Category: North Edinburgh News

Fresh start for Fresh Start!

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Councillor George Grubb received a warm welcome to Fresh Start last week as the local charity held a double celebration.  The Lord Provost officially opened Fresh Start’s newly refurbished warehouse in Ferry Road Drive on Friday and the project also received the coveted Investing in Volunteers Award from Volunteer Development Scotland chief executive George Thomson.

George Thomson presents award to Fresh Start volunteer Caroline Stewart

The event was also a great opportunity to say thanks to the project’s 200 volunteers, many of whom attended the celebration.  Fresh Start director Keith Robertson (pictured below) said: ““Providing a roof over a family or an individual’s head is the first step in ending homelessness but making sure they keep it is the next challenge. Our services are volunteer driven and sometimes just the human touch of a volunteer can help combat the isolation felt by those who have been homeless. As well as our Starter Packs and Hit Squads, we also help provide employment opportunities. For some people, without these things, homelessness can become a recurring problem. Our volunteers make it possible for us to continue to help the numbers of people we do.”

Fresh Start director Keith Robertson

More in next month’s NEN

Police seek help over flooded flats

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after properties within a block of flats were flooded.  The incident happened between 8pm and 8.30pm last night in West Pilton’s Northview Court.  The main water pipe for the building was accessed and then ruptured, causing the landing of the eighth floor and some of the flats below to flood.
Police attended the incident and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service were contacted to turn off the water.  Anyone with information that can assist officers with their enquiries is now asked to come forward.
A police spokesman said: “This mindless act of destruction has caused significant water damage to the properties below the eighth floor and we are eager to hear from any residents or witnesses who can help us identify those responsible.  Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in or around Northview Court yesterday evening is asked to contact police immediately.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Weekend drama at St. Serf’s

Love drama?  Then it’s got to be Goldenacre this month as St. Serf’s Church Halls on Clark Road is the venue for Scottish Community Drama Association’s One Act Festival.  With four plays on Friday 17th and three more on Saturday 18th there’s a feast of drama for everyone to enjoy – and you can vote for your favourite performance too.

Tickets, price £8 per evening or £14 for both nights, are available from Elliot Clark Flowers in Montagu Terrace and can also be bought at the door on the night – performances start at 7pm.  Call 225 5952 for more information on the One Act Festival.

Weekend drama at St. Serf's

Love drama?  Then it’s got to be Goldenacre this month as St. Serf’s Church Halls on Clark Road is the venue for Scottish Community Drama Association’s One Act Festival.  With four plays on Friday 17th and three more on Saturday 18th there’s a feast of drama for everyone to enjoy – and you can vote for your favourite performance too.

Tickets, price £8 per evening or £14 for both nights, are available from Elliot Clark Flowers in Montagu Terrace and can also be bought at the door on the night – performances start at 7pm.  Call 225 5952 for more information on the One Act Festival.

Cycling RULES!

Register it

UV mark it

Lock it

Electronically tag it

Secure it

Cycle theft is a real pain, so Lothian and Borders Police are offering cyclists the opportunity to make things tougher for thieves at two sessions this month.  You can get your bike registered and UV marked for £5, or registered, UV marked and electronically tagged for £16 at West End Police Station on 14 February from 12 – 2pm, or at Gayfield Police Station from 12 – 2pm on 23 February.  A limited number of bikes will be registered and marked for free, so arrive early to avoid missing out!

MYDG Open Day

Muirhouse Youth Development Group is holding an Open Day at St. Paul’s on Friday 10 February from 2.30 – 4.30pm.  Find out what’s happening in your area – activities on offer include pool, Wii, table tennis, arts and crafts, climbing, bike assault course and music. Interested?  Call Joanne Stewart on 332 3356 for more details.

New career in childcare?

Want to work with children?  The Childcare Academy could be for you! North Edinburgh Childcare is recruiting students for a free childcare training course.  Participants can gain SVQ qualifications that can help you gain employment in the childcare sector.  For further information on the course, which starts on 27 February, call NEC Training Coordinator Barbara Webster on 311 6926.