Power to the People: autumn update

The Power to the People group has been busy …

ig 055

Power to the People is a group for adults  in North Edinburgh who are interested in social history, current affairs and the arts.

We have been meeting together since 2012 and  enjoy getting together to learn about  things we are interested in and getting involved  in issues which concern us.  The group is friendly, informal and free and new members can join any time.

Over the last year, we have been learning about North Edinburgh’s early history through studying archive material, visiting exhibitions, watching films and inviting guest speakers to our group.

We are  currently working on a heritage leaflet and a short film for STV’s history programme documenting key aspects of North Edinburgh’s history which will allow us to share the area’s  fascinating history with a wider audience.

We also enjoy getting out and about and  going to different places of interest.  Last week we went on a visit to Wester Hailes to learn about  their social history project.

Over the last few years, the project has been involved in digitising  and publicising  back copies of the Wester Hailes Sentinal and have established a local blog and  Facebook page.

ig 065

The project have also been involved in developing social history walks in the area  in conjunction with Wester Hailes Health Agency and has installed  Scotland’s first digital  totem pole (above) which contains QR codes which allow people to access further information about the area’s history via a smart phone.

We have recently  developed  a  new programme of   information and discussion sessions dealing with issues we are concerned about such as fracking on the Forth, the proposed abolition of the Human Rights Act and the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP). 

The first of these sessions will take place  tomorrow – Tuesday 6 October, from 10am – 12.30  – in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

The next session will take place early in  November and will be held in the evening to allow people to attend who are unable to get to day time sessions.  A free crèche will be provided by Royston Wardieburn Community Centre to allow people with children to participate.

Glasgow Girls

We have also organised a screening of the Glasgow Girls, (see above), the true story of a group of school pupils from Drumchapel, who led a successful campaign to save their friend from deportation. The film  developed into a powerful human rights movement which resulted in changes in immigration practices in Scotland. 

Following the screening of the film, we will be joined by Roza Salih, one of the Glasgow Girls, for a discussion about the issues raised.  The screening will take place  this Thursday 8 October at 6.30 in North Edinburgh Arts.  There is no charge for attending this event  and transport and a crèche have been organised.  Please call 552 5700 to book.

For those of you who enjoy  getting out and about and enjoy the company of others, our next visit will be to the National Library of Scotland  on Tuesday 27 October.  We will be  viewing an exhibition on the life and times of  Thomas Muir,  a radical political reformer known as ‘the father of Scottish Democracy’.

Anyone wishing further information about the group or any of the activities planned this term  should call Lynn McCabe,  on  552 5700 (Tuesday – Thursday)  or email Lynn at  lynn.mccabe@ea.edin.sch.uk

What do you think of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre?

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre survey

DrylawNC1

Are you are a regular visitor to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre? Have you attended groups or events in the Centre in the past? Or maybe you’ve never heard of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre!

Whatever your experience, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre want to hear from you – there’s a free entry to a prize draw for everyone who completes the survey (below):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DrylawNC

 

EVOC thinkSpace event: A Fairer Scotland

Friday 9 October, 9.30am – 12.30pm, EVOC OfficeEVOClogo

We would be delighted if you join EVOC’s Fairer Scotland thinkSpace and hear speakers from the Scottish Government and the Third Sector consider the questions in the current consultation:

  • What are the main issues that matter to you?
  • What do you think needs to be done to create a fairer Scotland?
  • How can you and your community play a role in helping to shape our future?

We invite you to bring two other stakeholders from your organisation, e.g. service users and/or trustees.

Robin McAlpine of the Common Weal will be speaking on People Power plus we have facilitators confirmed from Citizens Advice Scotland, Crisis Edinburgh and One Parent Family Scotland.  Ella Simpson, EVOC’s Director will be leading the discussions on what we can do in Edinburgh and how we can feed back into the consultation process. 

You can book places at: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/evoc-thinkspace-fairer-scotland-tickets-18434528170

View the Fairer Scotland thinkSpace Programme.

june details

REMINDER: Voluntary Sector Forum

The October meeting of Forth and Inverleith VSF was brought forward as the meeting was scheduled to take place during the school holidays.

The new date is Tuesday 6 October 1-3pm, at Pilton Community Health Project.

Glasgow Girls in Muirhouse!

Glasgow Girls

Please help to publicise the screening of the Glasgow Girls next Thursday night (8 October) at North Edinburgh Arts (writes Lynn McCabe).

We will be joined by one of the young women from Drumchapel High School who helped to initiate the campaign against dawn raids and deportation of asylum seekers in her community in 2005.

Transport will be available for anyone who needs it. For further information call 552 5700 or email lynn.mccabe@ea.edin.sch.uk

 |

So long, summer – hello, Halloween! News from Trinity

TCC resumed its meetings on 14 September – Summer is officially over! But as (admittedly meagre) compensation, here’s the September newsletter!

And remember, we would really like to have your feedback on what’s good around Trinity, what’s not so good and what could be better. How else can we represent your views? Look forward to hearing from you!

Bill Rodger, Trinity Community Council

Trinity CC September Bulletin

TRINITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER UPDATE

Twenty five people came along to TCC’s first meeting after the summer break. Here are the main points …

Police Report

No representative available but a written report was received:

  • Enquiries are in hand concerning recent housebreaking reports including incidents in Larkfield Gardens.
  • Several people have been charged with break-ins in Forth. Some are in custody whilst others are on bail curfews.
  • Three addresses in north Edinburgh searched for stolen property to try to identify perpetrators and return property.
  • Overall domestic housebreakings in Forth are down 2% over the same period in 2014 (which was lower than 2013).
  • Detection rates are also increasing with more culprits being taken to court.
  • Additional Police resource has been deployed City-wide.

We can do a lot ourselves using security measures such as alarms, locks, lighting etc. Crime prevention advice or a personal visit with more specialist advice can be arranged through the local Forth Community Policing Team.

Waterfront Developments

Cllr Hinds provided a map showing the ownership pattern for the development area following our concerns about piecemeal development and potential impact on Trinity residents. We will be discussing this with Granton CC. The Second Regeneration Conference has been scheduled for 2.30pm on 30 September at Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Traffic Issues

Feedback about East Trinity Rd suggests that the improved Lower Granton/Trinity Rd junction has improved matters and that no further measures are needed meantime. The knock-on impact to the west end of Lower Granton Rd will continue to be monitored with the 20mph limit expected to be very helpful in the first instance. An application for a pedestrian crossing on Craighall Rd has been assessed and turned down and we are seeking further information on the reasons for that.
CEC officials have advised that nothing is scheduled to review the North Edinburgh Transport Strategy. Cllr Hinds has undertaken to review that position with them in light of previous assurances.

South East Scotland City Region Plan (SESPLAN) Major Issues Report (MIR)

This is the VERY IMPORTANT first stage of a new 20 year strategic plan for 1.5m people living in Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders and southern Fife. It is a consultation document and open for comment until 30 September. You can make your thoughts known at

http://sesplan-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/mir/mir

Alternatively pass them on through TCC as we will be making a representation. Or do both!

Other Planning Matters

Application to trade vehicles from 144 Newhaven Rd resubmitted. We have repeated our previous objections and trust that CEC will maintain the firm stance it took last time.
No further movement regarding 127 Trinity Rd or Sainsbury.

Reduction in Local Banking Services

Following RBS Goldenacre closing its doors on 13 August, Bank of Scotland has now advised a reduction in its opening hours. This is disappointing news for local customers and businesses.

Your Parks Need YOU!trinity halloweenKeep Scotland Beautiful has awarded a Green Flag to Starbank Park recognising the magnificent efforts of the Friends and CEC staff in restoring the park to its place as a jewel in Trinity’s crown. So now both Trinity’s parks have a Green Flag. Celebrate by coming along to see for yourself. Party on Halloween! (see above)

And on the Glorious Twelfth, Victoria Park’s renewed basketball and tennis courts were formally opened by Cllrs Lesley Hinds and Richard Lewis together with Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport. Our parks are really going from strength to strength!

To get the best use of the courts, discussions are in hand about booking but we must ensure these and other amenities stay high grade. We are therefore looking for people to join a Friends of Victoria Park group.

Email tcc-comms@outlook.com if that’s you!

Other Improvement Matters with CEC

Bins installed at Trinity Academy Vennel. Surface improvements under discussion.
 Enforcement of yellow lines at Boswall Rd to be pursued.
 Ownership of Lower Granton Rd foreshore being clarified.
 Denham Green lighting to be investigated.

Clean, Green, Safe & Engaged?

This report from Forth Neighbourhood Partnership compared us against the rest of Edinburgh. Measures cover North: i.e. Forth + Inverleith unless stated. The good, the bad (+ some ugly!):

  • Street Cleanliness (Trinity): Well above target. Some litter on Granton Road.
  • Refuse Collection Complaints: Roughly double target (in common with rest of Edinburgh)
  • Park Quality: 100% achieved across all North¡¦s 5 parks!
  • Safety: Anti-social behaviour orders are low for the size of our population but a disturbing number go unresolved and we suffer a lot of repeat ASB¡¦s.
  • Satisfying Place to Live (Forth): Third worst in Edinburgh.
  • Community Engagement (Forth): Best ward in Edinburgh.

Come along and give your thoughts to our next meeting on

Monday 12 October at 7 pm

in Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road.

We need to know what you think!

Did you find this bulletin useful or informative? If so, why not show it to a neighbour? Anyone in Trinity can subscribe to the bulletin simply by emailing tcc-comms@outlook.com Or drop us a line and tell us what you think could be better.

Positively Diverse programme announced

PCHP_BME_INVITE

We have now finalised the programme for our learning event Positively Diverse on the 1 October (see below).  The event will support organisations to implement positive practices that include BME residents.

Please do BOOK your place by calling us on  0131 551 1671 or emailing admin@pchp.org.uk if you want to attend.

Programme

9.30am Arrive and coffee

10.00am Welcome

10.30am Professor Rebecca Kay, co-convenor of Glasgow refugee, asylum and migration network: ‘Living in Harmony: the benefits and joy of working with a diverse client group’

11.00am Residents tell their stories – followed by Q&A

12.15pm Lunch

1pm A Welcoming North Edinburgh – past and present

1.15pm How to make it happen – best practice from local organisations -followed by Q&A.

2.30pm What can you do next?

3.15pm Summing up

3.30pm Finish

Anita Aggarwal

Community Development Manager, Pilton Community Health Project

PCHP_BME_INVITE

Shiver our timbers!

Muirhouse lads on Ocean Youth Trust trip of a lifetime

unnamed (3)

Two of our young Centre volunteers, Paul Alexander & Chris Barnes (above), embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as they enrolled in a positive learning environment under sail on the Alba Explorer from 31 August to 4 September (writes James McGinty).

Both lads kept a log of their adventure with feedback from their skipper Steve. Reading their log was as difficult as writing it in the ocean swell! With goals to achieve daily and new skills to learn, the skipper’s remarks were favourable.

The values and skills learned fell into many categories:

Meeting new people – and the art of conversation.
Following Instructions – Speaking out in groups
Getting Up Early ( Bet you thought this was not possible!!)
Working in a team -Being on time
Working on daily goals – Keeping Calm.

Many of these qualities can be taken into the lads’ adulthood; so well done, Paul and Chris!

Here are some of the 244 pictures and videos taken by the lads and their crewmates. Click On To our Website to see more: www.muirhousecommunitycentre.co.uk

IMGP3397

IMGP3548

SONY DSC

no2