Month: October 2012

Tough times at PEP

Chairperson Irene Garden said she wanted to be positive when she welcomed guests to  Pilton Equalities Project’s (PEP’s) annual general meeting on Friday, and she started out that way. However her report quickly turned to PEP’s trials and tribulations – it’s been a particularly tough year, and the signs are that it’s not going to get any easier any time soon.

“Once again our staff and volunteers have worked above and beyond the call of duty to ensure we continue to deliver our services”, she told the meeting at PEP’s West Pilton Park office. “To quote George Johanson, one of our directors: ‘another difficult year in tempestuous seas!'”

PEP is fundamentally different organisation from the Pilton Elderly Project from whence it emerged. Community transport for older people was the primary focus of the old PEP, but as funding priorities changed over the years so has PEP – the community organisation has diversified and added learning and training elements to the daycare and community transport services it was best known for.

Manager Helen Tait highlighted successes over the last year, and PEP’s statistics certainly remain impressive: PEP has provided 2585 learning opportunities over the last year,  has 59 volunteers who have given 7518 hours to the service and the PEP minibus fleet has provided 33.931 passenger journeys this year.

But despite those figures, PEP faces a constant fight to keep all those services going, chairperson Irene Garden told the meeting.

“It’s been a very difficult year with funding cuts and uncertainties. Staff have been really flexible but so much of their time is now spent chasing funds that it’s getting really difficult for them to do their ‘real’ jobs. With respect to our transport services, we receive funding for our drivers but no money to maintain our vehicles – that’s proving to be a real problem and we don’t want to let any of our service users down,so we really need our funders to support us now. We are under real pressure – no service has had to be disbanded as yet,but this is all dependent on sufficient funds coming in. If the last twelve months have been a challenge the next twelve could be even tougher.”

Despite that fairly gloomy outlook PEP still has a full Board of Directors for the year ahead, with only one vacant position.

With the annual general meeting finishing earlier than expected, some procedural business was discussed. The meeting heard that a compliance sub-group is currently reviewing PEP’s constitution and Articles of Association to clear up some inconsistencies over membership issues. That sub-committee will report recommendations to PEP’s new board in the near future.

Dads Rock at The Prentice Centre

Children and Families Minister Aileen Campbell MSP officially opened the new Dads Rock group at The Prentice Centre yesterday (Saturday 27 October). Around twenty men and their kids attended the first local session of the playgroup that was set up specifically for dads and male carers. 

The Clydesdale MSP was joined by her partner Graham and their wee boy Angus at The Prentice Centre and the family had a great time! Ms Campbell said:”We received a really warm welcome and enjoyed our visit. Dads Rock is a great idea and I really do hope it goes from strength to strength, not only in Edinburgh but across the country”.

Dads Rock founders Thomas and David said: “We were really delighted to see so many new faces at our first session at The Prentice Centre and we’re very grateful to Aileen for showing her support by performing the launch. We’re hoping that the word will spread now that we’re open in Granton and we’re looking forward to meeting more and more local dads as the weeks go on”.

Prentice Centre management committee members and staff were on hand to welcome the new visitors to their building on the corner of Granton Mains Avenue and West Granton Road. Janet Campbell, manager at The Prentice Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dads Rock to the Centre and it was good to see so many people here for the first session. The kids seemed to have a great time and we are sure it will be a success”.

The Dads Rock playgroup meets at The Prentice Centre on Saturday mornings from 10 – 11.30am with play, music time, art stuff, snack and story time – and it’s all free. For more information check out the Dads Rock Facebook page or see their blog at http://dadsrock.blogspot.co.uk/ 

We will remember them

 In Flanders’ Fields

In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders’ Fields.

 ‘We saw some infantry transport come up, and there was a lieutenant quartermaster there. I went over and he said: ‘How are you off for grub?’ so I said ‘We’ve only got biscuits and bully’. He gave us some bread and butter, tea and jam. He was  chap who was getting on for fifty, I should think; a lieutenant quartermaster, not a fighting man at all, and yet he’s brought up all these rations.

He was practically in tears – he said his lads wouldn’t need it. You see, when you lost men it was a day or two before you could stop their rations coming up. The Army Service Corps would still be sending up the rations of so many men while you might have lost half of them. And what happened to all that grub? You’d live like fighting cocks on what was left for a day or two!

In the evening Noble, Robbins and myself went up to Trones Wood. There were no trees left intact at all, just stumps and treetops and barbed wire all mixed up together. And bodies all over the place, Jerries and ours.

Robbins pulled up some undergrowth and as we fished our way through there was this dead Jerry, his whole hip shot away and all his guts out and flies over it. Robbins just had to step back, and then this leg that was up in a tree became dislodged and fell on his head. He vomited on the spot. Good Lord, it was terrible.’

Gunner Leonard Ounsworth , Royal Garrison Artillery: The Somme 1916

The only way up from Ypres was by a plank road fifteen to twenty feet wide. All munitions had to travel a considerable distance up this plank road, and the mud was so deep that on one occasion, with drag-ropes, it was still impossible to pull the guns out of the mud.

The mud and the conditions were absolutely indescribable, You saw fellows coming down from the trenches badly wounded, covered from head to foot in mud and blood, and perhaps an arm missing. You saw some fellows drop off the duckboards and literally die from exhaustion and loss of blood. Horrible, it was. 

Gunner Sidney White, Royal Artillery:  Passchendaele 1917 

I remember trying to help a lad in this copse about a hundred yards from our jumping-off trench. There was no hope of getting to him, he was struggling in the middle of this huge sea of mud. Then I saw a small sapling and we tried to bend it over to him. We were seasoned soldiers then, but the look on the lad’s face was really pathetic – he was only a mere boy. It pricked my conscience, I felt I should try to do something more for him, but I couldn’t do a thing – had I bent it a little more I should have gone in with him, and had anyone else gone near this sea of mud they should have gone in with him too, as so many had.

Sergeant Cyril Lee: Passchendaele 1917

 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Swim and you’re winning at Craigroyston!

Young people from Muirhouse Youth Development Group and Craigroyston Community High School will be making a mighty splash when they take part in a 24 hour sponsored swim next week.

The 24 hour Swimathon – which starts at 9am next Thursday (1 November)  – has been organised to raise funds to support CCHS’s extra-curricular and outdoor activities programme, including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and residential fields trips. These excursions will be staffed by a qualified team of youth workers from MYDG and MYadventure (MYDG’s social enterprise arm), who are experienced in supporting the needs of young people and regularly deliver high quality and professional level training and activities.

The money raised during the swimathon will be spilt – 50% will go to school funds to support and subsidise trips, excursions and outdoor activities while the remainder will go to MYDG to support the core programme, which includes lunchtime activities and youth hubs.

The November event has largely been organised by a group of Craigroyston sixth year pupils who are also active participants at MYDG.

During the duration of the Swimathon Craigroyston’s swimming pool will not be unoccupied for a full 24 hours – staff, pupils and volunteers have all be drafted in and recruited to either swim or be a lifeguard!

The Swimathon begins at 9am on Thursday and will run (swim?) until 9am on Friday!

MYadventure and CCHS invite you to pledge a donation towards their worthwhile cause: you can sponsor by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/24hourswimathon

or by texting CCHS 67 to 70070 with the amount you wish to donate, e.g to donate £10 text CCHS 67 £10 to 70070

Celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson Day next month

Edinburgh is to celebrate an annual Robert Louis Stevenson Day in November.  Organisers hope the accolade to our world-famous author will match the popularity of Dublin’s Bloomsday tribute to James Joyce.

The City of Literature Trust has designated 13 November – the writer’s birthday – as Robert Louis Stevenson Day but this year’s inaugural event will be held on 17 November as it’s the closest Saturday, allowing more fans to take part in the event.

Stevenson, author of classics including Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde and Kidnapped, was born was born at 8 Howard Place at Canonmills on 13 November 1850. His family moved to nearby Inverleith Terrace in Jan the following year and then on to 17 Heriot Row in 1857. A student at Edinburgh University, Stevenson lived in Edinburgh for 29 years, and continued to visit until 1887. He died on the island of Samoa in 1894, aged just 44.

Events planned to celebrate his work will include a continuous public reading of the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, a flashmob, high-profile speakers and the chalking of quotations from his words on pavements.

Richard Lewis, the city council’s culture leader, said: “Robert Louis Stevenson is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sons and the creation of RLS Day is a fitting tribute to his life , work and legacy. We assisted with a number of special events held across the city last November, all of which generated significant interest, so clearly the public shares our enthusiasm.”

The plan comes after a one-off event last year and a proposal by another Edinburgh writer – Rebus author Ian Rankin  – that it should be held every year. The day will bring theatre performances of Stevenson’s work in the city centre, and Ian Rankin has also suggested projecting quotation’s from Stevenson’s work onto public buildings at night as well as tours of the city.

Professor Linda Dryden, director of the Centre for Literature and Writing at the city’s Napier University, said: “A perennially popular author and an international brand, there are scholars around the world who study his works but Stevenson himself has never really been celebrated in any significant way as the son of Edinburgh. We want to bring together people who are interested in Stevenson and we anticipate there will be international interest.”

It is hoped the day will bring tourists to the city just as Dublin’s annual Bloomsday, named after the protagonist Leopold Bloom in Joyce’s Ulysses, has also spread around the world. First introduced in the 1950s, it is also marked in the United States and Italy, where it was partially written.

Events are being held on Stevenson’s birthday too:

RLS Day 13 November

Robert Louis Stevenson Day (RLS Day) rolls out on his birthday, 13th November. There will be a series of events and Stevenson inspired shenanigans popping up across the city and online. It is the perfect way to celebrate the life and writings of the man who brought us Treasure Island: so wear velvet and don a ‘tache in his honour, and be part of a Stevenson flashmob. Enjoy pop up theatre on your doorstep. Stroll across his words chalked on your streets. Eat cream tarts and learn about his alter ego, the duplicitous John Libbel. Discover what he was really like as a student of the University of Edinburgh. Walk the closes and cobbles that he walked and see Edinburgh through his eyes. And why not catch John Sessions and Nigel Planer talking about their lifelong fascination of the man. Share your favourite Stevenson facts with us on Facebook and Twitter #RLSDay, and open a book, read a story and raise a glass to RLS, wherever you find yourself.

A Robert Louis Stevenson Evening with John Sessions and Nigel Planer

Tuesday 13th November, 7-8pm

Reid Hall, Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AG

It is the perfect finale to RLS Day, and Stevenson’s birthday: actors and writers, Nigel Planer and John Sessions, both famous in their own right, discuss their lifelong fascination with another famous man, Robert Louis Stevenson. Talking about his life and works – from moustaches to memoirs, tall tales to world travel – they’ll be reading from his novels and poems, and working out what it is that makes Stevenson the literary phenomenon he is today.

Part of the RLS Day celebrations and brought to you by Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Literature and Writing (CLAW), in partnership with the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. Tickets cost £5. To book yours: purchase from the Edinburgh Napier Online Store.

Campaign launched to ensure city cyclists are seen

HI VIZ: Police cyclists on patrol

A new campaign and series of roadshows to cut the city’s cycle casualty rate was launched at the Western General Hospital this morning. It’s hoped the campaign will encourage both cyclists to ‘light up’ and motorists to be extra aware of cyclists – particularly at junctions.

More than half of Edinburgh’s cycle casualties in November, December and January happen during the hours of darkness. Meanwhile, almost 50% of serious injuries sustained by cyclists in the Capital between 2006 and 2010 were linked to other vehicles carrying out turning manoeuvres.  So while cyclists should take extra care to be seen, it is equally important that motorists take extra care to look out for cyclists as they turn at junctions.

Run by the Streets Ahead partnership, the campaign will reinforce these messages in a bid to cut the cycle casualty rate this winter.

The visibility campaign urges cyclists to make sure they are seen on the roads during the winter months by wearing high visibility clothing and ensuring their bikes are fitted with lights and reflectors.

Councillor Jim Orr, Vice Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Cycling is a safe and healthy way to travel and as a Council we are committed to encouraging bike use. However, too many Edinburgh cyclists are still taking a cavalier approach to visibility, in particular by cycling without lights. Apart from being unsafe, this contravenes the Highway Code and undermines the goodwill of the motorists we cyclists share the roads with.

“As a keen cyclist, I’m always properly kitted out with high visibility kit and lights. This new joint campaign will reinforce the visibility message with free samples and timely tips on how cyclists can keep themselves safe. My message for all road users  – motorists and cyclists alike – is to take special care to look out for each other during the darker winter months and make sure you are visible and brightly lit.”

In addition to the marketing and advertising campaign launched today, a cycling safety roadshow aimed at both cyclists and motorists will tour University of Edinburgh and NHS buildings over the coming days to coincide with the clocks going back at the weekend.

Cyclists will be given free bike lights and information leaflets and advice, and free bike checks by The Bike Station and bike security marking by Lothian and Borders Police are also on offer.

Superintendent David Carradice of Lothian and Borders Police said: “Edinburgh, like many cities in the UK has numerous cyclists travelling on the road network as they make their way to work, school, or who use their bikes recreationally. The road conditions change dramatically during the autumn and winter months, with increased hours of darkness and more challenging road conditions to face.

“It is therefore extremely important for cyclists to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety. “The cycle safety road shows will provide cyclists with all the necessary advice and guidance on keeping themselves safe while out on the road. Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies are committed to promoting cycle safety and reducing the number of casualties on our roads.”

Emma Crowther, Transport and Parking Manager at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Huge numbers of our staff and students cycle to University and we want to make sure they continue to do so through the darker winter months – but safely. Over the last few weeks in the run-up to this campaign we have been spreading awareness of the importance of bike lights and high-viz clothing. Motorists also have their part to play in taking special care to look out for cyclists and we will be relaying this message to drivers.”

Ian Maxwell from Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign, said: “Many people continue to cycle all year round in Edinburgh and this campaign emphasises that winter commuting is just as feasible if you wear appropriate clothing (warm, but in zippable layers so that you can avoid overheating) and use lights after dark.  In recent years the traffic counts by Spokes in May and November have shown almost no decrease in cycling in November compared with May.”

Dr Graham MacKenzie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “Cycling is a great way to stay active and improve your health. It is important that people cycle safely at all times and NHS Lothian would urge cyclists to make sure they are seen on the roads during the winter months. It’s vital that cyclists and motorists exercise caution on the roads as the dark nights set in.”

Following today’s launch outside the Western General’s Wellcome Trust Building the roadshow moves on to the Royal Infirmary on Monday (29 October), the University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings Murray Library on Tuesday and Potterrow on Thursday 1 November.

Anyone wishing further information on keeping themselves or their bike safe can also contact their local policing team or visit the Lothian and Borders Police website at www.lbp.police.uk

 

Guide dog puppies to visit Sainsbury’s

Aawww! A wee Guide Dog puppy

Jasper and Sandy, two Guide Dog puppies sponsored by Sainsbury’s Blackhall customers, will be making personal appearances at the local store next Wednesday at 2pm. 

Sainsbury’s customers and staff chose Guide Dogs as their nominated charity for 2011/12 and Jasper and Sandy will be calling in to meet everyone and say thanks! Guests of honour will be Rebecca Law, a member of staff at Sainsbury’s, and Clermiston Primary School pupil Eve McCall – Rebecca and Eve won the store’s ‘Name the Puppies’ competition.

Jasper and Sandy – who is named after Guide Dogs volunteer collector Sandy Miller, a well-known face at Sainsbury’s – don’t have too far to travel to visit the local store. Jasper is being walked for his first year by a Guide Dog puppy walker who lives in Blackhall, while Sandy is learning his trade in Leith.

It costs £10,000 to adopt, name and train two puppies for their first year but through collections at checkouts, by volunteers and through a local ‘Go Walkies’ sponsored event generous staff and customers raised that amount and more – the local store is now well on the way to raising another £5000 to sponsor another puppy in the New Year!

Aawww! Another wee Guide Dog puppy!

See stars and spooks at the Botanics this weekend!

It’s a big weekend at the Botanics, with family drop-in activities and a late late show on Sunday for a special event …

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October, 12 noon – 4.30pm

Take part in a weekend of astronomy fun for all the family with The Royal Observatory. See a comet-making demonstration and handle some real meteorites! In true Halloween style, we’ll not only be exploring spooky space but also spooky plants. Have you ever seen a bat plant?

Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Free – no booking required

Sunday 28 October, 6.30pm

Pop your beanies on and enjoy a very special FREE late night opening of the Gateway on Sunday 28 (entry via West Gate on Arboretum Place only). You’ll get an introduction to astronomy and the night’s sky, meet the astronomers and (if it’s clear) partake in stargazing activities using powerful telescopes. Doors open at 6.30pm and introduction to astronomy/stargazing sessions will run from 7pm-9pm. Sign up on the night on a first come, first served basis. There will also be talks on astrobiology and more comet-making demonstrations. The Gateway Restaurant Bar and the Botanics Shop will be open for hot and cold drinks and pre-Christmas shopping!

With the Royal Observatory.