#Judge Adam Leith

[insidecroydon]

A Christmas present to Croydon: another court victory

CROYDON IN CRISIS: Our cash-strapped council has squandered thousands of pounds of public money to try to suppress documents that were in the public domain. Again. STEVEN DOWNES, Inside Croydon’s Editor, on the council’s latest failed efforts to gag this website For cash-strapped Croydon Council, the local authority that claims it doesn’t have any money to pay for public services, it was no…

[scotianostra]

The Architect James Craig was born on October 31st 1739.

As you will know dates are not always easy to pin down in may instances, usually it can vary by a few days either way, with James Craig however it is a few years, here is why;

James Craig’s birth date has traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as 13th November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31st October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson’s Hospital School, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven.

The fact that he attended a charitable institution suggests that Craig’s father was not a wealthy man. In 1755 started work for Patrick Jamieson, a mason and deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Unlike some of his contemporaries he did not have the means to make the traditional Grand Tour, nor could he afford to set up business as a master mason.

Craig first came to be noticed when, 1763 he submitted a proposal to build a bridge across the drained Nor’ Loch to encourage the development of the land belonging to the city to the north. He was a good draughtsman, in July that same year he was employed to draw a plan and elevation of the proposed North Bridge in Edinburgh, which seems to have been designed by George Fraser. The purpose of this plan was to attract tenders. It was published in the ‘Scots Magazine’. Also that year Craig was the winner of the competition for laying out the New Town of Edinburgh. Seven entries were received and Craig’s plan was judged to be the best.

A lot of people cite Craig for designing the the buildings in the New Town, this is wrong, he merely designed the street layouts, more or less as we know them today, one of the first buildings, Dundas House, was designed by William Chambers and is now the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, well the registered office for the business anyway. The other most noted architect was Robert Adam.

Back to Craig, the only buildings he seems to have designed in the whole development were at St James Square, which isn’t even classified as the New Town so he seems to have been relegated to a bit player. The footpath linking the end of Princes Street/Leith Street to what is now Multrees Walk is named James Craig Walk in his honour.

Craig never achieved the status of the likes of Adam or Chambers and wasn’t a good businessman, whereas not being in poverty, he did die in what was considered a fair bit of debt when he passed away unmarried in the West Bow, Old own on 23 June 1795, so he probably could not afford to live in the streets he helped form. His grave has a simple marker in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Due to complex bans on monuments in Greyfriars’ churchyard through the years it was actually unmarked until the 1930’s.

[denisehil0]

UK judge rejects tabloid’s bid to throw out Depp libel suit

LONDON — A British judge on Thursday rejected an attempt by tabloid newspaper The Sun to quash a libel suit from actor Johnny Depp over an article claiming he abused his ex-wife.

Depp is suing the newspaper’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and Executive Editor Dan Wootton over a 2018 article claiming the actor was violent and abusive to Amber Heard. He strongly denies the allegations.

Judge Andrew Nicol said “in my view It would not be just to strike out the claim.” He said the full hearing could begin on Tuesday as scheduled.

The Sun’s lawyers applied for the case to be dismissed because Depp failed to disclose text messages he exchanged with an assistant showing that he tried to buy “MDMA and other narcotics” while he was in Australia with Heard in 2015.

The newspaper’s lawyer, Adam Wolanski, said withholding the texts was a breach of a previous court order requiring Depp to provide all documents from separate libel proceedings against Heard in the United States. He said the lapse endangered the defendants’ ability to get a fair trial.

Depp, 57, and Heard, 34, met on the set of the 2011 comedy “The Rum Diary” and married in Los Angeles in February 2015. They divorced in 2017.

The Associated Press

Listen to the Latest Podcasts from Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers

Latest News on Twitter from Neinstein

Contact Sonia Leith at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers

Read More

[ablessingofwickedness]

Article copied below the cut:

The Great British Bake Off: If Prue Leith is Doctor Who I am the dizzy assistant says Noel Fielding

The new presenter finds as many ways possible to be self-deprecating ahead of the new series on Channel 4

Noel Fielding appears to be on a mission to dampen hopes about his performance as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off show when it moves to Channel 4 next week.

With fans keen to find out whether he and new presenter Sandi Toksvig will have the charisma of Mel and Sue – or whether Paul Hollywood and new judge Prue Leith will cut the mustard as the new judging duo – the comedian appeared eager to downplay expectations following a screening of episode one on Monday.

“I don’t think any of us have come into this thinking we are changing anything. I am not Mel and [Sandi Toksvig] is not Sue so we can’t try and emulate what they did and we just have to do things our own way. If we were Doctor Who [Sandi] would be Doctor Who and I’d be the dizzy assistant.”

Warming to his theme, he said that “we are like a little family and I am the dog,” before likening his forthcoming appearance on the show to “finding a spider in a packet of fondant fancies.”

Reflecting on the difficulties he and fellow presenter Toksvig have when forced to tell unsuccessful bakers that it’s their time to leave the show, he said: “I look like the Child Catcher so I have nothing to lose.”

He said these moments were “the worst part of the show” for him personally because of the pain of having to disappoint people he has come to know and like.

“It’s so hard because you become friends with them. It is a bit like being a parent because when they make tiny mistakes you are not allowed to help and you have to let them do it.”

However Fielding is adamant that the show will weather the move from its home on BBC1 to Channel 4 and that viewers will get used to the change of personnel.

“Sandi obviously does QI now and I don’t think anyone can really remember when Stephen [Fry] did it. It just feels like a perfect transition. It’s the same when I did Buzzcocks. I replaced Bill Bailey and people go ‘I love Bill Bailey’ and after two weeks they go ‘it’s the same show’.

“If the show’s good and the format’s good and the elements are good I think the show’s robust enough to take new elements.”

But he was adamant that he was not going to be scanning his social media feeds to find out what viewers think of him when the series finally airs next Tuesday.

“Are you out of your mind? I am going to throw my phone in the ocean!

“If you’re in something it’s quite crazy to sit there and see what people say… because how does that help? You might as well work the hardest you can and do the best job you can.”

The Great British Bake Off begins on Channel 4 on Tuesday 29th August at 8pm

[habibialkaysani]

Extend Your Hand to Me (Dutch/Johnny; G)

Ships: Dutch/Johnny, Dutch & Johnny

Summary: Set during the flashbacks of 3x07. Johnny helps Dutch clean up.

Read at AO3

Read at FFN

The sound of a loud cry rouses Johnny from his sleep instantly; he sits up, wincing at the pain he can still feel where Yalena shot him in the shoulder. Not for the first time, he thanks the gods that her hands had shaken too much for her to aim at his chest, and then he gets to his feet, up and off his bed.

“Open,” he says, and the doors slide apart for him.

He finds her on her bed, curled up into a ball, and when he looks closer he realises she’s still bloody. When she sees him she looks up briefly but then buries her face into her lap again.

“Where are we?” she asks, her voice muffled.

“We just passed over Leith,” he replies. “We should arrive in Westerley in a couple days.”

“Good,” says Yalena. “Then you can get the hells off my ship and I can...” But she trails off, as if not knowing what to say next.

Johnny shrugs, sitting in the nearest chair. “That was our deal, lady.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“My apologies, Yala.”

“Don’t call me that either,” she snaps.

“How’s ‘your highness’?”

But when she meets his eyes the faint shadow of a smile seems to grace her lips, almost despite herself. It fades quickly, though, and is replaced by an expression of such melancholy that Johnny’s momentarily lost for words.

“I’m not royalty anymore,” she says. “I… married into it.”

“You said this ship was a wedding gift,” he says. “You know you’re staining your sheets with his blood, right?”

“How do you -?”

“I’m a smart guy,” he says. “And you’re not exactly subtle… Dutch.”

“Dutch?” she repeats.

Johnny nods. “Dutch. That’s what I’m gonna call you. Unless you have any objections, in which case I’ll go back to ‘your highness’.”

“You can call me Dutch,” she says, considering the name, and she seems to like it, judging by the look on her face - that flicker of a smile that sparkles in her eyes for a fleeting moment before fading away. “And… I don’t care about staining the sheets.”

“You had a nightmare.” It’s not a question.

“I did,” Dutch says faintly. “More of a flashback, really.”

“Do you want to -”

“- talk about it? With you?”

“You could have killed me,” he reasons. “But you didn’t.”

“And you think that means I’m going to open up my heart to you?”

“Hey, I am a really good shoulder to cry on,” Johnny says lightly. “Trust me. I’m used to it.” Still she just stares resolutely back at him, and he adds after a moment, “At least let me help you clean up.”

She looks at her hands, seems to realise they’re still covered in dried blood. Some of it is on her face, too.

“Gods, I’m a mess, aren’t I?”

“No,” Johnny says instantly. “You’re just in a bit of trouble.”

“Why are you helping me, thief?”

He chuckles. “That’s what your ship called me.”

But to his surprise she softens a little as she gets to her feet. “I’m sorry. Johnny, you said your name was?”

“Yep. That reminds me, what’s your ship called?”

She looks confused. “She isn’t called anything. What’s in a name, anyway?”

“Everything. She should have a name. Let’s call her - Lucy.”

And this time Dutch surprises him with an actual smile. “Are you naming her after someone close to you?”

“My, er, childhood sweetheart, actually. See?”

“What?”

“I told you something about myself. Come on,” he reasons. “We’re gonna be stuck on this ship for a couple more days. We could at least get to know each other a bit.”

“What do you want to know about me?”

“Are you really Yala Yardeen -”

“Dutch,” she corrects.

“- Dutch - killer of men?”

“Yes,” she says without hesitation. “I've killed a lot of people.”

Johnny whistles. “Okay.”

“That's it?” says Dutch. “‘Okay’?”

Johnny shrugs. “Like you said - I'm a thief. Not exactly my place to judge anyone.”

Dutch shakes her head. “Believe me. Stealing is the least of the world's sins.”

“That why you're not judging me?”

“That's why I didn't kill you.”

“That and you need me to fly your ship.”

Dutch nods. “True. That too. Tell me… Johnny… are you scared of me?”

“No,” he says resolutely. And as if to prove his point he steps forward, extending his hand to her. She hesitates, at first, but then she ends up taking it, letting him pull her to her feet. Her hands are sticky with sweat and blood, but Johnny doesn't care.

“Come on,” he says gently. “Let's get you cleaned up.”

He leads the way to the bathroom (they're both new to the ship but he knows his way around places pretty easily) and Dutch follows without objecting, to his surprise.

It's surprisingly spacious, just like the rest of the ship, and as Johnny turns on the taps he doesn't say a word while he works, washing her hands for her, rubbing soap on to get rid of the blood stains.

“Why are you helping me?” she says again, her voice barely audible above the running water.

He's tempted to give another flippant answer, revert to Johnny the joker, the person he always becomes when he gets close to becoming emotional.

But then he hesitates as he turns off the taps and hands her a towel. “I - I'm not going to say I've been where you are. No way. But I know what it's like to - be alone. To have to deal with your crap all on your own. And I know we don't know each other from Adam but I don't want that for you. You - deserve better.”

“I wouldn't be so sure.”

“No, you do,” he insists. “And for what it's worth? I'm sorry about your husband. However he died, whatever happened… I'm sorry.”

“So you don't think I had anything to do with it?” Dutch says in disbelief.

Johnny shakes his head. “I know what bad people are like. You're not one of them. You don't have it in you.”

“Even after I just told you I killed people?”

“Not your own husband, though,” he reasons. “I'm not afraid of you, Dutch. And I may be a stranger to you but you've put your life in my hands for the next couple of days. And I promise - tap my heart - I'll keep you safe. Whatever the cost.”

And then this complete stranger and half feral beauty puts her arms around his waist and hugs him, clinging on to him for dear life. And he's not sure exactly why but he hugs her back fiercely, and she feels so warm and right in his arms that he never wants to let her go.

[dixie78]

Emma Bunton lands 'dream task' as she's VERIFIED as brand-new host for United States variation of Bake Off

She shot to fame as Infant Spice in hit 90s girlband the Spice Ladies.

And after years of musical success, it seems Emma Bunton is turning her attentions to presenting as she has been validated as the brand-new host for the United States variation of The Terrific British Bake Off.

The star, 42, will join Paul Hollywood on the new series of The Fantastic American Baking Show, as she co-hosts together with returning speaker Anthony Spice Adams.New gig! Emma Bunton has been validated as the brand-new host for the United States variation of The Great British Bake Off -The Terrific American Baking Program The series, which airs on ABC over

in the States, is set to return for its 4th season with Emma at the helm. Speaking about her latest gig, Emma exposed:'This

is my dream job! Christmas time, eating cake and having such a dazzling time with Spice, Sherry and Paul. 'It's thought Emma has currently recorded for the series and it will air on TV in the United States later on this year. Emma's addition to The Great American Baking Program comes after the series came under

debate, as judge Johnny Iuzzini was confronted with claims from previous workers of sexual misconduct in December in 2015. Keen: Speaking about her newest gig, Emma revealed:'This is my dream job! Christmas time, eating

cake and having such a dazzling time with Spice, Sherry and Paul'Amazing times: Emma, 42, will join Paul Hollywood on the new series of The Excellent American Baking Show, as she co-hosts together with returning speaker Anthony Spice Adams ABC decided not to air the staying episodes of its 3rd series. It was revealed that Vallery Lomas had won the competition, beating, Cindy Mailniak and Molly Brodak, on the day the season finale was because of air on the American network. Paul Hollywood had actually signed up with the series for its third season as a judge. He is well known for his success as a judge on the British variation of Bake Off

, which he has actually starred on given that it first aired in 2010. It ran for seven series on the BBC, however was later on moved to Channel 4 for its eighth series in 2017. The relocation prompted initial judge Mary Berry to give up Bake Off, together with its hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins out of commitment to the show's previous house. Hollywood came under fire for his decision to stick with the program, but later on defended his decision, insisting he'didn't wish to lose

his job'. Part of the funiture: Paul has appeared on The Fantastic British Bake Off because it initially aired in 2010-he joined The Fantastic American Baking Show

last year for its third series Appearing on The Jonathan Ross program in 2016, Paul declared:' It came down to my task was still there and I didn't desire to lose my job. I love doing what I do."At the end of the day, I'm a baker by trade, that's all I am. I wish to carry on doing my job and I didn't believe that was a bad thing to do.'

Ultimately it was our own decisions, we're all at a various point in our own careers,'he stated. 'When I informed Mary I was going to stay

with the program, she stated"Listen, if I was your age, I would do exactly the same thing."' I enjoy doing my job, I truly do. If anybody can put their hand on their heart and state you would in fact leave your task if someone was going to pay you a little bit more money to carry on and do the exact same task in the same tent and I needed to stay.Baking stars: Mary Berry( above )had been on Bake Off for 7 series, giving up following its channel relocation to Channel 4, and appeared on the

US version for its first 2 series 'I have actually got a family and I'm simply coming to the end of my profession I expect, I'm 50 odd, I have not got long left. I'm not going to last like Mary. I'll never last till I'm 81 however while it's here, I will bring on doing my task as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.' He signed up with new judge Prue Leith on the Channel 4 series of Bake Off, where Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig took over as hosts. Mary, on the other hand, had actually looked like a judge on the very first 2 seasons of The Great American Baking Show, with Paul signing up with the show following her departure. Heart FM speaker Emma's addition to The Great American Baking Show comes as rumours are when again rife that the Spice Ladies are set to reunite for a 13-date reunion trip, set to begin in 2019.

According to The Sun On Sunday, the legendary woman band could pocket an incredible ₤ 12 million each must the trip be a sell-out. Back together: In February,( L-R) Mel C, Mel B, Victoria, Geri and Emma Bunton triggered speculation of a reunion after they positioned for a surprise snapshot together Mother-of-four Victoria formerly shot down rumours that she would be joining the band for a reunion, with sources hinting she challenged with the other girls about cash in spite of formerly saying she was on-board. The source stated:'After

much to'ing and fro'ing, an offer has actually been signed, and an official announcement will be made quickly. The women can't wait to go back on trip, carry out to the fans and sing a few of their biggest hits.'Rumours surrounding how the Spice

Women reunion will take shape have been rife for lots of months, after a photo posted by the quintet back in February triggered speculation they were working on new tasks together.The minute was orchestrated by their initial manager Simon Fuller, with a statement to

MailOnline reading:' We have enjoyed a fantastic afternoon catching-up and reminiscing about the incredible times we have actually invested together. 'We are always overwhelmed at just how much interest there is across the entire world for The Spice Girls.

The time now feels right to check out some unbelievable brand-new opportunities together.' We all agree that there are numerous amazing possibilities that will as soon as again welcome the original essence of The Spice Ladies, while enhancing our message of female empowerment

for future generations.'Ever since speculation has installed on whether the band would go back on the roadway for a tour, release a Greatest Strikes album, or deal with something completely brand-new. Last time: Rumours are as soon as again rife that the Spice Girls are set to reunite for a 13-date reunion tour, set to kick off in 2019.

[scottishfoodreview]

Prue Leith: Great British Bake Off Judge (and Legend) Joins Edinburgh Foodies Festival line up 4-6 August 2017

Foodies Festival is delighted to announce that Prue Leith, the new Great British Bake Off judge set to fill Mary Berry’s shoes alongside Paul Hollywood on Channel 4’s new series, will be joining Edinburgh Foodies Festival this summer.

"I could not be more delighted by who will be joining me on the show. Prue is a hugely respected culinary legend."  -- Paul Hollywood

Visitors to Edinburgh’s Foodies Festival will be given the chance to ask Prue their questions about her illustrious career, cooking tips and of course, insight into the Great British Bake Off.   Prue set up Leith’s at the EICC, Edinburgh in 1995, which was one of her original catering venue partnerships and continues to build its world-class reputation. Following in Mary Berry’s footsteps is a huge challenge, but the producers of the show have said they are confident that Prue, the former Great British Menu judge, has all the attributes to match her predecessor. Born in South Africa, Prudence Margaret “Prue” Leith, CBE, has been a restauranteur, caterer, chef, television presenter/broadcaster, journalist, cookery writer and novelist. Her eventful career following training at Le Cordon Bleu has included everything from cooking lobsters for Princess Margaret to catering for the Orient Express Train.

  Chefs Theatre   Foodie fans can look forward to a celebrity and Michelin-starred chef line-up in the Chefs Theatre this summer, with Scotland’s top chefs showcasing their culinary skills and inspiring the audience with their delicious dishes. There will be a focus on culinary wellness, with farm-to-table dishes, sugar-free cooking and ‘feel good’ food trends. We’re delighted to announce that MasterChef Winner 2016 Jane Devonshire will also be cooking up her family favourites and showing the Foodies visitors how to make gluten-free healthy, comfort food.

"I'm really excited to return to the Chef's Theatre at Foodies Festival this summer. I love Foodies Festival and being a part of the show, having taken part last year shortly after winning MasterChef. When I'm not in the Chef's Theatre you'll find me exploring the exhibitor stalls to see what delicious treats are on offer, getting lured in by the Street Food Village or chatting to visitors. I love the opportunity to cook for my fans and to pass on my cooking tips to fellow foodies."  -- Jane Devonshire

Other top chefs include Great British Bake off Perthshire star Flora Shedden, Paul Wedgwood, Co-Owner and Head Chef at Wedgwood The Restaurant, Mark Greenaway, Michael Bremner of 64 Degrees and Great British Menu, Scott Davies of The Three Chimneys on Skye, Neil Forbes of Café St Honore, Jamie Scott of The Newport in Fife and Winner of MasterChef Professionals, Marcello Tully, Head Chef at Kinloch Lodge and the first Brazilian Michelin Starred Chef, Fraser Allen of Galvin Brothers at the Waldorf Astoria, Stuart Ralston of Aizl and Adam Newth of Tayberry restaurant.           The Art of Healthy Living in Association with Lululemon   Foodies Festival is introducing a new health and wellbeing focus to Foodies Festival this summer and is collaborating with Lululemon for the first time to provide an exciting timetable of yoga classes, mindfulness, meditation and nutrition talks from Olympic Silver medallist Keri-Anne Payne. There will be Eating for Energy talks and top chefs demonstrating how to cater for food intolerances and inspiring people to reconnect with ‘real’, unprocessed food. Essentially, how to indulge the foodie in you and still maintain a healthy image; how to have your cake and eat it! ‘Ask the Experts’ sessions will highlight the latest trends in ‘feel good foods’ and healthy living to educate visitors on why what we cook is key to a happy, balanced lifestyle.    Creative Summer Workshops   2017 Foodies Festival will see the launch of brand new Creative Summer Workshops by creative chef and Vogue featured food stylist Cicely Violet, with practical masterclasses on how to create Psychedelic Pavlovas, MidSummer Cupcakes or Summer Cocktail Classes. These hands on workshops will continue the theme of healthy living with a creative twist on homemade herbal cordial cocktails and fruit sorbets.    Live Music, Restaurant Tents and Pop-Up Bars   Find out why Foodies Festival was hailed the “Gastronomic Glastonbury” by dancing along to the live music on our Entertainment Stage, and soaking up the atmosphere with a glass of Pimms from the Giant Pimm’s Teaport or double-decker BarBus. The Unsigned Music Stage is set to be bigger and better than ever and our VIP tent will have an exclusive acoustic music stage for the first time.

  Cook with Critters: Creative Healthy Living   There is a new bug-eating trend in healthy living, with Chef Dan Barber having declared that “Sushi of 30 years ago is the insects of today”. Don’t shy away from this new trend too quickly, as the insect food industry is booming and the Vietnamese Street Food Stand will be demonstrating how to cook with critters and the health benefits of doing so. Amongst growing research that eating insects may be the road to a more sustainable future, stop by to learn about the benefits of chocolate-dipped and candy-coated worms, scorpions, locusts, ants, caterpillars, mealworms and crickets! These tasty critters will also be sold in powder and flour form – a high source of protein - to bake, season and cook with.   For those brave enough, there’s a daily Bug-Eating Contest, where visitors compete against one another by eating jungle insects, from small ants to large juicy grubs, with the contestant eating the biggest and the most being crowned champion. The famous Chilli-Eating Challenge also continues in 2017, inviting fans of spice to compete in a challenge for only the bravest of visitors!   Drinks Theatre   Rum is the drink of choice for 2017, with experts predicting a similar innovation amongst premium rum brands as 2016 witnessed with gin. Our expert cocktail masterclasses will demonstrate that there is a lot more to rum cocktails than just mojitos.   Expert mixologists and sommeliers, including Neil Phillips and Charles Metcalfe, host wine, whisky, champagne and gin tastings, and beer connoisseur and writer Melissa Cole is on-hand with craft beer tutorials (well known in the UK for “taking the beard out of beer”). The Gin craze of 2016 is set to continue through 2017 and we will also have expert gin tasting and food pairing masterclasses, so there is something for everyone! As part of the ‘Healthy Living’ aspect of the festival, there will be more focus on health conscious drinks, including Monday Mocktails, teaching you how to cheer up your Monday without the hangover!   Street Food Avenue   Now in its 12th year, Foodies Festival attracts street food vendors from around the world, offering visitors the chance to take a culinary trip to all corners of the world. Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Argentinian, Turkish, Indian, Korean, Mexican, French and African are just some of the flavours to feast on this summer. With everything from Crème Brulee campervans to flavours of Morocco and paella, we challenge you not to be lured in by the sensory overload of the Street Food Avenue.   Artisan Producers Market   A stunning array of Great Taste Award winners will be exhibiting at Foodies Festival 2017, each being hailed as a producer of ‘Exquisite, Outstanding and Simply Delicious’ food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to meet artisan producers from the local area and across the country, ask questions about their produce and story, and stock up on award winning produce. With over 200 stalls to peruse at each festival, visitors will be spoilt for choice while they meander between smoked salmon tasting stands, outstanding local cheeses, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, award-winning oils and chutneys, and much, much more.

Cakes & Desserts Theatre   From Great British Bake Off winners to baking extraordinaire Charlotte White, master chocolatier Fiona Sciolti and top local cake-makers and patisserie chefs, the Cakes & Desserts Theatre 2017 is set to be our best yet. This re-named theatre is set to expand to include not only top local bakers but also local chefs renowned for their outstanding desserts. From delectable desserts to show-stopping cake towers, these chefs and bakers will be inspiring visitors to reach for their spatulas and whisks at home to recreate their delicious summer bakes. Avid bakers can get hands on with our practical baking masterclasses or take part in our very own Bake Off competition. A neighbouring Chocolate, Cake and Dessert Village sells freshly baked breads, sponges, tarts, jellies and desserts gives you the opportunity to taste, decorate and learn from local experts.    Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the beautifully decorated Vintage Tea Room, where teas, handmade cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam are served on china from a tea trolley by vintage styled tea ladies and gentlemen, and vintage music for ambience.   Kids Cookery School   In the Kids Cookery School, little foodies can make and decorate their very own pizza, cupcakes and other favourites, inspiring the next generation of Junior MasterChef and Great British Bake Off contestants! It’s a chance for the whole family to join in while the children are introduced to new food and flavours from around the world. There will be fun healthy living masterclasses for kids too, which include healthier masterclasses such as making Strawberry Ladybirds and Rainbow Fruit Pizza. The Kids Zone will be extended to include giant Jenga, giant Chess, bouncy castles, trampolines and we have partnered with The Week Junior who will be providing fun, educational material for the children to enjoy.     BBQ Arena & Restaurant Tents   Don’t forget to stop by one of the amazing restaurant tents, which champion new restaurants and provide visitors with the first taste of newly launched menus – the only difficulty is deciding where to dine with such a culinary feast on offer! Restaurant tents include Bilbao Tourist Board, celebrating the new direct Edinburgh-Bilbao route with Spanish delicacies, CAU Steak Restaurant with it’s distinct Buenos Aires twist and Maki and Ramen restaurant with freshly made sushi and steaming hot ramen.

  VIP: The Red Carpet Welcome   The Foodies Festival VIP experience will be taken to a new level in 2017, with exclusive VIP creative summer workshops, champagne tasting sessions, and ‘Meet the Chef’ sessions held in the comfort of the VIP area, complimentary glass of fizz in hand. The VIP lounge will also have a new deli and gourmet snacks area and complimentary, exclusive Foodies Festival tote bags with VIP goodies inside. Live music on the VIP acoustic music stage will add to visitors’ luxury experience in VIP and make their time at Foodies Festival all the more memorable.   Festival Highlights: · Art of Health Living and Balanced Lifestyle with Yoga Classes · Grow Your Own · Brand New Creative Summer Workshops · Michelin-star, celebrity and top local chefs cooking in the Chefs Theatre · More award-winning producers than ever before · Champagne, wine, gin, rum and craft beer masterclasses · Bug-Eating competition and the famous Chilli-Eating Challenge · Live Music from local bands at the Unsigned Music Awards Stage · Burlesque Baker Charlotte White and patisserie chefs whipping up summer bakes in the Cakes & Desserts Theatre

Tickets:  Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com   Ticket prices: Friday adult ticket £10.00/£8.00 concession Saturday or Sunday adult ticket £14.00/£11.00 concession Three day adult ticket £20.00/£16.00 concession   VIP day ticket £38.00/£35.00 Friday - includes a welcome glass of bubbly, use of the VIP area with private bar and refreshment, priority entry to food and drink masterclasses, exclusive VIP only masterclasses, showguide, and tote goody bag to take home.   Children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.   Open times: 4th August: 11am-7pm 5th August: 10am-8pm 6th August: 10am-7pm   Social Media: Facebook - @foodiesfestival Twitter - @foodiesfestival Instagram - @foodiesfestival   About Foodies Festival: Foodies Festival launched in 2005 with a single event in Edinburgh and over the last 12 years Foodies Festival has expanded across the UK, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015 with 13 festivals (10 summer and 3 winter events). It is now the largest celebration of food and drink in the UK. To date, Foodies has welcomed over 3 million visitors and helped launch hundreds of new businesses and supported thousands of small producers. Foodies Festival proudly celebrates local produce in each festival region and showcases the most exciting and talented chefs, bakers and producers in the UK. This year, Foodies Festival launches itself as a food, drink and wellbeing festival with a new healthy living zone.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

[insidecroydon]

Tribunal judge finds no evidence of racism or unfair dismissal

CROYDON IN CRISIS: A landmark judgement, handed down today, determined that the council did not act in a racist, prejudicial or harrassing manner towards one of its former senior staff members. By STEVEN DOWNES This was one battle that David lost to Goliath. Cleared: the Employment Tribunal dismissed the case brought against council CEO Katherine Kerswell Today, at the end of the three-week…

[insidecroydon]

CEO Kerswell could face crucial cross-examination at Tribunal

CROYDON IN CRISIS: A hearing for an employment dispute alleging unfair dismissal and racism brought by one of the council’s senior members of staff at the time of its financial collapse has done more to expose bullying and cover-ups at the Town Hall. By STEVEN DOWNES It is Day 9 of a landmark Employment Tribunal, halfway through a likely three-week hearing. And for the first time today, the…

[scotianostra]

The Architect James Craig was born on October 31st 1739.

James Craig’s birth date has traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as 13th November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31st October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson’s Hospital, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven. The baptism year, although not the date, has been shown to be in error as it was a tuesday. All this is further complicated due to calender changes during this era, I won't bore you with it all!

The fact that he attended a charitable institution suggests that Craig’s father was not a wealthy man. In 1755 started work for Patrick Jamieson, a mason and deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Unlike some of his contemporaries he did not have the means to make the traditional Grand Tour, nor could he afford to set up business as a master mason.

Craig first came to be noticed when, 1763 he submitted a proposal to build a bridge across the drained Nor’ Loch to encourage the development of the land belonging to the city to the north. He was a good draughtsman, in July that same year he was employed to draw a plan and elevation of the proposed North Bridge in Edinburgh, which seems to have been designed by George Fraser. The purpose of this plan was to attract tenders. It was published in the ‘Scots Magazine’. Also that year Craig was the winner of the competition for laying out the New Town of Edinburgh. Seven entries were received and Craig’s plan was judged to be the best.

A lot of people cite Craig for designing the the buildings in the New Town, this is wrong, he merely designed the street layouts, more or less as we know them today, one of the first buildings, Dundas House, was designed by William Chambers and is now the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, well the registered office for the business anyway. The other most noted architect was Robert Adam.

Back to Craig, the only buildings he seems to have designed in the whole development were at St James Square, which isn’t even classified as the New Town so he seems to have been relegated to a bit player. The footpath linking the end of Princes Street/Leith Street to what is now Multrees Walk is named James Craig Walk in his honour.

Craig never achieved the status of the likes of Adam or Chambers and wasn’t a good businessman, whereas not being in poverty, he did die in what was considered a fair bit of debt when he passed away unmarried in the West Bow, Old own on 23rd June 1795, so he probably could not afford to live in the streets he helped form. His grave has a simple marker in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Due to complex bans on monuments in Greyfriars’ churchyard through the years it was actually unmarked until the 1930’s.

[scotianostra]

The Architect James Craig was born on October 31st 1739.

As you will know dates are not always easy to pin down in may instances, usually it can vary by a few days either way, with James Craig however it is a few years, here is why;

James Craig’s birth date has traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as 13th November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31st October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson’s Hospital School, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven. 

The fact that he attended a charitable institution suggests that Craig’s father was not a wealthy man. In 1755 started work for Patrick Jamieson, a mason and deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Unlike some of his contemporaries he did not have the means to make the traditional Grand Tour, nor could he afford to set up business as a master mason.

Craig first came to be noticed when, 1763 he submitted a proposal to build a bridge across the drained Nor’ Loch to encourage the development of the land belonging to the city to the north. He was a good draughtsman, in July that same year he was employed to draw a plan and elevation of the proposed North Bridge in Edinburgh, which seems to have been designed by George Fraser. The purpose of this plan was to attract tenders. It was published in the ‘Scots Magazine’. Also that year Craig was the winner of the competition for laying out the New Town of Edinburgh. Seven entries were received and Craig’s plan was judged to be the best.

A lot of people cite Craig for designing the the buildings in the New Town, this is wrong, he merely designed the street layouts, more or less as we know them today, one of the first buildings, Dundas House, was designed by William Chambers and is now the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, well the registered office for the business anyway. The other most noted architect was Robert Adam.

Back to Craig, the only buildings he seems to have designed in the whole development were at St James Square, which isn’t even classified as the New Town so he seems to have been relegated to a bit player. The footpath linking the end of Princes Street/Leith Street to what is now Multrees Walk is named James Craig Walk in his honour.

Craig never achieved the status of the likes of Adam or Chambers and wasn’t a good businessman, whereas not being in poverty, he did die in what was considered a fair bit of debt when he passed away unmarried in the West Bow, Old own on 23 June 1795, so he probably could not afford to live in the streets he helped form. His grave has a simple marker in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Due to complex bans on monuments in Greyfriars’ churchyard through the years it was actually unmarked until the 1930’s.

[scotianostra]

The Architect James Craig was born on October 31st 1739.

James Craig’s birth date has traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as 13th November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31 October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson’s Hospital, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven. The baptism year, although not the date, has been shown to be in error as it was a Tuesday.

The fact that he attended a charitable institution suggests that Craig’s father was not a wealthy man. In 1755 started work for Patrick Jamieson, a mason and deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Unlike some of his contemporaries he did not have the means to make the traditional Grand Tour, nor could he afford to set up business as a master mason.

Craig first came to be noticed when, 1763 he submitted a proposal to build a bridge across the drained Nor’ Loch to encourage the development of the land belonging to the city to the north. He was a good draughtsman, in July that same year he was employed to draw a plan and elevation of the proposed North Bridge in Edinburgh, which seems to have been designed by George Fraser. The purpose of this plan was to attract tenders. It was published in the ‘Scots Magazine’. Also that year Craig was the winner of the competition for laying out the New Town of Edinburgh. Seven entries were received and Craig’s plan was judged to be the best.

A lot of people cite Craig for designing the the buildings in the New Town, this is wrong, he merely designed the street layouts, more or less as we know them today, one of the first buildings, Dundas House, was designed by William Chambers and is now the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, well the registered office for the business anyway. The other most noted architect was Robert Adam.

Back to Craig, the only buildings he seems to have designed in the whole development were at St James Square, which isn’t even classified as the New Town so he seems to have been relegated to a bit player. The footpath linking the end of Princes Street/Leith Street to what is now Multrees Walk is named James Craig Walk in his honour.

Craig never achieved the status of the likes of Adam or Chambers and wasn’t a good businessman, whereas not being in poverty, he did die in what was considered a fair bit of debt when he passed away unmarried in the West Bow, Old own on 23 June 1795, so he probably could not afford to live in the streets he helped form. His grave has a simple marker in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Due to complex bans on monuments in Greyfriars’ churchyard through the years it was actually unmarked until the 1930’s.

[scotianostra]

Pear Tree Beer Garden.

This is as quiet as it gets when the weather permits, Thursday afternoon at The Pear Tree on West Nicolson Street on The Southside, is a very popular bar in itself. There are several included inside the building, known as Pear Tree House, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area.

In a visit to the city in 1766 Tobias Smollett wrote "Edinburgh is considerably extended on the south side, where there are diverse little elegant squares built in the English manner, and he added "the citizens have planned some improvements on the north.  The planned improvements on the north were to become of course the "New Town" but Craig's plans were not finally adopted till 1767, and, as Smollett wrote, some of the city walls to find more space and freedom to the south of the city.  

The draining of the Borough Loch had finally been completed and the reclamation of the Meadows was in progress.​One of those moving "south" was William Reid, a wealthy merchant, who had feud ground from Lady Nicolson in 1746, and in 1747 built himself a three storey house overlooking the Meadows to the west, and a park belonging to Lady Nicolson to the east.  The surroundings may have changed considerably since William Reid enjoyed his open views to Bruntsfield and Arthur's Seat, but his house still stands as a surprising survivor of over two centuries of city development.

Also called West Nicolson House, the building has had a long and varied history.  The open courtyard to the front also dates back to the original plans.  By a clause in the feu contract William Reid was required to enclose the are in the front of the house with a dyke or hedge, not to allow any "middlings" to lie there, and only to use it for "the planting of trees for the ornament of the entry of the city of Edinburgh".  An early exercise in town planning way before Patrick Geddes's time!

In 1756 the house was bought by Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran, a Lord of Session whose old town house had been in Kilkerran's court near St. Giles.  The judge was over sixty when he moved in and did not long enjoy his new house in the "suburbs". Lord Kilkerran died in 1759 aged seventy.  He had been in the courts the same day but was taken ill and carried home.  His widow, Lady Jean Maitland, lived on in the house until her death in 1766.

The house then passed to her son, Sir Adam Fergusson, who between 1784-90 was member of parliament for Edinburgh.  James Boswell was an occasional visitor during this time, his journal records "Drank tea at Sir Adam Fergusson" and "Supt at Sir Adam Ferguson's".  In 1770 Sir Adam sold the house and move to St. Andrew's Square.​Until his death in 1791 the two upper flats of the house were then occupied by Thomas Blacklock the poet.  The Blacklocks were sociable people and played host to many of the famous names of the day.  Dr. Johnson was entertained to tea here in 1773 and Robert Burns must have visited Pear Tree House on many occasions.  "In Dr. Blacklock whom I see very often." wrote Burns to a mutual friend. "I have found what I would have expected in our friend a clear head and an excellent heart."

Burns also has another reason to frequent the area.  Agnes Maclehose, the inspiration for Ae Fond Kiss and the Clarinda of many love letters, lived close-by in "General's Entry". Check out the history of Blacklock, who was blind after a bout of  smallpox as child, one of the other bars is called The Blind Poet in his honour, I used to drink there years ago, before the name change, when it was The Patridge.

In the years following the Blacklocks residence Pear Tree House came into the possession of the Usher Family.  It was here in 1826 that Andrew Usher junior was born, eleventh child of Andrew Usher of Totfield and Huntlyburn near Melrose, the progenitor of the famed brewing and distilling dynasty.​Andrew Usher Jr made his fortune in Edinburgh from whisky, and is credited with being amongst the first to popularise blended whiskies.  His elder brother James has already started the family brewing business in 1831.  Andrew Usher Jnr rose to become a prominent Edinburgh Citizen, and a well known public benefactor and philanthropist.  It was he who, in 1896 gifted the sum of £100,000 to the Lord Provost, Magistrates and City Council of Edinburgh for the purpose of providing a substantial civic hall for the city.  The dome of the Usher Hall, infact was modelled on the dome in the upper floor of Pear Tree House.

​The Usher family's distilling interests were disposed of in 1918 to Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd and the house was included in the sale.  Andrew Usher's family had by then moved to Blackford Park in Edinburgh.​Until 1972 Pear Tree House was used as an office and store by an SMD subsidiary J & G Stewart Limited who had resumed the former Usher's whisky interests.  The courtyard was used for loading and unloading barrels of whisky.  After J & G Stewart moved to Leith in 1972 the house lay derelict for almost 10 years.  In 1976 it was proposed as a potential site for the Edinburgh City Art Centre and members of the District Council toured the building but felt it unsuitable. They chose Market Street for the new venue.

In 1982 the building again came to life when it was converted to a public house.  Times may have changed somewhat since Boswell's "Tea at the Blacklocks" but it does mean it is once again possible to wine and dine at Pear Tree House. As I said earlier there are several bars in the building, back in my day, the one in the basement was Maxies Bistro, now on Victoria Terrace/Johnstone Terrace. It was called Ushers for a time but is now been rebranded as 32 Below. Add to the three already mentioned we have The Counting House, which takes up most of the upper floors in the building.

Together the four businesses are a popular venue during the fringe, although while researching this post it looks like the Blind Poet is not hosting any shows this year. That still leaves 6 performing areas between the other three though.

[scotianostra]

The Architect James Craig was born on October 31st 1739.

James Craig's birth date has traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as 13th November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31 October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson's Hospital, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven. The baptism year, although not the date, has been shown to be in error as it was a tuesday.

The fact that he attended a charitable institution suggests that Craig’s father was not a wealthy man. In 1755 started work for Patrick Jamieson, a mason and deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Unlike some of his contemporaries he did not have the means to make the traditional Grand Tour, nor could he afford to set up business as a master mason.

Craig first came to be noticed when, 1763 he submitted a proposal to build a bridge across the drained Nor’ Loch to encourage the development of the land belonging to the city to the north. He was a good draughtsman, in July that same year he was employed to draw a plan and elevation of the proposed North Bridge in Edinburgh, which seems to have been designed by George Fraser. The purpose of this plan was to attract tenders. It was published in the ‘Scots Magazine’. Also that year Craig was the winner of the competition for laying out the New Town of Edinburgh. Seven entries were received and Craig’s plan was judged to be the best.

A lot of people cite Craig for designing the the buildings in the New Town, this is wrong, he merely designed the street layouts, more or less as we know them today, one of the first buildings, Dundas House, was designed by William Chambers and is now the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, well the registered office for the business anyway. The other most noted architect was Robert Adam.

Back to Craig, the only buildings he seems to have designed in the whole development were at St James Square, which isn't even classified as the New Town so he seems to have been relegated to a bit player. The footpath linking the end of Princes Street/Leith Street to what is now Multrees Walk is named James Craig Walk in his honour.

Craig never achieved the status of the likes of Adam or Chambers and wasn't a good businessman, whereas not being in poverty, he did die in what was considered a fair bit of debt when he passed away unmarried in the West Bow, Old own on 23 June 1795, so he probably could not afford to live in the streets he helped form. His grave has a simple marker in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Due to complex bans on monuments in Greyfriars' churchyard through the years it was actually unmarked until the 1930's.

The pic is a portrait of James Craig which is in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The painting shows Craig with a plan of the New Town on his lap (with a central octagon) and his drawing for the Physicians Hall at his feet, indicating what he considered to be his more important works.