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Archive
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News Read below to find out all the latest news and announcements from PEP June 2010 Ratho Trip
The weather was lovely and, after the dancing, everyone was able to enjoy a day of sunshine at the Adventure Park.
With 2 bus loads of people and the weather at its best, the day was a striking success for organiser Moira Stone and PEP’s volunteers.
June 2010
Day 1 – Tuesday 8th June
Day 1 started wet and ended wetter! However despite this, 10 volunteers attended braving the elements, but as the rain continued the event had to be abandoned at lunchtime. Despite this, a good start was made and spirits were high. The second day started off as wet as the first but as the morning went on, the rain stopped. 10 hardworking volunteers participated and by the end of the day, the plot was cleared of weeds ready for planting.
Day 3 – Saturday 12th June
At last the sun shone, encouraging 14 people to help on the plot for the day. Everyone had great fun designing the plot and placing plants as we discussed biodiversity and its importance. The volunteers worked hard digging and planting, and the end result was a spectacular rejuvenation of the plot. The planting included two juniper trees, foxgloves, thistles and other insect friendly foliage. We would like to thank CSV Action Earth, John at ‘Forth Resource Management Limited - Braehead Eco-Centre’ who donated bags of topsoil for the event and the families who supplied us water for the event.
June 2010 Baptism at the Community Garden
The British Army (based at Dreghorn Barracks) played a big part in the proceedings by supplying and erecting a tent which was then used by their Fijian Band. Gospel and praise band music was sung for the outdoor service.
Tom Kisiti, the Minister of the West Christian Centre, and his team are to be congratulated for organising a truly memorable day.”
June 2010 Farewell to Billy
On the final week, class members presented her with a bouquet of flowers to say ‘thank you’. We look forward to working with Billy and Telford College again in the future. April 2010 Tree Planting with Forbes Nursery
Anthony explained that the trees had been donated by the Woodlands Trust through Sainsbury’s ‘Active Kids’ scheme. The trees included Rowan and Silver Birch and will make a great addition to the garden over the coming years.
March 2010 Neighbourhood Group News
On Thursday the 18 th of March PEP’s neighbourhood group completed a six mile sponsored walk around Linlithgow’s loch. In doing so, they raised £431, which will be used to provide a programme of events over the summer. The group regularly go on walking trips as part of a promotion for a healthier lifestyle.
March 2010 From volunteer to staff member
Brian has already become a firm favourite with the clients and we hope he will enjoy being part of the PEP team.
February 2010 Farewell to our Head Driver
Iain Nicholson joined PEP in June 2007 as a volunteer with the decorating and gardening team. He also became a volunteer driver. In March 2008 Iain successfully applied for the post of Head Driver, in charge of the smooth running of PEP’s Transport Service.
Iain was always dedicated to the job, but recently decided to follow his dream of going back to university before he hit the ‘big 50’. He applied for a place to study ‘Literature and Humanities,’ through the Open University and is due to start the course in March. Iain spent his last few weeks at PEP making sure that Trisha and Darin were up to speed with the running of the service! Iain says: “ Working at PEP has been a wonderful experience for me and I'm sad to be moving on. It's an inspiring organization and I'm proud to have had the opportunity to make a contribution. Volunteering with the gardening and decorating service, left me with a feeling of making a real difference to some people's lives and I was happy to be working in something positive and worth the effort.
Changing to volunteer driving seemed quite a challenge at the time, but I was happy to get the chance to train in new skills and meet new people. When the position of Head Driver came up, I was encouraged to apply and was offered the position. I was given an opportunity there for which I will always be grateful. I was made welcome and given every support and encouragement from the staff, who I could see were dedicated to the work they do. There are too many good times to list here, but I know I will have many fond memories of my time with PEP and look forward to my visits in the future”. Iain was very popular with all the service users and staff alike, and he will be sorely missed. Our best wishes go with Iain in as he follows his goals.
December 2009 PEP Christmas EXTRAVAGANZA
As always the evening provided a variety of entertainment. The Haughey McAuley Dancers
Sheila McLean led the Neighbourhood Group singing Carols and some festive songs. Audience participation added to the Christmas spirit. A buffet was served by staff members and volunteers of the project, followed by Karen Munro, a young accordionist of just 2 years.
Thanks to everyone who supported the evening.
Literacies & Lifelong Learning Services
PEP aims to provide a quality service of lifelong learning to promote active participation in the community. We provide beginner and advanced computer classes supported by a qualified volunteer computer support assistant. PEP also works in partnership with Telford College to provide adult education classes within the PEP Centre. Currently a course is being run on Sociology. Transport is available on request by contacting the PEP centre on 0131 315 4466. The lifelong learning programme is integrated into all of PEP’s daycare clubs, including a programme of activities for the Neighbourhood Group and Weekend Resource. PEP also provides personal development courses for staff and volunteers for all aspects of PEP’s work. This includes training for MiDAS (minibus driver assessments), PATS (Passenger Assistant Training), Emergency First Aid, Depression Awareness, and, recently PEP’s painting and decorating squad attended a ‘Safe Working – Heights and Ladders’ course. We continue to identify appropriate training opportunities to improve our service delivery and improve staff and volunteers’ skills. If you know of anyone who could benefit from some help with reading and writing, please give Theodora a call on 0131 315 4466. Rehearsals for PEP's Christmas Extravaganzat £3 per p Rehearsals were to start as soon as a draft script was put together. With scripts, props, costumes and music to finalise, it has been a busy time for everyone involved, as the boardroom was turned into a “Wash Hoose”. Pilton Equalities Project Annual General Meeting 2009 September 2009
The well attended Annual General Meeting was held in September 2009 at the PEP Centre. Due to the completion of her term of office, Irene Garden stood down as chairperson.
Helen Tait (manager) outlined yet another successful year followed by a presentation of the activities/services provided. Helen also thanked the board, staff and volunteers for their ongoing support. The Annual Report which was tabled and accepted, was given by Mike Gray from Tenon Auditors. To see the Audited Accounts Click Here This bring us to achievements throughout our last year of operation:
PEP has also supported 3 students from Edinburgh University and 2 from Telford College, providing work placements.
Two of our staff, completed vocational training. Roy Douglas “PEP’s
PEP Neighbourhood Group News
This included Customer Bag Packing at Asda, a bingo night at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre and a 5 km sponsored walk. Walking is an activity in the weekly programme addressing “Health Awareness”, so the group were well prepared for it. As a result of the funds gathered, the group were able to enjoy many outings over the month of July. One of their first outings was to the Falkirk Wheel where they were able to marvel at its feat of engineering and enjoy a healthy packed lunch.
The group also had the opportunity to sail to the historic Inchcolm Island on the Firth of Forth. This natural sanctuary for seals and puffins was an experience that will stay with the group for a long time.
Another trip not to missed was to the The programme was finished off with a trip to watch one of the dress rehersals of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Redford Barracks. This was an excellent opportunity for the group to experience the excitment of the Tattoo. The group would like to thank everyone who made their supper programme possible. If you would like to know more about the group click on the link: "Club & Support Services" then "Neighbourhood Group"
Summer Programme: July 2009 Foreword: Each year PEP runs a summer programme of one-off events over the month of July for older people and other vulnerable adults, who would otherwise not have a summer holiday. Below is an overview of the events, take-up and a pictorial view of experiences. In total, 469 members attended. Helen Tait, Manager WEEK 1
The event was attended by many keen artists who used the beautiful backdrop of the castle and its gardens to inspire them. Nicola Roger from Telford College was on hand to help.
Ratho was the destination for this years Mystery Tour. It A sail “DOON the WATER” of the Union Canal was relaxing and a “Great Surprise” for all. Margaret Hunter and David Chalmers helped to make the day special by giving our ladies the opportunity to steer the Barge.
Our Trip to Dunbar was a huge success despite the bad weather at the start. However it brightened up soon after they arrived but the camera had been forgotten! Sorry folks, no pictures for this one!
Week 2
The Venue for this years Fit & Fun was Royston Mains Close. There was a range of events including; Boccia, Falon Gong, and Gentle Exercise. A healthy lunch was also provided and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their healthy afternoon.
Thanks again to Nicola and Theodora for assisting on the day.
A slow stroll in the sunshine around the harbour and as always the popular event of the day was the 'high tea fish supper'.
Robert Owen’s New Lanark provided the group with an insight to the historical aspects of community life!
Leith & Portobello Tour:
Week 3 (continued) Summer Fayre:
The Event was to be held outdoors in the Community Gardens , but the weather forecast was not promising. A request to West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre by Helen Tait ensured that it would carry on – come rain or shine. Many thanks to W.P.N.C. and their very helpful staff.
Stalls included: The Christian Centre, Working Links, Volunteer Centre, Pilton Community Heal The Get On Mobile information unit was prominent and attracted a lot of attention. With a superb raffle (thanks Gillian), hot dogs & burgers from A highlight of the proceedings was undoubtedly the performance given
Put quite simply by the visitors: "A Beautiful Day and a Wonderful Town" A popular tourist attraction full of Scottish History. With the Palace and its Great Hall, the quaint cafes and restaurants, and of course the Linlithgow Loch, our participants had a day to remember. The Summer Gathering at Queensberry Bowling Club Preparing and serving a 2 course meal for 70 people is old hat for the staff of PEP. For the assembly line, making and serving lunch for so many, comes 2nd nature now. Music was provided by Pat Pheelan and the entertainment by The raffle prizes included Bumper Hampers, but unfortunately the winners wanted to remain anonymous in case their family read the website. So to Ella Ferguson and Jean Gallacher we say "enjoy the spoils while you can"
PEP’s Homecare Service
Linda Stewart Volunteer Homecare Assistant: Linda is actively engaged as a Home Care Assistant. Linda says, “I find the volunteering very rewarding and satisfying. Knowing that I am helping others is truly fulfilling. There is so much demand for this kind of service and I wish there was more available. Doing this job highlights just how much older people need this service” Care Assistants will be required to undertake tasks such as general cleaning, light shopping and laundry. All Home Care Assistants will receive training in Confidentiality, Boundaries, Personal and Social Development, First Aid, Conflict Management, National Care Standards, Mental Health First Aid and lots of other valuable employment skills. For more information, please contact Roy Douglas on 0131-315-4466 or email roypepequalities@hotmail.co.uk June 2009 State Street Banking A team of State Street volunteers were the latest enthusiasts to join PEP and community groups from Pilton in the Community Garden . Their input was fantastic over the 3 days that they worked. This previously neglected land, taken over by and cared for by PEP for the immediate community, has now taken a shape that we can all be proud of. Vegetable patches, rockeries and shrubs have now replaced the previous wilderness.
PEP would like to thank everyone for their involvement in creating a green-space which has been a model of community participation.
Appreciation Awards for Scottish Gas Volunteers Scottish Gas employees involved with their “Community Involvement Initiative,” were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their volunteering involvement in our Social Clubs. The volunteers duties included all aspects of club activities. They have contributed *450 hours* to the local community so far this year. As part of appreciating volunteers week, Betty Mitchell, a member of the Smarties Club, presented the certificates and give a big “THANK YOU” to: Stephanie - Deborah - Ben - Geoff - Andrew
Inspiring Volunteering Awards City Chambers June 2009 This was a night to remember for many volunteers and projects in Edinburgh. From an initial 300 applications, 100 were chosen to receive the awards. George Grubb, Edinburgh's Lord Mayor, was there to present them. A “Special Recognition Award” was given to PEP’s Decorating & Gardening Squad, (supervised by Wullie Last word on how enjoyable the ceremony was, goes to Daniel from the D&G Squad -“Just Brilliant”.
Passenger Assistance Training Scheme (P.A.T.S) May 2009
For details of the P.A.T.S (Escort Training Scheme) please contact Roy Douglas on: 0131 315-4466 or email Roy at roypepequalities@hotmail.co.uk
The Transport Museum at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall PEP Week-End Resource – Culmination of Tram/Transport Project April 2009
Trams: (The Interchange at Granton Square–Conductors-Overhead-Cables-Waterloo Place to Musselburgh- the links between ship, train and industry, all in our own backyard. Termination points at Joppa and Maybury(then onto the dancing!) Morningside and Corstorphine. Buses: Horse Drawn –Trolley-Clippies (Annie Boyle!) - Shrubhill Depot. We at PEP owe a huge thank you to our guide at the museum, Alexander Jackson, for his expertise, enthusiasm and knowledge, which was invaluable to the conclusion of the project. Finally a thank you also to Glasgow Museums, managed by Culture and Sport Glasgow, and our sponsors on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Visually impaired painter Blind artist Ann Forrest with a few of her works of Art By Adam Morris Her last experience of art was when she left school 46 years ago at the age of 15, but that wasn't the biggest obstacle facing Ann Forrest in her quest to become an artist. |
The Pilton Retreat at Ratho is now celebrating its’ 40th year of serving communities and schools. It was also the destination for 2 of PEP’s Daycare clubs; the Smarties and the MAGIC Club.
A wonderful 4 course meal was supplied by Ken and Paul, the workers at the Pilton Retreat and Entertainment was provided by Harry, who joked and played his way through the day.
BIO – Be Involved Outdoors 
In June 2010 PEP ran B.I.O – Be Involved Outdoors; a gardening project held at the community garden at 3 West Pilton Park. The 3 day project was possible due to funding from CSV Action Earth. The award was for biodiversity and was supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.
Day 2 – Wednesday 9th June 
The City Mission (West Christian Centre) and the All Nations Church staged a joint baptism in the Community Garden at 3 West Pilton Park on Saturday 19th June 2010. 3 people shared their Baptism with a huge local audience. 
Minister Tom Kisiti performed the Baptisms assisted by Elspeth Harley. A free BBQ was supplied by the churches with volunteers from The City Mission and PEP all lending a hand. With the help of great weather, the event attracted about 200 local people and created a real community affair. Jim McGinty (Chair of PEP) said “This has been a great Community Builder.”
The first class was; ‘Introduction to Psychology’ ran from September 2009 to February 2010 and was well attended. ‘Introduction to Sociology’ then ran up until June. Through her expertise and enthusiasm, Billy Walker from Telford College, brought the subjects to life, ensuring the success of the courses.
The neighbourhood group have also started planning their vegetable plot, 
planting potatoes and onions and also seeds to be grown in the greenhouse. Over the coming weeks, they will continue to work on the plot hopefully resulting in a good harvest later in the year. 
performed wonderful Irish jig dance routines. The audience were soon joining in singing along and clapping to the music.
Pep provides a comprehensive programme of literacy and lifelong learning. The aim of the literacy service is to help people with their everyday literacy needs. Classes’ cover reading writing and numbers work. Currently there is a dedicated numeracy group of five individuals all keen to practice their counting and money skills. Other literacy classes run Monday to Friday as individual or group-work sessions.
The elections for the office bearers saw Jim McGinty moving from Vice-Chair to Chairperson, Joan Turner becoming Vice Chair and Tony Delahoy return as Treasurer. Two new members were elected to the board to bring us up to the recommended compliment. The plea from our service users was strong and clear: “Please keep doing what you currently do for us.” This message drives us in the daily services we deliver to our community.
Head of Volunteering Services” added a Chartered Management Institute Award" to his many qualifications. Moira Stone our Weekend Resource club assistant gained an NC in Social Care. Congratulations to both of you. 
Blair Drummond Safari Park. Everyone enjoyed watching the wildlife and walking around the parks stunning grounds. The pedalo’s on the lake helped burn off some excess energy in a race never to be forgotten by the spectators. 
The
was graced by beautiful weather and skippered by Ron Smith’s team from the Seagull Trust. 
Week 3:
The price included a trip through the working mill and the “Annie McLeod Experience” (life experience through a child’s eyes.) A visit to the old school house, visual displays of the living quarters, the old shop and the long forgotten sweets on sale - Berwick Cockles - Barley Sticks – Lucky Tatties. This truly was an educational experience of time gone by. 
Richard Richardson, our volunteer driver was the obvious choice of guide for this tour. As a professional Edinburgh Tour Guide, his mastery of Edinburgh’s history is astounding. Needless to say the day was very informative and thanks again Richard. 
th Project, and the Prop Stress Centre. PEP was represented by the Weekend Resource, Neighbourhood Group and Tony from the PEP board in charge at the Tombola. With everything from a pin to an anchor, tomato plants to cacti, the fayre was one of high quality, giving great value to the locals and our neighbouring friends. All profits will be spent to fund future projects. 
Adams) with Daniel Menzies & David Goodfellow picking up the award on the teams behalf. This has been a valuable service used by many residents in North Edinburgh. 
Trains
The 61-year-old has managed to hone a talent for painting, despite being barely able to see the canvas. Thanks to an art course run by a local organisation, the Royston woman has sold her first painting and is now preparing to study art at Telford College .