Relational Garden workshop with Jacqueline Fletcher at Stockbridge Library

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 1 – 2pm

Does a bee choose which flower to visit, or does the flower choose its preferred pollinator?

Why do plants produce flowers with different colours, patterns and aromas?

Do roots have relationships with other species too?

Join us in this unique workshop where gardening becomes practice of connection, care and relationship!🌿🌺🍄🦟🐞

#Unearthed

#livingknowledgenetwork

Author Talk at Stockbridge Library

WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 6 – 7.30pm

We’re thrilled to welcome author Kent Hung on Wednesday 24th September for a special evening celebrating the release of his third novel, “Stary Stary Night”.

This story concludes his moving trilogy that began with “Letting Go” and “Entitled”—three novels that explore compassion, peace, and the journey of finding closure with the past in order to move forward in life.

📖 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kent Hung about his writing, the themes behind the trilogy, and what it means to truly heal.

Meet LifeCare at Stockbridge Market this Sunday

Come and meet LifeCare’s friendly team at Stockbridge Market tomorrow (Sunday 24th August)! 

Learn about the support we offer local older people and unpaid carers, the wide range of weekly activities for all ages, and our Love the LifeCare Hub campaign – including a unique chance to sponsor a space at the heart of the community. 

Make a lasting impact!

Free Information Event Empowers Older People to Stay Independent

LifeCare Teams Up with Balfour+Manson 

LifeCare, the Edinburgh-based charity supporting local older people, is proud to announce a new free event in partnership with legal firm Balfour+Manson LLP:

What to Do If You Can’t Do It Yourself – An Introduction to Client Services

Taking place next week at 3pm on Wednesday 27th August in LifeCare’s fully accessible community café, CaféLife (2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB), this informative and friendly session will introduce attendees to the support available when managing daily life becomes more challenging.

The event will showcase Client Support Services – a person-centred approach designed to support older and vulnerable individuals in staying safe, secure, and well cared for. From managing finances and understanding powers of attorney to arranging practical help at home, the service is designed to help people live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Attendees will hear directly from Susan Russell, Client Support Manager at Balfour+Manson, and Catriona Torrance, Partner in the firm’s Private Client Team.

Susan brings a wealth of experience from her background in social work, working closely with individuals to ensure the right help is in place and stays in place.

Catriona is highly experienced in supporting clients with wills, powers of attorney, and planning for the future.

Catriona Torrance, Private Client Partner, said: “Helping clients plan for the future is about more than legal documents — it’s about giving them confidence and control during uncertain times.

“We are really proud to be partnering with LifeCare to run this important event, we aim to empower older people and their families to make informed decisions that protect their wishes and wellbeing for years to come.”

Susan Russell, Private Client Support Manager, said: “What I find most rewarding is seeing the relief and reassurance on our clients’ faces when they realise they’re not alone in managing these challenging transitions.

“Our role is about more than paperwork and services — it’s about supporting people’s dignity and peace of mind, helping them feel secure in their independence and cared for every step of the way.”

This relaxed and welcoming session is ideal for older individuals, their families, and carers who want to understand the practical steps and support available during later life transitions.

The event is free to attend, and complimentary tea and coffee will be served. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about LifeCare’s vital community services.

To secure a place, attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite or call the friendly LifeCare team on 0131 343 0940.

RFB Containers announces charity partnership with The Yard Scotland

Hamilton-based shipping container supplier, RFB Containers, has announced its charity partnership with The Yard Scotland.

The Yard Scotland provides adventure play services for disabled children, young people, and their families – creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can have fun, make friends, and feel supported.

As part of the partnership, RFB Containers supplies containers free of charge to The Yard’s multiple locations across Scotland, providing the charity with storage facilities for their outdoor toys and equipment. RFB Containers was involved in the opening of The Yard’s latest site opening in Glasgow, ensuring the charity could store their equipment securely during the site refurbishment. 

The partnership also extends beyond equipment storage. RFB Containers is working with the facilities team at The Yard on supplying accommodation units to ensure their staff have appropriate working spaces that are fit for purpose. 

Angus Barraclough, Managing Director at RFB Containers said: “We’re really proud of our partnership with The Yard and we recognise the importance of this partnership and the impact it has within the business and wider community.

“It’s more than just donations – it’s about supporting a truly meaningful cause that makes a real difference in the lives of families across Scotland.”

Jenny MacDonald, Deputy CEO, The Yard Scotland, said: ““We are extremely grateful to Angus and everyone at RFB Containers for their generous support of The Yard. Their help with providing secure storage and suitable facilities for our team is invaluable.

This partnership makes a real difference to our families by supporting the vital services we provide to disabled children, young people, and their families across Scotland.”

Tech Donation Box at Stockbridge Library

We are hosting a tech donation box from The Edinburgh Remakery here at Stockbridge Library until October.

Donate your old unwanted tech to help fight digital exclusion and e Waste. All donations are securely wiped, repaired and reused when possible or responsibly recycled when necessary.

**A little warning : items must be able to fit into the donation slot on the box!**

** Donation accepted : Tablets, Smartphones, Routers, Gaming consoles, Cameras, Laptops and Cables.

** Donations not accepted : Toasters, Ovens, Printers, Irons, Hair dryers or straighteners, vapes.

For more information on the project, please visit:

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/edinburgh-libraries

#TheEdinburghRemakery

Planting the Past, Growing the Future: Glenogle Swim Centre invites community to celebrate 125 Years

As Glenogle Swim Centre in Stockbridge prepares to mark its 125th anniversary, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the local community to help shape a unique legacy – a time capsule to be planted in the centre’s lovingly restored garden during a celebration event on Friday, 5th September 2025.

One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Glenogle – affectionately known as Glennies – has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened on 7 September 1900.

Now, as it celebrates over a century of service, the centre is calling on locals to suggest or donate items for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be buried in the private garden at the Saxe-Coburg entrance.

Sam Machin, former leisure attendant and now owner of the popular Glenogle Café on the mezzanine level, said: “Glenogle is a unique venue at the heart of its community. We’d love for our customers and neighbours to contribute ideas or items that reflect life in 2025 or even their memories of Glennies.

“The time capsule will be a gift to the future – capturing the spirit of today for generations to come.”

The garden where the capsule will be planted is itself a symbol of community care and creativity. Over the past decade, Glenogle customers Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon have transformed the once-neglected plot into a vibrant green space. Nestled through the arch at the Saxe-Coburg entrance, the garden sits on the site of an unfinished Georgian terrace, with a stairway leading down to the pool level.

Marjorie met Andrew and his wife through a regular morning gym class and started to share a nearby allotment plot. The two of them approached the then-manager Wendy Avinou in 2015 with a proposal to revitalise the Glenogle space.  Together they improved the soil and planted a variety of flowers and foliage.

“It’s been a labour of love,” said Marjorie. “Seeing the garden flourish and hearing kind words from customers makes it all worthwhile.”

Glenogle’s story is also one of resilience. In the late 2000s, the centre faced the threat of closure. A passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures, helped secure a £5.7 million refurbishment. The baths reopened in 2010, blending their original Victorian charm with modern facilities.

Designed by Edinburgh architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846, Glenogle was originally built to improve public health. As indoor plumbing became more common, the baths evolved into a hub for swimming and fitness, serving generations of local residents and clubs.

Now, as Glenogle looks to the future, the time capsule and garden stand as living tributes to the community’s enduring connection to this historic venue.

Anyone with ideas or contributions for the time capsule is encouraged to contact Glenogle Café owner, Sam Machin at: sammachin@edinburghleisure.co.uk or drop into the café by 26th August.

Eat Cake for a Good Cause … LifeCare’s Afternoon Tea is back!

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER at 12.30pm

Following a sell-out success in March, local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce the return of its popular Afternoon Tea at the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street on Thursday 4th September.

Guests can look forward to a delicious spread of homemade cakes, savoury treats, and endless cups of tea and coffee, all served in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most loved community spaces. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, or neighbours – all while supporting a fantastic local cause.

But this event is more than just tea and treats – every ticket sold will directly support LifeCare’s urgent fundraising appeal to keep the Hub running. With rapidly rising costs, the charity is calling on the community to help protect the services so many people rely on.

Sarah Van Putten, CEO of LifeCare said: “The LifeCare Hub is a lifeline for thousands across the city. Whether it’s classes for isolated older adults, support for unpaid carers, or just a welcoming place to connect, the Hub brings people together. 

“This Afternoon Tea is a chance to enjoy a lovely afternoon whilst helping us secure the Hub’s future.”

The Hub, which first opened in 1975 as ‘Stockbridge House’, now welcomes over 47,000 visits a year, offering 80+ weekly activities for all ages. As a charity, LifeCare works hard to ensure that its services are affordable or free, so no one is left out.

Afternoon Tea Details:

  • LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge EH4 1JB
  • 1230pm Thursday 4th September 2025
  • To book, call 0131 343 0940 or pop into the Hub
  • £15 per person including a small donation.

Spaces are limited and expected to sell out fast – so early booking is strongly advised.

Visit www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.