Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Local parents plan grassroots gala

It may look quiet just now, but a group of local parents want to see West Pilton Park packed with families having fun this August as they plan a community gala. 

The group first met only last month but plans to resurrect the community fun day are already well advanced.

Sean Gardiner, a parent involved in the steering group, explained: “The idea really just came out of the blue. We were talking about how other areas – Davidsons Mains for example – have very successful fun days and galas and we thought: why don’t we have one? At first we were thinking about West Pilton alone but, when people talked about the great Muirhouse Festivals and more people came on board, we thought we would extend it to Muirhouse too. We’ve come up with lots of ideas for the day and we’ve been really pleased with the number of organisations, businesses and individuals who have signed up to be part of the day itself. The response has been brilliant”.

The group plans to combine the family fun element with information stalls too.

“There are an awful lot of organisations in the area doing great work, but some residents don’t even know they’re here. We’ll set up tents and stalls on gala day to give organisations the chance to publicize what they do, and we plan to introduce a ticketing system for the bouncy castles and things like that. If we set that up in the information area that would mean that families will get a see the information stalls before they go on to the fun activities for the kids. We think that combination of information and fun will work well – it should be a great day”.

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre Community Learning and Development worker Alan Addison is supporting the group – not that they need much support!

“This is a really enthusiastic group and I think what they have in just a few short weeks is pretty incredible. They’re not setting up in competition with anyone else, this is just a grass-roots community idea that’s come from local parents who are now taking on the responsibility for organising the event themselves. It’s a lot of work but their commitment and energy is incredible”, he said.

The community fun day will take place on Sunday 26 August in West Pilton Park. We’ll keep you up to date as plans progress.

Credit where it's due …

With financial crashes, economic meltdown and banking bailouts still fresh in the memory it’s good to know that alternatives to the big banks and finance companies are available. A safe place to save, loans at realistic rates, a dividend for members – and it’s right on your doorstep!  

Members attending last week’s North Edinburgh Credit Union annual general meeting heard that the organisation has had a steady year and that, in a volatile financial world, the local credit union remains a safe haven for savers and borrowers.

Chairperson Betty McVay told the meeting: “This is our Credit Union’s 26th year of operation and we are still going, when many people said we wouldn’t last! I won’t deny that at times it has been a hard struggle but with some dedicated volunteers and loyal members we are still around. The business of the Credit Union has once again continued to grow from strength to strength and now has an increasing membership. With the current economic climate we continue to exercise caution and take steps, through our Credit Committee, to protect our members and their savings”.

The meeting adopted rule changes that will see North Edinburgh Credit Union fall into line with other credit unions across the country, including the introduction of corporate membership and expand membership criteria to those people working in North Edinburgh. Members also agreed to pay a 1% dividend on shares in the credit union.

If last year was about stability and consolidation, the year ahead promises to be a more dynamic one. North Edinburgh Credit Union has appointed a consultant to boost the organisation’s profile and seek out new opportunities to help the credit union to grow. Banks may come and banks may go, but North Edinburgh Credit Union goes on forever!

North Edinburgh Credit Union is based in Wardieburn Drive. Business hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 7pm. For further information on how the credit union could help you, telephone 466 5006.

 

 

Credit where it’s due …

With financial crashes, economic meltdown and banking bailouts still fresh in the memory it’s good to know that alternatives to the big banks and finance companies are available. A safe place to save, loans at realistic rates, a dividend for members – and it’s right on your doorstep!  

Members attending last week’s North Edinburgh Credit Union annual general meeting heard that the organisation has had a steady year and that, in a volatile financial world, the local credit union remains a safe haven for savers and borrowers.

Chairperson Betty McVay told the meeting: “This is our Credit Union’s 26th year of operation and we are still going, when many people said we wouldn’t last! I won’t deny that at times it has been a hard struggle but with some dedicated volunteers and loyal members we are still around. The business of the Credit Union has once again continued to grow from strength to strength and now has an increasing membership. With the current economic climate we continue to exercise caution and take steps, through our Credit Committee, to protect our members and their savings”.

The meeting adopted rule changes that will see North Edinburgh Credit Union fall into line with other credit unions across the country, including the introduction of corporate membership and expand membership criteria to those people working in North Edinburgh. Members also agreed to pay a 1% dividend on shares in the credit union.

If last year was about stability and consolidation, the year ahead promises to be a more dynamic one. North Edinburgh Credit Union has appointed a consultant to boost the organisation’s profile and seek out new opportunities to help the credit union to grow. Banks may come and banks may go, but North Edinburgh Credit Union goes on forever!

North Edinburgh Credit Union is based in Wardieburn Drive. Business hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 7pm. For further information on how the credit union could help you, telephone 466 5006.

 

 

What a difference a week makes!

Last week we basked in record March temperatures, this week – we’re back to winter!  BBC Weather is forecasting a cloudy morning across the area with snow heaviest over Lothian, Borders and  the M74. Blizzard conditions are possible as the snow will be accompanied by strong northeasterly winds. It’s expected to become drier and brighter this afternoon, but snow showers are expected again overnight.

There you have it – put away the flip-flops and dig out those winter woolies!

Inverleith Hustings

Two Inverleith Ward community councils have organised hustings for the forthcoming council elections, giving you an opportunity to meet and hear the candidates and get your questions answered.

Craigleith Blackhall CC will hold their hustings on Thursday 19 April at 7.30pm in St. Columba’s Church on Queensferry Road, while Drylaw Telford CC’s election event takes place on Tuesday 24 April at 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre (off Groathill Road North).

All welcome.

Get in touch if you know of any more hustings events in Forth or Inverleith.

Rare micropig discovered in Drylaw

A rare ‘micropig’ has been discovered in a Drylaw garden. The tiny beast is barely two inches long, and it’s thought that ‘Babe’ may have journeyed for days to reach his destination.

A Drylaw man, who asked not to be named, said: “I was out early to start work in the garden this morning when I came upon what I thought at first was a snail. On closer inspection it turned out to be a tiny pig – I was astonished!”

Micropigs have become very popular as unusual family pets and it’s thought that this is one who got away.

“I understand there’s a bloke over in Ravelston who breeds micropigs and it could just be that this wee chap escaped from there”, said the pig’s finder. “If I can’t track down the owner, I’ll keep the pig and I’m calling him – or her, it’s too wee to tell – Babe. I’m hoping to teach the pig how to do wee tricks. I don’t think they grow very big so for the moment I’ll make up a wee bed in a matchbox and take it from there”.

A local vet said: “This is quite fascinating. If the animal did indeed travel from Ravelston all the way to Drylaw, that’s a huge trek for such a wee beast – it could have taken weeks and would have been fraught with danger. The Drylaw micropig certainly has a fascinating ‘tail’ to tell!”.

If you’ve lost a micropig please let us know.

 

CORE's Soundkidz performing today

 

CORE (Community Organisation for Race Equality) is inviting you to a music group event this afternoon in North Edinburgh Arts Centre from 3.30pm.

CORE Youth and Children’s Development Worker Hazel Lyons explains: “CORE started a music-making group last December at North Edinburgh Arts Centre and children from the Greater Pilton area have been focusing on music making and discovering different types of music. Throughout the sessions youth workers have been working with the children to explore new forms of music and improve their music skills, with the help of different guest musicians coming along each week.”.

She adds: “The children have been working towards putting on a performance and would love to show you everything that they have learned. CORE would therefore like to invite you to this event on Saturday 31 March at North Edinburgh Arts Centre. The performance will last from 3.30-4.30pm and there will also be refreshments. The children have worked so well together, learned new skills and had lots of fun – we are all really looking forward to the performance”.

 

CORE’s Soundkidz performing today

 

CORE (Community Organisation for Race Equality) is inviting you to a music group event this afternoon in North Edinburgh Arts Centre from 3.30pm.

CORE Youth and Children’s Development Worker Hazel Lyons explains: “CORE started a music-making group last December at North Edinburgh Arts Centre and children from the Greater Pilton area have been focusing on music making and discovering different types of music. Throughout the sessions youth workers have been working with the children to explore new forms of music and improve their music skills, with the help of different guest musicians coming along each week.”.

She adds: “The children have been working towards putting on a performance and would love to show you everything that they have learned. CORE would therefore like to invite you to this event on Saturday 31 March at North Edinburgh Arts Centre. The performance will last from 3.30-4.30pm and there will also be refreshments. The children have worked so well together, learned new skills and had lots of fun – we are all really looking forward to the performance”.

 

May 3 candidates confirmed

The following candidates will be seeking your support in the Local Government elections on 3 May. Four councillors will be elected in both the Forth and Inverleith wards from the following  lists:

4. Forth Ward 

Steve Cardownie – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Cammy Day – Scottish Labour Party

George Gordon – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Ruth Ann Henderson – Scottish Anti-Cuts Coalition

Allan George Jackson – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Kate Joester – Scottish Green Party

Seumas Stiubhard Macmhicean – Liberal Party in Scotland

Vicki Redpath – Scottish Labour Party

Tim Wight – Scottish Liberal Democrats

5. Inverleith Ward 

Nigel Bagshaw – Scottish Green Party

Gavin Barrie – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Scott Douglas – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Lesley Hinds – Scottish Labour Party

Tim McKay – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Iain Whyte – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

John Young – Scottish National Party (SNP).

This election uses the STV (Single Transferable Vote) system, which involves putting numbers against preferred candidates.

You must be on the register of electors to be able to vote. You can register to vote for this year’s council elections:

  • if you are 18 or over, or will be 18 on or before 3 May 2012
  • if you are a British or Commonwealth Citizen
  • if you are an EU national
  • even if you are homeless or living in temporary or long-term hostel accommodation.

A registration form is sent to homes every autumn but you can check if you are registered to vote at the Local Government Elections on 3 May 2012 by calling the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500.  But remember – you only have until Wednesday 18 April to register to vote, so check now!

Storage of petrol – stay safe!

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service understand the difficulties a strike causing disruption to petrol/diesel supplies may cause individuals, however we would advise people do not store large amounts of fuel in garages, sheds or any part of their house due to the increased risks to occupiers and firefighters.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Public safety is our overriding concern. We would like to remind people to focus on their own fire safety at all times. We would like to ensure that members of the public who are considering storing petrol on their properties follow these guidelines:”

*       Do not fill a container more than the capacity printed on the label

*       Do not store petrol inside a domestic premises

*       Store petrol in a place that is not part of or attached to a building used as a dwelling

*       Petrol must be stored in approved plastic or metal containers of the sort that can typically be purchased from filling stations

*       You should only store  petrol in two appropriate 10 litre metal containers or two appropriate 5 litre plastic containers.

Petrol is a dangerous substance which, when present can dramatically increase the risk of fire. The Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) recommends members of the public keep any storage of petrol to a minimum.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service