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Day: October 7, 2023
Graduation day as 10 Edinburgh youngsters complete ‘mini PhD’ in abacus
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar presents trophies and certificates at education ceremony
Twenty-three of the brightest minds in the UK – ten of them from Edinburgh – were honoured in a ceremony in Glasgow last month (16th September) to celebrate their completion of a leading abacus training programme.
The War Memorial Hall in Bishopbriggs, packed with family and friends of the winners, rung with heartfelt applause when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP presented each of the children with their awards.
The celebration was organised by computer scientist and educator, Dr Rashmi Mantri, head of The British Youth International College (BYITC), who set up the organisation in 2015 after teaching her own son, Druhv, maths using a counting tool that has been used for millennia – the abacus.
Now BYITC and its Supermaths programme is the leading abacus training provider in the UK and has also developed the world’s first games-based abacus maths application.
“Clearing all levels of Abacus is no walk in the park as it requires a lot of hard work and typically takes students 3 – 4 years of practice to complete this. It really is like a mini PhD for these incredible young people,” said Dr Mantri.
“As well as enabling people to do mental arithmetic in super fast time, the abacus is a highly effective brain development tool for concentration. The touch and feel nature of it makes it very popular for children with dyslexia also for example.
“With Maths Week Scotland fast approaching at the end of the month, we want parents and teachers to know that the abacus is a tried and tested tool to improve mental maths. Our annual maths competition called an Olympiad, is launching on 25th September – it is very popular as it is open to anyone to enter and is free of charge.”
Of the 23 winners at the graduation ceremony, 10 were from Edinburgh (listed below), 7 from Glasgow, 1 from Falkirk and the remainder from across England and Wales.
· Mishika Pandey, 10, who attends East Craigs Primary School
· Shariva Lasure, 12, who attends Craigmount High School
· Aaliyah Deepak Krishnaveni, 11, who attends Tynecastle High School
· Gauri Shrikande, 12, who attends Craigmount High School
· Aarush Gosain, 12, who attends Rosehill High School, Wallyford
· Taran Vighnesh, 9, who attends Kirkliston Primary School
· Shreya Navratna, 15, who attends Tynecastle High School
· Rishon Ashley, 14, who attends Tynecastle High School
· Santiago Prieto, 12, who attends St Augustine’s RC High School
· Tanush Venkat, 11, Cramond Primary School
The parents of Rishon, 14, from Edinburgh, said: “As parents of the millennials, we stand before a crowd of highly intelligent and capable future leaders – today’s kids.
“Abacus classes run by BYITC are really effective and have made it worth these the kids’ time in preparing, attending and undertaking homework assignments provided by able teachers and coordinators.
“We are humbled by the extent and quality of their input and happy to be part of this fitting recognitions.”
Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Member of the Scottish Parliament, Anas Sarwar, said: “It is a great privilege to meet, and present completion certificates, to all of these high-achieving young people.
“Highlighting the outstanding achievements of young people across the United Kingdom is vital for their own development and the future of our nation, and I congratulate each and every one of them on their awards.
“I would like to congratulate the work of Dr Rashmi Mantri and the BYITC team in continuing to develop and teach the next generation of STEM superstars.”
To find out more about the awards and how to sign up for the free maths competition, visit the BYITC website.
Artist Trevor Jones donates £114,000 to cancer charity Maggie’s
Donation is the highest single donation from an art event recorded in Edinburgh by Maggie’s in their 27 years of service
Cancer support charity, Maggie’s has confirmed that Scottish artist Trevor Jones has just awarded them the highest single donation from an art event recorded in the Edinburgh centre’s 27 years-history.
The $140,000 donation (£114,000) was raised at a charity exhibition and auction at an annual Web3 Castle Party near Paris, in tribute to digital artist and architect Philippe Fatoux, aka Alotta Money, which was organised by innovative artist and NFT pioneer Trevor Jones.
Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager, Samantha Lea said: said: “This is a phenomenal donation, which has only been made possible by the support and enthusiasm of the NFT art community.
“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations and on behalf of the entire team at Maggie’s Edinburgh I would like to say a huge thank you to Trevor, his team and the artists who donated their time, skills and incredible work to this unique charity auction.
“The money raised will help us to reach around 4,000 people with cancer, as well as family and friends, from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders – helping them to access vital support at a time when they need it more than ever. We are so very grateful.”
The auction held at Château de Vallery near Paris, between September 3 and 5 saw the work of 30 exceptionally talented artists selected from over 400 applications.
World-renowned artists Pak, Hackatao, Jose Delbo, Pascal Boyart among others featured in the exhibition and an exceptionally generous donation by collector Moderats of a highly sought-after XCOPY work was also included in the auction.
A staggering 18,745 views of the artwork was recorded by hosting platform and sponsors, MakersPlace.
Trevor Jones commented: “We have been blown away by the incredible response to this monumental event.
“Web3 artists, collectors and builders from across the globe came together to celebrate art, innovation, and especially friendship in the name of my good friend Philippe. ‘Alotta’ was held in great esteem by all, and we have been deeply moved by the generosity of people marking his legacy.
“I’d like to personally thank the artists for their exceptional generosity and incredible work. I’d also like to thank MakersPlace for their role as sponsors and for supporting the exhibition as well as the numerous other Castle Party sponsors, and of course, I’d like to express my huge gratitude to all the bidders and auction winners.
“The funds raised will make a huge difference and will go to support services for those affected by a cancer diagnosis – patients and their families. This is certainly a wonderful way to remember such a beloved artist, also taken by this disease.”
Results this year greatly surpassed last year’s incredibly generous donations of £17,000 which was also collected for Maggie’s Edinburgh – when the inaugural Castle Party attracted guests from all over the world to Scotland’s Stirling Castle.
For more information on Trevor Jones’ work, visit: https://www.trevorjonesart.com/
Charities receive INEOS donations after International Cycling Challenge
Local charities have received £13,000 from INEOS, the global chemicals and manufacturing company, to help fund causes close to the hearts of the teams at INEOS FPS, O&P UK and Petroineos.
The donation comes from the INEOS Tour de France challenge where 122 teams of employees from across INEOS took part in an ambitious cycling challenge. Riding in teams from across its sites to complete the distance of every stage of the world-famous Tour de France cycle race. This year, 2800 employees took part – and have together cycled over 1.3 million kms.
The 122 teams who have completed all 21 stages have won the right to donate the equivalent to a chosen local charity. The teams participating on behalf of INEOS FPS, O&P UK and Petroineos in Grangemouth, Scotland have chosen 13 charities to receive this donation.
Funds raised will support charities close to the team member’s hearts such as Strathcarron Hospice and Dowards House, which provides specialist hospice care and expert end of life care for the elderly.
Kiran’s Trust is another charity supported by the INEOS teams which aims to support young people, typically 7 to 17 years old, development through education and sport as well as Jamie’s Sanctuary which supports young people in the area who are struggling with mental health issues and addiction.
Other charities that have been donated to include Forth Valley First Responders, Woodland View School in Kirkintilloch, British Heart Foundation, Marion’s Still Smiling, Scottish Association for Mental Health, FDAMH, Cycling Without Age Scotland, and VIE Velo (Visually Impaired Edinburgh).
“The INEOS Tour de France Challenge is another brilliant initiative set up by INEOS to support local communities all over the world.”
This year, the Tour de France challenge saw 2,800 members of the INEOS team from 33 countries around the world cycle a total of 1.3 million km, the equivalent 3 and a half trips to the moon.
The aim of the challenge was for each of the teams to complete the equivalent distance of each stage of the iconic Tour de France, each day, many of them squeezing in cycling sessions before, during and after work.
Dalkeith Country Park invites visitors to Make 2nds Count
Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity
Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Breast Cancer Awareness Month boost courtesy of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park.
The Edinburgh-based charity, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is Dalkeith Country Park’s chosen charity partner for 2023. They continue to benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of their visitors.
October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.
On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13), the iconic Orangerie at Dalkeith Country Park will also be lit up purple as part of the Make 2nds Count Shine a Light campaign, joining over 50 other UK venues that will be lighting up in the charity’s colours on this day.
The Parks’ popular Yellow Trail is turning Purple this October with special prompts designed to shine a light on the incredible work and support provided by Make 2nds Count – giving hope to those affected by secondary breast cancer.
The Yellow Trail Info:
Also known as The Wilderness Walk, the Yellow Trail is a relatively flat 2km route with a surface suitable for bikes and buggies. A series of easy loops that take in impressive views of St Mary’s Church and Dalkeith Palace, as well as a little wonder along River Esk. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the path takes visitors through the Restoration Yard where they can also pick up a range of refreshments.
Walkers will be encouraged to capture and share their time on the Make 2nds Count Trail on social media, to be in with a chance of winning a wellness hamper from Restoration Yard, The Park’s converted 18th-century stable yard.
Catriona Tanner, Marketing Manager for Dalkeith Country Park: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.
“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we have been thrilled to be part of their efforts, particularly during this key moment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help our community and we are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when we particularly focus on raising awareness and on education, so the fact that The Park is working with us to fulfil this mission as well as via fundraising is amazing. We are really grateful for their continued support.”
For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:
To see more of their Shine a Light Campaign, please visit:
Funded childcare delivering for low-income families
Report shows impact of investment
More parents have been able to start work or progress their careers thanks to an initiative to expand access to school-age childcare, according to a new report.
Eight childcare providers across Scotland received a share of almost £600,000 from the Scottish Government to help 650 children from low-income families access school-age childcare.
The funding helped to make school-age childcare more accessible, affordable and flexible for parents and carers from low-income families, or those most at risk of experiencing poverty.
The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation report also highlights the positive impact the projects had on the health and wellbeing of the children and parents. It found the projects increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs.
Children and Young People Minister Natalie Don said: “As we mark Challenge Poverty Week this report highlights the impact our support continues to make for children, young people and their families who are most in need, and how childcare providers can be key in supporting these families.
“Improving access to childcare not only brings wide ranging benefits for the children, it also helps parents to get back into work, engage in training or progress their careers. Quality childcare provision is both an anti-poverty and a pro-growth measure.
“This report follows our commitment in the Programme for Government to expand our childcare offering, and sets out the difference that funded school-age childcare can make to support families to enter and sustain employment.”
Currently, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds are able to take up 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland.
Work is underway with local authorities and other partners to phase in an expanded national provision for families with two-year-olds, as well as targeted early delivery of all-age childcare for low income families.
The full report was carried out independently by Ipsos Scotland.
Local businesses come together to tackle loneliness in the city
VINTAGE VIBES BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Award-winning Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes is marking eight years of tackling the loneliness crisis in the city by having a party for lonely and isolated older people (their VIPs) and delivering cupcakes to those who are housebound and unable to attend Vintage Vibes’ birthday celebrations at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.
Teaming up with Cuckoo’s Bakery and EZ Bike Tours, they delivered a birthday treat and a chat to older people who were unable to attend due to health or mobility issues to ensure nobody was left out of the celebrations.
Vintage Vibes brings people together through friendship matches, groups, and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh.
Since its creation in 2015, the charity partnership has now helped over 1000 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships based on mutually shared interests from baking, gaming and, like Aly and Betty, beach walks and milkshakes.
Events, and groups are also available from sewing to cinema, and singing to bring people together for fun and friendship.
Gemma Wright, Communications and Fundraising Lead at Vintage Vibes, said: “We are so grateful to Cuckoo’s Bakery, EZ Bike Tours and Edinburgh Zoo for helping to make our 8th birthday celebrations so amazing.
“We delivered cupcakes to the homes of our wonderful VIPs that were sadly, unable to join us for our birthday party. We exist to bring fun and friendship to older people who are feeling lonely and isolated through our network of amazing friendship volunteers and the support of local businesses and funding partnerships.
“We would like to thank all involved for your ongoing support and helping us to ensure everyone was included.”
Having successfully delivered over 20,000 hours of volunteering, Vintage Vibes’ 2023 annual survey showed that 95% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project left them feeling happier and gave them a better quality of life.
Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.
Thomas Partridge, Director of Cuckoo’s Bakery said: “We first helped Vintage Vibes back in 2017 when we supported their heart-warming Christmas Card Campaign. We are delighted to be able to make a difference again and provide celebration cupcakes to those older people who were unable to attend the party.
“The team at our new bakery on Grindlay Street waved them off on their mission to tackle isolation in the city and we hope everyone enjoyed the fun!”
Euan at EZ Bike Tours said: “We’re delighted to support Vintage Vibes in making their birthday celebrations extra special and to play our part in helping to tackle loneliness in older people across Edinburgh.”
For more information on becoming a Vintage Vibes volunteer, please contact Vintage Vibes by emailing hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or visit vintagevibes.org.uk.
TONIGHT: Hit Wrestling Show Set for Comic Con Crossover
BBC Stars Grado and Lee Greig will be part of the action
Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), Scotland’s premier wrestling promotion, is set to rock the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh at Comic Con Scotland on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October.
Fans attending this year’s Comic Con Scotland can enjoy free wrestling throughout the weekend at the convention. The ring will be set up next to the panel stage and features the best wrestlers in the country battling it out between Q&A panels with A-list stars Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, and more.
Joining the action-packed lineup are two renowned BBC stars – Grado and Lee Greig. Grado, known for his role as Police Constable Hugh McKirdy in BBC Scotland sitcom Scot Squad, is a household name in Scottish entertainment.
Lee Greig (also known as Jack Jester), fresh from his appearance in BBC Scotland comedy “The Scotts,” brings his unique brand of mayhem to the ring.
At night, fans can attend a separate, ticketed ICW event in the same building: ICW Fight Club. This special event is tailored for wrestling fans of all ages, and is a perfect opportunity for families to bond over the thrills and spills of Scottish wrestling in a wrestling-only setting.
Tickets for the Saturday night ICW Fight Club event are available in two formats – Family of 4 Tickets and Single Seats. Importantly, Comic Con Scotland tickets are not required for entry, making it convenient for wrestling enthusiasts to attend this show separately.
Don’t miss this historic weekend of family-friendly wrestling entertainment. You never know who might turn up!
Date: October 7th, 2023
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the event running from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Royal Highland Centre, Royal Highland Centre Ingliston, EH28 8NB.
“Putting” their rivalry aside, Hibs and Hearts legends sign up for inaugural Auld Reekie Cup
All “fore” a good cause – Don’t miss your chance to play in Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament
It’s a rivalry that has kept football fans on the edge of their stadium seats for almost 150 years – that between Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C.
And now that competition is set to hit the golf course as footballing legends from Hibs and Hearts prepare to tee off in an exclusive charity golf tournament. What’s more, local supporters are being offered a unique opportunity to play alongside these football icons as entries into the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup teams officially open to the public.
Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup is set to be a memorable golf day with a difference, featuring friendly competition and banter, with great prizes and bragging rights up for grabs.
Switching the pitch for the fairway will be fitba stars Scott Brown, Mixu Paatelainen, Steven Whittaker, Derek Riordan, Gordon Hunter, Steven Tweed, Ally McLeod, John Blackley and John Brownlie playing for Hibernian, and Jim Brown, Scott Crabbe, Eammon Bannon and Graeme Shaw playing for Hearts. More big names will be confirmed in the coming days.
And it’s all in aid of a great cause. Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised will be used to support projects promoting young people’s mental health.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “Uniting old rivals for a common cause, this charity golf day will bring Hibs and Hearts together on the green to tee up support for young people’s mental health.
“Hanlon Stevenson Foundation are delighted to be working with Big Hearts Community Trust, proving that when it comes to making a positive difference, our shared purpose is stronger than any rivalry.”
Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “We are thrilled to have been asked to be part of this exciting new event alongside The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation which will allow us to support even more young people across Edinburgh.
“We already do a host of work in this area and know the challenges that exist. We hope to have a full team of golfers joining us and our playing legends on what will be a great day at such a historic venue, all for a great cause.”
The Auld Reekie Cup will take place at The Royal Burgess Golfing Society on Thursday 26th October.
Entries into both teams are now open. Teams of 3 plus a playing legend are priced at £900 +VAT. To purchase a ticket for the Hibernian team please email graeme@hanlonstevensonfoundation.co.uk
To purchase a ticket for the Hearts team please email kirsty.coutts@bighearts.org.uk.
Public urged to help save lives by joining the GoodSAM App Movement
Over 3,000 people in Scotland have an out of hospital cardiac arrest every year and every second counts. The public can help by dialling 999, starting CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – and using a defibrillator it can help save lives.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has urged people up to GoodSAM, an app which has shown a substantial increase in survival by supporting early intervention, ensuring a quicker response by community responders and Scottish Ambulance teams.
The benefit of using GoodSam was highlighted at the annual Scottish Cardiac Arrest Symposium held in Edinburgh (6 September 2023).
Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive said: “When a cardiac arrest occurs we know every second counts, the earlier CPR happens the greater the chances of survival. The public can help by joining GoodSam and find out how to carry out CPR.
“I would encourage everyone to find out more by visiting www.savealife.scot/GoodSAM – you can really make a difference.”
Dundee-based Chris Allison read about the app in a newspaper article, which inspired him to register a few years ago. Chris volunteers for the HM Coastguard and wanted to further help out his local community by becoming a GoodSAM responder.
He was lying in bed early one morning when he received a GoodSAM notification for a cardiac arrest happening around the corner. He quickly raced to the scene.
He found the patient’s wife administering CPR whilst quite distressed, so he took over until the paramedics arrived shortly after. He stayed with the paramedics to assist and after a lot of hard work from all involved, they managed to get a pulse then transport the patient to hospital.
Chris said: “As I had previous experience of emergency medicine through my work, I felt it my duty to register as a GoodSAM responder.
“There is no right or wrong when it comes to CPR, but family members can often find it hard when they are highly distressed.
“The GoodSAM app is extremely valuable as it gives local people in their communities the ability and system to provide life-saving support.”