POD thing at Town Hall

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 17 Nov 2007, 17:32

Portobello has a true feeling of community - we feel it should be cherished and developed and that the area needs to be improved and given a higher profile. POD will aim, in the future, to develop local programmes that are relevant, creative and transformative. POD aims to be complementary to current activities in the area and aims to appeal to all sections of the community

(from POD Website)

I was 'interested' to note at todays stall thing in the Town Hall a large banner on one stall proclaiming "Save Porty Park"

I wonder if POD have a view on the High School issues, or whether their open, tolerant approach to life allows promotion of a variety of views at these events?

If it is the former, I should be glad to be enlightened as to what that POD view on Porty High is. (soon, and certainly in advance of the family ceilidh on St Andrews night...)

If it is the latter, then can I request permission to run a stall at the next one promoting, say, er, the Liberal Party?

Or Labour?

or the Tories?

or the SNP?

or the BNP?

or even perhaps PFANS?

hmmm?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 17 Nov 2007, 22:11

Interesting and concerning. Whatever Joe Madden's personal views are on the siting of PHS on Portobello Park, POD as a local organisation should not be seen to be taking sides.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Nov 2007, 20:00

mr m, check your private messages, email me or give me a call on 669 1918.

For the record, whatever happened at the table-top sale, I'm satisfied that POD remains a politically-neutral organisation for the whole community and deserves our support.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 19 Nov 2007, 14:17

For the record, whatever happened at the table-top sale, I'm satisfied that POD remains a politically-neutral organisation for the whole community and deserves our support.

I really don't want to suggest otherwise. I went into the town hall simply to take part in and offer support to POD, and I'd like to continue that support.

(If you look at the timing of my original post you'll see that my mind was occupied by matters of more national import and my phrasing would perhaps have been better chosen if I'd done it at some other time...)

But I do think the question is worth asking and I do think the answer is worth knowing. As yet I don't know the answer that POD wish to give.

Post by **wangi** » 19 Nov 2007, 16:56

If you pay your £12 then I'm sure you can do what you want, assuming it's legal

I've no idea if the person you saw running the "save something" stall was part of POD, or just someone who took up the open invitation to run a stall.

My impression is that POD are just out to have a good time, and promote music, entertainment and the like in Portobello - put it on the map during the Festival. No doubt people within it will have their own views on other issues, but who doesn't within any organisation?

I think it's a bit disappointing that people are getting worked up about the "Save the park" group putting out a calendar and otherwise publicising their cause. While you might not agree with their view (and I don't particularly) that doesn't mean they're not entitled to that view. Think about what will happen next time you want to publicise something, but nobody's interested in helping out since somebody might hold another view?

EDIT: spelling

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Nov 2007, 18:20

Disappointing? Local people are very sensitive to this kind of thing because PPAG's avowed aim is to prevent the building of a new PHS on Portobello Park. Every penny that PPAG raises will be used to that end.

It is ridiculous to pretend, as PPAG do, that they accept the need for a replacement school, and then fund-raise to try to block the only site option. Portobello Park is the agreed site, there is no viable alternative and never was. By opposing the site they ipso facto oppose the replacement of the school.

Believe me, even the mildest-mannered parent will fight their corner if they feel that the welfare of their children is being threatened. It's a perfectly natural human reaction.

In general terms, I would consider it unwise for any business or organisation that depends upon the custom or support of the whole community to be seen to take sides on an issue that so clearly splits that community.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 19 Nov 2007, 19:00

wangi wrote:If you pay your £12 then I'm sure you can do what you want, assuming it's legal .......... Think about what will happen next time you want to publicise something, but nobody's interested in helping out since somebody might hold another view?

Thats the nub of my question. I want to know if POD have a view on the Porty High issue, or whether they are content to allow others to express their views, and if so, whether any view can be expressed. I think that if I had gone to the town hall and seen stalls with banners promoting a registered and recognised charity, I wouldn't have blinked. If there were one promoting the BNP I would have actively protested.

'Save Porty Park' falls between these two (and obviously much closer to a charity than to the BNP) BUT it potentially sits ill with an organisation that promotes and celebrates community diversity and cohesion, and is currently promoting a 'family ceilidh' at the same venue. I just want to be clear about the views of an organisation that I cheerfully spend money with.

bathst2 · Post by **bathst2** » 19 Nov 2007, 22:35

I think someone is trying to make a conspiracy out of something that isnt there! There isnt a POD view on the High school and you'll soon get a reply from the group explaining that....neither should there be as the group exists to promote arts and events locally.....and is currently doing more than I've known any other group do in the 8 years I've lived here!
I dont think you are doing the High school campaign any good by picking a fight on this one.
I hope you will go to the ceilidh; the money raised with probably just cover the cost of the event and none with be going to any other campaign!

Post by **wangi** » 19 Nov 2007, 23:16

Bob Jefferson wrote:It is ridiculous to pretend, as PPAG do, that they accept the need for a replacement school, and then fund-raise to try to block the only site option. Portobello Park is the agreed site, there is no viable alternative and never was. By opposing the site they ipso facto oppose the replacement of the school

Bob you're sounding very righteous. However we both know that Portobello Park is not / was not the only option for the sighting of a new school. It's probably the best option, but that doesn't mean people are not entitled to an opinion or sharing it. I'm sick to death of people trying their damnedest to make this a divisive issue. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad: the "great community" of Portobello held aloft after the PCATS campaign - at each other's throats.

I'm sorry but very few things in this world are black&white, you don't really believe "Portobello Park is the agreed site, there is no viable alternative and never was. By opposing the site they ipso facto oppose the replacement of the school" - do you? Where there is a will there is always a way. For starters consider the impact of redrawing the school catchment boundaries - does Portobello really need the largest school in Edinburgh when one just up the road is half empty?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Nov 2007, 23:54

wangi wrote:you don't really believe "Portobello Park is the agreed site, there is no viable alternative and never was. By opposing the site they ipso facto oppose the replacement of the school" - do you?

Yes I do, it follows logically. The consultation was required by law but only confirmed what we already knew. Portobello Park wasn't just the best option, it was (and remains) the only viable option. And if people are tired of me saying that, then believe me so am I but I feel duty-bound to continue to say it for as long as people suggest there might be other options.

Now if PPAG were to say 'we don't want PHS on Portobello Park and we recognise that there is no alternative site" then at least that would be honest. But of course they can't, so the fantasy of another possible site persists although no-one can actually point at it.

wangi wrote:For starters consider the impact of redrawing the school catchment boundaries

I wouldn't say that too loudly. I can hear the sound of pitchforks being sharpened.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 Nov 2007, 22:39

POD's official response:

Please be assured that POD as an organisation takes no view whatsoever on the issue of the relocation of the Portobello High School.

Thanks to all those who supported the Table Sale on Saturday. Tables were available on a first come first served basis and those renting them do not necessarily represent the views of POD as an organisation. Any of the organisations which you mentioned, apart from the BNP, would have been welcome to have a table at the sale. They could use this table to raise money for their cause and therefore promote their cause. Maggie's Centre and Children in Need were both promoted at the event and will benefit directly from money raised.

POD is a non-political organisation and does not take sides on any issues. POD seeks to be an equal opportunities organisation and does not support any organisations which are not, eg the BNP.

We hope that Portobello residents will join us for a good dance at the St Andrew's night ceilidh on 30 November.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 28 Nov 2007, 16:54

Fair answer to an unfairly posed initial question.

thanks.