Category: North Edinburgh News

Light a light tomorrow night

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St Columba’s Hospice has a special way of remembering family and friends who are unable to be with us at Christmas time. Every year, thousands of supporters gather in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square Gardens to watch as the lights of the Tree of Remembrance are switched on – each light on the tree is dedicated to the memory of a loved one, as St. Columba’s Sister Margaret O’Hara explains:

Dear Friend,

My colleagues and I working on the wards at St Columba’s Hospice have been thinking for a few weeks now about how we can make Christmas this year precious for our patients and their families. Christmas is a time when we all look forward to having our families and friends close, sharing in the joyous Festive Season. But for many of us the season can bring sadness as we remember loved ones no longer with us.

Here at St Columba’s Hospice we always mark the beginning of this special season by Lighting a Light on the Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens. Light a Light allows all of us to celebrate life and the memories of those we are unable to hold close.

On behalf of all the nursing staff and volunteers, I invite you to join us in dedicating a light to your loved one on our Tree of Remembrance this Christmas. And, I also ask you to consider making a donation to help to pay for the costs of care during Christmas and into the New Year.

We really hope that you can join us at 6.30pm on Monday (3 December) in Charlotte Square Gardens, when we Light a Light for all those whose memories we cherish.

With warmest regards,

Margaret O’Hara, Sister, St Columba’s HospiceSisterMargaretOHara.JPG[1]

 

NEN – record breaking November stats

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November was a record month for North Edinburgh News – there were 10, 496 visits to the NEN blog last month, our best figures yet. The daily average – 350 – is also our highest ever.

The most popular articles in November were the rise of Blackhall Athletic, the BBC DIY SOS refurbishment of The Yard and the Welcome to Muirhouse photo exhibition – three very different stories from different geographical corners of our readership area but with one thing in common: they’re all positive, good news stories!

Makes you think …?

 

Bank interest in North Edinburgh News

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The NEN has received a cheque for £500 from The Royal Bank of Scotland. The banks’s charity committee agreed to support an application by  NEN board member Eddie Thorn.

Kevin Havelock, Regional Director for Corporate and Institutional Banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, explained: “Following the difficulties that RBS experienced in recent years we are looking to reconnect with the communities that we all live and work in.”

He went on: “We are very fortunate at RBS to have many staff who have been with us for twenty, twenty-five even thirty years and many of them are active in their communities. We established a system of grants to support local charities and community initiatives nominated by our staff.

“The Edinburgh Community Partnership Board has representation from every division of the bank – there are eleven people in all on the committee, each with an equal vote. We were delighted both with the volume and the great variety of nominations that came in, and we agreed our first round of grants in October. We are supporting a very broad spectrum of good causes, from supplying sports equipment to groups to helping local health charities.”

Royal Bank of Scotland will donate £100,000 in a rolling programme in the East of Scotland, and one of the first forty grateful recipients is North Edinburgh News.

North Edinburgh News treasurer Eddie Thorn said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is to be commended for their wide contribution to local communities. It is particularly pleasing that they recognised all that the NEN strives to achieve, and we are very grateful for the bank’s generous support – it’s much appreciated.”

Kevin added: “We will be offering practical and sometimes even physical support, too – we want the charity to get more from the bank than just a cheque. Working with and providing support to the charity is a natural progression.”

NEN’s Eddie Thorn and RBS’ Kevin Havelock are pictured outside the NEN’s base at Edinburgh College Granton Campus.

 

Help yourself! Free sandbags for flood-threatened homes

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Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue service has teamed up with the city council to help Edinburgh residents protect their homes from flood damage. The initiative offers  free sandbags NOW to residents who are concerned about potential flooding, rather than waiting for heavy rainfall.

Sandbags are now available  to collect from specially built storage sheds at a number of locations across the city, including locally at Crewe  Toll Fire Station on Telford Road and Powderhall  Depot  at 165  Broughton Road.

Environment Convener,  Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “It is understandable that, after the floods we  have already seen this year, people in Edinburgh are concerned about what will  happen if their homes are affected.  Our advice is to be prepared and not wait  for heavy rain as is often more difficult for us to reach people during or  immediately before a flood.

“The fact that residents  can now collect sandbags at their convenience will make it easier for them to  feel confident that their homes are protected. I would also encourage people who  are worried about flooding to have a look at the Council  website for advice on how to protect their properties  effectively.”

In recent years a number of  Edinburgh neighbourhoods have been affected by extremely  heavy rainfall, which led to the severe damage of some local homes.

John Dickie, Local Senior  Officer for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Every year people are  affected by flooding and it can cause significant disruption and damage for  householders. One of the best things you can do is think about your risks before  adverse weather strikes and take what steps you can to be prepared.

“We are delighted to be  able to host self-service sandbag storage sites at our fire stations in  Edinburgh. The public can help themselves to sandbags if they anticipate the  need to protect their homes from flooding.

“You should also consider  signing up for Floodline Scotland which will  keep you informed about flood alerts. Preparing a plan for what to do if  flooding strikes will also mean you are better able to react quickly in an  emergency. Pack an emergency flood kit and make sure your home insurance is up  to date.”

Residents who are unable to  collect sandbags in person can contact the Council for assistance, by calling 0131 200 2000.

History to be made when councillors debate petition on Monday

CityChambersThe first valid petition submitted by a member of the public will be considered by councillors in Edinburgh on Monday (3 December) at a meeting to be webcast live from the City Chambers.

The petition, on ‘Kirkliston Public Transport Provision’, received 785 signatures of support.

Taking part in or creating a petition is one way that individuals, community groups and organisations can get involved in what the Council does. It allows people to raise issues of public concern and gives Councillors the opportunity to consider the need for change.

The Committee is part of a package of measures and a new committee structure aimed at creating a more accessible and transparent organisation by opening up decision-making and improving scrutiny of the Council’s work.

Members of the public and local businesses can make use of the Council’s e-petition facility. Paper petition forms can also be downloaded from the Council’s webpages and are available from libraries and other Council buildings.

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Convener of the Petitions Committee, Cllr Maggie Chapman (pictured above), said: “It is a great start that we have a valid petition to consider in our first meeting. I hope that this will encourage others to come forward use this new opportunity to participate in local politics and to help improve the lives of people living, working and visiting our city. I am pleased that, in addition to the meetings in the City Chambers, we will also be taking the committee ‘on tour’ to reach a wider audience, and we will also ensure our young people are included by having youth focussed events.”

There is a range of agreed criteria for a petition to satisfy prior to confirmation of validity and consideration by the Committee. Matters that will not be considered include those currently being considered by a committee, included in a work programme or those that relate to a council or committee decision that has been made in the previous six months.

Further information:

* Petitions from individuals require at least 500 signatures though in some cases petitions with 250 signatures can be accepted.

* Petitions from local businesses need the support of at least 20 other businesses within Edinburgh before they can be considered.

* If a petition is invalid, the petitioner will be advised of the reason and given the opportunity to refine and resubmit it.

* Hashtag to use if tweeting about the Petitions Committee is #edinpetitions

Centipede to spread Christmas cheer with photo event

Muirhouse Centipede Project have come up with a ‘cracker’ of an idea …

Love at first sight?
Love at first sight?

12.12.12 Hope-Peace-Love-Joy Photographic Event

Take a digital photograph some time during the 24 hours of 12/12/12 that captures something of the Advent themes of Love, Joy, Hope or Peace. Send your photo, together with your name and age and 100 words or less telling us about your photograph to centipedephotos@gmail.com no later than 31 December 2012.

Prizes for the best in categories pre-school age; primary school age; secondary school age, 18-65, and 65+.

An exhibition of the entries and winners will be held in the North Edinburgh Arts Centre in early spring 2013.

Conference programme confirmed

NEFBlogoThe programme for tomorrow’s Tackling Poverty conference at Craigroyston Community High School has been confirmed (see below).

In a slight change, local community activist Betty McVay will not be opening the conference due to ill-health and a representative from North Edinburgh Fights Back will welcome delegates instead.

The event starts at 10am.

Conference Programme

 

West Pilton welcomes fifty plus at November events

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre hosted three days of events this month for age 50+ which involved an activity morning, an information event and a social afternoon. 

Activities included gentle exercise, Indian dance, indoor bowling, table tennis and silk flower making.

Information sessions offered:  benefits advice from Granton Information Centre, Personal Safety from Community Police, health checks (Edinburgh Leisure), general advice (Age Scotland), Cooking on a budget (Barri Grubb) and energy savings advice.

Then ending the week the social offered an afternoon of dancing, bingo and a sing along with a museums outreach worker showing items worn to social events in the 50’s.

Local people were invited to enjoy all of the above with transport and lunch provided each day, funded through a grant received by the PCA.

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Winter’s tale: Christmas misery for abandoned pets


The Scottish SPCA has warned of the dangers of giving pets as Christmas gifts as the charity prepares for one of its busiest and most heartbreaking times of year. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has also revealed some of the excuses given for young and elderly pets being given up during the festive period.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Sadly, our animal rescue and rehoming centres are full every Christmas. It’s a time of year when many of our centres are asked to take in elderly pets, with dogs being the most common. The excuses our staff have heard have been shocking, with some owners telling us they have suddenly developed an allergy to a pet they’ve had for years. Others have said they’ve simply had enough of their pet because it’s so old and some have even told us they don’t want their dog making their house untidy when they have guests for Christmas.

“We know that in some of these cases the owners have in fact been making space for a new puppy or a younger pet, which is disgusting and extremely callous. Our centres will stop rehoming young animals between 20 December and 3 January because we have to be very careful they aren’t being taken on by anyone who wants a new pet for Christmas and hasn’t fully thought through their decision. Taking on a pet is a commitment for that animal’s lifetime and new owners should ensure they have the time and resources they need and understand their responsibilities.”

Chief Supt. Flynn said the Christmas period continues to have a distressing impact in the New Year.

“It’s another upsetting reality that in the weeks and months after Christmas our centres are often asked to take in puppies, kittens and other pets given as presents once the novelty has worn off,” he said. “Or, even worse, some of these pets are abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Clearly, in these instances the owners hadn’t realised that the young pet which was great fun at Christmas would need to be housetrained and properly socialised and that this would require effort on their part.
Our message is pets are a long-term commitment and responsibility, not presents which can be given on Christmas Day and forgotten about soon afterwards.”

On Christmas Day last year the Scottish SPCA was called to rescue an elderly dog dumped on a remote country road and left for dead. Chief Supt. Flynn said, “It’s almost unthinkable that someone would do something so cruel. Winter could easily have been knocked down and killed and it was clear whoever did this didn’t care what happened to him. While we didn’t receive the information we needed to find Winter’s owner, we can’t rule out the possibility he was abandoned to make way for a Christmas puppy. Thankfully, we were able to rescue Winter before it was too late and soon found him a loving new home.”

City gets set for Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebration’s will kick off with a stunning Light Night ceremony on the Mound tonight (Thursday). 

A dazzling combination of projection, aerial performance and pyrotechnics will build excitement through a specially commissioned show – Christmas Dream Machine.  Revealing the enchanting dreams of a child at Christmas, the performance will culminate in the lighting of Edinburgh’s Norwegian Christmas Tree; a gift from the people of Hordaland.  An exotic Brazilian Samba Band will lead revellers to St Andrew Square, where the festivities will continue with a live after show, featuring an array of local artists, entertainers and a fire show.

Over the six weeks, the ever popular Traditional German Christmas Market returns to the city along with the Traditional Highland Village Christmas Market, plus a number of bespoke markets will take place across the city centre throughout December.

Commenting on the overall programme, City of Edinburgh Council Lord Provost, Rt Hon Donald Wilson, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is one of the most iconic Christmas celebrations in the world and we are pleased to announce a varied programme of events and attractions for 2012.  Whether it’s to catch up with family and friends, or just to relax and soak up the magical atmosphere, we are proud of the fact that so many people make Edinburgh their destination of choice.  With the nativity scene at the heart of the city and carol concerts to attend, visitors and residents will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the festive season.”

From skating beneath the stars on the Edinburgh Ice Rink to seeing the city from a new perspective on the breathtaking Edinburgh Wheel, there is something for everyone this Christmas. Visitors of all ages will be thrilled to see the return of live reindeer to St Andrew Square on 8 & 9 December, then Friday, Saturday and Sunday on both weekends before Christmas.

For the first time, there will be a 3D cinema in East Princes Street Garden, where children and adults alike will love the award-winning Christmas caper ‘Rocket’s Missing Antler’.  Rocket is usually the fastest of all of Santa’s helpers, but he has lost his antler, meaning Christmas could be cancelled.  The exciting visual feast follows the loveable reindeer, Cheeky Snowman and the Wishfairy as they battle against time to regrow Rocket’s antler and save Christmas.

Nickie Gott, managing director of She’s Gott It!, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, enthuses: “There is no better place than Edinburgh during the festive period.  With the remarkable Light Night starting things off in style, the city centre will be buzzing with activity and excitement.  The capital is so magical at this time of year and we hope that our programme will amaze and delight the entire family.”

Following the success of last year’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations, Edinburgh’s Christmas will once again present an exciting programme of activity on the Castle esplanade tomorrow (30 November) as part of Scotland’s Winter Festival.  During the day, there will be a chance for visitors to make their own lantern, before a specially commissioned night time spectacular, with fireworks to celebrate Scotland’s patron saint.

Santa will be arriving in the city centre from 5pm on Saturday 8 December in his reindeer-drawn sleigh, and will make daily visits to collect his post and to see who has been naughty and nice. There will be a flurry of red and white on Sunday 9 December, as hundreds of Santas pull on their running shoes for the tenth Great Edinburgh Santa Run, in aid of the When You Wish Upon a Star Foundation. Starting in West Princes Street Gardens, Santas of all ages will be able to run, jog or walk the 1.5km route.

Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “With Edinburgh’s Christmas bringing thousands of visitors to the city each year, Essential Edinburgh is proud to support some of the fantastic activities, such as Light Night and Santa’s Arrival – key features of the  programme that encourage visitors and residents to come into town during the festive period.  This investment is another example of the city centre’s private businesses, through Essential Edinburgh, investing in the Capital.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas is a highlight in the Winter in Edinburgh marketing campaign and is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh.