North Edinburgh News – Page 3735 – The NEN

Nominate your champion in Age Scotland awards

Age Scotland is asking people across Scotland’s communities to nominate a champion in their annual awards.

The Charity, which is dedicated to helping people in Scotland enjoy a better later life, is looking for nominations for the Age Scotland Awards 2014, which will be presented in the Scottish Parliament later this year.

The Awards celebrate the groups and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the lives of older people.
There are six categories in the awards:

· Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Solicitors for Older People Scotland)

· Employer of the Year Award

· The Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing (sponsored by McCarthy & Stone)

· The Patrick Brookes Partnership Award (sponsored by Specsavers)

· Service for Older People Award

· Member Group of the Year Award (sponsored by David Urquhart Travel and open only to Age Scotland member groups)

The Employer of the Year Award has been introduced for the 2014 awards because, with the scrapping of the mandatory retirement age in 2012, we now have more older people in work and it is vital that employers respond to this positively.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “Too often we hear negative messages about older people such as the ‘demographic time bomb’. Age Scotland’s Awards are our way of challenging these perceptions and celebrating later life.

“We want to demonstrate how older people embrace civic and social responsibilities and showcase the depth of talent and experience amongst our older generation.

“If you know someone who’s making a real difference to the lives of older people then tell us about them. And remember, if you know of an employer who has exemplary age friendly practices, please nominate them for our newest category of award.”

The nomination form can be downloaded at www.agescotland.org.uk/awards or can be requested by calling 0845 833 0200.

Nomination forms must be received no later than Friday 29 August.

St Nick’s summer fayre raises £1400

Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex raised over £1,400 at its summer fayre held last Saturday (2 Aug) – despite the deluge!

Based on Leith’s Ferry Road, the complex has been open for 25 years and has 45 residents.

All funds raised will go towards supporting activities for them to enjoy including day trips, theatre trips, exercise classes and lunch clubs.

The complexes had an array of stalls including a raffle, tombola, home bakes, bric-a-brac, books and toys.

Maureen Tait, Sheltered Housing Services Manager who manages the St Nicholas Court complex, said: “This was our 17th summer fayre and we were delighted to raise £1,400 despite the heavy rain. We’re lucky to have the support of the local community as all fundraising proceeds go towards getting our residents out and about, which they thoroughly enjoy.”

Edinburgh urged to register to vote in Independence Referendum

Some of Edinburgh’s residents could miss out on their chance to vote in Scotland’s biggest election if they don’t act soon – potential voters have just four weeks left to register to make sure they can have their say in the Scottish Independence Referendum.

Almost 360,000 people in Edinburgh have already registered for Thursday 18 September’s vote on whether Scotland should be an independent country, but approximately 10% of the city’s potential electorate have yet to sign up to take part in the momentous vote.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council and Counting Officer for Edinburgh, has encouraged local constituents to take action by 2 September.

She said: “The Referendum is an incredibly important decision for everyone in Scotland, and it would be unfortunate to miss out because of something as simple as failing to register.

“I would encourage anyone who has not registered, or is not certain if they have already, to make sure they do so as soon as possible.”

All those who will turn 16 by 18 September can register to vote by calling the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500 or visiting their website before 2 September.

Once they are on the register, people who wish for someone to vote on their behalf (by proxy), or to vote by post, have until 3 September to register, otherwise they will need to vote in person on 18 September.

Poll cards will begin being sent out on 14 August with postal voters receiving voting packs from 27 August.

Lothian Valuation Joint Board has been gearing up for the event with a series of registration roadshows, including one which will take place at this month’s Edinburgh Mela.

Further information and FAQs on voting and registration can be found on the Council’s website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Theatre Project meeting reminder

I hope you are having a lovely Summer!

This is just a wee reminder that there is an open meeting for everyone who is interested in participating in the amazing 1d Tenement Opera project, on

Thursday 14 August at 11am at North Edinburgh Arts.

I attach the flyer once again (below) and please forward this to everyone who you think will be interested. Looking forward to seeing you next week,

Stephanie Knight

NETP flier 2

Fringe Review: A Final Solution to the cabaret problem?

Everybody’s favourite war criminal Frank Sanazi’s back in town, and the Fuhrer’s thankfully learnt nothing since his defeat in 1945. A blitzkrieg attack on taste and decency, Das Vegas Night 3 was a delight.

The Rat Pack’s songs are given the Sanazi makeover – That’s Life becomes Das Reich, Gestapo Gestapo is the new Chicago Chicago; you get the picture. The material’s as subtle as an attack by a Panzer division, but predictable or not, it’s very funny.

Pol Pot, Chairman Mao, Tony Blair, Saddam Hussein, the Twin Tower bombers and Harold Shipman – all received an honourable mention in despatches during the performance, and Sanazi didn’t hold back. But there’s something strangely endearing about Sanazi, and material that makes you wince is delivered with a cheeky smile.
As he said: ‘A bit close to the mark? But hey, today we have no mark! We have the Euro – Germany wins again!’

While Sanazi himself was hilarious, the cabaret’s supporting cast and material was not so strong – a bit like Mussolini’s Italian army during World War Two, I suppose. But an hour of world domination, war crimes and some gratuitous nudity thrown in too – wunderbar!

Zis time we win? Yes, Frank, I rather think you did. Tonight, the Voodoo Rooms, tomorrow the world.

Das Vegas Night 3 – Zis Time We Win!
The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street
Until 10 August

Have you seen any Fringe shows (good AND bad!) you’d like to share with our readers?

Let us know!

Green MSP: ‘ immigration is good for our economy and society’

MIGRATION: GREEN MSP WELCOMES STUDY SHOWING ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, is welcoming new research showing that the Westminster consensus to reduce migration risks harming the economy.

A new report by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) shows that a cap on migration would create an economic shortfall. NIESR warn of “a reduction in the pool of talent available to businesses.”

Earlier this year a poll for the Scottish Green MSPs showed two-thirds of Scots want Holyrood to have control over immigration policy. None of the parties campaigning for a No vote has offered to devolve it.

A recent study by the Centre for Population Change also showed that local authorities in Scotland view migrants as positive but don’t always have the resources needed to welcome them.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This latest research supports the Green view that immigration is good for our economy and society. Our local authorities need better resources and greater control to get the best results, and Scotland needs the power to set its own policy.

“The debate being played out at Westminster, stoked by fear and hostility, bears little relation to the situation in Scotland and risks throwing away so much potential. I’m for a welcoming policy, and I want Holyrood to have the ability to secure the benefits of immigration for our communities.”

SFRS marks First World War anniversary

As people commemorate a century since Britain entered the war some basic precautions will ensure candles mark those lost without causing further tragedy.

On the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officers have paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the course of the devastating conflict.

The United Kingdom entered the war on Tuesday 4 August 1914 following Germany’s invasion of Belgium. Around 17 million people were killed during one of the most destructive wars ever fought.

SFRS Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “The devastation of the First World War touched every community and it’s right that we pause to mark a century since the beginning of this terrible episode in history.

“Many firefighters were military reservists and so they were called up by the army or the navy, and over the course of the war many others either volunteered or were conscripted into military service.

“Of course, as with their colleagues from all other walks of life, many of these men would never return home to their families.

“The commemorative events taking place around the world today are very significant to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and our thoughts must go to the awful impact the First World War had on everyone involved.”

As a mark of remembrance the Royal British Legion is encouraging people to turn off their lights for an hour tonight, leaving a single light or candle on for a shared moment of reflection.

Lights Out is a national initiative running from 10pm to 11pm – exactly a century since the UK’s ultimatum for Germany to leave Belgium expired.

Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey famously remarked: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

As the First World War progressed the government took steps to ensure communities at home still had the fire cover they needed, with firefighters added to the list of reserved occupations not liable to conscription.

With people throughout the country preparing to commemorate the anniversary by taking part in the Lights Out remembrance campaign, SFRS is reminding everyone to take extra care with their candles.

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, director of prevention and protection and chair of the SFRS Heritage Committee, said: “Many of us will be marking the 100th anniversary of World War One tonight by taking part in the Lights Out event.

“Firefighters served throughout the war and the sad fact is many who did were among those killed or seriously injured as a result.

“Our aim as the fire and rescue service isn’t to discourage anyone from taking part in this national moment of reflection, but we do want to remind people to take some simple precautions if they are planning to light a candle.”

ACO Ramsay continued: “Candles do pose a significant fire risk so it’s vital we all use them correctly and safely.

“It’s important to think about where they are placed. They should always be away from curtains and out of the reach of pets and children.

“Most importantly, remember to extinguish your candles if you leave the room – it only takes a moment for a fire to start.

“We urge every household to have working smoke alarms and test them every week. We also provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required.”

More information on candle fire safety is available on the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk

People can join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a free home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.

LIGHTS OUT tonight

Today is the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and to mark this we are inviting everyone (from large-scale organisations like Blackpool Illuminations, Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus to thousands of people at home) to turn out their lights, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection.

You can also get involved by tweeting a LIGHTS OUT selfie or an image of your moment using the hashtag #LIGHTSOUT. And you can download the free LIGHTS OUT Jeremy Deller app and watch Deller’s short film, available for just one hour from 10pm tonight. At 11pm, the film will disappear.

Jeremy Deller is one of a number of artworks commissioned across the UK as part of LIGHTS OUT.

It’s also your last chance to write your LETTER TO AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Almost 20,000 letters have been sent to the Unknown Soldier since the project began in June.

Letters have arrived from all over the United Kingdom and beyond, and many well-known writers and personalities have contributed. Stephen Fry, Malorie Blackman, Andrew Motion, Dawn French, Joanna Lumley and more.

Submissions will close at 11pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance to add your voice to this new war memorial.

For further information visit www.1418now.org.uk

Botanic Garden remembers …

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has created a special place of reflection …

At the heart of the Edinburgh Garden this month, a wild poppy meadow stands as a poignant and transitory memorial to those who fought and died in World War One. Marking the centenary of Britain’s entry into the conflict, RBGE has created the display as a place of reflection, where visitors can pause and remember those from around the world who fell then and in subsequent wars. The colourful memorial planting is a direct act of public commemoration to the Garden’s 73 men who signed-up after war was declared in August 1914, 20 of whom lost their lives.

Heroes of the Garden

Workers at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh who lost their lives in the Great War:

James Christopher Adam • Thomas Adam • Thomas Aird • William Frederick Bennett • George Blackmore • John Mathieson Brown • Andrew Ewing Calder • Duncan Coutts • William Gordon Dickson • James Maxwell Hampson • John Hatley • David Hume • Arthur Henry Jones • Henry McBeath • Alan Menzies • Walter Henry Morland • Duncan Smith • John Stewart • Samuel Stewart • George Hugh Stuart

RBGE’s own First World War story

The plaque at the RBGE Library serves as a lasting memorial to the staff who gave their lives in the Great War. While the Library holds a War Service Roll, published in 1921 to ‘preserve for all time the story of the loyalty of our Garden Staff’, we are appealing to people around Britain who believe members of their families could have been among our staff who went to war or who came here to work in their place. Any further details we can collect would be a welcome addition to our Archives and would provide us with a deeper understanding of the Garden’s own First World War story.

RBGE’s War Service Roll can be viewed online and any members of the public who believe they may have a family or friend connection can send their contributions to commemorate@rbge.org.uk

“The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time”

“It was seeing the picture of Kitchener and his finger pointing at you – any position that you took up the finger was always pointing at you – it was a wonderful poster really.

I was always a tall and fairly fit lad. When I confronted the recruiting officer he said that I was too young, although I had said that I was eighteen years of age. He said: “Well, I think you are too young , son. Come back in another year or so.’

I returned home and never said anything to my parents. I picked up my bowler hat, which my mother had bought me and which was only to wear on Sundays, and I donned that thinking it would make me look older.

I presented myself to the recruiting officer again, and this time there was no queries. I was accepted. My mother was very hurt when I arrived home that night and told her that I had to report to Mill Hill next morning. I was 16 in the June.”

Private Thomas McIndoe

12 Batallion, Middlesex Regiment