Metafit made easier at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

The fitness programme previously known as Metafit has changed it’s name and it’s purpose. To allow older people to attend they have made the programme -now called Circuit Class – less intensive for those who cannot manage the more exertive tasks.

The first Circuit Class will take place on 9 April at 6.30pm and will continue weekly every Thursday The cost is £5 per person. Please bring a water bottle (although these will be available in the cafe for 50p).

EXERCISES WILL BE ADAPTED FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS

Participants must be over sixteen years old and should wear suitable clothing and footwear.

James McGinty

Science hits the streets this Easter

Spectacular street science is expected to attract large crowds to locations across Edinburgh during the Easter holidays.

The ‘Busking Bikes’ project is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival and the City of Edinburgh Council is supporting six performances from 4-14 April.

Each trike carries a box full to the brim with impressive, explosive, messy, and down-right weird science experiments. From the power of water to finding out how carbon capture could save the planet, each demo will explain some of the most interesting science happening today.

As well as watching expert performers do some unforgettable demonstrations, the audience can get stuck in too and learn their own science tricks, from skewering a balloon to launching a rocket.

Councillor Frank Ross, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a really exciting project as we expect the bikes to draw large crowds to each area creating a vibrant atmosphere, colour and life where ever they go. The ‘Busking Bikes’ project is being funded as part of the Council’s Town Centre Strategy to build stronger town centres by driving up footfall to support local businesses.”

Programme:

Saturday April 4 – Portobello Market

Sunday April 5 – Gorgie City Farm

Friday April 10 – Stockbridge Library

Friday April 10 – Morningside Library

Friday April 10 – Costorphine Library

Tuesday April 14 – McDonald Road Library

‘Bomb maker’ doctor jailed

A former doctor from Syria has been jailed for 40 months for possessing a hoard of explosive ingredients, and instructions on how to prepare bombs, in two North Edinburgh flats.

Last month Faris al-Khori, who is 62, admitted a breach of the 1883 Explosives Substances Act and pled guilty to possessing the explosives at flats at Fidra Court and Persevere Court between 27 December 2007 and 27 April last year.

Passing sentence at Edinburgh’s High Court this morning, Judge Lady Wolffe told al-Khori: “The number and nature of the explosive substances and the places you chose to store them lead me to conclude there is no alternative to a custodial sentence. The sentence is one of five years but in light of your early plea I reduce it to 40 months. It will be backdated and I shall also impose a supervised release order for a period of 12 months.”

Firefighters discovered the potentially lethal ingredients when they were called to tackle a fire in a rubbish chute in Fidra Court. Fire crews forced entry to flats in the high-rise block to check no-one was inside, but when they entered al-Khori’s property they found items that gave cause for concern. The building was evacuated and the find sparked off a further search of a property in Leith’s Persevere Court, where more explosive materials were found.

Despite a subsequent in-depth investigation, police have been unable find any evidence that al-Khori was connected to any terrorist organisation and his reason for stockpiling the explosive components remains a mystery .

Easter Holiday Programme

With the holidays almost upon us the Total Craigroyston team has produced a useful guide to what’s on for children and families across North Edinburgh during the Easter break.

To find out what’s on, where and when, click on the link below:

Easter-Programme-2015

MYDG takes the plunge!

MYDG young people, staff, colleagues, partners & community are going to swim for 24 hours in order to raise money for the groups & activities and the work they do with young people in North Edinburgh.

Please support MYDG by donating through “just giving”

PLEASE TEXT MYDG97 followed by your amount (£1-£10) to 70070

Or visit

https://www.justgiving.com/mydgswimathon/

Thank you for your support and contributions

You can keep posted on the lengths covered: @MuirhouseYouth on twitter!

Joanne Stewart

Three assaulted by knife-wielding robbers

Police seek witnesses to Ferry Road Drive knife attack but say #StrongerNorth initiative is producing ‘significant results’

Police are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary in a Ferry Road Drive flat this morning. The attack comes just two days after community safety leaders hailed ‘significant results’ in the battle against crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

Two intruders, both brandishing knives, broke into the property at around 6am and threatened and assaulted three male occupants before making off with cash, phones and other items. The victims were take to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment but their injuries are not thought to be serious.

The first suspect is described as white, skinny build, malnourished appearance, 18 – 20 years old, 5ft 3 – 5ft 4in tall. He has short, dirty blonde hair and was wearing a light grey cotton Adidas tracksuit with blue stripes.

The second suspect is described as white, 24 – 26 years old and a heavier build. This man has a round face with short dark hair that is receding at the front. He has a Scottish accent and he was wearing a black Superdry style jacket with dark jeans.

Police are appealing for the local community to come forward with information to assist their investigation into a terrifying incident.

Detective Constable Ryan Lee said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victims, who were assaulted by the two suspects within their home. We are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area of Ferry Road Drive at around 6am this morning to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

This morning’s incident is the latest in a series of acts of violence and antisocial behaviour that have blighted the area over recent months. It’s a setback to the #StrongerNorth initiative, which was established last October following the attempted murder of local takeaway restaurant owner Jie Yu during a car robbery.

The perpetrators of that vicious attack were jailed last week and on Friday it was announced that senior law officers will be invited to visit the area to see first-hand the effects of what many local residents see as ‘soft sentencing’.

Last Friday, the agencies behind #StrongerNorth – Police Scotland, the city council and local community organisations – said the initiative is making progress but more needs to be done.

In a statement, Police Scotland said: “Preventing crime and bringing those responsible to justice remains a top priority for Police Scotland. There have been significant results with violent crimes 16% lower than the five-year average which means that in North Edinburgh, 130 fewer people have been victims of violent crimes.

Additional CCTV has been added to the area with further plans to bring more cameras to West Pilton. There has also been a sustained drop in the level of anti-social behaviour in the local community.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day – who is also a councillor in the Forth ward – said: “#StrongerNorth is making real progress and I continue to be very grateful to the local community, who have rallied round to help make the north of the city a safer place.

“Information from local residents is helping us, along with Police Scotland, to combat antisocial behaviour and they have led the way on community clear ups to create a more positive environment.

“I am confident that, based on the positive reaction so far from residents, we will reach our goal of reducing crime to build stronger, safer communities.”

National resources from Police Scotland continue to assist North Edinburgh officers, with additional support from local Violence Reduction Units and the police helicoptor. Police horses have also been frequently deployed.

Inspector David Happs said: “The message from Stronger North remains clear – criminality in the local community will not be tolerated. While we have made significant steps tackling crime, we accept that there is still more work to be done.

“Our aim remains the same as it was six months ago: to create a better community for the people of North Edinburgh.”

Pride of place: national award for North Edinburgh Grows

‘inventive, playful, life-enhancing and civil-minded. It is a worthy winner.’ – My Place Award judges

North Edinburgh Arts has won a prestigious national award. The Scottish Civic Trust has recognised the arts centre’s garden project North Edinburgh Grows with the My Place Award 2015 (writes Dave Pickering).

Kate Wimpress, Director at North Edinburgh Arts, and Lachlan Stewart, from Anta Architects who designed the garden, received the award from Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment Marco Biagi MSP at a ceremony at the Lighthouse in Glasgow on Thursday.

The Scottish Civic Trust is the national body for the civic movement in Scotland and the My Place Awards is a unique scheme that celebrates good local design and conservation as nominated and evaluated by local people. The Awards are supported by the Scottish Government.

The My Place Award project category recognises buildings, landscapes, public realm and civic projects that have had a positive impact in local neighbourhoods and delivered tangible benefits to their communities.

Judges said: “The North Edinburgh Grows project is both inspiring and humbling. In the face of many challenges the designers, client and local community have transformed an unloved bit of land into a remarkable resource for local residents and visitors. It is exactly the sort of project which the My Place Awards were set up to acknowledge – inventive, playful, life-enhancing and civil-minded. It is a worthy winner.”

North Edinburgh Arts Director Kate Wimpress was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the project. She said: “NEA and the North Edinburgh Grows team would like to thank all members of the community and local organisations who have contributed so much to the success of the garden.

“This award is a recognition of everybody’s hard work and enthusiasm. If you would like to be involved with the garden please contact Valla, our Community Growing Coordinator, directly at northedinburghgrows@gmail.com“

You can follow the North Edinburgh Grows blog here: northedinburghgrows.wordpress.com

The My Place 2015 Exhibition celebrates Scotland’s places, people, community projects and civic champions. It runs at the Lighthouse until 6th May. For full details about the awards and exhibition go to: www.myplaceawards.org.uk

Regeneration Drop-In at Community Shop today

Want to find out more about your community’s regeneration? Then the Community Shop’s the place to be over lunchtime today …

The Regenration drop-in provides another opportunity for the community to meet the team who are carrying out regeneration within their neighbourhood.

Representatives from the Council, NHS Lothian and Urban Union will be there to answer any questions about the new homes, NHS led partnership centre and also to talk about job and training opportunities as part of the wider community benefits.

Why not pop in and find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood?

Building New Futures drop in 270315

Nominate your inspiring volunteers

Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Awards 2015

Edinburgh’s Volunteering Ambassador the Lord Provost Donald Wilson will honour some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to the people of Edinburgh at a special awards ceremony to take place on Tuesday 16 June at The City Chambers.

Now nine years old, Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Awards reflect the exceptional range of organisations and individuals working in the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.

Nominations are now invited for this year’s awards, and can be submitted online here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IVA2015

Organisations are welcome to nominate up to three individual volunteers and one team of volunteers.

Some lucky nominees will be invited to accept their award at the City Chambers, others will receive a certificate in the post. ALL nominated volunteers will receive a certificate either in person or in the post.

Eligibility criteria for 2015:

· The Awards are only open to people volunteering in the City of Edinburgh

· There are no age restrictions.

· Volunteers must have volunteered for at least six months with your organisation before being eligible to be nominated.

· If they have previously received an “Inspiring Volunteering Certificate” at the City Chambers they should not be nominated again.

· Only fully completed nominations will be considered for individuals or teams, and we will quote from these statements when presenting the awards.

Shortlisted nominations will be considered by the Lord Provost for the ‘Lord Provost of Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year Award 2015’.

Special recognition categories to highlight some of the diverse areas of volunteering across the City of Edinburgh include:

· A Young Volunteer (aged between 11 and 25 years old)

· Long Standing Contribution to Volunteering Award (an individual who has volunteered for 10 years or more, and has made an outstanding contribution)

· Charity Shop Volunteer

· Fundraising Volunteer

· Trustee Volunteer

· Health & Social Care Volunteer (volunteers engaged in health and social care, including support work, befriending or projects which reduce social isolation and help assist independent living)

· Sports Volunteer (volunteers actively involved in supporting sports in their communities).

· Environment & Conservation Volunteer (volunteers engaged in environmental activities including education, conservation or gardening).

· Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer

· Housing / Tenant participation champion *** Introduced in 2014 ***

The Awards Ceremony usually takes place during Volunteers Week – which runs every year from the 1– 7 June, however in 2015 it will be take place on the later date of Tuesday 16 June. Nominations will close on 1 April 2015 at 8pm.

We also encourage volunteer involving organisations to organise their own recognition events during Volunteers’ Week, whether that be their own mini awards ceremony, coffee morning, lunch or social activity that recognises and celebrates the contribution of their volunteers. It’s a great opportunity to do something to say thank you, and show your volunteers that they are valued and appreciated.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson, said: “There are thousands of dedicated and inspiring volunteers in Edinburgh selflessly giving up their own time to help and support others. These awards are simply one way of recognising some of their tremendous work, and their contribution to the wellbeing of our city’s residents cannot be overstated.”

Kris Von Wald, Convenor of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, said: “The Lord Provost has agreed to present these awards because he recognises how important volunteers are to Edinburgh and its residents. The Awards seek to acknowledge the hard work, commitment, energy and positive difference that volunteers make”.

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Read all about it: local Forum lifts literary prize!

We-CTV Award for North Edinburgh Young People’s Forum

North Edinburgh Young People’s Forum (NEYPF) has won second prize in a national competiton organised by the Scottish Youth Parliament. Josh, Laura and Brandin’s entry was the only submission from Edinburgh to win an award at this week’s presentation ceremony (writes Dave Pickering).

Launched last June, the We-CTV Competition asked young people to address issues of interpersonal violence in communities. Groups were asked to produce a piece of creative work on themes like knife crime, abuse and online bullying in one of three categories: Art (drawing, painting, textiles), Literary (creative or discursive writing) or Multimedia (video or audio).

NEYPF decided to take part in the competition and agreed to write a piece on bullying.

It’s been a long process. Entrants were first asked to submit an expression of interest by the end of August 2014. The creative concept deadline was 31 October and a National Creative We-CTV Production Day took place on 11 November, giving entrants an opportunity to meet with creative experts and share ideas. The final submission deadline for ‘creative solution’ entries was 16 January and this was followed by an online vote.

The group has had an anxious wait since voting closed on 8 February, but the NEYPF were rewarded for their hard work when they were announced as runner-up in the Literary category at Wednesday evening’s awards which were held in Glasgow’s Film Theatre.

Josh Ward (13), Laura Hulbert (14) and Brandin Sharpe (13) – all of whom took part in a training session with NEN last Autumn – attended the gala event with NEYPF youth worker Danielle Ward and were delighted to win second prize in their category. As well as the Award, each team member received a certificate and vouchers from Pizza Express and Vue Cinemas.

Their certificates read: ‘Their contribution helped raise awareness of interpersonal violence against young people‘.

Prizes aside, the highlight of the event for the Forum members was meeting Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game’s Naveed, who was MC for the evening! His quote: ‘I am just a monkey in a suit’ was the group’s favourite.

The final words, quite rightly, go to the NEYPF members. “It was an emotional rollercoaster!” said Brandin, while Josh added: “It was fun and I met Navid and we came second!”

Short and sweet but says it all! Well done, NEYPF!

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