The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3622 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Festival will celebrate refugees’ contribution to life in Scotland

‘We are proud that Scotland provides a place of safety to men, women and children fleeing terrible situations around the world and think this is something worth celebrating.’ – Suzi Maciver, Scottish Refugee Council

Refugee Festival Scotland is back for its fifteenth year and runs from 3 – 21 June with a packed programme of events at venues across Edinburgh. From art to theatre there is something for everyone to get involved with and learn more about life for refugees in the UK.

The first festival took place in 2000 and was held over one day in Glasgow. It has now rapidly expanded to involve communities all across Scotland with its wide range of events!

This year’s festival theme is ‘celebrate’. The festival offers an opportunity to join in, celebrate and support the diversity and the contribution refugees make to Scotland’s cultural life – the food and drink, music and poetry, dance, visual art, language and ideas that refugees bring with them when they begin new lives in Scotland. The events reflect upon the positive variety these contributions make to the community’s we live in.

Scottish Refugee Council’s Arts Officer Suzi Maciver said: “Most refugees arrive in Scotland with little more than the clothes on their backs and the stories and memories in their hearts. In fleeing for their lives, people leave behind their homes, jobs and loved ones.

“But people don’t come here with nothing. They bring skills and talents, songs, stories, recipes and so much more. They become our friends, colleagues and neighbours, and make Scotland a richer and more vibrant place to live.

“Refugee Festival Scotland offers an opportunity for people from different communities in Edinburgh, as well as its other locations in Scotland to come together and learn more about these different backgrounds, individual’s stories and cultures in their area.

“We are proud that Scotland provides a place of safety to men, women and children fleeing terrible situations around the world and think this is something worth celebrating.”

Here are some of the event highlights coming to Edinburgh in the 2015 festival:

FILM

When I saw you

A young Palestinians search for a way out of a refugee camp in Jordan in 1967. This leads him into a group of freedom fighters and a life-changing journey.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh

Sunday 7 June, 3.30-5:30pm. £9.00 full price/ £7.20 concessions

To book visit: filmhousecinema.com / Box Office: 0131 228 2688

Wilaya

A visually stunning drama which offers a fascinating look at the culture of Sahrawi people, a young woman leaves her foster family in Spain and returns to her family at a refugee camp in Wilaya.

The Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh

Wednesday 10 June, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Free

Information contact: info@africa-in-motion.org.uk

THEATRE

A quick decision can be made

A story of detained fast-track procedure.

A new play to understand the absurdity of the system for those claiming asylum in the UK, with the support of the Mary Leishman scholarship and the Adam Smith foundation.

Discover 21, Edinburgh

5-6 June, 7:30pm. £5, ticket available at the door

Bookings: aquickdecisioncanbemade@gmail.com / 07722415057

ART

Refugee Festival Art Exhibition

An exhibition of visual art by multiple artists around the themes of refugees, displacement, diaspora and acceptance.

Forest café, Edinburgh

1-30 June, 10.00am-11.00pm, Free.

MEET-UPS

Refugee Survival Trust Picnic

A chance to meet refugee survival trust volunteers and supporters over a scenic summer picnic. Bring along international snacks.

Arthurs Seat/Holyrood Park

Sunday 7 June, 12.30-3pm, Free.

Follow us on Twitter @ScotRefCouncil and use our festival hashtag #RefugeeFestScot or become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/refugeefestivalscotland

Walled water feature recommended as Mortonhall memorial

‘I hope this area will bring comfort to those affected and their extended families in the future. It will be a special and lasting memorial for all the little babies.’ – Nicola Welsh, SANDS Lothian

A walled circular water feature garden is being recommended as the memorial for Mortonhall Crematorium.

The preferred design is detailed in the Mortonhall Memorial Options report going to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee next week (Tuesday 2 June).

It is described as ‘an enclosed circular space providing parents with a private and peaceful place for personal contemplation’. It will include beech hedges, birch trees, a stone ball water feature, rocks, pathway, plenty of seating and be located off the existing memorial walkway within easy reach of the main chapel.

The Mortonhall Multi-Agency Working Group worked closely with independent garden landscape designers to develop a range of four initial design options. Affected parents were consulted earlier in the year through an online survey and a series of consultation events hosted by SANDS Lothian, SiMBA, and the Council.

The feedback resulted in the walled circular water garden coming out as the favoured option. Work will start on the memorial next month and it is expected to be completed by November 2015.

In line with parents’ wishes an alternative memorial is being proposed as some families had strong views that they did not wish to return to Mortonhall. The preferred location for the second memorial is Princes Street Gardens.

Chief Executive, Sue Bruce, said: “I am pleased that we now have a design identified for the memorial at Mortonhall. This was a difficult process for everyone involved but it was important to hear the views of all affected parents and reflect their wishes.

“The walled water feature garden will provide a tranquil area for reflection. I’d like to acknowledge my appreciation of the feedback from parents in choosing such a fitting memorial.”

Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive of SANDS Lothian, said: “Since taking over running the charity in January, I have attended all the Mortonhall Working Party Meetings and have been very impressed with the level of care and attention given to try and get the memorials right. The Council and other group members have been keen to involve parents and their online surveys have given everyone a voice and hopefully a majority vote on the designs.

“There have been many debates and conversations regarding the designs and how best to meet the needs of those affected. We are aware that we can’t get it right for everyone but I think the design for Mortonhall looks lovely and the designer has been keen to take everyone’s ideas into account. I hope this area will bring comfort to those affected and their extended families in the future. It will be a special and lasting memorial for all the little babies.”

Teddy Bears gather to have their say!

If you go down to West Pilton Park this Saturday you’re sure of a big surprise …

Because from 11.30am to 2.30pm a group of teddy bears (and their people!) will gather to picnic, have fun and talk about how to make the park more friendly and welcoming. There will be sand-pits, giant twister and yarn bombing – all you need to do is bring your picnic!

This is the first in a series of events organised by West Pilton Park Action Group. The group, which includes both local people and organisations, has come together to make West Pilton Park feel and look more friendly and welcoming.

Sara Martin, a resident who lives alongside the park and helped set up the group. said: “I regularly use the park and I think it needs some friends! It could be a really good park but we need to make that happen ourselves. We want local people to get involved in creating idea’s for the park’s future”.

MY Adventure’s Kevin Malcolm agrees. The 24-year-old local resident said: “This area is an estate but I want it to be a community. This project could help do that”.

Future events planned include a Bark in the Park dog event, a tea dance and a barbecue! And keep your diary free on Saturday 13 June – there will be a sporting event featuring football with Spartans, a fantastic cycle obstacle course run by MY Adventure and Kabo boxing sessions plus much, much more …

“The aim of the events is to increase the number of people using the park positively, and while they are doing that to ask them how they would like the park to be used in the future”, explained Clare Symonds of Pilton Community Health Project, one of the partners in the park project.

West Pilton PArk Action Goup will be working with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Forth Neighbourhood Partnership and the city council to try to create a better park for local people. Like to get involved?

Contact West Pilton Park Action Group through our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Pilton-Park-Action-Group-WPPAG/653801634719747?fref=ts
By phoning Lianne on 551 1671
Contact us through any of the project partners: Pilton Community Health Project, North Edinburgh News, North Edinburgh Time Bank, West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, MY adventure and Spartans.

West Pilton Park Action Group

Council backs renting reform campaign

“In the 21st century, we need a private rented sector that is modern, stable, flexible, predictable and fair for those individuals and families that call it home” – Graeme Brown, Shelter Scotland

The City of Edinburgh Council has signed its support for a national campaign calling for fair rent for all.

Leader Councillor Andrew Burns and Deputy Leader Councillor Sandy Howat put their names to Shelter Scotland’s Make Renting Right campaign, which aims to make Scotland’s growing private rented sector fit for the 59,000 households in the capital that rent privately.

The campaign complements existing work between the Council and private landlords, which includes giving advice about what they must do by law, and how they can resolve problems with tenants. They are also legally required to register with the local authority by law and apply and comply with specific licences.

Councillor Burns said: “The Council has given its full backing to Making Rent Right because we are committed to housing people in high quality and affordable homes, which is a vital step in our battle against poverty.

“Renters are entitled to be treated fairly and while the majority of landlords do so, too many people are still experiencing the opposite. This campaign is a great step towards protecting them.”

Councillor Howat said: “We are delighted to support such an important and worthwhile campaign. Thousands of people rent in this city for many reasons, with many of them doing so by choice, and ensuring that they can do so safely and at a fair price is vital.

“The Capital Coalition is committed to providing affordable homes and will continue to work closely with our partners in order to do so.”

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We are pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council has joined our calls for a better private rented sector for tenants and landlords.

“Along with the council, we want to see a private rented sector that is fit for families and protects all tenants – a sector that provides long-term homes, not short-term housing.

“Too often we hear of people being moved on, evicted or rents increased unreasonably, forcing people into the disruptive cycle of having to move house – every six months in some cases – preventing them from ever being able to put down strong roots and being part of a community.

“In the 21st century, we need a private rented sector that is modern, stable, flexible, predictable and fair for those individuals and families that call it home.”

Pictured (L-R): Matt Lock, Hubs Manager for Shelter Scotland; Fiona King, Shelter’s Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager; Deputy Leader Councillor Sandy Howat; Leader Councillor Andrew Burns; Adam Lang, Shelter’s Head of Communications and Policy.

Craigroyston art exhibition opens at North Edinburgh Arts

Craigroyston Primary School Art Exhibition 2015

Every year, the pupils at Craigroyston Primary amaze and surprise everyone with their fantastic array of art and this year is no exception (writes Helen Cameron). From patterns and plants to seas and sunshine, and everything in between, the pupils have done it again this year and put on a fabulous show!

For a wee change the venue this year is the North Edinburgh Arts Centre so anyone popping in for a coffee or meeting friends can wander round and marvel at all the pupils’ work. It will be on display for the next few weeks, is free of charge and everyone is welcome to go and view.

The children are hoping to reach a wider audience by using this venue, certainly it is easy for anyone in the area to drop in either on your own or even better bring a friend! Hopefully lots of you will manage along and spread the word about all the local talent!

Many thanks to the staff at the Centre for their help and support in mounting the exhibition and preparing advertising material.

Helen Cameron

NOTE:

The exhibition opened in style at North Edinburgh Arts last night with great musical performances by the school’s Glee Club (including a very impressive ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ – a cappella, too!) – and the talented new woodwind players.

See below for some opening night pictures – and there are lots more on our Facebook page

Do visit the exhibition – you won’t be disappointed! DP

Edinburgh gets set for Festival of Cycling

City to host third Festival of Cycling from 11 – 21 June

The third Edinburgh Festival of Cycling will be held from 11 to 21 June, and Scotland’s greatest cycling celebration promises to be a real showcase of all aspects of bicycle culture.

The jam-packed 10-day programme features not only bike rides and races, but talks, films, drama, art & photography exhibitions, family events, and workshops. Among the rides there are several new rides, including the inauguration of the Capital Trail a long distance mountain biking challenge, and two new Audax rides aimed at beginners and families. There will also be rides and events for children and families.

The festival will feature inspiring speakers such as: Shannon Galpin, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, talking about her work in Afghanistan using the bicycle as a vehicle for social justice. Juliana Buhring (the fastest woman to cycle round the world) will be giving a Q&A after the Scottish première of ‘Inspired to Ride’ the new film about the 4,233 mile Trans America race, in which was the first woman to finish (and fifth overall). Also, new at the Festival is the powerful new drama ‘The White Bike’ by Tamara von Werthern, who was inspired to write the play by the death of Eilidh Cairns who was killed as she cycled to work.

This years Festival of Cycling will see the return of the Original Edinburgh Night Ride, for its third year: this is a supported ride which has been described as a magical mystery tour from Edinburgh to East Lothian and back through the mid-summer night – this ride sold out for the last two years.

Then there’s the Bike Curious Family workshop – showing families how bikes can be the perfect transport solution for children of all ages. Also, returning this year is Women’s Cycle forum, an evening of discussion, inspiration and networking on how to build a better world.

In addition to all this there will be plenty more to do including a literary tour, rides and tours for all-abilities, novice riders, children and the elite, workshops, exhibitions of art & photography, various workshops, including one where you can build a bicycle from scratch using bamboo to make the frame, and public meetings.

Throughout June, ‘Pedalling past: Edinburgh’s Cycling Heritage’, explores Edinburgh’s cycling heritage in a free exhibition at the Central Library, through historic photographs and other material from the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries.

The Festival also caters to the increasing amount of people commuting in Edinburgh. The Spokes’ Bike Breakfast will be free to all who arrive by bike and features a range of stalls, speeches, security marking and servicing for bikes at the Edinburgh City Chambers. The Brompton Fold-Fest will have prizes for the quickest in town to fold a Brompton bicycle at Biketrax and at the SEStran Commuter Challenge participants will set off from Ferrytoll, Ingliston, Straiton and Newcraighall by car, bus, train, tram, bicycle, or jogging/walking and head for St Andrew Square, to see which mode is the fastest and causes the least environmental damage.

Louise Haston, Commonwealth Games double Silver medallist said: “Over the past few years cycling in Scotland has gone from strength to strength and it’s great to see events such as the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling taking place,
especially for the 3rd year running.

“Events like this are key to getting people of all ages and abilities involved in cycling whether it be for sport, leisure, to stay fit or have fun! There are some fantastic events on this year’s calendar – I can’t wait to be involved!”

Director of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, Kim Harding, says “This year we are bringing you our strongest programme yet: more rides, including the new Capital Trail and two new Audax rides. More films, including the première of ‘Inspired to Ride’ with a Q&A with one of the stars. Great talks, such as ‘Pedalling a Revolution’ by Shannon Galpin, founder of the nonprofit organisation Mountain2Mountain, on her social justice work in Afghanistan, a country where there is a cultural taboo against women and girls riding bicycles.

“Also, Emily Chappell a cycle courier taking on the world, and Swiss mountain biker Gian Liesch. The powerful new drama ‘The White Bike’ by Tamara von Werthern, plus books, photographs, workshops, rides and more. Did I mention the rides?”

Held across different venues around Edinburgh, more information on all events of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling and tickets are available online at www.edfoc.org.uk.

The Festival can also be followed on Twitter at @edfoc, on Facebook at EdinburghFestivalofCycling, on Instagram at @edfoc and on Flickr at edincyclefest. The hashtag for the event is #edfoc2015.

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling is supported by Sustrans, Sestran, The City of Edinburgh Council, Spokes and the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. Booking information and contact details for all events can be found on www.edfoc.org.uk, the online brochure can be browsed at goo.gl/TYrM6z.

Minister supports Edinburgh College Apprenticeship event

Annabelle Ewing meets Edinburgh College construction apprentices

Edinburgh College threw open its doors for a Construction Apprenticeship Open Day today to give young people the chance to find out about industry career routes and link up with employers and training providers.

And the minister for youth and women’s employment, Annabelle Ewing MSP, called in this afternoon to support the event – and gamely tried her hand at some traditional construction skills too!

The college has teamed up with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Historic Scotland to demonstrate the kinds of apprenticeship opportunities available to potential apprentices, employers and careers advisors, and professional development opportunities for tradespeople.

Around 30 training providers, construction companies, local councils, universities, equipment suppliers, skills organisations and heritage groups were on hand to show how they can support apprentices, employers and professionals to find the careers, employees and skills they need, as well as funding opportunities.

The event was packed with stands, demonstrations, presentations and the chance to try out construction skills, with a focus on traditional construction skills: guests and visitors were invited to try stonemasonry, carpentry and joinery, roofing, plastering, brickwork, painting and decorating and plumbing – and some even tested their skills on mini diggers!

Healthy Hibee Scott tackles diabetes head on

‘Around 4% of the population of Lothian have diabetes – which although is a life-long condition, as Scott has proved, it does not need to stop you living a full and normal life’ – Dr Alan Jaap

Hibernian midfield star Scott Allan inspired young people with diabetes at a special event at Easter Road on Monday. Scott was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, and the recently-named SPFL Championship Player of the Year is the perfect person to prove that the condition need not stand in the way of a successful sporting career.

The event, the first in a series of health promotion activities planned by the Hibernian Community Foundation and NHS Lothian, saw around 100 children who have been diagnosed with diabetes and their families hear Scott talk about how he manages his condition as a sportsman.

Scott said: “I am delighted to be asked to provide positive messages to young people with diabetes. If they can draw some extra energy from meeting with me and having a conversation about how I manage my diabetes then that is fantastic. The fact that so many people want to come along is really humbling.”

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive of Hibernian FC and a Director of the Hibernian Community Foundation, said: “Scott is a high profile professional athlete and sportsman who has managed to build a successful career despite being diagnosed with diabetes.

“He manages the condition very successfully, even during matches, and because of the help and support he has received is keen to help children and young people with diabetes understand the condition, how it can be managed better, and how much can be achieved despite it. Scott approached us to say he was keen to help in any way that he could, and to raise awareness of diabetes.”

Dr. Alan Jaap, Consultant in Diabetes, NHS Lothian, said: “Around 4% of the population of Lothian have diabetes – which although is a life-long condition, as Scott has proved, it does not need to stop you living a full and normal life. I’m sure Scott will act as an inspiration and positive role model for all of the youngsters attending.”

Scott has always had to consider his type 1 diabetes when playing football – his diagnosis came when he was just three-years-old, and he learned how to manage his condition playing football at school.

Diabetes should be no barrier to young people considering a career in sport, Scott insists. “As long as you manage your diabetes you can do whatever you want”, he said. “There have been a lot of athletes throughout the years that have been at the top of the game with diabetes. You need to live as much of a normal life as possible – don’t let people tell you otherwise.”

The event is part of ‘Healthy Hibs Messages’ – a series of health promotion events undertaken as part of the new GameChanger Public Social Partnership, the first Public Social Partnership launched by a football club in Scotland, and supported by Hibernian FC, Hibernian Community Foundation and NHS Lothian. This unique partnership has seen more than 70 different organisations signing up to work together with the joint aim of making Scotland’s population healthier.

Pair face court for Wardieburn housebreakings

Two local men are among the latest arrests made by Edinburgh Police during Operation RAC enforcement activity.

On Wednesday 22 April a flat in Royston Mains Crescent was broken into and a computer games consol, computer games, jewellery and handbags were stolen.

This was followed by a housebreaking in Wardieburn Road on Thursday 30 April, where various electrical items were stolen along with jewellery and a three-figure sum of cash.

Community Investigation Unit officers conducted enquiries into both incidents and executed a search warrant at a home in Wardieburn Terrace where various pieces of property from the break-ins were recovered.

Two men aged 25 and 21 were subsequently charged and are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Superintendent Phil O’Kane said: “In addition to the continued investigation of housebreakings across the city, which has resulted in more arrests, officers regularly conduct proactive patrols to detect and deter criminal activity.

“Housebreaking has been identified as a local policing priority and we are using a range of tactics to target the criminals committing these offences, who clearly show no respect for the property of others.

“Local communities can be reassured we are prioritising all of the specialist resources available to us to arrest the offenders and prevent further crimes occurring.

“The public can help us in our crime prevention efforts by always ensuring their homes, businesses and outbuildings are appropriately secured and to utilise additional security measures such as alarms and lighting were possible.

“Further advice on safeguarding your properties is available by speaking with your local policing team or by visiting our website at www.scotland.police.uk.”

A ‘One Nation’ Queen’s Speech?

‘The Queen’s Speech 2015 will be a clear programme for working people, social justice and bringing our country together’

Ahead of today’s Queen’s Speech Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Behind this Queen’s Speech is a clear vision for what our country can be. A country of security and opportunity for everyone, at every stage of life.

“That is our ambition. To build a country where whoever you are and wherever you live you can have the chance of a good education, a decent job, a home of your own and the peace of mind that comes from being able to raise a family and enjoy a secure retirement.

“A country that backs those who work hard and do the right thing.

“This is the Queen’s Speech for working people from a ‘one nation’ government that will bring our country together.

“We have a mandate from the British people, a clear manifesto and the instruction to deliver. And we will not waste a single moment in getting on with the task.”