davepickering – Page 3329 – The NEN

Twenty days to raise three grand

MY Adventure’s race against time to raise funds

MY Adventure, Muirhouse Youth Development Group’ social enterprise arm, is using crowfunding site Crowdfunder.co.uk to try to raise £6000 for essential repairs to their very own Borders bothy. With twenty days to go, they’re halfway there – but if they don’t reach their target they receive NOTHING.

MY Adventure’s Jonny Kinross gives some good reasons why you should pledge your support:

‘We believe in beautiful idyllic peaceful and natural wilderness spaces being accessible to everyone – Towford is just that.’

For many years now registered Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) and its Social Enterprise MY Adventure have been looking to secure a building, a bothy, a place that people can get away to and relax in – that is basic, comfortable and affordable. A place where young children can play safely but adventurously in the outdoors, exploring Scotland’s natural heritage with their families and friends. A place where teenagers can get away from pressures and learn new skills. A place where groups of adults can build friendships but enjoy space to themselves.

Towford Outdoor Centre, near Jedburgh, set in the beautiful remote yet accessible Scottish Borders, is the place we have been seeking.

Towford Outdoor Centre lies in the upper Kale Valley, on the northern slopes of the Cheviot Hills and has been lent to MYDG absolutely free, initially for 10 years but for the longer term if we can sustain it and assure our landlord that people are using it.

Towford was formerly an Outdoor Education centre until it closed in 1996. Before that, it was a school from 1876 to 1964.

The school log reads on June 30th 1964: ‘Today is the last day of Towford School. We have closed today and will not be returning’. Let’s return to this building a playful spirit and keenness to learn about the natural world, each other and ourselves!

You couldn’t find a better location for a Centre as Towford. Feeling remote but a mere 15 minutes from Jedburgh, the area contains an abundance of features of educational interest, quite apart from its out-standing potential for hill-walking and the beautiful conservation grade grounds. The area is typical of the Scottish Cheviot country, with its rolling hills and wide valleys, clear streams, shelterbelts and rich grazings.

The widely scattered hamlets and hill-farms are linked by narrow, winding roads, little used but essential to settlement in the area. Roman remains, along with standing stones, hill forts, cultivation terraces and the like all add to the educational potential of the area. This area and this building with your help can make an outstanding contribution to the lives of many children, groups, adults and communities.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The building has been empty and unused for 17 years. It urgently needs some heating and a rewire if it is to survive its first winter in our care. We also seek to make it more sustainable and more importantly more accessible to people with disabilities. Many of the old systems are now considered unsafe. The roof needs patching and the grounds have become hugely overgrown and inaccessible. We have a fantastic community of volunteers who can provide the labour (we are of course always looking for more, especially people with trade’s experience). However, funds are needed specifically to:

Put in a wood burning stove
Re-wire the building
Replace two windows
Up-grade the Shower/toilet block – making it accessible to people with disabilities

Crowdfunding is the best way to fund this project because we can offer amazing incentives (see below) including use of the building once it’s fully operational. We also need the funding urgently to complete the essentials for Towford to survive the Scottish winter.

Rewards – What you get for your pledges

Exclusive to TIC TOC Backers

Pledge £5 or more – Your name (or a dedication) on the ‘wall of supporters’ in the Centre and on the website. You get this for all the other pledges

Pledge £10 or more – A unique ‘TIC TOC ! Time for MY Adventure’ snap band

Pledge £20 or more – a Commemorative ‘Key to Towford’

Pledge £25 or more – A designer TIC TOC T –shirt

Pledge £50 or more – A Tandem cycle hire for a day for two people (and 2 ‘TIC TOC Time for MY Adventure’ snap bands) – making this a fantastic unique Christmas or Birthday Gift !

Pledge £60 or more – A Scroll of an extract from the original Towford School Log book (dating back to the 19th Century)

Pledge £75 or more – A Limited Edition Print of an original painting of the Centre in its grounds (framed and posted) with a certificate of appreciation for your support

Pledge £100 or more – A 2 hour Archery Session for 12 people – a fantastic Christmas Gift, birthday party or work celebration – competitive, fun, enjoyable for all ages and abilities!

Pledge £120 or more – for a Family Weekend self-catering at Towford – enjoying the beautiful Scottish Borders!

Pledge £250 or more – A half day Family or Group Day out (Mountain Biking, Coasteering, Canoeing, Canyoning for 6 people) – as adrenaline rushing or relaxed as you wish!

Pledge £500 or more – A self-Catering weekend at Towford with an activity for up to 30 people! Tonnes of hills, a warm fire, isolated setting with the freedom to explore!

Pledge £600 or more – Your Company or Dedication details engraved onto a traditional wooden Bench

Pledge £1000 or more – A Dynamic Team Building Day (Wet/Dry/high-low impact) Activity of your choice and a plaque with your company details inscribed upon it – acknowledging your support

Pledge £6,000 or more – An idyllic water feature named after you and no one else for ever! (set in Towford’s beautiful 17 acre gardens).

Your pledge will benefit many people from all different walks of life. The organisations who have already stated that they will use this fantastic facility is huge and includes groups who organise or fund:

Family Respite breaks
Parenting – family strengthening groups
Alternatives to Crime Projects
Self-Directed Support – personal breaks or activities
Affordable Family Holidays
Youth work residentials
Schools and college field trips
Duke of Edinburgh groups
Employability groups and ready-for-work programmes
Conservation Charities
Courses, Therapies and retreats

We are a ‘hands-on’, ‘can-do’ social enterprise that look for creative and sustainable ways of changing young people’s lives – we do this on a daily basis. We can organise huge teams of volunteers – we have successfully done so on many projects – and this keeps costs down to a minimum (materials & technical advice only).

Due to this tremendous social capital your pledge will go far beyond how you imagined – making a huge difference to the long term prospect of this wonderful building becoming the source of so many positive memories and life-changing experiences.

Please pledge generously and remember – we’re not asking for something for nothing: you, your friends and family will love the rewards for your pledges that are exclusive to TIC TOC backers.

You have the opportunity to help create something that will benefit thousands of people every year – year on year.

Convinced? If you’d like to pledge your support to MY Adventure’s project go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/towford

MORE Power to the People!

New session starts today at Royston Wardieburn

Discovering North Edinburgh’s Early History
30 September – 16 December

Power to the People is a group for adults who are interested in Scottish history, politics, arts and current affairs. Over the last two years we have been learning about Scotland’s history and the struggles of ordinary people through studying Scottish poetry, music, paintings, literature and films. We have also been trying to get to grips with many of the important issues concerning the Scottish Referendum (see our open letter, below).

P2TP – dear citizens of scotland

This term we will be exploring North Edinburgh’s early history and how this is linked to important social, economic and political events in Scotland through the centuries. The programme for this term will include:

• Speakers on specific topics relating to the early history of North Edinburgh and Edinburgh generally
• Visits to the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, RCAHMS)
• Workshops (using IT to access digital archive material)
• Films on Edinburgh’s early history

Material and resources uncovered during this term will contribute to the development of The Great North Edinburgh Tapestry, an exciting new project which will document the history of this area and the story of all the people who have settled here.

The Power to the People group is friendly, informal, fun and free. No qualifications or knowledge of history are required. New members are always welcome.

If you require more information about the course or require a creche contact Lynn McCabe, Community Learning and Development worker on 552 5700 (Tuesday – Thursday) or email on lynn.mccabe@ea.edin.sch.uk

See below for an article about the group:

PowertothepeopleStanistreet 2012

Inverleith Conservation Area: have your say today

Have your say on the Inverleith Conservation Area Appraisal

Conservation Area Character Appraisals help to manage change in a conservation area. They describe what is special about each conservation area. They help in making decisions on proposals that affect the area’s special character.

Each of Edinburgh’s 49 conservation areas has a Conservation Area Character Appraisal. However, some of these have not been updated for some time, changes have taken place, development pressures and community interest mean that a review is desirable. We are now beginning to review our Character Appraisals, starting with the Grange, Queensferry and Inverleith.

This first stage consultation involves talking to as many people as possible with an interest in the area – residents, businesses and any other group. This local knowledge and interest is invaluable in giving an accurate picture of what people value about an area and feel is special.

To capture this we have designed this on-line questionnaire which will make people think about recent development in Inverleith and whether they feel it has taken the special character of the area into account. Similar surveys carried out in the Grange and Queensferry produced a great amount of useful feedback.

The team will also be available at two drop-in sessions at Stockbridge Library if anyone would like to talk in more detail about these issues, or would like help filling in the survey on line or in a paper version:

TODAY – Tuesday 30 September, 10am-5pm

Wednesday 8 October, 1pm-8pm

The survey will be running for around 3 weeks. Once we have collected all the feedback we will use this to design the new version of the Inverleith Conservation Area Character Appraisal. The draft of this will go out for more detailed public consultation later in 2015.

More information here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CACAreview

Flood prevention scheme second phase gets green light

The second phase of a multi-million pound flood prevention scheme has been given the go-ahead following a funding agreement.

The Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme (WoLFPS) is a key infrastructure project to help protect hundreds of properties in vulnerable areas of the city from future flooding.

Following the completion of the first phase, which included defences at Veitches Square, Stockbridge Colonies, Warriston, St Mark’s Park and Bonnington, overall costs for a reconfigured Phase 2 at Murrayfield/Roseburn were estimated at £25.241m.

However, the available capital budget for this second phase stood at £20.539m, leaving a shortfall of £4.702m and jeopardising the delivery of this next stage of the WoLFPS.

The City of Edinburgh Council has now agreed to fund this shortfall through a realignment and transfer of existing Services for Communities capital budgets, meaning that the formal procurement process can now get under way, with flood prevention works starting in the Roseburn and Murrayfield area in autumn 2015.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “It’s fantastic news that we can now proceed with the next stage of this hugely important project, which will safeguard hundreds of properties from flooding in the future. We’ve been working extremely closely with the community and key stakeholders to make sure they were fully involved in the plans from the outset and with reinforced governance and protocols in place, we’re confident that Phase 2 will be delivered efficiently and at best value to the taxpayer.”

Local schools share the Commonwealth Games experience at Spartans

2014 has been a fantastic year for sport in Scotland. From hosting the Ryder Cup to fantastic performances from the national football team against the World Cup champions – what better time to capture the attention of the younger generation and engage them in sport?

Undoubtedly the most popular talking point in Scottish sport has been Glasgow having the privilege of hosting the Commonwealth Games this summer, and following this tremendous event, The Spartans Community Football Academy was keen to offer the young people of North Edinburgh the opportunity to try their hands at some Commonwealth sports.

With the support of Big Lottery Funding, we hosted our very own North Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Day last Tuesday (23 September). Our aim was simple – let young people experience Commonwealth sports they may never have had the opportunity to try before. We invited primary 7 pupils from five local primary schools to join us at The Spartans Community Football Academy – that’s over 200 young people! Thank you Pirniehall PS, Blackhall PS, Forthview PS, Granton PS and St Davids PS for making the day such a special occasion!

Local clubs and organizations were quick to offer help with our event allowing us to offer a great variety of sports. On the day, pupils got to try their hand at Hurdles, Long Jump, Javelin, Triathlon, Boxing, Judo, 100m and 400m relay.

There was great energy around the event and this stemmed from the coaches and volunteers we had on board for the day. We would like to thank coaches and volunteers from Kabo Boxing, Edinburgh Leisure and Jidel Judo for coming along and making the event such a success.

We were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to offer a Triathlon station to the young people – this wouldn’t have been possible without the help and resources from Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and MyAdventure who offered us use of their swimming pool and bicycles.

We would also like to extend thanks to staff from the Nike store in Craigleith for all their help and support with this project. We would like to extend a final thank you to Big Lottery Funding for believing in our project – without their support this fantastic event would not have been possible.

Pictured above are pupils from St Davids PS and Granton PS who spent the afternoon at our Commonwealth Games.

Jamie Tomkinson (Youth & Community Worker)

The Spartans Community Football Academy

Sainsbury’s and D Mains double up to support Macmillan

Colleagues from Sainsburys Blackhall – with the help of the parents and pupils of Davidsons Main Primary School – held a Macmillan coffee morning on Friday (26 September) and raised an amazing £1,000 for the Macmillan nurses!

A huge thank you to all involved!

Gail Wilson
Sainsburys Blackhall

Masked men raid family home in Crewe Road South

Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery in Crewe Road South during the night. Four armed men wearing masks broke into a house just before 2am and attacked a terrified Chinese couple and their ten-year-old son. The raiders – who spoke with Scottish accents – escaped with a four-figure-sum of cash and jewellery.

Police are carrying out inquiries in the area and have increased high-visibility patrols in Craigleith.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston, who is leading the investigation, said: “The occupants of the house were awoken in the night to four masked intruders, who threatened them with a weapon and demanded cash. This was obviously a terrifying experience for them, and we are looking for any information to help us trace those responsible.

“I would be particularly keen to trace the drivers or occupants of any vehicles that were within the area at the time of the incident.

“We don’t have a clear description of the men as they were wearing masks, but they were all wearing dark clothing, and we are working to establish further details.”

If you have any information please call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The jam in Edinburgh’s planning sandwich?

Trinity Community Council has commented on Edinburgh’s latest Local Development Plan:

The City of Edinburgh Council’s latest Local Development Plan shows more than 17,000 new houses to be built on either side of the Trinity area. Trinity comprises about 4,000 houses currently so that is a very significant increase in nearby housing stock. There will also be two new Primary Schools, additional shopping at Granton and Leith and major industrial development at Leith docks.

Despite this, the plan contains no corresponding transport proposals. Will Trinity be the jam in the sandwich between developments at Leith and Granton? The previous plan depended on the tram to Newhaven taking the strain but the scrapping of that extension has not been replaced by any alternative.

Unless the plan recognises the need, transport will only be reviewed piecemeal as developments are built – with all that implies for impatient motorists taking shortcuts through residential areas.

There is also concern about possible impact on parking – already causing a number of problems and made worse by apparent lack of enforcement. One suggestion is to introduce Priority Parking but this would cost residents for their permit. More info at

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20083/parking_permits/451/priority_parking

We will push for a review of roads, transport (including bus services) and parking in north Edinburgh as part of the Plan rather than as an afterthought.

Trinity Community Council

NOTE:

Comments on Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan must be received by this Friday – 3 October

Building New Futures

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership and local community councils organised a conference to discuss regeneration initiiatives in North Edinburgh at Edinburgh College Granton Campus yesterday.

Report to follow, but some pictures to give you a flavour of the event in the meantime …

Winter festivals funding announced

£315,000 to support for festive events across Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop has announced an award of £315,000 to support events across Scotland as part of the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme.

Scotland’s Winter Festivals events run across St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night in a celebration of Scottish culture and creativity, spread across the country.

The funding will be awarded to 16 events in total, comprising seven St Andrew’s Day events, five regional Hogmanay events and four Burns celebrations.

Across the country, these events will welcome locals and tourists to celebrate with them this winter – from the Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway.

St Andrew’s Day will kick-start this winter’s festive season with major city centre events in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as regional celebrations in East Lothian, Oban, St Andrews and Perth. Storytelling, music and traditional Scottish food and drink, at festivities across the country, this St Andrew’s Day has something for everyone to enjoy.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals comprise a dynamic events programme, spanning the significant national dates of St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

“The Scottish Government is delighted to deliver this funding which enables EventScotland to showcase the best of Scottish music, arts, food and drink, innovation and entertainment to a wide audience.

“We are a country renowned for our warm hospitality and in 2013 alone, almost 15 million overnight stays were spent in Scotland. St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night offer great opportunities for visitors and residents alike to celebrate our rich culture and distinctive heritage here, while our special dates are also marked around the world.”

www.scotland.org/winter