Guided Tour of Bodies, Botanicals and Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

Join the exhibition’s creators today at 1pm for a special guided tour in the Lamb Gallery. 

Curated by Archive Services, the show brings together some of the beautiful rare books in the University’s collections and work by artists and writers who have been inspired by the stories, annotations, typefaces, bindings, and materials which make up the books. 

Taking inspiration from the remarkable collections which date from the 15th century onwards the artists have created jewellery, etchings, drawings, ceramics, tattoo designs and creative writing. 

The tour will explain the history and composition of the books and will include a chance to chat to some of the artists and writers who have contributed to the exhibition. 

Meet in the Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee at 1pm today. 

Free admission - no need to book.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019

Perth Road (Hyndford Street to Blackness Avenue) – off-peak temporary traffic lights and lane closures from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 March for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Drive – Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road (Phase 1) and Hillside Road to Glamis Road (Phase 2) – closed in phases as stated for Monday 15 April for 2 weeks for footway resurfacing works.  Only one phase closed at any one time.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Our March meeting will be on Tuesday 26th March at 7pm at The Bach, 31 Meadowside.

Join us at Blether Tay-Gither this month to remember and celebrate the life of Fiona MacLeod. 

Fiona was originally from Perthshire, spent some of her childhood in Ireland and had lived for many years in Brittany, she regularly returned to Scotland to tell her tales and was Blether's guest just last October aboard the Frigate Unicorn for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, where some of us heard her for the first time and saw what a lively and vibrant teller she was.

Come along to the Bach to hear some tales and to share some stories from the places she lived, or memories of Fiona.  All are welcome to join in and you may just wish to listen. Hot drinks and cakes are available in the welcoming and unique environment of the Bach. 

There’s a suggested Donation £3 and we hope to see you there.

Parenting strategy events - including at Harris Academy

You can book all the events listed above here.

Play On Wheels Easter Holidays events #dundeewestend

Here’s Play On Wheels Easter Holidays events in the West End for local children!

Play On Wheels will be out whatever the weather so hope to see lots of you for some adventures.    Come and say hello and have some fun. 

Everyone welcome and all sessions are free of charge.

Play On Wheels is a Smart Play Network project funded through the BIG Lottery Investing in Communities 21st Century Life programme.

Dundee - A Global City

The One World Centre and Lifelong Learning Dundee at the University of Dundee present Dundee    -   A Global City.

The course will be of 5 sessions which will run on Wednesday evenings beginning on Wednesday 17th April from 6.30pm until 8.30pm - then  each Wednesday evening until 15th May  - so  17th April,  24th April, 1st May, 8th May and 15th May.

This programme introduces us to and explores the many and varied contributions that Dundonians have made and are making to our world.  Using stories from the past we will explore the links we have with others around the globe and consider how our lifestyles can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable and peaceful society

* Think Global – Act Local  … 17th April - Sally Romilly and Clare Fulton  - OWC

What is Global Citizenship?   Why has it developed as an idea?   What makes a Global citizen?  What does it mean for the local person in Dundee?    

* Dahka to Dundee….. 24th April - Alastair Scott Dundee Heritage Trust and   Sandra Thompson   

The jute trade unravelled - highlighting Dundee’s fascinating role.

* Dundonians face war – to fight or not to fight? ….. 1st May - Andrew Jeffrey and Sandy Constable

Looking at our different perspectives on war with  Andrew Jeffrey - author of  'This Dangerous Menace: Dundee and the River Tay at War, 1939 to 1945' (1991) - whose stories will shed new light  on how Dundonians faced up to war.    ... and Sandy Constable who shares memories of his father’s relationship to war.

* Dundee women in the World ….  8th May - Mary Henderson, Kate Armstrong and Norma McGovern

Beginning with the ‘four Marys’ we explore the range of Global contributions made by Dundee women.

* Welcoming our new citizens ….. 15th May - Dr Husam Al Waer, senior lecturer in Sustainable Urban Design,   Sally Romilly  and Clare Fulton (OWC)

As Dundee continues to welcome migrants and refugees into the community what are their challenges and our response.

For details from the One World Centre here.

West End Easter Programme from ParkLives Dundee #dundeewestend

Getting things done - Logie Cemetery #dundeewestend

Several constituents have recently contacted me regarding the condition of Logie Cemetery on Lochee Road north of Balgay Parish Church.   As residents know, the cemetery is very old and long closed to new interments.

At my request, an inspection of the cemetery was undertaken last Friday and the environment manager for the west of the city advised me after this  ... "all memorials are in a safe condition either dug in or lying flat.  The ones that remain upright have been found to be stable."

The Service Manager - Environment - at the City Council has also advised me :

"In an effort to reduce soil erosion which contributes to memorials stabilisation problems we have reduced grass cutting to twice per season and do not apply pesticide around the memorials. 

In ref to the memorial checks, this cemetery along with other non operational cemeteries are on our schedule for safety inspections.  

Due to the historical nature of the site there are limitations what works we can undertake but we shall ensure any headstones which present a risk to the public are addressed." 

Cyber for Seniors Workshop

Abertay University is holding a Cyber for Seniors Workshop on Thursday 28th March between 10am and 4pm at the Events Space, Abertay University, Kydd Building, Bell Street.

Its purpose is to find out the challenges are that the elderly face with respect to cyber crime.     There will be talks about cyber challenges such as security and passwords.    The aim is to come up with solutions together to address some of these problems.    Lunch will be provided.

To book a space, please contact Karen Renaud, Professor of Cyber Security - k.renaud@abertay.ac.uk- or 308236 but please do so by close of play today.

Dundee schools' bands and orchestras - Spring Concerts

Review of open spaces management rules

Residents are being invited by Dundee City Council to have their say on proposed new rules for open spaces across Dundee.

You can see details of the draft rules and how to submit comments by clicking here. 

Submissions should be made by 25th March.

Getting things done - Seabraes area #dundeewestend

I have recently had complaints about the extent of rubbish and litter along the western end of the path running from Roseangle to Greenmarket.   The problem area has been the part from Seabraes west towards the Roseangle car park.

The council's Rapid Response Team, at my request, kindly did a litter-pick there recently.   However, I wrote to Scottish Enterprise to get its assurances that it would ensure the area is kept clean in future, as I was sure responsibility would rest with Scottish Enterprise.

The Director of Business Infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise has now advised me :

"I am advised that SE’s responsibilities cover the area shown outlined red on the plan (below). 

Our external Property Managing Agents have been reminded of our responsibilities with particular reference to litter collection so you should see an improvement."

Tree planting next Saturday - Riverside Nature Park #dundeewestend

Boogie ... from Alzheimer Scotland!

Following the success of the Original Boogie in the Bar in Aberdeen, Alzheimer Scotland's Dundee Dementia Resource Centre is launching its very own Boogie! 

A Boogie is a community lead activity where people have an opportunity to come together to enjoy music, dancing and company. 

There will be a professional DJ and thanks to the committee of the Lochee Bowling Club, Alzheimer Scotland has secured their fantastic premises for the event.

If you would like to come along to the first Dundee Boogie this Friday - 15th March - please contact the Dundee team at Alzheimer Scotland on 210200 to book your place.

Doors open at Lochee Bowling Club at 1.30pm and the Boogie runs from 2pm to 4pm.

West End Community Council meeting tonight #dundeewestend

The Community Council meets this evening at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome!   Here's the agenda :

WEST END  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL  MEETING

TUESDAY 12th MARCH 2019  AT  7.00PM

LOGIE  AND ST JOHN`S (CROSS)  PARISH  CHURCH  HALL

(ENTER FROM  SHAFTESBURY  TERRACE  -  OFF  BLACKNESS  AVENUE)

1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES

2. MINUTE OF MEETING 11TH DECEMBER 2018 AND  MATTERS  ARISING

3. CORRESPONDENCE

4. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE

5. WESTFEST

6. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE MAGDALEN GREEN – Calum Robertson

7. PERTH ROAD UPDATE – 

8. PLANNING  UPDATE 

9. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC

10. AOCB – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT

DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING – Tuesday 9th April 2019

Latest event from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

Cappuccino Concert with Fraya Thomsen, harp

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library - this Saturday - 16th March - 11am (doors open at 10.30am)

Fraya Thomsen is heralded as a "leading female Scottish harpist and composer with the cosmic touch... free and wild..." - City Life Dundee

Taking influences from songwriters such as Ani DiFranco and Billy Bragg and combining it with the Scottish sensibilities that she learnt in her native Highlands of Scotland, Fraya has worked as a musician in a wide diversity of settings from international harp and roots festivals with The Duplets, to musician in residence with Feis Rois and award winning film/dance/art composer. 

This tour sees her striding forth in a solo capacity and features music from her 2017 Celtic Connections composition 'Community and Stardust' described as  "a musical and rhetorical triumph, a coherent argument beautifully structured” - David Francis, TRACS, and "...incredibly musical and incredibly thoughtful" - Phil Cunningham.

Doors open 10.30am, tickets are £5 and tea/coffee available for a small donation.

Event at the Botanic Garden today #dundeewestend

From the Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden :

The last talk of the season will be today at 2pm in the Education Centre at the Botanic Garden.

The speaker is Dr Sarah Easterby-Smith, Senior Lecturer School of History, St Andrews University.

The title of her talk is Botany and Plant Trade in the late 18th century.

Please come along and bring a friend!

Family Prize Bingo - Ancrum Road Primary School

Free bike event at the University of Dundee

Getting things done - Clovis Duveau Drive #dundeewestend

Residents in Clovis Duveau Drive raised with me the faded whote lining in the street.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following positive response :

"An order to refresh the white lining for Clovis Duveau Drive has been raised.    It will be done as soon as resources are available."

Ninewells Community Garden events #dundeewestend

Lighting on path at Harris Academy #dundeewestend

A number of constituents have raised concerns about the lighting on the public pathway that runs to the side of Harris Academy down to Riverside.     

Several of the lighting units are in a vandalised state or simply not working.

I reported this to the council's Street Lighting Partnership and have now been advised :

"We have decided that we are not simply going to replace the fittings as it is clear that they are mounted in a location which is easy to access and prone to vandalism.

(We are) currently working on some design calculations with a view to installing columns in their place."

Litter pick this Thursday - University of Dundee campus #dundeewestend

Gowrie Care - volunteers wanted

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 2 AND SUNDAY 3 MARCH 2019

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) - off-peak northbound nearside lane closure from Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 March for BT works.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 4 MARCH 2019

Riverside Drive (at Wright Avenue) - off-peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 5 March for gully repairs.

Bodies, Botanicals & Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

"Bodies, Botanicals & Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books" is a new exhibition featuring the work of artists and creative writers inspired by the University Archives' rare book collections.

This exhibition by Archive Services uses some of the University's extensive special collections to explore the history and materiality of rare books as well as the creativity they can inspire.    From bindings to bookplates and endpieces to annotations, books tell stories, reminding us of the lives of their owners as much as changes in communication and technology.

Taking inspiration from these remarkable collections which date from the 15th century onwards, artists and writers have created their own pieces of work which are exhibited for the first time here. 

On display is jewellery, etchings, drawings, textiles, ceramics and much more, all inspired by the wonderful illustrations and content within the books or simply by the way they are put together.

The exhibition is free and open to all and will run until 27th April with the  Lamb Gallery open Monday to Friday (9.30am to 7pm) and on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.

Friends of Blackness Family Ceilidh

The Friends of Blackness has an upcoming Family Ceilidh tomorrow evening.    Parents and carers can purchase tickets at ParentPay :

Feisty Women Fighting Discrimination

Bonnie Dundee AGM - all welcome!

Bonnie Dundee AGM tonight - don't miss it!

Loss of Perth Road ATM a real disappointment

Residents will recall that, last August, Royal Bank of Scotland lodged a planning application to shut the bank’s ATM at 260 Perth Road, the site of a former branch that closed in 2014.   This was because the bank's lease on the building ends this spring.

I wrote to the bank last summer reminding them that when the branch closed, I was given a commitment that its free-to-use cash machine would be retained.   I asked that the company to therefore look for alternative sites in the Perth Road area and the bank did commit at that time to look at possible options.    

Since then, I have sought updates from the bank and I have now unfortunately received the following update from the bank's Local Director, Fife, Perth and Tayside :

"Thank you for allowing me time to look into your concerns.

Our lease on the former branch on Perth Road is expiring in April 2019 and we have taken the difficult decision to remove the ATM. 

Since the branch closed we have explored options available to relocate the existing machine at a new site, however, we cannot find a suitable alternative location and therefore the existing machine will be removed this week. 

It is not the outcome we had hoped for, however, our customers will continue to have a number of alternative ways to access their cash locally. There are over 30 other free-to-use ATMs within 1 mile of the old branch premises, with a machine next door at Premier convenience store. 

The Dundee Chief Office branch is just under a mile away on High Street and is open Monday to Friday 9.15am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm. 

Our customers can also use any Post Office to check their balance, pay-in and withdraw cash. The nearest Post Office to the former branch is 60 yards away and is open six days a week: 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday – it also has an external ATM.

A number of shops also offer cashback services and customers can also make use of contactless payment systems too. Customers can also contact us over the phone to check their balance – 03457 888 444.

I appreciate you may be disappointed by our decision, however, I hope I have been able to explain the continued cash provision that remains available to your constituents."

I have asked the bank for detail of the options it considered as I consider the outcome to be highly disappointing.    The loss of a key free-to-use ATM from one of the major banks in the area is a matter of regret.

Fairtrade Fortnight events at the University of Dundee @DundeeFairtrade

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – off-peak northbound nearside lane closure from Sunday 24 to Tuesday 26 February for BT works.

Getting things done – Blackness Road #dundeewestend

Many residents have contacted me concerned about the need for a better road surface in parts of Blackness Road.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following positive response :

"Blackness Road from Glamis Road to Glenagnes Road has been identified for possible inclusion on the 2019/2020 Carriageway Programme for surface dressing subject to available funding."

Latest news from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

Bruce Davies at the Wighton! - Cappuccino Concert  

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Saturday 23rd February - 11am (doors open at 10.30am)

Bruce Davies, the Fife based singer songwriter will be appearing at Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee on Saturday 23rd February from 11am to noon.

With 35 years as a professional entertainer behind him, Bruce is a musician whose easy on the ear singing and storytelling have gained him many friends on four continents.  Crisp acoustic guitar playing is one of his trademarks and, as BBC Celtic Roots said, “a voice in a million”.

His recent album “Blowin’ In The Wind – The Other Great American Songbook” has been universally acclaimed and his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show featuring material for the album played to full houses.  He spends his summers hosting and singing in “The Spirit of Scotland Show”.

Throughout his career he has travelled widely, performing in prestigious venues throughout the UK and USA to a huge variety of audiences.  He has recorded extensively as a musician and producer for folk legends The McCalmans, and Harvey Andrews.  In a recent list of “The Hundred Greatest Cultural Fifers...Ever!”,  Bruce featured alongside Ian Rankin, Dougray Scott, Val McDermid, Jack Vettriano and other Fife luminaries.

He has received many plaudits but his most treasured are, from Kenny  Rogers “You do great work!” and when his songwriting hero Tom Paxton introduced him as “ one of Scotland’s best singers”.

Tickets are £5 and tea/coffee is also available for small donation.

Lochee Park playpark improvements - an update #dundeewestend

The City Council has updated me about the proposed commencement of the playpark improvement works at Lochee Park's playpark as follows :

"Works are due to commence at the end of February and we will have signage in place in advance to give notice of the closure of the park. 

A laminated plan will also be put onto the noticeboard."

The new playpark proposals look great and will be a huge improvement :

Getting things done - Rockfield Crescent #dundeewestend

Residents recently contacted me concerned about the poor state of the road in Rockfield Crescent.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following positive response :

"The Road Maintenance Partnership inspector raised an order on 12-2-19 for pothole repairs to be carried out with a timescale for repair of approximately thirty days."

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2019

Bellfield Street – off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) stop/go traffic control on Monday 18 February for 2 days at new housing development for road and footway reinstatement works.

Event at the Botanic Garden today #dundeewestend

The next Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden talk is today in the garden's Education Centre at 2pm.

The speaker will be Sally McConville, Environmental Assistant at Dundee City Council. 

Sally will talk about Bonnie Dundee and Beautiful Scotland. 

Bonnie Dundee works in partnership with Dundee City Council to support Dundee’s entry into the Large City category of the Beautiful Scotland campaign. 

Volunteers are involved in a wide range of projects, from litter picks and tree planting to tending community gardens and the colourful planters you see around the city streets.

Hope to see you there - bring a friend!

Ninewells Community Garden volunteer opportunities #dundeewestend

Fruit Bowls Community Garden project at Lochee Park #dundeewestend

Temporary Traffic Order - Saturday - various streets

From the City Council :

THE ROADS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984 - SECTION 62

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of the Dundee Trades Union Council Anti-Cuts Protest Parade HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in:

1 Blackness Road (Urquhart Street to Hawkhill)

2 Hawkhill (Blackness Road to West Marketgait)

3 West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Nethergate)

4 Nethergate (West Marketgait to High Street)

5 High Street (Nethergate to Reform Street)

6 Reform Street (Murraygate to Meadowside)

7 Meadowside (Reform Street to Chapel Street)

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 16 February 2019 from 12:00 to 13:30hrs.

Closures will be enforced by Police Scotland officers.

No diversion routes will be available.

For further information contact 433275.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Friends of Riverside Nature Park AGM #dundeewestend

The Friends of Riverside Nature Park hold their AGM tomorrow night - Thursday 14th February at 7pm - at the Mitchell Street Centre - all welcome!

As well as reporting the past year activities and electing the new committee, there will be an illustrated talk about urban orchards.

Getting things done - Pleasance Court #dundeewestend

I have been in correspondence with Home Scotland about getting the graffiti painted on some ground floor windows in Pleasance Court removed.

I have received assurances from Home Scotland about this, which is reassuring as the most recent graffiti appeared before the festive season.

West End Community Council AGM tomorrow #dundeewestend

Northern Links update

Last Friday, the proposed Northern Links project launched early concept designs that would aim to make it easier for  residents to travel on foot and by bike more often for their local journeys on certain Dundee main streets, by improving the opportunities for and tackling barriers to active travel.

Northern Links aims to reallocate some road space in favour of cyclists and people rather than traffic, attempting to make the affected streets safer and more convenient for cyclists and pedestrians - and for buggy, scooter and wheelchair users. 

One of the proposed streets for the project is Lochee Road and you can see the early concept designs for Lochee Road and the other streets elsewhere in the city here.

The proposals will be judged by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts in April and if successful, further funding will be provided to undertake more detailed engagement and design work during 2019.

The project team is keen to get feedback from residents and community groups at this early stage and it is easy to provide your feedback here.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 9 AND SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2019

Nethergate (at South Tay Street) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 8 February to Sunday 10 February for Virgin Media Work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2019

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – northbound nearside lane closure (9.00am - 4.00pm) from Monday 11 February for one week for BT works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Bellfield Street – off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) stop/go traffic control on Monday 18 February for 2 days at new housing development for road and footway reinstatement works.

Dundee Women's Festival 2019

Litter pick today - University of Dundee and the West End #dundeewestend

Join students and staff later today to help tackle litter on campus and the surrounding area.

Free soup and a roll for participants. 

Meet outside the Student Union.