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Number 164 March 2019

SPEAKING UP FOR RESTALRIG, LOCHEND AND Published by The Ripple on behalf of the community INSIDE Community Community Musical Fridays Police Surgery Council Update at the Hub page 2 page 4 page 7

JOBS AND TRAINING FAYRE COMES TO CRAIGENTINNY

By Liz Fer guson opportunities all under one Development , roof and on their own Jobcentre Plus and LOCAL people of all ages could doorstep." College. Susie Donkin said: find new, productive and A wide range of stallholders “The aim of the day is to offer potentially life-changing will be there to support people people the chance to find opportunities opening up to take up new opportunities as out about activities and them at the Careers and diverse as joining a yoga class, organisations in their local Opportunities event being held starting childcare training or area, and perhaps a little this month at Craigentinny embarking on a new career in further afield, that can help Community Centre. The day is retail. guide and support them to open to all ages and will bring The Craigentinny event is develop their skills and together local projects, support one in a series developed by employment prospects.” and advice organisations, a range of partners working One of the organisations training providers and together, including City of hoping to recruit people at employers. Edinburgh Council, Skills the event is the Fort Kinnaird Susie Donkin Senior Recruitment Skills Centre Economic Development Officer (FKRSC). The organisation links at City of Edinburgh Council up with employers across Fort said: “This event provides an Kinnaird and beyond to recruit excellent opportunity for for and fill a wide variety of people in the Restalrig, vacancies. Lochend and Craigentinny FKRSC also run two areas to come along and get preparatory courses for those information on training, with little or no experience in development and real job the retail sector, either for youngsters just starting out in their careers or those wishing to retrain or gain new skills after time out of the workforce.

M Other organisations with help people take that first step stalls at the Community Centre towards employment, as well

c on the day will include as volunteering opportunities

G Volunteer Edinburgh, Create and local employers with real Digital Skills and All In job vacancies. There will be no l FUNERAL L PERSEVERE Edinburgh, an organisation pressure to sign up or get which supports people with a involved in anything, but the

L DIRECTORS PRIVATE HIRE disability or long term health event will hopefully inspire I condition to find and maintain people to make their next V 0131 555 2323 24 Hour Service paid jobs. move.” R Golden Charter Susie Donkin hopes the For more information on People carriers Local private hire Careers and Opportunities the Careers and Opportunities A Funeral Plans Business accounts taxi company, event will provide real event see the notice above,

Y 24 hour friendly established practical help to anyone call Craigentinny Community Tel: 0131 554 7777 service over 20 years looking for employment or Centre Manager Donna Mob: 07508 178 433 considering making a change. Melrose on 0131 661 9404 or 139/141 Restalrig Road ‘Safe secure She said: “There will be just drop into the Loaning Edinburgh EH7 6HW and reliable’ organisations available to Road venue on the day. 2 The Speaker, March 2019 HAVE YOUR SAY!

THE SPEAKER is published by If you would like your letter The Ripple Project to appear in the paper it 198 Restalrig Road South must include your name and Edinburgh EH7 6DZ address, although these may Scottish Charity No. SC024973 be withheld from publication Company Limited by Guarantee No. 214364 at your request. 0131 554 0422 Say what you think – write to The Speaker. [email protected] Send your letters to: www.rippleproject.co.uk The Editor, The Speaker, Raise local issues, celebrate achievements, put forward 198 Restalrig Road South suggestions. Help make sure The Speaker is the kind of Edinburgh EH7 6DZ Editor Liz Ferguson newspaper you want to read. E-mail: [email protected] Phone 07876 178734 Email [email protected] Post 198 Restalrig Road South Edinburgh EH7 6DZ ENSURE STAIR DOORS SECURE Advertising Donna Gilfillan and Production 019 68 673229 [email protected] Hello from your local stair give us a ring on 101 emphasise the need to ensure Community Officers: or come and see your that your vehicle is ‘Winter Copy deadline Community Officers at Coffee Ready’ and to drive to the for April issue Friday 22nd March RECENTLY we have had many with a Copper on 8th March road conditions. Low winter stair complaints regards 12.30 pm at Restalrig sun can also be an issue Printed by D C Thomson & Co Ltd either anti-social behaviour Lochend Hub Community when driving so investing in Distributed by Out of Hand Scotland or vandalism to landings. Café. a decent pair of sunnies will If you live in a flat We have had some help with this, plus you’ll The Speaker is an independent community newspaper which aims development or really chilly spells look really cool! to provide a forum for free speech and debate, an effective method tenement flat it is in the past month of information sharing and a way to celebrate local achievement. advisable to have a with flurries of Community involvement is key to its success and any individual sturdy lock and answer snow and icy Got an issue or group within Restalrig, Lochend, Craigentinny and surrounding system at the common driving conditions or problem? local area is welcome to contribute. The views expressed in The stair door. Please ONLY and can expect Need a chat? Speaker are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the let people into your stair these to continue Editor or Publishers. Please note copy may be edited. Any letter or whom you know. Don't let until the Scottish Summer Coffee with a Copper article which is considered libellous will not be published and anyone in who is a cold arrives – likely not much 12.30-1.30pm individuals will be protected from personal attack. caller and if that delivery is warmer, and most likely Friday 8th March not for you, don't let them in! arriving for one day on a at the Hub If you are experiencing random Tuesday! anti-social behaviour in your We would continue to Just drop in

Remember the clocks go forward one hour on Sunday 31st March

To advertise in the Speaker, support your community, reach your target market and take advantage of our extremely competitive rates contact Donna on 01968 673229 or email [email protected] The Speaker, March 2019 3 PALETTE FINDS SOME CERTAINTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Tommy small businesses, charities, support of MPs to do it). They Sheppard MP social enterprises and, most want to make it as difficult as writes: of all, artists’ studios. The they can for people to come creative output there really in to the country, even if that AMID all the is something to behold and means that the arts – hugely chaos and is a winning template as reliant on the free movement uncertainty that Edinburgh Palette expand their of talented people and the easy shrouds the Brexit process, it’s operations to Portobello and exchange of ideas – will be nice to get some good news in . And arts social collateral damage in pursuit the local area. enterprises like Edinburgh of their toxic ‘hostile Palette and the equally great environment’ obsession. Edinburgh Palette Out of the Blue who run St Margaret’s House, home Abbey Mount and the Drill Festival Impact of the incredible Edinburgh Hall on Street in the Huge numbers of musicians, Palette – which some readers nearby area are part of writers and performers visit might recall I wrote about Edinburgh’s wider creative Edinburgh every year to take in one of my first Speaker scene which is positively part in our festivals, a cultural columns as the local MP – has buzzing with talent, energy and creative outpouring that had a reprieve until the end of and ideas. Few cities in the is the envy of the world and 2019 at least. world can hope to equal what which gives our city’s economy needing only their passport is turning in on itself and is We can guess that we have here. a huge boost. We as local at the airport terminal and increasingly unwelcoming prospective developers Drum residents get easy access to talented, creative residents of to visitors. Property Group might have The 'B' Word globally best-selling authors Edinburgh can do exactly the And of course the arts and their hands full with their But unfortunately things have and live performances of some same in Barcelona, Berlin or creative industries is only one other interests at Walk. to come back to that black of the world’s finest new Budapest. Remember, it’s not small part of the damaging Their controversial proposals cloud that hangs above all comedy, theatre, music and so just about the actual barriers effects that the UK there were recently rejected things at the moment – the ‘B on. And the current freedom which visiting artists and Government’s Brexit strategy unanimously by councillors word’. As Theresa May likes to of movement rules are key to performers will face – visa is likely to cause. I say that on the planning committee – say about Brexit: ‘Nothing has helping that to happen. applications and other Edinburgh, the wonderful, absolutely rightly in my view. changed’ – which means we troublesome red tape – which outward looking European As many folk will know, for still know concerningly little Borders or Barriers will deter them coming to capital city we live in, more than ten years Edinburgh about what it will entail. We It means that talented people contribute to our cultural overwhelmingly wants no part Palette has been using the know what the government from Lisbon or Latvia or scene, off-putting as these may in that and I will continue to drab former office block at St wants to happen (though at anywhere in between can be. These obstacles add to how do my best to stop that dismal, Margaret’s House to play host time of writing they haven’t contribute to what we have the UK is increasingly seen isolated future from coming to an amazing ecosystem of actually managed to get the here at very short notice, across the world as a place that about.

UN Global Goals: We should all be able to flourish

Ripple Director Rachel Green the support you need to be and case studies that people writes: healthy and well – this is a can read and share to get ideas, United Nations Goal. Learn understand more and take FIVE students from the something new, brush up on action that is good both locally Glasgow School for Business your skills – this is a United and globally. It’s been good to and Society visited the Ripple Nations Goal. Volunteer, make be a part of this, to take a day in February to learn how a some money, have a job – this to see the bigger picture and small organisation like the is a United Nations Goal. remember why we all need to Ripple can make a positive Aim2Flourish collects stories “Do good and Do well”. impact on society and the environment. From Restalrig to Rio de Janeiro, Lochend to London and Craigentinny to Chicago we are all joined by common challenges and Sustainable Development as strategies that improve opportunities to “Do good, a lens. health and education, reduce Do well” on a daily basis. At first glance it’s easy to see inequality and spur economic AIM2Flourish is a UN- why people would wonder what growth – all whilst taking care supported global learning the 17 sustainable development of the planet. initiative where students goals have to do with them. Dig Once you break it down discover and celebrate untold a bit deeper though and we see you can see where we as a stories about organisational that they recognise that ending community can influence these innovations for good, using poverty and other deprivations goals on a daily basis. Take care Ripple Director Rachel Green (4th from left) hosts visitors to the the 17 UN Global Goals for must go hand-in-hand with of yourself, change habits, get Hub from the Glasgow School for Business and Society 4 The Speaker, March 2019 News from St Margaret’s News from St Ninian’s

As said in previous editions Committee (nine members of the proposed Sole Nominee as Palms to Ashes Lent Services St Margaret’s continues St Margaret’s) whose their next minister. Exciting Two months after Easter eggs Stations of the Cross without a minister. The responsibility it will be to times ahead and it’s good went on sale Lent begins with are on Fridays in Lent at process is lengthy but we advertise the post, look at that we are moving forward. Ash Wednesday on 6th March. about 7.30pm following thought this would be a good any applications, show We will keep you updated. We have Masses at 10am and Mass at 7pm. It’s a service time to let the parish know applicants round the parish, For more information on 7pm. Lent is to be a springboard where, following the where we are at the moment. interview and then hear everything going on in to become better followers of images on the walls, we We have been allowed to call them preach in another St Margaret’s check our Jesus through prayer, doing can imagine accompanying a minister on a five year church with a view to Facebook page without and charity. The ashes Jesus in his last moments reviewable tenure from presenting to the www.facebook.com/pages are placed on our foreheads as as one of us. We also consider induction of a new minister. congregation a Sole Nominee /St-Margarets-Parish-Church/ a sign we want to follow Him that humiliated innocents After numerous meetings to preach one Sunday in St 355714741285129 or for from death to new life. They are still suffer in silence, with the Presbytery Advisors Margaret’s. The members general enquiries phone the remains of the palm crosses onlookers continue to comfort we hope to have in place attending that day will then the church office on waved last Palm Sunday to and jeer those who stumble in March a Nominating vote on whether to accept 0131 554 7400. celebrate Our Lord’s entry into and fall in life and adult Jerusalem. We hope our children’s deaths devastate enthusiasm doesn’t burn out parents. like tha t. News from Willowbrae Parish Church

It is nice to see the early signs a lot of hard work from our information about our of spring and to welcome the halls team. Coffee after activities please look on our News from Christ Church longer hours of daylight. All worship on a Sunday is very website www.willowbrae of the organisations which cosy! It is interesting to note parishchurch.org or call As a congregation of the Free at contains some practical meet in our halls are back the difference in noise levels into the church centre on a Church of Scotland we are also instruction about living the after the mid-term break. At in the Centre as the various Thursday morning when our linked with the Edinburgh Christian life, built upon the the moment our Upper Hall is groups pursue their activities, office is open. Discussions Theological Seminary. The truths covered in the first half. closed until remedial work is from the subdued murmurs as are now taking place as we seminary situated on the And the events in Elijah’s life carried out, so our groups are our Art Group are working think about the ways in which Mound is a training college will include his being taken up being accommodated in the industriously to the joyful we might be able to make for those wanting to become to heaven – Elijah being one of Church Centre or in our shouts of the toddlers as they improvements to our buildings ministers, but also has only two people to have been smaller hall on the lower level, play with their toys while their for our congregation, our occasional lectures open to taken to heaven without dying. but everyone seems to be carers enjoy coffee and a hall users and the local the public. This year’s Annual During March we also have a taking this in their stride, with natter. If you would like community. Lecture in Scottish Church couple of visiting speakers. History takes place on In the Ladies’ Bible Study we’ll Thursday 7th March and looks be continuing the story of at the life of Dugald Buchanan, Jonah. The second half of the a poet in Scots and Gaelic who book covers Jonah preaching helped with the translation to the city of Nineveh and of the Bible into Gaelic. The their response of repentance, GET HELP FROM GIC lecture starts at 2pm and but also Jonah’s surprising is free. reaction. The Men’s Breakfast BENEFIT , debt/money and unsuccessful. Can that To advertise in the Speaker On Sundays we’ll be will also be continuing their housing problems happen at decision be changed? contact Donna on completing our studies in study of our church’s 01968 673229 or email some time for most people. • I haven’t paid my rent in Colossians and the Life of confession of faith. Look out [email protected] For example: weeks and I’ve just got so Elijah. The second half of for details on our Facebook • My hours at work have been much debt. Help? Colossians that we’ll be looking page. reduced and I’m struggling If you have been asking to get by. Am I entitled to yourself any of these questions any extra help? then you might benefit from • I don’t feel able to carry on an appointment at Restalrig Community Council report working at the moment. Can Lochend Community Hub on I claim benefits? Wednesdays. Call Granton IT'S been a busy old month for our next community council We will be selecting dates • I’ve recently been found ‘fit Information Centre on us with a lot of engagement meeting on 27th March at and location for our next for work’ by the DWP but 0131 551 2459 to book or for following our involvement in 7.30pm at Craigentinny community clean-up soon. If my doctor says I’m not. patients registered at Restalrig planning applications along Community Centre. We can you have ideas of where we What do I do? Park Medical Centre book with getting projects going then try to formalise these and should do these let us know • I’ve got a scary looking form directly with the practice for with the council. We saw that actively get involved. at our meetings or via our to fill in about how my an appointment there. the Bunch O’ Roses planning There is progress in our website/social media health/disability/condition application was withdrawn. possible use of the old Clerk of @Craigy_MBankCC affects me on a day-to-day This brings a question to the Works site in Loganlea. We've basis. Can I get help to community council – do you been looking at transforming complete it? have ideas about what we the empty site into a • My application for my could do with the Bunch O’ community garden. More news child’s disability benefit was Roses? If you do, bring them to to come soon on that front. The Speaker, March 2019 5 News from your local Councillors

Cllr John Mclellan Cllr Joan Griffiths

WITH more of local people in the highly successful THE on all sides for meaningful a whimper than pop-up consultations last autumn, Meadowbank consultation and informed discussion a bang the City were instead subject to further hold- Area Sounding leading to a sensible development of Council has ups. The locality committee and the Board (MASB) the wider site for the benefit of the voted to abolish Neighbourhood Partnership is to be which was set community, building confidence that the system of replaced by something called a up as a planning the whole community has been four locality Neighbourhood Network and while we condition listened to, address concerns on height committees understand it will continue to provide a from the and amount of housing and share which were platform for the Council and councillors Development more details especially with those supposed to to work with the emergency services Management most affected. The importance of enhance local services by bringing and the health board we don’t really Sub-Committee on Friday 29th June greenspace was also highlighted. decision-making closer to local know much more than that. But 2018 to provide consultation and Do you know an older person who communities. The reality was a Joan, Alex and I are unanimous in input into the wider Meadowbank would appreciate a weekly home labyrinth of reporting lines and demanding that the strength of our Masterplan held its first meeting in cooked meal and some company? responsibilities which, for Craigentinny Neighbourhood Partnership is January 2019. The MASB is not a Meal Makers have got Cooks looking & at least seemed to maintained so we don’t get squeezed by decision-making body. It is a forum to for Diners in our area. If you know an deliver plenty paperwork but little the powerful local lobbies in Portobello express and seek views and be assisted elderly person (55+ years) who could action. This is not party political point- and Leith. At what turned out to be the in this through public consultation benefit from a home cooked meal call scoring, as the Council unanimously penultimate localities meeting we were events. The decision-making rests with the Meal Makers Team on 0800 783 decided to scrap the system and presented with lists of local projects the Council. The MSAB will meet 7770. I don’t know about you, but it certainly Joan Griffiths, Alex Staniforth and for reasons which officers found again on 28th February and feels that you can never get away and I were in full agreement that the hard to explain – or at least I found periodically thereafter which will tie from your electronic devices. Well North-East Locality, in which we were hard to accept – it was clear that in with the decision-making cycle. If Friday 22nd March is World Ditch the the meat in a Portobello and Leith many in Leith and Portobello were at you want to make any comments, Devices Day, a day dedicated to sandwich, was not serving the ward a more advanced stage than those in please get in touch with the dodging those devices. No phones, well. In fact we came to the view that our ward. That can’t go on and the Community Council who have a tablets, computers or any other the set-up was actually getting in the three of us are working closely with representative on the sounding board devices to be used all day. Oh, the joy way of delivering improvements to the community councils to ensure our or any of the local councillors. At the of chatting to friends and family face the area and projects we thought had ward’s many needs are not ignored. first meeting those present shared to face or maybe write a letter or send been approved at the Neighbourhood Contact 0131 529 4395 or what they were hoping to get from the a card. Contact 0131 529 4019 or Partnership, such as those suggested by [email protected] meetings. This ranged from a desire [email protected]

Cllr Ian Campbell Cllr Alex Staniforth

UNFORTUNATELY Councillor Campbell is currently HELLO again. officers in which we asked for deadlines unwell and therefore unable to contribute a column to At the council to be set and projects to be moved the Speaker or to attend any of his surgeries. Any February is forward. Hopefully this means we’ll see constituents who are in need of assistance should always all about the movement that all of your local contact Debbie Marshall on 0131 469 3781 or at the budget and, councillors are arguing for. Speaking [email protected] though Greens of local projects, as spring rapidly did get some approaches now is the time for us to concessions look to our parks and greenspaces and toward local ask questions about how they can be government, improved or better utilised by the there’s no getting away from the fact community. If you have any ideas FOOTBALL FANS BOOST RIPPLE FUNDS that this year’s budget isn’t an easy about how you’d like to see green one. At the time of writing it hasn’t spaces in your area better used please A TEAM of Ripple staff and volunteers been passed yet but by the time you do email me and let me know – there’s was out in force on Saturday 16th read this it will have been, which no time like the present! There has been February stationed around means making any definite comment a lot of concern both locally and across Stadium for the Hibs v Hamilton league about it is difficult. If my emails are the city more generally about the game. Thanks to the generosity of anything to go by people are very threshold for complaints on planning football fans their rattling buckets concerned about cuts to sports grants applications. It used to be more than netted a fantastic £790 which will all be and Edinburgh Leisure. Hopefully six complaints would see an application used locally to fund Ripple projects and by the time the budget is passed the reviewed by committee, it will now be activities which support people in council will have found a way to avoid more than 20 to do the same. That is Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny. at least most of those cuts. Locally all a big jump and it will be reviewed in Young volunteer and committed a collection and it was brilliant it was your councillors are aware that projects a year but in the meantime community Hibee Jamie Robertson (13) enjoyed at Easter Road because I go to all the haven’t been progressing as fast as we councils can still make sure an lending a hand on the day. He said: games anyway. Fans were really good would all like. Myself, John and Joan objection gets heard. Contact me at “This was the first time I have done at giving us money and we won!” have just got out of a meeting with [email protected] 6 The Speaker, March 2019 LEITH ACADEMY: A SNAPSHOT OF OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED

Chinese partners visit Leith Academy We are partnered with a school in China. This partnership has allowed us to send pupils on visits there, teach pupils Mandarin and help pupils gain a cultural awareness of Asia/China. Our partners visited us recently and we were delighted to warmly welcome them to Leith.

Girls’ Rugby continues to grow in popularity Our Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) S3 did some fantastic work as Leith Academy Head Teacher Mike Irving welcomes Chinese part of the YPI Program. All partners to the school teams researched a charity to support and presented their case in front of judges. The top team of S3 boys won £3000 to give to the Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children. A great achievement.

Girls’ Rugby continues to develop At Leith we believe in the health and wellbeing of all in our community. We have many growing sports, one of them is girls’ rugby led by Youth Philanthropy Initiative: the winning team were delighted to Pupils visit the BBC to research the many aspects of broadcast present their chosen charity with a cheque for £3000 journalism our SRU Dev Officer Ross Johnstone. We had players from Liberton, Castlebrae and Lismore RFC join us for an S1/2 Tournament. Well played all!

Pupils go to the BBC Some of our budding young journalists made their way to Glasgow early in the morning to spend a day at the BBC. They were learning about journalism, literacy and working in teams.

To advertise in the Speaker contact Donna on 01968 673229 or email [email protected] The Speaker, March 2019 7 MUSIC ON THE MARCH THIS MONTH AT THE FRIDAY CLUB

FOLLOWING on from the success of recent Ripple Friday club musical afternoons at the Hub, March sees the return of two favourite entertainers and a new group of young performers. Edna Imrie is an audience regular at the fun Friday afternoon shows for the over 60’s and highly recommends a visit. She said: “The entertainment is very good. There has been something for everybody and you can get up and dance if you are able or you can just sing along. I like the cracks and jokes too but just as important it’s company for people. Some people can’t get out much or go far so it’s great here at the Hub.” The programme for March includes a return visit from popular Liz MacEwan who will bring her unique mix of stories, memories and much loved songs from her wide repertoire. Back for his second visit, Danny Feelgood, now known at the Hub for his eye-catching Hawaiian shirts, will give us a hand-clapping, sing-a-long have volunteered to play people. The afternoons often hour of great songs later in the traditional pipes and drum coincide with visits to the month. Feedback on previous scores. Ripple Volunteer Hub from LOOPS with their visits by Liz and Danny were Manager Dawn Baxter said: information stall for older extremely positive with many “Jamie Robertson an S2 people, the Community Police requests to book them again. pupil at Tynecastle recently and councillor or MP surgeries, Friday Club volunteer undertook a day’s work all on hand to help. Maureen Croall recalls seeing experience with us at the Dawn said: “Most Fridays we Liz perform in Edinburgh clubs Ripple and during conversation have a range of these visitors in the 90’s. She said: “She has revealed he played the snare available to hear any local an amazing voice and it is drum. From this he volunteered concerns Friday Club members fantastic to see her still singing to round up a few of his band- and others may have, but are and bringing her music to the mates to play for us. We are often not sure who to take them community.” Helen Taylor always keen to involve young to. Our fantastic community of Lochend Road agreed. She people in volunteering and café is also open for lunch from said: “We always have a great I am sure the Friday Club will 11.30am and after the show we afternoon when a singer comes. be impressed with their musical all gather in the café area for They have all been good.” skills.” refreshments and a raffle. New Also in March the Friday Ripple runs musical members are warmly welcome.” Club is delighted to be afternoons at least once a The Friday Club offers welcoming new guests, the month as part of the Friday a varied programme of Tynecastle High School Youth Club programme, attracting entertainment and activities Community Pipe Band who audiences of between 40 and 60 throughout the year. As well as the musical afternoons featured, future sessions include a visit from Age Scotland with Body Boosting Bingo. (Just like normal bingo but involving various body parts to give you an idea of how to exercise will sing songs from Neil programme and dates and them.) Local resident Erik will Diamond, Elvis and many more. if you are lucky enough to return with his guitar collection Check the Speaker back page be aged 60 or over just pop and eclectic music and Tomas each month for confirmed along. 8 The Speaker, March 2019 Fit the Hub into Your Events At Library Fitness Plan Tuesday 26th March 2pm to 3pm: North East Loop Get fitter (Local Opportunities for Older People) will have an Have fun information stand in the Library. Burn calories Wednesdays 2pm: Bookbug Rhymetime – songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and their Exercise For All families. Wednesday 10am Wednesdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm: NHS Stop Smoking Boxercise Support Group – free, friendly, confidential and non- judgemental support to help you to give up smoking. Wednesday 6.30 – 7.30pm Fridays 10.30am: Children’s Storytime. Help Kenny to roll out the Magic Story Rug for a weekly adventure. Walking Groups Friday 29th March 3pm: Last Friday of the Month Thursday 9.15 & 10am Children’s Craft Session.

Just turn up or call Saturdays 11am: Polish Bookbug Rhymetime – songs 0131 554 0422 and rhymes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and their families. Dates for March are: 2nd, 16th and 30th. H ub Grub Please note that at all library children’s events children aged 8 or under must be accompanied by a parent/carer Café Book aged 12 or over. Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace, Exchange Edinburgh EH8 7BQ telephone 0131 529 5685. Grab a coffee. Have a read. Find a book you like and take it home to finish it for free . CRAIGENTINNY CASTLE PLAY GROUP There’s nothing like a really good read so why not pop in to see the great range of titles in the Hub Grub Book Exchange? Monday-Friday 11-1.30pm Leith Academy We have limited storage space 0131 554 0606 so unfortunately are unable to accept bulk donations of books. [email protected]

March dates for your diary 1 S4 Live N Learn – target group am 4 (w/b) Listen@Lunch Music Performances 4(-8) approx S3 Outward Bound field trip to Loch Eil 4 (w/b) S3 full reports issued 6 Higher PE performance assessment Mathematiques Sans Frontieres competition 8 Higher and Nat5 Accounting assignment (am) 8 P7 Challenge Maths competition Meet at Restalrig Lochend 8 Challenge Maths Competition Community Hub 198 Restalrig Road South 14 S3 Parents’ Consultation (4.30-6.30pm) Healthy Hub Walking Groups Edinburgh EH7 6DZ head off at 9.30am and again N5 Admin and IT assignment (am) This is a fun, friendly, FREE at 10.15am on Thursdays 15 Design & Tech assignment (various) exercise session for mothers, parents and guardians with 15 S4-S6 Track3 report issued Join in on our free 30 minute walks to meet new friends, children in buggies. Suitable improve your fitness, discover local places of interest and 12 N4/5 PE performance assessment for all levels of ability. enjoy free tea/coffee back at the Hub. 18-22 S1 Lockerbie Trip 2019 For more information www.jogscotland.org.uk 20 (tbc) National 5 PE performance assessment Just turn up at Restalrig Lochend Community Hub, Please contact the leader 198 Restalrig Road South. First time 26 Higher Admin and IT assignment (am) before attending your walkers please come 15 minutes early. first session HPV Vaccinations / injections [email protected] The Speaker, March 2019 9

SUGAR IS NOT SO SWEET Home-made Granola Bars Nina Hamilton, 6th year pupil insulin that takes the glucose juice does count towards the at Beeslack High School on in our blood and provides our recommended intake as the Ingredients work experience at Edinburgh cells with energy. However sugars are described as ‘free vegetable oil Community Food writes: the large amounts of sugar sugars’. This has prompted 75g blanched almonds that are in certain food a push for fruit juice to no 25g rolled oats THROUGHOUT our lives, sugar and drinks means that the longer count as one of your 4g sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds is used as a treat, as a pat pancreas secretes too much five-a-day, however a small 100g runny honey on the back. As children we insulin. The brain notices this 150ml glass of fruit juice with 6 tablespoons smooth peanut butter or almond butter would often be rewarded for and secretes serotonin which a meal does contribute to one 10 Medjool dates, stones in being good and not making is a hormone which makes of our five-a-day. 40g bran a fuss by having a bit of us feel lethargic and sleepy, By preparing food from 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon chocolate and any occasion blood glucose levels then drop scratch instead of buying 1 pinch of sea salt would surely have a cake and we feel low and in need ready prepared food, it is 50g sour cherries or dried cranberries involved. Had a bad day? A of energy and therefore crave easier to be aware of how 50g dried apricots cup of tea and a biscuit will more sugar. much sugar we are adding. do the trick. But what is this Method relationship that we have Break the Habit Easy Changes 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Lightly grease a with sugar that causes us to Although there is a cycle that Some ways of adjusting our 22cm-square baking dish with oil, then set aside. make these associations? may seem never ending, we sugar intake include: 2. Roughly chop and add the almonds to a large baking Surprisingly there are a lot can stop this by not satisfying • Making our own cereal tray with the oats and seeds. Spread them out into an of hormones and chemicals the craving. Like anything bars . These are a lunch box even layer and place in the hot oven for 12 to 15 involved that make us reach it will take time, but with staple, but some can be minutes, or until golden, stirring halfway through. for these sweet treats. Can some swaps we can feel more surprisingly high in sugar. By 3. Gently heat the honey and nut butter in a small pan over we break the habit or are we energised and break the habit. making our own oat cereal a low heat. Meanwhile, slit open the dates, pull out and more addicted to sugar than The NHS guidelines on sugar bars we can add a variety of discard the stones, then place into a blender with 100ml we once thought? are: dried fruit, nuts and seeds of warm water. • adults a maximum of 30g increasing our fibre and 4. Blitz to a paste, stir into the warmed honey mixture, Sugar Cycle (seven cubes of sugar per protein intake and reduce the then leave to cool. Research has shown that there day); sugar that we use by using 5. Transfer the toasted oat mixture to a large bowl with the is a cycle involved in how we • children seven years old honey if required. bran, cinnamon and salt. Roughly chop and stir in the act towards sugar, which may and over 24g (six cubes of • Avoid adding sugar or dried fruit, then mix in the honey mixture until well explain why we reach for a sugar per day); and syrup to tea and coffee. combined. sweet treat time and time • young children under Although this may seem like 6. S poon it into the prepared baking dish, using the back again. After reaching for that seven years old 19g (five a hard change to make at first of a spoon to press it into an even layer. mid-afternoon pick me up cubes of sugar). especially if having quite a 7. Bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes, or until golden chocolate bar, what is really few cups a day soon we will and set. happening in our bodies? Fruit Swap not miss the sweetness. 8. Leave to cool slightly, turn it out onto a board and cut Firstly, dopamine is released. Children under four should be • Sugary fizzy drinks are into squares, then set aside to cool completely. Store in This is the neurotransmitter in particularly careful and avoid some of the highest in sugars an airtight container. the brain that makes us have sugar sweetened food and and sweeteners. Even sugar a feel-good feeling and is the drink. However when put free soft drinks can lead to an ¢ reason that sugar has recently into practice, one can of cola increased appetite and lead to been linked to being as contains nine cubes of sugar, us craving more sweet treats. and some types of cancer. higher in the list the higher addictive as drugs because which in itself, is over the Making the change to a the quantity). A reduced sugar this same neurotransmitter daily limit. Although fruit can Healthier and Happier reduced sugar diet can have diet would have health is released when a drug is be high in naturally occurring A high sugar diet can increase huge health benefits as well benefits for the whole family taken. Over time sugar can sugar it does not count the risk of obesity due to as helping us feel more no matter what age and by desensitise this chemical, towards your recommended significant weight gain, which energised. Become aware of making the change together, which means that we require daily intake of sugar due to puts people at a higher risk of how much sugar is in the food we are more likely to stick more sugar to get the same the fibre and vitamins which developing other health issues we eat by checking the food to it and experiment with effect. The pancreas secretes fruit contains. Although fruit such as diabetes, heart disease label ingredients list. (The different healthier alternatives.

Exercise for Everyone

To advertise in the at Restalrig Lochend Community Hub Speaker, support your 198 Restalrig Road South community, reach your 0131 554 0422 target market Great selection of low cost freshly made meals and delicious homebaking. Friendly atmosphere. Come Every Wednesday 10.00am to 10.45am and take advantage of our alone or bring a friend. £2.50 per session extremely competitive rates contact Donna on Just turn up and join us! 11.00-1.30 Monday to Friday 01968 673229 or email Varied fun exercise suitable for men and women of all ages 198 Restalrig Road South [email protected] 10 The Speaker, March 2019

Gentle Exercise to Music Class for Individuals with Additional Needs

Wednesdays 1.00-2.00pm

Craigentinny Community Centre

9 Loaning Road Edinburgh EH7 6JE

FUN-FUN-FUN & FREE Includes a drink (No class 1st April) and biscuits

Everyone Welcome

To advertise in the Speaker contact Donna on 01968 673229 or email [email protected]

WEE SPEAKER’S CORNER

Brighten up a special CHILLAX BEFORE READING By Dawn Baxter Glass Humpty Dumpty explains person’s day on 31st March to Alice, “You see it's like a Snowdrops are out, it must be portmanteau – there are two March and the official start of meanings packed up into one spring. Remember the clocks spring word.” when helping her forward on Sunday 31st so an hour understand the nonsense poem less in bed! 29th March is the day Jabberwocky. Portmanteau at the the UK is expected to leave the time was a French word for a European Union, two years after suitcase which opened into two the referendum returned a YES equal halves. Portmanteau even vote to leave. This spawned the has its own portmanteau – word Brexit. Brexit is Britain and frankenword, I am sure you exit combined giving a shorter can work that out. I am quite way to say “Britain is leaving the dumbfounded how many EU”. This is an example of a ridonkulous words we use. I have portmanteau – when words are had great infotainment researching mixed to give a new word. For this and I hope you find it an example, smoke and fog give edutainment. I, apparently, am a smog, jeggings and brunch are flexitarian, vidiot irregardless of now commonly used too. It is my knowledgebase! And ? + ! is a fairly recent trend to mix up an interrobang. What next?! Don’t celebrity couples’ names – you forget Pancake Tuesday on the 5th, will all know who Brangelina and International Women’s Day on the Kimye are. We have author Lewis 8th and Mother’s Day on the 31st. Carroll to thank for this smushing Have a up of perfectly reasonable words. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious In his novel Through the Looking March. The Speaker, March 2019 11

St Margaret’s Christ Church Parish Church (Free Church Thee LunLunchnch Clubb Restalrig of Scotland) Sunday Service Britwell Crescent FreshFrresh ccookedooked hhotot memealsals ffoforor ppeopleeople 660+0+ 10.30am Sunday Morning Good News Team 10.30am 11.00am Join The Ripplepple Lunchnch Clubub Creche 10.30am with crèche and Sunday School Tea/Coffee after service att RestalrigResttalriig LochendLochhend CommunityCommmunity HubHub Sunday Evening Communion last Sunday 6.00pm 1198 RestalrigRestalrig RoadRoad SouthSSouth every month Tea and coffee available after both MondayMonday ttoo FFridayriday St Ninian’s services ssesett ppricerice ofof £4.50£4.50 pperer ddayay RC Church Prayer meeting forfor 2 cocourses,ourses, tea/coffeetea/coffffee andand bbiscuits.iscuitss. Marionville Rd Wed 7.30pm LLunchunch seservedrvved aatt 111.30am.1.30am.

Sunday Mass Wilson Memorial OpenOpen toto aanyonenyone ooverver 660.0. 10.15am Church Craigentinny Weeklyeekly bbookingooking requiredrequired inin advance,advance, comecome anyany day/sday/s oror allall week.week. Children’s Liturgy corner of Moira Terrace (filled rolls and and Kekewich Avenue TransportTransporrt availableavailable wwithinithin tthehe refreshments after Mass) RRestalrigestalrig LLochendochend CCraigentinnyrraigentinny Polish Mass 1pm Sunday Worship11.00am (Creche and children’s aandnd PiPiershillershill aareas.rreas. There is now Mass at programme provided) SubjectSubbjject ttoo spacesspaces bbeingeing aavailable.vailable. 10am every day Tea/coffee afterwards Door-to-doorDoor-to-ddoor chargecharge ofof 50p50p perper dayday except Wednesday Bible Study - 6.30pm CAALLLL 01310131 555454 00422422 FFOROR MMOREORE IINFORMATIONNFORMATION & Fr Syriac Palakudiyil (3rd Sunday of month) TTOO JOIN,JOIN, OROR DROPDROP ININ ANDAND SEE FORFOR YOURSELF.YOOURSELF. Parish House Mid-Week Quiet Time 12 Marionville Drive The Church is open for Lochend Seniors Computer Group 0131 661 2867 quiet reflection every 07504 802 728 Wednesday [email protected] 11.00am to 12 noon Computer Training for anyone over 50 Lochend Toddler Group Hall Bookings Every Thursday 2 – 4pm A congregation of the United 0131 554 9788 Restalrig Lochend Community Hub is run by local parents and open to parent/carers Free Church of Scotland [email protected] 198 Restalrig Road South and pre-schoolers from babies upwards. www.wilsonmemorial.org.uk Willowbrae Only £1 a session. The group meets Monday mornings Parish Church Just pop in to try it out. 9.30am – 11.30am 1 Willowbrae Road Hub Grub Café Sunday Worship Book Exchange Restalrig Lochend Community Hub 198 Restalrig Road South 10am – Prayers before Grab a coffee. Have Join us in the village halls, Restalrig Service In Church Centre a read. Find a book Last Tuesday of the month 10am or Last Thursday of the month 10.30am Come along to find out more during the 10.30am – Morning you like and take it Service For more information contact above times. home to finish it for [email protected] New members warmly welcomed. Refreshments and free . or ring 0131 554 7400 £2.50 per session per family, children’s fellowship in the Mon-Fri 11-1.30pm Do you like reading? Everyone welcome Hall after the Service snacks included.

Craigentinny/Lochend Social Centre Programme 9 Loaning Road Edinburgh EH7 6JE Centre Programme – Castle Hall (CH) Main Hall (MH) Disco Room (DR) Lounge (L) Youth Club Floor (YCF)

Monday Wednesday Friday Playgroup 9-12pm (MH) Playgroup 9-12pm (MH) Playgroup 9-12pm (MH) Alma Project 12-2pm (CH) Silver Works (Self Run Group) 10-12pm (CH) Art Class 10-12 (CH) (class full) Monday Social Club1-3.30pm (MH) Guitar Group 9.30-12pm (CR) Kids Dance Class 1.30-3.30pm (MH) Kids Dance Class 4.45-7.30pm (CH) Keep Fit Class for individuals with additional needs Polish School 1.15-4.30pm Junior Youth Club P3-P6 6-8pm (MH) 1-2pm (MH) Tai Chi 2.15-3.15pm (CH) Saturday Kids Dance Class 3.45-7.30pm (CH) Tuesday Polish School 9.45-2.15pm Beat Breakers Dance 4-5pm (MH) Playgroup 9-12pm (MH) Junior Youth Club 5-8 years 10-12pm Youth Club P7-S3 7-8.30pm (YC) Playgroup 9-12m (MH) Digital Skills Academy 10-12pm (Art Rm1) referrals Carpet Bowls 1-3.30pm (MH) Jewellery Class (Self Run Group) 10-12 (CH) Thursday The centre is also available to let for private parties Alma Project 12.30-2.30pm (CH) Playgroup 9-12pm (MH) and community events. Free wi-fi for all users. Kids Dance Class 2.45-7.00pm (CH) 7-7.45pm (CR) Alma 1-3pm (CH) Highland Dancing Adults 6.45-7.30pm (MH) Kids Dance Class 3.30-6.45pm (CH) Boot Camp 7.00-8.00pm (CH) Line Dancing 6.55-8.55pm (MH) Contact Archie or Donna 0131 661 9404 Karate Adults 7.45-8.45pm (CH for further details www.joininedinburgh.org/craigentinny 12 The Speaker, March 2019 Restalrig Lochend Community Hub 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh 0131 554 0422

March Daily Open Programme A Hub of activity you can join in with

ay y – Frid Hub Grub Café Monda Open Monday – Friday 11am – 1.30pm. café Our community café offers tasty, affordable homemade food, hot and cold drinks and somewhere sociable for you to meet and eat. Free internet access for café customers. Lunch Club for Older People Monday – Friday 11.30am – advance booking required. 60+. £4.50 per day. Two delicious and nutritious courses, plus tea/coffee and biscuits. Door-to-door transport available in Restalrig/Lochend/Craigentinny area if required. 50p return journey. For more info or to book call 0131 554 0422.

day Toddler Group day Healthy Hub Walking Group Mon 9.30am – 11.30am. Parent-led group. hurs Half hour walks 9.15am and 10am start. Plenty of toys and activities for under 5s. T Gather at the Hub and join in on our free Thursday £2.50 per family per session for children’s snacks. walks to meet new friends, improve your fitness and Dixie Saltires Line Dancing discover local landscapes and places of interest. 11.30am – 12.30pm. £3 per week. Caring Soles Suitable for beginners. Wear comfortable shoes. Footcare service. 10am – 2.pm. Appointments only. Girls Only Drop In To make appointment call 0131 447 4520. 6.30pm – 8.30pm 11 to 16 years. Lochend Seniors Computer Group 50+ computer training. 2 – 4pm. Bring your own device or laptop. sday Buggy Walk Write On Tue 10am. Come on a buggy walk with 12.45pm – 2.45pm. Route 10 Rollers. (see page 8) Getting it down ... creative writing course. Knitting Network Refreshments provided. (see page 8) 2pm – 3.30pm all ages and abilities welcome. ROSP Drop in Youth Café We have wool and needles to get you started. Just Thursdays 7pm – 9pm. S3 – S6. drop in. 50p per session for tea/coffee and biscuits Wide range of activities and workshops provided by Hub 198 Drop In Youth Café Ripple youth work team and other partners. 6.30pm – 8.30pm. P7 to S2. (See page 2) iday Community Policing Team Surgery Exercise for Everyone Fr 8 March. 12.30 – 1.30pm. day Ripple Project Friday Club 60+ social club dnes 10am – 10.45am. £2.50. We Suitable for men and women of all ages. 8 March Liz MacEwan Just turn up. 15 March Tynecastle High School Granton Information Centre Community Youth Pipe Band Free welfare rights, housing and debt advice. 22 March Trip (Fully booked) To book an appointment call James on 29 March Danny Feelgood 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 (see page 4). Boxercise for Beginners 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Boxing moves combined with circuit training. Suitable for beginners. No booking required. £4 per class or £20 for block of 6 sessions.

Politicians’ Surgeries Ash Denham MSP Kezia Dugdale MSP Cllr Joan Griffiths Tommy Sheppard MP Monday 25th March Friday 22 March Friday 29th March Friday 1st March 12.00pm 1.00pm to 2.00pm 12.00 to 1.00pm 1.00pm – 2.00pm