Month: August 2012

Water of Leith cleanup

The Water of Leith is flows from the Pentlands through the heart of Edinburgh to Leith, and it takes a bit of work to keep the river looking it’s best. The Water of Leith Conservation Trust organise regular clean-ups along the stretch of water, and Inverleith Community Learning and Development worker Callum McLeod was involved in the latest spruce-up on 29 July.

He said: “I’d walked the route with Ben from the Conservation Trust and there was no shortage of things to do! Thankfully we had a good team of volunteers on the Sunday and we tackled some troublesome Himalayan Balsam, which is a very invasive flowering plant, and there were a number of log jams to clear. There were also some lighter lighter duties – tending to the formal garden areas and there was no shortage of litter all the way along, unfortunately – but that meant there was something for everyone to do.”

Tons of rubbish cleared from the water and riverbanks tidied up!

It does take a lot of work to keep the Water of Leith looking good, but you can do your bit as a volunteer – check out the website at www.waterofleith.org.uk Among the rewards – apart from the exercise, companionship and fresh air – is a chance to see birds like sparrowhawks and kingfishers up close, and an amazing variety of wildflowers along the banks. It’s like being in the country in the middle of the city!

Police warn of laptop scam

Lothian and Borders Police are once again warning the public of an ongoing laptop sale scam that has hit several people in Edinburgh. Between last October and February this year, criminals targeted 12 people, offering to sell electrical goods for discount prices – only for the buyers to then discover they’ve been duped. Now it appears that the crooks are up to their old tricks again.

Officers urged the public to remain vigilant for this con and come forward if they believed they had been a victim.

A further five individuals have now been approached by fraudsters in the past three weeks and offered the opportunity to buy a laptop on the cheap. Once a fee is agreed, the customer is taken to a nearby vehicle and handed a bag, which contains what they believe to be their new goods. However, when the victim opens the bag, they discover it is filled only with cardboard and bottles of water.

Since October, £5300 has been taken during the incidents, which happened in areas including Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, Clerk Street, St Leonard’s, Meadowbank Retail Park, Gorgie Road and ASDA at the Jewel.

Detective Sergeant John Graham said: “This is not a new scam, but it continues to catch members of the public out, resulting in several thousand pounds of cash being conned from the victims. Our advice remains the same on this matter. If an offer seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Anyone wishing to purchase a laptop or other electrical goods should go to a recognised retailer.

“We are now in the middle of summer and the Capital is getting busier every day, which provides criminals with greater opportunities to scam people out of their money or possessions. Anyone who would like advice on crime prevention can visit their local policing team or visit the Lothian and Borders Police website. Detectives would also urge anyone who believes they’ve been affected by this scam to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

In your dreams: Postcode Lottery launches Dream Fund

Edinburgh-based People’s Postcode Lottery today announced the launch of the Dream Fund, a £400,000 funding pot that encourages charities and organisations across the country to work together to secure vital funding.  

The Dream Fund is an awards programme which offers financial support for groups looking to work together to realise the project of their ‘dreams’. Made possible only by the ongoing support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, this new funding round will mark the Fund’s third year and a collective total of £1 million invested in innovative projects all across Scotland.

This year, Trustees chose to increase the funding pot available for the applying charities and projects by an additional £100,000, so that it can also help tackle youth unemployment. With unemployment rates for young people (aged 16-24) in Scotland hitting 22.9%, 1.6% higher than the rest of the UK*, it has never been more important to invest in projects that increase the life opportunities of the long-term unemployed.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities People’s Postcode Lottery, said, “We are opening the fund again today with the existing three categories; encouraging active living, bringing communities together and tackling climate change.

“However, this year in response to the continuing bleak economic outlook and the declining number of opportunities available for young people, we have decided to increase the support available to £400,000 to specifically help expand life opportunities available for our young people.”

The Trust is encouraging all charities and organisations to apply for up to £100,000 and join the list of projects that have already received support from the Dream Fund. Previous winners include Alzheimer Scotland and The Scottish Football Association Museum Trust, who together were awarded over £75,000 through the programme last year to run a Football Memories Project across the country.

Alistair Fergusson, Development Co-ordinator, Alzheimer Scotland said, “The support from the Dream Fund has just been invaluable. It has enabled us to achieve so much more than we had ever expected, we’ve been able to reach out and help groups that this time last year we simply wouldn’t of thought possible. We would really encourage all eligible organisations to apply to fulfil their organisations dreams too.”

Full application information, including eligibility criteria, can be found at www.postcodetrust.org.uk.  The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 October.

The People’s Postcode lottery launch their 2012 Dream Fund

Pictures: Alzheimer Scotland’s Alitair Fergusson with three year old Izzie Berry tie ‘dream tags’ to a tree in the Botanic Gardens

Return of the King

Edinburgh Elvis fans have an opportunity to enjoy music, rare video and memorabilia at a dance at the Taxi Club in Beaverhall Road on Saturday 18 August from 7.30pm ’til late.

It’s hard to believe it’s now almost 35 years since Elvis Presley’s untimely death –  but for members of Edinburgh Elvis, the official local Elvis Presley Fan Club, this will be a celebration of the great man’s life and music, not a wake. So get on your blue suede shoes and go party with The King!

For further information see the Edinburgh Elvis Facebook page or email edinburghelvis35@gmail.com

CORE to close

The Pilton-based Community Organisation for Racial Equality (CORE) is to close. Formerly the BCDP (Black Community Development Project), the project which grew out of the Muirhouse Anti-Racism campaign of the early 1990s will be formally wound up at an extraordinary general meeting in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre on 29 August.

At it’s height CORE was one of the most influential community-led equality organisations in the country – growing from humble beginnings in a room in Craigroyston HIgh School to staging prestigious conferences in Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre – but funding issues and financial struggles over recent years has forced directors to seek closure of the organisation.

Chairperson Dr Fernando Almeira Diniz confirmed that CORE has been experiencing financial problems for some months, but said that the Board will not be making any statements at this stage. “I am sure that you will see that  we cannot do anything which could be regarded as pre-empting what might happen  at the EGM”, he said.

CORE’s EGM will be held at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre on Wednesday 29 August at 6pm. Following the formal business procedures it’s planned to have a general discussion – ‘an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of CORE /BCDP, followed by a Community-led discussion about ways of engaging BME Communities in developing future provision of public services in North Edinburgh.’

For further information, or if you plan to attend, please contact Adil Ibrahim at CORE, email adil@coregb.org.uk by 25 August.

Happier times: Director Tesfu Gessesse addresses CORE’s 2007 AGM

Council urged to ‘dive in’ to save Waterworld

Campaigners plan a springboard for success?

Splashback, the Edinburgh residents’ campaign seeking to re-open Leith Waterworld, will this morning submit a bid for a community-led re-opening of the leisure pool. Waterworld was closed in January and subsequently put up for sale by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC).

Back in February, councillors postponed a decision on the sale for six months following the submission of a 6500 signature petition by campaigners.

The community bid, which comprises a detailed business case and offer letter, will be handed in by campaigners to council headquarters at Waverley Court this morning. the site.

Campaigner Johnny Gailey said: “Today we’re taking our community bid to the Council, handing over the torch to the Council. It is only fitting that, during this exciting Olympic time, the future of such a well-loved and accessible pool is secured for the people of Leith, all of Edinburgh and beyond. We are providing a proposal, a springboard, for a new beginning for Waterworld, and we hope the Council will take a leap of faith and dive in.”

Fellow campaigner Ida Maspero said: “We believe our business case and supporting documents demonstrate that best value – in the broadest sense, not simply financial – will be achieved by giving the community a chance to re-open this unique and much-loved leisure pool.”

The business case draws heavily on the results of an extensive user survey run by Splashback between mid-May and end-July.  The survey, which saw over 800 responses, is part impact study and part market research. It reveals the damaging impact of the closure in January, with 74% of respondents saying that they are now swimming less since Leith Waterworld closed.

Maspero continued: “Waterworld’s unique features – particularly its warmer water temperature and shallow beach area – made it particularly popular with parents of young children to gain early water confidence, and for those with disabilities to enjoy the freedom of water. The survey has seen a good number of responses from people with disabilities or their carers, identified by respondents as a user group for whom Waterworld was particularly important.”

One respondent wrote: ‘I attended Leith Waterworld almost every saturday and sunday for the last 5 years.  I am a carer for a young man with Down Syndrome and we loved coming along every weekend, sometimes both days.  Then I had my daughter 2 years ago and brought her every weekend too.  It is very badly missed!’

For more information on the Splashback campaign visit their blog www.splashbackedinburgh.blogspot.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook/com/SaveLeithWaterworld

Top class! Pass marks for city pupils

Thousands of Edinburgh pupils will receive the exam results they have been waiting for this morning, and early indications show performance across the City as a whole has surpassed previous years.

Across Scotland, a record number of students have passed Higher exams – the pass rate for Highers increased from 75.2% in 2011 to 76.9% this year, a rise of 7% over the past decade. An increased number of students also passed Advanced Highers and Standard Grades.

Dr Janet Brown, chief executive of the SQA, said: “The increased number of qualifications achieved by candidates not only reflects their hard work and commitment, but also the value they place on qualifications, particularly in this difficult economic climate. I want to congratulate everyone and whether they will be returning to school or college, moving on to higher education or entering the workplace, I wish them continued success.”

Education Secretary Mike Russell also congratulated students on their results.

He said: “This has been another successful year which is testament to the hard work that pupils have put into their courses. Of course, as well as being a time of celebration for many, this is also a time of uncertainty for others. Rest assured, help is available through the exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000 for those who may not have got what they needed.”

He continued: “Behind today’s statistics are thousands of individual young people, each with their own set of results and ambitions for the future. Today is a day to celebrate their achievements.”

In Edinburgh, nine thousand six hundred and fifty-four (9,654) pupils sat 45,775 exams this year, ranging in subject matter from Accounting to Woodwork.

Welcoming today’s results, Education Convener Councillor Paul Godzik said: “We are always looking to improve on performance and the information we have put together so far shows Edinburgh as a whole is up on last year – with a 1 percentage point increase in Highers across the board at S5. It’s great to see improvements in our Standard Grade pass rates too.

“This will have been a red-circle day on many calendars across the city and I want to congratulate all those who sat exams this year.  We have been working hard to make sure all school leavers enter a positive destination of employment, training or further education.

“Initiatives such as the Edinburgh Guarantee are going a long way to making this a reality for many of our ex-pupils.  This is something we are keen to build on in the coming years and look forward to seeing many more placements and positive results.”

All candidates will receive their results by means of the traditional postal delivery today, and candidates who have activated their MySQA accounts – through which they can choose to receive their exam results by text and/or email in addition to their results certificate – will also receive these by 09:00 this morning.

Got your results but need some help or advice abut what to do next? You could start with a free call to the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. Open from 8am, it offers advice and support to students and parents about what options are available.

SDS Chief Executive Damien Yeates said: “The Exam Results Helpline will be live from 8am as people begin to receive their SQA qualifications. It’s there to give advice and support to students and their parents whether they are thinking about going to college or university, getting a job or a Modern Apprenticeship.”

This year students will enjoy more support than ever before thanks to the newly launched SDS Facebook page. Offering answers to common problems, handy hints for making the best career move and practical tools and advice from the My World of Work website, it also features useful links to other relevant bodies such as UCAS, SAAS and the SQA.

Mr Yeates added: “As always, our advice is not to panic – making the call is the vital first move in finding out what options are available. Often parents or carers call on behalf of their children and that can enable family discussions on the best way ahead. The helpline is about finding the right path for the individual and we have a wide range of services to help people identify and build successful careers.”

Advisers will be on hand to give unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about employment, training opportunities and exam re-sits.

The Exam Results Helpline will run from 8am to 8pm on August 7 and 8, then from 9am to 5pm until August 15.

You can also visit the Scottish Qualifications Authority website sqa.org.uk for further iinformation, and the UCAS website can be found at www.ucas.ac.uk to guide you through the higher education maze.

Good luck!

Strewth, mates! Australia wins Oh-Limp-Nix!

Australia has been victorious in the most hotly-contested sporting competition of Leith’s summer. The St Nicholas Court Sheltered Housing Complex’s Oh-Limp-Nix Generation Games was a four-day tournament where 12 of the complex’s residents battled it out for sporting glory. 

The residents were split into four teams, each made up of three people: Great Britain, USA, Australia and Spain, and the nations faced a different challenge over four days of pulsating competition.

Maureen Tait, Senior Sheltered Housing Coordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association complex, said: “We have had a fantastic week and everyone has really got into it. There has been a fantastic buzz, some light-hearted rivalry and it has really helped everyone come together and feel a part of the Olympic fever.”

On day one it was bowling on the Wii where John Haggie, representing Australia, won with a score of 201. On Tuesday, there was shot putt and hoopla with Great Britain winning. On Wednesday the teams battled it out on archery on the Wii with Great Britain winning again. On the final day of competing, a representative from each team played Triominoes (three-sided dominoes) with Spain and USA achieving the joint highest score. All the scores from the week were added up to decide the winning team.

The day-room of the complex was transformed with flags from all over the world adorning the walls and roof. After each competition, food from one of the represented nations including fish and chips and paella was served.

On Friday, each of the participants was presented with a medal from Port of Leith Housing Association Chief Executive Keith Anderson. He said: “It’s fantastic how everyone has really embraced this and made it a very eventful and exciting visit for those taking part and everyone who came along to watch and support the participants. Congratulations to everyone who took part, especially the winning team, Australia.”

The teams have been training for three months in preparation for the Oh-Limp-Nix Generation Games – and that iron-willed dedication was rewarded when the stars from Down Under finished top of the world!

Victorious Aussie captain Ian Vanhegan said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic tournament. With all the build up, it was great when it finally came around and we’re a bit sad it’s all over. Now we can concentrate on watching the real Olympics. Doing the tournament made the Olympics seem all the more real and we now have a very small feeling of what’s going on down in London and the fun of it all.”

 

Inverleith set for Foodie Festival

Inverleith Park’s the place to be this weekend for food fans. The local park is the venue for Edinburgh’s Foodies Festival, a chance to meet top chefs and experience the most exciting mix of food, drink and culinary talent.

You will see cooking demonstrations from Michelin starred and top chefs including Ed Baines, Levi Roots, Martin Blunos, Rachel Green and Cyrus Todiwala who will prepare their favourite recipes for you and show you how to prepare these dishes at home.

You can sample and buy artisan food from over 100 exhibitors, indulge in signature dishes from top restaurants and sip summer cocktails shaken by expert mixologists.

Enjoy cuisine from around the world, showcased in the Street Food Avenue; relax in a deckchair and enjoy an ice cream on the Jamie magazine City Beach; children can enjoy hands on cookery classes in the brand new Childrens Cookery School.

Make a full day of it with a unique mixture of masterclasses from top experts in the Food and Drinks Theatre,  entertainment and music on the live stage.

Edinburgh Foodies Festival, Inverleith Park

  • Friday Aug 10th, 11am – 7pm
  • Saturday Aug 11th, 10am – 7pm
  • Sunday Aug 12th, 11am – 7pm

For further information visit www.foodiesfestival.com/

 

Billy Anderson

The NEN is sad to report the sudden death of Muirhouse activist Billy Anderson this morning. Billy, who was 60, is thought to have suffered a heart attack.

Billy was a hugely popular figure in North Edinburgh community circles and in recent years may perhaps be best known for his work in Muirhouse Millenium Centre’s cafe.

We will publish funeral information when we have it.