Some people living nearby the beach have contacted me about their property shaking as a result of the sand-moving machines which are 're-grading' the sand from west east to re-build our coastal defences. I have made sure the Council knows about this, and measures will be taken to mitigate it. This 'earthquake' side-effect of the work was not anticipated by anyone, I'm told. Once the work is done, the sand at the east will be back to the levels they were in 1988.
A regular rail commuter also been in touch about the reliability of the Crossrail trains connecting Newcraighall and Brunstane to Waverley. If you experience any delays or cancellations, now or in the future, can you please get in touch and let me know the dates and times of day, so we are in the best position to put matters right? I have been in touch with the Chief Executive of the train operator, First Scotrail, and also the Council's head of transport to express our concerns.
Please see below for details of a Grand Carnival Stramash taking place in Portobello tomorrow - sorry, short notice, I know!
"As part of Edinburgh’s Ceilidh Culture, join us for a mega music-making instruments and percussion happening starting with workshops, finishing with one huge performance. Open to all ages and levels, the workshops are led by Jenny Gardner, Gica Loening, Gordon Turnbull and Conrad Molleson. Whether you are a beginner or have played your instrument for a while there is a place for you in this fun event. Parents, grannies, siblings, friends are all needed! Children bring your adults! (Percussion supplied).
1.30 -3pm Carnival Workshops
Fiddle Workshop: for beginners onwards. If you play a little this workshop is for you.
Mixed Instrument Workshop: for intermediate players and beyond. All instruments welcome.
Percussion and Rhythm Workshop : open to all and percussion is provided. No experience necessary.
(NB. Children under 12 must have a parent present in the building, or be currently registered with a Fun Fiddle class).
3pm Delicious Tea , coffee, cake
All proceeds to Project Trust http://www.projecttrust.org.uk
3.30pm Grand Carnival Stramash
Fun Fiddle and flute star turns, followed by one huge jambouree performed by all workshop participants. Bring your friends, family and anyone off the street, if they aren’t already taking part! (This bit is free, but suggested donation £2 on the door).
Workshop Tickets: On sale from Usher Hall Box Office ( Book by phone Lines are open Monday to Saturday 10am–5.30pm Telephone: 0131 228 1155). Or online from http://www.ceilidhculture.co.uk For more information phone 0131 669 7618"
This spring, Dave Roberts of Telferton Allotment Association will be running another grow your own course in association with PEDAL - Portobello Transition Town. There are five places available on the course, and the cost will be £15 per person in total (this will cover the costs of seeds, fertiliser and other materials). The course will be held at Telferton Allotments over four Saturdays — 23rd April, 7th May, 14th May, and 21st May 2011. Participants will learn how to dig, prepare and sow the beds. Thereafter it would be up to you to look after the crop, with Dave being available to assist and help where necessary until November. The course is aimed at people who have no previous growing experience and who did not attend PEDAL's previous allotment grow your own course last year (those who attended other PEDAL growing courses are, however, welcome). In the first session participants will be allocated a plot and Dave will advise on how to prepare the ground and discuss with you what you would like to grow. The following sessions will focus on preparing the ground, sowing and tending your crop. Dave is happy to help participants to grow whatever they would like, within the bounds of the growing season up until November. For more information or to book a place, contact Dave Roberts by e-mail : dave2doreen@btinternet.com .
The Council is carrying out a consultation throughout the city to learn from the winter's severe weather and how to do it better. Many of you have already contributed to that discussion, through responses to my emails over the period all of which have been passed on and will form part of our local response and set new priorities when severe weather strikes again in future. The Portobello/Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership and management are organising a meeting to contribute to this consultation. It will be held on Wednesday 11 May in the Hays Business Centre, Hay Avenue, EH16 4QA. More information will be circulated nearer the time, but the two main things to consider will be what worked well and what we think could be improved. If you haven't yet contributed to this debate, through me, or in any other way, then please feel free to comment now.
Have a good weekend!
Maureen
Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 |