Welcome to your July Newsletter. This is a newsletter about past, present and future.
First: the past.
We have been receiving plenty of positive feedback from the Pots of Kindness project. If you remember, this involved pupils from Victoria Primary School potting up edible flowers, herbs and vegetables and distributing them to some of the isolated or elderly members of the community, whose details were supplied by the Pilmeny Development Project (PDP). Recipients have been responding.
“What a lovely idea. It is so nice to be part of this initiative. As you know I am housebound, so it is great that I can still be part of the community while being at home. I loved the beautiful letter I received from the pupil – what a fantastic idea. Thank you,” said one.
Mary from PDP received a phone call once one pack was delivered
“Thank you so much for the plant and letter – I absolutely love it. I am delighted with the wee package and the letter from the pupil was adorable. And the man who delivered the package was really friendly – thank you”.
A few weeks later, the same recipient rang Mary to say “My plant has started sprouting – I have it on my window sill and I check it everyday. It was great getting the instructions on how to help the plant grow. I really am delighted to be part of this project – thank you”.
“My spinach has started to grow – I love Spinach and I think I might be like Popeye after this. The letter from the pupil was so sweet – thank you,” said another.
We’re glad it has proved so welcome.
The Present
Our partners at the PDP are organising more volunteer induction sessions so if you would like to get involved, make a note of this date: Saturday 7th August at 11am on Zoom, when you can find out about the different volunteering opportunities available within PDP. Expectations, boundaries and confidentiality will be among the topics for discussion.
Similarly, you can join in the HoNC/ PDP Newhaven Virtual Coffee Group for those living in or around Newhaven on either Mon 19th July at 4pm or Mon 16th Aug at 4pm, both on Zoom.
If you are interested in these events then please contact Norma by Email
Still in the present:
We’re thrilled to tell you that the University of Edinburgh student social media team has included HoNC in the most recent episode of their popular podcast’s third series
The Broadcast is The Broad Online’s podcast and aims to bring local community initiatives to its listeners’ attention. HoNC trustee Judy Crabb and Head of Victoria Primary School Laura Thomson were engaged in discussion on the creation of our intergenerational community centre in the old school in the latest recording.
Lauren Galligan and Jack Liddall were the co-hosts and interviewers. She is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Broad Online. Jack is the Secretary of The Broad and a volunteer with HoNC.
The podcast will shortly be available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. We will share a link to the podcast on the Heart’s social media and website as soon as it is available.
Future
Now on to the future. The Men’s Shed members have been busy at work on our Friendship Benches, which we aim to have ready for Mental Health Day in October. We will be organising painting and decorating days with local artist Johnathan Elders over the summer holidays, so watch this space.
In the immediate future, we await the decision from the Scottish Land Fund on our application for the funds required to make good our promise to buy the school site.
HRH The Earl of Forfar KG GCVO paid a visit to Saughton Park yesterday to join Keep Scotland Beautiful as they celebrated the commitment of volunteers and supporters dedicated to improving our environment.
During his visit, to the recently restored, and Green Flag Award winning park, The Earl of Forfar met with city council staff and a number of groups and individuals who work with the charity to tackle litter, combat climate change and improve local places.
His Royal Highness met with volunteers from the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis Park community group who shared their experiences of the Green Flag programme across Scotland and in particular the role they play.
He also heard about the longstanding Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood programme in Scotland, meeting a passionate judge and assessor, Colin Ainsworth, and volunteers from Friends of Saughton Park Group and Bonnie Blantyre and Pals Community Group who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing community improvement projects during the pandemic.
A young reporter, Callum Alexander, who is eager to raise awareness of the importance of improving our environment, and KSB’s education team were then able to share their experiences with The Earl of Forfar before he was introduced to KSB’s June Clean Up Scotland Hero, Jason Wilcox, who highlighted his litter picking activity with the West Lothian Litterpickers and the scale of the problem as we have eased out of lockdown.
His Royal Highness also met with representatives of Keep Porty Tidy a group involved in our My Beach Your Beach campaign at Portobello.
Finally, The Earl of Forfar was introduced to a number of volunteer Charity Trustees and was invited to present our outgoing Chair Lindsay Montgomery CBE, and John Frater with Fellowship Certificates to make their long service to the charity.
Tom Brock OBE, KSB Chairman said, “It was an honour to be able to introduce His Royal Highness, The Earl of Forfar, to some of the truly amazing volunteers we work with, from our outgoing Charity Trustees to the communities, local authorities and young people who are all working tirelessly to keep Scotland beautiful.
“Our connection and need for clean, green spaces has never felt more important and it was a privilege for us to celebrate and showcase the work being done across the country by passionate individuals all striving to improve places and neighbourhoods and play a key role in Scotland’s green recovery.
“I would like thank The Earl for showing such an interest in the work we, and those we work with, do to make Scotland clean, green and sustainable for everyone.”
A renewed appeal has been made to trace the movements of a vehicle believed to be linked to an attempted murder in West Pilton.
Detectives in Edinburgh have renewed an appeal for information as enquiries continue into the attempted murder of a man in North Edinburgh.
The 34-year-old man was found seriously injured in a common stairwell at West Pilton Grove around 5pm on Friday, 18 June.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and officers are particularly keen to identify the movements of a dark blue Volkswagen Golf GTI which is believed to be linked to the incident and was later found on fire in the city later on the Friday evening.
Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “We would be particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the Granton, Newhaven or Drylaw areas leading up to Friday, 18 June.
“Enquiries have established the car was driven in those areas leading up to that date, as well as in Gorgie and Sheriffhall, before it was later found burnt out near Shawfair Railway Station.
A dark blue Volkswagen Golf GTI was seen driving at speed in the Drylaw area before the incident and a similar vehicle was then seen being driven erratically Sheriffhall Roundabout around 5.30pm on Friday 18 June.
“It is possible that the vehicle may have been parked up in one of those areas prior to the incident. If you believe you may have seen the car in the lead-up to Friday, 18 June but have not seen it since then please get in touch.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 2690 of 18 June or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh goes to the seaside in a new online exhibition
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh have launched ‘Life on the Forth’, a new digital exhibition which celebrates the city’s coastal communities.
The exhibition is the latest strand of activity as part of the ongoing Auld Reekie Retold inventory project, and explores the range and depth of the history of the area of Edinburgh on the shores of the Firth of Forth. Using map-based technology, it shows stories in the context of the very streets and places they originally came from.
Edinburgh’s coastline is rich in history. Drawing on objects from across the museum service, Life on the Forth celebrates stories and histories from across Edinburgh’s coastline. Some of these might be familiar, others perhaps unexpected.
The exhibition includes personal stories and individual lives, as well as tales of an industrial past. Uncovered stories, such as the life of Barbara Seaton, or the dangerous work of Edward McRobbie, help us understand the city that little bit better.
Whether tales of fishwives, fishermen, incredible feats of engineering or more modest lives and businesses, these communities past and present make the collections of Museums & Galleries Edinburgh what they are. The exhibition features the outdoor bathing pool at Portobello, which would have celebrated its 85th birthday this May.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson said: This fascinating exhibition is set to impress maritime history and Edinburgh enthusiasts alike.
“‘Life on the Forth‘ allows visitors to browse the exhibition at their own pace and without any time limit or physical restrictions. We’re proud to have expanded the reach of our exhibitions throughout the pandemic, not only to residents, but to those further afield who, due to distance, cost, disabilities or lack of opportunity, may have found it difficult to visit even in normal times.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse inside these fascinating stories and remember everyone who lived their ‘Life on the Forth‘.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Museums & Galleries Edinburgh have been exploring new ways to engage with our audiences and this latest exhibition is a fantastic example of the service adapting what we do during these unprecedented times.
“2021 is the Year of Coasts and Waters, so what better time to discover new stories of life on the Forth? It’s truly fascinating and I can’t wait to revisit some of the areas highlighted in the exhibition.”
Auld Reekie Retold Project Manager Nico Tyack said: “This exhibition is the result of going through the coastal collections as part of the Auld Reekie Retold collections project.
“Many of these stories have never been heard before, and the virtual format has really helped us get the most out of these objects. ‘Life on the Forth’ is a truly team effort from the Auld Reekie Retold team, and much of the research has been carried out during lockdown.
“We are delighted to be able to share this new exhibition with you, and encourage you to explore the exhibition.”
Newhaven’s iconic fishwives are at the heart of the latest audio drama from Leith-based theatre company, Citadel Arts Group.
The Fishwives,by Lizzie McLean, stars Nicola Roy as one of the titular fishwives. Nicola is the host and creator of The Cultural Coven podcast and she enjoyed international success playing Elmire in an award-winning production of Liz Lochead’s Tartuffe at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe.
The Fishwivesmay be set in 1812, but it highlights some surprisingly modern attitudes, as the play’s Director, Mark Kydd explains: “What really struck me about the play was the degree of autonomy and financial independence enjoyed by Newhaven Fishwives in the early nineteenth century, not a period renowned for women’s emancipation.
“I think Lizzie’s writing beautifully captures the strength, humour and camaraderie of these women.”
Nicola (whose character helps a Leith lad evade the clutches of the notorious pressgangs who roamed the ports during the Napoleonic Wars) agrees: “The Fishwives is a beautiful, lively little piece about the resilience, humour and rather modern Newhaven Fishwives.
“As an Edinburgh girl and actress it was great to work in east coast dialect which the writer, Lizzie, captured so well and to learn of the important history and contribution of these ‘on the surface’ ordinary women.”
Not only is the play set in Newhaven, but the production also has a number of connections with the area.
The play’s writer, Lizzie McLean, is Newhaven based, as is musician Sophia Abrahamsen, whose expertise helped bring the vibrant history of the Newhaven Fishwives to life.
Producer and founder of Citadel Arts Group, Liz Hare says: “We wanted to make sure the play was as accurate as possible, so had asked Sophia – who’s in the Newhaven Choir – to help us find some traditional songs to feature in the piece.
“Not only did she find us three wonderful songs, which she also performs in the play, but she was also able to share her historical expertise on the fishwives, helping us with details such as authentic names and language.
“As the last known Newhaven fishwife is believed to have retired as recently as 1976, there are still many people who will remember these remarkable women, so it was particularly important to us to honor their history and traditions”
Welcome to your June Newsletter, which seems to be mostly about money.
While we wait for the decision on our Scottish Land Fund application for the necessary funds to buy the Victoria School site, expected now in July, the board has been busy organising and collaborating on various projects, all of which have secured much-needed funding.
Architect-led community workshops
Top of the list comes the £8,000 grant from the Lottery Fund’s Awards for All. This is contributing to the architect-led community workshops which we hope to announce later in the summer. These aim to bring community users together with our chosen architects to discuss how to use the building flexibly for the benefit of all. Planning Aid Scotland will be facilitating the workshops to ensure that this helps create a truly effective, multi-generational and age-friendly environment that meets the needs of the community.
It is heartening to know that the National Lottery looks favourably on our project, as shown by the comment from the National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still.
“In these unprecedented times,” she says, “it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support. I would like to congratulate the Heart of Newhaven Community on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference.”
Pots of Newhaven Kindness
Another project to benefit from funding, this time £150 from Food for Life, is the Pots of Newhaven Kindness, run in collaboration with Victoria Primary school and Pilmeny Development Project.
Once again, it is all about bringing the generations together, with children sowing and decorating pots with edible plants and flowers and then gifting them to the elderly. The project aims not only to teach youngsters where food comes from but also to create lasting relationships between them and the elderly or isolated within the community.
30 pots were created with the children paired up with the recipients, half going out to elderly residents within the Newhaven community and the other half remaining with the children at Victoria Primary School. Once the Heart is established, it is hoped to arrange regular, celebratory get-togethers between the children and the recipients, all around the theme of food.
Mental Health Awareness Day
Finally, there has been another award, this time for £500 from Edinburgh’s Thrive Arts Programme, to go towards the Heart’s contribution to Mental Health awareness. This once again will be an inter-generational project, in collaboration with Men of Leith’s Shed, Pilmeny Development Project and local artist Johnathan Elders.
Friendship benches will be designed and created with help from the Men’s Shed while Johnathan will help local children draw up designs to decorate them. The finished products will be ready by World Mental Health Day in October and placed in the school playground.
Men’s shed find actively working in the local community improves men’s mental health. Older people have lost confidence in going out of their homes. Younger people have also struggled with isolation from friends and those of all ages outside restricted ‘bubbles’.
The benches will be safe places to talk to each other and they will remain as a lasting legacy to be enjoyed over the years to come by people of all generations visiting The Heart.
Does money make the world go round? Well it certainly helps!
Remember to keep updated between newsletters by visiting our website and various social media platforms and remember you can aways get in touch with the board if you have ideas to suggest or help you can offer.
Latest Green Space Index launched by Fields in Trust
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched the latest Green Space Index yesterday during a visit to Starbank Park.
The visit came ahead of COP26, which will be taking place in Glasgow later this year, with today’s event one of a number of projects with a positive effect on climate change that The Duke and Duchess have visited across Scotland.
Urban parks and green spaces boost air quality, support habitats and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Green Space Index is Fields in Trust’s annual barometer of publicly accessible local park and green space provision. First launched in 2019, this third release once again highlights the inequities in provision across Britain.
Despite their value for health, wellbeing, community and environment, some parts of Britain have access to half the green space as others – Scots enjoy 38.18 sqm of provision per person whilst for residents in London the figure falls to just 19.53 sqm.
Seven of the nine English regions do not meet a minimum standard of green space provision as measured by the GSI Score, and whilst both Scotland and Wales do meet this minimum standard their scores have both fallen over the last twelve months.
Areas with the least provision tend to be those with a higher incidence of deprivation – precisely the communities who benefit most from green space access.
Across Britain, 2.78 million people live further than a ten-minute walk from their nearest park or green space. That’s the finding of the latest Green Space Index which reveals that, despite their vital role in the nation’s wellbeing during lockdown, our much loved local parks are not equally accessible to all.
The findings of the Index were reviewed by Fields in Trust President, HRH The Duke of Cambridge who was visiting Starbank Park with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge as part of their tour of Scotland.
The Duke and Duchess met volunteers from the Friends of Starbank Park and local residents of all ages for whom the park was a sanctuary during the coronavirus lockdowns as a place to play, exercise, relax and reflect.
Yesterday’s event also saw Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, unveil a new commitment by The City of Edinburgh Council which will ensure almost everyone in the city lives no more than a ten-minute walk from a green space which is legally protected for good.
Starbank Park is one of 34 already protected with Fields in Trust by The City of Edinburgh Council and today’s announcement by the Lord Provost means that figure is set to grow.
The Council will protect a further 25 green spaces, serving communities who do not already have a protected space close to home, to ensure almost everyone in the city lives no more than a ten-minute walk from a park or green space which is protected for good.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “Edinburgh is already a wonderfully green city, and we want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.
“I’m extremely pleased to announce that the City of Edinburgh Council will be looking to partner with Fields in Trust in protecting in perpetuity a further 25 green spaces – adding to the 34 already protected.
“This will mean that almost everyone in Edinburgh will be within a ten-minute walk of a protected green space, ensuring that for years to come citizens are guaranteed a lifetime of opportunity for activity, play, learning, recuperation and community.
“Scores of volunteers across the city work alongside the Council to support our parks, green spaces and cemeteries. We are very grateful to Friends of Starbank Park their ongoing hard work and dedication and we will continue to work with them to make sure these important areas are preserved for the benefit of our future generations.”
The City of Edinburgh Council will protect a further 25 green spaces for good – taking their total to 59 local parks – to ensure nearly all the city’s residents live no more than a ten-minute walk from a protected green space.
In taking this commitment the city council has become the first local authority in Scotland to adopt such a bold vision for their green spaces and follows in the footsteps of Liverpool City Council.
Discover the Green Space Index findings near you using our interactive online map covering the whole of Great Britain.
