Edinburgh Trams deadline missed – Charities team up – Comedy – Morrissey – Summer Fayre this weekend
Negotiations between Edinburgh Council and Lothian Buses have failed to meet a deadline for agreement which was set for Monday of this week. The negotiations are to agree strong governance, financial and shareholder controls for the operation of trams and buses in Edinburgh.
Conservative Group Leader Cameron Rose said:-“It is essential that a satisfactory agreement is reached on governance, financial and shareholder controls for the operation of buses and trams.
Knowing the importance of the terms of such an agreement I will be calling for an early meeting of all councillors for no later than 8th August if the delayed negotiations further stall or if the agreement is not considered to be satisfactory.
If we cannot be assured there is a satisfactory agreement by Monday next week, it is essential councillors are fully updated to review and decide on the options on this important issue. Edinburgh Conservatives will push for an urgent meeting of all councillors as soon as possible.
Edinburgh Council is the senior shareholder and councillors must ensure the strategic direction and operation of trams and buses is in the best interests of the people of Edinburgh.”
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Age Scotland and Shelter Scotland have joined forces to ensure older residents in Edinburgh have better access to expert information and advice on housing. Callers to the Age Scotland Helpline – 0845 125 9732 – whose needs include help with housing problems such as rent or mortgage arrears, will now get assistance for them without additionally having to call Shelter Scotland.
The partnership aims to meet the needs of an increasing number of older people experiencing housing problems: more than 1000 people in Scotland of or above State Pension Age made homeless applications last year. Age Scotland Helpline advisors will be able to obtain specialist support from Shelter Scotland where necessary to answer enquiries.
Age Scotland Helpline manager Heather Smith said: “Many of the people who contact us, who are very often older people, but can also be their friends, families and carers, do so in the hope that we can help with a wide range of problems. They may have a housing issue, but perhaps also difficulties around managing on a low income, getting suitable care or feeling lonely and isolated. Our partnership with Shelter Scotland means that help for homeowners or tenants in Edinburgh with such connected issues is now available through just one phone call.”
Alison Watson, Head of Services at Shelter Scotland, said: “At a time when increasing numbers of older people across Edinburgh are struggling with their household finances, heating and keeping their home, it is vital that advice and support is readily available. Our advisors offer year-round advice in areas such as debt management, the impact of welfare reform and budgeting.
“By working with Age Scotland we believe we can help their advisors to deal with specific housing issues which they may not necessarily have the expertise to deal with, help more people to quickly access the help they need when they need it and support Age Scotland in their aim to improve later life for everyone in Scotland.”
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Following last year’s successful and hilarious Barnardo’s ‘Bairns’ Night’ comedy show for the festival, we return with the Big Comedy Benefit – another great evening of belly-aching laughs in the name of charity.
Award-winning comedian Jo Caulfield returns as our witty and able host on 12 August 2013 at the Assembly Rooms, George Street, with proceeds going to Barnardo’s Scotland children services.
The gig features some of the best and brightest comedic talents of the festival this year, as well as previewing a selection of 2013’s top shows.
Barnardo’s Scotland is pleased to announce the return of Tim Vine to the stage; the king of puns, one-liners and recurrent winner of ‘joke of the year’ is bringing his ten date ‘Tim Vine Chat Show’ to the city and sharing his funny bone wisdom with the world. For those who can’t get enough of one-liners and deadpan delivery, Mock the Week regular and frequenter of the radio waves, Milton Jones is taking time out his On the Road tour to deliver his observations and witticisms for the Comedy Benefit crowds, as only he knows how.
The 2012 Chortle Award winner for Best MC and resident compere of The Stand is none other than Glaswegian comedian and Scottish debate stirrer, Susan Calman. We are delighted to have her humorous highness (at a diminutive 4ft11) take the stage! Susan will also be running a 12 night show titled ‘Always (A Work in Progress)’ during August.
Aisling Bea joins the line-up fresh from her debut stand up show at the Gilded Balloon; the winner of 2012’s Foster’s ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ Award, Aisling is an Irish comedian and comedy actress who has appeared in Russell Howard’s Good News, Cardinal Burns and more. Catch this fresh talent at our packed show!
Book early for a great night out, and at the same time help Barnardo’s support vulnerable children and young people right here in Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians.
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On Saturday 25 August 2013 you need to be at The Cameo if you are a Morrissey fan. They are screening Morrissey 25 live that evening at 21:00.
The Cameo explain:-“MORRISSEY 25: LIVE is a concert film marking 25 years of Morrissey’s solo career, shot during his most intimate gig in decades at the Hollywood High School in Los Angeles on 2 March 2013.”
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Residents at St Nicholas Court Sheltered Housing Complex on Ferry Road, which is owned by Port of Leith Housing Association (POLHA), is hosting its annual Summer Fayre this Saturday 27 July 2013 between 12pm and 2pm.
The fayre is an integral part of the social calendar, which has been celebrated for over 15 years, and the money raised goes towards day trips and activities for the elderly residents to enjoy.
Some of the attractions include face painting for children, live music, barbeque, refreshments, book stall, tombola stall and raffle prizes – entry is just 50p.
Maureen Tait Senior Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator with PoLHA, said:
“Our Summer Fayre is one of the main highlights in our social calendar for our residents as it’s such a wonderful, fun-filled day. Lots of planning goes into the event and the residents really get on board.
“It is a very important event to us as it helps to raise vital money for our social fund. It means that we can organise day trips, keep-fit classes and other treats for our residents.”
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