Edinburgh Marathon - Cuthill Vantage Point

On 23rd May, the Edinburgh Marathon goes right past the park. If you are cheering on the runners in Prestonpans, why not take a picnic to the park and make a day of it?

Dog Watch

 

Irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after
their pet targeted in new campaign

East Lothian Council has launched a new
hard-hitting public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the problem of
dog fouling across the county. Dogwatch reminds dog owners of the
consequences of not cleaning up after their pets. Many owners are still
not picking up their pet's waste and instead leave behind piles of
unsightly and potentially dangerous mess.

Community Services spokesperson Cllr Paul McLennan, said:  

"Dog fouling is one of the top complaints received by the council.
Dog excrement not only looks disgusting but can also seriously affect
people's health. We have had a number of posters designed which carry a
clear message both in words and graphics that dog fouling is
unacceptable. Some people may find the imagery and words too strong but
we believe that this approach will shock people into modifying their
behaviour. It's not anti-dog but about responsible ownership and keeping
streets and parks clean and safe places for people, particularly
children, to enjoy."

Young children are most at risk to potential health problems
associated with dog faeces as irresponsible dog owners are failing to
clean up when walking their dog in public parks, play areas and on
beaches. Part of the council's new campaign is the introduction of a
neighbourhood awareness scheme. People who are plagued with dog fouling
in their street or local park can contact the council via a dedicated email
address or telephone 01875 824305 and pass on their complaints.
Wardens can then go out to problem areas to advise dog walkers of their
responsibilities.

The Big Fabulous Cuthill Lunch: 18 July 2010

You are invited to join The Big Fabulous Cuthill Lunch.

What is it?

An outdoor feast in the company of others.

Imagine a summer's day on which millions of us, throughout the UK, sit down to have lunch together on every patch of common ground.

The food, entertainment and decorations we will have grown, cooked or created ourselves. This will be a day to break bread with one another and to put a smile on Britain's face.  It's called The Big Lunch and this is your invitation!

Why?

Sharing a meal with neighbours is something rarely done nowadays.  In fact, many people don’t even know who their neighbours are. The Big Lunch is a brilliant excuse for introducing yourself to those people that you’ve seen in the street or at the shops for years, or with whom your path keeps crossing - or folk you see everyday.

As if that wasn’t reason enough for getting together,Cuthill Park is a beautiful place.   It was gifted to the community and should be used by it!

Who?

You!  Your friends, your members, your neighbours

What to bring?

a picnic,

something to sit on ,

and maybe something to entertain yourself or others (whether that’s a Frisbee or a guitar is up to you).

When/Where?

Sunday 18 July, 2010 from 2.00 p.m. in Cuthill Park, Prestongrange Road, Prestonpans

 B.Y.O.P.*

*Picnic (or, Party, Plaything, Paperback, Pastels, Pogo-stick, Petition, Pram, Plate, Pan Pipes, Playhouse, Puppy, Plant, Pencil,Petanque, Piano, Parasol, Pamphlet…)

What’s Happening?

This is a guerrilla-style D-I-Y pot luck pop-up event.  If you and your group want something to happen, then it’s up to you to make it happen!

Musical, theatrical, artistic, horticultural and culinary talents, to name but a few ways to contribute, are all very welcome.   Just remember the emphasis is on: FREE, COMMUNITY and ENVIRONMENT.

So What Next?

It would be great if you could sign up at The Big Lunch website, but you don't have to.

If you want to share your plans then let us know and we'll spread the word!

See you there!

Be Nice to Nettles Week

19 - 30 May 2010

Almost everyone is familiar with the nettle having experienced its formidable sting. To many it is a troublesome weed that should be eradicated wherever it is found. This point of view has only recently developed. Indeed the humble nettle has played, and continues to play, an important role in the natural world...

	The Nettle Where does the name come from? How does it sting? Find out here.
	Nettles and Wildlife Take a look at the wildlife of the nettle patch.
	Nettles and People Discover how we have utilised the nettle for food, clothing and medicine.
	Nettles today... What are we doing with the nettle today? - and what might we do tomorrow?
	Nettles in the news Take a look at some of nettley stories that appear in our newspapers and on our television screens.
	Get involved in Nettle Week Find out what you could do during Nettle Week - and the rest of the year for that matter.
	Nettle Week Events See what's happening near you or register your own activity.
	Nettle Week Supporters A listing of the organisations and individuals that support Nettle Week.
	Nettle Week Links Take a look at the web sites of our supporters and other nettle related sites.
	Nettle Fun and Games Try your luck at True or False? or enter our nettle art competition.

Why not try Lady Ridley's nettle soup recipe? Let us know what you think or tell us your own favourite nettle recipe.
Ingredients:

1 lb potatoes
½ lb young nettles
2 oz butter
1½ pts chicken or vegetable stock
sea salt & black pepper
4 tablespoons sour cream

Method:

Cook the peeled, chopped potatoes for 10 mins in salted water. Drain.
Wash & chop coarsely the nettles (Only pick the new, young tops,using gloves!)
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the nettles and stew gently for a few minutes. Add the potatoes and heated stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender.
When all is soft, cool slightly & purée in a blender, adding seasoning and the sour cream.