Five things you need to know today
Tram Project Update – Priority Parking – Afternoon Tea with the Military Wives Choir – Wine tasting at The Scotsman Hotel – Postcode Challenge
The trams are not due to start running until the beginning of next year, but work has powered ahead in the last 12 months since the new council administration took over. The Edinburgh Reporter went on a tram journey in March when the part of the line between Gogar and the Airport was handed over to the council by the contractors. You can see tram drivers practising out there most days. We recorded a little video of the journey which you can watch below.
The council’s Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee meet tomorrow, and will hear from the Chief Executive, Sue Bruce, who will tell them that the total revised budget of £776m has largely been spent, although by no means all of it. £728m has been spent on work completed to date, which leaves a healthy balance for completion, according to the report. Part of the £776m is a risk budget of £34m of which £28.7m has been spent on utility works, such as drainage and diversions of utility pipes and cables.
It should not be a surprise to anyone keeping a close eye on the project how much has now been spent, as the poles and tracks are largely in place, although there is a lot of tidying up to do in both Shandwick Place and York Place. The report narrates that what are described as the ‘civil works’ in St Andrew Square will be finished by the end of this week, and the other works involving putting in the electric cables to power the tram line will be installed by December 2013. Work in the West End should be completed and the road surface laid by June this year. Whether or not you agree with the tram project, and all the ups and downs it has had, the reassuring thing in the report to the council is that it now appears to be on time and within the revised budget.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdddBDAZoNQ]
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There is a public meeting at the Blackhall Library this evening from 19:00 onwards. The following streets in the Craigleith and Blackhall area have been proposed for formal consultation on Priority Parking:-Blinkbonny Avenue, Blinkbonny Gardens, Blinkbonny Grove, Blinkbonny Grove West, Blinkbonny Road, Craigleith Drive (north of bridge), Craigleith Road,Orchard Crescent and Orchard Drive.
Earlier consultations have also taken place in the Maidencraig and Groathill areas. This is a rerun of the consultation needed on priority parking as explained here in a report to the March Transport Committee meeting.
A public meeting has been arranged in the Blackhall Library and councillors will be in attendance to answer questions..
You can see a map of the affected area here.
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The Edinburgh Military Wives Choir is to perform at an exclusive afternoon tea event at The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this Sunday.
The event is being run in aid of charity It’s good 2 Give, and is hosted by Grant Stott. The choir will perform some of the songs for which the Military Wives have become famous including ‘Wherever You Are’ from The Military Wives’ album, among other well-known songs.
Gill Raw, chair of the Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, said:- “We are a newly formed choir and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in the gorgeous surrounding of The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel and to support Lynne McNicoll (such an amazing lady!) and her charity. The ethos of the Military Wives Choirs is to bring women in the military community together to have fun and enjoy music. We have put together a lovely programme which we are looking forward to performing.’
There are still a few tickets available for Afternoon Tea with the Military Wives on 28th April (2-4pm) priced £30 per person. The menu includes freshly prepared finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and a mouthwatering selection of treats including chocolate éclairs, strawberry tarts and Gateaux Opera together with your choice of tea or coffee. To book your place email info@itsgood2give.co.uk
If you are interested in joining the newly established Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, contact edgarmilitarywiveschoir@gmail.com or call 0131-310 2876
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The Scotsman Hotel, in association with Liberty Wines, is putting on an extravagant evening of Australian wine tasting and fine dining in their exclusive Russell Suite on Thursday 25th April at 7pm.
The menu has been prepared by The Scotsman Hotel’s Executive Head Chef, Paul Hart, who has worked closely with Liberty Wines to produce a menu to delight wine aficionados and budding bon vivants. The wine’s featured are from the renowned houses of Innocent Bystander and Mitolo.
To make a booking, call 0131 556 5565 or emailscotsman-events@thescotsmanhotel.co.uk
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Planning ahead for the weekend now. News about an event from Innertube Map.
This coming Sunday 28 April 2013 is the third Postcode Challenge on the north Edinburgh paths – a chance to explore the routes, discover new ones and win prizes at the same time.
Dotted around the network will be ten stands, run by local organisations. Find your first one and they will give you a card. Get the card stamped at all ten locations (five if you are on foot) and bring it back to the event HQ at Fiveways Junction by 4pm to be entered into the free prize draw. As well as the main prizes, many of the stands may have freebies and presents to give away too.
The event is totally traffic free and great for all ages. Take part on your own or as part of a team.
You can download a cyclist route map and stamp card here or if you are on foot, download the walkers’ version. Or just collect one at the first stand you find.
Look out for the following stalls on the route:
- The Bike Station – for bike repairs with Dr Bike
- Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
- The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop – check out their gorgeous new building!
- Greener Leith
- Spokes
- Sustrans
- Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
- Harts Cyclery
- My Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op
We can’t tell you where each stand will be – but once you’ve found the first one, you’re away. If in doubt, head to Fiveways Junction.
And thank you to the following for donating prizes: Spokes, the Bike Station, Harts Cyclery Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op and Green Yonder Tours
This event is part of the Innertube project, funded thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and via the People’s Postcode Trust.
For further information, please contact Ruth on 0131 445 4025 or emailruth@elgt.org.uk