Perth pensioner pedals to success

A cycling initiative aimed at getting older people out and enjoying the fresh air has gotten off to a good start thanks to a Perth pensioner.

With the help of 82-year-old Bield tenant, Norman Ridley, Cycling Without Age has managed to expand its reach with the addition of a second trishaw.

Priced at £8,000 each, the trishaws are peddled by trained volunteers and allow less mobile members of the community to enjoy Perth’s beauty spots.

The full donation for the second bike, which is due to be up and running in spring 2019, was gifted to the former Salvation Army Officer and the organisation through The Guildry Incorporation of Perth following a successful ride by one of its members.

Norman said: “It’s amazing how popular Cycling Without Age has become in the Perth area – we have gone from having just one bike to two since we launched in May.

“We have to say a big thank you to the Perth Guildry who donated the full sum for the second trishaw. One of the members came out for a ride and could see the benefits that the initiative has brought to the area.

“So far we have had more than 100 people out on the trishaws, and have partnered up with Bield and Balhousie North Inch Care Home to take residents out for some fresh air.”

Cyber security survey

A children’s charity is looking for views on cyber security.

Youthlink Scotland is developing resources around cyber resilience to help people think about and protect themselves from risks online.

They want to hear from organisations to inform the development of the resources. The resources are being created to guide the building of conversations and learning opportunities about cyber resilience into youth work, adult learning, community work, support work and more. They will help non-formal learning practitioners to support communities, learners and young people they work with have a stronger understanding of cyber resilient behaviour.

The views of practitioners and learners, including community organisation, are being sought to inform the resources – fill in the survey by
Friday 25 January.

Radio star hosts charity fundraiser

The Yard’s Big Fun Raiser, one of the biggest and best fundraising balls in Edinburgh’s charity calendar, is back and being hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart at a brand new venue, the beautiful Prestonfield House.

The event takes place on Saturday 18 May with a fun-filled circus theme to match the fantastic new venue and playful charity cause.

Best known for co-presenting the weekday breakfast show Boogie in the Morning on Forth 1, Arlene will bring her characteristic warmth and charm to her hosting duties on the evening. The event includes a three course meal, entertainment, music, and the chance to outbid your fellow guests for fabulous prizes in the glittering auction.

Arlene visited The Yard Edinburgh on Wednesday (16 January) and said: “It was great to see The Yard in action and meet some of the children
who benefit from their services. I can’t wait to host the Big Fun Raiser and I know the kind people of Edinburgh will dig deep for this truly deserving cause. Expect lots of fun and games, as well as fundraising!”

Tickets and information on donating prizes are available from The Yard website

Sounds from Stirling Castle

A concert, aptly entitled Summon the Heroes, is being held at Stirling Castle on 16 March 2019 in aid of two iconic Scottish military charities, Erskine and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlands Regimental Trust.

The concert will be hosted by Alasdair Hutton, the renowned voice of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and held in the splendour of the Castle’s Great Hall. It will be an evening of musical delights as guests are entertained by The Capital Concert Band, The Herald Trumpets of Scotland and the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of Queen Victoria School.

Tickets are priced at £22.50 with all profits going towards Erskine and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum Trust.