Community Council Elections – Stockbridge Festival – Fancy a party on Britannia? – Trees in the city – Take One Action Film Festival
If you have been considering joining a community council then now is your chance. You have until Monday to nominate yourself as a potential member of your local body.
You can make a difference to your neighbourhood, improve your community and also meet new people who live locally as a member of one of the city’s 46 community council areas. Community councils are made up of local residents over the age of 16 and on the electoral roll as well as local community groups. Members are elected for three years to these non-political groups who get involved in commenting on local planning and licensing matters as well as organising local events. They also work with councillors and representatives from Police Scotland, NHS Lothian, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the voluntary sector on local issues.
It is worth mentioning that although there are 46 areas there are only 42 community councils in Edinburgh. The four areas where there is as yet no community council are Silverknowes, Colinton, Gilmerton/Inch and Southside, although there is one planned for that area. The Old Town Community Council in particular has had a very low level of nominations and so if you live there you are urged to get involved. The returning officer for the Old Town is Councillor Karen Doran and you can contact her here.
We asked Councillor Cameron Rose who represents Southside and Newington for his comments on the value of Community Councils.
Councillor Rose said:-“Nominations for a position on local community councils closing at 4pm on Monday 23 September 2013 – there is not much time!
“Community councils act as a voice for their local area and give the opportunity to articulate views on a wide range of issues to public sector bodies (including the Council) and any other organisation. They also have a right to be consulted on all planning applications in the area.
Community councils are in reality mixed. Some are vibrant, focussed and active, some reactive and just ticking over waiting for a big issue to energise them. All are on the lookout for volunteers with good people and committee skills – or even just passions and knowledge. A good community council will have a good chair, efficient secretary, careful treasurer and members with a range of skills and passions who can work together with others for the good of the community. Could this be you? If so check out the link here for more information.
In the last 8 years of my experience I have seen superb initiatives, successful campaigns, expulsion, personality clashes, disagreements, loyal service to the community, court cases, noble persistence, not a little frustration and occasional satisfaction all at community councils. Someone (it could be you?) needs draw such drama together into a book. It might even have the potential to be as gripping as Downton Abbey- which, by the way, starts a new series this week end.
But you need to get your application in by 4pm on Monday.”
Anyone aged 16 years or older and registered to vote can join. Nomination forms are available here. This year, nominations are also being welcomed for the new Southside Community Council.
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The Stockbridge Festival begins today and we hope you enjoy it all, but we would especially like you to go and see the lovely Stockbridge Photography Club exhibition at 51 St Stephen Street from Sunday evening.
Our other choices from the festival are here in this article.
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Year round, Britannia plays host to the most exclusive private evening events in Scotland. This year, for one night only, the Royal Yacht is holding a ticketed event to give individuals and/or groups a chance to experience a truly memorable night at this unique five-star venue. ‘A Traditional Evening’ on board Britannia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Royalty.
A red carpet welcome awaits, as guests are piped aboard Britannia via the Royal Brow, an entrance previously reserved for The Queen and the Royal Family.
Enjoy a lavish Champagne and canapé reception in the State Drawing Room whilst a pianist plays the original grand piano. A captivating guided tour follows giving an insight into how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked aboard this historic ship.
A sumptuous four-course dinner is served in the State Dining Room by Britannia’sbutlers. Everything from the exquisite canapés to the artisan bread and petit fours, is meticulously prepared in the original Royal Galley by Executive Chef, Mark Alston and his team, who use only the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Britannia’s musicians entertain guests throughout dinner. And the evening ends with a ceremony of Beating the Retreat, as would have happened at Britannia’s state dinners.
This spectacular evening is available for £175.00 + VAT per person for 8-12 guests per table. Dress code: Black tie/cocktail dress. Arrival 7.00pm, carriages at midnight.
For further information or to make a booking, please call +44 (0)131 555 8800 or email enquiries@tryb.co.uk
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Trees in the City is draft set of policies and action plan which will be used by the council to guide the management of their trees and woodlands. The document is in draft form and currently open for public consulation until 23 September 2013. Comments from all interested parties are invited. You can have your say here.
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The Take One Action Film Festival will be on at The Filmhouse from the end of next week with a selection of films to educate you on global social change.
For the full programme including outdoor screenings, workshops and talks, pick up a festival guide available in the cinema or visit www.takeoneaction.org.uk
Neu Reekie are appearing at Take One Action:-
SISTERS WEEKEND | MUSIC AND POETRY NIGHT
“ I can’t take my ears off her” – Benjamin Zephaniah, on Holly McNish
Curated by Neu! Reekie! – neureekie.tumblr.com
Following a run of sell-out shows that have seen the likes of Primal Scream and Liz Lochhead take to the stage alongside the upcoming performers they most admire, Edinburgh’s almighty poetry squad are back – taking over Filmhouse with lyricism and musicality on a starburst of gender, justice and human-being themes, especially for Take One Action. The bill includes Holly McNish, much published slam queen and curator, fresh from sonic booms on Women’s Hour, Ronnie Scott’s and Glastonbury… Plus Jamaican poet and novelist, Kei Miller (Commonwealth First Book Nominee). We’re also delighted to include you Gods Speak Esperanto – a bold new collaboration between two maestros of the Scottish music scene: Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop) and Sean Cumming (John Knox Sex Club). TICKETS £7
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
