One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though central it was not 'visible' to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no display windows and no involvement in the Festival. These would therefore be looked for in any alternative
+premises.
+If we decide to sell Victoria Terrace in order to buy, lease or + even share somewhere else it would probably be necessary to sell also the two flats. [see sections ]
+A central location would be in the area bounded by High Street to Queen Street +and Queensferry Street. to Leith Street.
+Alternatively, we might have more that one Meeting House to replace Victoria Terrace; +this would mean no central Edinburgh Meeting. Possible areas would include +Portobello, Trinity/Granton, Leith Walk/London Road or around Cameron Toll and the +Commonwealth Pool.
+If we could find no suitable venue for our exclusive use we might share with, say, +7th Day Adventists, a play group, an Open Door or community hall that was not required +on a Sunday.
+However, it would be necessary for us to be the 'chief' occupants in order that we can +arrange mid-week or evening meetings, and have some say over publicity displays and +lettings. We would wish to be in charge of lettings, including festival events +such as poetry readings, plays, small musical events, and so on. We would not have a +café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls other +those of the Meeting Room.
What do we want: summary of options, from our discussions and open meetings
+From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it would seem that the +majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is +financially possible.
+It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the +presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and +corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker +witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists +and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith +Edinburgh would be happy to recognize us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there +are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of 'ownership' of 7 +Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not +all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from +our Festival activities.
+Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace +because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and +the Festival.
One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though central it was not 'visible' to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no display windows and no involvement in the Festival. These would therefore be looked for in any alternative
+premises.
+If we decide to sell Victoria Terrace in order to buy, lease or + even share somewhere else it would probably be necessary to sell also the two flats. [see sections ]
+A central location would be in the area bounded by High Street to Queen Street +and Queensferry Street. to Leith Street.
+Alternatively, we might have more that one Meeting House to replace Victoria Terrace; +this would mean no central Edinburgh Meeting. Possible areas would include +Portobello, Trinity/Granton, Leith Walk/London Road or around Cameron Toll and the +Commonwealth Pool.
+If we could find no suitable venue for our exclusive use we might share with, say, +7th Day Adventists, a play group, an Open Door or community hall that was not required +on a Sunday.
+However, it would be necessary for us to be the 'chief' occupants in order that we can +arrange mid-week or evening meetings, and have some say over publicity displays and +lettings. We would wish to be in charge of lettings, including festival events +such as poetry readings, plays, small musical events, and so on. We would not have a +café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls other +those of the Meeting Room.
What do we want: summary of options, from our discussions and open meetings
+From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it would seem that the +majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is +financially possible.
+It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the +presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and +corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker +witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists +and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith +Edinburgh would be happy to recognize us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there +are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of 'ownership' of 7 +Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not +all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from +our Festival activities.
+Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace +because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and +the Festival.