Volunteer opportunities with Barnardo’s

The school holidays are well and truly over, some children started school for the first time and for others school, college and university life is a thing of the past. And at the other end of the spectrum, planning for retirement is front of mind – But all of these life changes have one thing in common – opportunity!

Barnardo’s Scotland is offering volunteering opportunities in their 100+ shops across the country.  Whether you’re dipping your toe back in to the workplace; want to make good use of extra hours; share your experience or looking for a change of direction, Barnardo’s Scotland would love to hear from you.

The charity currently has volunteers nationwide from all walks of life, ages and abilities, but is keen to recruit more people willing to donate their time.

Deriel Watt, area business manager for Barnardo’s Scotland shops in Edinburgh is keen to hear from people willing to volunteer in one of the seven shops across the city including shops in Leith, Meadowbank, East Craigs or Stockbridge.

She said: “Volunteers are crucial to us.  Volunteers are vital to running our business; in fact we simply couldn’t exist without them. They are an important part of our success and are an integral part of Barnardo’s Scotland.

“Volunteers can gain valuable experience and a lot of enjoyment out of joining their local store team.”

Volunteers get involved for many reasons – to support Barnardo’s Scotland’s work and cause; to do something unusual and inspiring or to learn new skills and improve their CV. It is also an opportunity to meet new people.

Billy Farrell, retail volunteer manager, said:  “Volunteering is fun and rewarding. It can also be a stepping stone to a new career and help you to gain the skills you need for a new role or job. Depending on a person’s interests and skills, Barnardo’s Scotland can find the right volunteering opportunity to suit you.”

*Barnardo’s Shop at 150 Leith Walk is holding a volunteering networking evening on Thursday 28 September.

All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and support. If you are interested in volunteering in a shop, please ring 07768 707 384 for details of your nearest store or go to www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering.

Edinburgh: a ‘vibrant capital city’?

Economy Committee Convener Cllr Gavin Barrie: ‘the city has much to be positive about’

Edinburgh continues to be the most prosperous UK city outside London and has the fastest growing population in the UK, with the exception of Manchester, according to the latest Edinburgh by Numbers. Continue reading Edinburgh: a ‘vibrant capital city’?

On Foot By Bike: Inverleith Festival of Walking & Cycling

Sunday 24th September, 1.30 – 4.30pm – Inverleith Park

The Inverleith Festival of Walking & Cycling 2017 takes place on Sunday 24th September 2017 from 1.30 to 4.30pm in Inverleith Park.

There will be lots of FREE activities, tasters and information on how to take up or increase your walking and cycling.

  • Walking football
  • Bike obstacle course
  • Guided walks
  • basic bike checks
  • security marking
  • etc, etc, etc!

Some activiites can be signed up in advance. See below:

1pm –  Family and buggy friendly walk, with Ramblers, in advance of the Festival start

Meetup point will be the monument in the center of the park. From here we’ll follow the path towards the botanic garden (John Hope entrance) where we will follow the path that crosses the garden and get out through the east gate door. Here we’ll head to the Rocheid path (water of leith walkway) that will take us to the Inverleith Pond, before we go back to where we started.

It’s all easy paths, buggy friendly, and the walk will be around 1 hour. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the botanics and the pond. In the end everybody is invited to stay and visit what the festival has to offer. There will be 3 road crossings and we’ll need to be careful with the younger children.*

Sign up here! Walk meets at 1pm –   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inverleith-festival-of-walking-and-cycling-2017-tickets-37239431141

1.30 – 2.30pm – Inverleith Allotments are about to celebrate their centenary. The site was created in 1918 to grow food for ex-servicemen after WW1. It reverted to park land between the wars but is now a haven for wildlife and vegetable growing.

The site has uneven paths and quite a few hazards so we can’t allow wandering but hope you’ll enjoy a guided tour finished off with a cup of tea/coffee. We will also have surplus vegetables for you. Donations always welcome!Please wear good footwear as all our paths are grass. No dogs allowed, no buggies, sadly we are NOT disabled-friendly but may manage a wheelchair along the main path depending on the weather.We do not have any toilet facilities.

Sign up here! Tours every 15 mins from 1.30pm –   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inverleith-allotments-tours-as-part-of-the-festival-of-walking-cycling-tickets-37939092848?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button

3.00pm – Join a Nature Walk in the company of members of Friends of Inverleith Park! Just meet at their information stall in the marquee.

Contact elaine.lennon@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information

 

 

End of an era: Meadowbank Fireworks tickets on sale today

With Meadowbank Stadium set to close its doors on 3 December 2017 for redevelopment, members of the public will have the chance to attend a final fireworks concert on Sunday, 5 November. Tickets for the annual fireworks display, the largest in the capital, go on sale today at 9.00 am.

The annual fireworks display at Meadowbank Stadium has been a staple of the Capital’s bonfire night offering for the last 30 years. 

Produced by award winning pyrotechnic company 21cc, the fireworks will be accompanied by a sci-fi theme.  Doors open 6pm, with entertainment from 6.30pm and the fireworks starting at 7.30pm. 

Booking is strongly recommended. Tickets are available online from Ticketsource and cost £7.00 each (a booking fee applies) or telephone the box office on 0131 661 5351.

Eight injured as bus hits bridge at Western

Eight people were injured when an East Coast double decker bus hit an overhead walkway at the Western General Hospital yesterday. The roof of the bus, a 113, was torn off and fire and rescue officers attended the scene to help recover the vehicle which had become wedged under the bridge. Continue reading Eight injured as bus hits bridge at Western

Edinburgh University Principal to receive Edinburgh Award

Sir Timothy O’Shea, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award. After 15 years at the helm of Scotland’s biggest University, the 68-old professor has been named by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost as the 11th person to receive the city’s biggest annual accolade.

Continue reading Edinburgh University Principal to receive Edinburgh Award