Summer Days at Muirhouse Library

It’s the summer holidays! Woohoo! 🌞

We’ve got lots of fun wee events on to keep yous busy, so come down to the college and see us or catch us out and about at our Bookbug sessions.

See below for the different events on throughout the week. All events are completely free and run as a drop in so come along whenever suits!

Tomorrow: Granton Summer Festival

The weather forecast is looking good for the Summer Festival tomorrow at Granton Parish Church from 10am – 4pm.

Food all day from breakfast rolls in the morning, soup at lunchtime and finishing off with a burger BBQ at 3pm. Music from Granton Youth and Ukranian folk singers

Food available all day breakfast rolls in the morning, soup at lunchtime and finishing off with a burger BBQ at 3pm.

• LIVE MUSIC FROM GRANTON YOUTH MUSIC & UKRANIAN MUSIC GROUP

• Children’s crafts

• games and activities

• Craft stalls

• sewing workshop

• Quiet spaces to chill out

• FUN for the whole family

The Batmobile arrives at St James Quarter for Comic Con this weekend

St James Quarter has revealed that the Batman’s iconic Batmobile will be parked on Register Square on the 6th and 7th May for Comic Con. Comic fans will have a chance to get their picture taken with the famous vehicle, which is based on the classic version from the 1989 film.

And that’s not all, Ghostbuster fans will get an opportunity to pose and take a picture with the legendary Ecto-1 Car which will be situated at the Multrees entrance at St James Quarter.

As well as endless picture opportunities, Comic fans will get the chance to meet their favourite superheroes and comic stars, including Spider Man, Shrek and Pikachu. Attendees will also learn about the world of comic books from the experts, with special guest appearances from the likes of Jim Alexander, Monty Nero and Art of Fish who have all written or drawn for Marvel, DC and 2000 AD.

There will also be interactive workshops including a slime making session the kids will love, as well as mask making workshop where guests can step into the shoes of their favourite superhero and create their own iconic look.

Comic Con is encouraging guests to get involved in the action and take part in its renowned cosplay competition on Saturday 6th May at 3:20pm where a first-place trophy and cash prize is up for grabs.

Kicking off from 10am on Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page, featuring everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “Don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of superheroes and villains at St James Quarter this weekend. With a diverse range of attractions including the Batmobile, cosplay competitions, merchandise vendors, comic characters, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone.

“We cannot wait to welcome you all to Comic Con this weekend!”

For more information visit the BGCP Comic Con event page.

Coronation celebrations fit for a King at Strachan House

The excitement was is in the air at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh this week as residents and staff notch it up a gear to celebrate the coronation of our king in a right royal way.

Throughout the week on the lead up to the big day, Strachan House has a week full of royal themed activities from baking up red, white and blue cakes to intergenerational fun within their local community with Cargilfield Nursery and Blackhall Primary.

“The week will certainly be one we remember” said Mandy, Head of Activities.

Paul Dow chef at Strachan House said: “Baking up an array of cuisine will be great fun and certainly ensure it will be fit for a king! It has been a whole team effort ensuring we are ready for the King’s Coronation on May 6”.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a week-long plan of royal activities for their residents. Over the bank holiday weekend the home will hold afternoon tea whilst screening the Coronation live.

On Sunday 7th May at 2pm they are hosting The Big Picnic in their wonderful gardens and will play host to the entire Blackhall community as they open their home to friend’s family and staff.

With live music from Diane Fields a BGT contestant as well as the local councillor, Christine Jardine, it is set to be an outstanding day for everyone who plans to attend.

Armed with picnic baskets and rugs resident, families, staff and local visitors are invited to join us for an afternoon sharing in the wonderful atmosphere.

All you need to do is bring your picnic and a rug and enjoy a afternoon amongst friends.

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are looking forward to a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, it is such a momentous occasion.  Our staff and residents love the Royals and so they are all so excited about the upcoming week. 

“It has been a real collaborative process – thinking about how we want to celebrate, from planning our activities, decorating the home and creating an event for our whole community to join in”. 

David Lesueur, resident at Strachan House said: “I can just about remember the Queen’s Coronation, I was very small but I remember the street party we had then and this will be just as much fun. 

“We all want to pay our respects to the new King and create new memories, it is such an important occasion to mark.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Sunshine guaranteed at North Edinburgh Community Festival!

LAUNCH PROMISES MORE STALLS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FOOD and.. SUNSHINE!

Next month’s North Edinburgh’s Community Festival will be even bigger than last years event, organisers announced at Tuesdays launch at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Around 6000 people attended last year’s gala event, and with at least SEVENTY marquees (up from 50 last year) and and not one but TWO music stages there promises to be even more for the local community to do, see and enjoy on 13 May.

Highlights include:

Disney-themed LIFT Parade from Muirhouse Millennium Centre to West Pilton Park to launch the Festival.

More than 70 local organisations and charities with Community Stalls

Two music stages: the open air Park Stage and the Green Room stage in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

The music line-up features a wealth of local talent. Performers include local youth orchestra Tinderbox, Granton Youth’s Mixtape Music Club and a session from ever-popular Fischy Music.

There’s a musical medley from the Edinburgh College Musical Theatre Group, performances from local choirs including Ama-zing Harmonies, AUGB Ukranian choir, Craigroyston High School Choir and a high-energy performance is guaranteed from local punk rockers Yer Local Bams. Low Tide, Rai Williams, Laurent and Abigail Kerner will also be performing live on the day in a musical feast.

Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library and a Storytelling session with Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writers.

Fancy some sport? You’ll be spoilt for choice as Access Parkour, Spartans Community Football Academy and Inverleith Rugby Club will all be there. And there will be children’s Zumba classes.

North Edinburgh Arts will be organising arts and craft activities and Screen Education Edinburgh will offer film workshops. There’s an Army obstacle course, too.

There will also be learning and upskilling opportunities provided by local organisations including Edinburgh College will be offering course taster sessions.

All in all, there really should be something for everyone. And with sunshine (almost) guaranteed, it promises to be a great day.

Local activist Willie Black, a member of the Festival planning committee, introduced Tuesday’s launch. “We are very excited about this year’s Festival and it promises to be a really great event, a community celebration for everyone to enjoy.

“We have a wealth of diverse talent in this community and we want to share that talent far and wide. We’re looking forward to offering a warm North Edinburgh welcome to thousands of visitors next month, and the hope is that the Festival will be a great success and that it can become an annual event.”

North Edinburgh Community Festival is on Saturday 13 May from 12 – 5.30pm. Free event. All welcome.

IMAGES FROM LAUNCH EVENT:

Care home’s new cooking class is better than sliced bread!

Bread making masterclass inspires creativity amongst home’s residents

Residents at a local care home have enjoyed a series of cooking classes as part of the bustling events calendar, with the programme kick-starting with a bread making masterclass.

The sessions held at Cramond Residence, courtesy of the home’s Chef Paul Cowley, hope to inspire creativity and reignite a passion for cooking amongst the residents.

This month’s masterclass focused on bread making with future sessions set to feature foods from all over the globe – following residents’ wishes.

Cooking is just one of the activities the home provides as part of its events calendar which is tailored to the residents’ interests, with the aim of improving their wellbeing and independence. Other activities include exercise classes, arts and crafts and frequent day trips.

Paul, who alongside the head chef leads the catering department at the 74-bedroom home, said: “I love seeing the smiling faces of our residents as they take part in activities that remind them of home comforts such as cooking.

“Residents enjoyed a step-by-step session on how to make bread from scratch. We sampled the bread, tasting the different types of loaves and comparing it to shop bought bread.

“Many of our residents already have a passion for cooking so we wanted to introduce the classes to continue that enjoyment while allowing some of the group to learn new skills and try different cuisines.

“As well as the pleasure of cooking, the class also provides a fun setting where residents can enjoy socialising with others in the class. The buzz of happy chatter in the dining room is ample payback for the work we do.”

This month’s activities include garden archery and golf sessions, spa and relaxation mornings and physio classes, organised by Cramond Residence’s dedicated Lifestyle Coordinators who are committed to providing fun and engaging activities for the residents to enjoy.

Len Skelton, a resident at the home said: “I always enjoy the meals cooked up by chefs at Cramond, however it is really nice to be given the opportunity to get back in the kitchen again.  Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh bread out of the oven?”

In addition to freshly prepared nutritious meals and a robust excursions and activities calendar, residents are provided with deluxe accommodation, best-of-class facilities and a wide range of entertainment.

The medication and care provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.

Facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a dedicated games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

Cramond Residence offer tours of its quality accommodation and facilities, allowing potential residents and loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/