I interviewed Edinburgh-based genealogist Kirsty Wilkinson for The Edinburgh Reporter about why you should fill out today’s census as accurately as possible!
Tag Archives: The Edinburgh Reporter
Aliens Invade Edinburgh
First published by The Edinburgh Reporter April 4 2010
Festival Square has been overrun by alien visitors over the past three days, as the BBC’s Doctor Who roadshow visited Edinburgh ahead of the new series premiere.
From April 1st to 3rd, 11am until 4pm, on the hour, every hour; dedicated BBC staff distributed 3D glasses to local families, David Tennant look-alikes and passers by. They were then encouraged to watch three trailers for the new series of the iconic sci-fi show on a giant HD screen.
The effect of the 3D glasses was underwhelming in comparison to what is available in the cinema. Even so, the infectious enthusiasm of the MC encouraged the crowd to join in with a Mexican wave along to the show’s theme tune, followed by a countdown to the trailer.
There was a pantomime quality to the event. After the trailers, a Cyberman and a Scarecrow (from the Family of Blood episode) appeared onstage and the MC had to fight them off with his sonic screwdriver. This looked to the untrained eye like an ordinary biro, but it did the job and he was then able to return to the important business of administering stickers, glasses and fake tattoos.
Soon after the monsters reappeared with the caveat that it was safe to have photos taken with them for a limited period. This was perfectly pitched at families with young children, who loved having their picture taken and were then encouraged to mimic the scarecrow’s walk, culminating in a conga round the square.
The same could not be said for a passing golden retriever, which barked its head off at the monster. So, if you want a pet that can tell when a traditionally inanimate object has been possessed by malevolent aliens, a dog is the way to go.
Filed under Uncategorized
SPACE Launch in South of Edinburgh
First published by The Edinburgh Reporter March 31 2010
SPACE, or the Supporting Parents and Carers in Edinburgh project, was launched at Moredun Library on Friday (26th March) with a family information day.
The scheme is being piloted in the Liberton/Gilmerton area of Edinburgh with a view to expanding it across the city in the near future. The City Council’s Library Service is working together with the Children and Families department to provide free information and advice for parents and carers of children aged 0-16, on everything from diet to dyslexia, to dealing with challenging behaviour, and finding out about the nearest local family-friendly events.
Project coordinator Pat Southall was keen to stress that the scheme is aimed at supporting families in every way.
“This includes providing information on a range of areas, like local mother and toddler groups and books on everything from having a baby to dealing with difficult teenagers.”
“But we also want to let people know there is outreach work going on too – they can get one to one support in their home if they need it. Being a parent can be tough, but there is help available and it can be discreet as well as being free.”
Moredun Library is equipped with a manned information point including PC with internet access, whilst nearby Gilmerton Library has a large number of new books and information relating to the project.
Several local groups who work with families attended the launch. These included the South Edinburgh Healthy Living Initiative, who provided fresh fruit which was made into smoothies by teenage library users; Gracemount Leisure Centre who tested people’s football skills with a mini set of goals; and the Community Health Partnership who breathalysed everyone in sight to find out whether they smoked or not.
Currently the project is focused on Liberton and Gilmerton, but staff are optimistic that other areas will be targeted soon. In the meantime parents and carers from other areas of the city are advised to contact their local nursery, school or GP for support and advice.
Filed under Community News, Uncategorized