Category: Cramond

School pipe band performance keeps elderly residents in tune

SPIRITS at a Cramond care home have been lifted thanks to a local school pipe band treating residents to a fine performance. 

Pupils from Cargilfield School, an independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to 13,  visited Cramond Residence for an afternoon of traditional Scottish music for pipes and drums.

The performance is just one way the home is helping residents filter back into the local community following months of lockdown, while encouraging intergenerational conversations.

Angela Skilky, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Our main aim is always to provide fun, interactive and stimulating activities for residents to take part in, so we’re delighted to be able to resume in-person visits from members of the community.

“Residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the music has helped many reminisce fondly on previous moments in their life.

“We’re really thankful for the pupils coming along and taking time to entertain our residents. Creating intergenerational relationships are extremely important as they can help residents boost confidence, increase communication and improve memory.”

Cramond Residence holds a vast range of tailored activities that are open to all residents. Recent get-togethers have included arts and crafts, armchair aerobics and sensory sessions.

Cargilfield Headteacher Rob Taylor said: “It was lovely to see the residents smiling and tapping their feet along to the music.

“Some of the favourite songs included Highland Cathedral and of course ‘A Man’s a Man’ in honour of our Burns Night celebrations.”

The event kickstarted a week of Burns night activities, with residents enjoying a traditional Scottish menu including cock-a-leekie soup for starter, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties with cranachan and a “wee dram” for dessert.

Jan Henderson, resident at the home, said: “Thanks to both Cramond Residence staff and Cargilfield School for organising such a wonderful afternoon. There were smiles all round and the performance was enjoyed by everyone.”

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Care residents deck the halls thanks to calendar of festive fun

FESTIVITIES are underway at an Edinburgh care home with residents treated to a bumper month of Christmas related activities.

Kickstarting with a light switch on and a visit from Santa and his reindeers, Cramond Residence is hosting a series of Christmas themed activities for the duration of December.

Activities include a Christmas party with a festive magician, bespoke seasonal menu, festive cooking masterclass and secret Santa which have been planned by the home’s dedicated lifestyle team.

John Hughes, resident at Cramond Residence, said: “The home has put in lots of effort to make us all feel festive this year.

“My favourite activity so far has been the Christmas market and the visit from the reindeers but I’m also very much looking forward to the Christmas cooking masterclass too.

“We weren’t really able to celebrate so much last year so it’s nice the staff have gone to all this effort to make this year extra special for us.”

All donations received during any of the Christmas activities will be donated to Alzheimer’s Scotland & Save the Children – the home’s chosen charities for the festive season.

Mike Hall, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home said: “This year the team at Cramond Residence has been really keen to host lots of celebrations involving the community, as we are able to do so now.

“All of our staff and residents have been well and truly getting into the festive spirit and the atmosphere in the home has been very positive.

“The activities have gone down a treat with residents, many of whom have expressed their delight for the month long calendar of events.

“As Christmas is focused on kindness and giving, we also made the decision to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Scotland as it is a charity close to many at the home”.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Scottish Youth Parliament: Edinburgh elections results

The Scottish Youth Parliament election results 2021 were announced on Monday 22 November. Eleven new Members of the SYP will now represent young people in Edinburgh.

Ten of those elected are from state schools in the city, seven are young women and three are from a Black and Minority Ethnic background.

One remaining seat, in Northern and Leith, will be contested in the new year.

Edinburgh registered the highest number of expressions of interest in Scotland from potential candidates and fielded the most candidates (26) of any local authority.

We also achieved the highest voter turnout in Edinburgh since 2015, despite many of the usual campaigning activities being curtailed because of the pandemic.

Councillor Ellie Bird, Young People’s Champion, said: “I want to commend the astonishing achievements and contributions of all 26 candidates that stood across Edinburgh in the Scottish Youth Parliament election, and warmly welcome the eleven new MSYPs into our city’s elected member family.

“The success of this year’s election is a testament to the commitment and passion of everyone involved in prioritising the voice of young people, at a time when it’s never been more important.

“Due to the restricted access to schools, youth clubs and community centres, candidates have had to rely on their own ingenuity, creativity and sheer dogged persistence to get their message, and their vote, out.

“The determination that these young people have demonstrated in standing up for what they believe in by putting themselves forward for election and to be accountable to their electorate, especially during such a challenging period for young people, is nothing short of inspirational.

“I know they all have a lot to offer their communities and the causes they care about most, and I can’t wait to see what they do next and look forward to working with Edinburgh’s newest group of elected representatives to place young people at the heart of policy and decision making.”

For more information about the election and the successful candidates, please see @edinburghMSYPs

Cramond Campus Update

Update from the CRAMOND ASSOCIATION

The mediation process between Cramond and Barnton Community Council, the Cramond Association, the Brighouse Owners’ Association, the Friends of Cramond Campus and the Almond Ward councillors, on the one hand, and the developers, AMA (New Town) Ltd, on the other, is under way.

The purpose of the mediation, as specified by the Council’s Development Management Sub-committee, is to try to agree a long term future for the site, with the early delivery of at least some element(s) of it.

The mediator has had three initial meetings: with the community organisations, the councillors, and AMA. As a result of them he has issued a brief update and agreed that we may share it with the local community.

It reads as follows:”I have now met with representatives of the Community Council and residents’ associations, AMA and Avison Young, and ward councillors. All the meetings were friendly and constructive. They did not, however, reveal enough common ground for me to see a basis on which a way forward might be agreed.

“A number of points of agreement did, however, emerge:

• The main use of the vacant land should be some mix of sports facilities and green space

• The sports facilities will require to be set up on a basis that ensures their sustainability

• This is likely to require some financial subsidy

• Any subsidy may need to be generated through some form of commercial development on a small part of the site

• Further unnecessary delay in completing the development should be avoided

• However, there is no agreed and consented scheme that can be started immediately

“The different parties placed differing emphases on the separate points but there is general agreement on the overall position.

“I have asked the planners to check a number of matters on my behalf and anticipate that this might take a fortnight or so. Thereafter, I hope it will be possible to hold a second round of meetings.”

Care residents celebrate Halloween with a week of spook-tacular activities

HALLOWEEN celebrations are well underway at an Edinburgh care home with a dedicated activity planner designed for the occasion.

After celebrations were reduced last year due to restrictions, dedicated staff at Cramond Residence were keen to put on a bumper of activities.

The programme kicked off with Halloween arts and crafts, autumnal pumpkin carving, a scary film festival and traditional Halloween party with spooky treats, a costume competition and pumpkin smashing.

Residents also travelled to different countries from the comfort of their art chair to learn about Mexican culture and celebrate The Day of the Dead.

Dariusz Miszta, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Residents and staff have really been getting in to the Halloween spirit with a series of ghoulish games and activities. expertly planned by our lifestyle team.

“We’re closing the celebrations with a home wide Halloween Party with staff and residents coming together to get dressed up and play traditional Halloween games.

“The variety of activities on offer ensures mixed abilities are catered for and residents can pick and choose what they would like to attend. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Halloween activities feature part of the varied activities programme on offer and are designed to keep residents stimulated, learning and having fun.

Other activities on offer throughout the month include cheese and wine evenings, afternoon tea trips, physio-led exercise classes as well as an Oktoberfest celebration where residents were treated to their very own beer tasting event from local brewery, Pilot.

Cramond Residence caters for 74 residents, in nine perfectly appointed small living concepts the home provides a combination between luxury combination and the highest quality of care.

Residents are guaranteed a luxurious individual room with en-suite facilities, catered delicious food and a tailored care plan from an expert team who endeavour to maintain a minimum 1:4 of care ratio of care staff to resident during day time.

The home also offers a ranges of amenities, including onsite gardens, a library, hair salon and cinema room.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Pensioners jazz up their afternoon with exclusive performance

ELDERLY care home residents were treated to an exclusive music concert thanks to the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to welcome Jed Potts and the Hillman Hunters to perform in the garden, while residents watched from the comfort of the home’s conservatory.

The blues trio, inspired by 1950s and 1960s classic American blues, delivered a powerful performance to residents at the Edinburgh home who enjoyed dancing the afternoon away.

Fiona Alexander, Chief Organiser of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, who facilitated the performance, said: “Care homes have had it very rough over the last 18 months, so to be able to liven up the resident’s afternoon and give them something to look forward to is very special.

“A big focus of this year’s festival has been to expand past our usual performances, and connect with new audiences, hence the link up with Cramond Residence.

“I can’t speak for the residents, but the band put on an excellent performance and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.”

Started in 1978, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has provided a platform to showcase the very best Jazz and Blues artists from around the world and is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe.

The 2021 festival took place between the 16th and the 25th of July and included a mixture of online and in person performances.

Athena Liakeas, Activities Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “There is a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from music.

“Despite all of our residents having varied tastes in music, the performance seemed to go down a treat and everyone had a great time. It definitely brightened up the afternoon.”

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Wheely good result following Marine Drive police intiative

Officers from Drylaw’s Local Initiative Team carried out proactive patrols in the Marine Drive area yesterday and recovered six motorbikes valued at approximately £20,000.

The bikes are now in the process of being reunited with their owners. Result!

Joy Rides at Cramond

Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!

A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start. 

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.

Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.

Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.

Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.

“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!

“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.

“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”

The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.

Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.

“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”

Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.

Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/