Walkathon update

Edinburgh’s own Zumba Boys, will be on hand on Saturday 20th July turning up the heat in their own style with motivating music and warm up moves to get everyone in the mood for the Walkathon. David and Tom’s Zumba classes are great fun so we jumped when they offered to support the event. We know the boys will certainly get you lot jumping – for joy – and once the Zumba Boys have got you going you will be raring to raise as much as possible for the NEN – Thanks boys – see you there 😉

Ann Confrey, NEN Board 

Zumba Boys

 

‘Classical music the world over’

Chamber Philharmonia Cologne are coming to town later this month …

03-Edinburgh

“Classical music the world over” – this is the motto of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne. It is irrelevant for our musicians whether they are playing in a little village church, in the open air, in Cologne Cathedral or in the Sydney Opera House – their enthusiasm to play music is the same every time.

The objective is simple – we want to inspire as many people as possible across all generations to enjoy classical music. The popularity of our ensemble is reflected in the fact that the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne gives around 300 concerts a year around the globe and listeners throughout the world look forward to a musical encounter with our exceptionally talented musicians.

The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne was founded in the city whose name they bear: Cologne. The city that is famous throughout the world for its University of Music and its musical and instrumental teaching. Generations of musicians have been trained here for many decades who, in terms of their musicality, are unparalleled around the world. Taking advantage of this pool of talent, a stock of outstanding musicians has accrued that in a changing cast of musicians take our motto across the world.

Since November 2009, the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne has a very special partner at their side – the Mercedes-Benz Centre in Cologne. As part of a creative cooperation, this world renowned company, via its branch in Cologne, thrilled by our musical concept provides the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne with a comfortable tour bus. It enables our musicians to travel quickly and comfortably to the many varied concert locations. In return, the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, in close cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz Center Cologne, organises special concerts for the car company’s special customers. The remarkable construction of the Mercedes-Benz Center is transformed in the process into a really top-class concert palace. This results in the smell of new cars mixing with the sounds of classical music.

The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne is at home all over the world. Our tours regularly take us to New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland and many other countries – and of course to Germany. In this context, the selection of works and soloists takes on a special significance. The multifaceted composition of the ensemble provides every member of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne with the opportunity to perform as a soloist.

The permanently expanding repertoire of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne consists primarily of hand-picked pieces. The real appeal of our programme lies in the meeting of popular and unknown works from a wide variety of musical epochs. This sees familiar greats like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi in dialogue with works from people such as Sergei Prokofieff through to the “King of Tango” Astor Piazzolla. This mix promises great diversity of the very highest order, without us having to preach to the audience in the process. After all, music is for entertainment and not for instruction.

To inspire people across the world to enjoy classical music – that’s what we view as our maxim!

Quite simply:

            Classical music the world over!

KPK-8-bluePrint

 Chamber Philharmonia Cologne

 

Gwen Chrystal

Sad to report the death of North Edinburgh activist Gwen Chrystal, who died on Wednesday after a short illness.

Gwen, who was from Royston Wardieburn, was an active campaigner on a host of community issues over the years in Greater Pilton; from the Western General Action Group – which fought to retain A&E, Maternity and Paediatric services at the local hospital – to the current North Edinburgh Fights Back activities Gwen could always be counted on to rally to the cause.

A popular figure and a warm and friendly face, Gwen will be missed by her friends and colleagues in the North Edinburgh community and our condolences go out to her family.

We’ll post funeral details when we have them.

GwenChrystal

 

Stevey Hay

Stevey Hay’s funeral will be held today at 12pm in Warriston’s Lorimer Chapel.

Stevey, a hugely talented musician, died of a heart attack on 3 July at the age of only 51.

Muirhouse man Stevey was well known locally as the welcoming face of Muirhouse Millennium Centre until he was made redundant last year, but his musical talents as a blues singer and guitarist from an early age ensured he would be appreciated by a wider audience on far bigger stages.

Stevey loved making music from an early age and formed his first band, The Eploited, in 1978 at the tender age of sixteen. He never really stopped playing since, and Stevey’s new band was due to appear alongside blues legend Muddy Waters’ son Mud Morganfield at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival later this month with his new band, Stevey Hay’s Shades of Blue.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival producer Roger Spence said: “We were shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Stevey Hay.

“He was a much-loved regular performer at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and was due to play in a headline show alongside Muddy Waters’ son in the festival this year. His unique brand of rocking, good-times blues will be a huge loss, not just to the festival, but to the blues world as a whole.”

A truly talented, friendly and warm guy, Stevey is survived by his wife Louise, daughter Jasmine and sons James and Steven.

BLUES MAN Stevey Hay (left)
BLUES MAN Stevey Hay (left)

 

Young people map out youth provision

Pilton

Young Persons Map

The Junction, a health and wellbeing project for young people aged 12-21, has developed and delivered a young person’s mapping project which is based on the principles and features of the Asset Based Approach.

The key feature of asset based working is valuing the potential, skills, knowledge and connections present in individuals and their communities.

During  creation of the map staff spoke with young people in their community during streetwork; each map shows  where young people hang out, places they feel safe and where they go for support as well as what they saw as the best thing about their area.

The maps were made during May and June at The Junction in Leith, Granton Youth Centre (GYC), Pilton Youth & Community Project (PYCP) and Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG).

Young people attending their regular drop-in at each organisation were given the chance to get involved and those that took part were aged from 12 to 17.

There are 4 maps in total – each is 9ft x 6ft and is made of tie dye material, each map is unique and made up from photos, young people’s comments and opinions about their area.

This is just the beginning; each organisation will be given the map to use as a resource to use with the young people of that area.

Feel free to email any comments you may have about the maps.

Ian@the-junction.org

With special thanks to NEAIC (North Edinburgh Alcohol Initiative Collaborative)

Granton

Muirhouse
Muirhouse

SSPCA seek owner of Sweary Sam!

Who’s a ****** pretty boy, then?

Swearing parrot seeks owner!

The Scottish SPCA is seeking the owner of a potty-mouthed parrot found straying in West Lothian. Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called to rescue the cheeky bird on Saturday (6 July) from a garden in Netherwood Park, Livingston.

The Timneh African grey parrot is now entertaining staff at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where he has been nicknamed Sam.

Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Sam is a real character. Not only does he know a vast array of swear words, he also dances and whistles if he feels he’s not getting enough attention.
He’s a very friendly boy who will jump on your shoulder or hand so it seems someone has spent quite a bit of time taming him.

“Sam doesn’t have an identity ring so unfortunately we’ve not been able to trace his owner. Hopefully someone will recognise him and come forward so we can return this rather mischievous bird home soon.”

Anyone who recognises Sam can call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

SAM: who you ****** looking at?
SAM: who you ****** looking at?

New business workspace facility opens in Leith tonight

New workspaces for creative businesses opens formally in Leith tonight

Creative Exchange Leith provides 80 workspaces for individuals, groups or businesses, and aims to create a new hub for creative talent in the city.

Based in the former Corn Exchange building, a local landmark located close to some of Edinburgh’s leading creative agencies, the hub has been renovated to Grade A standard with an award-winning design.

All members can access a wide range of facilities and support including super-fast broadband, space for meetings, networking and exhibitions. Plus there are business support services ranging from start-up advice through to mentoring and help securing investment.

Councillor Frank Ross, Economy Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “What Creative Exchange offers is flexible and affordable workspace combined with the support that both new starts and existing businesses need. This is another major milestone in our strategy for jobs and I’m delighted that the Council has been able to work with others to make this happen – not just those who have funded it directly but many other private and public organisations that have given their very welcome backing.”

Iain Munro, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said: “Edinburgh needs affordable flexible creative spaces, with super-fast broadband, to support emerging and established creative entrepreneurs. This development is a welcome new opportunity to create a vibrant hub for networking, collaboration and showcasing of the Creative Industries in the capital city.”

Mandy Exley, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “Edinburgh College is committed to excellence and innovation and the Creative Exchange provides an exciting opportunity for new and emerging talent to develop their businesses in a supported environment. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the City of Edinburgh and partners to support new business start-ups which contribute to the economic development of the region.”

Francois Roshdy, user experience Director, Border Crossing Media, said: “Facilities like this are absolutely vital to start ups and small businesses, allowing us to concentrate on developing new services and products without the worry or hassle of trying to find somewhere affordable to work. It’s also an ideal set-up for collaboration, and that’s so important to what we do.”

Costs range from just £80 a month for a weekend member, through to £320 a month for a ‘super member’ with full access. Users can also opt for a day rate. Rent, rates, heating and lighting are all included.

Funding for the project has come from the City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland and Edinburgh College.

Edinburgh College has also agreed to fund around six students every year to take entrepreneurial residency at Creative Exchange Leith, receiving guidance and mentoring to start a new business.

The Creative Exchange’s first tenants moved in on 10 June 2013 and five businesses are now operating from there including Iglu Studio, Border Crossing Media, Voluntary Arts Scotland, SME Professional and Designers on the Run.

Potential tenants and others interested in Creative Exchange Leith can get more information and follow its progress via:

·         Website http://www.creativeexchangeleith.com/

·         Twitter @CExchange

·         Facebook Creative Exchange Leith

·         Google+

·         Linked In

Creative_Exchange_2

 

Health Project seeks new Board members

Pilton Community Health Project is a fast-changing organisation which has been working with local people to overcome health inequalities in north Edinburgh for more nearly 30 years. 

We are currently recruiting motivated and dedicated people to join our Board of Directors.  We value people’s life experience as well as their qualifications and are looking to achieve a good balance on our Board.  Its an exciting time for us, we are revisiting our vision and if you were to join us, you would have a real opportunity to shape the direction of our work for the next 30 years!

We are particularly keen to recruit people who live locally and want to make a difference to peoples health in the area.

If you are interested call Project Manager, Jen Richards on 0131 551 1671 to find out more about what it would involve.  Have a look at our website and facebook page to find out more about what we do and what goes on in the area.

www.pchp.org.uk

www.facebook.com/PiltonCommunityHealthProject

PCHPoffice

Anita Aggarwal

Senior Development Worker (Health Inequalities)

Pilton Community Health Project

73 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2PW