Month: September 2024

Heart of Newhaven: September News

Welcome to your September newsletter

We’re Advancing …

First of all, a little boasting. We are proud to let you know that we have achieved an “Advancing” report from It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of Keeping Scotland Beautiful, for our achievements over the year (that’s level three out of five).

Our efforts were scored at the beginning of August and we were praised for community participation and environmental responsibility.

In particular, the work done by the Men’s Shed, on various planters and raised beds, the planting of particular ingredients for dyeing and wood treatment by our partners and the creation of free Little Libraries, one with a green roof, came in for special mention, all providing opportunities for a wide variety of activities for local residents.

The report also included a few suggestions for going forward, which we will certainly work hard to bring to fruition.

Hear About …

September means that our Hear About talks are starting soon, on Friday 20th to be precise. We’ll be kicking off with a return visit from Kenneth Williamson who this time will be telling us about Old Edinburgh Trams that served Edinburgh from 1876 until 1956.

Talks will take place at 3pm and will be followed by the chance for a cup of tea and an informal chat. Talks are currently free but we would appreciate a donation towards the refreshments.

See our website, notice boards and social media for details of the other autumn talks which will be on most Fridays until 6th December.

Hear About

Tattie Fest

Saturday 21 September 12 – 4pm

Join us for a celebration of the Heart of Newhaven’s garden and to eat a lot of potatoes.

Expect – Food – from the garden, the Scran Van and groups who are based at The Heart of Newhaven; Herbal tea from the garden (and tea and coffee from the supermarket if that’s not your thing); Creative activities – potato printing, screen printing, potato crocheting and knitting; Garden tours and a chance to meet other people from our community

There will also be Tattie Contests, including a beauty contest – if you’ve been growing your own in your garden or on your balcony, and have some unusual looking potatoes, bring them along to be entered!

And as we drift into autumn, the gardening drop-in days have changed and are now weekly on Thursdays from 10.30 till 12.30 and monthly on the first Saturday of the month, 10.30 till 12.30.

Reminiscence

Remember, remember that our regular volunteer-led Reminiscence sessions are taking place on the last Thursday of every month (except December). Everyone is welcome to come along and share memories in the Anchor building. September’s gathering will take place on Thursday 26th.

Doors Open

The last weekend of the month will see the Heart open for Doors Open Days, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th.

We’ll be open from 10am till 4pm both days and there will be a chance to take a tour round the thriving building, talking to some of our artistic and creative partners including Ink on Mesh and Robert Furze, violin maker, or take part in a short Victorian lesson in the Schoolroom. The latter will only be on twice each day, (11.30 and 1.30) so sign up on arrival to be sure of the experience.

There will be not one, but two art exhibitions on display to enjoy: The Joy of Painting and Art in Healthcare and the day will also see the unveiling of the Oyster Mural on the outside of the Anchor building, at 11am. Come along and see the result of co-operation and consultation between Restoration Forth and the local community.

That will be followed by a performance by the Newhaven Community Choir while there will also be music from the Men’s Shed Splinter Band. The Shed will be open to visitors both Saturday and Sunday from 10am, with a “Repair Shed” and a “Guitar Clinic” from 10am-1pm on Saturday.

In addition, our Ukranian Spiders will be providing some wonderful refreshments between 10 and 3 on both days.

The Tallest Christmas Tree

September also means that there are barely three months to go before our Tallest Tree goes on display. The knitters are busy getting everything ready by fireproofing the squares and decorations, continuing to sew squares and trim pom-poms for garlands. Everyone is welcome to come along and help at the various sessions.

Sewing will continue fortnightly at the Heart in September but with a revised time of 1-3 pm which means that everyone will be travelling home in daylight and those who are interested in our Friday afternoon talks will also be able to attend.

The trunk and branches are in the capable hands of Derek from Men’s Shed and Eain is building a stable for our knitted nativity scene while the Heart knitters are busy with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all things nativity. The Heart of Newhaven Fishwife has not arrived yet but we are certain she will look lovely on top of the Tree. We are running a competition to guess her name and we shall have forms available for you to make your guess at the Tattie Fest on 21st September and Doors Open Days on 28th and 29th September or call in and make your guess. Only 50p a name!

We would appreciate anyone who could donate a raffle prize, as we are raising funds to make the Heart as accessible as possible for everyone and for Home-Start our chosen partner. This is an organisation which supports parents to give children the best start in life. We are also looking for sponsors in our Sponsor a Branch appeal. We shall, of course, acknowledge everyone who helps in this way in the Heart and also on our our social media channels.

We need any remaining squares or decorations to be brought in to the Heart for fireproofing and will also be delighted to receive more decorations as any extras left over will be sold at the craft fair on opening day, November 30th to help raise funds for our good causes.

Leith Folk Club

Leith Folk Club is presenting an evening with the extraordinary Scottish-Canadian artist, Evangeline Gentle, on Tuesday, 24 September, 7.45 for 8pm start. With a sound that seamlessly blends folk, pop, and Americana, Evangeline’s music is a heartfelt celebration of queerness, identity, and the shared human experience.

Their songs are marked by lush melodies, powerful storytelling, and a voice that resonates with warmth and authenticity, while their performances are known for their emotional intensity and inclusivity, so whether you’re a dedicated folk fan or simply looking for a night of beautiful, thought-provoking music, this is an opportunity to witness a truly gifted artist up-close and personal.

Email info@lethifolkclub.com to reserve a place or message at www.leithfolkclub.com (which links to the Leith Folk Club facebook page). 

– Tickets:  £12 (cash only, at the door) Remember, the venue is not licenced but you are welcome to bring along whatever you’d like to drink.

Calling all seamstresses

Finally, an appeal from our History of Education Centre partners who run the Victorian Schoolroom on the first floor of the Heart.

The schoolroom is in dire need of some new children’s costumes for visiting school pupils, in particular boys’ shirts.

Our top floor tailor partner Poppy has very kindly made some shirt patterns but if anyone feels able to donate some suitably Victorian-looking materials, or feels able to sew up a few shirts from the patterns once we have the material, then please get in touch either with histedcentre@gmail.com or with christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.

Please have a look at our regular sessions – we are have amazing new workshops and classes.  
Regular Sessions

Save the date:

9th October, 6pm – the 2024 AGM.

If you are a member you will receive an invite. If you want any information or to stand as a trustee contact agm@heartofnewahven.co.uk

If you want to sign up as a member do so here:  Heart of Newhaven 

30th November – craft fair and reveal of the Tallest Christmas Tree

Royal Northern Sinfonia to close Lammermuir Festival in style

One of Lammermuir Festival’s most enduringly popular artists, Royal Northern Sinfonia, will celebrate the fifteenth festival coming to a triumphant close tonight (Monday).

They play the two most influential of early Romantic composers, Mendelssohn and Schumann, making for a great pairing for the final concert. Schumann’s Violin Concerto – composed at the end of his life and still very much a rarity in concert – is a gloriously lyrical, heroic work perfectly suited to Maria Wloszczowska’s sweet-toned virtuosity.

This is the last chance to catch Maria Wloszczowska who has had astonishing success in her concerts throughout the 2024 festival.

 The sparkling beauty of Mendelssohn’s enthralling Shakespearian score brings the 2024 Lammermuir Festival to a magical conclusion.

Monday 16 September, 8pm

Royal Northern Sinfonia

St Mary’s Parish Church, Haddington

Tickets on sale at: https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/closing-concert-royal-northern-sinfonia/

Texas to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced that Scottish music icons TEXAS will headline the Concert in the Gardens on Tuesday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2025 at the world-famous New Year festival. 

The homegrown heroes announced their Hogmanay headline slot live on stage during their sold-out show at the Glasgow Hydro tonight (Sunday 15th September) and will be joined by special guest Callum Beattie this December, with Concert in the Gardens hosted by award-winning comedian Susie McCabe.  

Following a recent run of sell-out arena shows and rave reviews across the UK; including two triumphant sold-out nights at the Glasgow Hydro, Texas’ appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024, makes them the first band to ever headline the festival three times, and marks their first appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for almost 20 years, having last performed back in 2005.  

Fronted by multi award-winning singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will play beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays, performing the last show of 2024 and first of 2025, bringing in the bells with a hit filled set of career spanning anthems including I Don’t Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile.

35 years since ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’ exploded into the charts back in 1989, Texas have gone on to produce ten studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide, becoming one of the UK’s most enduring and loved bands.

Their headline appearance at the Concert in the Gardens will once again make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet with a Scottish show like no other at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’.  

Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri said: “We can’t wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and let’s party for the New Year.”

Joining Texas at the Concert in the Gardens is very special guest Callum Beattie. Edinburgh-born Callum has progressed from busking outside the city’s Usher Hall, to recently selling-out two nights at the iconic venue. A special guest slot at the country’s biggest Hogmanay party closes a triumphant year for the singer-songwriter, who’s punchy, rousing, emotive and gloriously catchy debut album scored a No.1 in The Official Scottish Albums Chart. 

Callum Beattie said: “In just a few years I’ve gone from selling 30 tickets, to sold out shows including three sold out Barrowlands and two sold out Usher Halls, but being asked to play the Concert in the Gardens at Hogmanay is without a doubt the greatest highlight of my career so far, and to be doing it with Sharleen and the guys just makes it even sweeter. I can’t believe it!”

Plus, award-winning comedian Susie McCabe will return to host Concert in the Gardens, leading the country in a countdown to midnight. The winner of 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Susie McCabe is one of the country’s most beloved comedians and a fitting host for the night.  

Also on the 31st December, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party will this year welcome 45,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2025 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle.

Revellers will once again enjoy a feast of live music, DJs, international street theatre, thrilling funfair rides, along with delicious food and drink, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre for one massive outdoor party. Tickets are on-sale now, with full programme details to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “The capital’s Hogmanay celebration is not only an Edinburgh tradition – it’s world renowned.

“It will be wonderful to welcome back the iconic Texas performing a career-spanning set. With Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie joining them as a special guest, I’m delighted that this year’s Concert in the Gardens has such a strong Scottish line up. It promises to be a fantastic party to welcome 2025, where gig-goers will have unequalled views of midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

“Edinburgh will continue to be THE place to welcome in the new year and I look forward to the full Hogmanay programme being unveiled.”

Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council said:“We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival. 

“Plus, with the addition of Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie, it’s fantastic to have a stellar Scottish line-up for the very last show of 2024 and the first of 2025. 

“With a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – Elephant Sessions – Sun 31 Dec 2023 (© photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

Concert in the Gardens with Texas and special guest Callum Beattie, takes place on Tuesday 31 December 2024 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am. 

Tickets go on general release Friday 20 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from £72.50 plus booking fees, ticket price includes £1.00 charity donation to CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).

A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Wednesday 18 September at 10am. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party tickets are on-sale now priced £30.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation. Discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets £24.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation.  

The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the 4-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 festival include the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Year’s Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footin’ culture trail, which welcomes artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.  

Edinburgh smashes Kiltwalk record with biggest-ever Capital event

9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes raised funds for 800 charities

9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes took over the capital today in the biggest-ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk, with 802 different Scottish charities already benefitting from every penny and pound raised. The fundraising total stood at £1.3 million at 9 am, as 3,700 smiling walkers, many of them sporting a touch of tartan, set off from the magnificent Holyrood Park.

Another 3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, while 2,300 embarked on the 5-mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park. All participants completed their tartan-clad journey at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium finish line.

The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the Kiltwalk, ensures it remains Scotland’s most affordable platform for charities to raise crucial funds. Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation joined the walkers in Edinburgh and paid tribute to their incredible efforts.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “This is a record-breaking Kiltwalk – Edinburgh’s biggest ever, with over 9,000 people. Every year, we continue to grow, which is a double-edged sword as it reflects the increasing number of people in need within our communities.

“But for every person in need, there’s a good person ready to lend a helping hand by taking part in events like Kiltwalk. Kiltwalk connects those in need with those who want to help – seamlessly and with a smile. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”

The Hunter Foundation surprised three charities by giving each a £5,000 cash boost during the ‘Happiest Minute at Kiltwalk’ giveaways.

Local charities River Kids, which provides clothing, toys, and household essentials to disadvantaged children, and Hopscotch, which offers respite breaks for children, were both stunned by the announcement just before setting off from Holyrood Park.

Later, at Victoria Park, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, which supports children with essential school uniforms, was equally delighted when it, too, was awarded £5,000 to support its important work.

Pit stops along the route offered delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl, and encouragement was provided by charities Cyrenians, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and Marie Curie.

Fundraising manager for Cyrenians, Sophie Bell, said: “The Cyrenians team had an incredible time at our first-ever Pit Stop.

“The day was an invaluable opportunity for many lovely walkers to learn about the vital prevention work we do in local communities. Scotland should be a place where people facing tough times get the support they need before they hit a crisis, but right now, we’re in a national housing emergency.

“We are especially grateful to the amazing fundraisers who supported– every penny raised is helping us to provide essential support to even more people in crisis. A massive thank you from us all at Cyrenians for your dedication and support!”

Community and events fundraiser for SAMH, Catriona Wilson, said: “The SAMH team loved every minute of our day.

“We were grateful to have an incredible 169 Kiltwalkers who took part in support of SAMH, and it was really moving to spend time with them at our Pit Stop and hear their stories about why they’ve chosen to raise much-needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.

“It’s also a great reminder that being physically active is a powerful way to support our mental wellbeing. From everyone at SAMH, we’d love to extend a huge thank you to each of our supporters – the need for our life-changing services continues to grow, and your support is helping us transform lives.”

Every Kiltwalker who registered and fundraised is in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to Headline Sponsor Arnold Clark.

Lee-Ann Edison, Group Communications and PR Director of Arnold Clark, said: “Kiltwalk is an amazing charity that makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we’re delighted to continue our support with another fantastic event.  

“Edinburgh Kiltwalk might be the last Kiltwalk of 2024, but it sure was a memorable one! Especially for one lucky Kiltwalker who will have the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!  

“Everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.

“Well done to everyone who took part!” 

Royal Bank of Scotland, Headline Sponsor of Kiltwalk and Partner of Team GB at the Paris Olympics, helped ensure all finish-line meals were served in compostable pots, all rubbish was fully recycled and reused, and nothing went to landfill.

Judith Cruickshank, One Bank Scotland Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Kiltwalk is one of the highlights of Scotland’s charity and community calendar, and it is one Royal Bank of Scotland has been proud to partner.

“The events brings together thousands of people from across the country and the Edinburgh walk in the country’s capital was no exception. Hundreds of bank colleagues joined customers and the public to help fundraise for groups and charities which are making a positive difference to people across Scotland.

“Whether as participant, volunteer or spectator, everyone here in Edinburgh today has helped make it another success. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, its impact will also be felt for months and years to come.”

At the finish line, there was music, dancing, hot food, and novelty acts like tartan-clad stilt walkers, courtesy of Gold Sponsor Johnston Carmichael.

Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%. 

Time running out to book your stall at Volunteer Fair 2024

Stallholder bookings deadline is Wednesday 18th September at 5pm

Last few days remaining to book a stall at the the fair and you can purchase a stall via our online shop here or by clicking below.

stallholder bookings

The stallholder terms and conditions are available on our website, and additional resources including a risk assessment, exhibitors guide, promotional marketing can all be found to downloaded.
There is also a range of FAQs for any of those all important queries you may have.

What to expect

The Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2024 will showcase the wide range of ways that people can get involved in volunteering with organisations big and small, local and national, who serve a diverse range of communities and causes all coming together with the common aim to attract new volunteers.

Entry is FREE to the public, and more than a thousand potential volunteers are expected to visit and experience the diverse range of ways they can become involved.

Volunteering helps people truly participate in their communities, build new skills, get a taste of different working environments, create new friendships and boost individual confidence and wellbeing. Or simply just feel good that they have done something that made a difference.

When visitors need to sit down after taking in all of this new information there is a café by Space serving delicious food and drink.

  • When? Tuesday 1st October 2024 from 10am until 5.30pm.
  • Where? St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Click here to view on a map.

Our last fair helped hundreds of people in their search for volunteering opportunities, connecting them with the organisations that needed their help. 

For lots more info please visit our New dedicated Volunteer Recruitment Fair website edvolfair.org.uk

Here For You: Wellbeing at St. Columba’s

Learn to self-manage symptoms and improve your physical and emotional wellbeing at the same time.

Our Wellbeing Team is now running over 20 sessions, from techniques to help you manage your breathing to ‘A Wee Blether and Brew’, we can help you build confidence and take back control of your life.

Support is also available to family, friends, carers and those who are recently bereaved.

Find out more and book online today: https://bit.ly/SCHCwellbeing

Businesses face significant challenges in exporting goods to the EU, says Holyrood committee

Businesses in Scotland are experiencing “significant challenges” in exporting goods to the EU as a result of considerable non-tariff barriers which have arisen due to the post-Brexit UK-EU trading relationship, according to a new report by the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

The Committee is calling for the new UK Government to negotiate improvements to the trading relationship to better facilitate UK-EU trade.

The findings are part of a report focused on how trade in goods between the UK and EU is working under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The Committee also looked at the opportunities to improve the trading relationship.

The report highlights that non-tariff barriers have placed “considerable administrative, resource and cost pressures on businesses”, and “harmed exports”. Key amongst these barriers include the requirements for customs formalities and regulatory checks for all exports from the UK to the EU.

The Committee considers the challenges facing Scottish businesses to have been a consequence of leaving the EU as well as the type of Brexit which the TCA has delivered.

In order to address these trade barriers, the Committee identifies that there will be a need to seek closer regulatory alignment with the EU.  It says that the reduction of trade barriers will therefore depend on the extent of alignment the new UK Government is prepared to commit to in negotiations with the EU.

A key recommendation of the report is that the UK Government seek a veterinary agreement with the EU to significantly reduce border checks and the administrative burden on exports of agri-foods. The Committee say this could significantly reduce barriers to trade for many Scottish businesses.

Further recommendations to reduce barriers to trade include a mutual recognition agreement with the EU on conformity assessments, and the linkage of the respective UK and EU emissions trading schemes. In each case, the Committee say that greater regulatory alignment with the EU will likely be necessary.

The Committee also believe that the UK and Scottish governments need to provide greater support to businesses in managing the complexity of the current trading environment. In particular, it highlights that support is needed for businesses to comply with changing EU regulations, and to navigate the customs and regulatory requirements of trading with the EU.

The Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, Clare Adamson MSP, said: “It’s clear to us that the UK-EU trading relationship under the terms of the TCA has presented significant challenges for Scottish businesses exporting to the EU post-Brexit.

“These barriers to trading with the EU have resulted from the decision to leave the EU, but also from the post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU.

“While the EU may noy be willing to substantially renegotiate the agreement, there are nevertheless significant opportunities to improve the trading relationship, including through our important recommendations such as the need for a veterinary agreement with the EU.”

The Convener added: “We heard overwhelming evidence that the non-tariff barriers resulting from the TCA have placed considerable administrative, resource and cost pressures on Scottish businesses, with many withdrawing from the EU market as a result.

“These challenges have been particularly acute for exporters of agri-food products, which are required to meet the EU’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, as well as SMEs, who have been less able to absorb the additional costs and regulatory burdens.

“Therefore, it’s clear that there is a need for the UK Government to negotiate improvements to the trading relationship to better facilitate UK-EU trade, including through the formal review of the TCA in 2026.”

Westminster: Select committee Chair election results announced

The Speaker has declared the results of the elections for select committee chairs.

Chair election results

 Select committees appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments):

Other specified select committees:

Where single nominations were received for the role of Chair, the Speaker declared their election, unopposed, in the Chamber on Monday. They are:

Running alongside the select committee elections, Bob Blackman MP was the sole nomination received for the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee and has been declared Chair.

The new chairs will take up their positions when the remaining members of the committee have been appointed by the House. 

Read the breakdown of results (pdf, 215KB

The House of Commons rose for conference recess on Thursday 12 September and will next sit on Monday 7 October at 2.30pm.