Womankind Beauty Charity Crystal Ball

May 15, 2018 lucy lloyd

Stockbridge Local were honoured to work in association with Womankind Beauty in their creation of the Charity Crystal Ball, which took place at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh on 11 May.

Womankind's owner Lauren McGinty, decided to host a ball in celebration of 15 years in business. The idea evolved to create an event to support both Maggie's and SiMBA, the cancer support network and the charity that supports those who suffer the loss of a baby, respectively, after two staff members were tragically affected. Lauren had spent five months in the set up of the ball, gathering prizes and selling tickets.

“The generosity of people has been overwhelming,” she commented, “I can’t believe the number of prizes, and couldn’t have asked for any more of anybody.”

— Lauren McGinty, Womankind Owner

In October 2016, Lauren's staff member Patrycja, lost her husband to cancer. On Friday, Patrycja admitted to experiencing mixed emotions, being pleased at the friends who were there to support the event, but sad that some family couldn't make it. Patrycja made a brave speech, talking about her husband and the devastation of cancer, bringing it home the wonderful work that Maggie's do to support anyone affected by the illness.

Staff of Womankind Beauty (L-R), Jenna, Monika, Angela, Lauren, Tegan, Patrycja, Roisin.

For Tegan, the Head Therapist of Womankind, it was also poignant, as it was in August 2017 she lost her daughter Lottie at 23 weeks, but on Friday Tegan reflected how special the event felt, honouring her daughter and the work of SiMBA whose work had given them valuable time in a family room at the hospital.

Although the speeches were high with emotion, the event was full of fun. Host Big Al, who said that Maggie's was close to his heart having had his daughter's mother suffer from breast cancer, lead the proceedings, starting with awarding Alexandra Miedziak the goodies from the 'key game', after the key she bought unlocked the box with free rail tickets, a night in the Principal Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow and a bottle of champagne with accompanying flutes.

The night continued apace from there, with auctions of panto tickets, nights in the Raeburn and many other events, winning high bids.

The tables were stacked with street food- mini quiches, dim sum, pizza, chicken kebabs and lamb burgers- and the drink flowed. After the auction, it was time to hit the dance floor, with Jools Holland's Jam House resident band "The Black Beez" rocking the room.

Once it was all over, everyone exhausted, it was great news to learn that the event had raised £8,252 for the two charities.

Well done Lauren!

All pictures taken by Martin Stewart, please email if you would like to purchase any.

The Assembly Halls Welcomes the 1st Edition of Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival

January 30, 2018 lucy lloyd

Stockbridge Local and The Physio Centres booth at Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival (27-28 Jan).

Last weekend the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival took place at the Assembly Rooms, with Stockbridge's own Physio Centres creating significant interest with the crowds and lots of people taking advantage of Stockbridge Local's exclusive 20% off ticket price offer. We were busy Instagramming away while soaking up the atmosphere, and having a lot of fun.

“‘We’ve had an amazing time at the first Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival, bringing together the wellbeing community at the stunning Assembly Rooms with great support from local businesses including Stockbridge Local. We’ve received some lovely feedback from attendees, partners and others involved and intend to make it bigger and better in 2019.’”

— Jaz Lacey-Campbell, Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival

Throughout the day enthusiasts took classes across techniques such as Yoga, Body Combat, Zumba and Pilates, while talks were taking place on the power of sleep, discovering the joy of wild swimming, mindfulness and healthy eating among others.

Kilted Yoga star Finlay Wilson mingled with David Beckham's yoga teacher, Shona Vertue, after their packed classes in the main hall. Shona also signed a copy of her book for us and the Physio Centres ... and we'll be giving you an opportunity to win it! Stay tuned to our channels for more details.

Devid Beckham's yoga instructor, Shona Vertue, with a signed copy of her book *The Vertue Method.*

While the crowds downward dogged on their mats and were inspired to take up mental and physical challenges, physios Lesley and Morag and the team from the Physio Centres were carrying out free mini assessments, giving advice to enquirers about any conditions they were concerned about.

Kilted Yoga star, Finlay Wilson, posing for the camera at Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival on 27 Jan.

Just now we're in the middle of ski season, and the Edinburgh Physio Centres is helping people prepare for the slopes, as well as assisting with post-trips aches and pains. Simple exercises to carry out at home to make you stronger on the slopes were being outlined.

It's not just skiing - many of us have (perhaps regretfully!) signed up for running challenges. The Physio Centres can help you avoid injuries and improve your running with a video analysis. Combined with a strength and flexibility programme, the Physio Centres can help runners achieve a 2018 marathon PB!

If you're keen to have your own assessment, there's still time to enter Stockbridge Local's competition to win two £51 vouchers for the Physio Centres, which is running until the end of February, and will help keep yourself strong and injury free.

Christina McClure won a pair of tickets to Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival through Stockbridge Local and came to say hello on 27 Jan!

Amy Davidson was another winner of Stockbridge Local's ticket giveaway for Edinburgh Wellbeing Fest. She stopped by on 28 Jan to say hi!

Lucy Lloyd spent seven years at the BBC making radio features for BBC Radio 4, Radio Scotland, and the World Service across history, politics, science and the arts. As a Stockbridge local she's passionate about promoting the use of the High Street and the services available. Her first novel, Russian Doll, published by Comely Bank Publishing will be released later in 2018 in Blackwells.

Follow Lucy on Twitter @littlelucylloyd or Instagram @unbalancedequations

Stockbridge Duck Race 2017 raises over £4,000 for Charity

July 3, 2017 Susannah Morgan

Started by Stockbridge local Susie Gregor 28 years ago, the annual Stockbridge Duck Race has become the biggest community family fun event in Stockbridge and one of the most recognised in Edinburgh. Thanks to the generosity of duck buyers and the business community the race has raised thousands of pounds for charity. The chosen charities for 2017 were The Yard and St. Columba’s Hospice.

At 3pm on Sunday 2 July, 2017 two thousand and seventeen numbered ducks were launched from Stockbridge into the Water of Leith and raced to Falshaw Bridge, with Duck Wardens on duty making sure they all reached their destination safely and shouting out those winning numbers. Gifted sponsored the duck wardens' t-shirts.

Businesses generously donated nearly 100 prizes, from meals out to vouchers for the first lucky ducks to cross the finish line, raising over £4,000 for charity.

The Antiquary hosted the childrens’ Apres Duck Disco this year and again Lycetts Insurance funded the event.

Ducks cost £2 and were available at a number of local businesses in St Stephen Street, Raeburn Place, Deanhaugh Street, Glenogle Road, Hamilton Place, St Vincent Street and Eyre Place Lane including: