The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3442 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Time’s running out for budget comments

Edinburgh residents have only TEN DAYS to submit their views on the Council’s draft budget for 2014/15 – the consultation period closes on Friday 20 December.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, the city’s Finance Convener is urging Edinburgh folk to make sure they don’t miss the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposals.

He said: “In my opinion, setting the Council’s budget is the single most important thing we do each year. Every other service the Council provides follows on from this key decision and it has the potential to impact on many lives across the city.

“That is why it is so important that people take some time to look at the proposals and have their say on how we are planning to spend money next year. As elected representatives of the city our priorities should of course reflect the priorities of our residents but we need people to give us that important feedback.”

The full budget proposals can be accessed at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget

Feedback can be given in a number of ways:

– fill in the simple online feedback form

– email councilbudget@edinburgh.gov.uk

– Write to Freepost, RSJC-SLXC-YTJY, Budget, Council Leader, City Chambers Edinburgh EH1 1YJ

– talk to a local councillor.

– tweet using #edinbudget

– comment on Facebook

Repeat prescriptions? Plan ahead!

Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions at Christmas time

With Christmas only a matter of weeks away, people in Lothian are being urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions as part of a major health campaign.

The NHS Scotland Be Ready for Winter campaign is reminding people to make sure they check any repeat prescriptions they need for themselves and those they look after ahead of time this festive period.

As well as making sure their medicine cabinets are re-stocked with commonly used remedies for minor illnesses, people are being urged to organise any required repeat prescription as soon as possible.

Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy at NHS 24, said it is important for people taking regular medication to make sure they have enough supplies to last them through to the New Year. He said: “At this time of year, with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, people will be focused on getting organised to make sure they can make the most of the holiday period. It is important not to forget about putting winter health necessities on your ‘to do’ list.

“It also only takes a few minutes to collect some over-the-counter remedies for winter ailments. If you take regular medications, please ensure you check you have enough left to cover the holiday period. It’s also important not to over order, so only request what you need, and make sure you don’t run out of anything during that time.”

This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days: Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th December.

The Co-operative Pharmacy is supporting the campaign. Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy and General Council Member for Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches up and down the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities throughout the winter. Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medication advice and should be the first port of call throughout the winter months.”

It is important to get prescriptions ordered and collected as early as possible, with the last day for re-ordering any repeat prescription being Thursday 19^th December to be sure of getting it before Christmas.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found atwww.nhsinform.co.uk/winter

or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:

Restock your winter medicine cabinet

Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.

Use your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.

Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.

If you or someone you care for needs to re-order a medicine they regularly take, make sure you order and collect the repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Remember, only order what you need.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Tuesday 24^th December then closed on Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th December.

Scotland’s Future: Cabinet to answer questions at EICC event

Over 300 people from organisations across civic Scotland will meet in Edinburgh today to put questions to the Cabinet about Scotland’s Future.

The Scottish Government has invited hundreds of people – from large and small businesses, trade unions, the voluntary and public sector, charities and other Scottish organisations to the event at the EICC.

The Scottish Government says it wants to provide as much information as possible to allow people in Scotland to make an informed choice in next year’s referendum. This event will see Cabinet ministers answer any questions Scotland’s key organisations might have about the detail in Scotland’s Future, and any issues they would like more information on.

The event will also be broadcast live online so anyone can watch.

Speaking yesterday, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The publication of Scotland’s Future marks a significant moment in the referendum campaign as we set out a detailed prospectus for an independent Scotland, providing answers to the host of reasonable questions people have about the what a vote for independence will mean and the opportunities that will flow from that.

“We have a responsibility to provide as much information as possible to the people who will cast their vote in the referendum, allowing them to make an informed choice about the future of their country. This major event, bringing together representatives of Scotland’s key trade union, business, voluntary and public sector bodies, presents an ideal opportunity to do exactly that and my Cabinet colleagues and I are thoroughly looking forward to it.”

A nation divided …

… and it’s nothing to do with the Referendum!

With Christmas just around the corner new research from Clydesdale Bank has shown that the nation is divided over the very thing that makes Christmas sparkle – this country’s love affair with outdoor festive lights!

Almost half of us (47%) said we love seeing lots of brightly lit Santas, snowmen and reindeers outside of houses at this time of year. However, almost a third have a more ‘bah humbug’ approach to lighting up the festive season.

The survey revealed that 14% of us think they are a waste of money and a further 11% actually wishing their neighbours wouldn’t decorate the outside of their homes. Nearly one in ten (8%) of those surveyed said they simply don’t like Christmas decorations while a sixth (15%) said they would like to put lights outside their home but the cost of powering them puts them off.

But despite mixed views the majority of the nation is getting into the festive spirit with 57% of us saying we are looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

However this time of year is also proving to be stressful for some with almost a fifth of those surveyed admitting that they are worried about paying for Christmas and a further 19% stating that Christmas shopping is their least favourite part of the build-up to the big day.

Andrew Pearce, Retail Director for Clydesdale Bank, said: “Our research has shown that people either love or loathe outdoor Christmas lights. Some view them as extravagant and an unnecessary waste of money and electricity whilst others enjoy the Christmas atmosphere they bring to the community.

“Whatever decorations you opt for this year, it’s still possible to have fun this festive season without blowing the budget.”

Clydesdale Bank’s simple tips to save money this Christmas:

Set a budget – and stick to it. Work out how much you can afford to spend and don’t exceed this amount.
Remember the most expensive present is not necessarily the best. Sometimes a more thoughtful, personal gift can be more appreciated. For example, new parents may prefer the offer of babysitting rather than more perfume or aftershave.
Shop about – when you have decided what you want to buy, look for the best bargain. Many shops have sales in the run-up to Christmas, so pick your purchasing timing wisely.
Group together – rather than buying gifts for every one of your friends individually, why not hold a secret Santa where each person buys for just one friend?
Have a family feast – ask your guests to bring a course or some goodies with them so you don’t have sole responsibility for Christmas dinner. It could simply be bringing the wine or the Christmas crackers but will help you share the expense.

What’s your view – tacky or terrific? Let us kno-ho-ho!

Cut the cost of Christmas at Give and Take Day

Try swapping, not buying this Christmas!

Give and Take Day

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Saturday 14^th December 10am – 1pm

North Edinburgh Timebank and the Women’s International Group are organising a big community swap day.

If you have clothes or toys you no longer need, bring them along and swap them for other ones.

Following the success of the Give and Take Day in the summer, we’re having another one! North Edinburgh Timebank’s Julie Smith said: “It’s a simple idea and really effective. It’s a way of local people supporting each other in a practical way. No-one has a lot of cash, this way we can all share things we have we don’t want, but might be of use to other folk.”

You turn up, hand over what you don’t want, get a ticket and you can exchange that for something you do want. Adult’s clothes, children’s clothes and toys – as long as they’re in good condition, bring them along.

There will be a bouncy castle, tombola stall and refreshments.

For more information, contact Julie on 07807002591.

St Nick’s celebrates 25 tea-rrific years

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost was among the guests as Port of Leith Housing Association’s St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex celebrated its 25^th anniversary on Thursday (5 December).

In conjunction with the Pilmeny Project and children from the Pilmeny Youth Development Project, two original St Nicholas Court residents – Mary McNicol (90) and Maisie McKenzie (85) – were joined by another 12 residents in designing and painting a memorial 25 piece tea set compromising key dates, milestones and local landmarks. The tea set now has pride of place in a display cabinet in the complex’s reception area.

The residents also made a “Quilt of Friendship” featuring their memories, such as holiday locations, activities carried out by the complex, memorable events including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as well as the PoLHA logo, which was hung in the sheltered housing’s lounge and unveiled by the Lord Provost.

Maureen Tait, Senior Sheltered Housing Coordinator for PoLHA who manages St Nicholas Court, said: “I’m delighted the residents have got on board with the preparations for the 25^th anniversary. It’s such a special occasion for the development and given that we have two original tenants is wonderful. Many of the residents have enjoyed being creative have enjoyed showing off the fruits of their labour to guests.”

Mary McNicol, who came to St Nicholas Court in December 1988, said: “I’ve spent 25 wonderful years living at the complex and I’m glad we have done something different to commemorate this.”

To celebrate the 25 years both Mary McNicol and Maisie McKenzie have lived at St Nicholas Court, a time capsule featuring the names of current residents, Mary McNicol’s and Maisie McKenzie’s life stories and photos of Mary and Maisie was also buried in the complex’s garden by Port of Leith Chief Executive Keith Anderson and the Lord Provost.

Keith Anderson said: “St Nicholas Court does a fantastic job in looking after its residents and we are delighted to have reached this significant anniversary. We hope in many years’ time, someone will come across the time capsule and be interested in the contents.”

Many happy returns, St Nick’s!

Mandela book of condolence at City Chambers

A Book of Condolence has been opened in the City Chambers for those wishing to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela. Members of the public can sign the book between 7am and 7pm until Friday (13 December) or they can leave a message through the council website.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson was the first to sign the book on Friday. He said: “I was greatly saddened to learn of Nelson Mandela’s passing last night. But I also felt a sense of relief that he can now be at rest.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends but also with the people of South Africa as they come to terms with their great loss.

“Edinburgh has a long and close association with South Africa and its struggle for equality and, of course, with Nelson Mandela himself.

“I would encourage people to sign the Book of Condolence and to reflect upon his great courage, strength and determination. His legacy and everything it represents will live on for generations to come.”

The Lord Provost has submitted a motion to this week’s council meeting calling for a report that explores how Edinburgh can create a lasting tribute to Mr Mandela.

Keep animals safe this winter

The Scottish SPCA is urging owners to keep animals safe this winter. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the first winter weather arrives.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing temperatures and deep snow can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.

“We always urge dog owners to keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we’re keen to make sure both animals and owners stay safe this winter.

“Cat owners should also make adequate provisions for their pets by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops. All animals kept outdoors should have shelter, extra food, plenty of bedding and must have access to unfrozen drinking water.

“In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits and other pets kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible. The level of snowfall and treacherous conditions can make it hard for farmers to monitor their animals but, again, it is vital that they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.
It is also kind to feed wild birds at this time of year as their natural food sources will be scarce.”

Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is encouraged to contact the Scottish SPCA for help and advice.

Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups. Anyone who spots a sick, injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Reliance on food banks show that the economy’s not working – Larazowicz

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz says the growing number of families turning to food banks for help is an indictment of the Chancellor’s autumn statement claim that his ‘economic plan is working.’

The MP recently helped local church volunteers from the Leith Food Bank with a food collection at Tesco in Leith. The food collection was organised in conjunction with food bank charity the Trussell Trust and food redistribution charity FareShare. Tesco donated an extra 30% to the food bank, on top of the goods given by customers.

Mark Lazarowicz said: “The Chancellor’s economic plan is certainly not working for the families who will be forced to look to food banks for help this Christmas. Initiatives like this one in Leith show the strength of community spirit here in Edinburgh but it is an indictment that they should be needed at all.

“The Chancellor talked of ‘difficult decisions’ on spending and ‘living within our means’– parents struggling to meet fuel and food bills are all too familiar with that.

“According to Citizens Advice Scotlandhalf of those helped by food banks are in work – they will be much less sure than the Chancellor that the economy is heading in the right direction.”

The North and Leith MP is also backing the campaign by Unite, the Daily Mirror and the Trussell Trust to raise funds for food banks to help families in crisis this Christmas and to call for a Parliamentary debate on the issue.

Leith’s food bank was launched in October as the result of an initiative by local churches – the number of UK Food Banks has trebled since 2009.

Citadel Arts to stage free panto

Citadel Arts Group, a Leith-based theatre and living memory company, are to perform ‘McScrooge’, a free family panto, at the Kirkgate Community Centre later this month …

We’re performing a pantomime, ‘McScrooge’on 20^th December at 1.30pm in the Kirkgate Community Centre. It’s a free show for all the community and to mark the launch of a book of living memories, ‘You Never Forget the Stories’ – reminiscences of Leith and beyond’.

All the participants live locally or have strong Leith connections. The group includes a Newhaven celebrity, Ron Cattell, who directed the Gang Show and the ‘Children’s Hour’ shows in the Ross Bandstand for years. Some of his fascinating stories are in the book.

We’re also inviting members of the Leith Drama Team, our youth drama group, to the show to lead the shouts of ‘He’s behind you!’ – it’s a traditional panto lasting just half an hour.

It would be great to see you!

Liz Hare