FREE

Number 169 September 2019

SPEAKING UP FOR RESTALRIG, LOCHEND AND Published by The Ripple on behalf of the community INSIDE Paws by the Prom Free curry night Join the Pantry to Open Day for men save on food costs page 2 page 6 page 7

COLE IS SPEAKER YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 By Liz Fer guson Cole’s award included £100 for doing things outwith the for himself and a further £100 norm. Kids of that age get a lot THE Speaker Young Person for SNAC, provided by award of bad press and it just shows of the Year Award 2019 was sponsors Kristoffersen Carpets that while there are some not presented to Cole McKay (15) and Flooring. Representing the so good things going on – of from Alemoor at a ceremony sponsoring company at the course there are – there is also at the on presentation Chris Stevens said: lots of really good stuff going 19th July. Cole recently began “The award is important to us on. Hopefully it will inspire 4th year at Academy. He because it’s good to show others in the future.” was chosen for the award commitment to the young Future plans for Cole who has in recognition of his own people of today, to help them being playing football since he achievements as well as the improve and give them more was four years old are firmly support and encouragement self-belief. What help they sport focussed. He said: “I hope he consistently gives to other get now they’ll give back in to become a professional young people in school and the future.” footballer when I’m older but if through sport, leading by Speaker Young Person of the Year Cole McKay with Chris Stevens of Cole’s dad Colin also not I’d like to go into coaching award sponsors Kristoffersen Carpets and Flooring and Ash example in both discipline recognised the value of and maybe university to study Denham MSP at the Scottish Parliament and behaviour. the Young Person of the sports science.” At the moment As a talented young winning Youth Philanthropy Local MSP Ash Denham Year Award and the local it definitely looks like he has footballer Cole currently plays Initiative team this year, recognised the value of Cole’s sponsorship. He said: “I think the ball at Pro Youth level, is a popular beating off the competition contribution when presenting it’s fantastic that someone in at his school team captain and across S3 to gain £3000 for his him with his award. She said: the community gets recognised feet. recently led his S3 team to win team’s chosen charity Scottish “When you’re young to be the East of Cup in a Network for Arthritis in involved in this level of 5-1 victory over Portobello Children (SNAC). He also activities and to be encouraging High School. Cole was also demonstrated his support for others and looking after other part of Leith Academy’s others by buddying two pupils young people at your school is new to Leith Academy, helping a real achievement. You really them settle in then continuing should be proud of yourself as a supportive point of and I know your family are contact. immensely proud of you.” M c G

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Y 24 hour friendly established Tel: 0131 554 7777 service over 20 years Mob: 07508 178 433 139/141 Restalrig Road ‘Safe secure EH7 6HW and reliable’ 2 The Speaker, September 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 COMMUNITY POLICE REPORTING

Advertising Donna Gilfillan Hello from your local sure everyone is able to enjoy been on in Princes Street and Production 019 68 673229 Community Officers: their day trips and the nice Gardens. [email protected] weather safely. Whilst the festivities have THIS month your community A number of us have been very enjoyable to police Copy deadline officers have been on Operation also been involved with and are a break from our day for October issue Friday 20th September Drift which has been running Operation Summer City and to day work, we have still been all summer long. have been working in the out on patrol in the North East Printed by D C Thomson & Co Ltd We have been out city centre for the month doing our usual stuff as often Distributed by Out of Hand Scotland on foot as much as of August as part of the as we can and are looking we can (and where Edinburgh Festival which forward to things returning to The Speaker is an independent community newspaper which aims weather permits!) has been very enjoyable! normal. to provide a forum for free speech and debate, an effective method along the We have also been Got an issue or problem? of information sharing and a way to celebrate local achievement. Promenade in involved with the Royal Need a chat? Coffee with a Community involvement is key to its success and any individual Portobello, and Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Copper 12.30-1.30pm Friday or group within Restalrig, Lochend, Craigentinny and surrounding in and around Leith making the various concerts that have 20th September at the Hub. local area is welcome to contribute. The views expressed in The Speaker are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publishers. Please note copy may be edited. Any letter or article which is considered libellous will not be published and Dog and Cat Home: Open for a Visit individuals will be protected from personal attack. EDINBURGH Dog and Cat Home are hosting a Paws by the Prom open day at their Seafield rehoming centre on Sunday 1st Septeamber. ( For details see box below. ) The family event will offer a unique insight into the day- to-day running of the animal rescue centre on our doorstep, as well as stalls, games and entertainment. Pet-owning visitors will be well catered for with free rehoming and veterinary advice, grooming, dog and cat competitions and kennel and chance for us to welcome relax and enjoy the dog cattery tours. MC for the day thousands of our much-valued agility and cani-cross will be Forth One presenter supporters to see the work demonstrations. Funds raised Paws by the Prom Open Day Micky Gavin, who currently we’re doing 365 days a year on the day will go towards the Sunday 1st September serves as an ambassador for to rescue, reunite and rehome care of the hundreds of dogs 11am - 4pm the organisation in his role Edinburgh’s stray and and cats in need that reach as Animal Champion. unwanted pets. When it comes our doors each year.” Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Dog and Cat Home to dog and cat fanatics, we Paws by the Prom is free to 26 Seafield Road East Fundraising Manager Gillian have something for everyone attend and organisers look Graham said: “ Paws by the – bring a photo of your cat forward to welcoming a host Entry: FREE Prom is an incredibly special for our cat competition, have of visitors including of course www.edch.org.uk/openday event for the Home, as it’s a your dog groomed, or simply well-behaved dogs on leads. The Speaker, September 2019 3

BENEFITS OF REAL LIVING WAGE On Saturday 3rd August Hibernian FC played their first home game of the season against St Mirren and Max Ash Denham Fyffe-Jardine, speak so children living in poverty. from Ripple Buddies got to be the MSP for passionately about how proud By 2027 it has been projected season’s first mascot. Max proudly led Edinburgh they are to be the first animal that child poverty numbers in the team out onto the Eastern writes: welfare organisation in Scotland will be 400,000, pitch and watched them go on to win Scotland to be real living wage almost double the 210,000 the game 1-0. A super-excited Max THIS summer employers, saying “we value figure when the Conservatives was delighted to also be given a tour of the stadium and a full Hibs home I've made a our staff as much as we value came to power in 2010. It's a kit. Doesn’t he look good in it! special effort to meet with a our animals". reason why the Scottish Thanks go to the Hanlon Stevenson number of employers in my And research shows paying Government has taken action Foundation and Kicks for Kids for Edinburgh Eastern constituency the living wage is good for the to tackle child poverty by support of the mascot programme. who are paying their staff the employer. The living wage establishing a £50m fund real living wage. website's survey shows that 17 specifically to tackle this issue, The real living wage is an out of 20 businesses who have investing in free school meals, initiative from the Poverty become living wage employers increasing free childcare, and Alliance and the Living Wage said it has improved the spending £100m a year to Foundation, and supported by reputation of their business, mitigate the worst of UK the , to three quarters of businesses Government welfare cuts encourage employers to pay believe is has increased including the Bedroom Tax. their employees and any third- motivation and retention rates In addition the Cabinet party contractors a wage for employees, two-thirds say it Secretary for Communities and independently calculated each has helped them differentiate Local Government, Aileen year based on what employees themselves from others in the Campbell MSP, announced in and their families need to live industry, while 58% said it has June a brand new benefit, the on. The wage is calculated to improved relations between Scottish Child Payment, which be £9 per hour – significantly managers and their staff. will be worth £10 per child for higher than the UK But the main benefits are low-income families by the end Government's minimum so staff can perhaps spend of 2022 with its introduction wage of £7.70 for under-25s more time with their children, for under-6s starting by early and £8.21 for over-25s. save a little bit extra for an 2021. The real living wage meets unforeseen emergency or just This will be a game changer the real costs of living and so they don't have to worry in the Scottish Government's would see someone working about being able to afford the ambitions to tackle child full time receive at least basics. poverty, but the UK £17,550 a year to live on It also helps in the fight to Government needs to do so rather than £15,015 which tackle the rising tide of in work much more. They can start by the UK Government thinks is poverty, and this means paying listening to the calls from the acceptable for full time workers people a proper wage for a End Child Poverty Coalition to get by on. proper day's work – currently and the SNP by bringing an This month I visited 67% of children living in end to the benefits freeze. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home poverty have at least one They should also bring the who only recently became parent in work. It's a disgrace UK Government living wage in accredited living wage that in one of the richest line with the real living wage employers, to hear their countries in the world there to make a real difference to Director of Operations Lindsay are hundreds of thousands of people's lives.

Step Through an Open Door 07469 195 759 DOORS Open Day takes place wanton destruction in the House in Commercial Street, in Edinburgh over the weekend 16th century and eventual the oldest custom house in www.karenpetbuddies.com of 28th and 29th September, restoration. Also in the church Scotland, offering a range of For location dog walks to cat sitting and giving you the opportunity to grounds you will find the displays, presentations and doggy sleepovers Karen’s Pet Buddies find out more about the hexagonal 15th century St children’s activities, or you is a professional and fully insured family history and current life of ’s Well, whose may want to take the run business, which dedicates itself to some of our city’s most waters were considered opportunity to go behind the looking after your furry best friend. iconic or historically healing for those with scenes at the – not always For more info visit relevant sites and sight problems. Throughout popular locally – Seafield www.karenpetbuddies.com buildings, many not the day there will be films, Treatment Centre. or ring Karen on 07469 195 759 normally open to the public. guides and music to bring this To find out more about the On your own doorstep you history to life. many interesting buildings can pop into St Margaret’s Other doors open slightly across the city and beyond Parish Church in Restalrig further afield over the ready to welcome you over Village (Sat 28th 10am-4pm). weekend include Out of the the Doors Open Weekend visit • Fully insured Find out about the history of Blue Drill Hall in www.cockburn association. • Scottish Disclosure certificate the building dating back to the Street now regenerated as a org.uk or • Free meet and greet 12th century, including its vibrant arts centre, the Custom www.doorsopendays.org.uk • Canine first aid qualified 4 The Speaker, September 2019 News from St Margaret’s News from St Ninian’s

Dates for your Diaries Our Guild begins their new In the beginning afternoons from 1-3pm for Magical Mystery Tour The 101st Edinburgh North session on Thursday 3rd Sunday Masses in September bingo, chat and company. This is not quite true as a East Scout Group celebrate October at 1.30pm in our will, as per the last few years, • The One World Group meets coach leaves the church on their Centenary on 1st church halls. This year’s revolve around the wonder of fortnightly from Monday, 2nd Friday the 13th next month. October, and there will be a syllabus includes guest Creation and what’s within September at 7.30 to pray and The parish trip is to the home service of celebration to mark speakers on subjects such as our power to care for life in find ways to help people in of the Beatles. To get on this achievement. It will be Faberge Eggs, Shetland and all its abundance in the need near and far. board the 3-day trippers to in St Margaret’s on Sunday Confessions of a Moderator’s world. • The Thursday Club for Liverpool will have to wear 29th September at 2pm and Wife. All are welcome so Open All Hours people with and without something from the era. It everyone is welcome to come along and learn After the summer break learning difficulties entertains wasn’t yesterday but some attend, especially if you are a something new this autumn. our groups are open for the 7-9pm. passengers will have an former Scout who met in our More details can be found on business of caring for others. • The Open Door on Friday advantage since they church halls. There will be our website about the Guild You’re very welcome to come afternoons 12.30-2pm where remember the 60s. Look out time to share your experiences and all that is going on in St along. food and company is on the for kaftans, mod suits, flowers of Scouting afterwards in the Margaret’s https://stmargarets • The Over 60s meet Monday house. in hair, moptops etc. church halls too. restalrig.co.uk/

News from Christ Church News from Willowbrae Parish Church

An increasing number of convinced that Jesus really Good news! The repairs to Bank at the Wilson Memorial The next Messy Church people in Scotland dismiss did rise from the dead. And it our Upper Hall have been Church. will be held on the hall on Christianity without ever changed his life. A film was completed and the hall has On Sunday 11th August Saturday 5th October from examining its validity. made about his story and been restored to full use. So we held a ‘Messy Church’ 3.30-5.30pm and will be Statistics show a decline in we'll be showing it on Friday the little ones in the Baby style service to show the based on the theme of church attendance, but most 6th at 7pm. Admission is free. and Toddler Group now have members of our congregation Harvest. For further details people have never heard the Why not come along and plenty of space to run around what actually happens at contact Zoe at zmarshall@ good news of the gospel, consider the evidence for without bumping into each Messy Church services. churchofscotland.org.uk never mind really considered yourself? other. This group meets on This was a great success Our next Coffee Morning its claims. This month we Then on Sunday 8th we have Thursday mornings from and our team provided will be held in the Upper have two special opportunities a guest service at 11am where 10am to 12 noon. If you drama based on the story Hall on Saturday 14th for you to put this right. Lee the message of Christianity would like further details of Zacchaeus with September from 10am to Strobel was an investigative will be explained clearly. please contact Cati on participation from the 12 noon. Admission is journalist with the Chicago There'll be some food 07878 822577. congregation, especially the £1 payable at the door. Tribune and a hardline afterwards if you want to stay We were also able to resume children. We had craft There will also be stalls atheist. He set out to write around and chat about what our Soup Lunches – the most activities in the hall after including Home Baking a book, looking at all the you've heard. recent one raised vital funds worship followed by a two- and Books. Everybody is evidence, to disprove the Over the summer it was great for the Craigentinny Basics course lunch. welcome. resurrection of Jesus. If he to see lots of you coming into could disprove this, the our drop-in café. It's stopped most important teaching of now, but our lunch-club starts Christianity, then he would back at 12.15 on Thursday destroy Christianity. 5th, so join us for lunch and Craigentinny & Meadowbank But as he looked at the a short thought-provoking evidence, he slowly became talk. Community Council Report

SUMMERTIME is always a working hard at cleaning up the corner and on 9th good time to do some and preparing the site to be September the council will be VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED community clean up in the usable to enthusiastic publishing notices for these. area. The last scheduled one gardeners in the area. It's It's a great way to get Can you spare a couple of hours a week? was for the Seafield located across from the involved and try to help Promenade but Loganlea our community. The election We are currently looking for volunteer drivers due to very bad playpark. If you will run until 31st October to assist staff in providing transport typical want to get and if you need any extra for our members to and from the Seagrove Centre Edinburgh July involved pop in information feel free to get in in Fleming Place weather we had during the next touch at our meeting or find If you have your own transport and are to cancel it. But community out online on the council's interested in joining us, please get in touch fear not we will council meeting website. on 0131 553 714 7 be rescheduling where we can We may be moving our this soon enough. share details or find them meeting to a new venue in In the meantime the online. the next few weeks and will North Edinburgh Dementia Care e Craigentinny Community The next community communicate this as soon as Gardening project has been council elections are round we have a definite location. The Speaker, September 2019 5 News from your local Councillors

Cllr Joan Griffiths Cllr John Mclellan

OVER the phoneline.org.uk Due to the amount of NO-ONE because of the height. The Tai Chi site summer I have rainfall over the past weeks the gullies going down developer is likely to resubmit a new, received several have struggled to deal with all the rain. Marionville Road lower scheme but if the Council’s emails in relation Please report any blocked gullies, the or London Road planners are to be consistent then the to the provision link is https://my.edinburgh.gov.uk/app/ can fail to notice height of the Meadowbank flats right of the cycle lane report_it_forms/report_a_gully_problem the scale of the across the road could be a problem and following the Climate Change is almost universally steel skeleton for blocks on Wishaw have been reduced recent acknowledged to be an international the new sports by a floor. The highest could be on carriageway crisis requiring concerted, intensive centre now London Road facing St Margaret’s resurfacing response from governments and rising from House, which will not go down well works at Craigentinny Road and citizens. It affects all of us but in the site of Meadowbank Stadium, with Meadowbank Terrace residents Wakefield Avenue. The previous particular our children and dispelling fears it might just be little who objected to the five-storey block markings presented considerable grandchildren so I was delighted that more than a local gym hall. The size of student flats to replace the Boots difficulties and danger to cyclists due to our young people want to make their also gives an idea of what is being opticians because of the impact on on-street parking and the location of voice heard. Whilst the Education designed for the rest of the site and the their outlook. It now looks like the the cycle lane. Following consultation Committee did not accept that young blueprint for the new development of masterplan for the rest of the with the council’s Active Travel Team, people who miss school to attend any around 600 homes, about 200 of them Meadowbank site will not be cycle lanes were introduced at locations climate change protest have their affordable, surrounding the sports considered until the end of the year, where it was considered that cyclists absence authorised, the Education centre has now gone to the Council’s late 2020 before a decision is taken on were at risk, such as side-road Committee agreed that pupils can have housing committee, including blocks the details and work starting in spring junctions, at kerb build-outs, lay-bys one authorised absence during the of flats which could be up to seven 2021. A lot can happen in 20 months, and adjacent to bus stops. Improving academic year to attend a climate storeys high. Given the flats being built but the Council needs those 200 cycling infrastructure is a key element change protest to make their voices just along the road at the Urban Eden affordable homes if its target of in the council’s Local Transport heard. I know that there has been a development are taller, perhaps in building 20,000 by 2027 is to be Strategy and where appropriate will lot of concern at Lothian Buses’ planning terms this is acceptable, but met, and if the heights come down continue to provide active travel withdrawal of the number 15 bus. I last month a five-storey block on the Council will have to accept enhancements. Some of you may took this up with the Chief Executive the site of the Tai Chi centre which fewer homes will be built. remember LOOPS a service providing of Lothian Buses and I am disappointed overlooked and the Contact 0131 529 4395 or information on activities and services that I have not received any response adjoining care home was rejected [email protected] for people aged 50+ across the city. from him. I will continue to seek a This service is now called Edinburgh response. Contact joan.griffiths@ Signposting Phoneline https://www. edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 529 4019. Cllr Alex Staniforth

HELLO again, (often just called ‘Air B&B’ flats, but Cllr Ian Campbell I hope you all not all of them are advertised on Air had a pleasant B&B and some that are, are merely a summer and room in a home, which isn’t the root Councillor Campbell is pleased to announce he will be took full problem). It is wonderful to live in a resuming his monthly surgeries at Restlarig Lochend advantage of the city so many people from around the Community Hub, 198 Restalrig Road South from festival season. world want to visit but losing potential September. Surgeries will take place between 1-2pm Obviously, homes to short term visitors does on first Tuesday of the month. Forthcoming dates are traffic-wise, the nothing to help Edinburgh’s housing Tuesdays 3rd September, 1st October, 5th November festival doesn’t crisis. For now if you suspect a short and 3rd December. affect our ward as much as it does term let is operating without planning some others but nonetheless traffic permission (and they do need has been on my mind recently and in permission) please contact particular provision for cyclists. planning.enforcement@edinburgh. Craigentinny Road’s resurfacing was gov.uk – they will send you a form to finally able to go ahead recently but fill in which will start the ball rolling the resurfacing gave no improvement on enforcement. Finally community to cycle infrastructure. On top of that I council elections are coming up! Most AT THE HUB have been dealing with signage which readers of the Speaker will be served wrongly tells cyclists to dismount when by the Craigentinny & Meadowbank Welfare rights, housing and debt advice there is no need for them to. All of this Community Council and I would urge at the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub indicates we are a ward that could do you all to consider getting involved. more for cyclists but if you have any The Community Council does a lot of Wednesdays traffic issues please do contact me. By good work and is, alongside your To book an appointment with Wendy call the next local election I hope to be elected local councillors, part of having Granton Information Centre on able to point to ways the road system your voice heard in local government. 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 has improved in our ward as well As ever if you have anything Free, impartial and confidential advice as across the city. I have also been you need contact me at helping residents with Short Term Lets [email protected] 6 The Speaker, September 2019 EXPANDING THE RANGE OF LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN Knitting SINCE the success of the Anyone can come along. Just Network Ripple’s first men only pop in if you are interested. evening we have been Self-Care Course working hard with other The Ripple is also running organisations to spread its first men only self-care the word about what is on course. This is a six week offer for men in the North course that looks at a range of Edinburgh area and at the issues that we can sometimes Every Tuesday 2-3.30pm Ripple. find ourselves getting bogged Restalrig Lochend North Edinburgh Men’s down by such as anxiety, low Community Hub Collective On Facebook confidence, not sleeping well, Hear all the latest yarns at Leith Men’s Shed, Dads Rock, not eating very well, which this thriving fun and friendly Fast Forward, the Changing can create anxiety, low group for all ages. So Rooms Project at Hibs and confidence, not sleeping well whether you’re a needle others have set up a Facebook – a perpetual circle. If you are novice or a knitting wiz page called North Edinburgh interested in making changes whatever your age and Men’s Collective where they and finding out how to make whatever your knowledge are sharing information and those changes with support, come along to your local promoting activities for men. then get in touch with us to Knitting Network for the This is a new initiative but is find out more. You can call chance to chill, chat, socialise and get creative building quite a following Cat on 0131 544 0422. over a tea or coffee. already. You can find the Men Only Free Curry Night Needles, wool and page at @NEMcollective Last but not least we will be patterns are available free Band Night running another Men Only to get you started or you One of the quick successes evening on Wednesday 18th can bring your own. from our men only evening September. Open from 4pm to Only 50p per person to was the start of a men’s band 8pm for men to come along, cover tea/coffee/ biscuits. night at the Ripple. Run by see what’s happening in the the Leith Men’s Shed, men area, meet new people and come together every have a free curry. No booking To advertise in the Speaker Wednesday at 5pm to 7pm necessary but let us know in contact Donna on to strum, play and generally advance if you want us to 01968 673229 or email make some music together. look out for you. [email protected]

Take a Creative Approach to Your Mental Health

The Alma Project reports: We have recently received The participants of the Art an award from Postcode group will have the MORE and more in our society, Community Trust to provide an opportunity to exhibit in the people are suffering from poor Art and Wellbeing group, a Scottish Mental Health Arts mental health. The stresses Creative Writing group and six Festival and those in the and strains of our fast paced, pottery sessions. The award Creative Writing group will changing life have an adverse from the Postcode Community create a Creative Writing effect on many of us. If you, Trust, a grant-giving charity manual that can be used by or anyone you know, need funded entirely by players of other community groups to try support with your mental the People’s Postcode Lottery, out creative writing and wellbeing then the Alma will enable us to run experience its Project may be the place those groups benefits. for you. for a year, helping We also facilitate The Alma Project is a mental adults with mental a sculpture group, health charity that uses the health issues such as mosaic group and arts as a therapeutic tool. We depression, eating disorders and Alma Theatre Company, provide weekly, therapeutic post-traumatic stress syndrome funded by Creative Scotland, arts groups that give over 35 to feel better about their mental KPE4, Robertson Trust, Corra people per week the safe well-being. Foundation and Edinburgh space, time, resources and As one participant said: “I Council. support to create a real change feel more able to get out of the Our services are free and in their mental wellbeing and house, have a structure to my you can find out more at our quality of life. We are based week, join in group activities, website or by emailing or at Craigentinny Community get out and about, get myself phoning. Website : Centre, Loaning Road, but seen by people who can keep thealmaproject.wordpress.com people come from all over an eye on you, instead of being Email: Alistair.thealmaproject Edinburgh to join in our stuck in the house and stuck in @gmail.com groups . the past.” Mobile: 07703 639334 The Speaker, September 2019 7 TIME TO HEAD TO THE HUB JOIN THE PANTRY TO GET FOOD BILL DOWN

Ripple Youth Services Manager collected from the Hub,198 THE Ripple is delighted to be Danielle Ward writes: Restalrig Road South and hosting a new affordable food young people must have them project at Restalrig Lochend I AM proud to introduce completed and signed by a Community Hub. The our new youth services parent or guardian and Cyrenians organisation, in programme which has more handed back in on or before partnership with Fareshare, activities than last term the evening of the club they has set up a fortnightly including some exciting new want to attend. No consent Pantry at the Hub which clubs. There have also been form means no entry provides a range of low cost, some changes to services so unfortunately. chilled and ambient foods and please see programme below. If you have any questions a selection of fresh fruit and Please note all young people please do not hesitate to vegetables. need a completed consent contact Danielle Ward at the You can become a local form to be able to attend our Ripple on 0131 554 0422 or at pantry member for a £1 groups. Consent forms can be [email protected] registration fee which then gives you the opportunity to purchase up to 10 good Weekly Youth Work Activity quality food items for just Programme at the Hub £1 at each visit. The Ripple Pantry runs from Mondays Wednesdays 10am to 12pm every second 6.30-8.00pm 6.30-8.00pm Wednesday. Forthcoming Boys’ Club P6-S2 Girls’ Group P6-S2 pantry dates are: Restalrig Lochend Community Hub Free Free • 11th September 198 Restalrig Road South Sports/Games, workshops Arts & Crafts, workshops • 25th September Edinburgh EH7 6DZ and cooking and cooking • 9th October • 23rd October Every second Wednesday from 28th August Tuesdays Thursdays To become a member all 6.30-8.00pm 3.30-5.00pm you need to do is come along Hub 198 P7-S2 Ripple X-Press P5-S1 to one of the above sessions Free 50p per session and we can sign you up there Football, table tennis, PS4, Drama/Expressive arts and then. Membership is and we do not require any can also contact Michelle chat and chill plus more limited so please register at financial information or ask Dennis on 0131 554 3900 Thursdays your earliest convenience. any personal questions. If you or email michelledennis@ Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm This is a community pantry need further information you cyrenians.scot (10th Sept – 19th Nov) ROSP S3-S6 3.30-6.00pm Free Film Club P7-S2 Football, table tennis, PS4, Come and Join the Camerados Movement Free chat and chill plus more A chance to work as a Ripple Project Self-care where you can go to relax, Public Living Room at the group to create and make a Co-ordinator Catriona chat, drink tea and launch. There will be tea and short film and learn how to Robertson writes: look out for each cake, chat, twinkly lights use the filming equipment. other. and let’s see what else Young people must sign up CAMERADOS is a growing The Ripple is happens! in advance as there are world-wide movement of launching its Public only 10 spaces. people who choose to get Living Room in the Hub The Camerado’s principles through tough times by café on Monday 16th to bear in mind are: looking out for each other. September at 11am. After that • It’s okay to fail When we go through hard it will be an everyday feature • Don’t try to fix people, just times we often forget the two of the café and will be there be alongside them most essential things: Friends for anyone and everyone to • Mix with people who don’t and Purpose. You get both use. You don’t need a reason look like you, because when you look out for to be there other than to make increased understanding someone else – a human a connection with someone leads to increased connection and a sense of else who wants connection purpose. And you get to do the same. • Remember to have fun away from your own There will be no • I f there are disagreements, problems for a bit. staff there, just level with each other There are a growing people, because respectfully number of Camerados the answer to • I f you see someone across the world looking our problems struggling, ask them to out for each other in is each other. help you. their daily lives and Please sometimes creating and come in and You can find out more about meeting in Public Living visit our Camerados at Rooms. These are places brand new www.camerados.org 8 The Speaker, September 2019

Got an issue or problem? Need a chat? Coffee with a Copper 12.30-1.30pm Friday 20th September at the Hub 198 Restalrig Road South Just drop in

Fit the Hub into Your Fitness Plan Get fitter Have fun Burn calories Exercise For All Wednesday 10am Boxercise Wednesday 6.30 – 7.30pm Walking Groups Thursday 9.15 & 10am Just turn up or call 0131 554 0422

H ub Grub Café Book Exchange Grab a coffee. Have a read. Find a book you like and take it home to finish it for free . 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 We have limited storage space so unfortunately are unable to accept bulk donations of books.

To advertise in the Speaker contact Donna on 01968 673229 or email [email protected] The Speaker, September 2019 9 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD Kale Sweet Potato and AND FEEL GOOD – PART ONE White Bean Skillet

Chris Mantle ANutr, Senior moderate depression. Doctors reduced inflammation. Simply Food and Development Worker now prescribe exercise for being around and spending Ingredients at Edinburgh Community Food various conditions and offer time with other human beings 1 small onion, diced writes: free passes for council-run is hugely important for our 2 large sweet potatoes, cleaned, peeled and diced into gyms. While going to the gym health in ways we are only equal, 1 cm cubes MOST of us are aware of the is great it’s not for everyone just beginning to understand. 1 teaspoon cumin relationship between our food, and can be an off-putting There are a couple of ways 1 teaspoon curry powder drink and lifestyle and our environment for some. here we can bring people 5 garlic cloves overall health, whether it’s Similarly seeing super fit together – through exercise Thumb sized piece of ginger, chopped thinking about sugar or fat, lycra-clad people cycling or and using food. Some 1 large bunch kale, chopped with stems removed smoking, drinking or getting a watching folk run marathons activities are solitary but many 1 tin white beans bit more exercise. However we can be daunting. It needn’t be are not: team sports, yoga or 1/2 tin coconut milk may be less aware of how lycra, marathons or hours a Pilates classes, seated exercise Chilli flakes to taste (optional) what we eat and how we day in a gym – to an extent groups for older people, 1 tbsp lime juice live affects how we feel all movement and activity is walking or jogging groups, hill Seeds to garnish emotionally, how it affects exercise. From pottering walking. It can be as little as Brown rice to serve both our mental energy levels around the house, getting the taking a stroll with a colleague and our overall mood. While messages, doing regular light after lunch. Similarly we can Instructions there are factors influencing exercises at home or walking use food as a focal point. 1. Gently fry cumin seeds and onion for 5 minutes then our mood and mental health round the park or up Arthur’s Across most cultures food is add garlic and ginger for another 5 minutes. that we have little control over Seat, it all counts and it all used in such a way for social 2. Add sweet potatoes, cover and cook for about 5 minutes. (such as lack of money, trauma adds up. gatherings, whether it’s ‘tea Stir in curry powder and continue cooking for 1 minute. or abuse) diet and lifestyle are It might help, though, to and biscuits’, weddings, 3. Add coconut milk and kale. Cook for 10 to15 minutes or things we can take control of. think about exercise in another funeral wakes, Sunday lunch until tender. This month in the Speaker way. We know that one of the or Christmas and other 4. Add beans and chilli (if using). Stir, cover and gently we’ll take a closer look at this worst things for our health is religious festivals. heat through for a few minutes. hugely important topic, one simply sitting about. Even if How might we all go 5. Add lime juice, garnish with seeds and serve with that affects every single we exercise a lot, sitting too about using food to combat brown rice. one of us. much still hugely damages our loneliness? Eating should not There are three vital areas health and of course we all do be a chore but a pleasure we DID YOU KNOW? for human health and, by this quite a lot, whether it’s can share with others. If we Don’t bin the kale stems – they’re edible and nutritious: extension, the health of our studying, sitting in an office, live, work or study with other they just take longer to cook! Try sautéing with soy sauce brains: getting enough watching telly or using the people we can emphasise the or add to soups, stews or curries. exercise, staying socially computer. importance of sitting down to active and following a good Historically we’ve never regular meals together. Focus ¢ diet. We’ll look at how each of spent so much time on our on family mealtimes and make these affects our mood in turn. backsides! So rather than a point of having lunch with But first a warning. There is worrying about whether or not co-workers to chat and eat. If a limit to what our diet and to go to the gym we should we live alone we could host lifestyle can do for the health instead try to limit the amount a friend, neighbour or family Leith Academy of our mind. For things like of time we sit. Here’s an member once a week (and they 0131 554 0606 mild to moderate depression excellent and interesting short could return the favour). Or and to balance our mood there video which explains more perhaps hold dinner parties. [email protected] is much we can do. However a https://www.Youtube. Go shopping with another (and good diet, exercise and staying com/watch?v= aUaInS6HIGo take advantage of multi-buys). socially active alone are We are now coming to If you’re an older person September dates for your diary not cures for any serious understand that social why not book yourself onto diagnosed mental health isolation and loneliness are the lunch club at the Ripple? 4 Parent Council (7.00pm) condition such as bipolar hugely damaging to both Or perhaps you could sign up disorder, major depression physical and mental health. for Meal Makers (http://www. 6 CAT (1.20-3.20pm) or schizophrenia. They’re linked to increased mealmakers.org.uk/) where a 9-13 Maths Week Scotland—events across the school Having said that, a poor depression, high blood vetted person comes round 9-10 S1 Activity Day diet and lifestyle may well pressure, heart disease and and brings a tasty hot meal to 11 Num/Lit Parental Engagement Evening exacerbate symptoms, making increased risk of strokes, share over a blether. If you’re us feel worse. The best we can poorer immunity and slower a carer can you make time to 16 AUTUMN HOLIDAY say here is that following a recovery from illness. sit and eat with the person you 19 Imp Plan Launch with partners et al healthy, balanced diet gives us Worryingly social isolation look after? As we age staying 20 CEC Framework Day on Assessment & moderation a more level playing field and and loneliness increase the socially active, together with a 23 European Languages Week helps to stabilise mental and chances of an early death at good diet and exercise, is also physical energy levels. least as much as obesity. thought to lower our risk of Adult Classes begin Recent research has clearly On the other hand, greater getting dementia. 23 (w/b) S1 interviews with House Heads shown that exercise is as social activity leads to a 50% Next month we’ll take a look 26/27 MVP S4-6 Pupil Training effective as common anti- lower risk of early death and at what foods may help us to 27 24 hr Leadership Event depressants in treating mild to may be associated with improve our mood. 10 The Speaker, September 2019

Events At Library

Mondays: every second Monday evening 6.30pm to 7.30pm the Book Group meets. Dates for September are 9th and 23rd.

Wednesdays: every Wednesday afternoon 2pm Bookbug Rhymetime – songs and rhymes for under 4 year olds and their parents and carers – all welcome to come along and join in the fun. Every Wednesday 5.30pm to 6.30pm NHS “Quit Your Own Way” stop smoking support group – free, friendly and confidential advice and support to help you to give up smoking. Meet at Restalrig Lochend Community Hub Fridays: every Friday morning at 10.30am Kenny will be 198 Restalrig Road South rolling out the Magic Story Rug , why not come along and Edinburgh EH7 6DZ join him in the adventure. Last Friday of the Month Children’s Craft . The date for This is a fun, friendly, FREE September is 27th at 3pm. exercise session for mothers, parents and guardians with Please note that at all library children’s events children aged children in buggies. Suitable 8 or under must be accompanied by a parent/carer aged 12 for all levels of ability. or over. Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace, Edinburgh EH8 7BQ telephone 0131 529 5685. For more information www.jogscotland.org.uk Please contact the leader before attending your To advertise in the Speaker first session contact Donna on [email protected] 01968 673229 or email [email protected]

WEE SPEAKER’S CORNER

We wonder weather you could add HAVE A SUPER SEPTEMBER

some colour By Dawn Baxter head, he only has his shelf to blame! International Peace Day is on the How have the first few weeks of the 21st highlighting Climate Action. It new school year gone? All good I would seem starting a discussion on hope. Some other good news, I hear climate change is good for making my old English teacher got married new friends, a real icebreaker! Books to the janitor, he just swept her off are really much more reliable for her feet! I have also heard lots of factual content than the internet. you got good exam results, well Last week I read on a climate watch done. My maths teacher said to me website that we produce 48% more before my maths exam that she carbon emissions than we did in the expected at least 80% from me. I 1970s but that figure could be said – Miss, I’m thinking closer to halved if we just divide it by two, 100%. She said, are you joking? we’re all doomed! The rise in global I said, well you started it! I warming means that in a few years’ particularly struggled with algebra, time the whole of Belgium could be I just couldn’t get the answer to 5q under water. But on the bright side + 5q. My friend just shook her head that would leave an extra Europa and said 10q … and you’re welcome! League place open for the Hibs. And as one door closes another opens, Things to do in September include in fact most of Edinburgh will National Read A book Day on the be opening their doors over the 6th, I’ve never read any Harry Potter, weekend of the 28th and 29th for I just can’t take them Sirius! Our Doors Open Day. Check out the local librarian had a nasty knock on websites for all three of the above the head last week. As he reached up for more info and how to get to select a book they all fell on his involved. Enjoy September. The Speaker, September 2019 11

St Margaret’s Christ Church Parish Church (Free Church Restalrig of Scotland) Great selection of low cost freshly Britwell Crescent Sunday Service made meals and delicious 10.30am Sunday Morning homebaking. Friendly atmosphere. Good News Team 10.30am 11.00am Come alone or bring a friend. with crèche and Creche 10.30am Sunday School Tea/Coffee after service Sunday Evening 11.00-1.30 Monday to Friday Communion last Sunday 6.00pm Restalrig Lochend Community Hub every month Tea and coffee 198 Restalrig Road South available after both St Ninian’s services RC Church Prayer meeting Lochend Seniors Computer Group Marionville Rd Wed 7.30pm Computer help for anyone over 50 Sunday Mass Every Thursday 2 – 4pm 10.15am Restalrig Lochend Community Hub Children’s Liturgy Wilson Memorial 198 Restalrig Road South (filled rolls and Church Craigentinny Only £1 a session. refreshments after Mass) corner of Moira Terrace Bring your own laptop or tablet Polish Mass 1pm and Kekewich Avenue No booking required There is now Mass at Sunday Worship11.00am Just pop in and meet us 10am every day (Creche and children’s except Wednesday programme provided) Tea/coffee afterwards Fr Syriac Palakudiyil Bible Study - 6.30pm Exercise for Everyone Parish House (3rd Sunday of month) 12 Marionville Drive at Restalrig Lochend Community Hub 0131 661 2867 Mid-Week Quiet Time 198 Restalrig Road South The Church is open for 07504 802 728 0131 554 0422 Lochend Toddler Group [email protected] quiet reflection every Hall Bookings Wednesday Every Wednesday 10.00am to 10.45am 0131 554 9788 11.00am to 12 noon £2.50 per session is run by local parents and open to parent/carers and pre-schoolers from babies upwards. A congregation of the United Just turn up and join us! Free Church of Scotland Willowbrae Varied fun exercise suitable for men The group meets Monday mornings [email protected] and women of all ages Parish Church www.wilsonmemorial.org.uk 9.30am – 11.30am 1 Willowbrae Road Restalrig Lochend Community Hub Sunday Worship 198 Restalrig Road South 10am – Prayers before Join us in the village halls, Restalrig Come along to find out more during the Service In Church Centre Last Tuesday of the month 10am or Last Thursday of the month 10.30am above times. 10.30am – Morning New members warmly welcomed. Service local groups For more information contact advertise on this page [email protected] £2.50 per session per family, children’s Refreshments and free of charge or ring 0131 554 7400 snacks included. fellowship in the 0131 554 0422 Do you like reading? Everyone welcome Hall after the Service

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 9am-12pm (MH) 2 ½-5yrs Playgroup 9am-12pm (MH) 2 ½-5yrs Playgroup 9a m-12pm (MH) 2 ½-5yrs The Alma Project (Art Group) 11.45am-1.45pm Guitar Group 9.30am-12pm (Disco Room) Art Class 10am-12pm (CH) (Lounge & CH) DP Jewellery 10am-12pm (CH) Kids Dance Class 1.30pm-3.30pm (MH) Monday Social Club 12.30pm-3.30pm 50+ (MH) The Alma Project (Creative Writing) 12-2pm (Lounge) Polish School for children 1.15pm-4.30pm Kids Dance Class 3.45pm-7.45pm (CH) Kids Dance Class 3.45p m-7.30pm (CH) (CH, Art Room, Classroom & Lounge) Youth Club 6pm-8pm (YCF& MH) P3-P7 Youth Club 7.00pm-8.30pm (MH & YC Floors) P6-S1 Craigy Boot Camp 7.30pm-8pm (CH) Beat Breakerz Dance Class 4pm-5.45pm (MH) Olive Tree Madrasah (Classroom) 5pm-7pm Age 3-7 and 8-16 years Saturday Community Council 7pm-8.30pm (Lounge) last Junior Youth Club 10a m-12pm (MH) P1-P3 Wednesday of each month Tuesday Polish School for children 9.45am-2.15pm (Disco Olive Tree Madrasah (Classroom) 5pm-7pm Playgroup 9am-12pm (MH) 2 ½-5yrs Rm & Art Rm) Jewellery 10am-12pm (CH) Polish School for children 9.45am-2.15pm (CH, Art Digital Skills Class 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday Room, Classroom & Lounge) (New Art Rm, YCF) Playgroup 9a m-12pm (MH) 2 ½-5yrs The Alma Project (Art Studio) 12.30pm-2.30pm (CH) Slimming World-9am-12noon (CH) Carpet Bowls 1pm-4pm (MH) The Alma Project 1pm-3pm (Clay & Batik) (CH) Kid Dance Class 2.45pm-6pm (CH) Kids Dance Class 3.30pm-6.45pm (CH The centre is also available to let for private parties Kids Dance Class 6pm-730pm (MH) Kids Dance Class 4.15pm-5pm (MH) and community events. Free wi-fi for all users. Craigie Boot Camp 7pm-8pm (CH) Line Dancing 6.45pm-8.45pm (MH) Karate 8.15pm-9.15pm (CH) Craigie Boot Camp 7-8pm (CH) Contact Archie or Donna 0131 661 9404 for further details www.joininedinburgh.org/craigentinny 12 The Speaker, September 2019 Restalrig Lochend Community Hub 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh 0131 554 0422

September 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. £3 per week. Wear comfortable shoes. See notice page 8. 10.30am – 11.30am. Absolute beginners/beginners Caring Soles 11.30am – 12.30pm. Improvers. Footcare service. 10am – 2.pm. Appointments only. Boys Only Club To make appointment call 0131 447 4520. 6.30pm – 8pm. P6 – S2. Lochend Seniors Computer Group 50+ computer training. 2 – 4pm. £1. ay Buggy Walk Bring your own device or laptop. uesd 10am. Come on a buggy walk with Ripple Xpress Drama Group T Route 10 Rollers. (see notice page 10) 3.30pm – 5pm. P5 to S1. At the Hub. Knitting Network ROSP Drop In 2pm – 3.30pm all ages and abilities welcome. Thursdays 7.30pm – 9pm. S3 – S6. We have wool and needles to get you started. Just Wide range of activities and workshops provided by drop in. 50p per session for tea/coffee and biscuits Ripple youth work team and other partners. Hub 198 Drop In 6.30pm – 8pm. P7 to S2. ay Community Policing Team Surgery Frid 20 September. 12.30 – 1.30pm. day Exercise for Everyone Ripple Friday 60+ Musical Afternoons dnes 10am – 10.45am. £2.50. 1pm start. £1 per session. We Suitable for men and women of all ages. 6 Sept Tomas brings a voice from the valleys Just turn up. of Wales Men Only Evening 18th September 20 Sept Margot returns with all our favourites 4pm – 8pm. to sing-a-long to See page 6 for details. Girls Only Club 6.30pm – 8pm. P6 – S2. Granton Information Centre Free welfare rights, housing and debt advice. To book an appointment call Wendy on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458. See notice page 5. 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 Cllr Ian Campbell Ash Denham MSP Cllr Joan Griffiths Cllr McLellan Tommy Sheppard MP Tuesday 3 September Monday 30 September Friday 27 September Monday 9 September Friday 6 September 1.00 to 2.00pm 12.00pm 12.00 to 1.00pm 12.00 to 1.00pm 1.00pm to 2.00pm