Super Sara – volunteer extraordinaire!

North Edinburgh Arts was even busier than usual this morning as friends and colleagues got together to congratulate one of their own. JULIE SMITH explains …

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Congratulations to Sara Martin on being awarded an Inspiring Volunteer by the City of Edinburgh Council and Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. She is a great example of the many inspiring women North Edinburgh has produced over the years.

She has been active in the area since she moved here 11 years ago. From first attending Buggy Brigades with her daughter, she was a founder member of North Edinburgh Women’s Group. From there she has gone on to give her time to lots of projects in the area: she runs a Rainbows group at Drylaw Church, is an archery instructor in the archery group and a stalwart of West Pilton Park Action Group.

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It is as a volunteer for North Edinburgh Timebank that she has truly made her mark. Throwing herself into the singing group – the Timebank Temptations – she has encouraged others to get involved and without her it’s doubtful if we’d ever end up singing the right notes in the right order!

She makes sure everyone is organised and up-to-date with what’s going on and isn’t slow to tell us off if we forget our folders or pencils! Equally, she is hugely encouraging to everyone else involved in all activities.

Without her, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic last month couldn’t have happened, and she is also a stalwart of the Knit and Natter group. It’s been a real privilege to work with her, and I know all her friends in the Timebank want to congratulate her. She has been there for lots of them at various points when they needed a chum – as they have been there to support her. She’s been active in North Edinburgh Fights Back and is a huge champion of the local community. She is a woman of strong opinions and a willingness to muck in wherever and whenever she can.

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North Edinburgh is full of people making a difference in innumerable ways to their communities. As carers and cleaners, cooks and comforters, campaigners and confidantes – everyone is needed and valued. I hope Sara will act as an inspiration to others to take that first step and get involved in something they feel passionate about!

If you would like to get involved in North Edinburgh Timebank, or find out more about the activities it organises, contact Julie Smith on 07958540438 or email north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk

Craigroyston art exhibition opens at North Edinburgh Arts

Craigroyston Primary School Art Exhibition 2015

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Every year, the pupils at Craigroyston Primary amaze and surprise everyone with their fantastic array of art and this year is no exception (writes Helen Cameron).  From patterns and plants to seas and sunshine, and everything in between, the pupils have done it again this year and put on a fabulous show!

For a wee change the venue this year is the North Edinburgh Arts Centre so anyone popping in for a coffee or meeting friends can wander round and marvel at all the pupils’ work.  It will be on display for the next few weeks, is free of charge and everyone is welcome to go and view.

The children are hoping to reach a wider audience by using this venue, certainly it is easy for anyone in the area  to drop in either on your own or even better bring a friend!  Hopefully lots of you will manage along and spread the word about all the local talent!

Many thanks to the staff at the Centre for their help and support in mounting the exhibition and preparing advertising material.

Helen Cameron

NOTE:

The exhibition opened in style at North Edinburgh Arts last night with great musical performances by the school’s Glee Club (including a very impressive ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ – a cappella, too!) – and the talented new woodwind players.

See below for some opening night pictures – and there are lots more on our Facebook page

Do visit the exhibition – you won’t be disappointed! DP

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Monday is Outdoor Games Day in Muirhouse!

Outdoor Games Day: Monday 18 May, 1 -3pm
Launching a new outdoor play space for everyone

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Following a series of community consultations, which generated a great deal of positive support, we are creating a natural play area and community garden for local residents to use over the next two years.

The work is being carried out this week (you may have spotted us out digging!) and will be finished on Friday, ready for the opening on Monday 18th May.

Please join us between 1-3pm for a fun afternoon of games, planting and some FREE lunch. We will have Margaret, of Margaret and Margaret from Licketyspit there, NEA’s growing expert to offer advice and show you some planting tips, as well as lots of sports day activities!

If you are unsure of the location, there will be signs from North Edinburgh Arts to the site which is only a 2 minute walk away!

Contact Joanne at North Edinburgh Arts if you would like to be involved or share your ideas: 0131 315 2151 / centipedeproject@outlook.com

 

Cafe Cabaret at North Edinburgh Arts

May Day fundraiser for Theatre Project

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North Edinburgh Theatre project presents:
Friday Night Café Cabaret: A Pop-Up Fundraising Event

Friday 1 May, 7.30pm
North Edinburgh Arts
Tickets: Minimum £2 donation

A series of short comedy scenes, juggling, readings of writing and poetry, human puppets, with dance and stage combat. There will be a raffle with exciting prizes.

Teas, coffees, wine and nibbles will be on sale on the evening too. All profits made on the night will go towards the North Edinburgh Theatre project.

Tickets: Call 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk

North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, EH4 4TZ

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North Edinburgh Arts AGM next week

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NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS

Annual General Meeting

To be held at North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court

Wednesday 22 April at 12 noon

Soup and sandwiches will be served at 12.30

Creche available on request

Come and hear about the work of NEA and plans for the next three years, followed by the opportunity to put your ideas forward.

To RSVP and reserve a creche space call Sandra on 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk by Wednesday 15 April.

Pride of place: national award for North Edinburgh Grows

‘inventive, playful, life-enhancing and civil-minded. It is a worthy winner.’ – My Place Award judges

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North Edinburgh Arts has won a prestigious national award. The Scottish Civic Trust has recognised the arts centre’s garden project North Edinburgh Grows with the My Place Award 2015 (writes Dave Pickering). 

Kate Wimpress, Director at North Edinburgh Arts, and Lachlan Stewart, from Anta Architects who designed the garden, received the award from Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment Marco Biagi MSP at a ceremony at the Lighthouse in Glasgow on Thursday.

The Scottish Civic Trust is the national body for the civic movement in Scotland and the My Place Awards is a unique scheme that celebrates good local design and conservation as nominated and evaluated by local people. The Awards are supported by the Scottish Government.

The My Place Award project category recognises buildings, landscapes, public realm and civic projects that have had a positive impact in local neighbourhoods and delivered tangible benefits to their communities.

Judges said: “The North Edinburgh Grows project is both inspiring and humbling. In the face of many challenges the designers, client and local community have transformed an unloved bit of land into a remarkable resource for local residents and visitors. It is exactly the sort of project which the My Place Awards were set up to acknowledge – inventive, playful, life-enhancing and civil-minded. It is a worthy winner.”

North Edinburgh Arts Director Kate Wimpress was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the project. She said: “NEA and the North Edinburgh Grows team would like to thank all members of the community and local organisations who have contributed so much to the success of the garden.

“This award is a recognition of everybody’s hard work and enthusiasm. If you would like to be involved with the garden please contact Valla, our Community Growing Coordinator, directly at northedinburghgrows@gmail.com“

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You can follow the North Edinburgh Grows blog here: northedinburghgrows.wordpress.com

The My Place 2015 Exhibition celebrates Scotland’s places, people, community projects and civic champions. It runs at the Lighthouse until 6th May. For full details about the awards and exhibition go to: www.myplaceawards.org.uk

Spring Walk: book NOW!

Last chance to book!

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Zoo Arts Extra
Spring Art Walk & Gallery Visit
Friday 27 March, 1.15pm
FREE, For all ages

Walk from North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) to the Gallery of Modern Art

Leaving from NEA at 1.15pm

  • Please arrive 10 minutes before
  • If you’re coming from the High School, we’ll meet you on Pennywell Road at 1.20pm
  • Primary school age participants are welcome to come to NEA direct from school and wait in a supervised lunch / activity space (with art materials!)
  • If you would like to be collected from school, please phone to arrange

On the Walk:
The walk will take about an hour and a half. Valla, our garden coordinator at NEA will be with us to show us edible plants and tell us about the environment of the cycle path and walk way.

Artist Mark Kirkham (http://edinburghsketcher.com/) will help us sketch all kinds of things along the way.

Art materials, cameras, waterproofs provided.

We will also be leaving the walkway cleaner than we find it; with special litter grabbers provided! Scooters are a good idea for young ones who may find the walk a bit long. Please NO bikes!

At the Gallery of Modern Art:

We’ll wash hands and have snacks and something hot to drink
Draw, photograph and play in the grounds of the gallery
Split into small groups for a look around the exhibitions (with activities).

Afterwards

Head across the road to GMA 2, and through the amazing Dean Cemetery – perfect spot for a bit more sketching and photography – and catch the 37bus home (from Queensferry Road).

Back at North Edinburgh Arts by around 5.30pm (We will notify parents of any change by text).

This activity is for ALL AGES; individuals AND families.

Coming without a parent or responsible adult?
We need permission from a parent/carer to take you with us, as well as contact phone numbers.

Pick up a permission slip from North Edinburgh Arts, Muirhouse Library or your school’s reception / admin office (Pirniehall, St David’s, Forth View, Ferryhill & Craigroyston Primaries).

Or, request the form from admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk

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Lallie Wilson exhibition at North Edinburgh Arts

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Lallie Wilson: Exhibition Opening Invite
Friday 20th March 
North Edinburgh Arts
6 – 7.30pm

North Edinburgh Arts is pleased to present the first major painting exhibition by the artist Lallie Wilson. Based in Musselburgh, Lallie has a body of mixed media artworks and colourful paintings. The exhibition portrays Lallie’s life story; from a young girl in wartime Britain, to a woman still painting many years later.

Daily opening times of exhibition:

Monday 10am – 5pm
Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 7pm (except Thursdays 1-5pm)

The exhibition will run until 27 April.

North Edinburgh Arts are always on the look out for groups and artists who would like to exhibit their work. Find out more on our exhibition page here.