Lesley Hinds extends an invitation to a community- focussed follow-up discussion for Northern Edinburgh and Leith
Last December some people living and working in Northern Edinburgh and Leith participated in an Open Space community event which explored how local communities might benefit from or influence the direction of the changes the Scottish Parliament additional powers will allow. Continue reading Towards a Community Manifesto: More Power for Local Communities?
I am delighted to invite you to an exciting MULTICULTURAL ECO CELEBRATION on Saturday 19 March from 2 – 6pm at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School in Chalmers Street (writes Adil Ibrahim).
Capacity is limited to 300
If you have any access/dietary requirement or any questions please email: emma-jane@mecopp.org.uk
All are welcome. We particularly welcome the involvement of individuals, families, groups, and organizations from diverse communities to contribute to the success of this event.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
I am writing to invite you to this year’s International Women’s Day event which takes place next Tuesday (8 March) in Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre, Pilton Drive North. We have decided to combine this year’s event with our third Getting Together Making a Difference event.
As you will see from the leaflet there will be films, poetry, music, stories, discussion and food – all the ingredients for a nice get together with friends and neighbours! We have organised a crèche for pre-school children to allow as many women as possible to take part. Please book a crèche place in advance as the crèche is likely to be very busy (tel 552 5700 or 551 1671).
Registration is at 10am in the reception area and we will be starting at 10.15 in room F34 upstairs. Lunch will be served at 1pm.
I would be grateful if you would forward the leaflet to any local women you know who might be interested in joining us.
Lynn McCabe (on behalf of the planning group)
‘ we are putting our money where our mouth is on Community Empowerment’ – Marco Biagi
A programme which is giving people the power to make decisions directly on spending in their areas will be rolled out to even more communities through a new £2 million investment. Continue reading YOU choose: £2 million for Community Choices fund
The Travelling Gallery will embark on another Scottish tour this week with a new spring exhibition in association with the Stills Gallery. Continue reading All aboard! Travelling Gallery is back on the road
FRIDAY 4th MARCH 7 – 10pm NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS
US FILM SHOWS RISKS OF FRACKING
Communities invited to screening of American documentary
Community campaigners are inviting local people to view a documentary highlighting first-hand accounts of the effects of fracking in the United States.
Hands Over Our Scotland has helped organise a local screening of the film ‘Groundswell Rising’, featuring the testimonies of people in towns across America who have to live side-by-side with the fracking industry.
The film will be shown on Friday 4 March from 7 to 9:30pm at North Edinburgh Arts.
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland will introduce the film. He will be joined by Prof Andrew Watterson, Director of the Centre for Public Health and Population Health Research, and Head of the Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Stirling for discussion after the screening.
Dr Richard Dixon said: “Scotland has to learn from the communities that have already had to live with fracking. Seeing the reality of having this dirty industry as a neighbour should persuade anyone that it’s not something we want here. For the sake of the climate and local people, fracking and unconventional fossil fuels are the last thing Scotland needs.”
Maria Montinaro, of Hands Over Our Scotland, who is accompanying the producer on a tour of UK, said: “This film shows the reality of what it means to live beside fracking operations, including the daily struggle of ordinary people to protect their children’s air and water.
“Their testimonies show what is potentially in store for communities around the Forth if our government allows big fossil fuel companies to go ahead with their plans. The first duty of any government is to protect its citizens. We call upon our Scottish Government to put the health and wellbeing of Scottish communities first – banning this industry .”
Groundswell Rising has been praised by critics. LA Weekly said it ‘balances grim facts and expert analysis with scenes of ordinary people pushing back’, while Hollywood Reporter said it ‘delivers its arguments with a canny mixture of facts and emotion’.
Executive producer Mark Lichty will speak at the first screening at the University of Edinburgh. Mark is an attorney and former CEO of Bustin Industrial Products. Having been in manufacturing for many years, he is deeply concerned about the safety issues not being addressed by the oil and gas industry.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting people of Edinburgh. The film shows how an industry rich with political connections managed to slip into a position of almost untouchable power and how at-risk communities have come together to fight back.
“Groundswell Rising is a documentary told by those who are living it, with honesty, passion and a sincere desire to protect our children and the world we leave them. I hope that Groundswell Rising will inspire people and politicians in Scotland to ban risky gas extraction once and for all.”
The Groundswell Rising screening at North Edinburgh Arts is part of a tour across central Scotland being organised by campaign group Hands Over Our Scotland.
Full screening details are available at www.groundswellscotland.com.
Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership meets next Monday (29 February) at 6.30pm in Stockbridge Library.
As well as usual Neighbourhood Partnership business (including small grants fun applications and Neighbourhood Environment Programme proposals) we will be discussing travelling in and around Inverleith.
We hope that you can join us to discuss existing services and help identify any gaps in transport links, and hear more about park and ride, transport apps and all things transport!
Elaine Lennon, Partnership Development Officer
Follow us on twitter @north_team and check out our web pages www.edinburghnp.org.uk/
Congratulations to Eileen Brash, who was chosen to be the recipient of the annual Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at last night’s Drylaw Telford Community Council meeting.
Eileen is a founding member and office-bearer of Easter Drylaw Residents Association (EDRA), the group which has campaigned to raise awareness on local issues including 20mph zones and dog-fouling.
Eileen will receive her award at the community council’s next meeting on 30 March.
NEDAC, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Pilton Retreat, Granton Youth Centre … and now The Prentice Centre is the latest community organisation fighting for survival.
PUBLIC MEETING
THE PRENTICE CENTRE
1 GRANTON MAINS AVENUE
WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH, 7pm
The Prentice Centre is under threat of closure. Please come along to the public meeting and let local politicians know how you feel. All welcome.
West Granton Community Trust really needs community support – get along to the meeting if you can. See poster (below) for details.
Farewell to CAN’s Andy Dalzell – one helluva guy!
Friends and colleagues joined Community Action North development worker Andy Dalzell for leaving drinks in The Baillie in Stockbridge last night. The big guy from Philadelphia worked in North Edinburgh for only a few short months – but the genial giant has left his mark. Continue reading Adios, Andy!
