Day: October 9, 2012

Letter: Building barriers is not the answer

Dear Editor

I am writing  express my anger regarding the proposal from residents of Silverknowes asking to brick up three access points leading to Muirhouse following incidents of antisocial behaviour being blamed on Muirhouse residents. While I disagree with vandalism and antisocial behaviour, blocking pathways will not be the solution to this problem. This could have the adverse effect on the problem. Unfortunately lots of this behaviour is happening all over the city.

I recall this same group opposing the building of the new Craigroyston High School close to their homes . What do these people want? A Berlin Wall within North Edinburgh? They are not an elitist group who can dictate what they want.  The majority of people from Muirhouse are decent people who strive to improve their community and retain good links with surrounding neighbourhoods. Perhaps the answer is getting activists groups together within the neighbourhood to consult with each other . This could hopefully help to resolve the problem. Building barriers between communities is not the answer.

Anna Hutchison (by email)

SILVERKNOWES EASTWAY ‘barriers not the answer’

Paralympic torch coming to Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s Blackhall customers will have the chance to see the Paralympic Torch as it goes on a special tour across the UK. Sainsbury’s Blackhall will welcome the torch on Friday 19 October, when customers will have the opportunity to see, hold and take photographs of the iconic torch between 1 – 3pm.

The Sainsbury’s Paralympic Torch Experience will see the Paralympic Torch travel to 400 Sainsbury’s stores across the country – the Torch’s epic journey begins at Sainsbury’s Bradford Upon-Avon and ends at the retailer’s Lampeter store on Thursday 1 November.

The Torch is one of 620 Torches used in the 24 hour Relay which took place from Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury, the home of the Paralympic Movement, to the Olympic Park in Stratford, London on Tuesday 28th to Wednesday 29th August. 101 stores from other areas across the country previously saw the Torch ahead of and during the Games, and now the retailer –  and first ever Paralympic Games-only sponsor – is extending it to the rest of the country.

Sainsbury’s Blackhall Store Manager David Bainbridge said: “We’ve really enjoyed playing our part in raising awareness of the London 2012 Paralympic Games in Blackhall. For our customers, it’s a once in a lifetime chance for them to see the Torch and feel the buzz of the Paralympic Games, which we’re proud to have sponsored.”

The local Sainsbury’s store is also responsible for another Olympic legacy, with two local high schools sharing in the success of the 2012 games thanks to donations from Sainsbury’s. The Royal High School received a donation of London 2012 sports clothing which they aim to use for team events, and organisers of Broughton High School’s recent Septemberfest were delighted to use Sainsbury’s London 2012 merchandise for prizes.

The store hope the donation will help maintain the positive momentum and feeling created by the London 2012 Games. Sainsbury’s Blackhall Store Manager David Bainbridge said: “Our colleagues and customers have really got behind all Paralympics GB and Team GB athletes and we wanted to celebrate the success of the London 2012 Games by providing The Royal High School and Septemberfest with a lasting memento of what has truly been a year like no other.”

 

 

Living Well welcomes new manager Sandra

Living Well North Edinburgh (formerly PROP Stress Centre) has warmly welcomed new manager Sandra Walkingshaw (pictured above).

Sandra said: “I am delighted to have joined the Living Well team as the new manager. I am really looking forward to working with all our members, staff and volunteers on continuing the excellent work that is currently going on and also planning for the future aims and goals of Living Well North Edinburgh.”

Living Well North Edinburgh are currently presenting ‘The Journey Within’, an exhibition of members’ arts and crafts, at North Edinburgh Arts Centre as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2012. The exhibition runs until 2 November.

PYCP happy to receive Wooden Spoon!

Scots rugby legend Chris Paterson was the special guest at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) annual general meeting on Friday 28 September. Chris was representing rugby’s Wooden Spoon charity, whose donation of £10,000 helped PYCP turn a little-used storeroom into an all-singing, all-dancing dance studio!

Unveiling a plaque to opening the new facility at PYCP’s Greenhouse, the record 109-times capped star said: “I’m an awful dancer with two left feet, but if I’d had something like this … well, I think I’d probably still be a pretty rubbish dancer!”

Thanking Chris and representatives of the Wooden Spoon charity, PYCP chairperson Clare Halliday said: “This really is a tremendous space for our young people to enjoy. The room has been transformed – it’s incredible to think that this was just a storeroom, more or less a dumping ground for lots of equipment. Many thanks to Wooden Spoon for supporting PYCP – we really do appreciate it.”

Young dancers from Edinburgh’s Dance Base were first to put the new Wooden Spoon studio to the test, entertaining guests with an energetic routine – Chris Paterson was not tempted to join in!

Some pictures:

PEP Talk

Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) annual general meeting will take place on Friday 26 October at 11am in PEP’s West Pilton Park office – and it’s time to get your nomination papers in if you want to be a director.

PEP is a community-run and managed organisation, with a voluntary management board, and welcomes nominations for membership of the Board of Directors from people who live in the community and representatives of local organisations who have an interest in the work of the project.

The maximum number of members of the Board is eleven, with a majority of members being elected from groups or activities associated with the Project.  If more than 11 nominations are received in time for the Annual General Meeting there will be a vote at the AGM. A further four co-opted places will be available for those who have experience and/or skills which could be of assistance to the directors.

Interested? For further information call 315 4466 or email pepequalities@btconnect.com

Completed nomination forms must be received by Friday 19th October.