Students snap up photography awards

Five in the frame for national Awards

BIPP Student Awards 2015 Photojournalism 1st Place — BIPP Student Awards 2015
Photojournalism 1st Place

Edinburgh College students triumphed in all five student categories at the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Scottish Region Image Awards. The stash of prizes included the Student Photographer of the Year award.

As well as the Student Photographer of the Year award, HND and BA Professional Photography students picked up the top prizes in the Photojournalism, Advertising & Fashion, Social & Portraiture, and Open categories. They also claimed 21 second and third places and merits, with the college taking home all the prizes in some categories!

The results continue a six-year winning streak for Edinburgh College photography students at the BIPP Scottish Region Image Awards. Students and graduates snapped up 30 of the prizes on offer in last year’s competition.

BIPP Student Awards 2015 Advertising & Fashion 1st Place Overall Winner — BIPP Student Awards 2015
Advertising & Fashion 1st Place
Overall Winner

Kinga Kocimska, who is studying for a BA Professional Photography, was named Student Photographer of the Year this year, and also received the prize for Advertising & Fashion (above).

Kinga said: “Receiving such positive feedback on my images has motivated me even more to further develop my skills and to explore subjects I am genuinely interested in. It feels great to be able to produce work that meets professional industry standards within only four years from the start of my photography journey.”

There was also success for Edinburgh College graduates in the professional photographer categories. Lee Howell took first and second place in the Scottish Commercial, Industrial, Advertising and Architecture category and won the Open category. Last year, Lee was named Professional Photographer of the Year 2014. Lee has his own commercial photography business in Edinburgh, specialising in creative advertising and contemporary editorial portraiture.HND Photography student Oliver Henderson, who recently won the Calumet Student Photographer of the Year award, triumphed in the student Open category (above).

Marjory Crooks, curriculum manager for broadcast media, said: “It is fantastic to see our photography students recognised with these well regarded awards. The continued success of our students in these awards is testament to their professionalism and talent. It also highlights the quality of the teaching staff at the college, who do great work preparing our students for the workplace.”

Queen’s Award for LifeCare

Stockbridge-based LifeCare have had their work recognised by Her Majesty the Queen. LifeCare, which works with elderly people, has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Across the city, Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club has also received the highest accolade.

Both charities were recommended for awards by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant, Donald Wilson, who also takes on the role of the city’s volunteering champion and both LifeCare and Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will be invited to attend a garden party at Holyrood Palace with the Queen in late Spring.

LifeCare Edinburgh, based at Cheyne Street in Stockbridge, works across the city supporting the independence and wellbeing of the elderly, people with dementia and carers, helping them to remain at home, connect with others and participate more fully in their community. This is done through a rang of services which includes day units, a popular community café and volunteer projects.

Su Millar, Chief Executive of LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this news and proud to be one of two organisations to receive such a prestigious award. We are delighted that it is recognising the excellent work our volunteers do here at LifeCare Edinburgh.

“We are grateful to Sopra Steria, Edinburgh for nominating us. It demonstrates our commitment to our volunteers and we could not offer all that we do without them. The volunteers who work with us complement our staff teams whether it is assisting in the day units, helping in the café, supporting our events, or helping older people with their shopping.”

“They all bring their own enthusiasm and expertise so without them LifeCare Edinburgh would not be able to make such a difference in the lives of the people we care for. Our volunteers range from students doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, people who have retired and have more time to spare, to those looking to gain experience in the workplace.”

Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club provides a vital lunch club service for elderly and frail people in east Edinburgh. The service is provided on an entirely voluntary basis by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are themselves elderly.

The local groups are two of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of awards handed out to groups have increased by over 60% from 2014, due to an increase in high quality applications, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.

Volunteers from LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will receive the award from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost later this summer.

The Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups and recognises the outstanding work they provide within their local communities. I am delighted that not one but two of Edinburgh’s fantastic charities have been chosen by the Queen to receive this recognition.

“Both LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club truly deserve the praise. It was an honour to recommend them personally for their voluntary service, and it will be my privilege to present them with their awards and certificates later this year.”

The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, added: “I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The hard work and commitment that goes into the work of these organisations is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.

“I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a bigger, stronger society.”

Any group of two or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. Full details on how to nominate are available at http://qavs.direct.gov.uk/

Nominations for the 2016 awards close on 18 September 2015.

Tackling food poverty in North Edinburgh

Do you remember Pilton Community Health Project’s ‘Good Food For All’ event held last December?

Since that conference a group of local people and organisations have been meeting to develop ideas and to take the report findings on to the next stage – and you can be part of that!

The next food poverty meeting takes place this afternoon (Tuesday 2 June) from 1 – 2.30 at Pilton Community Health Project and is an opportunity to discuss what we can do to have our voices heard about food poverty. All welcome

Contact Anita for more information on 0131 551 1671

Charles Kennedy: a wee giant

Former Lib Dem leader dies aged 55

Lib Dem politician Charles Kennedy has died, his family has announced. He was only 55. Kennedy was one of a rare breed – that rare phenomenon, a popular politician – and colleagues and opponents have been swift to praise the likeable wee guy known to many as ‘Chat Show Charlie’.

A statement released on behalf of his family this morning said: “It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy. Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss.

“Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days.

“There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted earlier this morning: “Sad beyond words to hear the news about Charlie Kennedy. A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon.’

Kennedy’s predecessor as Lib Dem party leader Paddy Ashdown remarked: “In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency.”

Nick Clegg, who resigned as Liberal Democrat leader following last month’s general election, said: “Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics.

“He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq.”

Community council concern over bank branch closure

Trinity CC met on 11 May. Here are the main points:

RBS Goldenacre closure

This long-established branch has been scheduled for closure by RBS. We have expressed our very strong reservations about the impact on local businesses and the wider community but also about the underlying commercial logic. We sincerely hope that RBS will consider these points and have asked for a spokesperson to come to our next meeting.

Walkabout – Saturday 25 April

This identified a number of priorities for CEC spending:
– patching potholes in Netherby Rd, Lennox Row
– attend to puddle at Boswall Rd/Netherby Rd junction
– consider yellow lines for various sections of Boswall Rd
– some minor repairs to Wardie Steps
– clarifying ownership around Wardie Bay as initial step towards strengthening the sea wall, upgrading existing steps, cleaning up the beach and installing litter bins.
– better lighting in Walkway tunnel near L Granton Rd
– more litter bins in pathway between Newhaven Rd and Trinity Academy, and in Victoria Park.
– handrail down the steep part of Laverockbank Road.

127 Trinity Road – Application to develop garage site

The previous application has been withdrawn and resubmitted. This follows a significant number of objections mainly concerning overdevelopment with few objecting to residential development in principle. Indeed some of the adjoining residents in Lower Granton Road would favour development as they expect it to improve their environment and drainage in particular.

Other concerns include difficult access particularly for emergency services and bin lorries, restricted parking provision, remediation of the former fuel tanks/potential for contamination, removal of trees from a site within the conservation area, a proposed height which would overlook some existing properties.

Craighall Road – West Side

The developer has undertaken to move quickly to tidy up this development site.

134B Newhaven Road – Change of Use

After several attempts, permission has been granted by CEC to change the annexe to the former nursing home at 134B Newhaven Road to residential use.

Waterfront Developments

We remain concerned about the traffic and infrastructure impacts of what appears to be patchwork developments at Granton Harbour and along the Waterfront generally. We believe it is essential that we understand what exactly is envisaged by the different owners and what planning consents are still valid. Cllrs Jackson and Redpath are pursuing this on our behalf and we hope that Cllr Hinds will be able to attend our June meeting to discuss and advise.

Crime

The recent spate of house break-ins appears to be subsiding: two further arrests have been made. Thieves are now targetting garden sheds. Hinges have been removed and hasps forced so Police advice is to use an alarm if there’s something valuable in your shed. Other options include gravel around the shed and motion activated lighting. You can find more information here police security advice or through a Neighbourhood Watch if you have set that up.

New Street Lighting

While more energy efficient, the new LED streetlights have a number of problems. The beam is narrow and the overall effect inadequate. Further installation is on hold in some streets and under review in over 100 streets where they have already been installed. Trialling of different intensity settings is also being done to see if that makes sufficient difference. It is unfortunate that no notice had been given of the installation plans.

Edinburgh Association of Community Councils

The EACC exists as a means through which all Edinburgh’s community councils can act collectively, among other things via the Edinburgh Partnership including CEC, NHS Lothian, emergency services and business. For various reasons it has been fairly quiet of late but new office bearers were elected on 21st May and we look forward to a reinvigorated EACC making a positive difference for all our communities.

Public Toilet Closures

The CEC consultation on the criteria for closing public toilets has now closed and the results will be published on the CEC website from Friday 5 June. We are not hopeful that any outside the city centre will be spared though it is possible that some may be taken over by Lothian Buses for the use of their staff only.

Trees

A number of trees have been chopped down, notwithstanding the legal protection afforded to them by conservation area status. To help address the general ignorance, including the possibility of substantial fines, an informative article will be placed in Trinity Spotlight.

NEXT MEETING

This will take place on Monday 8 June 2015 in the New Hall of Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road, 7.00pm. As well as the Annual General Meeting we hope to confirm:

An RBS spokesperson to address the various concerns we have about the Goldenacre closure. Come and have your own say.
Cllr Lesley Hinds to provide an update on Granton Harbour and traffic planning across north Edinburgh.

Do you have a view on how we might do things better? Come to the AGM on Monday 8 June at 7 pm in Wardie Parish Church – and tell us!

Anyone in Trinity can subscribe to the bulletin by emailing

tcc-comms@outlook.com

Or drop us a line and tell us what you think could be better.

Facebook drive for foster carers

City council to use social media to reach potential foster carers

The City of Edinburgh Council will conduct a Question and Answer session on Facebook tonight in a drive to recruit more foster carers. This will be the first time the Council has used the social media tool in a bid to attract more people to become carers.

The session will take place tonight (Monday 1 June) between 6pm and 7pm as the city council marks the start of Foster Care fortnight. The Council currently has 350 carers but is always trying to recruit more.

Councillor Cathy Fullerton, Children, Education and Families Vice Convener, said: “Using social media is a great way of interacting with the public so why not use it to try and recruit potential foster carers?

“We have a real shortage of foster carers across Edinburgh and by using Facebook we’re hoping to encourage more people to consider becoming carers for children and young people. I’m sure the event will prove to be a real success.

“Fostering is a hugely rewarding and really important job as it benefits some of the most vulnerable children in our society, helping them build a bright and confident future.”

Elaine McGill has been a foster carer with the City of Edinburgh Council for seven years. She will be taking part in the Facebook event along with other experts and carers in the field, including one carer who has recently transferred to the Council from another agency.

She said: “I’m really excited about tonight’s Q and A as it will give people a chance to ask us what fostering is really like and how it has changed our lives.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Facebook Question and Answer event please visit the Foster Edinburgh Facebook page between 6pm and 7pm tonight.

The Council is also holding a double drop in session for anyone interested in being a foster carer on Thursday (4 June) at Waverley Court between 12pm and 2pm and then at 5pm to 7pm.

For more details about becoming a foster carer go to the Foster Edinburgh website or call 0800 174 833 or 0131 529 2773.

Listening to Forth’s young people

Can you spare a couple of hours to help our local young people influence local services?

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership and Total Craigroyston have been working with the North Young People’s Forum and local services aimed at young people to gather views and opinions of local young people.

This has already involved over 1,200 young people through a flash poll and many services are currently engaging with young people to map facilities and activities. The outcome will let us all know what young people think about their community and importantly, how we can help make positive change so that more young people can be involved in the future.

The next stage of the process is the YouthTalk event. This brings together young people and key adults to understand the outcomes to date and help shape future actions for improving how we deliver a wide range of services.

The YouthTalk event will take place on Wednesday 24 June from 9am – 12 noon at Pilton Youth & Children’s Project and it would be great if you can sign up to come along and help young people identify creative ideas to improve local provision.

We have approximately 100 places and we aim for this to be 50/50 young people and adults so if you are interested, I would encourage you to sign up using this link as quickly as possible!

Scott Donkin, Partnership & Information Manager (Tel 529 5001)

scott.donkin@edinburgh.gov.uk

Lorraine gies it laldy for STV Children’s Appeal!

Lorraine Kelly will be taking to the dance floor in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal this September, as she dons her kilt for a 24 hour ceilidh extravaganza!

After the success of last year’s Shimmy across Scotland which raised £100,000 for the Appeal, the ceilidh challenge will see Lorraine ‘do-si-do-ing’ her way around the country with the support of her friend Maxine Jones and sponsor Optical Express to raise money for children living in poverty across Scotland.

From the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow to the Pride of Erin Waltz, Lorraine will be getting Scotland moving with 24 hours of ceilidh dancing. Working alongside the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society (RSCDS), Lorraine will be encouraging groups not only in Scotland, but also internationally, to host their own ceilidh events on the 11^th-12^th September to help Scotland’s young people.

Lorraine Kelly, trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Last year I took on a 24 hour shimmy for the Appeal and this year I’ll be putting my dancing shoes back on. Over 24 hours I’ll be challenging myself by taking on a series of ceilidhs to raise money for children and young people in Scotland affected by poverty. Maxine and I will be travelling across Scotland in September and also encouraging other groups across the globe to join us and host their own fundraising ceilidhs to help raise as much as possible for this vital cause. It’ll be a challenge to keep going but hopefully with support from fellow dancers around the world, I’ll get through.”

Lorraine’s 24 hour ceilidh will be captured by STV’s cameras for the STV Children’s Appeal programme to be broadcast later this year.

Elizabeth Partyka of the STV Children’s Appeal said: “We are thrilled Lorraine will be embarking on another exciting fundraising challenge this year. With support from local communities, the RSCDS and sponsor Optical Express, we are sure Lorraine’s 24 hour ceilidh will help make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by poverty.”

To mark the occasion, the RSCDS have devised a bespoke ceilidh dance for Lorraine – Kelly’s Kaper, with a video and dance instructions available for individuals and groups who want to participate!

Elizabeth Foster, Executive Officer of the RSCDS said: “We are delighted to partner STV Children’s Appeal for 2015. We are pleased to be associated with this worthwhile cause and to play our part in helping to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people in Scotland. In many ways this follows on from the successful Commonwealth Ceilidh in 2014 which saw thousands of people around the globe taking part in one massive ceilidh. With some 14,000 RSCDS members worldwide we expect the STV Children’s Appeal to resonate far beyond Scotland.”

Optical Express will be supporting Lorraine Kelly’s Ceilidh Challenge.

David Moulsdale, Chairman and Chief Executive of Optical Express, said: “We are extremely proud to be increasing the support we provide to the STV Children’s Appeal. Being part of the STV Children’s Appeal is very important to Optical Express. We’ve been involved with the Appeal since it launched back in 2011 because we passionately believe that tackling child poverty in Scotland will help to ensure that young people have the best possible opportunities while growing up.

“We can’t wait to see Lorraine dance her way across the country and we look forward to undertaking our own fundraising challenges throughout our network of Optical Express clinics in Scotland.”

If you’re an individual or group that would like to get involved with Lorraine Kelly’s Ceilidhs in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal and help raise funds for children and young people living in poverty in Scotland, please get in touch with Ami Anderson on ami.anderson@stv.tv.

To support Lorraine’s fundraising challenge and make a donation to the STV Children’s Appeal, visit Lorraine’s JustGiving page on: justgiving.com/KellysCeilidh2015

North Edinburgh Arts looking for Board Members

Like to be at the heart of something good?

Leith’s darkest day: still time to see Quintinshill exhibition

Gretna Railway Disaster 22 May 1915

Leith Local History Society has produced an exhibition on the Quintinshill rail disaster in which 228 people – many of them soldiers from the local 7th (Leith) Battallion Royal Scots – lost their lives.

You can visit the exhibition at Ocean Terminal from noon – 5pm daily until 12 June. Admission is free.