Tag: Morningside

Free Fringe stretches into Morningside for first time

Host of acts take to the stage as suburb enjoys Free Fringe for the first time

A BUSTLING Edinburgh suburb will see a host of acts and entertainers descend on the area as it becomes part of the Free Fringe for the first time, thanks to the Merlin pub

The team at the popular Morningside venue is delighted to have landed the major coup – which will see a packed programme of shows daily throughout the annual arts festival.

At least 15 separate acts will be involved in the Free Fringe at the Merlin and among the performances daily from noon until late night, will be theatre, cabaret, stand up, improv, reggae music, magic, poetry, storytelling and even incredible feats of memory.

Justin Cranley, general manager of the venue, said: “There’s always a huge amount going on in Morningside, but we are thrilled to be bringing the Free Fringe here for the first time ever.

“It’s a brilliant programme that has been pulled together meaning there will be something for everyone, from child-friendly shows early in the day to the best comedy for those who prefer late night entertainment.

“In previous years it has felt like Morningside has missed out on the Fringe, but that won’t be the case in 2022. In fact, it will be possible to spend the entire day right here in the Merlin watching a feast of entertainment through to the wee small hours.”

Now the pub, which has been a renowned fixture on Morningside Road for decades, will be listed as Venue 604 for the duration of the Fringe, which runs from August 5-29.

The team at the Merlin, part of Greene King’s 51-strong Local Pubs Division in Scotland, will transform its upstairs function room into a 100-seater venue during the world-renowned arts jamboree.

Justin added: “It’s a fantastic space and we hope the local community really gets behind this initiative and that we’ll see it packed out most days.

“Certainly, we are going to see just how flexible a space the function room is, because there are an incredibly diverse range of acts who will be appearing.

“While the Merlin has bounced back tremendously well after the pandemic, functions have not recovered fully. This is a great way for us to get local people back in to see what a superb space we have for the other 11 months of the year for weddings, birthdays or any kinds of events.”

The programme includes a feast of reggae music in a show called How Music From A Small Island Changed The World. It will see musician Duane Forrest showcase acoustic versions of classic from legends like Bob Marley.

Late night comedy will come in the shape of Law & Disorder, a stand-up special from lawyer Sam Benedict and “professional free spirit” Joe Riley, a pair who have graced various BBC shows and reached the Student Chortle semi-finals.

Popular magician James Phelan will also be performing daily with his highly-anticipated show, James Phelan Blows Your F#@king Mind!, which follows multiple TV appearances and a successful residency in Las Vegas.

The full line-up and timetable can be found here – https://freefringe.org.uk/ and audience members simply need to turn up. While the performances are free, those attending are encouraged to make a donation at the end of the show.

The Free Fringe was started in 1996 by Peter Buckley Hill – known as PBH – who brought his comedy show to the city, but was disheartened by the cost of booking venues and the pricey tickets for the public. The PBH Free Fringe now puts on hundreds of shows every year.

He pioneered the model of persuading venues to offer space for free in return for acts bringing in additional customers. If audience members enjoy a show, they are encouraged to make a voluntary donation at the end.

Luke Meredith, an actor and performer who is also the CEO of The Free Fringe in Edinburgh, said he was delighted that free shows would be available in Morningside for the first time.

He added: “Everyone knows Morningside and what an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage it is, so it’s remarkable that the Free Fringe has never had a toehold here – until now. It’s brilliant that it’s finally arrived in this part of the city.”

Red Hot Chilli Pipers play to Edinburgh residents to mark Care Home Open Week

Residents, staff and guests at two Edinburgh nursing homes were treated to highly-charged live performances by the Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers today as part of the celebrations for Care Home Open Week.

Outdoor events took place on the grounds of the Blenham House and Ashley Court nursing homes in Sighthill and Morningside, which are owned and operated by Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group.

Dubbed ‘the most famous bagpipe band on the planet,’ the Red Hot Chilli Pipers drew international attention after winning the BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous in 2007. The Scottish-based outfit now travels the globe playing concert tours as far afield as America, Malaysia, India and Saudi Arabia.

Yesterday’s performances in Edinburgh are part of a whirlwind two-day tour by the band, covering all of Randolph Hill’s seven nursing homes across Scotland.

Further live shows are also taking place in North Berwick, Gullane, Livingston, Broxburn and Dunblane to mark Care Home Open Week 2022, which takes place from 27 June to 3 July.

Care Home Open Week aims to connect care homes across the country with their local community. The event provides care homes with the opportunity to showcase their facilities, activities and services.

It also puts a focus on career opportunities and encourages communities to support and build connections with their local service throughout the year.

Peter McCormick, Managing Director of Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group said: “We were delighted to welcome Red Hot Chilli Pipers to both our homes in Edinburgh today. As you might expect, it was a highly-spirited performance which our residents, staff, and invited guests thoroughly enjoyed.

“We are really pleased to have the band’s support during Care Home Open Week where they are performing at all of our seven nursing homes. It’s an ideal way to mark the occasion, which celebrates the important role of care homes in the communities where they operate.” 

Randolph Hill currently cares for more than 350 residents and employs over 500 members of staff at its seven sites across east and central Scotland.

Tree of Hope to boost secondary breast cancer research

Buy a bauble and help fund vital studies and support patients  

Edinburgh residents are being invited to join a joyous festive fundraising campaign to support people living with secondary breast cancer. 

Charity Make 2nds Count has launched its inspiring Tree of Hope initiative, giving people the chance to donate by buying a Christmas bauble which will not only become a gorgeous decoration for the tree but can also be a beautiful tribute to a current patient or a lost loved one.   

The aim is to raise £15,000 in a national Tree of Hope campaign to fund more new and dedicated research into secondary breast cancer, a disease that kills 1000 women a month in the UK.  

Two Christmas Trees of Hope are located in Edinburgh, in McLarens on the Corner in Morningside Road and in the Cold Town House in The Grassmarket – venues of the Signature Group hospitality collection which is supporting the fundraiser by hosting the trees and donating a percentage from a special dish served in its various locations. 

Both real and virtual baubles are available to purchase, with donors receiving their personalised decoration as a keepsake in January. Individual Baubles of Hope are £25 with corporate Baubles of Hope available for £100. 

The initiative is part of the charity’s Make Christmas Count campaign to highlight secondary breast cancer.  Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, it is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of cancer. 

Emma Hall, Head of Fundraising and Engagement, Make 2nds Count, says: “Every family has cherished decorations that come out every year, baubles that mean something poignant to them personally, and this is just a lovely way of sharing a bit of that special Christmas spirit with others. 

“It really is the most wonderful time of the year and we’re confident that people will embrace our message of hope this festive season by taking the opportunity to add some sparkle to our trees and to boost our research funds.” 

Siobhán Leith, Head of Sales and Marketing, Signature Group adds: “Signature Group is delighted to be supporting Make 2nds Count for the second year.

“We’re so grateful to the six venues in our group who are hosting the Trees of Hope in order to be a voice within our communities. The work that this charity does is so important and we’re proud to be able to help raise awareness and funds through this fun and meaningful initiative.” 

Make 2nds Count founder Lisa Fleming, 38, of Edinburgh, had no previous breast cancer diagnosis when she learned she had primary and secondary breast cancer (SBC) in 2017. It is in the majority of her bones and brain.  She says the value of donations cannot be underestimated. 

“Last year, the first year of our Tree of Hope campaign, we had an amazing response and outstripped our £10,000 target by several thousand pounds so we’re aiming a bit higher this year.  

“The generosity of those who contribute to our fundraising has allowed us to make several important grants to researchers and donations from our trees will fund even more new and innovative projects, maintaining our mission to give hope to patients and their families affected by SBC, particularly at this special festive time.” 

Local families celebrate the launch of Edinburgh coding dojo

On Saturday 23rd October, families from across Edinburgh came together to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new kids coding studio, Code Ninjas, launched by long-term friends and business partners, Mark Higgins and Dacre Purchase.

The family-focused business owners were determined to make it a day to remember for video-game loving kids in their community. 

Mark explained: “The event went extremely well – almost 200 children, their parents and local supporters came along to wish us all the best with the new venture. Ater such a positive reaction, we’re all so excited to see what the future has in store for the business.

“We’d personally like to thank all of the wonderful families who came along. We’ve been so taken aback by the positive feedback we’ve already received since the grand opening party and have been so happy to see so many budding ninjas signing up to our sessions. Thank you to our community for celebrating our launch event with us – it was certainly one for the history books!” 

Code Ninjas is the first location of its kind in Scotland and, as proven by the success of this recent launch event, a much-needed addition to Edinburgh. 

“At Code Ninjas, we want our kids to develop a real passion for technology, so while the programme is loads of fun, it is also very educational,” added Suzy Enoch, the Code Ninjas studio manager.

“They are learning the language of the future – we want to give kids a gift that lasts a lifetime. Learning about computers at such a young age is crucial because it helps build the vital foundations for future success,”

Someone who experienced the fun of Code Ninjas first-hand was Juliette, aged 13.

“I learnt so much at the launch party – it was so fun!”, she said. “Grown-ups always tell you that coding is complicated, but I went to the game-building workshop and I understood it all – I made a really cool game.

I hope I get to go back so I can develop the game more and maybe start on the next level. The whole atmosphere was not like school at all – it was so relaxed even though we were still learning stuff. I loved it.”

Mark, Dacre, Suzy and the team have been just as overwhelmed by the positive response from parents. “My children were so engaged during the demonstration workshops,” said Amy.

“They are showing a real interest in what coding is, what it can do and how to apply it. The staff members are friendly and patiently answered everyone’s questions. My kids loved the decoding game too!” 

Another parent, Rob, who brought his six-year-old daughter, Elodie, along on the day said: “The kids had a great time doing the coding challenges – the staff and volunteers were really friendly and helpful.

“It’s really great to see computers and programming made accessible for kids of all ages and such a range of technological toys all in the same place. We can’t wait to come back!”

Now that the studio on is open on Morningside Road and ready to welcome ninjas from across the region, children – like Juliette and Elodie – can work towards achieving the highest Code Ninjas’ honour of becoming a black belt! 

“We’re here to guide the children of Edinburgh through our exciting curriculum and truly put Scotland on the map for kids coding education,” added Mark. “We’re looking forward to a ninja-fuelled future, that’s for sure!” 

To sign up or find out more about Code Ninjas, visit:

www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

Kids coding studio is first of its kind in Scotland – and it’s coming to Edinburgh!

What kid doesn’t want to learn how to build video games, drones and robots with their friends? Thanks to a brand-new children’s coding studio in Edinburgh, budding technology buffs are putting their passion for coding first as they train to become real-life coding ninjas!

This exciting new business is the first of its kind to open in Scotland, with 400 Code Ninjas locations already operational across England, the US and Canada.

The team bringing the new venture to our nation’s capital is Mark Higgins and Dacre Purchase. Mark, who has over 25 years’ experience in IT and 10 years’ experience running his own technology company will run the business with Dacre Purchase; Executive Director of various successful businesses building ventures including renewable energy industry.

Being joined by the long-term friends and business partners to deliver this exciting coding curriculum is studio manager Suzy Enoch – professional actress and circus performer!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“There’s nothing quite like Code Ninjas in Scotland,” said Suzy. “As someone who’s quite literally come from the circus, I wouldn’t have expected to be excited by coding and technology.

“But Code Ninjas is giving kids from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved with something they have a pent up passion for and love. I’ve seen some real parallels with Code Ninjas and my background in performance, as we aim to enrich every aspect of our ninjas’ development, including cooperation, their cognitive skills and their confidence.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s swinging from a Trapeze or putting the last part of code on a page. If it gives kids the chance to express themselves and to have a sense of accomplishment, developing digital literacy in a fun environment then we as adults and mentors should be doing everything we can to encourage it!”

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital literacy to families and has created an influx of children passionate about technology and computers, with Mark and Dacre already putting together a waiting list for prospective ninjas.

It is because of this that they are planning on opening a second location to meet the high demand for classes.

“We knew there was a market for Code Ninjas in Edinburgh but to already have so much interest is brilliant. We can’t wait to continue growing and give more kids the opportunity to express their passion for tech!” explained Mark.

At Code Ninjas, tech mentors are called Code Senseis® and kids are called ninjas. The brand’s fun, relaxed approach is something that helps kids ease into their learning experience. Instead of exams and grading, ninjas rise up the ranks through earning different coloured wrist bands – just like belts in martial arts.

Kids aged 5-14 will be found cooperating and learning alongside friends by building robots or even developing apps and games in a completely parent-free dojo!

Mark added: “As well as developing these important life skills, kids need to be able to express themselves away from their parents, as they haven’t been able to do so during the pandemic.

“The dojo puts kids in real-life problem-solving situations which, away from academics, are vital to their all-round development. We want kids to be able to see the other side of what they consume so freely on a daily basis, and what technology can do on a much larger scale in the future.”   

Ninjas can attend up to two sessions a week and at times that are convenient to the family, with no need to attend sessions on the same day or time each week.

The Code Ninjas Edinburgh team will be hosting a grand opening party at their Morningside base on Saturday 23rd October, welcoming the local community to celebrate with games, entertainment and a slice of yummy cake.

To find out more about Code Ninjas’ grand opening party – and to book your place! – visit:

https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

St. Peter’s P4 Elsie wins Miles Briggs Christmas card competition

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has selected the winner of his annual Christmas card competition, which he has been running since his election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016.

This year’s Christmas Card theme was NHS Scotland, to honour frontline workers who have worked incredibly hard throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The competition was open to all primary schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and Elsie Adams age 8, from P4 at St Peter’s Primary School in Morningside, was chosen as the winner.

Elsie won £50 Amazon voucher (sponsored by Morrison Construction), afternoon tea at the Caledonian (sponsored by Waldorf Astoria) and a family day out at Conifox Adventure Park (sponsored by Conifox).

Miles was unable to present Elsie with her prize in person due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “There were some very creative Christmas cards this year and pupils in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s once again showed their artistic talent.

“The competition was very close with hundreds of Christmas card entries from primary schools across the region, with inventive designs from hand sanitiser to the distinctive NHS rainbow.

“What was clear from the entries was that primary school pupils are aware of the tremendous effort that NHS staff have made throughout this year.

“Congratulations to the winner Elsie, whose bright card and fun design stood out as the winner of my 2020 Christmas card competition.”

Police appeal following Morningside assault

Police are appealing for information after a 32-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Morningside at 10pm on Friday (28 February).

The victim was near the junction of Cluny Avenue and Hermitage Terrace when he was approached by two men and assaulted and robbed. He was unhurt but shocked by the incident.

He was robbed of a two figure sum of money, an Apple laptop and iPhone.

One of the suspects is described as white, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’9” in height, of slim build, wearing grey coloured hooded top with hood up, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and had a local accent.

The second suspect is about 5’8” in height, wearing a dark coloured jacket.

The suspects ran off in the direction of Hermitage Terrace.

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 4322 of 28 February or speak to any police officers.

Alternatively if you have any information about the incident you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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