Thousands built their own back garden pubs following the Pandemic

Pub Shed Radio & Two Fat Blokes bar signs run national competition to find Britain’s best garden pub shed

During the pandemic the popularity of having your own pub in your garden exploded, We estimate in excess of 2 million back garden pubs and bars are now in operation. Many of these bars are DIY built featuring fully functioning bars with sound systems, pool tables, darts boards, real fires and a huge variety of drinks for friends and family.

To recognise the best of the best Pub Shed Radio & Two Fat Blokes run a competition for back garden publicans to enter their bar for the converted title Pub Shed of The Year 2022 plus various other prizes for first, second and third places.

With hundreds of entries last year the judges selected their top three which then went to public voting via our voting platform. Each bar will be shown on the site for visitors from across the UK to vote for their favourite.

The PSOTY2022 awards will be broadcast live on Pub shed radio the partner of two fat blokes bar signs

None of the three finalist will know if they are the winners until live on air, Ashley Turner the owner of Two Fat Blokes and DJ Tommy Funka the owner of Pub Shed Radio will knock on the door of the winners Pub Shed Of The Year on the night of 19th November complete with a DJ rig to broadcast live to the nation from the winning pub shed.

Garden bar owners can enter their pub sheds & bars into the 2022 competition by visiting pubshedoftheyear.co.uk between 1st September and 30th September.

Last year – DJ MRJ the co owner of Pub Shed radio said ” It was our biggest audience since we started the station 3 years ago with 35% more listeners on our not for profit free radio station.”

Iain Weetman the winner from 2021 said he could not believe he had won, “I’m so happy to have won with my small bar. “I’ve never won anything before, this is amazing”

Ashley said: “Two Fat Blokes bar signs ran the competition for some fun with our partners Pub Shed Radio, we had 482 entrants, the quality and diversity of entrants was truly amazing and we had over 1500 votes for the finalist in the public vote.”

Iain self-built and fitted out his bar which has the Bar Taps from HMS Ark Royal that served in the Gulf war proudly installed on his bar.

Iain won the converted Pub Shed Of The year 2021, a sign package worth over £200 and a bottle of 7 year old Rum.

The other two finalist The Garden Inn Rowley Regis & O’Sulivans Bishops Auckland also won a sign package and High Commended awards.

St James Quarter lands new retail brands 

COS and NEOM to open new stores at St James Quarter

 St James Quarter, the 1.7 million sq ft retail-led lifestyle district in Edinburgh, will lease a collective 8,084 sq ft to COS and NEOM. 

Chris Pyne, Head of Leasing at St James Quarter, commented: “These new signings bring us a step closer to fully letting the galleria, and with the whole scheme now 95% let we have put ourselves an enviable position one year since opening. 

“The centre has dealt remarkably well with the effects of the pandemic, with a continued positive response from our customer base translating to increased footfall levels and occupier demand from standout retail, cosmetic, leisure and F&B brands who can see the long-term appeal of the lifestyle-led retail destination that is St James Quarter.” 

COS, a fashion brand dedicated to quality and sustainability, has picked the lifestyle quarter as the location for its new Scotland store, which will feature an interesting new concept for its fit out. This will be its first store in Edinburgh spanning 7,483 sq ft. 

Wellbeing specialists and Times Top 100 brand, NEOM Organics, will also be opening the doors to their sanctuary of calm, creating a 601 sq ft haven for customers to discover each of the brands natural wellbeing ranges including their iconic Wellbeing Pods, natural candles, access to complimentary wellbeing advice and personalised consultations. The brand, which was founded by a former journalist in 2005, will be located on level 2. 

St James Quarter’s latest announcement follows on from a flurry of F&B signings including itsu and The Botanist. 

St James Quarter has gone from strength to strength offering an impressive and growing list of names throughout the retail and leisure sector including Wingstop, Thai Express, Boss, Coach, & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, REISS, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis and many more.  

Lorna Slater MSP welcomes rent controls and eviction ban to help people in Lothian 

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a national rent freeze and an eviction ban until at least March, which they say will provide “vital stability and support” for tenants across Lothian at a time when many are suffering.

The announcement was made as part of the Programme for Government and will help tenants across Lothian where the average monthly rent is £942, which is an increase of 41.7% since 2010.

Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, Lorna Slater said: “With soaring inflation and skyrocketing bills, these are desperate times for tenants all across Scotland. People in Lothian have been hit by increasing rents.

“We are facing the biggest social emergency for decades. The rent freeze and eviction ban that the First Minister announced will provide vital stability and support for tenants across Lothian and beyond at a time when many are suffering. 

“It is one of the steps we are taking, in partnership with the Scottish Government, to mitigate the damage being done by Downing Street and the energy companies.”

“Improving tenants’ rights and tackling inequality are at the heart of the cooperation agreement that we agreed with the Scottish Government and must be at the heart of our recovery.”

“Over the course of this parliamentary term Scotland will see the biggest expansion of tenants’ rights since devolution, with more rights for tenants to make a house a home by keeping pets and decorating, better protections from eviction and, perhaps most importantly, a robust system of rent controls.”

 

Sir Geoff Palmer to receive the Edinburgh Award 2022

Sir Geoff Palmer, Professor Emeritus and Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, has been selected to receive the Edinburgh Award 2022.

In recognition of his ground-breaking contributions to academia, and his indefatigable defence of human rights in Edinburgh and beyond, Sir Geoff Palmer will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year.

Sir Geoff has a long association with the city of Edinburgh, he first arrived in the Capital in 1964 to pursue a PhD in Grain Science and Technology jointly with the then Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh. Upon completion of his doctorate in 1967 he began working at the Brewing Research Foundation where he developed the industrial process of Barley Abrasion and pioneered the use of the Scanning Electron Microscope to study cereal grains.

In 1977, he returned to Heriot-Watt University as a staff member and gained a DSc degree for his research work in 1985. In 1989 he became the first black professor in Scotland and remained in Edinburgh until his retirement in 2005. In 2021 he was appointed Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.

Sir Geoff was knighted in the 2014 New Year’s Honours for services to human rights, science, and charity. In 2018, he was appointed Jamaica’s first Honorary Consul in Scotland and is the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).

Between December 2020 and June 2022, Sir Geoff chaired the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group whose work has been vital in profiling the Capital’s historic links with Slavery and Colonialism in the public realm. The findings and recommendations of the Group were endorsed unanimously by councillors on 30 August and the actions they suggest will form the basis of the Council’s continued response to these key issues.

Sir Geoff will become the 16th recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award and will join the esteemed company of previous recipients who have all contributed in their own unique way to the Capital.

The Lord Provost, Councillor Robert Aldridge, said: “It is my absolute pleasure to announce Sir Geoff Palmer as the recipient of the Edinburgh Award 2022. In a career spanning over fifty years, he has made an indelible mark on the life sciences and is a shining example to the world of Edinburgh’s academic prowess, force, and rigour.

“Alongside his academic achievements Sir Geoff has been instrumental in examining Edinburgh’s past and helping us collectively move forward as a city. As chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group he has conducted himself with absolute distinction and provided a firm foundation for Edinburgh’s future as a modern, conscious, and considerate capital city.

“The Edinburgh Award, nominated by the public, identifies individuals that have made an extraordinary impact on our capital city. Sir Geoff has contributed substantially to the betterment of this great city, and I am confident that his legacy both in academia and activism will live on for many years to come.”

Sir Geoff Palmer, Professor Emeritus and Chancellor of Heriot Watt University, said: “This award is more than a great honour; it is a recognition of all the people whose goodness has contributed to my life and work.

“I arrived in Edinburgh as a research student in 1964 and I thank the City of Edinburgh Council for all it has done for the community.”

Buckingham Palace: A Statement

“Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

Price Charles is now with the Queen, who is 96, and other members of the royal family are now travelling to Balmoral.

Miles Briggs MSP raises a cup for Macmillan Cancer Support

One in two of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. Going through cancer treatment or getting a diagnosis is tough enough to deal with, and now the cost-of-living crisis is increasing people’s worries.  It’s never been more important for people living with cancer to get the urgent help they need. 

Macmillan Cancer Support is doing whatever it takes to support people in Scotland from the moment they are diagnosed. Macmillan health professionals are working tirelessly across Scotland, local Macmillan Benefits advisors are at the end of the phone, and the charity’s Improving the Cancer Journey team provide much needed support with the emotional, practical and financial impact of cancer in various locations across Scotland.

The cancer charity relies almost entirely on public donations. That’s why Macmillan is calling on people to dust off their aprons and get involved in this year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning to raise invaluable funds.  

Kate Seymour, Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Last year, people hosted Coffee Mornings across Scotland and raised over £710,000 which was amazing. It helped us to provide much needed support, including Macmillan Grants to over 4,000 people in Scotland.

“Whether you host a Coffee Morning or join in, every penny raised helps Macmillan to provide the local services that people living with cancer desperately need, especially at the moment.

“This year, Macmillan Coffee Morning is on Friday 30 September. Whether it’s a traybake with pals in the garden, a virtual Coffee Morning by screen, or a cuppa and cake in the office, hold yours however and whenever you like. There are so many reasons to host a Coffee Morning – whatever your reason, it’s a great one! Every Coffee Morning has the power to raise vital pounds.” 

There’s lots of information online including recipes and hosting ideas.

To find out more and sign up to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning today, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee 

For comprehensive cancer information and support visit www.macmillan.org.uk  

Body confirmed as Dr. Peter Coshan

POLICE have confirmed the body which was discovered in Northumberland at the weekend has been identified as 75-year-old Peter Coshan.

The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington on Sunday, 4 September, 2022.

Dr Coshan’s family has been made aware and specialist officers are continuing to provide support to them.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I would again like to thank everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”

Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Coshan’s disappearance and both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Dignity in Dying Scotland: strong public support for Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults legislation

Today, Thursday 8th September, Liam McArthur MSP for Orkney will lodge a final proposal in the Scottish Parliament for his Members Bill ‘Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland)’. 

The report analysing the responses to the public consultation on the bill’s proposals will also be published.  The proposals received the highest number of responses to date for a consultation on a Members Bill in the Scottish Parliament with 14,038 valid consultation responses submitted.

The report’s findings show:

•             A clear majority of respondents, 76%, were fully supportive of the proposal, with a further 2% partially supportive.

•             Many respondents have first-hand experiences of witnessing family, friends and patients with a terminal illness who had experienced great pain and suffered what was often described as a “bad death”.

•             Many supportive respondents believe the proposal is an improvement on previous attempts to legislate for assisted dying and are fully satisfied with the proposed criteria – that the right to an assisted death should be available for competent terminally ill adults with a clear and appropriate set of safeguards built in to every step of the process, together with a right for health professionals involved to conscientiously object.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland said: “The overwhelming majority of people in Scotland support a change in the law and now MSPs have the opportunity to respond to this unprecedented call for change and deliver a safe and compassionate new law.

“That so many people across the country have recounted their personal experience of watching a loved one suffer shows the current blanket ban on assisted dying does not work, instead it creates heartache and injustice for so many families. An injustice that can now be put right.”

“Taken alongside the responses from dying people who wish to have the choice of an assisted death available to them, as well as the evidence from other countries where they would already have this option, it is clear that the case for change is compelling.”

“Liam McArthur MSP today is lodging the Final Proposal for his Members Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults.  I urge MSPs to sign these proposals so that Scotland can move forward progressively by providing our dying citizens with what they need – excellent care and the choice of an assisted death for those who need it.”

Spokes: Cycling & Transport Policy in the new Edinburgh Council

Spokes Public Meeting

Friday 23 September, 7.30 – 9.30pm

New Transport Convener Cllr Scott Arthur will speak and answer questions at our first in-person public meeting since the covid restrictions ended.

  • Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
  • Date Friday 23 September
  • Time  Starts 7.30, Ends 9.30.  Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat
  • Online We are hoping to live-stream and video-record the meeting – details later
  • Queries Email spokes@spokes.org.uk  [questions for the speaker may also be emailed in advance]

Website article … http://www.spokes.org.uk/2022/09/spokesmtg-fri-23-sept-cycling-wider-transport-policy-in-the-new-edinburgh-council/

Tweet here …  Hashtag #SpokesMtg

Further information:

MARTIN McDONNELL [meeting organiser]
Phone: 07884 265071
Email: mcdbristol116@0130318582789

Following the May Council elections, councillors unexpectedly voted in a minority Labour administration, replacing the previous SNP/Labour coalition, and the Labour group then chose Cllr Scott Arthur as new Transport Convener.

We’ve asked Cllr Arthur to speak to our public meeting about the transport policies of the new administration, with particular reference to cycling and active travel.

At the first full-council meeting Cllr Arthur stated that the objective of the administration is to implement the manifesto on which Labour was elected, whilst recognising that working with other parties is essential.

At the first Transport Committee, Cllr Arthur said that his top personal motivations as Convener are:

The #NetZero2030 policy

The policy to reduce car-km 30% by 2030

Cleaning the city, not just the #CityCentre

The wellbeing of Council staff

Our meeting gives you the opportunity to question Cllr Arthur on administration policies and his intentions as convener – and how realistic they are, given that the administration is a minority one. This is discussed further in our website article.

After Cllr Arthur’s presentation, there will be a full opportunity for questions and discussion, hosted by Kirsty Lewin of Spokes Porty.
—

‘Hard choices’ to prioritise spending

Scottish Government identifies half a billion savings to tackle cost crisis

Around £500 million in savings have been found as resources are focused on tackling the “harsh reality” of the cost of living crisis, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said yesterday.

He updated the Scottish Parliament on steps being taken to meet the increased costs of public sector pay and to provide support to those who need it most, while balancing public finances.

Soaring inflation means the Scottish Government’s budget is now worth £1.7 billion less in real terms than it was last December. Since then inflation has risen from around 4% to more than 10% – with possible further increases when figures come out next week.

Mr Swinney set out to Parliament where savings have so far been made to help pay for initiatives such as fair public sector pay settlements and doubling the Fuel Insecurity Fund. He has also written to the Finance and Public Administration Committee outlining the details of reductions in planned spending made in recent weeks.

The Deputy First Minister has committed to setting out the Emergency Budget Review within two weeks of the UK Government budget update expected later this month. He warned further intervention will represent a significant challenge given the largely fixed Scottish Government budget and limited fiscal powers.

Mr Swinney said: “Our budget was based on a UK Spending Review that simply did not foresee the levels of inflation that are now a reality.

“That alone would require the budget to be revisited.  But in times of crisis the job of the finance secretary is not simply to balance the books. It is to find the money to help families, to back business and to fund the priority projects that improve lives for the long term. And so, the Emergency Budget Review must both identify funding to cope with inflation-driven cost increases and aim to support those who most need our help during this crisis.

“This is the harsh reality of a fixed budget and limited powers. The Scottish Government simply does not have access to many of the levers which would provide the greatest support in this crisis. We will do everything we can. We will make the hard choices. But only the UK Government can act to end this crisis. They should do so – and I encourage them to do so now.”

Read the DFM’s letter to the Finance and Public Administration Committee

Read the Deputy First Minister’s statement to Parliament