Muirhouse Centipede’s going green!

From potty planters and community barbeques to picture competitions and labyrinth mazes … Linda Dunbar gives an update on the Centipede Project …
A multi agency Steering Group has been formed which includes representatives from St Paul’s RC, North Edinburgh Arts, Fable Vision (Govan) and Link Up – and we are hopeful the representation will get wider.
We now have a plan of activities for the next nine months, kicking off with a Peculiar Planter Competition! We are looking for folk to bring along a potted plant (or plants) to the West Pilton and Muirhouse Gala on 26 August – but for the planters to be more than your bog standard terracotta pot – as the title suggests – the dafter the better! We want folk to write a few lines on a postcard, explaining their planter, or naming their planter, or telling up why they chose it. We will be working with local schools, nursing homes and community groups to ensure a big entry to the competition.
For those who are struggling for ideas, there will also be a chance to ‘plant up’ at the free Community BBQ and Summer Fair that will be held in Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church the day before, Saturday 25th from 11am – 1pm. This will be the third year that Muirhouse have hosted a FREE community BBQ, but this year it will be enhanced by peculiar planters and summer fair stalls! Judging of the planters will take place during the Gala Day and prizes will be announced at 3.30pm.
This is just the start of a big programme of events – all made possible through Pilot Project Funding from the Parish Development Fund of the Church of Scotland. Also in the pipeline are:
‘A Time for Peace’ – a chance to step back and reflect on the peaceful sites within the Muirhouse and west Pilton Area – hosted by North Edinburgh Arts some time in October/November – date to be confirmed
12/12/12 Photo competition – take a digital photograph some time during the 24 hours of 12/12/12 that depicts one of the Advent themes of ‘love’, ‘joy’, hope’ or ‘peace’. In mid-late January there will be a display of the winning entries, again hosted by North Edinburgh Arts – date to be confirmed
Running over autumn and winter we will be engaging a community artist to design something ‘big and beautiful and spectacular’ in flowers or bulbs which we hope to work with the council in identifying one of the brown field sites within the Muirhouse area, to plant up (with the help of the community) and wait and watch for the grand display blooming in the spring.
In the church gardens, and elsewhere if we can identify suitable sites, we are going to install a labyrinth maze – we also hope to install small sensory/peace gardens at two or three sites in the area.
So – you can see the Centipede has got its boots on!
Folks can check out updates on Facebook’s Marvellous Muirhouse Page, and on www.centipedeproject.co.uk
Linda Dunbar

Telford in deal to transform ‘tired’ playing fields

Sports enthusiasts in Edinburgh are set to score with the launch of the city’s newest sports facility thanks to a unique partnership between Edinburgh’s Telford College and World of Football.

Edinburgh’s Telford College has teamed up with World of Football (WOF) to turn the college’s tired playing fields into a revitalised indoor sporting facility for use by both students and the local community.

The project will see the outdoor pitches at Marine Drive be incorporated into the new development of ten football pitches, six of which are indoor which are designed for five-a-side football – with one existing full size pitch set aside for other sports such as hockey, cricket and rugby.

Miles Dibsdall OBE, Principal of Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “We are delighted to announce that planning has been submitted for this fabulous new facility at our Marine Drive campus. It has been a very smart piece of business to strike a deal to work with World of Football to revitalise our pitches, which were becoming both sub-standard and under used. This is a great example of the college playing a key role in the local community. And what’s really pleasing is that this facility will benefit not just Telford College and the students from the new Edinburgh College when the merger happens in October, but also sports enthusiasts across the city that will be able to hire out the pitches.”

Tom MacGregor, Head of Sport at Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “It is great news that there are plans in place for a fresh new sports facility in north Edinburgh. This type of facility creates endless opportunities for students on our various sports courses – they will now have a state of the art facility to improve their learning that won’t be affected by bad weather at any time. It’s the perfect site for a facility like this and I’m sure the students will be itching to make use of it when it opens.”

Paul De Marco, Managing Director of World of Football said: “This is a great opportunity for us to expand on our brand in Edinburgh but also a great chance to get involved with the local community. Our family business originated from Granton in the 1930’s and we are delighted to be investing back into the community.”

He continued: “It made sense for us to target Marine Drive; it is a great space with amazing potential. It will serve as a great facility for the students to use for their studies but will also be a great addition to the North Edinburgh community. We don’t just build 5 a side football pitches we have developed a style of football which is totally unique and in building at Marine Drive from the ground up this will be our most advanced and in demand centre yet.”

Edinburgh’s Telford College is one of Scotland’s largest independent further education colleges.  They provide a wide range of career related programmes and currently have around 17,000 students and 600 members of staff.

More information about the college can be found at www.ed-coll.ac.uk

Putting the city’s youth services on the map

The City of Edinburgh Council has developed an online Youth Work Map that will help young people discover and participate in the city’s wide range of youth projects.

The map is the first of its kind and will provide a unique guide to the many organisations that provide vital services and recreational activities for young people, from youth clubs to counselling and support services. It is designed to highlight the diversity of services offered throughout Edinburgh and to help make information about them more easily accessible.

Users can search by categories such as activities and opening times, or by clicking on a specific point of the map to find out more about opportunities in their area.

A recent survey by the Council found that at least a quarter of the city’s 11 – 14 year olds are involved in youth work and many remain active in an organisation after ‘growing out’ of them, by becoming a volunteer or project worker. As a result of this, a quarter of Edinburgh’s current youth work workforce is aged under 25.

Participating in these projects provides valuable experience as well as potential training and development opportunities, which can enhance employability.

Education Convener, Councillor Paul Godzik, said: “Edinburgh benefits from excellent youth work services and a wide range of activities are available throughout the city. These services are vital and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people from all backgrounds. I would encourage people to have a look at the map to find out ways that they can become involved in these varied and highly rewarding activities.”

The Youth Work Map includes over 250 youth services and the Council would welcome information from any agencies that may have been missed.

City of Edinburgh Council

Inverleith Summer Programme

It’s the last week of school before the holidays, and partners in Inverleith are making sure tha there will be lots of fun activities for children and young people to enjoy during the long summer break – whatever the weather!

From fishing for fun, gymnastics and drama workshops to cheerleading, dance school and rafting there’s something to keep eeveryone amused, at venues close to home like Ravelston, Inverleith and King George V parks to further flung places like Glentress, Aberfeldy and Dalkeith.

Make the most of summer by taking advantage of Inverleith’s youth activities programme – call Ann at Broughton Community Learning and Development office on 332 6316, email ann.brown@ea.edin.sch.uk for information.

Inverleith Summer Programme

Big summer plans at Granton Youth Centre

Granton Youth Centre has planned a huge programme of summer activities lined up for young people from the Granton, Trinity, Pilton and Muirhouse areas. From IT, sailing and football to trips, paintball and residentials – and everything in between – there’s something for everyone down by Granton Square!

For further information call 467 5854, email info@grantonyouth.com or check out the website at www.grantonyouth.com

GYC’s summer programme is available here:

GYC Summer Programme 2012

 

Community planting and barbeque in West Pilton

We are  having a barbecue and planting event in West Pilton Community Garden on Saturday 7 July from 11 – 2pm with access to the kitchen and toilets at  PYCP. Please come if you are able, or let folk know it is on.

PS fingers crossed for the weather!
Kirsty
Pilton Residents
Flyer attached:

Craigroyston Community High School Summer Programme

There’s absolutely no reason to be bored this July with a full programme of local activities at Craigroyston Community High School on Pennywell Road. Whether it’s art, fitness or cookery there’s something for you at Craigie this summer!

MONDAYS

2, 9, 16 and 23 July

Art: Painting and Drawing 10.30 – 12.30pm

£10 for four weeks or £3 per session

9, 16, 23 July

Family swim session 2 – 3pm

Adult £1, child 50p.

9, 16, 23 July

Adult Swim Session 3 – 4pm

Adult £1.50

 

2, 9, 16, 23 July

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

£3 per session

 

TUESDAYS

 

Gallery visits with Steven Hood

10 July 10.30

Drawing from the Landscape

Meet outside the RSA on the Mound for 10.30am

£3 – no entrance fee

 

24 July 10.30

Expanding Horizons – Giovanni Battista Lusieri (1754 – 1821)

Stunningly beautiful landscapes in watercolour

Meet outside The National Gallery on The Mound at 10.30

Entrance fee £7.50/£5 concessions

 

Home Cookery: Soups, salads and bakes!

3, 10 & 17 July

Never be stuck for a quick, healthy and tasty meal again!

£3 (to cover cost of ingredients). Bring a container to take your food home – or you can eat it here!

 

Family Swim Sessions 5.30 – 6.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July.  Adult £1, child 50p

 

Adult Open Swim Session 6.30 – 7.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July.  Adult £1.50

 

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

3, 10, 17 and 24 July. £3 per session.

 

WEDNESDAYS

 

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm

4, 11, 18 and 25 July. £3 per session.

 

 

THURSDAYS

 

5, 12, 19 & 26 July

Family Swim Session 2 – 3pm Adult £1, child 50p.

Adult Open Swim Session 3 – 4pm £1.50p

Fitness Gym 5.30 – 7.30pm £3 per session.

 

FRIDAYS

 

July 13, 20, 27 & 3 August

Feet Foxes 10 – 11am

Feet Foxes is a class for parents and children (age 18 months – 5 years) who are looking for some FUN and enjoy dancing, movement, singing and playing games together! Each class has a mix of structured and free play, which encourages creativity whilst working and having fun together. Classes run as drop-in sessions, so pop along whenever suits! We dance in our bare feet and it’s best to wear comfy clothes!

£1.50 – One adult and up to three children; additional children 50p.

 

Aquafit and Adult Swim Session 11.30 – 12.30pm

July 6,13, 20 & 27 £1.50 per session.

 

For more information, to book a place on the Art or Cookery classes or to book a place on one of the gallery visits please call in at the school, telephone 538 7285 or 477 7801 or email admin@craigroyston.edin.sch.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Gala – it’s looking good!

Plans for the West Granton and Muirhouse Gala are progressing nicely, organisers told a meeting of interested parties on Tuesday. Permission to use West Pilton Park was finally granted last week – fortunately! – and with insurance, entertainers, security, caterers, rides, PA system, performers, a stage, marquees, shows and stalls all seemingly now in place all that’s needed on 26 August are punters and hopefully a little sunshine!

More than twenty local groups and organisations were represented at the planning meeting held at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church, and gala organiser Sean Gardiner told the meeting: “Everything has fallen into place relatively easily – the biggest challenge for fellow organiser Alex and I has been time. We both work full-time and there seems to have been a thousands and one things to be done, but we’re getting there. The aim of this year’s gala is really to try to provide something for everyone – from the smallest kids right up to their grandparents – a real community event that everyone can enjoy and feel part of. We’ll learn from this year’s event when we go on to plan next years’ Gala!”

The list of attractions is very impressive – see the group’s website for details – and the West Pilton Park Gala on 26 August should indeed be a lot of fun. It takes a lot of work to create fun events, though, and organisers would be delighted to hear from any volunteers who would be willing to spend an hour or so helping out on the big day.

If you can lend a hand, contact the gala organisers at www.westpiltonandmuirhousegala.co.uk, where you’ll also find Facebook and Twitter contact details.

PS: Stalls and tables are still available for comunity groups and organisations – more info and booking forms are available through the website.