Day: April 16, 2025

Love Your Lawn event at Dobbies

Free gardening workshop in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK this Dementia Action Week

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in its Edinburgh store this May in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week (19-25 May).

Dobbies is highlighting the benefits of garden living for brain health and raising vital funds to find a cure for dementia through this free-to-attend workshop at the Edinburgh store. 

Gardening is a great activity to highlight this Dementia Action Week, as it’s a hobby that can help look after our brain health. Physical activity, learning new skills and keeping connected with others are just some of the things we can do to help reduce our risk of dementia.

May’s Grow How event, Love Your Lawn, will take place in the Edinburgh store on Saturday 3 May and Wednesday 7 May at 10:30am and 3:30pm, giving customers of all ages and gardening abilities the chance to learn something new or finesse their gardening skills.

These popular live Grow How demonstrations are flexible, fun and interactive, taking around 15 minutes. Dobbies’ Green Team will give a demonstration around lawn care, taking customers back to the basics and illustrating the importance of maintenance for a healthy lawn.

During the session there will be an activity centred around repairing a lawn with grass plugs, giving everyone the chance to give it a go. There will also be the chance to ask any questions relating to lawn care. The talk will be supported with a selection of general top tips and products such as grass seed, lawn feed and tools to keep your grass in tip top shape. 

The Green Team at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will then share information on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign, which aims to educate people about the steps they can take to look after their brains and help reduce the risk of dementia.

It’s focused on three simple rules – love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected. Lawn maintenance is a great task for keeping physically and mentally active through gardening and garden living.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, shares his excitement for getting everyone, no matter their lawn care experience. He said: “Spring is the perfect time to take care of your lawn and prepare it for the warmer months ahead, and we are here to help customers feel confident.

“Our Green Team are full of advice and expertise, with knowledge on the best products and tools to care for the lawn. They’ll be on-hand at the Edinburgh store to troubleshoot any currents gardening queries and give those who have little knowledge on lawn care a strong understanding of how easy it can be to stay on top of when regularly maintained.   

“Our free Grow How demonstration is in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, a fantastic charity raising funds to find a cure for dementia. We’d encourage all attendees to donate, if they can, to this important cause.”

Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that Alzheimer’s Research UK will become part of Dobbies’ Grow How sessions during Dementia Action Week.

“As well as getting the chance to learn how to make the most of their gardens this spring, people can find out how to show their brains some love and help reduce their risk of dementia.

“Research shows that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors we can influence. But despite this, only a third of people in the UK realise it is possible to reduce their risk.

“We’re really proud to be working with Dobbies to raise much-needed awareness of the actions people can take for their brain health, while also raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.”

The garden centre is also inviting local groups, schools and causes who applied to Dobbies Community Gardens along to stores on Saturday 3 May.

Dobbies’ Green Team will be announcing the successful group, who will receive a selection of products and tools, alongside gardening advice and volunteer hours.

To book May’s FREE Grow How session Love Your Lawn, visit:  www.dobbies.com\events.

Donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK can be made at the time of booking or in store on the day.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit:

www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.

Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

Florin-Petrica Bodale, who was a sole trader operating as a building contractor, exaggerated his turnover to obtain the maximum Bounce Back Loan

  • Florin-Petrica Bodale was a building contractor and sole trader, operating in Harrow.  
  • He claimed his business had a turnover of more than £200,000 to claim the maximum Covid Bounce Back loan.  
  • He was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.  

A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.  

Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.  

In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.  

But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.  

In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500. 

On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.   

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.  

Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said: “Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.  

“These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to. 

“We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.”

In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service. 

The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process. 

Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government. 

The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.  

Victory for For Women Scotland

UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.

“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.

“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”

SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement:

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.

“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”

There has been no response yet from either the Scottish Government or either Labour or the Lib Dems, the other parties that supported the gender legislation at Holyrood.

NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling: “NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.

“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”

Historic Motion in Scottish Parliament Tackles Hinduphobia

Ash Regan Leads Charge for Equality

In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).

The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.

The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.

As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.

Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”

She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”

Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:

Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.” 

They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”

Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”

The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.

Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”

The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.

As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.

Read the Full Motion Here:

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17089

Read the Full Report (Hinduphobia in Scotland) Here:

Scottish Parliament Group Endorses Groundbreaking Hinduphobia

Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”

Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.

“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”


Easter holiday weekend: Remember your medication

GP practices and many community pharmacies won’t be available on Good Friday or Easter Monday, so before you go looking for Easter Eggs make sure you pick up any needed medication.

For more information, check: https://ow.ly/lGt150R18IZ

North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund: Information Sessions

TUESDAY 22 APRIL 10 – 11am or 6 – 7pm ONLINE

Funding reminder! We’ll will be hosting two digital drop in sessions for anyone that is interested in applying to the North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund and wants to find out more.

Tuesday 22 April, 10.00am – 11.00am – Online information session – Please email Granton.Waterfront@edinburgh.gov.uk for an online link.

Tuesday 22 April, 6.00pm – 7.00pm – Online information session – Please email Granton.Waterfront@edinburgh.gov.uk for an online link.

https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/budgets/7

World’s Leading Festivals to gather in Edinburgh for European Arts Festivals Summit 2025

This month, Edinburgh – the world’s foremost festival city – will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.

From 27-30 April 2025, more than 200 festival directors, pioneering artists, and cultural leaders will assemble at The Hub – the iconic home of the Edinburgh International Festival, the original festival that sparked Edinburgh’s legacy as the festival city, 78 years ago.

Over four days of provocative dialogue, vital networking, and groundbreaking collaboration, the Summit will delve into the transformative power of festivals, examining how they drive innovation, ignite creativity, and forge unbreakable bonds between culture, cities, and communities worldwide.

Festivals are central to Edinburgh’s identity and success, drawing millions of visitors each year, generating substantial economic benefit, and enriching lives through access to world-class art and performance.

Hosted by the European Festivals Association (EFA), the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh, the Summit will highlight Edinburgh’s unique position as a global leader in cultural programming, offering delegates the chance to engage with the city’s festivals and cultural organisations.

Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, said: “In Edinburgh, festivals are part of the city’s DNA and are a driving force for creativity and international exchange.

“Hosting the Arts Festivals Summit at The Hub reflects both the International Festival’s proud legacy in shaping cultural dialogue, but also its role in driving international connection for nearly eight decades.

“As we come together to share ideas, navigate common challenges, and explore new possibilities, we reaffirm the power of festivals not only as stages for artistic excellence, but as essential spaces for understanding, empathy, and collaboration across borders.” 

The Summit will spotlight the transformative power of festivals, underscoring the substantial economic, social, and cultural value that festivals contribute to Edinburgh and to countries throughout Europe, and shaping strategies to ensure festivals remain vital forces for societal good.

The Summit’s dynamic programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops exploring the evolving role of arts and festivals in shaping cities.

Speakers lined up include author and social philosopher, Roman Krznaric; independent researcher and co-founder of think tank Culture Policy Room, Elena Polivtseva; CEO of International Society for the Performing Arts based in New York, David Baile; Director of Performing Arts at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Nele Hertling; Head of the Arts for the Rural Development Foundation in Hungary, Natália Oszkó-Jakab; and Project Director of European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), Donika Rudi among many others.

Sessions will address key issues such as sustainability, accessibility, and artistic freedom while also examining the relationship between festivals and emerging artists. Looking ahead, the programme will invite participants to consider the future of festivals in an ever-changing global landscape, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural sector.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted Edinburgh is hosting this year’s European Arts Festivals Summit – it’s a fantastic opportunity for festival makers to get together and discuss all the key issues we all face.

“As the world’s Festival City, Edinburgh exemplifies how festivals can unite communities, inspire creativity, and drive social change. This summit celebrates our city’s cultural leadership and the transformative power of the arts.”

Jan Briers, President of EFA, said: “To be with 200 festival makers from all over the world together in Edinburgh, the festival city of Europe, for 4 days, is a great opportunity for everyone to learn, connect, and plan projects.”