26/09/2014 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Fowl! Abandoned birds need new homes

Abandoned cockerels need new homes

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to find loving new homes for a number of cockerels in their care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has seen a rise in the number of cockerels being abandoned.

The most recent incident saw four Transylvanian cockerels dumped in woodland in Biggar, South Lanarkshire. The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre currently have 11 cockerels looking for new homes.

Assistant centre manager Kenny Sharpe said, “The majority cockerels come into our care after being abandoned.

“People often buy chicks thinking they are hens and unfortunately when they realise they are cockerels they often dump the birds as they don’t lay eggs and can be quite noisy.

“Cockerels are very territorial birds, so ideally we are looking to rehome them singly or in small groups to a home with a number of hens.

“The birds would also need access to a secure run or a fully enclosed garden.
“We’d encourage anyone who thinks they can give any of these birds a fresh start to contact us for further information.”

Anyone who can offer any of the cockerels a new home is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Pictures: SSPCA

Women: Breaking the mould

Breaking the Mould is a new project which aims to record and celebrate inspirational women from North Edinburgh who have made a difference to the lives of others locally, nationally, internationally. The project is particularly interested in identifying and publicising those women from our community who have ‘broken the mould’.

The achievements of many Edinburgh women are well known to us. Names such as Elsie Inglis and Helen Crummy have been celebrated with honours and memorials. There are many other women out there, however, who may have been forgotten about who really deserve to be remembered.

The group who are undertaking this research live locally and will be supported by a local Community Learning and Development worker and a tutor from the Workers Education Association. The group will be meeting every Wednesday from 10 – 12 in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre – first session is next Wednesday (1 October). A free crèche is provided for participants’ children.

Our short list of women who ‘Broke the Mould’ will be included in a new Edinburgh-wide booklet which will be launched at a special event at the Scottish Parliament next year. We also hope to create an exhibition displaying the images of all our inspirational local women. The exhibition will be launched at a community event in North Edinburgh Arts Centre next summer.

If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information about how you can get involved call Lynn McCabe at Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre on 552 5700 or Isobel Hart, from the Workers Education Association on 225 2580.

Alternatively, check out the North Edinburgh Breaking the Mould Facebook page. For more information about the project in other areas of the country contact: https://www.facebook.comWEABreakingthemould

Lynn McCabe

NEN: it’s deadline day

Just a reminder that today is deadline day for NEN’s autumn edition, so if you want to share your news with the North Edinburgh community in the October paper: HURRY!

Email us at northedinnews@gmail.com

In another development, NEN’s mobile phone was switched on at a moving private ceremony last night. The mobile phone has been silent for some time due to lack of funds, but the device is now active once again and awaits your calls!

The number? 07925 405 972.

Letter: lessons of the past will safeguard the future

Dear Editor

This year, France, Belgium and Holland are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of their liberation. After all the time that has passed, their joy and gratiiude is expressed not only by the elderly who suffered the oppression of occupation but also by each succeeding generation – they joy can be seen and felt in these countries.

I was part of the British forces advancing from France through Belgium into Holland. Near the town of Budel, there was torrential rain and I sought shelter in a farmer’s barn – much to the interest of the farmer’s children! I have kept in touch with the children since 1944 and have visited from time to time.

This September I was delighted to receive an invitation from the town of Budel to attend their Liberation Ceremonies as a guest of honour. These events were linked with the publication of a book entitled ‘Memories from the Past’, told by citizens of the area to the author Rene Vos, detailing the history of the occupation over the years 1940 – 44. I was asked to write the foreword for the book:

Citizens of the Cranendonck Community

To remember and to celebrate is not to glorify militarism but to show the united will of the people for a peaceful world.

It is important that events of the 1930s and 1940s are told to each generation so they can avoid the ‘mistakes’ made during that period: the ‘mistake’ of tolerating racism, the ‘mistake’ of ignoring the fascist states’ determination to expand their control over others, all of which led to world war.

It was the ordinary people of all lands who finally defeated that eveil; it is the ordinary people of all lands, armed with the knowledge of the past, that will safeguard the future.

The kindness, friendliness and hospitality expressed to me as a World War II representative was overwhelming. This is the main reason for this letter; to tell you of the great feeling of gratitude to the people of the UK and of their joy of liberation and freedom from fear and suppression.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Caution in the kitchen

Over the past few days The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have been called out to a number of kitchen fires across the East of Scotland. Thankfully these fires were relatively minor, but officers are taking the opportunity remind the public to take extra care in the kitchen …

Group Manager Alex Smart said: “Our advice to anyone who does experience a fire within the home is to get out, stay out and call us out. Close the door behind you and never try to tackle a fire yourself.

“More fires begin in the kitchen than in any other room of the house and traditional chip pans are a particularly high fire risk. We would urge everyone take a few simple steps to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“By never leaving pans unattended while in use and by keeping any flammable materials, such as kitchen towels, etc., away from sources of ignition, we can dramatically reduce the chance of fire starting.

“Chip pan fires very quickly spread flames, toxic smoke and heat so having early warning is vital to preventing serious injury or worse. There is much less chance of someone being seriously hurt or killed by fire if a house is protected by working smoke alarms.

“Having a smoke alarm fitted can limit the damage to property by allowing firefighters the chance to respond earlier to extinguish the fire. Working smoke alarms provide householders with an early warning that will enable them to escape the property during the early stages and can prevent injuries and deaths caused by fire.

“Crews in every community throughout Scotland routinely visit members of the public in their own homes to offer FREE advice and to fit smoke alarms to help them stay safe from fire.

“If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a FREE visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.”

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk