Home News Five things you need to know today

Five things you need to know today

April 30, 2016 6:00 am

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South Central Decides
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Lingotot classes for your pre-school children
Edinburgh World Heritage looking for new trustees
Studio8

Later today people living in the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership area will decide, for the first time, how to spend three pots of money totalling around £221,000 on projects that benefit their local community and environment.

South Central Decides allows community groups to apply for grants of up to £2,500 each. This year 21 applications have been received and local people are being invited to vote on which projects they would most like to see receive money.

The local community will also have the opportunity to vote on a number of environmental improvement projects. This includes road enhancements, as well as the installation of soft landscaping and civic art installations. In total there are 23 projects of this nature to decide upon.

A marketplace event will be held from 11am until 3pm at the Methodist Church in Nicolson Square, at which members of the public will get the chance to learn about the applicants and projects. Anyone aged eight years and over and who lives in the South Central area can take part.

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“Initiatives like South Central Decides continue to be exceedingly popular, allowing local people to make real decisions about priority activities in their community. It’s the embodiment of direct deliberative democracy.

“In Edinburgh, participatory budgeting has been successfully implemented at a neighbourhood level since 2010 with seven neighbourhood Partnerships now using PB, and other services developing new PB initiatives.

“Projects like this bring real benefits to the community and I would encourage as many people in South Central Edinburgh as possible to come along on Saturday and voice their choice.

“The public event held as part of the process gives community groups the opportunity to raise awareness about their work too. Neighbourhood Partnership events like this are valued by people who welcome the opportunity to make decisions about the area in which they live.”

For up-to-date information about South Central Decides and information on the grants and projects please visit http://www.edinburghnp.org.uk/neighbourhood-partnerships/south-central/

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that enthralling drama Tommy’s Honour will open the 70^th edition of the festival on Wednesday 15^thJune 2016.

Shot entirely on location in Scotland, Tommy’s Honour is based on the true story of golfing pioneer and legend Tom Morris and his turbulent relationship with his son Tommy. Acclaimed and award-winning actor Peter Mullan (Sunshine on Leith) and Olivier-winning Jack Lowden (War & Peace) take on the roles of father and son and lead a fantastic ensemble cast including Ophelia Lovibond (W1A), Peter Ferdinando (Hyena) and Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) in the role of Alexander Boothby. Key members of the cast will be in attendance on Opening night.

More information about the Film Festival here.

Mum Giselle Dominguez is setting up a language business to teach pre-school and primary school children Spanish in schools and in the community.

Giselle, 37, who was born in Argentina and trained as a primary school teacher in Spain, has decided to set up her own Lingotot business to help children in Edinburgh to learn her native Spanish is a fun and relaxed way after seeing first-hand the benefits of learning additional languages has had on her own two small children.

She said: “I lived in Spain from the age of 11, went to University there and qualified in Primary Teaching with specialty in English as a foreign Language. I then came to the UK, not only to improve my English but to immerse myself in the culture too.”

For details about Giselle’s classes, visit lingotot.com or telephone 0845 680 8148.

Edinburgh World Heritage has two vacancies on its board. They are looking for people with drive and enthusiasm. As a trustee you would be responsible for strategy of the organisation and stewardship of charitable funds. Experience with a charitable board is desirable.

More details of how to apply here.

Studio8 is about to be launched on South Clerk Street. The grand opening will take place on Thursday 12^th May at 6.30pm, and is open to the everyone to learn more about Studio8’s services and enjoy some refreshments and canapés courtesy of Kushis, Edinburgh.

STUDIO8 – the expertly designed photographic studio provides for any project needs. Equipped with the best technology in Scotland to ensure world-class results. The Studio is situated in the City Centre of Edinburgh, and boasts a fibreglass-moulded corner cove, blackout blinds, wireless broadband, Mac production point and connecting plasma TV screen, full make up counters with daylight-balanced bulbs, a private changing area, kitchenette and bathroom area, and backwash areas are all available.

The studio will be giving away a free photo session to one lucky winner. To enter, you must attend the grand opening on the 12^th of May and sign up for the draw.

Faruk Mohammed owner of Studio8 adds “Scotland was calling out for a great photography studio space, with added extras such as backwashes, expert make up tables, changing rooms and a private kitchenette area. Studio8 can accommodate any type of photoshoot from contemporary studio portraiture, product shoots, fitness, hair and lifestyle shoots – the new Studio8 will be open to anyone looking for a great space for their chosen shoot. We will also be offering the space on a discounted rate to students, as well as arranging bespoke packages for commercial and professional shoots.”