I thought I would share this fantastic news with you all first. Last night at the City Chambers our very own Josh Hardwick received a Youth Volunteering award for all his work with TRIM and the shop.
I attended with him and he was absolutely delighted.
I am sure you will all join me when I say huge well done to him.
More details will be posted on our website today
Robert Pearson, TRIM
North Edinburgh’s Women’s International Group invite you to their new exhibition which celebrates the many achievements of local women in this community.
The exhibition opens on Thursday at 10am in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre; there’s a free creche and lunch is provided too (please book creche place in advance to avoid disappointment).
For further information contact Lynn on 552 5700 or Rachel on 07891 525 663.
Getting together. Making a difference.
Come and help celebrate the start of summer with us on Saturday 20 June (of course it will be sunny!)
All events in or near to North Edinburgh Arts:
Porridge and Play at the new Centipede play area at Muirhouse Drive, meeting at North Edinburgh Arts from 9.30am; for more, see
http://www.licketyspit.com/happening/porridge-play-312
Free family performances of Calvinball at 10am and 11.30am in the garden here at North Edinburgh Arts by Ipdip Theatre, particular geared towards those of us under 5 and our families
And the Power of Food Festival open day, see https://poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.com/news/ for more
All we need is you!
Calvinball is inspired by the game played by Calvin and Hobbes in their comic strip it’s part Mornington Crescent, part Caucus-race; we’re on a quest to find the rules and the only way to do it is to play and see. The action and materials are chosen to appeal to the youngest of audience members and the open, outdoor setting frees parents from that particular theatre worry – will they sit? Lively, musical, slightly wild, and this time – outdoors!
Ring the box office on 0131 315 2151 or email
admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
to book your free spaces for the 10am or 11.30am show.
Muirhouse Photography Group exhibition opens at North Edinburgh Arts this morning
Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church, Pennywell Gardens
SUMMER FAYRE
Saturday 13 June 10am – 12 noon
All welcome
North Edinburgh Arts was even busier than usual this morning as friends and colleagues got together to congratulate one of their own. JULIE SMITH explains …
Congratulations to Sara Martin on being awarded an Inspiring Volunteer by the City of Edinburgh Council and Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. She is a great example of the many inspiring women North Edinburgh has produced over the years.
She has been active in the area since she moved here 11 years ago. From first attending Buggy Brigades with her daughter, she was a founder member of North Edinburgh Women’s Group. From there she has gone on to give her time to lots of projects in the area: she runs a Rainbows group at Drylaw Church, is an archery instructor in the archery group and a stalwart of West Pilton Park Action Group.
It is as a volunteer for North Edinburgh Timebank that she has truly made her mark. Throwing herself into the singing group – the Timebank Temptations – she has encouraged others to get involved and without her it’s doubtful if we’d ever end up singing the right notes in the right order!
She makes sure everyone is organised and up-to-date with what’s going on and isn’t slow to tell us off if we forget our folders or pencils! Equally, she is hugely encouraging to everyone else involved in all activities.
Without her, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic last month couldn’t have happened, and she is also a stalwart of the Knit and Natter group. It’s been a real privilege to work with her, and I know all her friends in the Timebank want to congratulate her. She has been there for lots of them at various points when they needed a chum – as they have been there to support her. She’s been active in North Edinburgh Fights Back and is a huge champion of the local community. She is a woman of strong opinions and a willingness to muck in wherever and whenever she can.
North Edinburgh is full of people making a difference in innumerable ways to their communities. As carers and cleaners, cooks and comforters, campaigners and confidantes – everyone is needed and valued. I hope Sara will act as an inspiration to others to take that first step and get involved in something they feel passionate about!
If you would like to get involved in North Edinburgh Timebank, or find out more about the activities it organises, contact Julie Smith on 07958540438 or email north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
Slow pace of regeneration sees community pub close
Well today is a bad day for North Edinburgh, and in particular, Muirhouse, Pennywell, West Pilton and Drylaw. The Gunner has closed its doors for good (writes COLIN DUDGEON).
For a number of years now the punters have been getting less and less, and this has caused Maria & Johnny to finally close the doors. The Gunner is/was an institution in this community.
It was the favoured pub of many generations of families, my own included, and there are many folk who can claim ‘this is my pub’. Characters young and old have graced the dance floor and karaoke in the lounge. The pool tables had their hustlers, the darts board had their team for many years. Many local fitbaw teams made it their ‘home pitch’.
Say what you will about the Gunner – some people who have never been in it were quick to put it down – but it was the best boozer in town for many people.
Well done to Maria and Johnny for keeping it going for as long as they did. It wasn’t easy for them. With the ‘regeneration’ of Muirhouse & Pennywell dragging its arse, it was inevitable that the pub would take a big hit, and so it has proved.
The Gunner will be sadly missed.
Edinburgh’s library service began 125 years ago today
Edinburgh’s library service is celebrating its 125th birthday by serving up a feast of special events to mark the landmark anniversary.
A big birthday bash, readings by children’s authors, a rare glimpse of Japanese art and a debate on the future of libraries are all examples of the packed programme of events taking place this month.
The Central Library was the first to open in the Capital to the public on June 9th, 1890, and now a total of 28 across the city welcome 3.4 million visitors each year.
Lord Roseberry officially opened it after previous attempts to set up a free public service failed as it would “put an unnecessary burden on the ratepayers”!
Andrew Carnegie offered £50,000 to establish the iconic library on George IV Bridge and less than a year later he laid the foundation stone.
In the space of 15 years, Edinburgh opened a substantial number of branches in the north, south, east and west districts, as well as a library in Portobello Town Hall.
The Council has continued to invest in new buildings in the 21st century, with a new library for Muirhouse in 2000 and the most recent community hubs opened in Drumbrae and Craigmillar in 2012.
Recent upgrades have been carried out at Stockbridge, Leith, McDonald Road, Morningside and Central.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “Libraries have been serving the people of Edinburgh for well over a century and I’m delighted to be part of the birthday celebrations.
“Our library team can keep a large group of toddlers entertained at Bookbug sessions, support the ever-changing population of Edinburgh through community language collections, help people to get connected digitally, and also open up a world of heritage, history and information. I’d like to thank staff for all of their hard and imaginative work.
“There’s a wealth of information and services mainly for free at our fingertips through libraries – support your local branch by keeping them going for at least another 125 years by paying a visit today.”
Edinburgh’s libraries – something to shout about!
Congratulations to Craigroyston Primary School choir
Craigroyston Primary School children flew the flag for North Edinburgh at The Assembly Rooms in George Street when they took part in the inaugural Edinburgh Glee Challenge last week.
The Frisson Foundation charity’s vision is to get every primary school child in Scotland singing, and back in 2013 they held their first GLEE event in Fife. Glee has been a real phenomenon and the event proved a huge success. Since then the idea has continued to grow in popularity and last week’s competition was the first event to be staged in the capital.
Craigroyston’s young singers warmed up for the event at the opening of the school’s popular art exhibition at North Edinburgh Arts – where they performed brilliantly without a backing track!
Joining Craigroyston at the event were Bun-Sgoil Taobh Na Pairce, Carrick Knowe Primary School, Clovenstone Primary School and Clermiston Primary School, and after some excellent performances Clermiston were crowned champions.
Congratulations to Clermiston, but well done too to Craigroyston and all the other participants. No doubt they’ll be joined by a few more next year – don’t stop believin’!
For more information on the charity – www.frissonfoundation.org.uk
Muirhouse Housing Association tenants have an opportunity to brush up their technology skills at event at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre tomorrow (writes James McGinty):
Come and find out more about using phones,tablets and computers with the M.H.A. Team at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre (Lounge/Cafe area) on Tuesday (9 June) from 11am – 1pm.
This is an event for M.H.A.Tenants only.
An expert from the field of computers will be there joining the Team and if you attend your name will be entered to a lucky dip to win a tablet!
