Residents, David Leseur and Jimmy Main at Strachan House had always wanted to want to walk the fairways again and show us they still have what it takes from the Tee Box. So staff at the home made their wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.
Both residents has lived at Strachan House for several years and are popular with staff and residents alike.
Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “We first realised that Jimmy and David had this one passion in common. After becoming friends in the same home we thought: Why make this a moment for one when we can have two special moments?
“So the staff took their project idea out into the local community. Immediately Robert Dobbie, Club Manager/Secretary of Ratho Park Golf Club, got in touch to offer the club’s support in helping us achieve these two gents dream.
“Robert said he would delighted to be a part of making their wish a reality, as he knew how much it meant to them being keen golfers. Ratho Golf Club have been amazing and pulled out all the stops to ensure David and Jimmy had an unforgettable experience.”
Their families all arrived a little early to the course to see the surprised smiles on their loved ones faces.
In response to this wonderful surprise, David was in shock as we pulled up onto the clubs grounds and said: “I was on the verge of tears.
“It is such an amazing feeling to experience the golf course again. To do it with a friend too meant we were in for a good old lad’s afternoon of fun and laughter. What an amazing time we both had.”
Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House and our Gone Fishing 23 project demonstrates this through our person centred delivery of care and wellbeing.
“It was so nice to see how happy David and Jimmy was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 beds residents from respite care to long term stays.
SATURDAY 27th MAY at SIGHTHILL CAMPUS from 10am – 1pm
Edinburgh College will welcome prospective students to its Sighthill Campus this May to showcase its facilities to those considering starting a course in August 2023.
The open day will allow prospective students to find out about the various courses they can apply for, as well as see first-hand what it’s like to study at Scotland’s capital College.
Sighthill Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 27 May for anyone considering applying for a full-time, part-time, or evening course. Those in attendance will also have the chance to find out more about the many National 5 and Higher courses on offer.
The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties.
Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to visit Sighthill Campus to find out more about course options, how to apply to study at the College, to get advice on additional support, and to learn more about funding options.
Learners at any stage of their professional or education journey will be able to find out about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.
Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the event, with staff available to answer any questions that come to mind along the way.
Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our Sighthill Campus to prospective students this May so that they can experience what life is like at Edinburgh College.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to find out more about the many fantastic courses we have on offer at our campuses across the capital, as well as discover the different ways that Edinburgh College can help you realise the future you want to achieve. If you’ve been thinking about studying with us, please do come along.”
Come along to our Open Day at Sighthill Campus from 10am on Saturday 27 May, where we will be showcasing our full-time, part-time and evening courses starting this August.
POLICE are appealing for information following a crash on the Edinburgh city by-pass. The incident happened around 12.30 pm on Sunday, 21 May, 2023 on the A720 westbound between the Millerhill junction and Sheriffhall roundabout.
A blue Harley Davidson motorcycle was struck by a dark Blue BMW SUV, which failed to stop.
Police Constable Stewart Logan of the Road Policing Unit said: “The 51-year-old male motorcyclist and 33-year-old female pillion passenger were left badly shaken, but did not require medical treatment.
“They were knocked into the side of a passing caravan, resulting in them falling onto the roadway. The driver towing the caravan stopped and assisted. There will likely be some damage to the near side body panels of the SUV.
“We are looking for any witnesses or any motorists who have dash-cam footage, you may have captured something that can assist our enquiries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 1851 of 21 May, 2023.”
The Chancellor will meet with food manufacturers on Tuesday to discuss the cost of food and explore ways to ease pressure on households
He is also due to meet the Competition and Markets Authority about their investigations into the fuel and grocery markets
Government will look at reforms around unit pricing, to make it easier for consumers to compare the prices for similar products
The Chancellor will meet with food manufacturers today (Tuesday 23 May) to raise concerns about the high price of food in the UK and discuss measures the government can take with industry to ease the pressure on households.
Building on engagement between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the UK’s biggest supermarkets earlier this month, the Chancellor will ask food manufacturers to do what they can to support consumers.
As crucial players in the supply chain to supermarkets, this follow up meeting with food manufacturers will help ministers better understand the challenges firms are grappling with as inflated prices continue to plague the economy. The food and drink manufacturing sector is the largest in the UK, accounting for nearly 20% of total UK manufacturing and employing almost half a million people across the country.
On the same day, the Chancellor will meet with the independent Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) to discuss the scope of their investigations into road fuel and groceries markets, including the possible action they could take if they are dissatisfied with the level of competition in the sector which could be allowing higher prices to prevail.
The government wants it to be easier for consumers to compare the prices of products, and the CMA is currently reviewing the use of unit pricing both in-store and online in the groceries sector. The government will consider updating pricing rules, including by strengthening the Price Marking Order 2004 (Retained EU Law), after the CMA review has concluded.
While rising food prices in the UK are in line with the EU average and headline inflation fell by 0.3 per cent last month, food inflation grew to 19.2 per cent. Food inflation disproportionately affects low-income households, who spend more of their income on food and are less able to swap what they would usually buy for cheaper alternatives.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “High food prices are proving stubborn so we need to understand what’s driving that.
“That’s why I’m asking industry to work with us as we halve inflation, to help ease the pressure on household budgets.”
Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, Karen Betts said: “We are looking forward to discussing the multiple drivers of food price inflation with the Chancellor, which have caused the fastest acceleration of food prices in a generation.
“Despite manufacturers’ best efforts in recent months to absorb rising costs in their margins, these have been both persistent and broad-based – from ingredients to energy and labour – making price rises unavoidable.
“We believe food and drink price inflation is close to its peak, and food and drink manufacturers will continue to work hard to keep prices as low as possible, conscious of the pressure on hard-pressed households.
“Government can help too, for example by urgently reviewing upcoming packaging recycling regulations to make them more efficient, by working with us to address labour and skills shortages, and by keeping to a minimum the labelling changes required of companies as a result of the recent agreement with the EU on the movement of food and drink to Northern Ireland.”
The government says it has acted decisively to help struggling households with rising prices, pledging to halve inflation this year and taking action to bring down bills for families. This includes introducing the Energy Profits Levy on oil and gas companies to pay almost half of a typical household’s energy bills, freezing fuel duty and taking difficult decisions on government spending to make sure we do not fuel inflation further.
One of the most generous support packages in Europe has also been rolled out, worth £3,300 per household on average over this year and last. Benefits and state pensions have been increased by over 10 per cent, up to £1,350 in direct cash payments are being made to millions of vulnerable households and record uplifts in the National Living Wage mean someone who is currently out of work and takes a full-time job will be over £7,500 better off.
Extra support has been put in place to help the most vulnerable with high food prices, including the £2.5 billion Household Support Fund which provides local authorities with money to support their communities with the cost of essentials, the £200 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme which supports children on Free School Meals with a nutritious meal during the holidays and an expansion of Free School Meals to all 5-7 year-olds.
The Prime Minister and Farming Secretary brought together representatives from across the UK food supply chain last week, where they outlined a range of measures to help strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of the sector and put farmers at the heart of plans to grow the economy.
Junior doctors across Scotland have been offered a 14.5% pay uplift over the two year period 2022-24, following negotiations with BMA Scotland.
This represents a £61.3 million investment in junior doctor pay – the largest in the last 20 years and the best offer in the UK.
If accepted, the new and final offer will be a pay raise of 6.5% in 2023/24, as well as an additional 3% towards an already agreed 4.5% uplift in 2022/23. This amounts to a cumulative increase of 14.5% over two years and matches the recent pay award accepted by nurses and other NHS workers in 2023.
This offer means a doctor at the beginning of their career would receive a total salary increase of £3,834 over two years. For those at the end of their training the rise would be £7,951 over the same period.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “After weeks of intense negotiations I’m delighted our government and BMA Scotland have come to an agreement on pay which they will now put to their members.
“Recognising the incredible work that junior doctors do, we have offered a fair and progressive rise which will mean a pay increase of 14.5% over two years – the best offer on the table in the UK.
“We have taken their concerns regarding pay, and the need to modernise pay bargaining more broadly, extremely seriously. It’s now up to junior doctors to reflect on this final offer, and I hope they will accept.”
Meditation comes with a huge number of benefits, so it’s no wonder it’s becoming more and more popular for people to meditate each day.
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help to boost your mood, drive creativity, improve your relationships, improve memory, and bring a lot more love, joy, and gratitude into your life.
Meditation is also great for lowering stress, which is extremely beneficial for both your physical and mental health.
To celebrate World Meditation Day on May 21st, interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on how to set up a successful meditation studio in your home.
By creating a space dedicated to meditation in your home, you’ll find it much easier to incorporate meditation into your daily lifestyle.
Take a look at the guide below to find out more about how you can set up a meditation studio in your own home:.
Choose The Right Space
When looking for the right space in your home for a meditation studio, you want to choose somewhere that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. Choose a space in your home that can be dedicated solely to meditation. A spare room would be the perfect choice. If you don’t have enough space in your home, consider converting a corner of a room into a meditation space.
When you find the right spot for your meditation space, remove any clutter and distractions that may exist in your chosen area. Create a clean and organised space that promotes a sense of calmness and tranquillity.
Think About The Ambience
When designing your meditation space, it’s important to consider the ambience of the space. Think about colours and lighting when designing the space. Earthy tones and pastel shades work best in meditation settings, as these colours are calm and help you feel connected to nature. When it comes to the lighting in the space, choose soft, warm lighting. Dimmed lighting is great for creating a soothing atmosphere.
You can add a few elements to the space to improve the overall ambience. Things like plants, candles, and natural materials in accents can help to enhance the peaceful vibe.
Have Comfort In Mind
It’s essential that you choose a comfortable chair or cushion for your meditation practice. A meditation cushion or a yoga mat can help to provide adequate support when you’re completing seated meditation sessions.
You also want to ensure that your seating arrangement promotes good posture. You must be able to sit comfortably in the space for extended periods of time.
Create a Focal Point
It’s a good idea to create a focal point in your mediation space that you can direct your attention to during your sessions. This may be something like a statue, an altar, a piece of artwork, some crystals, or an arrangement of natural objects that hold some personal significance to you.
The object or objects for your focal point should be placed in a position where you can easily see them while meditating. It must be captivating without being distracting.
Think About External Noise
Meditation requires peace and quiet, so it’s important to think about ways in which you can minimise external noises and distractions.
If needed, it may be relevant to install some soundproofing materials in the space to eliminate external noises. Alternatively, consider investing in a white noise machine or a speaker from which you can play some soothing meditation music to overpower external noises. Meditation apps are also great for finding sounds to accompany your meditation sessions.
Accessorise Mindfully
To keep your meditation space from being boring, you can add a few accessories. Select things that can enhance your meditation sessions. Some examples include things like blankets, meditation cushions, essential oils, and soft, natural decorations. Keep your personal preferences in mind. You want to space to feel calming and personal.
It’s also a good idea to bring some natural elements into the space. Natural materials and indoor plants are great options. If possible, it’s also beneficial to place your meditation space close to a window with a view of nature or natural light.
Keep The Space Clean and Organised
It’s important to keep on top of keeping your meditation space clean and organised. Regular cleaning and decluttering are essential in maintaining a calm atmosphere. Keep all of your meditation items neatly organised and easily accessible to create an inviting and harmonious space.
Always remember that the most important part of meditation practice is your presence and intention. Whether you have a dedicated meditation studio or a small meditation corner in your home, mindfulness and consistency are the key factors in creating a meaningful and effective meditation practice.
MyJobQuote is one of the UK’s top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have your bike inspected and repaired, ensuring it’s ready and safe for the road.
Bring your bike along and put your mind at ease knowing that your beloved two-wheeler will receive a thorough safety check and any necessary fixes, courtesy of the fantastic Dr Bike team.
The head of a Christian charity which fights global poverty has been elected the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, who has led Christian Aid in Scotland since 2016, will serve as the Kirk’s ambassador at home and abroad for the next 12 months.
The 59-year-old said she is “beyond humbled, inexpressibly honoured and more than a wee bit excited” to represent the Church in this role.
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton
Mrs Foster-Fulton is looking forward to meeting and encouraging people involved in church work at local, national and international levels at a time of unprecedented challenge and opportunity.
She was passed the official ring and chain of office by the outgoing Moderator, Very Rev Dr Iain Greenshields.
Mrs Foster-Fulton said: “I am beyond humbled, inexpressibly honoured and more than a wee bit excited to be your Moderator.
“Thank you for your trust, your prayers and the commitment you share to be part of the body of Christ in this place.”
Mrs Foster-Fulton told the General Assembly that she has gone a “bit rogue” with her choice of official Moderator clothing but said there is a reason.
Mrs Foster-Fulton’s jacket was made by Stewart Christie & Co, bespoke specialist tailors in Edinburgh. It is based on the traditional moderatorial jacket but has been developed into a female cut.
It is made of an 18oz piper green barathea, a type of weave of cloth.
“It has felt like an extraordinary time in the life of the planet, the life of the country and the life of the Church of Scotland,” said the Moderator.
“Green is the liturgical colour for ‘ordinary time’ and it reminds us, throughout history, the world, the country, the Church, have experienced extraordinary challenges,” she added.
“And it has been the grit, the determination and the hopeful imagination of individuals and communities who have risen together to those challenges.
“Ordinary time is extraordinary and we know what is at stake – all we need to do is look around us.
“There is a South African phrase ‘Ubuntu’ – best translated ‘I am because you are’.
“The body of Christ has work to do – love to share, justice and equity to seek.
“When I look at you wonderful people, I see an audacious hope.
“So General Assembly, right reverend, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring it.”
Born and raised in South Carolina in the USA, Mrs Foster-Fulton is married to Rev Stuart Fulton, a fellow Church of Scotland minister who serves the parish of Newlands South Church in Glasgow.
The couple, who live in Glasgow, have two adult daughters, Alex and Gracie.
The new Moderator has experience working in parishes, hospital chaplaincy and was convener of the former Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland from 2012-16.
Ordained as a Church of Scotland minister in 1999, Mrs Foster-Fulton’s first charge was Camelon Irving Parish Church in Falkirk where she spent four years.
The married couple took up the role of co-pastors for the PCUSA congregation in Seneca, South Carolina, and stayed for four years before returning to Scotland, the place that the Moderator Designate considers home.
In 2007, Mrs Foster-Fulton was appointed associate minister at Dunblane Cathedral where she served for 10 years before taking up her current role at Christian Aid.
She recently became a grandmother and she said her new role has “shifted her perspective and given new meaning” to her commitment to try and make the world a better place.
“There are hefty challenges facing the Church of Scotland, there are monumental challenges facing the world and the church is not exempt,” added the Moderator.“Across our global neighbourhood, we face a triple threat, ones that feed on each other – climate change, conflict and COVID.
“Together, they add pressure on well-being, a sense of home and culture, on finances and resources – and sadly unsurprising, it is the most vulnerable who suffer most.
“Being a living, breathing, reforming and loving body of Christ in this place continues to be the mission and ministry of the Church of Scotland.”
Dr Greenshields told the new Moderator that he recognised that this is a “proud moment” for her and her family. “You bring considerable and unique experience with you to this important role and calling,” he said.
“Your face and voice are well known to the General Assembly as you served as convener of the Church and Society Council and helped to advance the Church’s work on human rights, climate justice and support for people struggling with poverty in Scotland as well as overseas.
“You campaign relentlessly for what is right in Christ’s name.
“It is in your DNA to be a voice for those in greatest need in our world.
“It is a privilege to honour someone of such vigour and determination and faith should be chosen as the next Moderator of the General Assembly.
“May the Lord bless you in all that you seek to do to promote the cause of Christ.”
