davepickering

Time Banking: time to give and take

Can you lend a hand to someone in your community? Do you need a helping hand every now and then? If so, you’re a perfect recruit to North Edinburgh’s growing team of Time Bank members! Julie Smith recently took up a new post as Timebroker with North Edinburgh Time Bank, and she explains what it’s all about:

What is Time Banking?

Its’ a really simple idea designed to support people who help others and to offer support ro those that need it. For every hour you spend doing something for somebody, you get a time credit. You can then use that to get an hour of somebody else’s time to help you.

Isn’t that just being a good neighbour?

Yes it is! But we’ve all seen our communities change over time. We don’t all know our neighbours now, or where to go to ask for a favour. A time bank is a way of getting to know each other in the community, in order to give and receive help from each other.

What kind of help is on offer?

All sorts of different services are on offer – depending on the individual members involved. It can be anything from giving someone a lift to an appointment, to teaching them how to play guitar. It can be offering a bit of company to someone who is isolated, or doing the garden for someone who’s broken their arm … anything really, except babysitting and personal care.

I don’t have any skills to offer

Yes, you do! TIme Banking recognises all the talents, experiences and knowledge people have. You might be a good listener and available to be company for someone for an hour or so. You might be able to help them so their garden, or put up shelves. maybe you’re good at knitting or you can give folk a lift to an appointment. Everyone has something to offer.

How Does It Work?

You become a member of North Edinburgh Time Bank. Contact Julie Smith, your local Time Bank Broker – details below.

You can then start offering help to folk and receiving your time credits. You can ‘cash’ your credits in when you want to use someone else’s skills or knowledge.

Who’s in charge of the bank?

The TIme Bank Broker keeps a record of what you’ve done and keeps you informed of all the time credits you have. The Broker also organises social events so the members of the Time Bank can get to know each other.

How much time do I have to give?

As much or as little as you want. You decide what you want to offer and if you see if you’re available when someone wants your service. It may only be a couple of hours a month – or more or less. It’s really up to you – you’re in control and you can get involved as much – or as little – as you like, As a member, you can come to all the social events too!

Isn’t this just volunteering?

Time Banking is NOT volunteering of charity. It is all about the members offering their skills, abilities and expertise to help others to a level that you can expect from a friend or neighbour. You do not need to be an expert – on anything!

Who Can Join?

Everyone is welcome, as long as you’re 18 or over. Everyone is treated equally – everyone’s time is worth exactly the same and everyone has something worthwhile to contribute.

Interested, or want to find out more?

Contact Jule Smith on 07807 002 591, email north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk

You can visit the website at www.edinburghtimebank.org or call in to North Edinburgh Arts cafe on Wednesdays from 10.30 – 11.30am

Local families – are you Motivated to Move?

Last year’s Muirhouse Million Steps was one of the area’s most talked-about community events, with over 120 people taking part in the marathon walk around the area. Community Healthy Lifestyles coordinator Lisa Arnott hopes to make the event even bigger this year, and offers a great opportunity for local families to improve their fitness. She explains what’s being planned:

“Preparations for Muirhouse Million Steps 2012 is well underway and this year’s event aims to be even more fun! In partnership with the Move It Project, Muirhouse Slimmers, Craigroyston Community High School and the Active Schools coordinator, Pilton Community Health Project is developing a new family fitness programme…. Motivate to Move or M2M.

M2M is a free eight week family fitness training programme which brings together great resources to enable up to eight 8 lucky families to improve their fitness and take part in the Muirhouse Million Steps. It is a pilot and place will be limited but a great prize for any family wanting to improve their families fitness with support from personal trainers.

The Muirhouse Million Steps 2012 will take place on Friday 28September. This year we are offering 8 local families the chance to win their own personal family fitness programme and to train for the Muirhouse Million Steps and beyond!!!!!!!! Each lucky local family will receive:

Free personalised 8 week family fitness programme
Free support from their very own family fitness trainer
Free access to local sports facilities for a family fitness activity
At least 2 weekly sessions of supported family fitness activity
Each participating family would need to be available from 5^h August to end of September and attend the Muirhouse Million Steps on Friday 28 September
Participating families must live in Muirhouse, West Pilton, West Granton, Drylaw, Granton, Royston or Wardieburn areas
Each family would need to be able to commit to at least 2 weekly supported family fitness training sessions. Times and days negotiable within reason, although there will be no supported training on a Sunday!
Each family will have their journey to fitness documented using photography and /or articles in the NEN, on the PCHP website, blogs and facebook
A family can be up to 3 adults and at least 1 child of primary school age. The lucky families will be selected and notified by 12 July. “

If you are interested, please apply to Lisa Arnott, Community Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator at

Pilton Community Health Project 73 Boswall Parkway EH5 2PW

or email: lisaarnott@pchp.org.uk or tel: 0131 551 1671.

Pirniehall artwork brightens promenade

Artwork designed by local children was installed yesterday (Tuesday) by the City of Edinburgh Council on the Granton stretch of the Edinburgh Promenade. The Rubbings Trail is a pilot and aims to provide a fun activity for everyone using the walkway to enjoy.

It hopes to draw people along the walkway to collect three themed bronze plaques based on the history and heritage of Granton. It is proposed that the collection is extended to run along the full length of the promenade in the future.

The plaques were designed by Pirniehall P4s Jason Bateman, Erinn Tyler and Alexander Trainer and include a shoal of fish; an oyster catcher; and boats and a seal at Granton Harbour. Local artist Kate Ive, winner of the British Medal Society’s ‘New Medallist Scheme’ 2011/12, translated the original designs into bronze.

Cllr Tom Buchanan, Convener of the Economic Development Committee, said: “The Council is committed to delivering a high quality Promenade between Cramond and Joppa. Over the last five years, in excess of £400,000 has been invested completing the section between Cramond and Granton. The Rubbings Trail is a fantastic addition to this stretch of the Promenade, which is now being heavily used by walkers, cyclists and visitors. I look forward to many thousands of people each year enjoying this new artwork produced by our talented school children alongside the excellent views to Fife.”

The Edinburgh Promenade runs for 17km and stretches from Cramond in the west to Joppa in the East. As well as forming part of the Scottish Coastal Path it is also part of the North Sea Trail.

The Promenade is a vital part of the waterfront regeneration and has the support of a wide range of stakeholders.

City of Edinburgh Council

Muirhouse Centipede’s going green!

From potty planters and community barbeques to picture competitions and labyrinth mazes … Linda Dunbar gives an update on the Centipede Project …

A multi agency Steering Group has been formed which includes representatives from St Paul’s RC, North Edinburgh Arts, Fable Vision (Govan) and Link Up – and we are hopeful the representation will get wider.

We now have a plan of activities for the next nine months, kicking off with a Peculiar Planter Competition! We are looking for folk to bring along a potted plant (or plants) to the West Pilton and Muirhouse Gala on 26 August – but for the planters to be more than your bog standard terracotta pot – as the title suggests – the dafter the better! We want folk to write a few lines on a postcard, explaining their planter, or naming their planter, or telling up why they chose it. We will be working with local schools, nursing homes and community groups to ensure a big entry to the competition.

For those who are struggling for ideas, there will also be a chance to ‘plant up’ at the free Community BBQ and Summer Fair that will be held in Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church the day before, Saturday 25th from 11am – 1pm. This will be the third year that Muirhouse have hosted a FREE community BBQ, but this year it will be enhanced by peculiar planters and summer fair stalls! Judging of the planters will take place during the Gala Day and prizes will be announced at 3.30pm.

This is just the start of a big programme of events – all made possible through Pilot Project Funding from the Parish Development Fund of the Church of Scotland. Also in the pipeline are:

‘A Time for Peace’ – a chance to step back and reflect on the peaceful sites within the Muirhouse and west Pilton Area – hosted by North Edinburgh Arts some time in October/November – date to be confirmed

12/12/12 Photo competition – take a digital photograph some time during the 24 hours of 12/12/12 that depicts one of the Advent themes of ‘love’, ‘joy’, hope’ or ‘peace’. In mid-late January there will be a display of the winning entries, again hosted by North Edinburgh Arts – date to be confirmed

Running over autumn and winter we will be engaging a community artist to design something ‘big and beautiful and spectacular’ in flowers or bulbs which we hope to work with the council in identifying one of the brown field sites within the Muirhouse area, to plant up (with the help of the community) and wait and watch for the grand display blooming in the spring.

In the church gardens, and elsewhere if we can identify suitable sites, we are going to install a labyrinth maze – we also hope to install small sensory/peace gardens at two or three sites in the area.

So – you can see the Centipede has got its boots on!

Folks can check out updates on Facebook’s Marvellous Muirhouse Page, and on www.centipedeproject.co.uk

Linda Dunbar

Telford in deal to transform ‘tired’ playing fields

Sports enthusiasts in Edinburgh are set to score with the launch of the city’s newest sports facility thanks to a unique partnership between Edinburgh’s Telford College and World of Football.

Edinburgh’s Telford College has teamed up with World of Football (WOF) to turn the college’s tired playing fields into a revitalised indoor sporting facility for use by both students and the local community.

The project will see the outdoor pitches at Marine Drive be incorporated into the new development of ten football pitches, six of which are indoor which are designed for five-a-side football – with one existing full size pitch set aside for other sports such as hockey, cricket and rugby.

Miles Dibsdall OBE, Principal of Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “We are delighted to announce that planning has been submitted for this fabulous new facility at our Marine Drive campus. It has been a very smart piece of business to strike a deal to work with World of Football to revitalise our pitches, which were becoming both sub-standard and under used. This is a great example of the college playing a key role in the local community. And what’s really pleasing is that this facility will benefit not just Telford College and the students from the new Edinburgh College when the merger happens in October, but also sports enthusiasts across the city that will be able to hire out the pitches.”

Tom MacGregor, Head of Sport at Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “It is great news that there are plans in place for a fresh new sports facility in north Edinburgh. This type of facility creates endless opportunities for students on our various sports courses – they will now have a state of the art facility to improve their learning that won’t be affected by bad weather at any time. It’s the perfect site for a facility like this and I’m sure the students will be itching to make use of it when it opens.”

Paul De Marco, Managing Director of World of Football said: “This is a great opportunity for us to expand on our brand in Edinburgh but also a great chance to get involved with the local community. Our family business originated from Granton in the 1930’s and we are delighted to be investing back into the community.”

He continued: “It made sense for us to target Marine Drive; it is a great space with amazing potential. It will serve as a great facility for the students to use for their studies but will also be a great addition to the North Edinburgh community. We don’t just build 5 a side football pitches we have developed a style of football which is totally unique and in building at Marine Drive from the ground up this will be our most advanced and in demand centre yet.”

Edinburgh’s Telford College is one of Scotland’s largest independent further education colleges. They provide a wide range of career related programmes and currently have around 17,000 students and 600 members of staff.

More information about the college can be found at www.ed-coll.ac.uk

Inverleith Summer Programme

It’s the last week of school before the holidays, and partners in Inverleith are making sure tha there will be lots of fun activities for children and young people to enjoy during the long summer break – whatever the weather!

From fishing for fun, gymnastics and drama workshops to cheerleading, dance school and rafting there’s something to keep eeveryone amused, at venues close to home like Ravelston, Inverleith and King George V parks to further flung places like Glentress, Aberfeldy and Dalkeith.

Make the most of summer by taking advantage of Inverleith’s youth activities programme – call Ann at Broughton Community Learning and Development office on 332 6316, email ann.brown@ea.edin.sch.uk for information.

Inverleith Summer Programme

Community planting and barbeque in West Pilton

We are having a barbecue and planting event in West Pilton Community Garden on Saturday 7 July from 11 – 2pm with access to the kitchen and toilets at PYCP. Please come if you are able, or let folk know it is on.

PS fingers crossed for the weather!

Kirsty

Pilton Residents

Email: kirsty@piltonresidents.org.uk

Flyer attached:

BARBIE~1

Craigroyston Community High School Summer Programme

There’s absolutely no reason to be bored this July with a full programme of local activities at Craigroyston Community High School on Pennywell Road. Whether it’s art, fitness or cookery there’s something for you at Craigie this summer!

MONDAYS

2, 9, 16 and 23 July

Art: Painting and Drawing 10.30 – 12.30pm

£10 for four weeks or £3 per session

9, 16, 23 July

Family swim session 2 – 3pm

Adult £1, child 50p.

9, 16, 23 July

Adult Swim Session 3 – 4pm

Adult £1.50

2, 9, 16, 23 July

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

£3 per session

TUESDAYS

Gallery visits with Steven Hood

10 July 10.30

Drawing from the Landscape

Meet outside the RSA on the Mound for 10.30am

£3 – no entrance fee

24 July 10.30

Expanding Horizons – Giovanni Battista Lusieri (1754 – 1821)

Stunningly beautiful landscapes in watercolour

Meet outside The National Gallery on The Mound at 10.30

Entrance fee £7.50/£5 concessions

Home Cookery: Soups, salads and bakes!

3, 10 & 17 July

Never be stuck for a quick, healthy and tasty meal again!

£3 (to cover cost of ingredients). Bring a container to take your food home – or you can eat it here!

Family Swim Sessions 5.30 – 6.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July. Adult £1, child 50p

Adult Open Swim Session 6.30 – 7.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July. Adult £1.50

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July. £3 per session.

WEDNESDAYS

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

4, 11, 18 and 25 July. £3 per session.

THURSDAYS

5, 12, 19 & 26 July

Family Swim Session 2 – 3pm Adult £1, child 50p.

Adult Open Swim Session 3 – 4pm £1.50p

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm £3 per session.

FRIDAYS

July 13, 20, 27 & 3 August

Feet Foxes 10 – 11am

Feet Foxes is a class for parents and children (age 18 months – 5 years) who are looking for some FUN and enjoy dancing, movement, singing and playing games together! Each class has a mix of structured and free play, which encourages creativity whilst working and having fun together. Classes run as drop-in sessions, so pop along whenever suits! We dance in our bare feet and it’s best to wear comfy clothes!

£1.50 – One adult and up to three children; additional children 50p.

Aquafit and Adult Swim Session 11.30 – 12.30pm

July 6,13, 20 & 27 £1.50 per session.

For more information, to book a place on the Art or Cookery classes or to book a place on one of the gallery visits please call in at the school, telephone 538 7285 or 477 7801 or email admin@craigroyston.edin.sch.uk

Community Gala – it’s looking good!

Plans for the West Granton and Muirhouse Gala are progressing nicely, organisers told a meeting of interested parties on Tuesday. Permission to use West Pilton Park was finally granted last week – fortunately! – and with insurance, entertainers, security, caterers, rides, PA system, performers, a stage, marquees, shows and stalls all seemingly now in place all that’s needed on 26 August are punters and hopefully a little sunshine!

More than twenty local groups and organisations were represented at the planning meeting held at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church, and gala organiser Sean Gardiner told the meeting: “Everything has fallen into place relatively easily – the biggest challenge for fellow organiser Alex and I has been time. We both work full-time and there seems to have been a thousands and one things to be done, but we’re getting there. The aim of this year’s gala is really to try to provide something for everyone – from the smallest kids right up to their grandparents – a real community event that everyone can enjoy and feel part of. We’ll learn from this year’s event when we go on to plan next years’ Gala!”

The list of attractions is very impressive – see the group’s website for details – and the West Pilton Park Gala on 26 August should indeed be a lot of fun. It takes a lot of work to create fun events, though, and organisers would be delighted to hear from any volunteers who would be willing to spend an hour or so helping out on the big day.

If you can lend a hand, contact the gala organisers at www.westpiltonandmuirhousegala.co.uk, where you’ll also find Facebook and Twitter contact details.

PS: Stalls and tables are still available for comunity groups and organisations – more info and booking forms are available through the website.

Read all about it! Success for Forth’s adult learners!

Congratulations to these participants in the Introduction to Modern Scottish Literature course which was so popular it’s been run twice at The Prentice Centre this year. The students were presented with an Award at an event organised to recognise the success of different education groups and classes held on 18 May.

More than twenty people regularly attend the Prentice Centre sessions and some of them attended the City Chambers celebration event (pictured).

There was further success for Forth at the event when Muirhouse Women’s Group also received an award. More on that story to follow … they’re a busy bunch and they’ve proved very hard to pin down so far!