Come along and see the wonderful bargains that will be on sale at our Table Sale!
Saturday 15th September 10am – 1pm at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church, Pennywell Medway.
Tea and biscuits also available.
If you too have things you would like to sell, please phone 07714 95898113 to book a table. £10 per table.
Lindsay Turnbull
Probationary Minister, Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church
Want to know your art from your elbow? Starting on Friday 19 October, The Prentice Centre will be running a weekly ‘Introduction to Scottish Art’ course for adults.
Sessions will be from 10.30 – 12.30 on Fridays and will include visits, discussions and more.
The course is free – to book your place or for more information contact The Prentice Centre on 552 0485.
Criminal profits have been put to good use with the launch of two short films created by local young people. Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE) (formerly Pilton Video) will be screening ‘Danny’ and ‘The Clock Strikes Fate’ at North Edinburgh Arts Centre on Tuesday 18 September at 6.30pm.
SEE worked with young people from the outset on the projects which were made possible through funding from the Cashback for Creativity programme, a fund which takes cash confiscated from criminals and ploughs the money back into the communities they prey upon.
Cashback for Creativity (formally Creative Identities) is Creative Scotland’s programme that provides young people across Scotland with access to high quality dance, film and music activities, funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme which reinvests the proceeds of crime back into communities to benefit Scotland’s young people.
As part of the scheme, Screen Education Edinburgh are running an intensive programme of short film making for young people aged 12- 19 across the City of Edinburgh, with priority given to those living in areas of deprivation.
In North Edinburgh, a series of taster workshops took place in partnership with Broughton High School, Community Organisation for Race Equality, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, leading to the most interested young people moving forward to form a core filmmaking group based at SEE. Learning the skills of screenwriting, acting, camera, sound and editing, the group have completed two short film’s ‘Danny’ and ‘When The Clock Strikes Fate’.
The two films will be premiered on Tuesday 18th September at 6.30pm at North Edinburgh Arts Centre to an audience that will include the cast and crew, their families and friends, invited guests and members of the public. The event will also feature a ‘making of’ documentary and a question and answer session with the young people involved followed by a small reception.
Seats are free and available on a first come, first served basis; so turn up early on the night to guarantee a seat!
SEE’s Creative Manager Graham Fitzpatrick said: “The project was a fantastic opportunity for North Edinburgh youngsters to learn how to make films, with two outstanding and mature dramas being produced. We look forward to the premiere and supporting the group as they build on the experience to produce more shorts, whilst the programme also rolls out to East and West Edinburgh from now until Christmas.”
Size does matter, Save Stockbridge campaigners told a packed public meeting in LifeCare House last night. The group called the open public meeting to raise awareness of what is being proposed at Raeburn Place and to update the local community on plans to fight Edinburgh Accies redevelopment proposals.
Save Stockbridge chairman Bruce Thompson told the meeting, which was filmed by a BBC film crew for a forthcoming documentary: “We are not against any development – we are against this particular development. You need to understand what is being proposed, and make up your own minds”.
Eight hundred people signed Save Stockbridge petitions at street stalls last weekend, with hundreds more group adding their names to petitions in local shops. The group has also produced thousands of posters, badges and stickers – and their website, www.savestockbridge.com, has received 550 hits since the start of the month.
“We spoke to thousands of people at the weekend, and 97% of those we spoke to were anti-development. That totally contradicts what we’re being told by the Accies – and these are local people”.
Mr Thompson said that Save Stockbridge representatives had put alternative proposals for a scaled-down redevelopment including housing and a smaller retail base to Edinburgh Accies but ‘they are not prepared to budge – they’re sticking to their plans.”
Using the developer’s drawings, engineer and local resident James McLean gave a technical breakdown of the redevelopment plans and said: “The developers have used some artistic license and let’s be clear – this development is huge. Looking from Inverleith Park it dwarfs everything behind it; the postcard view up to Edinburgh Castle – a very important view – is destroyed”.
Mr McLean pointed out that the retail space proposed for the development would have a serious impact on local businesses. “The Accies retail area would be like adding thirty small shops. The upper floor of the development would also see a quite large area for bars, kitchens and function suites – that could be anything; it’s the sort of huge space a company like Weatherspoons would give their eye teeth for.”
Mr McLean estimates that, if it went ahead, the new development would have 25% of all retail space in Stockbridge, and said: “This is not a rugby development, this is a retail development. Edinburgh Accies does not need a 2500 seat stand – their last home game attracted 400 spectators. The Accies plans also reduce the sporting footprint, cutting from two full size grass pitches to one, so you can see where their emphasis is – the retail completely dwarfs the rugby.”
He added that traffic could also be a serious issue, particularly during construction and then with delivery vehicles accessing the site, and that the new stadium, with 2500 seats and additional 2500 standing spectators, has only fifty parking spaces – a potential nightmare for residents with cars. “Although there are only fourteen match days, the retail units will be open 365 days a year, so don’t move your car on a Saturday or Sunday!” He also believes mature trees on Comely Bank Road could be in danger during construction work when the Accies perimeter wall is removed.
The last speaker was local resident John Donnelly, who said the Accies consultation with the local community has been inadequate and that their case ‘lacked transparency’. He told the meeting: “So many people were unaware of what is being proposed – if you genuinely want to involve and consult with your local community, why do it on your own turf and why only do it twice? We want Accies to stay, but all we can do is react to the plans that are put in front of us. It’s the scale of the redevelopment – Edinburgh Accies don’t need a stadium of the scale they are proposing; they don’t need it, we don’t want it and we’re not alone. The level of support our campaign is attracting totally disproves the myth that this community is split – that is just not the case.”
Local resident Bill Anderson said it was time to put pressure on local councillors to ‘stand up and be counted’. SNP Councillor Gavin Barrie was present at the meeting and said: “I came here to hear the views of local people; I want to be a listening politician. The presentations have been very good, but I won’t put forward any opinions at this stage as to do so could prejudice my right to do so later as the planning process goes through Council. I would point out though that the developers have not yet sought planning permission so it would be difficult to comment on something I haven’t seen. You may have to reconvene when the application has been submitted and you know the exact detail.”
Closing the meeting, Bruce Thompson said that the campaign group will try to make local residents aware when Edinburgh Accies planning application has been submitted and that people will then have 21 days to express a view on the proposals. Save Stockbridge also made available a list of Planning Committee councillors, along with contact details of Inverleith councillors and a summary of eleven reasons why local residents may choose to object to the planning application. However Mr Thomson did say: “What we have done is provide you with as much information as we can. We have posters here, petitions to sign if you haven’t already done so and contributions toward campaign funds are welcome. Now, you must make up your own minds and go with whatever you think is right.”
A proposed bill to give more power to Scotland’s communities could see the biggest transfer of power since devolution. The proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill would give more power to Scotland’s communities. The exploratory consultation on the Bill, which was debated at the Scottish Parliament yesterday, is currently seeking views on a range of ideas which could see more power in the hands of communities:
Local Government Minister Derek Mackay said: “The Community Empowerment and Renewal bill is potentially the biggest transfer of power since devolution, transferring power from central and local Government to Scotland’s communities. We believe that the people of Scotland are best placed to take decisions about their future – both at a national and a local level.
“Scotland’s people are its greatest asset and are a rich source of creativity and talent. The Scottish Government wants to see all Scots having a greater say in shaping and deciding their own futures. This exploratory consultation sets out a range of ideas to support Scotland’s communities to take independent action to achieve their goals and aspirations and to have their voices heard in the decisions that affect them.
“Travelling across Scotland I have seen at first hand the strong foundation of active communities we already have, and I want this proposed legislation to build on this. The ideas in this consultation are designed to strengthen community participation, unlock enterprising community development and renew our communities. These ideas were developed following discussions with the wider public, private, third and community sectors.
“We want to explore these ideas and see how we can remove bureaucratic barriers and develop a meaningful and effective legislative framework to support community activity. We are determined that we develop effective legislation that will make a difference in practice.
“Working with our partners in Local Government, we will listen carefully to people’s views and ideas to help meet our shared goal of empowering more of Scotland’s communities. The views we hear will help determine what we take forward in our draft Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.”
Corries legend Ronnie Brown will be performing live this Sunday at a charity Rugby match at Fettes Police Station.
Police officers are set to line up against a team of Scottish rugby legends in a charity match arranged in remembrance of former officer Steve Cully, who died aged 41, due to a heart defect. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.
Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will take on a team of ex-internationals, including Scott Hastings, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, and Gregor Townsend.
Steve, who was brought up in Belfast, was a keen rugby player who played club rugby at Murrayfield RFC, Edinburgh Wanderers RFC, Murrayfield Wanderers, Stewarts Melville FP, Edinburgh Academicals and represented Ireland U 21’s, Irish Exiles and the British Police.
Steve joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1994 and worked in a number of roles before fulfilling his ambition to become a firearms officer.
He called time on his rugby career in 2005, but took up long-distance running, and in 2009 he was part of a team of Lothian and Borders officers who took part in the gruelling ‘Marathon des Sables’, a series of marathons taking place over a week in the Sahara Desert, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
His love for rugby and charitable nature inspired his colleagues to organise Sunday’s match, which will be attended by his wife Rosie (39) and two children Josh (4) and Hannah (7).
Sergeant Roddy Bainton is among the former friends and colleagues who have helped organise the event.
He said: “Not only will spectators be given the unique opportunity to see legends from the game in action once again, but there will be a whole range of family-friendly events, including a balloon race, prize draw, bouncy castle, an inflatable assault course courtesy of the Army, and kids’ rugby coaching, involving many of the former pros.
“We are delighted that Ronnie Browne from the Corries has agreed to sing the national anthem before the game, and The Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band will also be there to help provide the soundtrack for the day.
“I would encourage any rugby fans and their families to come along and join us for what is sure to be a great day, and help us raise money for a worthy cause.”
The match takes place at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets for the game cost £5, with free admission for under-16s.
And just incase you have forgotten the words we have included a video for you.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from:
First XV, 6/8 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5JZ
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Head Office, Third Floor, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
Or
Email: stevecullymemorial@hotmail.co.uk
Two thieves stealing cash and food from Muirhouse Millennium Centre have been captured on CCTV, and the footage has been posted on YouTube in the hope that the heartless robbers can be caught.
The incident happened last Wednesday afternoon, when the Centre – which is already suffering financially after a series of funding cuts – was visited by the two men. One of the men distracted a wheelchair-bound volunteer at the front desk, while the other sneaked into the kitchen and stole £155 from the locked till and a single packet of bacon from the freezer – despite there being another nine packs inside!
Millennium Centre staff at the centre have now posted CCTV footage capturing the theft on YouTube in a bid to shame the pair. The video appears with the message: “This is not a rich centre. The money that was taken goes towards running the clubs and paying the bills so the thieving scumbags should be ashamed of themselves – stealing from children and old folk. If you know him let the police know!”
Centre manager Peter Airlie said: “The older man started to talk to the volunteer at the front desk. He said one of them was just out of jail and they had thought the community centre was the housing association, as he was trying to find somewhere. The other one went through to the cafe area and took money from the till and bacon from the freezer. We really just want to see them named and shamed – they’re the lowest of the low.”
The men were then seen getting on a bus at Pennywell Road in the direction of Ferry Road.
One of the suspects is described as a white male in his mid-twenties, 6ft 2, of heavy build with short brown hair, clean-shaven and wearing black, thick rimmed glasses. He was wearing a light blue and white Adidas jacket with blue stripes down the arm and dark jogging bottoms.
The other man is aged between 40 and 50, around 5ft 4, with a local accent, of slim build, had a shaved head with a receding hairline and a “prominent chin, forehead and a weathered face”.
To see the footage visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUmwlPvT3i8 or go to YouTube and type in Millennium Centre robbery.
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) are holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 28 September at 3pm in The Greenhouse on West Pilton Place. This will be no ordinary, humdrum business meeting, however – Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson will officially open PYCP’s brand new purpose-built creative dance studio at the event!
PYCP’s senior development worker LAURA McLAREN explains all:
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project
“The Wooden Spoon Studio”
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project are delighted to announce the opening of their new studio, made possible by a generous award from “Wooden Spoon”, the children’s charity of rugby. Wooden Spoon was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young people across the British Isles live happier, richer lives. The charity comprises of over 40 regional volunteer committees, a central national team and over 10,000 members. All regional committees undertake many local fundraising activities and only spend the money raised on projects in their local community. During their first 25 years, over half a million young people benefitted from more than £18 million of charitable support thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers.
PYCP have worked with Wooden Spoon since late last year, liaising with Charlie Bryden, Regional Committee Chair for Scotland. This resulted in a grant of up to £10,000 with which to renovate an unused room at PYCP into a multi-purpose creative studio. PYCP work with children from the age of 5 to young people age 18. Although staff have been able to offer short-term creative projects, it was felt by both workers and young people of all ages that a protected space with which to develop activities such as dance and drama would be really beneficial.
The grant from Wooden Spoon has enabled PYCP to lay special dance suitable sprung flooring and a large mirror so that young people can watch themselves practice dance routines. They have also been able to buy dance barres and a new sound system. The funding has also helped PYCP update their stage lighting, as well as giving the room a new look with fresh decorating. Children, young people and indeed the wider community are really excited about using the new studio; the first creative project might be a Christmas show!!
Wooden Spoon works closely with the UK rugby community, also involving some of rugby’s top sporting role models in making a difference in the lives of young people in need. PYCP were lucky enough to have Chris Paterson, MBE AND Scottish rugby’s record cap and points holder, to officially open the studio on Friday 28 September as part of PYCP’s Annual General Meeting.
For more information or a tour of the studio, please contact Pilton Youth and Children’s Project on 0131 332 9815.
Laura McLaren, PYCP
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) hosted an event for its residents to provide information on issues such as welfare reforms and benefits advice recently.
Over 60 people attended the open day at South Leith Parish Church Hall where the Association was joined by the Department of Work & Pensions, the City of Edinburgh Council, an energy advisor, a money advice worker from Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Edinburgh Housing Advice Partnership and employability initiative Community Renewal.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “There are a lot of changes coming and issues surrounding benefit, energy and money management for our tenants to consider. Holding this event with our partner agencies helped those who came along to understand how these will affect them and how they can make the pounds in their pocket go further. It was a great turnout and I hope people found it useful to help them manage finances in the run-up to the forthcoming benefit changes and the winter months.”
PoLHA was formed in 1975 and now owns and manages 2400 properties in the Leith and North Edinburgh area.
Hello all wonderful North Edinburgh Theatre folk,
This is just a wee reminder [as if you need it!] that we start Workshops again at North Edinburgh Arts this Friday 14th September 6 – 8pm. and next Saturday 22nd September 12 noon – 2pm. We shall meet every other Friday and every other Saturday so that everyone can come to the Workshops according to their commitments. There will be a crèche for every Workshop, but please make sure you book it with Sandra beforehand 0131 315 2152 and admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
We have so much to talk about, so much fun to have, so many plans to make, so much theatre to create – YIPPEE I am really looking forward to working with you all again. We also have some new participants to welcome!
Please let me know which Workshops you want to come to – Fridays and/or Saturdays. Of course you can come to both, we shall be covering the same material at the Friday and Saturday Workshops but you always create different work, so it will be really interesting.
In the meantime, if you have any questions please just get in touch. For those folk who do not have internet, please can you make sure they know what’s happening? I will also post this on Facebook.
Take care and see you soon!
Stephanie Knight
North Edinburgh Theatre project
