The MELA – Today at the Mela – Tea in the Park – Figgate Burn – Soundhouse plays on
Today and tomorrow at Leith Links the MELA takes place, and the organisers say this will be the greenest yet. They are banning all non-biodegradable packaging from the site, and they are trying to encourage as many people as possible to arrive at the event by walking or cycling there.
The MELA is a festival of world music dance fashion food and fun with something for everyone no matter what age they are. The purpose behind the mix of dance and the arts is to promote understanding between people of all backgrounds and advance the cause of ‘community coherence’.
Pick of the day today has to be on the main stage at 14.30 – 15.10 The Bollywood Acoustic Band
Three classically trained lead vocalists and three top grade musicians incorporating eastern and western instruments and the Western technique of acapella to reinvent Hindi songs from the Golden and contemporary eras of Bollywood. Part of our 100 years of Bollywood celebration.
Much more information here.
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A recruitment drive to attract more foster carers from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds is taking place in Edinburgh this weekend.
There are very few BME carers in the capital and the aim is to try and increase numbers so that children from different cultural, religious and ethnic groups can live with foster carers who share similar backgrounds.
Matching children with carers from the same background isn’t always essential but, in some cases, it can help a child develop a positive sense of identity and culture.
Information events will take place at McDonald Road Library on Thursday 29th August (10am to 1pm) and at the Edinburgh MELA today from 12pm to 8pm and tomorrow Sunday 1st September (12pm to 5pm).
Councillor Paul Godzik, Children & Families Convener, said: “We always need people from a variety of backgrounds and different walks of life to become foster carers. It’s really important that this crucial service reflects the cultural make-up of our city and that children who need care get the care that best suits them.
“Our foster care team work extremely hard to encourage potential carers and our campaign highlights the impact that their support can have on a child’s life. It’s a very important role and a foster family can help towards a happy future.
“We can help provide the support and advice needed to make this decision, so please, if you are thinking of fostering get in touch or come along to one of the events this week to learn more about it.”
The BME recruitment campaign is part of a wider ongoing campaign to promote foster care in Edinburgh called Foster Me Foster Us. There continues to be a severe shortage of foster carers in Edinburgh and more carers are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.
Carers get paid as self-employed people by the Council and receive a fee, allowances, full training and ongoing support. Depending on the type of caring work taken on, the rewards can be around the level of a well paid full-time job. Carers also get funds to provide pocket money and to buy presents for special occasions.
Foster carers must be over 21 years old. They can be single, married or part of a long-term relationship. They can be a tenant or homeowner. Some have children of their own and some don’t. Carers don’t need to be well-off or in work.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call the City of Edinburgh Council free on 0800 174 833 or visit the Council’s foster care web pages.
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Something to plan for next weekend…..
Braidburn Valley Park Tea in the Park Fun Day
Saturday, 7th September 2013 from 14:00 – 16:30
featuring
Transgression Park stunt cyclists display team with cycle skills area,
Magic Max– Magician and balloon modeller,
Morningside Pipe Band,
as well as Face Painting, Raft Building, two Bouncy Castles, Ceilidh Band, Beat the Goalie, Fire engine, Quizzes,
bar, cafe and home baking.
As usual the highlight at the end of the day will be the World Famous Duck Race.
Please come and join us– you could bring a picnic and make a day of it!
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Councillor Maureen Child tells us that there is going to be a clear up of Figgate Burn aka ‘The Figgie’ on Sunday 1st September, meeting at Bridge Street Car Park at 10am. It’s being organised by Phil Morris, mobile number 07527 115 211. Also on Facebook at fb.me/2K3nOdnHn Councillor Child commented:-“Having done this before a few times, I recommend stout wellies and strong gloves.”
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Good news for the followers of the House Concerts in the house at 42. According to The Herald the council have decided to allow Douglas and Jane Anne to continue with these as long as their neighbours don’t complain.
So tonight you can go along to this musical offering – but only by getting on the guest list.You have to email Douglas at 42music42@musician.org
Saturday 31 August 2013
Special guests: O’Hooley + Tidow
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They’re coming back!! And we couldn’t be happier. One of our favourite guests from last year,O’Hooley + Tidow will be in the house this Saturday to share their unique brand of traditional music. With influences from Ireland, Germany and beyond this duo is not your average English folk band. As they are described as purveyors of chamber folk you may expect classical or ecclesiastical influences, but there is nothing formal or stuffy about them. Their irreverent chat between songs is almost as entertaining as the music. See you on Saturday, 7.30 for 8pm. You are hereby invited.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
