Santa Parade this Saturday

STOCKBRIDGE: Saturday 3rd December

Time table 

10.15 Start off Parade 

10.20 Approx arrive at Portgower Place Raeburn Hotel – 5 min reindeer & pony rest 

10.25 Depart Portgower Place 

10.40 Arrive Inverleith Park 

10.45 Onwards Refreshments in main marquee for all parade participants.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY FESTIVAL

Fun Runs on Sunday too!

LifeCare launches Winter Warmer appeal to support local older people

Stockbridge charity urgently needs funds to keep people warm and well this winter

LifeCare Edinburgh has launched an urgent appeal to raise vital funds to support older people living across the city this winter.  The renowned charity, which turned 80 last year, provides positive care for hundreds of local people but is struggling to cope with the increasing demand for its services. 

LifeCare’s personal and practical services include registered outreach and day-clubs, help at home, meals on wheels, unpaid carers support, and companionship activities. 

The charity runs a busy community hub and café on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge with all profits going directly to the running of its services.  Through its relationship-based approach the charity supports those living with dementia, isolation, reduced mobilities, mental health concerns, and those struggling on low-incomes. 

With over 85% of clients living alone, services enable each older person to live well and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Through the ‘Winter Warmer’ campaign LifeCare will extend its services this winter.   This will include setting up their community café as a welcoming ‘warm space’ offering free warmth, hot food, companionship, and activities to those that need it across weekends, but the charity needs support to offer this care.            

The organisation is calling on everyone, from individuals to local businesses, to join their appeal and give a donation to help deliver care to those that need it most this winter.

James Wells, Chief Executive of LifeCare said: “We are extremely worried about those in our community.  The cold, dark months are always difficult, and this year, with rising food and fuel costs, it will be devastating for many.

“Older people are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the covid restrictions; abilities and mobility deteriorated rapidly and enquiries for our help are rising, up 250% in some services. 

“Now hit by the cost-of-living crisis these same people, who are just regaining the confidence and motivation to get back to their communities, can’t afford to take part in activities or meet friends for food/drink.  On top of the ‘heat or eat’ dilemma they face this winter they are also at risk of serious social isolation.

“LifeCare has a long history of supporting and empowering older people to live life to the full, but as a charity we rely on donations to enable us to deliver our lifesaving and life-affirming services. 

” Thanks to our care, we will ensure that each older person receives the support they need.  We will make sure they are warm in their homes, they eat well, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely. 

“We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift to our Winter Warmer appeal.  With support, LifeCare can deliver the positive care older people need to ensure they keep warm and well in body and mind.

“There are different ways people can help support.  One-off and regular donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café to pledge their support.  Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need.”

For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team.

Franco Manca slices 50% off all pizza and salad dishes to celebrate opening of Stockbridge site today

Sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, announce the arrival of their  new Edinburgh pizzeria in Stockbridge  

·         To celebrate the opening, diners can enjoy 50% off all pizzas and salads at launch 

·         The new restaurant arrives in the Scottish capital today

Due to phenomenal demand, sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, have announced the opening of its second Edinburgh pizzeria on 1 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH4 1LU. 

Opening to the public on Monday 11th June, Franco Manca is celebrating the launch by offering 50% off all pizzas and salads from the menu, available on Monday 11th – Tuesday 12th July. 

The beautiful new restaurant follows the success of Franco Manca’s sister site on south St Andrew Street, which regularly welcomes up to 2,000 customers a week – the city’s top sellers include the classic margherita (No.2) and lightly smoked beechwood salami (No.7).  

As well as offering its authentic Neapolitan cuisine, the new restaurant will serve up stunning views over the Water of Leith in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge community.  

Simone Annette, Area Manager at Franco Manca, said: “Following the success of our Edinburgh debut on south St Andrew Street, we wanted to offer pizza lovers even more choice with the launch of an incredible new location.

“Our iconic sourdough, unique to Franca Manca, is sure to go down a hit with Deanhaugh Street diners looking to get a slice of authentic Italian pizza. So, if you live in the city, or are just passing through, feel free to drop in and enjoy 50% off our entire menu.” 

Franco Manca pizzas are made with slow-rising sourdough, with a mother dough which dates back to the late 18th century, topped with fresh, properly sourced, seasonal ingredients. The dough is made fresh on site, with daily specials on offer, and menu prices starting at just £5.95. 

First procured by the pizzeria’s founder, Giuseppe Mascoli, near the city of Naples, the recipe still honours the ingredients and methods that make the age-old style of Neapolitan pizza unique, delicious and world-renowned.  

For more information on Franco Manca and other locations, please visit: www.francomanca.co.uk

Val McDermid opens CafeLife

Val McDermid has officially reopened the revamped CafeLife community cafe on Cheyne Street.  Dubbed the Queen of Crime, the author has sold over 17 million books to date across the globe and is translated into more than 40 languages. Val met with café customers and fans to sign copies of her books brought along on the day.   

CafeLife is run by renowned local charity LifeCare Edinburgh and all proceeds from café sales go towards the organisation’s vital care services for older people living across Edinburgh. 

Val said: “Every community should have a resource like CafeLife. We’re lucky to have it. The LifeCare centre, and all the vital services provided by the charity, help support serious issues such as isolation and loneliness.

“I’m proud to be supporting LifeCare in its important work.” 

The pandemic forced the café to close its doors to its loyal sit-in customers in March 2020.  The closure was a real loss to the area as CafeLife is the only fully-accessible community café around, offering good value food and drink appealing to all generations and with lots of space for buggies and wheelchairs.  

Opened nearly ten years ago, the team took the opportunity to upgrade the café through the covid-closure. The charity secured emergency funding to revamp CafeLife’s interiors and the kitchen team have spent time creating a new and improved menu to appeal to all tastes and dietary needs.  

CaféLife will be running a series of promotions throughout the coming months to celebrate the reopening and to welcome everyone back.  

For more information about LifeCare visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/  

And for Val McDermid visit https://www.valmcdermid.com/ 

Another branch bites the dust

Granton Square … Goldenacre … Davidsons Mains, no more. And another Royal Bank of Scotland branch will join the Lost List when Stockbridge Branch closes it’s doors for the last time on 4th October.

In a letter to RBS customers, Local Director Mark Scanlon explained: “Closing branches is always a difficult decision and not one that we ever take lightly. So, we wanted to try to explain why we’ve had to do this.

“The simple reason is that the way businesses bank with us has changed. The shift towards digital means many of our customers now manage their money online. With fewer people going into branch, we’ve had to make some really tough choices. Which is unfortunately why we will be closing our Edinburgh Stockbridge branch on 4 October 2022.

“You can, of course, use any other Royal Bank of Scotland branch. And you can manage your money online through our Digital Banking service or via Bankline without having to go into a branch, To find out more go to: business.rbs.co.uk/ways-to-bank .”

So that’s okay then !

The Colonies: Future Proofing Your Home – free information event tonight

Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council are hosting this free Home Energy Scotland event at Edinburgh Academy this evening.

Find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and save money on your fuel bills.

The event starts at 7pm.

Monthly Mindful Walks with Stockbridge Library

Inspired by our recently received Walking Collection, we are starting a monthly mindful walking group to practice walking meditation.

The walk will be led mostly by our staff member Zina, who has been practising mindful walking and meditation for many years herself, though sometimes by other staff members.

We’ll walk every third Saturday of the month starting 18 June – 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Everyone is welcome!

To register, please ask at the reception, call us on 0131 529 5665 or email:

stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

#Yourlibrary

#stockbridge

#libraryevents

Popular local community cafe reopens

LifeCare Edinburgh relaunches Stockbridge café with new menu, revamped interiors and guest appearance from celebrated local author Val McDermid

CafeLife, the popular community cafe on Cheyne Street, is set to officially reopen on Monday 9th May with a brand-new menu and revamped interiors following its forced closure through the pandemic.

Run by renowned local charity LifeCare Edinburgh, all proceeds from the cafe go towards supporting the delivery of the organisation’s vital care services for older people living across Edinburgh. 

The charity, which turned 80 last year, helps over 1,000 local older people a year.  Essential services such as registered outreach care and day centres, help at home, meals on wheels and support for carers enable local older people to remain living full and independent lives.   

The pandemic forced the café to close its doors to their loyal sit-in customers in March 2020.  The closure has been a real loss to the area as CafeLife is the only full-accessible community café around, offering good value food and drink appealing to all generations and with lots of space for buggies and wheelchairs.  

Opened nearly ten years ago, the team took the opportunity to upgrade the café through the covid-closure. The charity secured emergency funding to revamp CafeLife’s interiors and the kitchen team have spent time creating a new and improved menu to appeal to all tastes and dietary needs.  

The charity is today announcing that they will be joined by celebrated and best-selling Scottish crime writer Val McDermid for the official ribbon cutting event on Wednesday 11th May.  

Val will sign copies of any of her books brought along on the day.   

Jemima Hankins, Community Hub Co-ordinator at LifeCare said “We are absolutely delighted that we are reopening CafeLife at long last. There’s nothing else like us in the area and we know how much our regular customers have missed us.

“We’ve a huge bright space that appeals to all ages and stages; people pop in on their own or come with friends to enjoy good honest food and drink – with all proceeds going towards our vital care services for local people. We really are a cafe with a difference!


“Our loyal customers love to pop in to meet or make new friends, enjoy good value food and we’re relaunching with an exciting new menu designed by Chef Tony keeping our cafe staples such as soups, bacon rolls and paninis but we’ve added pancakes, smoothies and milkshakes. The blueberry pancakes are a must!   

“We are thrilled to be marking our reopening with a guest appearance from Val McDermid on Wednesday 11th May and we will be running lots of promotions across the week – check our socials for full details or pop-in for more info.”


LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and with no service fully-funded the organisation relies on the generosity of its funders.

Recent funding from the Scottish Government’s Adapt and Thrive fund covered the cost of the café upgrades and an award from The National Lottery Community Fund supports the new Community Hub Coordinator position created to help safely bring people back to the space after the pandemic.   

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ 

Mark McCarthy of MARKDAVID collaborates with Foil Me Foils to launch limited edition foil design

Mark McCarthy, owner of the luxurious MARKDAVID salon in Stockbridge, is delighted to announce his collaboration with hair colourists favourite foil brand, Foil Me Foils.

Mark is the very first hairdresser in the UK to collaborate with the brand and the partnership arose from Mark’s great relationship with the brand and his passion for using the foils since opening his MARKDAVID salon just over two years ago.

Mark hails from Australia and has always had a strong affinity with the brand – loving their sustainable philosophy and admiring their ability to create a practical product that has an edge. 

Mark was using the foils, purchasing the special editions and regularly posting his work using the foils on social media. The natural affinity Mark and the team at Foil Me Foils had made the initial conversation easy. Foil Me Foils had created foils for salons out with the UK, but had never collaborated with a UK hair artist. 

The foils, named ‘The Stella’ capture Mark David’s love for Art Deco, his family and his gorgeous Cocker Spaniel, Stella.

All elements are integral in Mark’s life, meticulously illustrated and graphically designed by Foil Me artists, Emily Ciardiello and Chelsea Winter.

The distinctive parquetry design complements the luscious forest green background and golden palette of Stella. In a beautiful symbolic tribute to Mark’s close family members, the box design comprises of blue flowers on the light wood and gold parquetry, ensuring this foil is an exceptional representation of what art truly is!

As with all Foil Me Foils, the foils are 100% recyclable and are created to provide clients with a more enjoyable colour experience in the salon.

Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID commented: “Creating the new foil design with Foil Me Foils was such a fantastic experience. I love being creative and it was so much fun to collaborate with the brand – they worked so hard to meet my vision and create the perfect foils for me.

“This includes nailing the correct tones, adding small finishing touches such as stems to the flowers and ensuring they had the exact type of lilies that I loved, not only for their look but also for the meaning behind them.

“I hope my team, clients and other salon owners and colourists will love the design as much as I do and I can’t wait to get everyone’s feedback!”

Emily, Foil Me Foil’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, said: “I really enjoyed working with Mark David; he is remarkably talented and his artistic vision is clearly reflected in his award-winning salon. I was so honoured and incredibly excited to illustrate Stella – her energy was captivating.

“With every custom foil we create, each element is scrutinised and we ensure the salon and Foil Me’s brand is reflected in the design. To depict the Art Deco beauty of Mark David Salon, and also include personal details such as the blue flowers, yet still make it accessible to other Foil Me movers by capturing the essence of Stella, was an amazing experience.

For further information on MARKDAVID, please email Alex Hamilton at alex@ajc93.com.