2003 Portobello Awards

[Surrealist]

[Guest]

Nicest Shopkeeper : Friendly service is one of the main reasons why people prefer to shop locally. It's the personal touch that you don't get in a superstore. Lots of contenders here. I'm always impressed by the staff in the hardware store, the friendliness and efficiency of Joe and his team in Findlays, the guy at the 108. The list goes on.

Biggest Disappointment : I think we were all disappointed when Cafe Oop closed and more so when Mamma's deal to take it over fell through. Even worse was the Scottish Executive's decision to grant planning permission for the building at the foot of Bath Street, against the express wishes of local people and politicians.

Best Live Act The CATS meeting was a great expression of commuity spirit and exemplified what living in Portobello is about. It was a year of great 'live acts'. We had the 'Golden Days' event, the POD events and the Portobello Triathlon to name but three.

Worst Live Act : Have to disagree there. Perhaps Lawrence could have been more concise, but he was attempting to explain the background to the meeting, the reason for his involvement and the planning process itself and how local people can influence it. I thought the chair was very rude and could have handled the situation much better.

Shop You Would Most Like to See Disappear : My award goes to Johnny's Amusements. Enough said.

[Cynthia]

Can't remember the categories above so here goes:

Best Event: CATS meeting against the superstore - Porty people excelled ourselves coming out in droves at 7.29pm (were you all hiding around the corner waiting to come in!)...our fab campaign goes on....

Best Live Act: I hate to name anyone in a good way in case they get slated so lets keep to good comments please - it would have been a v boring meeting without a few disagreements, and as we seemed all against the superstore, the spat between Lawrence and those of us who were organising it, added to our history a bit....I believe we are all speaking again and the best of comrades in terms of campaigning against the superstore anyway! My vote is for the people (no names but one in part) who did a fab act of churning out an extra 200 chairs in about 5 mins flat to accommodate us all, and with such good humour...

Best Festival: slightly biased here as I was a little involved - the Peace Festival, which sadly I didn't realise until after, features on this forum, was a great event, and managed to have a steady stream of people from all walks of life, to visit, show their support for peace activities, and talk, pick up info and just hang out listening to the great music, workshops, drink tea etc

Best food: again biased, but the Ever Green cafe at the Peace Festival produced fab organic food, and with a lot of care for people - the shop just adds such a unique place in Porty - local art, great organic food, second hand clothes and nic nacks etc etc

Best beach in a City that I know of - Porty ofcourse! happy & peaceful and Porty-artistic 2004, C

[Guest]