St Columba’s: Time To Remember

All are invited to our Time to Remember event for Winter on Friday 16th of February, 2pm – 2.45pm, in our beautiful Fidra room (No.17 Boswall Road).

This is an opportunity to gather together to remember loved ones who have died. It is an inclusive event, appropriate for all ages and for people of all faiths and none.

If you have children, feel free to bring them.

The event will include: quiet music, short reading(s)/reflection, something simple to make & take home and the chance to think about the people we love.

The Iona cafe will be open afterwards offering free hot drinks for anyone who wishes to stay and chat.

Visit https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/…/time-to-remember… to book.

Please note a separate booking must be made for each person wishing to attend.

Making music at Granton Youth

A NORTH EDINBURGH SUCCESS STORY

Granton Youth has an open access introduction to playing, singing, song-writing and performing for young people aged 11+. Working with youth work staff and music tutors the young people learn a variety of instruments/ vocal coaching/ song-writing as well as learning about the music industry (writes DAVE McNAB).

Beau has been attending since age 16 and fronts the band ‘Low Tide’ – who on Sunday 21st January played to a sell out crowd at Glasgows King Tuts Wah Wah Hut supporting rising star Ben Walker. 

Beau said: “Going to mixtape has honestly been the best decision I’ve ever made and I really don’t say that lightly. I have always loved music since I was tiny, but never had enough confidence in my abilities to play it or create it.

“I’ve always been incredibly shy and previously used to refuse to sing in front of people and I’ve just played to a sold out king tuts! This is entirely down to mixtape and the opportunities it has given me to learn music, learn how to record and write, learn how to perform on stage.

“Not only has it improved my skills in music but it’s taught me skills that transfer to other areas of my life specifically confidence. There are so many times I’ve refused music related opportunities due to confidence and little by little mixtape has broken this barrier down.

“In the past year I’ve really struggled with my health and mental health and mixtape has giving me something to strive for and look forward to. It’s a safe haven for creative people to work together and spend their time doing something meaningful and expressive and is such an invaluable resource for so many young people in the community. It pure escapism and is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Leon has been attending since age 15 and never had the confidence to pursue music but is now recording his own tracks and starting to build towards playing live shows. 

“When I first came to mixtape, I was very interested in music but I never had a chance to do anything with my passion. Mixtape gave me opportunities I never knew would ever be available to someone my age.

“They helped to open my eyes as to how free the world of music can be and how rewarding it can feel. It has also helped me in my day-to-day life by helping to improve my confidence.

Another young person has been attending since they were 12 and was quiet, introspective and struggled to socialise with other young people – but has blossomed into a great song writer and performer:

“I have been with mixtape for a while, in all honestly I can’t really remember how I felt about it when I first joined. It was during covid times so having any extracurricular was an excitement.

“That doesn’t mean a lot of things haven’t happened. Mixtape allowed me to go through trial and error as a musician, to slowly but surely figure out its ways with the support of others. It makes me feel proud to tell others that I can song write and feel confident enough to perform.

“The amount of opportunities I was given and still am is so eye-opening. From big festivals to small hubs, from small activities to writing in the studio to record stuff! If I told myself when I first joined this is what I had done and was doing, I know younger me would be happy to hear it, and it wouldn’t of happened without this still growing club.”

We will leave the last word with Alba who has attended since age 14 and is thriving musically and will be playing Sneaky Petes in March with her band formed with other young people she met on the project:

“I was at a school concert when I first heard about mixtape, and learnt that the girl whose singing I’d been admiring for a while had been going there and I decided to join. I’ve always loved to sing but never had much of a chance to, except in the school choir.

“I’ve met my closest friends in mixtape and my confidence performing and in general has spiralled uncontrollably. I assure you I wouldn’t be where I am or who i am today without mixtape”

Granton Youth Mixtape is funded by Children In Need and runs on a Wednesday evening 6-8 at Royston & Wardieburn Community Centre.

If interested or have any questions contact Ryan at Ryan@grantonyouth.com

Granton Crescent murder: Man jailed

A 29-year-old man has been jailed after previously pleading guilty to the murder of a man and the serious assault of a woman in Granton last March.

Sam Atkins (pictured) appeared at the High Court in Glasgow today and was sentenced to 18 years.

Officers were called to a flat in the Granton Crescent area on 25 March, 2023, following a report of a disturbance.

Charles Paul, aged 69, was found with fatal injuries. A 36-year-old woman was found with serious but not life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

Atkins was arrested at the scene and he was charged the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “We welcome the sentencing and hope that it brings some kind of closure for Charles’s family and friends and that of the woman also.

“These were despicable and callous acts carried out by Atkins, who showed an utter disregard for the life of Charles Paul or for the woman he seriously assaulted.

 “I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Free employability training course at Granton Hub

The Welcoming Edinburgh are providing a free course for parents to prepare New Scots (refugees and migrants) for working in the UK.

In this course, participants will learn how to search for jobs, write job applications and cover letters, improve interview skills, and learn about work culture in Scotland and UK employment rights.

The course takes place weekly every Thursday morning over 6 weeks and subsidies including childcare, and transport can be provided.

Classes start on Thursday 8th February at Granton Hub in Madelvic House and will run from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

Please book on Eventbrite on http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/798461207967

Granton Goes Greener: Free workshops

We are very excited to have an evening full of exciting FREE workshops including macrame projects and some woodwork at Granton Parish Church, next Friday-26/01 between 4 – 6pm💚💚💚.

We have managed to secure a small community grant-Creative Chest funded by Urban Union through the One City Trust, The City of Edinburgh Council and North Edinburgh Arts🙏🙏🙏

During the creative evening, you will be able to complete a small macrame project or make your own bird feeder or a spice rack.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk

Wassailing at Granton Castle Walled Garden

SUNDAY 21st JANUARY from 1 – 3pm

Come and join us at the garden for wassailing, the community will come together to sing to the orchard and scare away the bad spirits.

The king and queen will lead the procession down to the orchard and the signing and toasting to the trees will commence, it’s lots of fun!

Directions for how to get here are on our website, the singing starts at 1pm so please arrive in plenty of time, the gate shuts at 13:20 to allow everyone to join in so arrive in plenty of time.

Wrap up warm and there will be refreshments afterwards, spiced apple juice and delicious apple baked goods. See you there!

Anchor shootings: Another woman arrested and charged

A third person has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 38-year-old local man in Granton on Hogmanay.

The 33-year-old woman was arrested yesterday (Monday, 8 January) and has now been charged. She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 January).

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged outside the Anchor Inn in West Granton Road.

Two men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital . The 38-year-old man, Marc Webley, was pronounced dead a short time later. The other man remains in hospital.

A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have already been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Both appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday, 8 January). Grant Hunter and Emma McVie made no plea and have been remanded in custody.

St Columba’s: Supporting Your Child In Grief session

Our next ‘Supporting your child in grief’ session takes place on Thursday 11th January at 11am.

The session offers an opportunity for you to join other parents and carers to talk, share feelings and connect with one another. You can simply say it how it is, seek advice and hopefully pick up some tips from each other.

Register for free today at http://bit.ly/3vtaTTC

Anchor shooting: Two to appear in court on Monday

Two people – a 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman – have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in Granton. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (8 January).

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road, seriously injuring two men.

Both men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, where the 38-year-old man – named locally as Marc Webley – was pronounced dead a short time later. The other man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Enquiries are ongoing and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Granton shootings: Two Arrested

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in West Granton. A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road, seriously injuring two men.

Both men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, where the 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later. The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

Enquiries are ongoing and police continue to appeal for information.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, Major Investigation Team, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their support and patience while enquiries are ongoing.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with further concerns should speak to officers, call 101, or in the case of an emergency, 999.”