Just thought I would let you know about the recent event at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
The store provided the ingredients for a Burns Supper that was enjoyed by the North West Support Services Monday Cooking Club, the Jubilee Club and the Youth Club. They had a great time celebrating the life of our
great bard, Robert Burns.
The photograph shows service users from the centre and some of our colleagues.
Shay, Sainsbury’s
Residents of a Stockbridge care home recently got the chance to see their memories brought to life in a book created by an exhibited artist. Astrid Jaekel, originally from Ireland, compiled the book called ‘We Used to Jive a Bit … I Couldn’t Do That Now’ after her quest to find out more about the capital from peoples experiences.
Four residents from Bield’s Haugh Street care home in Stockbridge were given the chance to tell their stories for the book after providing Astrid with anecdotes of their time in Edinburgh.
The book which was originally an art installation for Astrid’s degree show looked at the lives of the Bield residents aged between 70 and 80 and also included portraits of them and different memories of life growing up in Edinburgh, from summers on Portobello beach to the hardships of being homeless.
Astrid (pictured above) said: “I had a great time speaking to the residents at Haugh Street and thoroughly enjoyed putting this book together of what was a real life account of life in Edinburgh. This project was born out of a genuine sense of curiosity I felt when moving to Britain and to Edinburgh. My aim was to delve beyond the obvious and to find out people’s attachments to a city as opposed to the more official accounts of history. Through this project I have discovered a side of Edinburgh that otherwise may have not opened up to me”.
Astrid first broke the ice with the four residents by having tea and biscuits with them which then turned into a series of recordings taken over three months.
Isabella Crawford who has been a resident at Bield’s Stockbridge care home for over 13 years, said: “This experience has let me remember the good old days and how pretty Edinburgh used to be. I had not thought about my days spent on Portobello beach and the games we played for a long time so it was good fun going through my memories and having them illustrated. It was also great to see how my portrait turned out.”
Astrid said: ‘It was lovely to see how excited and proud the residents were of the book. We all became good friends and I still visit them now for cups of tea”.
Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Bield said: “As Scotland’s leading provider of housing, care and community services for older people we are dedicated to providing quality care which enhances and enriches lives. Our ‘Free to Be’ philosophy which is at the heart of what Bield is all about, allows older people who still have ambition and drive the freedom to do the things they love but which might otherwise be taken away without the right help and support.”
Isabella Crawford who has been a resident at Bield’s Stockbridge care home for over 13 years, said: “This experience has let me remember the good old days and how pretty Edinburgh used to be.
… courtesy of mydestination.com/edinburgh
Edinburgh globetrotters are being given the opportunity to win the prize of a lifetime. Launching in Edinburgh this week, travel’s Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List competition offers one lucky winner a six month, all inclusive blogging trip around the world, taking in a minimum 25 international destinations and $50,000 (USD) prize money upon return to the UK.
The winner of the trip, which begins on 8 June 2013, can choose their own itinerary for the six months and will be expected to blog for website MyDestination.com.
Paul McGlinchey, Managing Director of MyDestination.com/Edinburgh said: “This is an amazing trip for anyone who has the travel bug. It is the chance to see all of those places you’ve always wanted to see – with all expenses paid. Scots are renowned travellers and I believe that people from Edinburgh can inject a real sense of passion for new places, so I hope many will enter our competition. Plus, there’s the life changing $50,000 USD to look forward to when the winner comes home.”
Throughout the trip, the winner will have the opportunity to meet new friends, see the sights and take part in various challenges. The challenges will be everything from trying out local delicacies to adrenaline pumping activities.
To win this trip of a lifetime, applicants must create a video application in English and up to three minutes in length talking about Edinburgh. Ten candidates from My Destination sites around the world will make it through to the voting list, five chosen by My Destination and five selected by public votes.
Ben Southall, winner of Tourism Queensland’s ‘Best Job In The World’ competition in 2009, will be judging the entries. He commented: “Winning ‘Best Job In The World’ was truly a life changing experience for me and I can’t wait to help pick out a winner for the Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List and help give someone else an opportunity that could very well be life changing for them. I haven’t looked back since winning in 2009 and I’m delighted to see an amazing travel blogging opportunity that really looks to get under the skin of so many destinations around the world.”
MyDestination.com/Edinburgh is part of My Destination, the global travel resource powered by a community of local experts. The competition is in partnership with a series of international associates including Hotels.com, Travelex and Viator, and closes on 31 March 2013 with the winner being announced on 7 May 2013.
The Electoral Commission has published its assessment of the Scottish Government’s proposed independence referendum question and has also given its advice on what campaign spending limits in the run-up to the poll should be.
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland said: “Voters are entitled to a referendum which produces a result they can have confidence in. The recommendations we have made today are an important part of giving voters that confidence. But it is of course for the Scottish Parliament to have the final say.”
The Commission was asked to test the following question by the Scottish Government:
“Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country? Yes/No”
The Commission’s established question assessment process involved talking to people across Scotland, asking for advice from accessibility and plain language experts, and writing to people and organisations, including the main political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament and campaigners to seek their views.
We found that the language in the proposed question is clear, simple and easy to understand. However, we also concluded that the words ‘Do you agree’ potentially encouraged people to vote ‘yes’ and should be replaced by more neutral wording.
The Electoral Commission recommends the question should be altered to:
“Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes / No”
The research also showed that voters want factual information ahead of the referendum. In the event of a “Yes” vote there would be a range of issues to be resolved within the UK and internationally about the terms of independence.
Although we would not expect the terms of independence to be agreed before the vote, clarity about how the terms of independence will be decided would help voters understand how the competing claims made by campaigners before the referendum will be resolved.
The Commission has therefore recommended that the UK and Scottish Governments should clarify what process will follow the referendum, for either outcome, so that people have that information before they vote. To avoid confusion we have asked the Governments to agree a joint position if possible.
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland said: “We have rigorously tested the proposed question, speaking to a wide range of people across Scotland. Any referendum question must be, and be seen to be, neutral. People told us that they felt the words ‘Do you agree’ could lead voters towards voting ‘yes’.
“People had a clear understanding that ‘independent country’ meant being separate from the UK. But they did want factual information in advance about what will happen after the referendum. We’re asking the UK and Scottish Government to provide that clarity and we’ll then make sure it gets to voters as part of our public awareness campaign.”
The Scottish Government has welcomed the announcement, and confirmed it will accept all of the Electoral Commission recommendations on the referendum question and campaign spending limits.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was delighted with the recommended question – ’Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes/No’ – and confirmed that it will be this question that is put before the Scottish Parliament. The Deputy First Minister also said she was satisfied with the recommended spending limits as they provide a level playing field for both sides of the debate.
In line with established practice in referendums throughout the UK, the Scottish Parliament will take the final decision on the wording of the question and campaign spending limits as part of its consideration of the Referendum Bill, which will be introduced in March.
Ms Sturgeon also welcomed the Electoral Commission’s calls for clarity around what a ‘No’ vote will mean for Scotland and its recommendation that the Scottish and UK governments work together to give clarity to the process that will follow a ‘Yes’ vote. She called on the UK government to accept these recommendations.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I would like to thank the Electoral Commission for the work they have done on testing our proposed referendum question and giving advice on campaign spending limits. I am pleased to confirm we will accept their recommendations in full.
“I am particularly delighted with the conclusion the Electoral Commission has reached on the question. While its view is that our proposed question was clear, simple and easy to understand, I am nevertheless happy to accept their recommended change.
“Their advice is based on rigorous testing and we will submit the Electoral Commission’s recommended question – ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ – to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Referendum Bill.
“I am also pleased with the spending limits proposed by the Electoral Commission – they deliver a level playing field and will allow a fair and balanced debate on both sides. I am also pleased that the Commission has modified the position set out in their response to our consultation in March, as this would have resulted in an imbalance between the two sides of the campaign.
“We have always said that Scotland’s referendum will be run to the highest international standards of fairness and transparency, and the Electoral Commission plays a vital role in that.
“The Scottish Parliament will take the final decision on the wording of the question and campaign spending limits as part of its consideration of the Referendum Bill which reinforces that this is truly a referendum made in Scotland.
“I also welcome the Electoral Commission calls for both the Scottish and UK Governments to clarify what process will follow the referendum if most voters vote ‘Yes’ or most voters vote ‘No’ vote. The Electoral Commission rightly point out this is in line with the Edinburgh Agreement.
“I have been calling for the UK Government to enter discussions to allow the voters to be better informed, but so far they have refused. This would not be pre-negotiation on the terms of independence but vital information for voters that will allow them to make an informed choice in autumn 2014. Given the Scottish Government is accepting all recommendations from the Electoral Commission I would hope that the UK Government is prepared to do the same.”
The leader of the Labour Party in Scotland Johann Lamont MSP has also welcomed the EC’s findings. Responding to the Electoral Commission report on the proposed referendum question and campaign financing, she said: “We welcome the Electoral Commission’s findings and will, of course, vote for them to e accepted in full. We did not get everything we asked for, but the most important people in this process are the people of Scotland and we believe that in the interests of clarity and certainty all parties should agree to these proposals which have been arrived at independently.
“We also welcome the suggestion that both sides of this debate clarify what will happen after the referendum. The Scottish Labour Party plans to set out before autumn 2014 proposals for how devolution can be developed and extended after Scotland has reaffirmed our place in the United Kingdom in the referendum. I believe it is only right that we set out the process by which such a development of devolution can be achieved after the referendum in which I am confident Scotland will vote to remain in the UK.
“I hope that the Scottish and UK governments, civic Scotland and all interested parties can at least outline how this can be achieved before we go to the polls. The people of Scotland deserve to have as much clarity and certainty in this process as possible.”
Campaign spending limits
As part of the Edinburgh Agreement the Electoral Commission was asked to provide advice on the spending limits for the referendum campaign.
In deciding what advice to give the Commission has applied its established principles for well-run referendums, taking into account the specific circumstances of this referendum, including the Edinburgh Agreement and information we now have about the likely shape and scale of campaigning.
The Commission invited views from campaigners and political parties on what the limits should be, and has considered what campaigners will need in order to put their arguments to voters.
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland said: “The campaign spending limits we have recommended are designed to ensure there are no barriers to voters hearing from campaigners in what will be a historic vote for the people of Scotland.
“We have listened carefully to the views of the Scottish Government and to campaigners, and have set out proposals based on our principles that spending limits should allow effective campaigning for all outcomes, deter excessive spending and encourage transparency.”
The Electoral Commission recommends that campaign spending limits for the independence referendum should be:
Designated lead campaigners: £1,500,000
Political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament:
Scottish National Party: £1,344,000
Scottish Labour: £834,000
Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: £396,000
Scottish Liberal Democrats: £201,000
Scottish Green Party: £150,000
Other registered campaigners: £150,000
Threshold for registration: £10,000
Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging people in Edinburgh to get together and organise a Mammoth Quiz to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
The Mammoth Quiz was created by a Macmillan fundraising committee who write all the questions and distribute the quiz packs, so all people need to do is sign up and get some friends together on February 22nd 2013. To take part and organise a quiz in your area contact anna@webboundle.co.uk
Daphne Fowler (pictured below), who appears in TV quiz show Eggheads said; “I am delighted to be the Patron for the Mammoth Quiz, I think it’s a fantastic event and is so easy for people to get involved. I would encourage everyone to sign up, it s always such fun and I can’t wait to head along to my local Mammoth Quiz again this year.”
Sainsbury’s Guide Dog puppies Jasper and Sandy are now 6 months old and they will be coming in to the store on Monday (4 Feb) at 11.30am to show customers and colleagues how their training is coming along.
Sainsbury’s customers and staff have now raised £15,000 for another Guide Dog puppy and will be starting the process of choosing a name for ‘Puppy 3’ soon!
Drylaw Parish Church will be holding their annual Scots Afternoon this Saturday (2 February) from 12.30 – 4pm.
There will be lots of Scottish Country Dancing under the direction of Arthur & Jessie, Edinburgh’s answer to Robbie Shepherd. Jean will sing some Burns songs and we must no forget our Highland Dancing Displays under the guidance of Amanda A great afternoon is guaranteed! Come for lunch at 12.30pm.
Tickets are priced £7.50
Hundreds of local women will lose out as a result of the latest pension reforms, according to North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz.
House of Commons Library research has revealed the true cost of last week’s pension reforms to 500 women in Edinburgh North and Leith and 2,900 women in Edinburgh as a whole who are set to lose out. Five hundred local women born in 1952 and 1953 will not be eligible for the single tier pension since they are due to retire in 2017, before the state pension reforms come into effect. Men born during the same period, however, will qualify.
The news comes after the Government claimed that “we have to be absolutely transparent [about who will lose]” yet it has failed to make clear the full consequences of the planned reforms.
The unravelling of this latest pension announcement is the second time this government has been caught trying to hide the full impact of its changes for pensioners following the Granny Tax, according to Mr Lazarowicz.
He added: “Ministers have been caught red-handed hiding the truth on pension reforms. This government’s pension changes have hit hardworking women in Edinburgh time and again and these reforms are no different. 500 women will be nearly £2,000 worse off compared to men, but instead of being honest with the women that will lose out this government tried to bury the truth. Once again Ministers have been caught with their hands in pensioners’ pockets – it’s about time this government had the decency to be honest about who will lose out under their plans.”
![Mark_Lazarowicz[1]](https://i0.wp.com/nen.press/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mark_lazarowicz1.jpg?ssl=1)
Residents at a Stockbridge care home are enjoying the perks of getting use out of a car which was originally intended to be used in the case of flooding emergencies.
Bield’s Stockbridge Care Home was provided with a contingency car when work began on the Water of Leith flood prevention scheme, with the intention it could be used to help evacuate residents quickly should flooding occur. Fortunately for the residents the car has not had to be used for any flooding problems but instead the staff have used it to take residents for special day trips and for medical appointments.
Kim Drysdale, manager at Stockbridge Care Home, said: “Originally the car was given to us so we could evacuate our service users quickly in case of any flooding from the Water of Leith which in the past has severely broken its banks after heavy rainfall.
“The Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme has fortunately prevented any cases of emergency and instead of just having the car sitting there without being used; we tried to think of different ways in which our service users could benefit from the transport.
“The car has been used for days out like canal trips and other activities. For example, earlier this year we had a service user who was unable to make a weekend trip with her social club, Pilton Elderly Project, due to them being unable to accommodate her wheelchair.
“But thanks to us having the contingency car we were able to take her on a two day holiday break to Oban which was a fantastic opportunity for her to feel independent by getting out and about to see the sites in Oban as she had never been before.”
In addition to offering assistance for recreational purposes, the car has been used for medical support for the service users who ages range from 60-90 years and have a diverse range of needs.
Kim added: “The car has been a massive help so far financially for our residents with them saving on travel costs for medical appointments to the hospital and doctor’s clinic as this can be expensive for them.
“Not only this but the nearest GP surgery is situated on a steep hill which would be physically impossible for the residents to reach so having this car has been a great advantage for them financially and mobility wise.”
Chief Executive Brian Logan said the innovative approach to available resources at Stockbridge Care Home typifies the approach Bield has made to improve the lives of people who use its services under its new inspirational statement: Free to Be.
He said: “This Free to Be commitment goes very much at the heart of what Bield is all about – letting people make their own choices about how they live their lives but being there to support them when they need it.
“Many older people still have ambition and drive and where we can we offer additional support to give them the freedom to do the things they love but which might otherwise be taken away without the right help and support.”
Bield – a registered charity – has grown from humble beginnings, starting out with one housing development in Bo’ness to become a major provider of a wide range of housing and services for around 15,000 people across 22 local authority areas.
A new campaign to encourage people to swap their power socket adapters for safer alternatives is being launched by the city council at Leith Asda this Friday (1st February).
The initiative, run by Trading Standards officers, is aimed at older people and those on low incomes. This follows research which found that 92% of these adaptors examined had safety issues which could potentially cause electrically-related fires.
To encourage safer electrical use in the home, the Council is giving away ‘bar’ socket extensions, which are safer because they prevent excessive weight being placed on the socket. The campaign is funded by the Electrical Safety Council.
Cllr Cammy Day, community safety leader, said: “To take part in the scheme, you can simply turn up with an old power socket adapter and hand it over in return for a free bar socket extension. We hope those most in need will come and take advantage of this opportunity to make their home that bit safer.“
Lorraine Carney, Senior Campaigns Manager at the Electrical Safety Council said: “According to government statistics, almost half of all accidental fires in UK homes – that’s over 20,000 each year – are caused by electricity, so we are delighted to work with the City of Edinburgh Council to support their innovative scheme, and make people aware of where electrical dangers may arise in their homes and how to prevent them.”
‘Swap shops’ will be set up at six locations across Edinburgh. Come along between 11am – 2pm on the following dates in February:
•Friday 1st: Asda Leith Superstore, 2 Sandpiper Drive, EH6 6QL
•Monday 4th: North Neighbourhood Office, 8 West Pilton Gardens, EH4 4DP
•Tuesday 5th: South Neighbourhood Office, 40 Captain’s Road, EH17 8HN
•Wednesday 6th: East Neighbourhood Office, 101 Niddrie Mains Drive EH16 4DS
•Thursday 7th: South-West Neighbourhood Office, 10 Westside Plaza, EH14 2ET
•Monday 11th: Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive, EH4 7FE
Trading Standards Officers will be present to provide guidance on electrical equipment safety.
A maximum of two extensions per household are available, although there is no limit to the number of adaptors that can be handed in for disposal.
