Home News Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!

Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!

August 8, 2014 6:08 am

Judging Edinburgh’s Gardens

Community funding from Yorkshire Building Society

Racing at Musselburgh today

Morning Gloryville

Soweto Spiritual Singers

Judges from around Europe took a closer look at Edinburgh’s parks, streets and gardens on Wednesday when they went on a tour of the city including our wonderful Floral Clock.

The panel assessed the capital for this year’s Entente Florale, Europe’s biggest environmental competition.

This is the first time the capital has represented the UK in the prestigious awards, following on from its success in Britain in Bloom earlier this year.

Each summer more than 22,000 cities, towns and villages enter the contest, which judges entries on horticultural achievement, community involvement and responsibility for the environment.

On Wednesday the jury spent a full day scoring Edinburgh on everything from the built environment in the High Street, community input in Dunbar’s Close Garden and the Cowgate Nursery’s outdoor learning strategy.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson hosted the judges, who have travelled from as far afield as Austria and Croatia, during their stay.

He said: “We are honoured to be representing the UK in the Entente Florale this year and are delighted to be able to showcase the hard work carried out by the Council, partners and local groups to the jury.

“It’s not hard to see why Edinburgh is such a popular place to live and visit, and this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the natural and built environment that makes the city what it is.”

Amongst the criteria to be assessed for the award are sustainability, landscape, green spaces and tourism and leisure.

As well as the management and design of the city’s parks and green spaces, judges focus on aspects like the city’s active travel strategy, its attitude to recycling, tourism and leisure and the work of bodies like Historic Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and various community and Friends of Parks groups.

Tommy Steel is workshop manager at the Grassmarket Community Project, a charity which works with homeless and vulnerable people to develop skills in horticulture, cooking and woodwork.

He said: “We involve participants to grow a herb garden in Greyfriar’s Kirk and we use the herbs in our training kitchen. By developing their skills in these areas they’re also developing self esteem and confidence.

“Being part of Entente Florale gives them a focus. Taking part in the judging day has given them a real sense of achievement, as they see the fruits of their labour.”

Find out more about Edinburgh’s involvement in the Entente Florale on the Council website.

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Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Crockart, is encouraging all charities in Edinburgh to apply for Yorkshire Building Society’s Lasting Legacy Fund.

To commemorate its 150^th anniversary, Yorkshire Building Society is inviting charities to apply for a share of £150,000 to help them continue to assist the community.

15 charities will each be awarded £10,000 to fund a specific project that will make a lasting difference to their communities.

Commenting Mr Crockart said: “I am delighted that the Yorkshire Building Society has recently launched this fund in Scotland. It is a brilliant opportunity for charities to make a lasting impact on their community for generations to come.

“There are many fantastic hardworking local charities in Edinburgh and I want to encourage any charity which has a specific project in mind to apply to this fund.

“£10,000 could make a huge difference to the work of any charity and it is brilliant to see Yorkshire Building Society taking extra steps to support charities and local communities.”

You can find out more about the fund and apply online by visiting: www.ybs.co.uk/legacy

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Middleham-based trainer Mark Johnston saddled Party Line to win the 2013 running of the Archerfield Cup at Musselburgh and he will make a bold bid to record back to back wins in today’s renewal with his progressive Alex My Boy.

The three-year-old was strongly fancied to land the East Lothian track’s prestigious Edinburgh Cup in June but came under pressure early in the contest and only began to pick up ground inside the last two furlongs.

Alex My Boy had earlier justified sustained market support when winning a Musselburgh maiden event at the Easter meeting and returned to winning form last time out in impressive style at Haydock. The Johnston raider will be well suited to today’s extended trip of 1m 6f and mount Joe Fanning has been in peak form over recent weeks.

Competition for this £25,000 Class 3 handicap is understandably fierce with Alex My Boy facing stiff opposition from the Alan Swinbank duo of Dark Ruler and previous course winner Lady Kashaan, David Barron’s rejuvenated Sirvino, and the ultra-consistent Saved By The Bell from the in-form David O’Meara stable.

Best outsider in the line-up could be the Jim Goldie trained Jonny Delta, the mount of Graham Lee. Although down the field in his last two outings Jonny Delta always reserves his best displays for long distance handicaps at Musselburgh.

Racing starts at 2pm with the £12,500 British Stallions Studs EBF Stallions Conditions Stakes run over 5 furlongs. Carluke trainer Keith Dalgleish is double handed with his last time out winners Chances Are and Just The Tip, who also scored on her debut at Musselburgh last month.

Both these speedy fillies are certain to go close but preference will be for Bryan Smart’s Beverley winner Fendale. This well related colt gained a decisive success over Ocean Sheridan on his racing debut and the Smart team has come into a purple patch.

Gates open at noon, for further information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

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At Bristo Square tomorrow 9 and then again on 16 and 23 August they have an offer 2 for 1 tickets at Morning Gloryville is a family-friendly, immersive morning dance experience for those who like to start their day in style! From 9am to 12pm in McEwan Hall, come and wake up with a dance, electrifying music, yoga, massage and coffee. It’s taken London, Amsterdam and New York by storm, now it’s Edinburgh’s turn!