Month: April 2024

National Gardening Day: Top Things to Do In Your Garden Right Now

The days are now longer, the weather is starting to pick up, and we’re starting to see warmer temperatures. Spring bulbs bring a range of fabulous colours to borders and pots, and the vegetable garden begins to fill up with new plantings.

There is a lot to do right now to get your garden ready for the summer. Take a look at Fiona’s guide below for more info on what you need to do now in your garden:

Garden Maintenance Jobs to Complete Now

Clean Your Patio

The weather is getting warmer and the sunnier days are upon us. This is perfect for spending time in the garden with your family and friends. Make sure you’re ready for entertaining by cleaning your patio. The best way to do this is by using a stiff broom to get rid of all of the loose dirt and debris and then going over the patio slabs with a pressure washer.

At the same time, it’s a good idea to give your garden furniture a good scrub to remove any accumulated dirt, moss, or spider webs. If you have wooden furniture, you can treat this with wood stain or oil ready for the season ahead.

Cut Your Lawn

By now, you should have completed the first cut of the season but, if you haven’t, now is the time to get that out of the way. The grass will now be growing again, so will need to be cut regularly until the end of the mowing season towards the end of autumn.

Put your mower blades on the highest setting so that you don’t scalp the turf for the first cut. Then, you can gradually lower the blade setting over the coming weeks. If the ground is wet, postpone cutting the grass until it is dry to prevent potential damage to the lawn and mower.

Weeding

You may notice that weeds begin to emerge during this time. It’s best to deal with these as soon as possible before they grow and spread. If possible, remove them by hand and ensure you get rid of all of the roots to prevent them from coming back. If this isn’t possible, you can use a weed-killing product or boiling water to kill off the weeds. Just make sure you don’t get any of the product or boiling water on surrounding plants or grass.

Vegetable Garden Jobs to Complete Now

Plant Potatoes

All types of potatoes can be planted in April, and it’s quite simple. Place the tubers roughly 40cm apart in rows that are roughly 60 – 75cm apart. You’ll need to plant them at about 15 – 25cm in depth. When the shoots emerge, cover them with soil to protect the foliage from frost and to prevent light from reaching the tubers where they grow. Too much light on the tubers during this stage will turn them green.

Cover Up Newly Planted Vegetables

If you have planted any new vegetables, get them off to a great start by covering them with a fleece or cloche. This will help prevent cold winds from affecting the crops and will trap the warm air inside to help the crops with their early growth. If you choose to use a fleece, make sure you choose a heavyweight one, as this will be much less likely to rip. You can hold the cover down by placing large stones or bricks around the edges.

Sow Tender Vegetables

At this time, you should also sow several tender vegetables indoors. This will ensure that they are ready in time for when it’s safe to plant them outdoors. Tomatoes, sweetcorn, courgette, basil, squash, and cucumbers can all be sown indoors now. If you are planning on sowing beans, save these until May for optimum results.

Flower and Plant Jobs to Complete Now

Start Off Your Summer Bedding Plants

Now is a good time to start off your half-hardy annuals, such as marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias. You can start these now from seeds ready for some wonderful, vibrant colours in the summer. Alternatively, you can purchase plug plants and pot them in a suitable compost for raising young plants.

Take Dahlia Cuttings

If you potted up some dahlia tubers previously, these should have now started to grow little shoots. If you haven’t already planted them, you can purchase potted dahlias from a local garden centre or other plant shop. Use a few of these and make basal cuttings to create new plants. You should leave around five shoots on the tuber so that it still makes a good plant for growth in the garden. Remove all of the bottom leaves before placing them in a pot with compost suitable for helping young plants grow.

Plant Sweet Peas

Sweet peas that have been sown this spring or purchased as a potted plant can now be planted in the garden. You should place the sweet peas in a sunny part of the garden and give them a support to help them grow upwards. Tie the plant to the support to being with to help them get on the right track. After several weeks they will attach themselves to the support with their tendrils.

Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs

You can now plant summer-flowering bulbs. Galtonia and gladioli are some great options for helping to add a little extra colour to your garden this spring.

Stake Perennials

As your perennials begin to grow, put in some stakes to prevent the stems from becoming damaged. You can purchase ready-made plant supports, or you can create your own if you have suitable materials lying around. Keep tying your plants to the stake as they continue to grow.

Tend to Camellias

Now is the time for caring for camellias. Use an ericaceous feed and gently hoe this into the surface of the soil. If you are growing these plants in containers, remove the top few centimetres of compost and replace this with fresh ericaceous compost with controlled-release feed for ericaceous plants.

If there are any weeds surrounding the plant, remove these and cover any bare patches of soil with mulch. Garden compost or well-rotted manure will work best. This will help to conserve the moisture within the soil.

Most varieties of camellias only require a light pruning after flowering in order to keep them in good shape. Overgrown plants can be cut back if required. They will send new shoots up from the base. Cutting them back hard may mean that you’ll miss flowering for a few years. However, they will recover.

Wildlife Garden Jobs to Complete Now

Leave Caterpillars For Birds

Now is a good time to leave caterpillars for birds. Try to avoid taking caterpillars from plants, if possible, as these are an essential food source for nesting birds, such as great tits and blue tits. These birds feed caterpillars to their babies. Also, don’t forget to top up your bird feeders regularly this month.

Empty Your Compost Bin

You should empty your compost bin now, as all of the wildlife that may have been hibernating in there will have emerged by now. However, make sure you check your compost bin carefully before emptying it, just in case. Avoid plunging a fork into the heap in case there are any hedgehogs or frogs sheltering inside.

Sow Cornfield Annuals

If you have any gaps in your borders, fill them by scattering seeds of cornfield annuals such as corn cockle, field poppies, or cornflower. These will grow and flower quickly for an instant burst of vibrant colour while also increasing the availability of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Feed Hedgehogs

You may start to notice hedgehogs visiting your garden. Leave out some water and meat-based dog or cat food for the hedgehogs. Kitten biscuits are also great for hedgehogs. This will help to fatten up the hedgehogs so that they are in peak condition and ready for their breeding month.

Create a Bee hotel

Bee hotels are perfect for solitary bees such as mason bees. Solitary bees lay individual eggs in cells made in old, hollow plant cells and wood cavities.

Final Thoughts

There are many things that you can do during April to help ensure that your garden thrives. By completing these above jobs, you can make sure that your garden is vibrant as quickly as possible and ready to enjoy as the warmer months roll in.

Be sure to keep on top of garden maintenance over the coming months to ensure your garden is thriving throughout all of spring and summer.

Age is just a number as 81-year-old completes 81-mile hike

David raises over £2k for Scottish charity, Calum’s Cabin

EMBARKING on a daunting 81-mile journey, an 81 year old has proved that age is just a number by completing a walking challenge over 10 days, battling wind and rain throughout. 

Inspired by a young girl with a life-limiting condition, David Levin, a tenant at Bield Housing and Care’s Dean Court development in Bo’ness, took on the Scottish elements in support of Calum’s Cabin and in honour of Chiara Petersen Fox.  

David walked an average of eight miles each day over the course of 10 days, with his feet taking him from Bo’ness to Longniddry and back again. He successfully completed his challenge on Tuesday 9th April with a total of £2,070 raised so far.

13 year old Chiara Fox, the granddaughter of David’s golfing buddy, Harry Petersen, was diagnosed with a rare life-limiting condition as a baby.

David set off on this challenge to help raise awareness for both the support Calum’s Cabin provides and Chiara’s condition.

David said: “There have been a few tough days, but quitting was never an option. Perhaps others will think, ‘well if that old guy can do it, why can’t I?’, and take the first step, the hardest of all.

“I love to chat. I believe it’s an essential component of a healthy life and I’ve had a great time walking under Chiara’s banner for Calum’s Cabin.”

David was joined by local residents, Bield staff, Chiara and her family, as well as friends including former professional footballer turned GP, Kenny Deuchar, also known as Dr. Goals. 

Local restaurants and cafés along the route kindly provided David with free lunches and hot drinks to keep his spirits high.

At just 8 months old, Chiara was diagnosed with the rare condition MPS1 H, also known as Hurlers. Since then, she has undergone extensive medical procedures including two spinal fusion surgeries, two bone marrow transplants and bilateral hip reconstruction. 

Chiara’s mum, Michelle Petersen, said: “It’s been so great to see David complete this challenge, Chiara is an inspiration to everyone she meets! We’ve been able to join David at the start and end of his walk, we’re thrilled he chose to walk for Chiara and Calum’s Cabin.”

Money raised from David’s hike will go towards Calum’s Cabin, to help provide respite for children like Chiara with serious illnesses.

Calum’s Cabin was inspired by Calum Spiers and founded by his parents, Duncan and Caroline, and twin sister, Jenna, after Calum passed away from an inoperable brain tumour in 2007. 

Calum’s Cabin provides free holiday accommodation for children with cancer and their families on the Isle of Bute, East Coast and in Ayrshire. They also offer “home from home” flats in Glasgow when families with children suffering from cancer have to relocate for intensive treatments and clinical trials.

Caroline said: “We love to hear of the memories made by families who have stayed at Calum’s Cabin, and we are honoured that David chose to walk for us.

“Many families who have children with cancer are required to travel from all over Scotland to Glasgow’s primary treatment centres for specialist care. The mounting cost of travel and accommodation is often a huge burden for families, adding even more stress and worry to their lives.

“The money David has raised will go towards supporting these families to enjoy a stress-free break.”

Throughout his journey, David kept a daily blog to keep contributors up to date with his whereabouts and how he was getting on.

David was supported by Bield staff who helped to create a manageable walking route along the John Muir Way. To ensure David was well rested after each day of his journey, they also hosted him at Bield properties along the route. 

Tracey Howatt, Bield’s Director of Customer Experience, said: “Everyone at Bield is so proud of David for completing this incredible challenge and it’s been great to hear from the team that have joined him.

“We’re continually amazed by the charitable nature of our tenants. David has been a true inspiration and hopefully he can now enjoy a well-deserved rest!”

Bield is devoted to delivering flexible housing solutions and support services designed specifically for older people.

To read David’s blog from his 81-mile journey, visit here: https://www.bield.co.uk/blogs/

To donate and find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/just-giving-walkie-talkie

To find out more about Bield, please visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow them on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland

UK’s most congested cities revealed

The UK’s most gridlocked cities have been revealed, with some motorists losing nearly a week of their lives each year sitting in traffic.

Car insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have analysed congestion data and found commuters in London, Bristol and Manchester have lost the most time to rush hour traffic.

It’s no surprise that the capital comes out on top when it comes to hours lost in traffic, with Londoners losing a total of 148 hours (6.1 days) per year sitting in traffic. 

On average, it takes drivers nearly 40 minutes to travel a distance of just six miles in the city. 

Despite the congestion charge aiming to reduce traffic in central London, it’s still amongst the top five most congested cities.

Drivers in Bristol and Manchester are also experiencing high levels of traffic, travelling at an average speed of 13 mph during peak times and losing almost four full days to congestion. 

The fourth most jammed city in the UK is Leicester where drivers are spending around 79 hours per year stuck in traffic, followed closely by Sheffield with 76 hours. 

Liverpool and Belfast are tied, with drivers in both regions wasting three days stuck behind the wheel. 

Also making the top ten most gridlocked cities are Edinburgh, Hull and Nottingham. 

RankCityTime lost per year in rush hour jams
1London148 hours
2Bristol89 hours
3Manchester88 hours
4Leicester79 hours
5Sheffield76 hours
6Liverpool75 hours
7Belfast75 hours
8Edinburgh74 hours
9Hull71 hours 
10Nottingham69 hours

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “It’s frustrating when you start thinking about how many hours you’re spending each year waiting in traffic.  Motorists in the capital are most impacted by congestion, losing nearly a week being stuck behind the wheel. 

“What is quite surprising is that data shows Bristol is the second worst congested city in the UK, despite being considerably smaller than cities like Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds.

“With people living in the top ten most gridlocked cities wasting between 3-6 days every year in traffic jams, there must be more steps taken to tackle congestion issues. 

“Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, and Tyneside have already introduced clean air zones and congestion charges but we’re expecting more cities to join them in the near future, especially as the UK strives to meet its net zero targets.

“Not only are drivers wasting their time, they’re also wasting money, even a small car idling in traffic can use up to a litre of petrol in an hour. To help save money, drivers should try and plan around busy roads and peak times but that’s often not possible.

“Car sharing may be a fuel saving option for come commuters as well as economical driving – smooth braking, moving into a higher gear sooner and reducing the heat or air conditioning, to help reduce fuel waste and environmental damage.” 

As a price comparison site, Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK save millions of pounds every year on car insurance, breakdown cover and personal finance products.

Top line-up of Trad Tutors to run this year’s Workshop Programme

EDINBURGH TRADFEST 3 – 13 MAY

KARINE POLWART + BRUCE NCUBE + EVIE WADDELL + ANNA-WENDY STEVENSON

At this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest (3-13 May) workshop participants can learn everything from traditional Zimbabwean song and Scottish step dance, to how to sign, how to improve your onstage patter, and how your favourite music can provide a springboard to your own songwriting ambitions. 

Kicking off on opening weekend, is the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin (EYG), a three day workshop programme supported by the William Grant Foundation. 

Aimed at13-18 year olds, and led by band tutors – Kirsty Law, Tom Oakes and Lori Watson the workshop culminates in a showcase performance by all participants as part of Edinburgh Tradfest’s main music programme.

Plus, new this year, there will also be two taster workshops on 20th and 27th April, for those new to being in the EYG Big Band and making music with others.

Also running during the festival is a workshop teaching traditional songs from Zimbabwe in 3 to 6-part harmonies, with Bruce Ncube.

Bruce is a Zimbabwean artist who specialises in teaching songs and harmonies that are emotionally charged and uplifting, and his workshop is designed to build participants confidence with singing.

His method of teaching is the traditional oral/aural way and is reminiscent of when people would gather around a fire in the evenings, or whilst working in the fields would start weaving harmonies together.

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Workshop Tutor Bruce Ncube

Participants can also learn how to sign songs in Scots and Gaelic with Evie Waddell. Evie’s workshop invites people to participate in Gaelic culture as they learn and play with some Scottish step dance and British sign language, looking at rhythm and communication with hands and feet.

Over at the Storytelling Centre, storyteller Svend-Erik Engh will be teaching musicians how to improve their patter and song introductions on stage, with some basic rules of storytelling. 

Plus, Anna-Wendy Stevenson will teach a class to intermediate/advanced level fiddle players, and renowned singer and composer Karine Polwart will teach participants about songwriting, how to work with others and strategies for finishing a song, even if it is never likely to see the light of day!

Bruce Ncube said: “Through colonisation, we (Africans) were made to believe that our music, our stories, our ways of living and our languages were less important than the colonisers’, unfortunately its legacy lives on and many of the young people shun their own music and choose to sound western.

“My mission is simply to preserve our own unique identity and showcase the best of us. I am the guardian of my cultural history and traditions. I enjoy doing what I do because I have seen the benefits of groups singing, I have seen the joy in people’s faces and I have witnessed healing through song in the workshops that I run,

“I enjoy what I do because through my workshops; I have provided a platform, space & opportunity for humans to connect and interact through harmony singing.

“I have watched people’s faces transform from being reserved to being more expressive and joyful within a couple of hours of singing together, I enjoy doing what I do because; as a citizen of this world, that is my only contribution to this wonderful world that humans do not seem to appreciate.”  

Jane-Ann Purdy, Co-producer of Edinburgh Tradfest said; “We’ve been building up our workshop programme for the past few years and this May it will be better than ever.

“We hope that musicians and singers of all abilities will learn loads of new tips and techniques to help them develop their own creative practice or just have fun with picking up a new skill.

“We met Bruce Ncube at one of his singing workshops on the west coast last year and we’re delighted that he agreed to come back up to Scotland and be part of this year’s programme. There’s no one better at building a relaxed and fun environment for learning. He’s amazing.”

The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest including traditional music at the Traverse theatre, events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the Folk Film Gaitherin, and the Edinburgh Folk Club is now on sale.

The programme includes an unmissable line-up of music, talks, adult and children’s music workshops, ceilidhs, films, and storytelling thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and the William Grant Foundation.

Edinburgh Tradfest 2024 will run from Friday 3 May – Monday 13 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

Time will tell if Scottish Government can halt exodus from NHS

The British Dental Association Scotland has responded to new freedom of information data from the Scottish Liberal Democrats showing the number of dentists providing NHS services has fallen from pre-pandemic numbers across most health boards. 

The BDA stress this data only begins to show the risks facing the service, as the data does not capture the mix of NHS and private work dentists undertake.

The professional body says the data gives no picture of the whole time equivalent NHS workforce, and without that there is no scope for robust workforce planning.

The broken high volume/low margin model high street NHS dentists work to proved unsustainable during COVID, and while some amends to this system were rolled out in November, it remains to be seen if reforms are sufficient to give the service a sustainable future 

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “For years the broken system NHS dentistry works to has left dedicated colleagues looking to the exit.

“We’ve seen some reform, but time will tell if it’s enough to put a halt to this exodus.

“One point is abundantly clear. If this service is going to have a future there can be no complacency at Holyrood.”

PM statement on Iranian regime’s ‘reckless’ attack against Israel

IRAN launched drones in a retaliatory attack on Israel last night.

Iran was responding to an Israeli attack on their embassy in Damascus earlier this month in which a senior military leader was killed.

Israeli defences, with the support of US allies, intercepted ‘hundreds’ of missiles in last night’s attack and it’s understood there are few casualties

Words from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the Iranian regime’s attack against Israel:

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.

“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. 

“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

UK Military Activity in the Middle East

Statement from UK’s Ministry of Defence

In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.

We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.

We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.

Have you seen Eboney?

MISSING PERSON – EBONEY GIBB

Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 15-year-old female missing from Edinburgh. Eboney was last seen in North Edinburgh on Monday (8 April, 2024).

She is described as being around 5ft 1 in height, of slim build with long brown hair and when last seen was wearing a white coat, grey tracksuit bottoms and white crocs. Eboney has links to the Dundee and Aberdeen areas.

Concerns are growing for Eboney and police are appealing to anyone who has seen Eboney or has any information on her whereabouts to contact us, quoting incident 3820 of 11 April, 2024.

NASA v Nessie: The Loch Ness Centre calls on the pioneers of exploration in new search for Nessie

  • The Loch Ness Centre is asking for scientists, universities and even NASA to provide their expertise in a renewed search for the famous monster  
  • Last year, one of the biggest searches of Loch Ness concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings
  • The search takes place on the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness, Sir Edward Mountain’s expedition with the ‘Watchers of the Monster’

Last year, the newly revamped Loch Ness Centre partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, alongside hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers to search the famous waters of Loch Ness. 

With numerous potential sightings and strange noises heard from the depths of Loch Ness, The Loch Ness Centre is returning with an even bigger search as it continues its goal of uncovering the loch’s mysteries. 

As well as looking for budding monster hunters to be involved in the search, taking place Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June, this year organisers are asking for experts to help. This includesscientists and universities, as well as pioneers of exploration NASA to provide equipment and expertise in the search.

With new equipment from experts the Loch Ness Centre is hoping science can help uncover the mysteries of the Loch and the unexplainable sightings since the legend of Nessie began 90 years ago. 

This year marks the 90th anniversary since the first organised search for Nessie, when Sir Edward Mountain took a team of twenty and became the ‘Watchers of the Monster’. Since then there have been over 1,156 sightings of the beast on the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register.

As part of this year’s quest, The Loch Ness Centre and LNE are looking for volunteers to become modern day ‘Watchers of the Monster’ and take part in a giant surface watch of the Loch, keeping an eye out for breaks in the water. Volunteers will be briefed on what to look out for and how to record findings.

Over the 4 days, as well as the search, there will be a number of other activities taking place. This includes a special screening of Loch Ness: They Created a Monster, the new documentary explores the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and 80s with a special Q&A with the director John MaClaverty.

Other events include a live debate with Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration, Roland Watson, a renowned Loch Ness writer, and eyewitness Richard White, as they tell gripping stories, discuss ongoing research, and dissect eyewitness accounts. All while debating the existence of the elusive monster.

For those wanting to get out on the water as part of the huge search, there is also the chance to explore the depths of the world-famous loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project.

Monster hunters have the chance to join Alistair and renowned Nessie researcher Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration for an extended excursion. They will experience the thrill of utilising a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch.

The Loch Ness Centre, which was reopened last year following a huge renovation, is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where, 90 years ago, hotel manageress Mrs Aldie Mackay reported seeing a ‘water beast’ in Loch Ness – sparking our modern day interest in the phenomenon.

Continuum Attractions, which operates award-winning attractions all over the UK, invested £1.5m in creating a modern immersive experience with interactive elements. Making use of a wealth of engaging technology to create an immersive multimedia experience, the reimagined centre offers a memorable experience to visitors of all ages. 

Monster hunters unable to attend the search can still get involved in the hunt for the truth, through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. Several cameras have been set up all over the loch for people around all over the world to watch out for the loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife, 365 days a year. When viewing the live cameras, watchers can capture a screenshot directly as well as zoom in to get a better look, and are being asked to share any findings. 

Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: “Last year we captured the world’s attention with one of the biggest ever searches for Nessie, with participants joining us from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more.

“With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, this year we are determined to find out more about the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

“As well as asking for the help of budding monster hunters to help us on our quest, we are asking for the help of experts. We’re excited to make this search the biggest ever, as we look for new equipment to help us uncover the loch’s biggest mysteries.”

Get involved in The Quest and join us on our search for answers, visit: 

lochness.com/the-quest

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit: 

lochness.com. 

Drylaw Fun Day: Tombola Prizes Wanted

🌟 Urgent Call to Action! 🌟

🎉 Help make our Fun Day spectacular!

We’re on the lookout for Tombola prizes and your generosity can make all the difference! 🎁 Whether it’s chocolates 🍫, toys 🧸, toiletries 🧴, or bottles of your favourite drinks 🍾, every contribution counts!

🚀 Support our centre by donating new items for our Tombola. Your support can bring smiles to many faces!

😊 Drop off your donations at our community centre by Friday, April 19th. Let’s make this event unforgettable, together! 🎈

💕 Please get in touch for any information.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support! 💕