Sighthill Bowling Club does it again !

This morning I launched the Home International Bowling Championships at Sighthill Bowling Club. This is the second time this event , which is the most important in the UK Bowling calendar has come to Sighthill. The last time was four years ago (it only takes place every four years ) and I was told it was the quality of the greens and the tremendous way the Club had organised it the last time that had attracted the event back.
For me to go along and open it as a Bailie but also as a local Councillor was a source of great pride. The opening ceremony was tremendous. A feast of colour with all the teams in national strips. The teams of Scotland, England Ireland and Wales all processed onto one of the greens , followed by the umpires and lastly ourselves who stood in the middle to deliver our speeches. It brought tears to the eyes of seasoned bowling veterans. It was quite a spectacle and no one could fail to be impressed. When the games started the pace was fast and exciting with many going on simultaneously as two countries battled it out on each of the two greens.  It is on again tomorrow (3rd July) and whether bowling is your sport or not I would recommend it as a fun filled day in the beautiful sunshine. What a tremendous thing for the Club and the area! 

Bon Jovi

Just back from the Bon Jovi Concert in Murrayfield - fantastic! Also there was something about it being a short walk to the house that put the icing on the cake! Having something so immense on your doorstep just sums up the joys of living in Edinburgh. The rain held off for the duration of the concert but I think even Bon Jovi was genuinely surprised at the ability of the crowd to turn bad weather into a momentous occasion. Definitely one to remember.

Gorgie Dalry Gala Day!

Yes - last week it was 'Altogether in the Park' and this weekend it's the Gorgie Dalry Gala Day! Plenty going on in the area. The trouble is due to the shortness of volunteers the advertising can often be a problem so not enough local people know it's on.
The Gala Day starts at 12 on Saturday (11th June) and runs till 4:30pm at Murieston Park off Dalry Rd.. For details of the program see STV Local. Something for the whole family from the Tricky Ricky Magic Show to Zumba Fitness. Come along an support your local area or just come and meet new people. Lots of stalls, Groups and organisations (I'll be there of course!).

All Together in the Park

A big weekend for Broomhouse, Sighthill, Parkhead, Wester Hailes and beyond - the annual 'All Together in the Park'. It is in Sighthill Park on Saturday (4th June) from 11am till 4pm. Alistair Darling is opening it at 11. I'm going along - should be good! Something for everybody. Local groups, organisations, stalls, entertainment etc. If you are new to the area or just want something fun for all the family to do why not come along.

Gorgie City Farm REAL Farmer's Market

Latest news from the Gorgie City Farm  -
'This Saturday  sees the 3rd Gorgie City Farm REAL Farmer's Market.  The Market will run from 9.30-2pm.  The  following stall holders will be attending :

Blackmount Beef
Perthshire Preserves
Caurnie Soap
House of Isham chocolates
GA Thomson fishmongers
Simple Simons Pies
Apple Pie Bakery
Crème de la Cupcake'

All this and the Farm as well! Sounds good to me!

Personalities and Elections

I always get disappointed when elections seem to come down to personalities. The media encourages this as it enhances the viewing figures. Surely people can see through the hollow but emotive words of Alex Salmond, waxing lyrical on impossible promises having failed miserably to fulfil most of the old ones. Police numbers, class sizes, local income tax, school building and of course, independence (well - a referendum), all promised but none delivered. No doubt some people would criticise other parties including Labour for the same thing but the fact is the SNP chose to go it alone in the Scottish Parliament, compromise with no one and failed to deliver! What answer have the SNP come up with - forget about all the old promises and come up with some new ones, more ludicrous than the last. If it sounds good just say it, never mind whether it can actually be done. Ian Gray by contrast is more thoughtful. I have always seen this as a quality. I would urge people to look at the policies and then get out there and get this Country moving in the right direction.
Take a look at Sarah Boyack's excellent local website to see the truth about SNP promises.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to one and all ! Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me in 2010 (and there have been many ) . Lets get the bad stuff out of the way first then we can end on a high note. Another year another family bereavement. I am beginning to look forward to a year that doesn't start off with someone close to me dieing.
Last year ended well with the birth of a new grandson and also winning the Edinburgh East Labour Party Christmas hamper in the raffle! Don't normally win things in raffles so I was astonished. It was enormous - I could hardly lift it.

From My Pics

From My Pics

Memories of the cold weather are, of course mixed. Normally I love the snow but on this occasion the excitement quickly went sour as rubbish piled up, accidents occurred and people became trapped in their houses.

From My Pics

A bit late bringing the garden furniture in this year?

There was a Herculean effort by the South West team at the Council. Council staff and I would also single out bus drivers went above and beyond and I would personally say a huge thank you to them. Of course there were lessons to be learned, particularly the length of time it took to get round to the residential streets due to concentrating on the main roads. Everything I referred to Council staff was dealt with promptly however and the communications were excellent!