Tell us what you want

The Forth and Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnerships are currently asking people how they prefer to get news and information regarding what’s going on in  their area.  Survey forms will soon appear in community centres, libraries etc., so if you see them, please fill one in and post it back, or leave it at your local library.  You can also complete the survey online here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/INP_2014
The NEN has been asked to work with the Neighbourhood Partnerships to help develop and improve channels of communication, so we will be looking to improve our web-site, Twitter and Facebook facilities, and, if a majority of people wish it, we will be aiming to re-introduce a local community newspaper.  The survey is crucial, therefore, to find out what you want.

 

 

 

Stay safe in the sun!

May be hard to believe, but it’s Sun Awareness Week!

summer sun

PEOPLE in Scotland are being urged to stay safe in the sun, as part of Sun Awareness Week (May 5-11).

With the prospect of longer, warmer days ahead, people throughout the country will be spending more time outdoors. Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is urging people to seek advice on staying safe in the sun.

Professor George Crooks, NHS 24’s Medical Director, says that by taking a few simple steps, people can ensure they make the most of the summer season.

He said: “It is always a good idea to be prepared as best you can for the better weather and the wide range of information available at www.nhsinform.co.uk can help you do just that.

“By taking just a few simple steps, we can all make the most of the good weather, without any ill effects. It is all too tempting, especially in Scotland, to overdo it in the sun and end up with painful sunburn. The sun that shines in Scotland, though, is the same sun that shines in the Mediterranean.

“I would advise people, particularly children and young infants, to take sensible precautions like limiting exposure to the direct sun, using sunscreen and drinking plenty of soft drinks.”

NHS inform contains a wide range of advice and information on summer health issues, with dedicated sections on sunburn, heatstroke, allergies and hay fever.

NHS 24 is now available on the free phone number 111. By dialling 111, people across Scotland can continue to access the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period when their GP surgery is closed.

D-Day: liberated people deserve tribute too

d day 3

Dear Editor

TRIBUTES

Every year, D-Day 1944 is celebrated, particularly in Normandy where the people express gratitude for their liberation by organising many ceremonies.

Tremendous efforts are made and much  kindness and respect is shown to those veterans attending. It is very moving to be on the receiving end of such friendship, particularly when so much devastation was inflicted on Normandy during those summer months of 1944.

There are very many monuments, commemorative sites, museums, etc. maintained to express this continuing gratitude, but I have long thought that the Allied governments should erect a suitable tribute dedicated to the people of Normandy for their endurance, courage and sacrifice. It is long overdue but should be done.

I believe this tribute would attract the support of many sections and ages of the UK population, particularly as 2015 will be the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

d day liberation

 

Raeburn Place development gains charitable status

Raeburn Place sketch

The controversial redevelopment of Edinburgh Accies’ Raeburn Place home has received a boost with news that the project has received charitable status. However campaigners are urging the club to work with the local community to make the project a success.

In a statement,  the organisation set up to progress the development said: ‘We are delighted to announce that The Raeburn Place Foundation (RPF) was officially registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) on Friday 25 April 2014. This is a major milestone for the Project. The Raeburn Place Foundation will build and operate the new facilities.’

Former Scotland rugby captain David Sole OBE said: “”As the Honorary Life President of the Edinburgh Academical Football Club, I am delighted that The Raeburn Place Foundation (RPF) has been granted charitable status (OSCR). I hope this will now facilitate the development, thereby helping shape the future of rugby and sport at Raeburn Place”.

The news has also been welcomed by Scottish Rugby. Chief Executive Mark said: “Congratulations to The Raeburn Place Foundation (RPF) which has been awarded charitable status by OSCR. This is a major step in securing the much needed upgrade in facilities required at Raeburn Place.

“Scottish Rugby recognises that improved facilities will help increase and attract players of all ages, both male and female, into the game, and indeed sport in general. This will also make for a more enjoyable spectator experience, leading to an increase in match attendance, thereby also helping to sustain the club game.

“It is befitting that the home of the first international will also be the location for a museum celebrating the international game”.

Local campaigners Save Stockbridge opposed the redevelopment and met last week to discuss the next steps in their fight against the scale of the Raeburn Place plans. A spokesperson for the group said: 

“We continue to be well supported with over 80 people in attendance. Supporters were updated on the critical issue of ownership of the 6 foot strip along Comely Bank Road, where the wall currently stands. Until ownership of this strip has been established, CEC will not issue final written planning approval, therefore the development may not move forward.

“Although opponents of this development, Save Stockbridge has always supported the presence of rugby on the Academicals ground. We acknowledge their need for better facilities and a good income stream to support the continued health of this historic club.

“We therefore asked Dr James Simpson to share some alternative proposals that he had been working on with the supporters. We believe there is an opportunity to develop facilities and commercial (not retail), possibly also residential, property along Portgower Place. Those present were really interested and put forward other positive suggestions.

“We would be delighted to work with the developers and share our suggestions. Sadly, this has never been encouraged despite several offers from Dr Simpson in the past.

“Regarding the award of charitable status to the Raeburn Place Development, we are aware that after initial difficulties this has now been granted. Our understanding is that the development had been having difficulty raising the necessary funds, this award will go a long way to helping them raise the necessary finance.

“To that end, it is not good news for Save Stockbridge with regards the current proposed development. However, if (as outlined above) the developers would listen to our alternative proposals and work with us, we would be delighted that they had achieved charitable status to raise funds for the mutually agreed benefit of rugby in Stockbridge.”

 

North Edinburgh’s voluntary sector to meet on Wednesday

harmony

A reminder to the area’s charity and community projects that Forth and Inverleith Voluntary Sector Forum will meet on Wednesday 7 May at 10am in North Edinburgh Arts.

It’s been a wee while since the last Forum meeting and there is lots to discuss (see Agenda) so why not go along – new faces are always welcome!

If you do plan to attend, please contact EVOC’s June Dickson (telephone 555 9100 or email  june.dickson@evoc.org.uk) to let her know.

Forth & Inverleith VSF Agenda 7th May 2014

Sainsbury’s supports Scotland’s senior youth club

FetLor

Sainsburys Blackhall have been helping FetLor Youth Club do some much needed repairs to their old building to keep it going until funds can be raised to build a new one …

Young people from FetLor have written to thank the Craigleith store for their help, attaching some before and after photos to show the difference that’s been made (attached below).

Sainsburys 1 page fixing jobs TQ

FetLor Operations Manger Lindsay Coulton said: “FetLor Youth Club is Scotland’s oldest Youth Work Project, set up in 1924. The Club is currently housed in a wooden hut built in the early 1960’s on Crewe Road South.

“It has served the North Edinburgh community well over the past 40 years and holds many fond memories, but it can’t last much longer and the cost of repairs is rising every year. Thanks to Sainsbury’s Blackhall some of the urgent repairs that the Club needs have been carried out, making the building safe and secure for our young people and allowing us to commit funds to the new building project.

“The support of organisations in the local community, such as the support offered to us by Sainsbury’s Blackhall, will be key to the success of our project. If you are interested in helping, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at FetLor Youth Club – we would be delighted to hear from you.”

sby