOUTH QUEENSFERRY SCOUT GROUP  Contact: www.southqueensferryscouts.org. The Scouts were offering free delivery on Caledonian Green Soil Improver. For details contact:www. southqueensferryscouts.org/compost-orders

GIRL GUIDING Contact  Girl Guiding Queensferry on Facebook or through www.girlguiding.org.uk

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY SEA CADETS AND R.M CADETS  Sea Cadets, Junior Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets meet at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry. Email: queensferryscc@hotmail.co.uk

QUEENSFERRY ROWING CLUB  A friendly, community coastal rowing club based at Port Edgar Marina with a membership of all ages. Contact: secretary@queensferryrowing.org

There were also two commercial stalls:

BOLD BAKES  Delicious cakes made in Queensferry. Phone Roz @ Bold Bakes on 07722 929 290 or email: boldbakesncakes@gmail.com

OIR HAND MADE SOAP Jolene Roberts uses all natural ingredients to produce this lovely soap in Queensferry. A plastic-free alternative to shower gel. Contact on Facebook @Oirsoap-Health/Beauty

ROTARY SOUTH QUEENSFERRY Rotarians serve others through their vocational experience. They have the chance to become involved in worthwhile projects both locally and worldwide. If you are interested in joining us, why not get in touch?