Edinburgh’s senior bowlers headed to the north of the city on Thursday when Dudley Bowling Club hosted the Auld Yins Cup. Sponsored by Lindsay’s Solicitors, eight city bowling clubs battled it out in a round-robin event that was only slightly affected by gusty wind and light showers – they’re made of stern stuff these seniors!
At the end of an action-packed day it was Dudley’s near neighbours Summerside who triumphed and made the short journey home with the spoils.
Stockbridge was a busy place today: as well as Stockbridge Market’s first birthday celebrations (see previous post) SOS (Save our Stockbridge) members were out on the streets to lobby support for their campaign against Edinburgh Accies’ redevelopment proposals.
Armed with petitions, the SoS campaigners were joined by a BBC film unit yesterday – the BBC plans to screen a documentary about the campaign next Spring.
The crowds were out in force today to snap up some bargains whilst celebrating Stockbridge Market’s first birthday. Many happy returns!
The STV Appeal 2012 has raised an incredible £1,913,080 for children living in poverty in Scotland – and the donations are still flooding in. That’s £956,540 from fundraising and donations, which was then doubled by the Scottish government, with Alex Salmond confirming the match funding live on STV last night.
The STV Appeal 2012: The Big Live Show, hosted by Lorraine Kelly, showcased the fantastic efforts from fundraisers across the country, including some of the nation’s most famous folk. From Sean Batty and Jock the Dog’s cycle ride and agility competition, to Fred McAulay walking the West Highland Way, there have been some brilliant challenges in the name of the Appeal this year.
People across the country have taken part in tea parties, bake sales, sponsored walks and a host of weird and wonderful events. Everyone should be extremely proud as the total raised will help change the lives of many children, desperately in need of care.
Paul Brannigan, star of The Angels’ Share, joined Lorraine on the sofa to explain how his life was transformed thanks to youth charity Sidekicks and the time and effort put in by dedicated staff.
From moving video films of young people living in challenging circumstances, to fantastic performance from Amy MacDonald and Michelle McManus and Manran, it truly was a special night and the generosity of viewers will go on to change the lives of many children in Scotland, for the better.
If you can read between the lines, you can save lives.
That’s the simple message from a new campaign in Edinburgh to mark the start of Suicide Prevention Week (10-16 September). Last year 60 people in the capital took their own lives, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends and communities.
Choose Life – the national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide in Scotland – is tackling the issue of suicide through the ‘Read between the lines’ campaign. The message is that if you’re worried about someone, such as a friend, family member or work colleague, asking them about their feelings may help to save their life.
The campaign acknowledges that signs of suicide can be ambiguous, but encourages people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life. Asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference.
Councillor Ricky Henderson, Health and Social Care Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This campaign is about asking people to be alert to any potential warning signs of suicide. You tend to know when someone close to you isn’t quite themselves. So if you notice any changes in their behaviour that worry you – even if the signs come and go – ask them about it.
“Talking can help a person gain clarity about what it is that’s troubling them, and often gives a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle. You don’t need to have an answer to their problems – just be there for them, try to listen carefully without judging, and show that you care.
“People often worry about asking someone if they are thinking about suicide but Choose Life advises that raising the subject won’t do this. Instead, it can be a big relief for them to be able to say, ‘yes, I am’ and acknowledge they need help.”
The campaign is aimed at those who are likely to be in greatest contact with people most at risk of suicide – men aged 30-59. Statistics show that around three quarters of suicides have been men in every year since 1990.
Thought-provoking posters will be displayed in a range of community venues as well as in public toilets, and on buses and trains. Choose Life is also making widely available information cards with simple ‘how to help’ steps, and leaflets giving advice on starting conversations about suicide and listening effectively.
Since the launch of Choose Life in 2002, Scotland’s suicide rate has decreased by 17%. Choose Life in Edinburgh has made a key contribution by providing financial support to the Samaritans, funding a service to support people who self-harm and funding research about the particular risks of suicide faced by people with substance misuse issues.
Monday 10 September is also World Suicide Prevention Day.
For help and advice people can call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
In their first Scottish Tour since, ‘Tonight Sandy Grierson will Lecture, Dance and Box’ Greyscale are delighted to present Sylvia Dow’s ‘A Beginning, A Middle and An End’ to North Edinburgh Arts Centre on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 September.
Commissioned with the support of Creative Scotland, Glasgow University and Fenton Arts Trust and produced in association with Stellar Quines, this is the world premiere of Sylvia Dow’s first play.
A beginning, a middle and an end, that’s how things go, provided you start in the right place.
For Evelyn and Ade time passes; sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes all at once, but always away from what was and relentlessly towards what will be.
Their little family of two, of four, of three, of one, not necessarily in that order, travels together towards a new beginning, or an old ending. Or both. Only time will tell.”
For further information and ticket availability go to North Edinburgh Arts website at: www.northedinburgharts.co.uk/events.php
Local mums Pauline Macmillan and Cathy Uttley attended our very first NENgage session. They explain what their quality nearly-new baby and children’s market is all about:
Never more than in these challenging financial times have savvy mums and dads sought out innovative ways to make and save money, while providing the very best for their little ones. Jack and Jill Markets are a Not for Profit, Community Interest Organisation committed to helping families in their local community make and save money. They are monthly markets aimed at children aged 0-9.
Cathy and Pauline explained: “While eBay and gumtree offer financially astute parents ways to buy and sell second-hand goods, they are not without their drawbacks. Searching the internet for each individual item at the right price and in the right location is a time-consuming business and then you just have to hope that it arrives in acceptable condition. Jack & Jill offers a welcome return to the old-fashioned shopping experience; shoppers can see and touch the goods and enjoy friendly service all in a vibrant atmosphere. On the other side of the counter sellers get to see their kids nearly new items go to good homes while making some welcome cash – some have made over £500.”
When the women experienced their first market, they knew immediately they wanted to get involved. Pauline said: “With two young kids of my own, I immediately recognised the difference Jack & Jill could make to local parents.”
So when the opportunity to become Marketing & Events Managers for Edinburgh presented itself, the girls jumped at it!
As both Cathy and Pauline are full-time mums, they are delighted that their new roles offer the flexibility to manage their own business schedules alongside family commitments, and so far they are doing a great job. At their first market as Managers, they welcomed an unprecedented 805 shoppers through the doors of Meadowbank Stadium.
Cathy added: “We really can’t stress what a fabulous initiative this is. If you’ve got kids or grandkids, you can’t afford to miss our next market. We are in Edinburgh on a monthly basis with 60 stalls bursting with brilliant bargains from cots, car seats and buggies to clothes, equipment and toys. We’re really proud of what we’re doing with Jack & Jill”.
To sign up for market alerts to make sure you don’t miss out, visit their website: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
The next market takes place at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday 23 September, Adults £1 entry, children free.
Local mums Pauline Macmillan and Cathy Uttley attended our very first NENgage session. They explain what their quality nearly-new baby and children’s market is all about:
Never more than in these challenging financial times have savvy mums and dads sought out innovative ways to make and save money, while providing the very best for their little ones. Jack and Jill Markets are a Not for Profit, Community Interest Organisation committed to helping families in their local community make and save money. They are monthly markets aimed at children aged 0-9.
Cathy and Pauline explained: “While eBay and gumtree offer financially astute parents ways to buy and sell second-hand goods, they are not without their drawbacks. Searching the internet for each individual item at the right price and in the right location is a time-consuming business and then you just have to hope that it arrives in acceptable condition. Jack & Jill offers a welcome return to the old-fashioned shopping experience; shoppers can see and touch the goods and enjoy friendly service all in a vibrant atmosphere. On the other side of the counter sellers get to see their kids nearly new items go to good homes while making some welcome cash – some have made over £500.”
When the women experienced their first market, they knew immediately they wanted to get involved. Pauline said: “With two young kids of my own, I immediately recognised the difference Jack & Jill could make to local parents.”
So when the opportunity to become Marketing & Events Managers for Edinburgh presented itself, the girls jumped at it!
As both Cathy and Pauline are full-time mums, they are delighted that their new roles offer the flexibility to manage their own business schedules alongside family commitments, and so far they are doing a great job. At their first market as Managers, they welcomed an unprecedented 805 shoppers through the doors of Meadowbank Stadium.
Cathy added: “We really can’t stress what a fabulous initiative this is. If you’ve got kids or grandkids, you can’t afford to miss our next market. We are in Edinburgh on a monthly basis with 60 stalls bursting with brilliant bargains from cots, car seats and buggies to clothes, equipment and toys. We’re really proud of what we’re doing with Jack & Jill”.
To sign up for market alerts to make sure you don’t miss out, visit their website: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
The next market takes place at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday 23 September, Adults £1 entry, children free.
Drylaw Telford Community Council has raised safety concerns over the Doo’cot (that’s the old Listed structure, not the boozer!) with officials at the city council’s local North Office.
During the summer holidays local children, some of them older teenagers, have gained access to the old Doocot structure and have been climbing through the building, using trees and shrubbery that are growing through the heart of the structure. Some are jumping off when they get to the top, and residents fear that children will be injured – or worse – if they land on rusty railing below.
Drylaw Telford Community Council chairman Alex Dale has taken the safety issue up with the local North Office – along with another potential problem – Japanese Knotweed. This invasive plant is very difficult to remove, and residents believe that teh invader is gaining a hold in gardens surrounding the old Doo’cot.
“I have passed this information on to the local council office and the response has been very prompt. I understand that there has been some confusion about who is actually responsible for the old Doo’cot – it’s hard to believe it when you seen the state of it, but it’s a Listed building – but that’s been resolved and the council will be taking action. That will be a relief to local residents.”
More good news for Wester Drylaw residents is a council rethink on local street lighting. Following concerns raised by the community council earlier this year, council officials looked again at the quality and positioning of street lighting in the area.
“John McFarlane and his Lighting team have come up with an action plan, fitting 70w bulbs instead of current 45w metal halide bulbs in three sections of Wester Drylaw Place”, Alex added. “Around end of November or early December they shall consult with all residents on which would be their preferred option and before the end of the year the preferred option will be fitted throughout Wester Drylaw Place. We hope that all residents will participate in the consultation when asked in order to achieve the best result for all, and make Wester Drylaw Place a brighter and safer place for the community.”
Drylaw Telford Community Council has raised safety concerns over the Doo’cot (that’s the old Listed structure, not the boozer!) with officials at the city council’s local North Office.
During the summer holidays local children, some of them older teenagers, have gained access to the old Doocot structure and have been climbing through the building, using trees and shrubbery that are growing through the heart of the structure. Some are jumping off when they get to the top, and residents fear that children will be injured – or worse – if they land on rusty railing below.
Drylaw Telford Community Council chairman Alex Dale has taken the safety issue up with the local North Office – along with another potential problem – Japanese Knotweed. This invasive plant is very difficult to remove, and residents believe that teh invader is gaining a hold in gardens surrounding the old Doo’cot.
“I have passed this information on to the local council office and the response has been very prompt. I understand that there has been some confusion about who is actually responsible for the old Doo’cot – it’s hard to believe it when you seen the state of it, but it’s a Listed building – but that’s been resolved and the council will be taking action. That will be a relief to local residents.”
More good news for Wester Drylaw residents is a council rethink on local street lighting. Following concerns raised by the community council earlier this year, council officials looked again at the quality and positioning of street lighting in the area.
“John McFarlane and his Lighting team have come up with an action plan, fitting 70w bulbs instead of current 45w metal halide bulbs in three sections of Wester Drylaw Place”, Alex added. “Around end of November or early December they shall consult with all residents on which would be their preferred option and before the end of the year the preferred option will be fitted throughout Wester Drylaw Place. We hope that all residents will participate in the consultation when asked in order to achieve the best result for all, and make Wester Drylaw Place a brighter and safer place for the community.”
