Edinburgh College Granton Campus – Page 2 – The NEN

Muirhouse Library’s on the move!

Library will deliver services across North Edinburgh

Good News Everyone!

As you all may know, the library is closed and due to be demolished/rebuilt as part of a new community hub (more details in the link below).

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/development/

We have been working away at securing a place for us to operate a library while we are waiting for our shiny new building and we can finally announce that we will be opening a new Library lending service based in the Edinburgh College Granton Campus, where you will be able to get Borrow Books, Hearing Aid Batteries, NEC Card Applications, Food waste bags, internet access and of course, see our smiley faces again!

Dates for opening have yet to be finalised, but more info on that will follow very soon.

We will also be start delivering activities again in various locations throughout the community.

Bookbug sessions will be the first to resume on 7th September at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Places will be limited and a booking system will be operating.

Keep an eye out here for more info of other activities.

We are so happy that we will back in the community again after such a long time away and look forward to see you all very soon!

Muirhouse Library team

Gabrielle Friel found guilty of weapons haul terrorism charge

Twenty-two year old Gabrielle Friel been found guilty under the Terrorism Act of possessing weapons including a crossbow, crossbow arrows and a machete.

He wss found guilty by a majority verdict.

However, Friel was cleared of another charge alleging he wanted to carry out a “spree killing”. The jury at the High Court in Edinburgh found the charge that he was motivated by incel (involuntary celibate) ideology not proven.

Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Campbell, of Police Scotland, welcomed the verdict. He described Friel as a “dangerous, socially isolated and disaffected individual” and said the consequences of his actions could have been “catastrophic”.

ACC Campbell, Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable for Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism and Intelligence, said: “Gabrielle Friel is a potentially dangerous and disaffected individual and Police Scotland welcomes the outcome of this case as the consequences of his actions could have been catastrophic.

“I sincerely thank the health and social care professionals and the Police Scotland officers involved in what was an extremely complex and challenging investigation. Their actions contributed to an early intervention and, undoubtedly prevented him undertaking an act that threatened the safety of our communities.

“This was an unprecedented case and the charges libelled by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service underlines the severity of Friel’s intentions.

“Police Scotland remains absolutely committed and focussed on protecting our citizens and working closely with partners to achieve this by delivering the multi-agency Prevent Strategy.

“We can’t do this alone and we also need the help of families, friends and the wider public.

“I know it can be a big step, particularly when we are referring to terrorism. But if you think that a family member or a friend is being radicalised, displaying extremist views or becoming involved in terrorist activity you should contact Police Scotland. Officers will work alongside other public protection partners to safeguard that individual and the public.

“By working together effectively, we will also help to safeguard individuals who have been identified as being vulnerable to radicalisation or being drawn into extremism.

“Anyone who has concerns should contact Police Scotland or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. There is helpful and confidential advice available at the ACT Early Counter Terrorism Policing website.”

During the trial Gabrielle Friel admitted he was ‘addicted’ to the topic of mass killing but denied wanting to cause such an event himself.

Mr Friel, giving evidence in his own defence at the High Court, said he became interested in mass shootings when in high school, where he was badly bullied, adding: “I can’t seem to get out from it. It’s like an addiction, basically.”

Mr Friel said he wanted to draw attention to himself but denied intending to carry out an actual attack.

“If only I can show the whole world how I feel, my pain. I would do this kind of stuff but I wouldn’t do it in real life,” he said.

Mr Friel said he bought weapons including a crossbow, bolts and a machete, as well as body armour, in summer 2019 as he wanted to provoke police to shoot him.

He denied the plan was connected to any ideology. “I can’t handle these violent fantasies in my mind. My life sucks basically. I was really depressed,” he told the court – but he denied he planned a mass killing spree.

Free Multicultural Festival coming to North Edinburgh

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival

4 – 6th October 2019

Music, dance, storytelling, films and audio visual celebration of Edinburgh’s multicultural communities (the newest event on Edinburgh’s festival calendar)

African Connections CIC (an Edinburgh-based community interest company promoting diversity through performing arts) is delighted to announce the very first Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, on 4-6 October 2019.

Website www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk (www.edmcf.co.uk)

The festival programme features a bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual arts created by African, Asian and Eastern European artists living in the capital.

The festival will also present two international acts: albino Malawian singer and canjo player Lazarus, and Sowhereto Africa, a South African dance and music show promoting street talent from the township of Soweto (previously performed at Edinburgh’s Dance Base and the Studio).

A poetry and storytelling programme (on Friday afternoon) will be curated by Nadine Aisha Jassat, with storytellers Fong Liu and Daiva Ivanauskaitė, while the weekend will feature musicians including Samba Sene & Diwan (Sengalese Mbalax/Afrobeat/ska fusion), rappers Billy Got Waves & Joell, Moroccan grooves from Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion and Bollywood//Indian classical music from Swaryatra; the dance programme on Saturday includes Scotland’s leading Indian dance group Dance Ihayami, a range of African dances from Sankofa Beats, plus Olga Kay, Iraya Noble, Pirita Tuisku, and many more.

There will also be a specially curated short films programme and a specially created installation by Polish audio visual artist Robert Motyka, inspired by diverse cultures and identities.

The events will take place across two venues in north Edinburgh – creative writing, poetry and storytelling at Drumbrae Library and Community Hub (4th October only), with the main programme taking place at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus (5 & 6 October), in the open café space (unticketed) and the PASS Theatre.

There will be opportunities for audiences to mix with performers and community organisations, to share their experiences and find out more about how to be involved in cross-community activities.

All events are free to attend, and all age groups are welcome.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, Morgan Njobo, said: “With this programme we would like to celebrate Edinburgh’s diverse multicultural talent and its contribution to the cultural life of the city.

“As a South African artist living in Edinburgh, I feel privileged to be able to present an eclectic programme that aims to engage local communities and increase access to arts and entertainment in the north of Edinburgh.

“We are collaborating with artists whose work is influenced by African, Asian and Eastern European cultures and we wish for all Edinburgh residents engage with our diverse performing arts and visual arts scene and enjoy the benefits of diversity brought by the artists involved.”

It is hoped that Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2019 will be the first of many, growing over the years, contributing to promoting tolerance and inclusivity across Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College, PASS Theatre and Drumbrae Library and Community Hub and supported by City of Edinburgh Council.

LISTINGS

Fri 4 Oct 2 – 5pm Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, 81 Drum Brae Dr, Edinburgh EH4 7FE

Storytelling, poetry and creative writing

Sat 5 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am) DANCE inc Dance Ihayami, Sowhereto, Sankofa Beats

Sun 6 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am) MUSIC inc Lazarus, Samba Sene & Diwan, Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion

All events are free, and tickets can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite

Charity bake off at Granton Campus

Sunday 10th February at 1pm – all welcome

Stand Up to Cancer: some tickets still available for Charity Chic Catwalk event

Last push for ticket sales for the Stockbridge Stand Up To Cancer Fashion Show. Help us raise more funds to beat cancer.

Catwalk, shopping, bar, cupcakes, Xmas shop and amazing raffle prizes including meals for two at Taisteal and Zest and also bottle of Glenmorangie and £100 Staters Menswear! There will also be additional special raffles for a weekends hire at Lexus Scotland and a visit to One Spa from Sheraton Hotel.

You don’t want to miss this amazing evening at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus!

Have your say on Diversity Day

To mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, Edinburgh College in collaboration with ELREC is holding an event with the local diverse community.

When: Tuesday 24 May, 4:30pm onwards

Continue reading Have your say on Diversity Day

Talking about regeneration

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership and Community Councils are in the process of developing an event focussing on the wider regeneration of the area to take place on Saturday 27 September from 10am – 2pm in Edinburgh College Granton Campus.

We are currently working to bring together the community, landowners, the Council and its partners to share information about current and future regeneration plans and any opportunities that this can bring. This will also be an opportunity to learn of where key community aspects such as health, leisure, environment and social benefits are linked into any future developments.

It is intended that the event outcomes will help shape proposals wherever possible and keep people informed with what is happening in the Forth neighbourhood. It should also support the creation of a new vision for the area and potentially establish a wider Forth Regeneration Development Group.

We are awaiting confirmation of key speakers and felt that it was important to gauge interest in the event . I would be grateful therefore if you could use the link below to let me know if you and/or colleagues will be interesting in attending. A light lunch will be available on the day.

Please use this link to note interest. Responses will be checked regularly.

Further information is available from Michelle Fraser 529 3150 or myself.

Scott Donkin

‘Anything is possible’: ‘crazy’ Georges to tackle Death Valley

Father and Son to cycle 500 miles through Death Valley for charity

An Edinburgh college employee and his 72-year-old dad plan to cycle from Las Vegas to Los Angeles via the Death Valley national park to raise money for Barnardo’s next Spring. George Stewart (38)j and his father, also called George, are keen cyclists and the pair hope to raise £6000 when they take on the gruelling challenge in March.

George senior is undertaking the challenge after surviving FIVE strokes and undergoing a triple heart bypass! Over a long period of recovery, George senior had to learn to speak, write and type again. His ordeal did not dampen his passion for cycling and he has undertaken many tours with his son, whom he is responsible for getting in to cycling and cycle racing. They recently completed a tour from Scotland to France together.

George junior, who works as a facilities assistant at Edinburgh College’s Granton Campus, said: “Though the main aim of completing this challenge is to raise as much money as possible for Barnardo’s, we also aim to show that if a 72-year-old man who has had five strokes and a triple heart bypass can cycle 500 miles through some of the harshest land in the planet, then anything is possible.”

Death Valley (pictured above) is the lowest, hottest and driest area in North America. On their journey, George and his father will face temperatures as high as 39 degrees celsius, a climb to 5,550 feet above sea level followed by a drop to 136 feet below sea level, as well as cycling on roads dominated by traffic on the busy streets of Los Angeles. The journey is expected to take six days.

George senior will be cycling attached to a small portable heart monitor to ensure his wellbeing throughout the challenge. The rest of the Stewart family are very supportive, despite calling the pair “crazy”!

George junior said: “My fiancé is very worried about the reputation of the route we’ve chosen as it’s not just a national park we’re going to; it is called the Death Valley after all. She is very supportive though; she kicks me out on my bike every weekend and tells me to get going!”

The Georges have been training relentlessly, averaging 120 miles every weekend from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond and back. George senior does find it difficult to maintain speed when riding uphill but has an excellent recovery time. The pair have always been very close as George junior lost his mother a number of years ago to motor neurone disease. George junior says: “I think we’ll have a cracking laugh together when we’re doing the challenge. We spend a lot of time together in training and doing other cycle tours and we’ve always had a great relationship.”

They plan to post video blogs whilst on their journey through Death Valley relying on the various remote hotels they are staying in to have internet connection. The blogs will include the number of miles covered, how much water they have gone through, any problems they have encountered and how their bodies are dealing with the physical aspect of the challenge. Any current developments and their training regime can be tracked on their Facebook page.

The father and son duo are also running a couple of other events prior to the cycle challenge to promote their participation and attract more donations. They are holding a charity dinner with guest comedian Chris Purchase on 14 November at 6:15pm at Edinburgh College’s Granton Campus. Tickets are just £15 and can be bought via email at:

George.stewart@edinburghcollege.ac.uk or telephone 07718 229530.

There will also be a silent auction on 27 February at the Apex City Hotel in the Grassmarket. Tickets will be £10 and include a glass of wine and canapés. For tickets and more information on this event please e-mail George junior on the above address.

The Stewarts’ Death Valley Cycle Challenge is due to take place in March 2014. To donate go to their Virgin Money Giving page.