North Edinburgh News – Page 3522 – The NEN

TV ‘Hair’ star is guest speaker at Graduation

Former Telford student Denise McAdam announced as guest speaker at Edinburgh College Graduation

Hairdresser to the Royals and reality TV show judge Denise McAdam will be guest speaker at Edinburgh College’s Graduation ceremonies in September.

Denise, who grew up in Penicuik and studied hairdressing at the college, has worked with the Royal Family, international supermodels and Hollywood stars and is currently one of the judges on BBC Two’s popular amateur hairstyling competition Hair. She will give the guest speech at the Graduation ceremonies on 25 September at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

The college’s Graduation ceremonies celebrate the success of HNC, HND, Advance Diploma and degree students.

Denise first came to the forefront of British hairdressing in the 1980s and is known for being the first female celebrity hairdresser in the UK.

Having worked with photographers David Bailey, Lord Lichfield, Lord Snowden and Terry O’Neill, she came to the media’s attention when she styled the Duchess of York’s hair for her wedding to Prince Andrew. Denise went on to receive the Royal warrant in 1989 and was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal for services to the Royal Family in June 2010.

She has worked with generations of style icons including Grace Kelly, Joan Collins, Yasmin Le Bon, Cindy Crawford, Jane Seymour, Naomi Campbell and Kylie Minogue.

Denise said: “It’s an honour to share graduation day with Edinburgh College’s talented and enthusiastic students. I am inspired to celebrate their achievements, hard work and the passion they have given to their chosen subjects throughout their time at the college. The college and lecturers have encouraged and worked incredibly hard to prepare their students for the work place, further education or to go forth and change the world. My own memories and my time at Edinburgh College inspire me every day.”

Rehearsals under way for Red and the Wolf

Some of our local young people have been hard at work at North Edinburgh Arts this week, working with professional group Liminal Dance on a new dance production they will perform in public next Wednesday evening.

Red and the Wolf by Liminal Dance is an immersive dance theatre performance working with locally based community cast of young people.

The work explores movement and dance through storytelling and suggestion based on the familiar source of the story Little Red Riding Hood.

The audience will be taken on a unique ever changing journey as the story unfolds. Participants have been exploring movement, dance and storytelling with professional artists who have helped them explore their own creativity and imagination to create a truly unique experience for dancers and audience.

Over July and August Liminal dance will be working in partnership with the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Citymove Dance Agency, Aberdeen, Woodend Barn, Banchory, North Edinburgh Arts, Edinburgh and The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.

The project is led by Gemma Williams, Choreographer and artistic director of Liminal dance, She is interested in producing new ways to produce dance work which involves young people directing shaping and making the work alongside her.

This project is open to up to 25 young people each week, ages 8 – 16. The company will take them through a series of workshops and creative sessions looking at storytelling, developing and using their imagination, improvisation, dance technique and choreography. At the end of the week the group will present a final show created from the various workshop sessions.

The project is designed to be accessible to any level of participant as part of the same process, with opportunities to use, extend and develop their artistic experience whatever level it may be.

Red and the Wolf is designed to explore movement and dance through storytelling and imagination with a group of young people working and performing with professional artists. The project will create unique journeys for the participants as they are given the freedom and tools to develop their own roles, becoming a creative cog in an ever changing collective journey.

Liminal Dance are currently working with participants at North Edinburgh Arts , with their performance on Wednesday the 5th of August at 7.00pm

People involved in local performance:

Liminal Dance Company:

Choreographer Gemma Williams

Dancers Justine Lim and Christina Duncan,

Audio and visual Artist technician Jason Lim

Production Advisor Matthew Hawkins

Community Cast at North Edinburgh Arts:

Katherine Rennie, Jiayi Li, Stanley and Ferdie McKay, Julie Dorozynska, Freya MnNicoll, Inez MacIntosh, Sorcha Minto, Gabrielle Glean

Garden Party celebrates Edinburgh’s unsung heroes

Lord Provost says ‘thanks’ to city volunteers

Edinburgh’s magnificent volunteers will be recognised for their crucial contribution to local life at the Lord Provost’s Community Garden Party 2015 in the grounds of Lauriston Castle tomorrow.

Stockbridge-based LifeCare Edinburgh and Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club, two organisations which support the independence and wellbeing of older people in Edinburgh, will be presented with ‘Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service’ by the Lord Provost Donald Wilson at the event.

They will be joined by a guest list featuring dedicated workers from the city’s third sector, community council members, Edinburgh British Empire Medal recipients and local philanthropists in the castle grounds as a ‘thank you’ for their contribution to community life.

Sponsored by Virgin Money, more than 400 people are expected to attend the celebration to enjoy afternoon tea on the lawn, with live music from local Edinburgh choirs and pipe bands.

Members of the Lauriston Castle Living History Group, suitably costumed in Edwardian dress, will treat guests to tours of the visitor attraction which are open to the public throughout the year.

The Lord Provost, who is also the city’s Volunteering Champion, said: “I want this celebration to recognise and reward those who make a positive contribution to our great city – particularly the unsung heroes who give up their time tirelessly for others and for the good of their local community. I look forward to welcoming guests to the fantastic Lauriston Castle, and to presenting awards on behalf of the Queen to two of Edinburgh’s great volunteer organisations.

“I hope an event like this helps to promote this gem of a venue and that guests are encouraged to come back. I am extremely grateful to Jayne-Anne Gadhia and everyone at Virgin Money for the tremendous support and their ongoing commitment to the city.”

Su Millar, Chief Executive of LifeCare (Edinburgh) Limited, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be presented with an award from the Lord Provost on behalf of the Queen, and proud to be one of two organisations to receive this prestigious award.

“It is humbling to have the excellent work of our volunteers recognised in this way and we are all really looking forward to meeting with the Lord Provost and all of the other guests at the Community Garden Party at Lauriston Castle.”

The Lord Provost’s Community Garden is a bi-annual event first held in 2013. Broughton High School pupil Anna McLuckie entertained guests that day and the talented young harpuist went on to receive acclaim on BBC’s The Voice.

Red alert at North Edinburgh Arts

Red and the Wolf: there’s still time to get involved …

National Minimum Wage offenders named and shamed

Edinburgh hairdresser guilty of unkind cuts

Business Minister Nick Boles has today named 75 more employers who have failed to pay their workers the National Minimum Wage. Among them is Edinburgh -based hairdresser Saks, who neglected to pay over £413 owed to one worker at their Jeffrey Street salon.

Between them, the named companies owed workers over £153,000 in arrears, and span sectors including hairdressing, fashion, publishing, hospitality, health and fitness, automotive, social care, and retail.

This brings the total number of companies named and shamed under the scheme, which was introduced in October 2013, to 285 employers, with total arrears of over £788,000 and total penalties of over £325,000.

Business Minister Nick Boles said: “As a one nation government on the side of working people we are determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage receives it. When the new National Living Wage is introduced next April (2016) we will enforce robustly. This means that the hard-working people of the UK will get the pay rise they deserve.”

Hope yet for Canonmills campaigners

‘It ain’t over ’til the big ball swings!’ – Save 1 – 6 Canonmills Bridge campaigner Gemma Kicks

Canonmills campaigners achieved a partial victory yesterday when councillors from across the political spectrum called for a full public hearing to take place to discuss controversial plans to demolish buildings on Canonmills Bridge – a conservation area.

The hearing will take place on 26 August.

Campaigners will use the stay of execution to gather more support in the fight to stop the demolition. A spokesperson said: “Two key reasons for the agreement to the hearing was the positioning of the site which sits on the border of two council wards (wards 5 & 11) and two community council areas. It was therefore felt appropriate that councillors from these areas should be given a chance to share their opinions. The second reason being the vast amount of representations.”

The Save Canonmills Bridge campaign has attracted considerable public support since it was launched six weeks ago. Campaigners have gathered over 1600 signatures during weekend information stalls on the bridge at the weekends, a Facebook campaign has attracted 1228 followers and nearly 4000 people have added their support through an online petition.

The petition was presented to the committee yesterday.

In a statement, the campaign team said: “We have encountered unified support from across the local community (people of all ages and political perspectives), also from regular and occasional visitors to the area.

“We can’t overstate how much the area around Canonmills Bridge junction means to locals, pedestrians on their way to work or the Botanics, and to those frequenting the Water of Leith. We have been heartened by the repeat visits for progress updates and in encouragement to our stall.”

Campaigners shall now be gathering to agree their next moves, but it seems certain that the group will step up the campaign to ensure wider awareness of the development being proposed and to gather wider public support.

As local resident Gemma Kicks said: “It ain’t over til the big ball swings!”

Down to Earth(y)?

Officials recommend Earthy should be demolished

Planning officials have recommended that the popular Earthy shop and cafe on Canonmills Bridge should be demolished to make way for a new development. Councillors will discuss the issue at a meeting this morning.

Three local issues feature on today’s Development Sub-Committee agenda.

Reports on Granton Castle’s Walled Garden, the controversial demolition of Earthy at Canonmills and the ongoing saga of the proposed housing development on Trinity Road will all be tabled at the meeting. which takes place at 10am in The Dean of Guild Court Room in the City Chambers.

While councillors will be asked simply to ‘note’ the council’s current position on Granton Castle Walled Garden, where plans remain in place to erect 17 luxury townhouses, officials are recommending that the proposed demolition of Earthy on Canonmills Bridge is given the go-ahead.

Officials also recommend that the proposed demolition of the existing garage building at 127 Trinity Road – and the development of five new houses there – should be granted.

Members of the Save 1-6 Canonmills Bridge campaign plan to lobby councillors before the meeting, which is open to the public.

Related papers:

Agenda_29.07.15

Item_6.3____GRANTON_CASTLE_WALLED_GARDEN___03_04595_FUL

Item_8.1____1_CANONMILLS_BRIDGE___15_01786_CON

Item_8.4_a_____127_TRINITY_ROAD___15_01788_FUL

Item_8.4_b_____127_TRINITY_ROAD___14_05070_CON

DM_Sub_29_July_2015_Full_papers

You’re never too old for Tea in the Park!

West Pilton Park: Tuesday 4th August, 1 – 4pmWest Pilton Park Action Group is holding a ‘Tea in the Park’ event on Tuesday 4 August as part of the series of consultation events that we have been holding on West Pilton Park.

There will be line dancing, tai chi, a home baking competition, bingo and live entertainment. We have marquees in case it rains too!

This is all part of the West Pilton Park Action Group’s work towards making West Pilton Park a friendly welcoming space: see our Facebook page West Pilton Park Action Group too.

Tea in the park poster

West Pilton Park Action Group

Edinburgh gets playful!

Children set to invade Grassmarket for fun and games

The Grassmarket will be transformed into a giant children’s playground tomorrow (Wednesday) to promote play in the city.

The enclosed street in the Old Town will be transformed between 12.30pm and 4.30pm for Edinburgh’s Playday where there will be lots of family-friendly activities on offer including junk drumming, a mud kitchen, parachute games, magic potions, a giant sand pit, water play, and a cardboard city.

This will be the 15th year that the event has been held and every year gets bigger and more fun! Thousands of people, both young and old, have come along to join in activities on offer.

Playday is the national day for play, which is being celebrated next week. On Playday thousands of children and their families get out to play at hundreds of community events across the UK.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. It’s all about learning for life and showing that play is fun not just for the child but for adults as well.

Councillor Keith Robson, Play Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Play is a massively important part of a child’s development and makes a tremendous contribution to happy and healthy childhoods. Children need freedom to play so they can practice skills, explore the world around them and develop understanding in their own way and in their own time. Real play comes from children’s need to express themselves, to explore, learn about and make sense of their world.

“Playing with your child is one of the most wonderful things about being a parent. It’s a vital part of the way babies and children grown and learn. The time you have fun together brings you closer, makes your child feel loved and secure, helps them develops elf-esteem and social skills.

“Our very popular Playday in the Grassmarket provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate play and promote its many benefits as well as visiting one of the most picturesque areas of the city. I would recommend everyone comes along for what promises to be a fun-filled afternoon of play!”

Playday is part of the successful City of Edinburgh Council Play Strategy which states:

“Edinburgh aims to be a play friendly city where all children and young people can enjoy their childhood. They will have access to play opportunities in a range of different settings which offer variety, adventure and challenge. They will be able to play freely and safely and make choices about where, how and when they play.”

Other ongoing projects to promote play include the formation of the Edinburgh Play Forum – ‘Playful Edinburgh’, which is a partnership of voluntary groups and other organisations supporting play across the city. The forum were successful in gaining Inspiring Scotland Go2Play funding for Play Ranger projects which will run outdoor play sessions in eight sites across the city. The Edinburgh Play Ranger projects are organised by Smart Play Network, Canongate Youth Project, North Edinburgh Arts and Edinburgh Leisure. EPF members Dads Rock and The Yard will be adding to the exciting activities on offer at Playday.

Access to Edinburgh’s Playday is free but children should be accompanied by an adult.

For more information contact cf.play@edinburgh.gov.uk

The event has been organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Edinburgh Play Forum and many volunteers.

Taking Kerr of the city council

New Chief Executive gets down to work

Andrew Kerr, the new Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council began work yesterday. Mr Kerr joins from Cornwall Council and succeeds Dame Sue Bruce who retired last week following 40 years of public service.

Councillors unanimously approved a report recommending his appointment during May’s council meeting, following which he has made a number of trips to the Capital to familiarise himself with the role.

Andrew Kerr said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to lead one of the most high profile local authorities in the UK.

“There are undoubtedly major challenges ahead with increasing demands for council services and reducing budgets but I will do my utmost to ensure that the Council continues to work hard for the city and everyone who lives, works, visits and invests here.

“A great deal has been achieved in Edinburgh in recent years, and still much more to aim for, and I am looking forward to working closely with elected members, officers and our partners to ensure that we build on those successes.

“Of course, on a personal level, it is also great to return home, particularly when I still have family, including my parents, based here in Scotland.”

One of Andrew’s achievements in his previous role came earlier this month, successfully negotiating a Devolution Deal for Cornwall – the first rural authority in England to be offered one.

Edinburgh is currently working with its five neighbouring local authorities to pursue a similar deal for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region.

Council Leader Andrew Burns said: “It was clear from the recruitment process that Andrew had the qualities required to take on the role and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure the continuing prosperity of our city.

“He brings significant experience of leading and delivering change in the public sector and has achieved recent success in securing a Devolution Deal for Cornwall – all of which is very encouraging as he moves into his new role. I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running.”

Andrew Kerr began his career with the District Council in Falkirk, the town of his birth. His 32-year public sector career has since included over three years at Birmingham City Council, where he led the national award-winning Birmingham BEST organisational development programme. From 2005 he led the turnaround of North Tyneside Council as its new CEO.

He was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff Council in March 2012 where he delivered a £900m joint venture in waste management. He has led transformation programmes in his last three authorities delivering more than £100m worth of savings. In his most recent post with Cornwall Council he led a programme planned to deliver £196m savings in the next four years.

Andrew has also represented Great Britain in international athletics (400m) – so he must know a good deal about running a council (sorry!)