A student from Bingham has been supported by a local project to create a cookbook for her community
Earlier this year, Elle Slow-Clayton (19) was considering her future when a knock at the door would lead her to start a project that would use her creative skills and links with the local community as a force for good.
At that door was Erin, a member of the team from Community Renewal: Lifting Neighbourhoods Together – a local project being delivered in the Bingham, Magdalene and the Hays neighbourhoods. After speaking with Elle for 5 minutes, Erin discovered she was an aspiring artist with lots of love for her neighbours. After a few more chats, Elle decided to create a cookbook with, and for the community.
Elle describes why she wanted to create the cookbook: “I was studying art and design at the time and wanted to channel my energies into something. When Erin knocked on my door – it was like fate.
“I have lived round here my whole life and I know and love this community so much. People round here are so friendly, but some are isolated and there are families who are struggling right now. So, I wanted to create something that was fun, accessible and affordable, and that led me to the cookbook idea.
“I issued a callout and people came forward and shared their recipes. I was keen that the recipes were affordable and that they were easy to make for elderly residents or residents with disabilities who love to cook but have been impaired in some way.
“I also wanted to get the kids involved, so I have included pages which they can add recipes or drawings or whatever they want. Plus, I wanted to use my creative skills, so I have illustrated the book throughout.”
Erin Smith from Community Renewal: Lifting Neighbourhoods Together adds why this is the type of project they are keen to support: ““Our role is to bring residents and people who work with and for the community together to improve quality of life for everyone.
“When we met Elle, her enthusiasm, talent, and love for the area was obvious, and we are proud to have empowered her to realise her vision for the area.
“This is a community-driven project with support from us and other funders like City of Edinburgh Council and Places for People. Now the book is complete, we are giving it out in the Hays Community Pantry, which we co-run with Places for People. The pantry provides affordable or free ingredients that can be used to make the recipes in this book.”
Elle was joined by two local councillors at yesterday’s launch. Cllr Jane Meagher was full of praise for the project: “It’s wonderful that someone so young is doing something so positive for her local community.
“I am delighted to support her in any way I can.”
Cllr. Kate Campbell SNP added: “During these extremely challenging times, to see a project created by the community, for the community is truly inspirational.
“I hope to be trying out a few recipes myself.”
The cookbook will be given out to most residents via the Pantry and by the Community Renewal team. As for Elle, she is now studying a HND in illustration, but says she will continue to collaborate with Community Renewal:
“I love my community, so I want to continue to be part of this project. I have already helped at events such as a community BBQ and I’m excited to talk to locals about what they want to see happen next.”