This year, the weather stayed clear for PEP to host the ‘Christmas Good Old Days’. The event was compered by the ‘devilishly dashing and debonair’ Ian Mason (complete with bow tie and moustache). A last minute cancellation from some entertainers, resulted in PEP’s staff gamely standing in to perform and started the show off with ‘Staff Stocking Fillers’. Theodora played some pieces on her harp, with the audience joining in on ‘The First Noel’; before reciting the Christmas poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’. Frances then read out ‘A Chocolate Christmas’ accompanied by ‘PowerPoint’. The chocolaty pictures had everyone chuckling away.
Pep Christmas Show 2011 (Picture: PEP)
There was then some festive singing from the Neighbourhood Group including ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, White Christmas’; finishing off with ‘Amarillo’. Louise then read out a poem created by the group about all the things they get up to through the week. Well done to the group!
During the ice-cream break the free raffle was drawn with manager Helen and the compere giving away many prizes.
The ‘phenomenal flirtatious’ Frances kicked off part 2 with an amazing mind reading act. She stunned her audience with her amazing ability and left them rolling in the isles. She then sang a song before the Weekend Resource finished with an ‘old-time medley’ of music hall songs. The audience joined in having a whale of a time. The evenings entertainment ended with all the acts coming together to sing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.
PEP Christmas Showtime 2011
A buffet meal was then served by staff and volunteers before the final drawing of the raffle for four prize hampers. A wonderful evening was had by all and a special thanks must go out to; all the staff and volunteers of PEP; service users who worked so hard on the entertainment; staff of the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre who always make us feel welcome; and of course to all the people who came along to join in the fun of ‘The Good Old Days’
During severe weather the Council will do all it can to keep the city moving. However, our focus has to be on priority routes for buses and emergency vehicles and giving access to hospitals, health centres and schools.
The Council want local people to help clear snow. (Picture: Thomas brown)
In previous years, we have been encouraged by the number of residents who contact us to see how they can help. There is a lot you can do by clearing pavements in your area and checking on neighbours.
We are enlisting some volunteer snow wardens to be our eyes and ears in their community. They can tell us about specific problems and help residents with the local effort to clear snow and ice from pavements.
Spartans FC Women’ Premier League side gathered at the Academy on Saturday night to celebrate the 2011 season. Finishing in runners up spot to worthy champions Glasgow City was a great achievement and full credit must go to the full squad of players, coaching staff and volunteers for their hard work and determination throughout the season.
Hayley Lauder collecting both awards. (Picture: www.spartanswfc.com)
It was time for the Spartan players to recognise there team mates contributions and the Players Player of the year awards were as follows: –
In 3rd place was central midfielder Kirsty McLaughlin who has really excelled in her first season at the club with terrific performances, 2nd Place went to striker Sarah Ewens who has blossomed as a player this season and is fulfilling the potential she displayed when she joined the club in 2009 scoring 21 goals in 2011.
Spartans Players Player of the year and also the Coaches Player of the Year was awarded to Hayley Lauder for a fantastic season for both Spartans and Scotland, the young midfielder played a huge part in Spartans success and all involved at the club are extremely proud of her individual achievements and we are all excited for her future.
To honour the contribution made to Spartans and acknowledge the achievement of scoring 100 goals during the 2011 season the final award of the evening was made to Diana Barry, a special award to a special player. Diana has now scored 118 goals in 94 games for the club and as she continues to score goals she will continue to set records that will be very difficult to match.
All the players receiving awards also received a generous gift from our fantastic sponsors Scott + Co and all pass on their gratitude for such a kind gesture.
Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a couple were assaulted and robbed in Davidsons Mains over the weekend.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack.
The incident happened around 2.10am on Sunday 18 December. A 71-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife had just left the Maitland Bowling Club in Davidsons Mains and were walking along the High Street when a man approached and grabbed at the woman’s bag.
A struggle ensued and the woman’s bag strap snapped causing her purse to fall out, which was then stolen by the suspect who made off from the area.
The victim’s husband tried to pursue the man and suffered minor facial injuries after being struck to the face.
Police are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The suspect is described as white, 20-25-years-old, 6ft 2ins tall with a slim build and wearing a patterned woolen hat with earflaps.
A police spokesman said: “This incident has left both victims incredibly shaken, although neither required treatment in hospital.
“Anyone who was in or around Davidson Mains High Street in the early hours of Sunday morning and witnessed the robbery or can help identify the suspect 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.
This week, Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council launched their campaign to stop the Council closing paths that lead from Muirhouse into Silverknowes Eastway. The petition was launched following a public meeting organised by the Davidsons Mains Silverknows Association last month where they have requested the Council look to close off these public footpaths.
This is one of the paths that would be closed if the plans get the go ahead. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
As well as closing off the footpaths the Council are also looking at installing up to twelve CCTV monitors in private houses, two of which will be linked to the City in View system which will allow the Police to monitor them at a cost of £4,800.00.
The public meeting which took place on 17th November was attended by over two hundred residents from Silverknowes following a spate of vandalisms and an increase in anti social behavior. Natalie Hoy, Neighbourhood Manager for the West of the City, was in attendance along with Ruth Stanley from the North Office, local Politicians and representatives from the Police.
It was agreed that the Closure of the access points from Muirhouse was the “most important consideration in trying to solve these problems” and according to the Davidsons Mains Silverknowes Association website “there was an assurance this would proceed as quickly as possible”
This is a move, which has angered the Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council and their Chairperson, Roy Douglas said ” We are disgusted to learn that residents of Silverknowes (who are technically part of Forth Ward) want to close public access footpaths. These footpaths are part of Muirhouse and lead into a newish housing complex that is part of Muirhouse and the Forth Ward. No “Berlin Wall” should be allowed to be built between Communities in this day and age. These paths are used by our school children to get to school safely away from busy main roads and are used by people to access local shops and bus routes.”
Local Neighbourhood manager Peter Strong has been crticised for his handling of this issue by Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council
We are also disgusted to learn what Police resources have been used and how much is being spent in response to the residents of Silverknowes Eastway complaints. According to a Police representative who attended our meeting said reports have been minor incidents, a smashed window, car keying. In other areas of the Forth Ward they happen every other day. We acknowledge that there is a youth issue in parts of Muirhouse but with the involvement of our local professional Youth Agencies which have great success in engaging with local youth in resolving such issues, and we feel that resources should be given to them.
If the Council allow such division in communities where does the Equality and Diversity policies for our city stand? Peter Strong did apologise that our Community Council was not informed but he should hang has head in shame for allowing another Neighbourhood Partnership to become involved in the affairs of the Forth Ward. We are heading up to a local election and councillors of an adjoining ward want to scare monger and get support to the splitting up of communities and get votes for their parties. Leave our Community alone, do not create more problems with a wall of division.
Our Community Council have circulated petitions for residents of Muirhouse to become aware of this and sign. All we all want for Christmas is Peace and Goodwill lets achieve a New Year with Communities living in Harmony not peering over a wall at each other.”
Inspector John Cooper from Lothian and Borders police said “The main issues are youths passing through Silverknowes to congregate in the Davidsons mains area and this has lead to a number of minor vandalism’s such as car windows being smashed and cars being scratched.
At this moment in time we have not been asked to provide any evidence to suggest that closing these paths will resolve the problems currently being experienced. Over the past few months we have had undertaken a variety of tasks to identify these youths and this has included increased patrols in the area as well as the use of the CCTV van which has been located in the are for the past few weeks.”
Natalie Hoy the West Neighbourhood manager said “To be very clear the Council and Police committed to commissioning a Environmental Survey of the area using Safer by Design which is an accredited and recognised tool for assessing environmental factors in a local area, this survey is carried out by colleagues in Lothian and Borders Police.
Natalie Hoy says a summit will be held within the next few weeks
I must stress that the council have not committed to closing the footpaths, this will be subject to further discussion and will involve communities from both West and North. A cross neighbourhood summit involving senior officials from the police and council, elected members and community representatives will be convened in the next few weeks.
The Council has committed to offering CCTV provision in domestic properties in the area affected and to explore the Silverknowes Community Representative’s idea that he would like to see further cameras purchased, no cameras have been purchased and these discussions have commenced this week.
Significant work is already underway with young people in both the North and West looking at positive engagement and diversion, action will be taken in cases where this is appropriate jointly in partnership with our Police colleagues however we recognise that the vast majority of young people themselves want to live in a safe community. Council and Police work hard to tailor responses to local community issues and this is part of our neighbourhood working on a day to day basis.”
Almond Councillor Kate Mackenzie said “There have been lots of issues in and around the Silverknowes area caused by young people passing through. These issues have been mainly vandalism and local people have had enough of it. I am unaware what, if any, work has done been to engage with the young people that are causing this problem.”
Local Councillor Cammy Day said “I was made aware of the issues in Silverknowes Eastway, and a public meeting held in Almond ward regarding a few incidents that had taken place. Silverknowes Eastway is in the Forth Ward, and I was surprised not be invited to attend.
It’s important that we take this in perspective, and we take appropriate action to respond positively to any acts of vandalism or anti social behaviour.
I would be keen to have our community safety team and youth street work teams engage with the young people involved for a positive resolution.
A meeting of local representatives is to be arranged later this week to agree a course of action.”
What are your views on building fences to separate communities?
The Drylaw Cookery group have just launched their first ever Cooking Recipe Calendar.
The Calendar was put together by the group and printing was sponsored by State Street Bank. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Project worker Elizabeth graham said “The group has been running on Wednesday evening for approximately 2 years. The group is made up of men and woman, aged from 15 upwards, who come together to share recipes and learn cooking skills form one another. We have guests visiting regularly to show us their delicious dishes from around the world. Our cookery evenings are a fantastic way to meet new friends, help bring the community together and are a fun social event too.”
The group were awarded sponsorship from State Street Bank who very kindly printed 200 Calendars for the group to sell to raise money for the centre and Susan Paul from State Street said “State Street is delighted to support the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre with the production of their 2012 calendar. Active engagement within our communities is one of State Streets fundamental values. ”
Calendars are priced £2.00 and can be bought directly from the centre.
If you would like more information on the Cookery Group or any other services at Drylaw call the centre on 315 4989.
A 12 year old girl is in hospital this morning after being knocked down on her way to school. The girl was knocked down at 8.10am this morning on Orchard Brae opposite Flora Stevensons School.
Orchard brae was closed whilst the cause of the accident was investigated
A Police spokeseperson said “We were called to the accdient at 8.10am today where a 12 year old girl had been knocked down outside Flora Stevensons School. The girl suffered a minor injury to her leg and her injuries are not thought to be serious”
Come and join us down at North Edinburgh Arts for the fabulous fairytale of Princess Paris Pilton, the beautiful girl who falls under the spell of the Wicked Fairy of Ferry Road, who puts everyone in Muirhouse to sleep for a hundred years!
Sleeping Beauty takes place at North Edinburgh Arts Centre
See what happens when they all wake up in Edinburgh one hundred years in the future! Has Scotland gained independence; have we solved global warming; are the trams running yet? We’ll only find out if handsome Prince Barry can fight his way to her and kiss her awake again!
The show, brought to you by Edinburgh’s Telford College promises to be packed full of fun and Christmas cheer. We are offering our email friends reduced price tickets at £1 per person.
If you would like to come along and make the most if this offer please contact Box Office on 0131 315 2151 quoting this unique offer codeNEAXMAS11
Firefighters are appealing to residents to take precautions after several very close calls following a spate of wilful fire-raising in Edinburgh.
Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service have attended a number of deliberate fires in north Edinburgh in recent weeks, which could easily have resulted in casualties.
The West Pilton Children's Centre was burned down earlier this year (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Tony Collins, Watch Commander at Crewe Toll Fire Station speaks of one of his recent experiences: “Blue Watch were mobilised to a fire outside a two- storey property in Pilton at 8.40pm on Sunday night. It turned out a lean –to structure was on fire, filled with old furniture and other highly flammable materials. When we arrived, the flames had reached the eaves of the building and had melted the gutter. The first floor flat’s bathroom window had cracked, and was, in my opinion seconds away from failing and allowing the fire to spread into the occupied first floor flat.
“Thankfully we caught the fire just in time and there were no casualties, a few minutes later and it could have been a very different outcome.”
David Lockhart, Community Safety Manager for the Service said: “These incidents are very serious as fire can easily spread into properties causing severe damage and endangering people’s lives. Wilful fire-raising is a crime and we work together with the Police to reduce incidents like these. However, residents can also play their part to reduce the risk of something similar happening near their property.
“Don’t leave clutter such as old furniture or rubbish lying around outside your property or in your common stair, discard it properly, find a secure place to store it or arrange with the council to have items uplifted. Keep wheelie bins out of sight, ideally in a secure location such as a locked bin store or garage. Keep communal areas tidy and free of combustible materials which can be attractive to fire setters.
“If parents have concerns or suspicions that their children may be involved in fire-raising they can seek assistance from the fire service or the police. Look out for small burn holes in carpets, clothing or furniture, hidden or missing matches or lighters, a smell of smoke on clothing or evidence of burnt paper or plastic. This behaviour should be addressed to protect those involved from coming to harm or harming others.”
For further fire safety advice or to find out how to access help or assistance from the Fire Service visit www.lbfire.org.uk or call free on 0800 169 0320. To report information regarding suspected wilful fire-raising call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
It would appear that North Edinburgh survived the threat of the recent storm, locally named Hurricane Bawbag. Schools, Nurseries, Colleges and Community Centre’s all closed early following advice from the Scottish Government.
We have compiled a few photos form the days events which you can view and we also want to hear your views on the decisions to close schools and nurseries. If you have anymore pictures please send them to us on northedinnews@gmail.com
A pair of hardy joggers at SilverknowesNorman (and dogs!) braves the elements!Police close of streets at Waterfront Avenue after scaffolding becomes unsafe.A tree damaged a car in Drylaw after being blown over by the wind. (Picture: Pauline Bambrick)An Easy Jet flight lands at Edinburgh Airport
