Chief Executive, Angela Leitch

Welcome to the August issue of Inform.

Many of us will have enjoyed a welcome break and have now returned to our work routines. Our schools go back next week and an important event for our young people, their families and teachers is the delivery of the SQA exam results on 6 August. This can be a stressful time so education colleagues working closely with a range of teams elsewhere in the council, as well as other education providers and local employers can offer a range of opportunities for our young people to embark on positive destinations when they leave school.

It’s not just in education that we try to involve and include young people. The public consultation on the council’s draft Climate Change strategy recently closed. We received 160 responses, some extremely detailed, which are now being collated and reviewed. Separately, over 100 responses to the climate change survey for children and young people were submitted. In addition to being on our Consultation Hub, this survey was also circulated widely and included on the Young Scot website. As we progress the full strategy, the views and suggestions of our young people will be integral to its development and success.

Whilst we may not have always enjoyed the best of weather this summer I would like to thank all colleagues who help to maintain our towns and villages. A number of major road improvements including resurfacing works have been carried out, our beaches and coastal sites have been managed well to cope with the large visitor numbers on sunny days and our parks and open spaces provide welcome places for recreation. Shortly the In Bloom judges will be returning to East Lothian to assess this year’s entries and I am sure we will celebrate partnership successes again.

Employee consultation - Reserve Forces

A consultation is currently taking place on the council’s newly developed Reserve Forces Training and Mobilisation policy.

East Lothian Council recognises the valuable contribution that Reservists make to the UK Armed Forces, their communities and the civilian workplace and has pledged support. This policy outlines the council’s commitment to support Reservists to attend training and when they are called up to supplement the regular Armed Forces.

The policy provides detailed information including processes and arrangements for training, mobilisation, pay, pension, accrual  of leave and return to work.

The consultation runs until Monday 9 September 2019 and can be accessed online.

Loving Food @ East Lothian

Colleagues in Environmental Health are launching a new initiative, Loving Food @ East Lothian, to support and advise local food businesses with calorie/allergen labelling and food reformulation.  

Senior Environmental Health Officer, Laura Gunning, explained: “Scotland has a health issue.  As a nation we are consuming way too much fat, salt and sugar which is impacting on health. People may be aware that nutrition is becoming a key focus for the Scottish Government and in due course this may affect how food businesses are run in the future. We are setting up this initiative to support local food producers and caterers with calorie labelling and how to reformulate recipes to reduce fat, salt and sugar levels.”    

Project launch night will be on 26 September at The Brunton when local food businesses can:

• See a demonstration of a FREE online tool to help with calorie & allergen labelling
• Get advice on recipe formulation &  practical workshops
• Sample some reformulated food
• Meet with Scottish Government and partner organisations
• Give their opinions on our Loving Food @ East Lothian project

Places can be booked by emailing lovingfood@eastlothian.gov.uk

View their promotional video for social media.

Could you mentor a young person?

The East Lothian Council Pupil Mentoring Scheme is up and running for another year! 

East Lothian Works are looking for dedicated council employees, interested in making a difference, to sign up for our mentoring scheme. Mentors work with an S2-S6 pupil and help them with their confidence, self-esteem, and adaptability, as well as giving them the opportunity to spend time with an adult in a field they are interested in.

This programme gives secondary school pupils the opportunity to create a meaningful relationship with a trusted adult within an industry of work that interests them. The aim is for young people interested in a certain career path to be matched up with an individual from that field. However all students, including those unsure of their future career, can benefit from the emotional support that having a trusted adult Mentor brings.

There are many benefits that being a mentor can bring, such as:

- The opportunity to develop your own skills and abilities
- Giving back to the wider community
- The opportunity to create an experience out with your daily work schedule
- And, most importantly, the opportunity to have a positive impact on a young person

If you are interested in the scheme, or would like to find out more information, please contact Stephanie Kennedy, Work Experience Co-ordinator by telephone 01620 827 031 / 07855 214 716 or email.

Help us find you!

Are you a new member of staff or recently changed jobs or job titles? 

Please make sure your correct details, including staff reporting structure, are on our People Finder on the intranet. People Finder helps colleagues find contact details or other team members so it's essential that it's kept up to date.

New electric vehicles in council fleet

Three new Nissan Leaf electric vehicles have been added to the car club fleet at John Muir House. This vehicle has a slightly different way of removing the charging cable so users need to be aware that they will have to unlock the charge cable using the button on the key.  

Once you have accessed the vehicle and taken the keys out the key pad simply press the unlock button on the key to remove the charging cable.

New primary school takes shape

A key milestone has been reached at the £8.6m Letham Mains Primary School project in Haddington after Morrison Construction successfully installed the 260-tonne steel frame. 

Works began on the project in Haddington during April, with the installation of the steel frame beginning at the end of May.

The superstructure, including steel work, pre-cast concrete installation and a first-floor reinforced concrete slab, was completed during a 10-week schedule. More than 1,400 components were installed to complete the steel frame.

During the earlier stages of the steel installation, two cranes were used to help the project team fix the main sections of the frame.

Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: “It’s really exciting to see the progress that’s being made on our newest primary school. Having the steel frame in place gives a better idea of the size and scale of the building and the facilities that the school will offer for children and their families.”

Morrison Construction Project Director Jim Hanna, said: ‘‘It is wonderful to reach this important project milestone. The steel frame has created an outline of the building allowing the community to appreciate how the school will fit into the new development. Now the superstructure has been completed we will progress the ground floor slabs, roofing, cladding and glazing work.

‘‘Our team has enjoyed taking part in community benefit activities including donating to the local foodbank, hosting work experience students, site tours and visiting schools to educate pupils about the industry. We will continue to work closely with the community during construction.’’

Letham Mains Primary School, will have a capacity for 500 pupils, with 14 classrooms suitable for pre-school and primary teaching, a dining hall, social space and a two-court PE hall with retractable seating for performance and community use. The external areas will be designed for outdoor learning, PE and play.

The school is being funded entirely by contributions from developers with construction due to be completed in Summer 2020.

Social event safety campaign adopted in East Lothian

Have you ever been out on a date and felt uncomfortable, intimidated or that your date was behaving aggressively towards you?

#AskForAngela is a campaign that aims to help you get out of a difficult situation as quickly and safely as possible.

If you’re in a pub, bar or club, ask either behind the bar or a member of staff for Angela. Using the simple code-word will alert the staff that there’s an issue with your date and they will help you get out of the situation safely and discreetly. 

East Lothian Council and Police Scotland, as well as Best Bar None Scotland are supporting #AskForAngela and are encouraging local venues to use this fantastic initiative as part of their social responsibility tool kit.

The scheme has been running for several years in parts of the UK and has been successfully implemented in Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Dunfermline.

The campaign was created to help women and men escape a date safely and discreetly. The developers behind #AskForAngela realised that sometimes a young woman or man may struggle to leave their date or be too afraid to tell them they wish to end it due to the possible threat of violence or aggression. #AskForAngela is a safer alternative.

Whilst #AskForAngela is catching on, it’s still only being used in a fraction of pubs and bars across Scotland. We need your help to spread the message and promote the campaign so use the #AskForAngela on twitter to let others know!

All participating Best Bar None venues in East Lothian were given posters and are supporting the scheme but it would be great for more venues across the county to follow suit.

Community Safety Officer for East Lothian, PC Allen Paul said: “Police in East Lothian fully support the Ask For Angela initiative which is a great tool for staff and partners to support members of the public on a night out and help customers if they are in a difficult situation.  The last thing we want is for someone to feel vulnerable, and feel that they are in a helpless situation with no one to assist them."

“This scheme helps and reassures people if they are on a night out to feel safe and that the staff in the venues are fully aware of when things can go wrong”

Applications open for Education Maintenance Allowance

Applications are now being invited for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for 2019/20.

EMA is a weekly £30 direct payment for young people aged 16-19 in full time education or undertaking an Activity Agreement. The award is based on household income and subject to certain requirements. Young people living in a foster home or children's home, or in the care of the local authority or living independently, are eligible for a £30 EMA award without having to provide evidence of household income.

Successful applicants must attend a school within the East Lothian Council area for a minimum of 21 guided learning hours per week and must complete, and adhere to, a Learning Agreement.

More information is available online. 

Get on board the Big Bucket Trail

Schools across East Lothian have been taking part in a national art trail to raise funds for three children's charities. 

Oor Wullie's Big Bucket Trail has seen statues of the iconic character appear across Scotland's streets. A number of East Lothian's nursery and primary schools decorated their own Oor Wullies, which are now on display across Edinburgh, including in Ocean Terminal, the Museum of Childhood and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. 

The children took inspiration from a wide range of sources such as their values and school logo, the environment, their local community and their learning. Each statue is unique to their school and ideas.

The Big Bucket Trail launched on 17 June and lasts until the end of August giving plenty of time to track all the statues down. 

Find out more from the official website

Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Exam results? Don't panic!

Skills Development Scotland's Exam Results Helpline is open for business.

Trained careers advisers will be available to offer advice, information and support to young people and their parents. 

This includes details of UCAS course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Cleaning, apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering and more.

The dedicated helpline will open from 8am-8pm on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August, and from 9am-5pm weekdays from Thursday 8 until Wednesday 14 August. Advisers will also be available through SDS's social media channels.

The freephone* telephone number is 0808 100 8000 or visit facebook.com/myworldofwork or twitter.com/myworldofwork.

Parents and carers can also visit mykidscareer.com for information on jobs in demand in Scotland and tips on handling career conversations at exam results time.

(*operator charges may apply)

 

East Lothian Archaeology & Local History Fortnight

This September the spotlight will be on East Lothian’s rich heritage, as East Lothian Archaeology & Local History Fortnight will take place in the first half of the month from 31 August – 15 September. This year the programme is bigger than ever, with events taking place throughout the county for a chance for everyone to dig into the past.

The Fortnight will kick off with the spectacular Roman Encampment weekend in Haddington, a living history of the lives and skills of the Roman army. The Waggonway Big Dig continues with excavations of the salt pan house on the shore in Cockenzie. Come along to try your hand at digging, or just drop by to see the archaeologists at work.

Come to Cockenzie House for the Traditional Skills Festival, and have a go at stone carving, salt making, and other activities, or go on one of the history walks and talks. Or if you are interested in early airplanes, come to one of the Open Days at the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland to see the collection of equipment from WWI, and the Sopwith Strutter that they have built.

The Battle of Dunbar in 1650 will be the focus of a number of events in the town, culminating in the Re-enactment Weekend when the events of the battle will come to life.

There are lots of other events, from excavations and workshops to walks and talks, so why not pick up a copy of the programme and see what’s on offer. To find out more and to download the programme visit: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/archaeologyfortnight or pick up a copy at a local library or museum.

Give blood this month

The Scottish Blood Transfusion Service will be at the  Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre on:

• Sunday 4 August - 10.30-12.30 and 14.00-15.30
• Monday 5 August - 14.30-16.00 and 15.30-19.30

If you haven't given blood before you can find out if you can be a donor online.

Check out our museums!

All our museums have free admission and lots of drop-in crafts and activities that are perfect if you are looking for something to do at the weekend. See www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums for details.

Looking for ideas for the Summer Holidays? Our new 3 hour long workshop programme for primary aged can be found online

CSI 1650 - Inspired by our summer exhibition looking at the remains of soldiers captured at the 1650 Battle of Dunbar and marched south by Oliver Cromwell as prisoners of war. Many of them died along the way and were found buried in Durham. How did they know these skeletons were prisoners of war from Dunbar?  We'll have a look at some of the techniques scientists and archaeologists use to identify remains.  Suitable for ages 8-14. £12.15 each. Call in to Dunbar Town House or phone 01620 820699 to book. Thursday 8 August 9.45 - 12.45pm at Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery.

                     

Events and Activities

WORDWORKS Creative Writing Group – Writing Games, Nature Writing, Writing History… Open to all, first time and experienced writers.
Fridays 10-11.30am, until 30 August at Prestongrange Museum.

£3 per session (includes a free tea or coffee!) or £20 for all 8 sessions
Book by email, by phone, or sign up in the museum
0131 653 2904, www.prestongrangemuseum.org  prestongrange@btconnect.com

Fun & Crafty Drop-in Activities in August
Join us for fun drop-in crafts every day during the school holidays! Suggested donation £1 per craft.
Follow us on Facebook at East Lothian Council Museums Service, John Muir’s Birthplace, John Gray Centre or Prestongrange to find out more.

Alzheimer Scotland run a D’Café at Dunbar Town House which meets on 1^st Monday of the month 2.00-3.30pm. Next meetings 5 Aug and 2 Sep.

The café is for people with dementia and their carers. There will be refreshments followed by an activities/ peer support group for people living with dementia and a peer support group (facilitated by the Dementia Advisor) for carers. A donation of £3 is suggested

Tiny Tuesdays at Prestongrange every Tuesday until the end of October, 10.30am-11.30am.
Under 5s wee crafts, stories and dance. A great time for adults to meet, find support and bond with their babies and toddlers. £1 per craft

Big Fit Walk is coming to Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery on Tuesday 3 September. We’re going for a walk and everyone’s invited. Join us on a Big Fit Walk led by Volunteers from CHANGES and Ageing Well. We’ll start from Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER. Registration 10am, 10.30am start. Choose between a Bronze – 30 minute walk, Silver – 45 minute walk or Gold – 60 minute walk. No need to book but for more information:

Contact Parvine at Ageing Well on 01620 827 240 or telephone Heather at CHANGES on 0131 653 1080 or email healthyliving@changeschp.org.uk

Archaeology & Local History Fortnight brochure is available online

Events at some of the museums include:

The Treasures of Traprain, Sunday 1 September 2 - 4pm. This guided walk with Dr Fraser Hunter, accompanies the Treasures from the Hoard exhibition on now at the John Gray Centre. Booking essential - telephone 01620 820690, or in person at the museum, upstairs at the John Gray Centre.

The People of Dunbar, 1650. Tuesday 10 September, 7.30 pm at Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery
The talk will be a journey back to the Dunbar of 1650-51. It takes as its theme documents that survive in the council records that were collated to secure compensation for losses during and after the Cromwellian occupation – an economic snapshot of the then community.Booking essential

Roman Encampment Family Weekend, Haddington Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September 10am – 4pm with timed arena shows. Come and enjoy a complete living history of the life and skills of the Late Roman army, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, archery, gladiators, hunting and everyday life. Lots to see and do! Fun for all the family.

For more information and a programme of the weekend’s events visit: www.johngraycentre.org
Free, but charges for some activities. No booking required. Drop-in event.

Exhibitions

Bodies of Evidence from the Battlefield of Dunbar to Durham: How archaeology and science solved a 17^th century mystery. “Fascinating exhibition and sobering reminder of the hardships faced by ordinary people in the past.”, “An absolutely fascinating insight into an important part of both local and national history. Very impressed with meticulous work done on the exhibition from all participants.”
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, until 30 September 2019, Open daily 1-5pm  FREE Admission

Summers in Dunbar This year we are celebrating Dunbar as a tourist destination and as a place where locals and visitors have all enjoyed summers in the past. Many still recall the heyday of Dunbar’s outdoor swimming pool, golf championships, horse events and pony trekking, and children’s summer activities.

Dunbar & District History Society holds a large collection of early tourist brochures. Here we look at just some aspects of summers in our town, while also allowing the brochures to tell the story.

We would be delighted to receive new photographs or other material from the past, to add to this collection. All original images can be copied and returned.

Dunbar & District History Society, Dunbar Town House, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1NT Tel: 01368 863734 https://dunbarhistory.org.uk 

Treasures from the Hoard, Iconic pieces of the Traprain Silver Until 27 October at John Gray Centre, Haddington.
A stunning exhibition featuring many iconic pieces from the spectacular hoard of Traprain Treasure found on Traprain Law 100 years ago. This is the first time the internationally significant silver has been displayed in East Lothian since its discovery during a routine archaeological excavation.

The Traprain Treasure is the largest hoard of late Roman silver ever found out with the Roman Empire, comprising over 250 fragments of silverware that had been cut up either to exchange as bullion or for melting down and recycling.

John Muir – Writer Until 30 September at John Muir’s Birthplace.
In 2014 Dunbar-born John Muir, botanist, geologist, explorer, mountaineer and conservationist, became the 38^th Scot to be commemorated in Writers’ Court in Edinburgh. His flagstone carries the words: “I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature’s loveliness.” Muir was convinced that only then would folk protect the environment.

Muir sought to persuade people through his writings - letters, journals, articles for newspapers and magazines, and twelve books. The quill pen became his sword in the battle for conservation. Friends new exhibition, ‘John Muir, Writer’, tells how it came about. Children’s activities are available as part of the exhibition. Free admission.

The Story of the Honest Toun's Association (HTA)
The HTA was founded in 1936 and, apart from the war years 1939 - 45, has held week long annual festivals in July of every year. An Honest Lad and Honest Lass are elected who with their attendants represent the town in the local festival and at all the other Borders riding festivals as well as other events over their year of office. The exhibition tells some of the Association's history, exhibit items of interest and display photos of the past.
Until Saturday 17 August at Musselburgh Museum

Teenage Kicks 1945-2015 April to November at Coastal Communities Museum, North Berwick. Admission Free. A look back at local youth culture. Curated by local youth.

Poldrate Arts and Crafts Centre Exhibition, until 11 September 2019. John Gray Centre Museum.
Come and see the work of the tutors who offer classes in painting, drawing, printmaking, spinning, weaving, upholstery, glass, pottery, clay portraiture, basket making and woodcarving. 

Other opportunities

The Coastal Communities Museum, North Berwick now have a digital archive of material from all the exhibitions which have been put on since the museum opened in 2013.  Visitors will be able to access this through a touch screen device.

The John Muir Way - One of Scotland's Great Trails, the John Muir Way offers walkers and cyclists a unique journey through Scotland’s landscapes, history and heritage.Traversing central Scotland coast to coast in 134 miles, it links Helensburgh in the west with Dunbar in the east (birthplace of 'father of national parks' John Muir). John Muir’s Birthplace is the eastern end of the route. Dunbar is an ideal stop-over when completing the trail, or base for shorter excursions.

We’re also proud to be a Stamping Station for the John Muir Way passport, so pop in to have yours stamped, or buy your passport here. We welcome John Muir Way passport holders; simply show your passport to a member of staff to benefit from our offer of 10% discount in the shop.

For more information about the coast to coast route, visit www.johnmuirway.org

The Unruly Mystic: John Muir is being screened along the John Muir Way.

You can watch the trailer here: https://johnmuirmovie.com/

Michael M. Conti’s exploration of Muir, spirituality and pilgrimage to his birthplace. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the footage he has taken along the way.

18 August: the film will be screened in Dunbar at Our Lady of the Waves Church Hall https://www.facebook.com/events/340915590189871/

 

Brunton Fringe and summer events

The Brunton Fringe and summer events 2019

• Venues 191 & 377
• 5 Aug – 22 Sep 2019

www.thebrunton.co.uk

Fringe Escape by the Coast
With 28 amazing shows for all ages to enjoy, The Brunton is your Fringe and Summer venue by the coast! Come and catch a live performance or a film screening, take a stroll on the beach, enjoy the fresh salty air and relax with an ice cream.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Fringe Escape now!

Musical Theatre - Venue 191

The Brunton in association with Tommie Travers - OLIVER! - Saturday 10 Aug 2pm & 7.30pm / £14 (£12), £50 Family of 4

Lionel Bart’s Oliver! remains one of the most loved British musicals ever, combining Dickens’ classic story and characters, with a sensational and unforgettable score. Classic songs include Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long as He Needs Me, and many more. Oliver! is brought to you by an outstanding community cast, supported by a live orchestra. Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart.
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe).
Discounts: Summer Saver, Friends 20% Thursday only

Classical at One - Venue 191
Truly beautiful music at lunchtime.
You have the option to enjoy soup and sandwich at noon, before a delightful concert featuring great composers such as Beethoven, Schubert and Gershwin.
Lunch Noon / Concert 1pm
Lunch & Concert £15.50, Concert only £9

Discounts: Friends 2 for 1 (concert only)

The Brunton's series of classical lunchtime concerts for Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Savitri Grier and Richard Uttley play all ten of Beethoven's Violin Sonatas across four concerts. Enjoy optional soup and sandwich at 12 noon, before a delightful concert of beautiful music.

Beethoven’s sonatas for violin and piano include some of his most uplifting and brilliant compositions. In addition to the famous ‘Kreutzer’ and ‘Spring’ sonatas there is a wealth of wonderful music from all periods of the composer’s life. We are thrilled to offer a complete cycle of all the violin piano sonatas over 4 concerts with two stars of the future.

Tue 13 Aug  

• Violin Sonata in D op 12/1
• Violin Sonata in A op 12/2
• Violin Sonata in E flat op 12/3

Weds 14 Aug

• Violin Sonata in G op 30/3
• Violin Sonata in A op 30/1
• Violin Sonata in C minor op 30/2

Thurs 15 Aug 

• Violin Sonata in A minor op 23
• Violin Sonata in G op 96

 Fri 16 Aug

• Violin Sonata in F op 24 'Spring'
• Violin Sonata in A op 47 ‘Kreutzer'

The Broen Ensemble - Monday 5 August
Schubert: String Quintet in C major
One of the best loved of all pieces of chamber music, featured frequently on Desert Island Discs, is performed by a stunning young string ensemble from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The Spitha Ensemble - Weds 21 August
Music for Brass Ensemble including works by Gershwin,Kamen,Newth, and Hudson.  
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has a long tradition of producing terrific brass ensembles. The latest of these is Spitha Brass who will perform a widely varied programme ranging from classical to contemporary with jazz and American standards.

Music & Dance - Venue 191

Rhythm of the Dance - Weds 7 August 7.30pm £24.50 (£23)
This dance and music extravaganza takes an exciting trip through hundreds of years of Irish dance and music.
Experience flailing fiddles, flutes, and inspiring dances along with live vocalists, all complemented by a top live Irish trad band of multi-instrumentalist musicians and a sensational sound and light show.
Worldwide, toes are tapping and hands are clapping to the feet of Rhythm of the Dance!

“The show is spectacular… dancers leave you spellbound” North Westend

Discounts: Summer Saver, Friends 10%

Dean Friedman in concert - Friday 9 August 7.30pm / £22 (£20) / VENUE 1
Every song a classic! Hailed by critics and fans alike as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Friedman has achieved legendary, pop icon status for chart topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, Woman of Mine, Rocking Chair, McDonald’s Girl and more.

Catch this legendary singer/songwriter for an unforgettable evening of funny, profound, heartfelt stories and songs.

"The soundtrack of our lives!” New York Times

Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Islands in the stream - Saturday 10 August 7.30pm / £24 (£22) / VENUE 1
This thigh slapping stage show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly Parton, along with Kenny Roger’s charisma and energy with hit after hit including: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the County, plus the smash hit Islands in the Stream.

This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.

“Sounds just like the real thing” Cross Country Magazine

Discount: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Music - Venue 191

The Temple Brothers - Lolypops and moptops show - Thursday 15 August 7.30pm £22 (£20)

A night of 50s and 60s nostalgia. Alan Mosca, formerly of Freddie & The Dreamers, retells stories of yesteryear with song and a touch of comedy. Buddy Walker recreates the look and feel of Buddy Holly. The Temple Brothers perform a fabulous tribute to The Everly Brothers, with beautiful songs such as All I Have To Do Is Dream, Let It Be Me, Cathy’s Clown. Followed by the awesome Dreamers with hits including You Were Made For Me, I’m Telling You Now.
Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Dougie Maclean in concert - Friday 16 August  7.30pm £21 (£19)
Dougie MacLean has developed a unique blend of lyrical, roots based song writing and instrumental composition. He is internationally renowned for his song Caledonia, music for Last of the Mohicans and inspired performances. His songs have been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Ronan Keating, Mary Black, Frankie Miller, Cara Dillon, Kathy Mattea and many other top performers. Dougie has received many prestigious awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame and an OBE.

“Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter and a national musical treasure” SingOut USA
Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Alex Hodgson's Half past 7 Show - Saturday 17 August 7.30pm £16 (£14)With his larger than life presence, popular Fringe Festival performer Alex Hodgson, gives a muckle tip of his bunnet to some of Scotland’s best variety entertainers. Harry Lauder’s songs can be found alongside Alex’s new and original material, while his tall tales are spun with grace and ease, following in the footsteps of a couple of his comedy heroes Francie and Josie.

“His moving vocal delivery brings songs to life” Norman Chalmers Scotsman
Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 20%

Big girls don't cry - celebrating the music of Frankie Valli & the four Seasons - Saturday 17 August 7.30pm £27
Come and experience the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons authentically recreated by a phenomenal cast and live band. During the sixties and seventies number one hits Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night) and Big Girls Don’t Cry, helped propel the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli to stardom.

After selling an incredible 100 million records worldwide, there’s a Four Seasons song that shares a special place in everyone’s heart.

This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.

Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Rat Pack live - Friday 23 August 7.30pm £24 (£22)
They were the definition of cool during their Fifties and Sixties Vegas heyday – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Combining the full sound of big band swing with charisma, panache and swagger, the trio – collectively known as The Rat Pack, had attitude to spare.  Rat Pack Live invites you to be part of the gang and features all the patter and razzamatazz of their infamous live shows. So prepare yourself for the UK’s most authentic Rat Pack concert experience.

Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

James Grant - Saturday 24 August 7.30pm £18 (£16)
James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced. Drawing from a broad palette of pop, folk, soul, country and blues influences, and interweaving his solo compositions with Love and Money favourites, James twins darkly literate, melodically lush songcraft with his richly potent vocals and virtuoso guitar work, leavening his performances with dashes of wickedly acerbic humour. Music to fill the heart and stir the soul.

“One of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters... and what a marvellous singer he is, too, spanning darkly burnished baritone depths and searing soulful intensity”. Scotsman

Discounts: Summer Saver 10%, Friends 10%

Outdoor Theatre - Venue 377
This summer we invite you to bring your folding chairs, blankets and picnic and join us for delightful outdoor theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Inveresk Lodge Garden. Please dress for the weather!

Quantum Theatre - The Wind in the Willows - Saturday 17 August 3pm £10, £9 child, £36 Family of 4 Inveresk Lodge Garden

Boating with Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinks on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad. What more could such firm friends wish for? Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures in Quantum Theatre’s brand new adaptation of this heart-warming tale of friendship, mishap and mayhem – a treat for all ages, performed outdoors at National Trust for Scotland’s Inveresk Lodge Garden!

Discount: Friends 10%

 

Summer events

National Theatre Live: The Lehman Trilogy (Encore) - Thurday 8 August 7pm £13.50 (11.50)
Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (Skyfall, The Ferryman) directs Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles who play the Lehman Brothers, their sons and grandsons.

On a cold September morning in 1844 a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside. Dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers and an American epic begins. 163 years later, the firm they establish – Lehman Brothers – spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, and triggers the largest financial crisis in history.

 Midweek movies - £8 (£7)

• The White Crow (12A) - Wednesday 14 August 7.30pm
• At Eternity's Gate (12A) - Wednesday 21 August 7.30pm
• The Vanishing (15) - Wednesday 28 August 7.30pm
• Avengers: End Game (12A) - Wednesday 4 September 7.30pm
• Rory's Way (12A) - Wednesday 11 September 7.30pm

Theatre

Singing I'm no Billy He's a Tim 2 - Friday 6 September 7.30pm £16 (£14)Join Billy and Tim, stuck in the medical room at Hampden Park during the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic, after making a bet that backfires with spectacular consequences. A priceless comical journey that will have you laughing so hard you will be begging for extra time.

Age guidance 16+. Contains hilarious dialogue some people may find offensive.

“Celtic - Rangers rivalry, ghostly apparitions and great comedy lines” Evening Times

* Note: Only one discount can be applied per booking. The same number of tickets must be purchased for each show in one transaction. Offer only available where stated.

Ticket - Box Office: 0131 665 2240 Online: www.thebrunton.co.uk

Theme days at ASI Ladies Scottish Open

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open has announced two themed days for the weekend to add to the fun at The Renaissance Club from 8-11 August.

Spotlight On ...

This issue our staff spotlight falls on ... Shauna Cunningham

Name: Shauna Cunningham

Job Title: Macmillan Move More Coordinator

How long have you been with East Lothian Council. I started in February this year in a three-year Macmillan-funded role, in partnership with East Lothian Council and enjoyleisure.

What is your background?  My background is in digital project management and, more recently, working within the third/charity sector.

What does your job involve? My role involves setting up a new physical activity referral programme for people living with cancer in East Lothian, from point of diagnosis, throughout their treatment and beyond. I support individuals to not only become more active, but to help increase confidence and improve their strength and balance. Another important part of my job is developing key partnership links across the county with East Lothian Council and enjoyleisure colleagues, NHS/Healthcare professionals, community groups and organisations, Cancer Support services/groups and many more, to collaborate in referring people into the service (although people can self-refer too) and in delivering a varied range of activities, including the core programme of gentle movement classes, circuits, gardening and walking groups.

What do you like about your job? I feel really privileged to be able to do the work that I do – every day I feel a real sense of purpose, knowing the programme is making a difference to the lives of people living with cancer in East Lothian. And the participants are an inspiration to me every day!

What big projects have you been working on? Getting the programme set up has been my main focus since starting the role but now that participants are joining Move More East Lothian, I am actively recruiting gentle movement class lead volunteers to train and deliver these classes and will be working towards the official launch of the programme later this year, which is very exciting! Keep your eye on the Move More page of www.activeeastlothian.co.uk  for more info.

What do you enjoy doing outside the office? I have lots of interests! I am currently studying/training toward a Diploma in Transformational Coaching, which I know will also be really beneficial in my Move More coordinator role. But I also love volunteering – I am a gentle movement class lead for another Move More programme in the Borders, help deliver hot meals for the ‘Food Foundation’ to isolated people in my local community and support a local ‘Days for Girls’ group, who make reusable feminine hygiene kits for girls all over the world, who would otherwise go without. If I’m not doing these things, I’m usually out running or mountain biking. It all keeps me pretty busy!

Meet David and Amanda!

They both work as part of our Contact Centre, being the first point of call for a range of customer enquiries. It’s a varied role that sees them both work across a wide number of council departments including property maintenance, waste services, council tax and, in Amanda’s case, children and adults’ social work. This variety is part of the appeal of the role, as Amanda explains: “There’s no day the same. In the six years I’ve been here there’s always something new but you have people around you to support you.” David agrees, adding: “There’s always somebody if you want to ask a question and they’ll try their best to help.”

Having a naturally helpful attitude is key to working in the role. David previously worked in retail but has enjoyed the chance to work in a different customer service environment. “It’s great when you’re able to help the customer and see the issue right through to its conclusion. It feels satisfying as you’ve helped them with their problem,” he says.

As well as taking and resolving calls and referrals, team members work with departments across the council, using their customer knowledge to help make positive changes in how services and systems work. They also visit different departments and areas to see how enquiries are dealt with after they leave the Contact Centre.

“It’s great. There are opportunities to learn more skills, train people, get promoted or move within the council,” says Amanda. “The job fits in with me around my kids but it’s also allowed me to pick up studying again for my professional qualification. Everyone’s really friendly and we are a close team.”

Organisational Development team - find out more

Who are you?

We are a small team – Adrian Hynd, Alison Fallen, Rebecca Grangeret and Stuart Hiles, and we work across the whole of East Lothian Council.

What do you do?

We design and deliver learning which is accessible to all services across the council. We are involved in your development right from when you start employment in ELC with your induction, all the way through to when you retire with pre-retirement courses.  

We support managers with service reviews and planning, annual self-evaluation (How Good Is Our Service?), conferences and away days, coaching, employee benefits and engagement and team development.  We also run council-wide initiatives such as Performance Review & Development (PRD), the new East Lothian Way (staff values and behaviours) and Customer Service Professional Qualification.

We manage all of the e-learning modules on the council’s learnPro e-learning system. There are over 85 modules to choose from on a wide range of topics that we are regularly adding to. We can also create new modules to help you develop your teams - so if you have a topic you want put online, please get in touch!

You can access learnPro from work or at home. All you need to do is register. If you haven’t done so already, click here to register. If you have forgotten your login details, We can help you – email
e-learning@eastlothian.gov.uk. 

You can find out more about our courses by visiting the Learning and Development section of the intranet. We also produce a calendar of events. You can login to learnPro for further information, to apply for events and enrol on e-learning modules. All of your learning needs should be identified in discussion and agreement with your line manager through PRD discussions, based on what you require to be effective in your role.

New in 2019: Introduction to Lean Thinking, Mental Health First Aid and Project Management. We have also revised our Leadership and Management programmes aimed at those with people management responsibilities – from First Line and Supervisory / Team Managers through to Service Managers.

Do you run all East Lothian Council courses?

No, other services/teams including East Lothian Works, Education, Health & Safety, and the Health and Social Care teams also provide a separate calendar of learning opportunities to support you.

We are here to help. If you have a question, get in touch: email organisationaldevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk

ELC Purchase Cards - changes

In the next month, there will be important changes for staff who currently have an East Lothian Council purchase card.

Replacement Cards

As a result of new government legislation to tackle fraud prevention, all existing cards will be replaced with new cards which have additional security requirements. New replacement cards will be issued to you all in the next couple of weeks with some key information set out below:

• All cards will now be issued alongside card readers. This will be particularly relevant if you are ordering goods / services on-line – where you will be asked to follow instructions on screen and enter the card within the card reader. Instructions for the use of the card readers will be emailed out to all card users. Please note that we are still awaiting detailed information from Barclaycard on the use of this, and more details will be issued to you all as soon as it is available.
• Some cardholders may have already received communication directly from Barclaycard – if you have any queries, please email Purchase Cards.
• All security / pin numbers will remain unchanged
• When you receive your new card, please ensure that your old card is destroyed appropriately (there is no need to return the old card to the Purchase Card administrator)
• If you do not receive a replacement card and card reader by the end of August, please email Purchase Cards. 

Replacement to CARDPLUS

• All purchase card statements are currently reconciled through a system called CARDPLUS. This system will no longer be available after 19th September, and a new system is currently being developed by Barclaycard.
• An on-line training manual is in the process of being developed and will be emailed to all users and authorisers as soon as possible.

Use of Purchase Cards

Please ensure that the use of Purchase Cards remains appropriate, and should only be used when alternative procurement methods are not available. Where alternative methods of procuring goods and services can be identified such as PECOS this should be used.

If you have any queries, please email Purchase Cards.

Best Start Foods

A new pre-paid card has been launched to help pregnant women and families with children under three buy healthy food. Best Start Foods replaces Healthy Start Vouchers in Scotland.

The card can be used to buy:

• Fresh eggs
• Milk (plain cow's milk and first infant formula)
• Fruit/ vegetables (fresh, frozen, or tinned - those with added salt and sugar are excluded)
• Pulses (eg, peas, lentils and beans - dried, fresh, frozen or tinned).

The payment is £17 every four weeks during pregnancy and for any children aged between one and three. For children under one it increases to £34.

The chip and pin mastercard can be used in supermarkets and local shops.

People living in Scotland receiving certain benefits or tax credits who are either pregnant or the parent/carer of a child can apply for Best Start Foods. The payment is administered by Social Security Scotland. More information is available online.

Armed Forces eLearning module

A new e-learning module has been launched through East Lothian Council's 'LearnPro' system to improve understanding of the needs of the Armed Forces Community in our area and raise awareness of the supports available to them.

LearnPro is the council's online learning system, available to staff and wider community partners. The new Armed Forces eLearning Module was developed in conjunction with Lothian Armed Forces and Veterans Project. 

East Lothian Community Planning Partnership have signed an Armed Forces covenant to support the forces community living in the county.

The community covenant, which complements the national Armed Forces covenant offers an opportunity for the council and its partners to bring their knowledge, experience and expertise together to provide help, support and advice to the armed forces community.

It also encourages the integration of service life into civilian life.

East Lothian Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Jim Goodfellow said: “I’m pleased that we are able to offer this module through LearnPro to our staff and other partners area. I encourage people to use it to better understand support members of our Armed Forces community in East Lothian.”

Access LearnPro online: http://eastlothiancouncil.learnprouk.com

Once you have logged in you will find the module under ‘Essentials’.

The Big Fit Walk

Volunteers from Ageing Well and CHANGES are leading a Big Fit Walk on Tuesday 3 September. It's free, easy and lots of fun - especially if you bring a friend.

It's not a race, it's about having fun and staying health. Everyone is welcome. There's a prize draw, tea/coffee and scones after the walk and information about other walks and activities in your area.

You can choose between a Bronze (30 minute), Silver (45 minute) or Gold (60 minute walk).

The walk leaves from Dunbar Town House Museum. Registration opens at 10am with the walk starting at 10.30am.

There's no need to register but, for more information, contact Parvine at Ageing Well on 01620 827240, or Heather at CHANGES on 0131 653 1080.

Leuchie House challenge

Leuchie House is holding an ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge on Saturday 31 August 2019.

Teams of between 6 and 10 people are invited to enter the event and take on the inflatable assault course to raise money for Leuchie’s services. The obstacles are designed to unleash your inner child and test your strength, agility, speed and teamwork. Spectators can enjoy watching all the action with food vans, face painting and music adding to the atmosphere.

The ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge runs from 10am-1pm. Registration starts at 9am and the team entry fee is £200.

For more information contact Lana Bambridge at Leuchie House on 01620 892864 or by email.

For more information on Leuchie House from their website.

East Lothian Conservation Volunteers get ‘a lotta lolly’!

It has never been easier to help keep our coastline clean thanks to a £1,000 donation from the Doris Family who operate the ice cream vans at Gullane and Yellowcraig and own the Amalfi Ice Cream Parlour, Dirleton.

With the donation, East Lothian Countryside Volunteers (ELCV) have been able to supply litter picking equipment which is now available for use by the general public at both Gullane and Yellowcraig beaches.

Information on how to borrow the equipment is available on site at Gullane and Yellowcraig, and on the ELCV website: https://www.elcv.org.uk/tasks/litter/

David Oldham, chair of ELCV said: “This donation which has helped purchase litter picking equipment for ELCV is hugely appreciated, and will give visitors to Gullane and Yellowcraig the opportunity to give something back during their visit in helping to keep our countryside clean.”

David Wild of East Lothian Council Ranger Service added: “Litter in our countryside and on our coastline poses significant threats to wildlife, and undermines people’s enjoyment of our wonderful wildlife habitats. ELCV make a huge contribution to litter clearance projects at Yellowcraig and around the county and having the opportunity to extend this to casual visitors to our sites is warmly welcomed.“

E:CV are a group of over 200 volunteers who help look after the countryside in East Lothian. They look after footpaths, remove invasive plants, erect sheep fences, survey wildlife, check the ponies grazing on the laws, and clean the litter off the beaches, among other tasks. For more info please visit: www.elcv.org.uk  Friends of Yellowcraig are an ELCV volunteer conservation group that meet monthly whose activities are co-ordinated by East Lothian Ranger Service.

Public protection is everyone's responsibility

Why do I need to do this training?

The training will promote the East Lothian Council vision of “Our vision is that East Lothian should be even more prosperous, safe and sustainable, with a dynamic and thriving economy that enables our people and communities to flourish. We are committed to working together with the Council’s partners and the people and communities of East Lothian to achieve this ambition.”  By attending this training it helps demonstrate to the residents of East Lothian staff are informed to help keep them safe.

What will I learn from attending the training? 

By the end of the training you will:

• Understand the themes of public protection and the effects of trauma through the lifespan. 
• Know how to recognise harm and abuse.
• Understand the different types of harm and abuse.
• Understand your role and responsibilities if you are concerned someone is being harmed.
• Know what action to take.

What are the dates of the training and where is the training held? 

• 26 August from 1.30pm – 4.30pm in Esk Room 1 & 2
• 19 September from 9.30am – 12.30pm in Esk Room 1 & 2
• 15 October from 9.30am – 12.30pm in Esk Room 1 & 2
• 29 November from 9.30am – 12.30pm in Esk Room 1 & 2  

Venue – Brunton Hall, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6AF

How do sign up to attend one the training dates?

Email  emppo@eastlothian.gov.uk and the East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Office will either confirm your place or advise you if that date is full and ask you to select another date.

Freedom of East Lothian granted

The Freedom of East Lothian was granted to the Lothians and Border Yeomanry in a special presentation and parade held in Dunbar last month.

The Lothians and Border Yeomanry’s links with East Lothian date back to 1797 with the formation of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry. The Dunbar, Seton, Salton and Gifford troops eventually disbanded and joined with other areas before reforming in 2014 under its current name.

East Lothian Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Jim Goodfellow conferred the Freedom of East Lothian to the Yeomanry, represented by Major Stuart Vine, in the shadow of Lauderdale House, the Regiment’s original home. 

Following the presentation, the Regiment paraded along Dunbar’s High Street, saluting Councillor Goodfellow outside the Town Hall, before continuing on to its War Memorial on the town’s Queen’s Road for a rededication ceremony. Representatives from the council, serving and veteran members of the Armed Services community and their families, support organisations, and crowds of well-wishers witnessed the occasion.

Granting the Freedom of East Lothian to the regiment recognises the sacrifices and service made by its members over the years, and reinforces the council’s commitment to all armed services members living within the county.

East Lothian Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Jim Goodfellow said: “Our commemorations in Dunbar today mark the Lothians and Border Yeomanry’s continued involvement in East Lothian and beyond. It’s right that we recognise the Regiment’s rich history and contribution to our county and it is very special for me to have been able to bestow upon them our county’s highest honour. I believe that the number of people who came along today reflects our deep gratitude to them, and to members of the Armed Services everywhere.”

Major SJ Vine, Squadron Leader, E (Lothians and Border Yeomanry) Squadron, The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, said: “E (The Lothians & Border Yeomanry) Squadron are truly honoured to be granted the Freedom of East Lothian. The day marks the reinvigoration of the strong partnership between the community and the Squadron from which many of those serving, have served or represented through our long history and antecedent Regiments live and work - we are grateful for the enduring support. It is significant and fitting that we are able to parade through Dunbar and also rededicate the War Memorial in what is our spiritual home. A truly proud and memorable day and one which reconnects the 'County's Regiment' with the community whom we serve.”

The presentation and parade were part of a day of celebration of the Regiment and Armed Services held in the town. A civic reception was held at the Town House for the Yeomanry and its supporters where a framed ‘Freedom of East Lothian’ certificate was presented. The British Legion hosted a family event at their club for 100 people while Dunbar Museum hosted a special one-day exhibition of the Yeomanry’s military treasures.

Self-Directed Support (SDS) in East Lothian has clear strengths

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) was one of six Scottish health and social care partnerships to take part in a Care Inspection Thematic Review of the Implementation of Self-Directed Support (SDS) in Scotland.

The Care Inspectorate visited East Lothian during September last year and worked with service-users, carers and staff to establish how well SDS was being implemented in the county. They had some very positive insights to share.

They thought that the way that ELHSCP supported people to experience positive personal outcomes through the implementation of self-directed support was good in East Lothian They said that:

"Good conversations and positive outcomes were clear strengths of our inspection findings in East Lothian. Staff…were confident that they were supporting people to achieve positive outcomes…many supported people and unpaid carers were clear that they were experiencing flexibility, choice and control in their care and support and that this was making a difference to their lives."

One East Lothian carer quoted in their main Scottish report said:

"I’ve worked with carers for years and have been one for years. I love what I’m seeing now, and I wish this [SDS] had all been around when I was in the darkest days of being a carer."

They also noted that staff felt confident, competent and motivated to practice in an outcome-focused and person-led way. They rated us as good, saying:

"The majority of social work staff we met…felt autonomous, confident and supported. There were appropriate arrangements in place to express views, share, discuss and reflect on practice issues at events, workshops and individual support levels with managers."

Another area that impressed the inspectors was the way we had effectively communicated and engaged with our stakeholders and promoted more flexible commissioning strategies. They also liked the way that we empowered and supported staff to develop and exercise appropriate skills and knowledge, and they felt that leadership was good too:

"The self-directed support vision, values and culture were generally well established across the partnership…Overall, the partnership was collaborative, innovative and had designed and embedded numerous new ways of working all based around efficiencies, market stimulation and self-directed support principles."

East Lothian Director of Health and Social Care Alison Macdonald says:

"First of all, thank you everyone who spoke to the inspectors during the inspection and all our staff who work on a daily basis to promote choice and control for service-users. The report focuses on our strengths but also highlights areas where we could improve, which is really helpful. A lot of these centre around making our IT systems work better and improving the way that we record the “good conversations” that we have been having.

"We are committed to encouraging more people to take up self-directed support as it means that people can be more creative about the support they need, helping them get more out of life. It’s really encouraging to hear from the Care Inspectorate that our practise is good and that we are doing well."

People wanting to find out more about SDS should visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/sds  or phone 01875 824 309 for a chat with one of our team. You can also find out more about SDS here

Employee Assistance Programme

HWL Practitioners appointments

Massage (location Health Suite, JMH) –  Susan Green

• 16 August  12.30 and 15.00
• 30 August 10.00, 11.00, 12.30, 15.00 and 16.00

Massage (location Health Suite, JMH) - Angela Jones 

• 7 August  11.00, 12.00 and 13.00
• 21 August   11.00

Podiatry (location Health Suite, JMH) - Lesley Nichol

• 28 August – 09.00, 09.45, 10.30 and 11.30

Email: hwl@eastlothian.gov.uk or telephone 01620 827868