Tag: volunteers

Heart of Newhaven June Newsletter

Welcome to your June Newsletter

First of all, we hope you enjoyed the Picnic in the Park on Sunday 19th June in collaboration with the Friends of Victoria Park and the Victoria Park Allotment Holders. There seemed to be hundreds of people there, all having a great time. We hope you caught up with some old friends and made some new ones.

Next in the calendar will be our second Annual General Meeting. This will be held on Saturday 2nd July and members will be receiving their own invitation to attend in person this year, now that Covid restrictions have been relaxed. There will be more details in the members’ invitations.

If you think you are already a member, but have not received the AGM invitation by email in the last few days, please do get in touch with us to check your membership status by emailing admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk .

Just a reminder that receiving this newsletter does not necessarily mean that you are a member. You might just have signed up to receive the newsletter but not joined as a member.

Check out our website for membership conditions, which are purely geographical. If you live in our area of benefit (there’s a map on the website) then you can become a full member with voting rights.

If you live outside the area then you can still become an associate member but will not be able to vote at the AGM.

Joining is free. If you haven’t joined and wish to, then you can find the form under JOIN on the website.

The Trustees look forward to meeting members in person, many of them for the first time, and discussing our exciting plans for the future.

We would also like to use this newsletter to introduce you to a new member of our team. Bryan McCarthy joins us as our new Volunteer Coordinator.

One of our trustees, Christine McDerment has been on the other end of the volunteering email address up until now, but Bryan has stepped up and answered the call for some help.

Bryan is originally from Cork, Ireland, but moved to Edinburgh five years ago and has been living in Leith while working in criminal justice with Edinburgh City Council. “I have always enjoyed volunteering in my spare time and am excited to put my energy into coordinating the volunteering activities of Heart of Newhaven,” he says.

Now, a reminder: we are looking for volunteers to get involved in reminiscence training.

Sharing family stories is therapeutic and instructive, not to mention enjoyable. If you’re interested in helping to record people’s stories and memories, to then share with the community, then please get in touch. We have secured funding for this, so the training would be free for the participants.

Contact: judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

or Christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Remember to check the website regularly for blogs.

The month of May saw a visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, with whom we hope to collaborate on exhibitions and events in the future. As well as their regular collection they also offer temporary exhibitions and the current one runs until 19th June.

You can find the blogs, including Culture & Heritage and View From The Chair, under BLOGS on the website.

Winchburgh community set to celebrate the return of the gala

The gala has been a feature of the historic mining village for over 85 years and organisers kept the tradition alive during lockdowns by crowning the Gala Queen in a private family ceremony at Duntarvie Castle.

The events take place from Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 June, with the highlight being on the final day featuring the crowning of the 2022 Gala Queen followed by a parade around Winchburgh with over 250 children, the community growers, Winchburgh Wombles, the football club, bands and many more.

The event has been supported by Winchburgh Developments Ltd. Penny Lochhead, Community Engagement Manager, said: “We are delighted to be the main supporters for this year’s Winchburgh Children’s Gala.

“It has been great to support and take part in the return of this event and it is exciting to have the community come together for a week of celebrations, as it continues to expand and grow.”

Yvonne Ledgerwood, Winchburgh Children’s Gala Volunteer Committee Member, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring back the Winchburgh Children’s Gala to the village.

“It has been fantastic to see the local community and businesses come together in preparation for the gala and we are looking forward to a week of celebrations to mark this occasion.

“We would like to thank Winchburgh Developments Ltd for their continued support and for helping us make this year’s gala a celebration to remember.”

Letters: Stroke charity and Royalty thank volunteers this Thank You Day

Dear Editor,

I am delighted to be able to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of wonderful Stroke Association volunteers this Thank You Day 2022. 

The annual Thank You Day, which takes place on Sunday 5 June, is extra special this year, as it coincides with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend where the nation will stop to celebrate 70 years of service by Her Majesty, the Queen.

To all our volunteers, you make a huge difference to thousands of stroke survivors and their families by sharing your stories, providing information and support through services and stroke groups, promoting stroke in local communities, fundraising, and campaigning for change. 

I’m also delighted to pass on the best wishes of The Duke of Kent, who is also President of the Stroke Association:

“On this Thank You Day, it is an honour to be able to say a huge thank you to every one of the fantastic volunteers at the Stroke Association.

“This special weekend, as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, it is fitting to also take time to recognise the service of the amazing volunteers who are supporting stroke survivors and their families every day as they rebuild their lives after stroke.

“We are inspired by your dedication, commitment and care towards others, particularly those volunteers who have been so badly affected by stroke themselves.

“My best wishes and thanks to you all.”

So it’s a huge thank you from me and everyone at the Stroke Association. Thank you for giving hope to thousands of stroke survivors and their carers and supporting them with their recoveries – You’re amazing! 

Juliet Bouverie, OBE

Chief Executive of the Stroke Association

Facing extinction: Half of UK’s butterfly species on latest Red List

  • 24 species of butterfly are now listed as threatened – including 8 that are Endangered – representing a substantial increase compared with the previous assessment.
  • The risk of extinction is increasing for more species than decreasing.
  • There is some hope for species that have been the focus of intense conservation work and have been brought back from the brink of extinction.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is warning that time is running out to save some of Britain’s best-loved insects, with the latest Red List assessment of butterflies published today, revealing a 26% increase in the number of species threatened with extinction.

Using data gathered by volunteers through the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and Butterflies for the New Millennium recording scheme, scientists from Butterfly Conservation have put together the new Red List, which assesses all the butterfly species that have bred regularly in Great Britain against the rigorous criteria of extinction risk set out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The new Red List is published today in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity.

Of the 62 species assessed, four are extinct in Britain (Black-veined White, Large Tortoiseshell, Large Copper, and Mazarine Blue) with 24 (41% of the remaining species) classed as threatened (8 Endangered, 16 Vulnerable) and a further five (9%) as Near Threatened.

Head of Science for Butterfly Conservation, Dr Richard Fox, says: “Shockingly, half of Britain’s remaining butterfly species are listed as threatened or Near Threatened on the new Red List.

“Even prior to this new assessment, British butterflies were among the most threatened in Europe, and now the number of threatened species in Britain has increased by five, an increase of more than one-quarter.

“While some species have become less threatened, and a few have even dropped off the Red List, the overall increase clearly demonstrates that the deterioration of the status of British butterflies continues apace.”

While land-use change remains the most important driver of decline, the impact of climate change on butterflies is also evident in the new Red List, with all four British butterflies with northerly distributions, adapted to cooler or damper climates, now listed as threatened (Large Heath, Scotch Argus, Northern Brown Argus) or Near Threatened (Mountain Ringlet).

Both the Large Heath and the Grayling have moved from Vulnerable to Endangered, and seven species have moved from Near Threatened to threatened, including the beautiful Swallowtail and Adonis Blue.

Two new species have been added for the first time, Scotch Argus, which is listed as Vulnerable, and Dark Green Fritillary, listed as Near Threatened.

It isn’t bad news for all butterfly species though, with some improvement in status for those that have been the focus of concentrated conservation effort, offering hope for other species.

The Large Blue, which became extinct in Great Britain in 1979 and has been the subject of an intensive, ongoing, and highly successful reintroduction programme, has moved from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened.

The High Brown Fritillary, also formerly listed as Critically Endangered, has moved to Endangered; likely to be the result of intense conservation work from Butterfly Conservation alongside other organisations.

The Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary, which have also benefitted from much targeted conservation effort, both moved from Endangered to Vulnerable.

Dr Richard Fox adds: “Where we are able to target conservation work, we have managed to bring species back from the brink, but with the extinction risk increasing for more species than are decreasing, more must be done to protect our butterflies from the effects of changing land management and climate change.

“Without action it is likely that species will be lost from Britain’s landscapes for good, but Butterfly Conservation is taking bold steps to improve key landscapes for butterflies and reduce the extinction risk of many threatened species.”

The production of the new Red List of British butterflies has been led by Butterfly Conservation with input and funding from Natural England.

The full scientific paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12582

Edinburgh volunteers needed for NSPCC’s flagship Childhood Day

NSPCC Scotland is bringing people in Edinburgh together this summer to have fun while helping to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Childhood Day, which is on June 10, is the NSPCC’s landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues fundraise and take action to help keep children safe.

To help make this the best Childhood Day yet, the NSPCC is appealing for volunteers on the day in Edinburgh to help at the fundraising collections for the city centre and Edinburgh Craigleith Retail Park, from 10am until 6pm.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals to agencies in Scotland about child abuse and neglect concerns – an average of two referrals a day.

“With the support of local people here in Edinburgh, we can take action against child abuse, and raise funds to ensure young people always have someone to turn to.

“We need volunteers to help at our Edinburgh collection, so please contact us if you’re able to give your time, energy and enthusiasm. It would be great if you could spare a couple of hours to help us. Together we can make all the difference for children.

“Or you may prefer to set up a fundraising event. Whether you’re organising a sponsored kickabout in the park, a board game, a musical get-together or an online gaming tournament, we want your help to get the UK playing and to raise money to help us keep children safe from abuse.”

https://youtu.be/mMcOHBaKkN0

To help with a collection, visit:  

www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/volunteer/

If you want to do your own fundraising, then visit:

 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday 

for a fundraising pack.

One of world’s oldest fire engines moved to new Edinburgh home

ONE of the world’s oldest fire engines has been moved into its new home in Edinburgh’s new Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage.

Dating from 1806 the horse-drawn pump, originally stationed at Duns in the Scottish Borders, takes pride of place alongside four other classic fire appliances spanning more than 100 years of fire and rescue history.

The appliances were moved by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s fleet team, marking a major milestone in the museum’s construction ahead of a summer opening.

All five appliances played a pivotal role in the history of fire and rescue in Scotland and include a 1939 Dennis Limo, previously based at Musselburgh, a 1911 Halley which served with Leith Fire Brigade, an 1824 hand-drawn pump which was used in Edinburgh City and a 1901 Greenwich Gem, first used by the town of Kircaldy in Fife.

All have been lovingly restored and will feature alongside dozens of historic and modern exhibits and artefacts including uniforms and equipment at the museum’s new premises at McDonald Road Community Fire Station.

Kelly McMeekin, Museum Manager, said: “It has been a journey to get to where we are today.

“The appliance installations have made everything feel so real. We are close to opening our doors to the public and our very proud of the work of staff and the amazing volunteers.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has a rich and proud heritage which had a profound impact on the evolution of fire and rescue, not only in the UK, but around the world.”

Rounding out the exhibitions are ‘real stories about real people’, interactives and dress up for the entire family with a view to the working fire station’s drill yard.

There has been a museum in Edinburgh dedicated to firefighting in the Lothians since 1968 when it originally opened at McDonald Road Fire Station before moving to its previous location at the old Lauriston Fire Station before closing in 2016.

Dave Farries QFSM, Watch Commander, was a firefighter at McDonald Road and gave tours at the original museum in the 70s.

He commented: “I started working at McDonald Road Fire Station in 1969, as a Junior Fireman seconded to the Brigade Training School, a year after the Station first opened and remember visitors from around the world being given tours of the newly established Museum on the site.

“After years of hard work by our dedicated Volunteers and staff, it is great to see the gleaming appliances being installed and the new museum taking shape back in its original home at McDonald Road.

“We cannot wait to welcome members of the public, the community, firefighters and tourists to the new museum.”

If you would like to be involved the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage is currently recruiting Front of House and Gallery Guide volunteers. You can contact them by email at Heritage@firescotland.gov.uk 

Find out more information about the museum’s development on social media Facebook – Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Instagram – MuseumScotFire and Twitter – @MuseumScotFire

Volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland and enjoy the event for FREE

Are you a fan of 80s music? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for music fans to give 4 hours of their time to volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland selling wristbands and raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work.

In return volunteers get to enjoy the rest of the event free of charge!

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. 

The line-up for Let’s Rock Scotland, which takes place on Saturday 18 June 2022 at Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, includes Squeeze, OMD, Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins), Level 42 and Nick Heyward.

Lorna Murchie, Community Projects Manager for Child Bereavement UK said: ‘This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds.  If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved .’

For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit: 

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit: 

www.childbereavementuk.org 

or call 0800 02 888 40

Unsung Heroes: National volunteering hub oversees 7,000 shifts in first year

Thousands of volunteers have been supporting efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through the National Volunteer Co-ordination (NVC) hub established a year ago.

The NVC hub was established by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland last February. Run by the British Red Cross, it has so far provided more than 7,000 individual volunteer shifts over that period, totalling more 54,000 volunteering hours.

This has complemented the major contribution of community volunteering organised by third sector interfaces (TSIs), NHS volunteers and others across the country, towards the national COVID response effort over the past two years.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf met with volunteers in Edinburgh today who have helped carry out a range of roles, including support with  vaccination, community testing and shielding support, as well as shopping, prescription delivery and social contact.

https://youtu.be/G1wlaOFqS4M

Mr Yousaf said:  “Volunteers have played an essential role in helping to deal with the impact of the pandemic on communities all over Scotland – in many ways they are the unsung heroes of our collective effort.

“The contribution they make, from providing necessary support for shielders and maintaining vital human contact at the start of the pandemic, to assisting the roll-out of the vaccination campaign and handing out COVID test kits, has been pivotal to our collective response. They typify the incredible spirit we have seen throughout the pandemic from communities across Scotland and the individuals and organisations working within them.

“The creation of the NVC hub has ensured that volunteering support is targeted to areas where it is most needed – and participation levels have been remarkable.

“It has complemented the vital role played by a wide range of local community groups and individuals. We owe all volunteers a huge debt of gratitude for their efforts.”

And NHS volunteers have provided 52,000 volunteering hours to Health Boards across the country the last quarter of last year, alone.

Alan Stevenson, CEO, Volunteer Scotland:  “Volunteers have given enormous support to others throughout this pandemic and in doing so, mitigated some of its worst effects. 

“They’ve provided the response our society needed at that time, from being the first to react – delivering food, prescriptions and social connection – to helping provide successful national testing and vaccination programmes. As Volunteers address the long-lasting impact of COVID-19, largely for the most vulnerable in society, they will need our support and recognition.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking assistance can contact the National Volunteer Co-ordination Hub.

Red Cross volunteers standing ready to support communities if storms cause disruption in Scotland

British Red Cross volunteers and staff are ready to support communities as Storms Dudley and Eunice approach Scotland. 

Met Office weather warnings have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday with 90mph winds possible in parts. 

Red Cross teams are based across Scotland and support communities as part of coordinated responses with local authorities, the emergency services, and the voluntary sector during emergencies. 

Just recently, volunteers and staff helped people affected by power outages following Storm Arwen, providing information, food and other essentials to vulnerable people who were in need.  

Anyone affected by the storms can contact the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651 for emotional support. 

British Red Cross tips for preparing for floods 

Before floods 

  • Check for local flood warnings online or during weather forecasts and stay up to date with local radio and TV news.  You can also download the British Red Cross emergency app here. 
  • In a Covid-secure way, check in with vulnerable people to see what help they need and, if you are vulnerable yourself, let others know you may need a little help yourself. 
  • Buy or prepare sandbags, move vehicles to higher ground and prepare an emergency kit of items you might need in the event of crisis – a first aid kit, drinking water, a snack, a torch and some waterproof clothes might be some choices. 
  • Get hold of a battery or wind-up operated radio to stay in touch with the latest developments. 
  • Make sure you have all the medicines you need, especially if you have conditions such as diabetes or angina.  

During floods 

  • Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater and don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks. 
  • Avoid contact with flood water as it can be contaminated with sewage and don’t allow children to play in or near it. 
  • Contact your local council.  They will be helping your community respond to this crisis and may have arranged emergency shelter. 

After floods 

  • Throw away any food that has been in floodwater. 
  • Boil tap water or use bottled water until you’re told your water supply is safe. 
  • If you’re struggling and need a little help call the British Red Cross support line on 0808 196 3651.

Heart of Newhaven’s New Year newsletter

Welcome to your New Year newsletter

It’s a new year and we hope you’re all raring to go. If you’ve made resolutions, we hope you stick to them!

HoNC certainly intends to. We won the right to purchase the building. We’ve been awarded enough funds from the Scottish Land Fund to pay for it. We have a business plan. We have architects. We have lawyers. We have volunteers at the ready.
What we need now are the keys and then it’s all hands on deck.

“So when will that be?” you ask.

Many of you have no doubt seen that the pupils and staff of Victoria Primary School have now moved into their new building and may be wondering when HoNC will be moving in to the old one.

Well the fact is that it probably won’t be until well into March. There are still formalities to be completed and final contracts to be signed, but the HoNC board is on the case and we’re hoping that there will be no hiccups before we can get started on the real work on the ground.

With the onset of Omicron some of our interim projects about which you might have been expecting news, had to be postponed, but they’re waiting in the wings for the right moment to get going again.

We’ll bring you news about them as soon as we have it.

In the meantime, sign up for free membership if you haven’t already done so, which will give you the right to have your say at the next AGM, (if you live in the area of benefit). Or sign up as a volunteer and offer your skills to the community.

Once we have the keys, we will need all sorts of practical help to get the Heart fit for purpose and operating the way the community would like to see.

We’ll need helping hands to clear any old school “rubbish” left behind, more to clean and paint, and repair and all sorts of things, so get ready.

We’ll be calling on you soon!