Morrisons sows Seeds of Hope

Supermarket is giving away 25 million sunflowers to customers

Morrisons is giving away 25 million sunflower seeds to customers this week in an effort to spread hope and lift the spirits of the nation. 

The sunflower seeds will be offered to customers in packs of ten by checkout colleagues after they have finished their shopping and included within Morrisons online shopping orders. Morrisons Community Champions will also be working with schools, care homes and community groups to distribute the packs and plant the seeds in their local areas.  

Customers can plant the seeds in pots at home and watch them grow into dwarf sunflowers which will be between six and 14 inches tall. 

Rose Morgan, Community Champion at Morrisons Peckham store, came up with the idea to help customers plant hope for a brighter future as lockdown restrictions start to ease.

Rose said: “Everyone is emerging from lockdown in different ways and I wanted to give my customers fresh hope and food for the heart by putting smiles on as many faces as possible.

“I had the idea of using sunflower seeds to represent this new beginning and emailed David, our CEO, to tell him we’d be giving some away in our store in Peckham. I’m so happy he liked the idea and am very proud that it will now be taking place in all Morrisons stores.” 

Morrisons will be giving away the 2.5 million packets of sunflower seeds to customers in all 497 stores from today – Monday 12 April. They should be planted in a 6-inch-diameter pot at a depth of half an inch and will begin to sprout in two to five days. 

David Potts, Morrisons CEO, said: “This has been a very difficult year for our country and this winter has seemed especially dark and tough. So as spring arrives, and with Covid seemingly in retreat, we want to help celebrate the growing sense of national optimism by planting these sunflowers across the UK, representing the brighter and lighter times of hope ahead.”  

To continue to spread messages of hope, Morrisons Community Champions have also launched the  ‘Little Sunshine’ award – to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their local community throughout the pandemic. 

All 497 Morrisons stores will deliver ‘Little Sunshine’ certificates and gifts to hundreds of children nationwide who have been nominated for their contribution to supporting the local community through the pandemic. 

Jog for Jugs founder sets cheeky new fundraising goal after busting original target in under two hours

Bosom buddies now aim to reach milestone of £8008 as star-studded social media campaign goes viral

From Dundee to Dubai and New York to New Zealand, Jog for Jugs – the new charity campaign that launched on Saturday – has captured the imaginations of social media users across the globe.

With over 40,000 views in just 24 hours, the tongue-in-cheek launch video, starring a host of Scottish celebs including Lorraine Kelly and Emma Louise Connelly, has been shared far and wide as participants helped spread the word to raise breast cancer awareness. 

Jog for Jugs’ original target of £1000 for breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! was smashed in under two hours of the campaign going live, and the team has now upped the ante by aiming to reach £8008 (to represent ‘BOOB’) within the next four weeks. 

The campaign has been a labour of love for a group of ‘boomerang buddies’ who have temporarily moved back to their hometown of Dundee after over a decade of living elsewhere, to support each other, friends and family through the pandemic. 

During lockdown, Becky Chapple (28), a Regional Manager for Amazon, received the unfortunate news that her mum Susan had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, the signs were caught early, and swift treatment has meant that her future looks bright.

However, after researching the disease over the course of her mum’s treatment, Becky discovered that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lives, and that regardless of gender everybody should be checking themselves regularly. 

Becky and her friends devised the Jog for Jugs campaign to shine a spotlight on the issue and to help reduce the stigma of talking about boobs.

Participants in the campaign are encouraged to jog/walk/cycle/swim/SUP (any way they can move their body) 8km, to donate £8 to the dedicated JustGiving page and to nominate 8 pals to do the same and – most importantly – to share a ‘check yourselfie’ on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #JogForJugs, to represent getting into the habit of regularly checking boobs or pecs for concerning changes. 

The campaign is particularly timely due to the recent news that 2 in 5 people have been too scared to visit their doctor due to Covid-19, and CoppaFeel! is deeply concerned that this will result in a flurry of late-stage diagnoses once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.

Becky commented: “Those who know me know that I am very rarely lost for words, but on Sunday evening as I reflected on all of the craziness and kindness of our launch weekend, I was genuinely speechless.

“Our close-knit Jog for Jugs committee has been working on the campaign development for a couple of months now and we all thought we had a nice concept. However, we couldn’t have imagined that it would reach so many people in so little time.

“Our minds are totally blown and there aren’t enough words in the world to convey my thanks to each and every person who has donated or spread the word about Jog For Jugs so far.

“After such a challenging year for everyone, it really does show that light can come from the darkest of places. Our ambitious new target of £8008 would make such a tangible difference to the fabulous folks at CoppaFeel! who have suffered from a dip in donations due to Covid-19. I hope, with a lot of help from our friends, that we can achieve it.’ 

To donate to the Jog for Jugs Campaign please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs 

You can follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Scran Van’s back on the road today

The Scran Van Easter Roadshow continues this week with stops at:

LIFT / MUIRHOUSE MILLENNIUM CENTRE, Muirhouse Medway: Monday 12 – 1.30pm

SHE SCOTLAND, Muirhouse Park: Tuesday 4 – 6pm

GOODTREES NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE, Moredunvale Place Wednesday 12 – 3pm.

EACC Special Meeting: Carbon Neutrality Edinburgh 2030

Edinburgh Association of Community Councils
The next EACC video conference will be on 22 April, at 7pm, on Zoom. 

 It will be a special meeting devoted to:  Carbon neutrality Edinburgh 2030: what it means and how we get there!  

Speakers: 

Dr Sam Gardner, Chair Edinburgh Climate Commission and Head of Climate Change & Sustainability at Scottish Power, on Turning climate ambition to action 

Øystein Leonardsen, Senior Advisor to the City of Copenhagen, Lecturer at Roskilde University. Manager of Copenhagen’s Green and Just Transition Program, on Copenhagen carbon neutrality 2025 

Paula McLeay, Policy and Insight Senior Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, on Edinburgh: a net zero city by 2030 

Professor Sandy Halliday, Director of the Gaia Group, Chartered Engineer and author of Sustainable Construction (2018), on Carbon neutrality for the built environment 

Special guest: Karine Hertzberg, Special Adviser on International Climate Cooperation, Department for Environment and Transport, City of Oslo  

This meeting is open to the public, but priority will be given to questions from community councillors. The meeting will be recorded and may be published later.

Please note that by joining the meeting you are giving your consent for the meeting to be recorded. 

The Eventbrite meeting page for 22 April is now open for registration:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-neutrality-edinburgh-2030-tickets-150301667333 

Simon Holledge

Secretary, Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC)

Simon.Holledge@edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk

Man charged following Pilton drug raids

A 22-year-old man has been charged following the recovery of cannabis with a street value of £25,000 in West Pilton.

Reacting to intelligence, officers carried out searches at a number of properties in the north of the city on Thursday, 8 April, including West Pilton Gardens and West Pilton Terrace.

Cannabis with a potential street value of £25,000 was recovered from a property, along with almost £1,000 in cash. A 22-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with drug supply offences and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

A 26-year-old man will also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for drug possession offences.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat said: “We remain committed to disrupting the illegal supply of drugs in our communities and we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove them from our streets.

“This enforcement action was carried out after receiving intelligence of criminal activity. The public continue to play a vital role in assisting investigations into drug crime and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about drug-related activity, or has any information about those involved in drugs, to contact police on 101 or make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Poll finds vast majority of most experienced motorists don’t trust smart motorways

A new web poll on smart motorways from independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has revealed that the majority of respondents (85 per cent) want a halt on their construction until the safety case is fully proven.

Furthermore, 84 per cent of the 4,500 respondents surveyed had little faith in the current safety systems’ abilities to detect them if they were to breakdown in a running lane and protect them until help arrived.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “Our members include many high mileage, experienced and confident motorway users but the results of this survey are clear to see, with the vast majority having very little, or no confidence, in the safety of smart motorways.

“We would urge the Department for Transport and Highways England to listen to what smart motorway users are saying and to consider our findings, along with other in-depth research, to determine the best approach to developing the smart motorway network. Delaying decisions on smart motorways will only lead to more drivers getting stressed.

“Alongside more education for drivers, IAM RoadSmart wants to see strong leadership with clear decisions taken soon on whether the programme should be reversed, or provided with the appropriate funding that will speed up delivery of the promised refuges, CCTV and vehicle detection technology.”

Meanwhile, other hard-hitting results from the IAM RoadSmart study found that 81 per cent of motorists felt less safe travelling on a smart motorway compared to a normal one, and 81 per cent agreed that hard shoulders should be immediately reinstated on smart motorways.

More than 80 per cent also wanted safety refuges on smart motorways to be spaced at 500 metres apart or less.

Finally, 40 per cent of drivers found no noticeable improvement in their journey time, with only 4 per cent finding a very noticeable improvement compared to 6 per cent who actually found it worse than before.

“This survey highlights a potentially very serious unintended consequence in that driver reluctance to use smart motorways could create increased traffic on local A and B roads. This would undoubtedly lead to an increased risk of collision and injury with even more delays and driver frustration resulting.” Greig concluded.

Loved by Locals: ten of Edinburgh’s hidden gems

During your trip to Edinburgh you will no doubt be exploring the top attractions that this city has to offer. Edinburgh Castle for the one o’clock gun, the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat, the dark history of the Vaults and the Royal collection at the Queen’s Gallery. 

However, these hidden gems are loved by locals and those lucky enough to stumble across them.

If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, be sure to add our top 10 to your must-see list:

  1. Edinburgh Farmers Market

Situated on Castle Terrace every Saturday with stunning views of the Castle and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Mile you will find an award-winning market showcasing the very best of Scottish produce. If you’ve booked a self-catering apartment it is the perfect place to catch the highest quality, local ingredients to cook up for dinner. You can find fresh scallops, smoked salmon, venison, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables from this renowned foodie haven.

Operates every Saturday from 09:00am – 14:00pm

www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk

  1. Queen Street Gardens

Residents of Edinburgh’s New Town hold the keys to exclusive private gardens hidden amongst the town houses. There is none more desired than the splendid Queen Street Gardens, where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his childhood. Most visitors to Edinburgh must wait until the annual Open Door’s Day to venture inside but guests of 34a Abercromby Place, a new luxurious dog friendly self-catering apartment by the Royal Scots Club, receive a key to access this secret garden for the duration of their stay.

Available to book from 26th April 2021

www.34a-abercrombyplace.com

  1. Mary’s Milk Bar

This marvellously modern milk bar in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket has been producing handmade gelato and chocolates since 2013 and its founder Mary is a graduate from an actual Gelato University in Italy. With weird and wonderful seasonal flavour combinations like Toast & Marmalade and Goats Cheese & Figs mixed with favourite staples like Salted Caramel and Milk, all ages will be pressing their noses against the window checking out the latest flavours.

Reopening in May, check out Mary’s Instagram for updates

www.marysmilkbar.com

  1. Wild Swimming in Wardie Bay

If you are feeling bold, grab your swimming costume and head out for some wild swimming in the Forth. Don’t let the temperature put you off, wild swimming has been proven to boost your energy and happiness. The perfect way to start a day of sightseeing! Wardie Bay is within walking distance of the City Centre so enjoy a swim in this sheltered spot which is well cared for by the community and loved by locals.

Open every day of the year come rain or shine

  1. Dunbar’s Close Gardens

Any Edinburgh visitor will be familiar with the Royal Mile which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. The network of Closes lead off the Royal Mile through the Old Town and are steeped in history. With over 70 Closes to explore don’t miss Dunbar’s Close, this beautiful garden sanctuary in the very centre of the City. You will find those in the know soaking up the sun or chatting with friends over lunch in this secluded spot.

Open from 07:00am, closing times vary throughout the year

www.edinburgh.gov.uk

  1. Dovecot Studios

Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio and centre for contemporary art, craft and design in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Tapestry Studio is in the former swimming pool that was once the old Infirmary Street Bathhouse and the original viewing gallery is open daily for visitors to observe the weavers create their masterpieces. Dovecot offers a programme of popular exhibitions and events with the likes of Grayson Perry and Mary Quant plus a shop full of beautiful hand-made gifts and a fantastic cafe ‘Pinks at Dovecot’.

Open on Monday to Saturday from 10:00am 

www.dovecotstudios.com

  1. Little Fitzroy

Café Culture is thriving in Edinburgh with independent coffee shops showcasing the best roasters in Scotland and across the UK. If you are looking for exceptional coffee one of the local heroes is Little Fitzroy on Easter Road. Passionate about everything coffee, Little Fitzroy rotate their selection regularly, always making the perfect flat white. Not to mention their wonderful selection of cakes including one of the best vegan Cinnamon Buns in Edinburgh.

Open weekdays from 07:00am – 17:00pm and weekends from 08:00am – 17:00pm

www.littlefitzroy.coffee

  1. Portobello Beach

The wonderful beach at Portobello (Porty to locals) is the perfect place to fill your lungs with sea air and go for a bracing walk along the sands or the fine promenade. Once you’ve finished building your sandcastles or taking a paddle, grab lunch at Edinburgh’s Little Chart Room on the Prom or take a stroll to the high street and visit the Montreal inspired Bross Bagel shop.

Open every day of the year come rain or shine

  1. Alby’s

Not your average sandwich shop this is the home of the Big Hot Sandwich in Leith. Alby’s feature a rotating menu of inspired and delicious fillings sandwiched between a large wedge of soft focaccia. This is the perfect pick me up after a packed morning of sightseeing. Run by couple Natasha and Matt these sandwiches have cult status thanks to their strong Instagram following and adorable namesake Alby the Dachshund.

Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm – 20:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm – 16:00pm

www.albysleith.co.uk

  1. Leith Theatre

You may have heard of the Festival Theatre, the Playhouse or the Lyceum Theatre but there is another institution tucked away in Leith which was given as a gift to the Burgh from the people of Edinburgh in the 1920’s when Leith was incorporated into the capital city. This lively creative hub caters for all ages so be sure to check out their programme of what’s on during your visit.

Reopening in June, check out their website for more details

www.leiththeatretrust.org

Low fat diets decrease testosterone levels in men

A new study conducted at the University of Worcester and published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has found low fat diets decrease men’s testosterone levels by 10 – 15%.

Optimal testosterone levels are critical to men’s health. Low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy testosterone levels are also key for men’s athletic performance, mental health, and sexual health.

Since the 1970s, there has been a decrease in men’s average testosterone levels and rates of hypogonadism (medically low testosterone) have been increasing. Low risk dietary strategies could be a useful treatment for low testosterone.

The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis, which combined together the results of 6 well-controlled studies with a total of 206 participants. These studies first put men on a high fat diet (40% fat), and then transferred them to a low fat diet (20% fat), and found their testosterone levels decreased by 10-15% on average. Particularly bad were vegetarian low fat diets causing decreases in testosterone up to 26%.

The authors linked their results to similar studies conducted in humans and mice. These studies found high intakes of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts may boost testosterone production.

However, omega 6 polyunsaturated fats predominantly found in vegetable oils, may damage the cells’ ability to produce testosterone. This is because highly unsaturated fats such as polyunsaturated fats are more prone to oxidation, which causes cell damage.

“Low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.”

The authors stated that further research needs to be done in this important area.

The lead researcher Joseph Whittaker said, “Ideally, we would like to see a few more studies to confirm our results. However, these studies may never come, normally researchers want to find new results, not replicate old ones. In the meantime, men with low testosterone would be wise to avoid low fat diets”.

Dietary fat is a controversial topic in nutritional science, with proponents of various diets often in stark disagreement (low fat vs low carbohydrate). The benefits of low fat diets such as reduced cholesterol levels, should be weighed up against the potential downsides, such as decreased testosterone levels.

Traditionally, dietary guidelines have focused on limiting fat intake, with the current UK and US guidelines limiting fat intake to less than 35% of total calories. However, as more research on the benefits of high fat, low carbohydrate diets is done, this traditional view is coming under increasing scrutiny.

In recent years, high fat diets have been shown to decrease triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, increase HDL cholesterol (aka ‘good cholesterol’) – and now, with this latest research, increase testosterone levels.

For the published article please see:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960076021000716