Welcome to this latest summer edition of our DCE Update. Although it is the traditional holiday season, it is fair to say that someone forgot to book the sunshine….
Despite the rather damp conditions here, I hope those of you taking holidays over the summer months have had a great break or are looking forward to travelling to warmer climes!
Next week sees the start of the first ever combined UCI Cycling World Championships with 13 championships coming to Scotland over 11 days of action. The world’s greatest riders will be competing across Scotland from 3-13 August and the three cycling road races will all come through East Dunbartonshire on the following dates and times:
|
Date |
Race |
Start time/ED timings |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunday 6 August |
Men’s Elite |
09.30 start - ED section: 11.45 – 12.12 |
|
Saturday 12 August |
Men’s U23 |
11.30 start - ED section: 12.28 – 13.00 |
|
Sunday 13 August |
Women’s Elite |
12.00 start - ED section: 12.58 – 13.30 |
The route for all three races through East Dunbartonshire comes over the iconic Crow Road in the Campsies, down to Lennoxtown, then on to Torrance, Balmore Road to Allander Toll, Boclair Road, Milngavie Road, and Maryhill Road to the Glasgow boundary.
If you are in the area on any of the race days, head on down to the route to see the cyclists fly by – the rolling road closures will mean that race disruption is minimised, and the cyclists are expected to complete the East Dunbartonshire stretch of the route in approximately 30 minutes!
You can find out more on what to expect on our dedicated UCI Championships webpage with links to the official route information and timings.
Tuesday 8 August is SQA results day, when Higher, Advanced Higher and National 5 exam results are issued. We wish all our pupils who have sat exams this year the best of luck with their results. Support following exam results will be available through our schools and Skills Development Scotland have an extremely helpful My World of Work webpage which has details of careers advice, an exam results helpline and information on options.
Now on with our usual news roundup:
News from the Council….
Have your say on new Statement of licensing Policy for East Dunbartonshire
People, organisations, and businesses are being invited to give their views on a new Statement of Licensing Policy for the area. East Dunbartonshire Licensing Board (EDLB) must publish a statement within 18 months of an ordinary election of councillors on how it aims to promote the five objectives contained within the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. These are:
- Preventing crime and disorder
- Securing public safety
- Preventing public nuisance
- Protecting and improving public health
- Protecting children and young people from harm
You can find out more through this link to our news page and the closing date for comments is 18 September 2023.
Excitement is rising for the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival 2023
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival – organised by East Dunbartonshire Council and partners – will take place on Saturday 26 August, from 5pm to 10pm at Southbank Marina, and on Sunday 27 August, from noon to 5pm at the Marina, Cowgate, Townhead and Barleybank. There will also be activities in the week leading up to the festival with plenty of fun for all the family in the welcome return of this great annual event. You can read more on the Treasure Chest of activities planned in our news release on the website.
News on Health & Wellbeing….
Employee Assistance Programme
Please remember that if you need it, our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 confidential helpline and support service ‘Time for Talking’ which is available to all our employees.
The contact details for employees looking for immediate support are as follows:
- Telephone: 0800 9703980
- Email: admin@timefortalking.co.uk
- Time for Talking website
- Live Web Chat: Accessed via website. Password: TfTnow (case sensitive)
Employee Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing page of the Employee Zone also has a host of information and signposting to support across a range of wellbeing matters, including financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and bereavement support. Do visit the page if it may be of assistance to you – and share the link with colleagues if you think they might benefit.
Wellbeing Focus - July
World Hepatitis Day (28 July)
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. In 2023 the theme is ‘We’re not waiting’. To find out more or get involved you can visit either:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) dedicated webpage [opens in a new window]
The World Hepatitis Day Alliance dedicated webpage [opens in a new window]
Wellbeing Times - July 2023's Newsletter
Our employee assistance programme provider has recently launched a monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal. You can read the July issue here [opens in a new window].
Look out for the August Wellbeing Times newsletter and Wellbeing focus days, which will be published early next week!
News from the EDLC Trust….
Local venues at the ‘art’ summer fun for children
Budding young artists are being given the chance to try painting, pottery, drawing and crafts this summer. Places are available as part of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust's 'Summer smART' programme. The initiative is linked to this year’s ‘Young People’s Art Exhibition’ currently on show at the Lillie art Gallery and featuring work from young people who attend the Saturday morning art classes delivered by EDLC. Find out more in our news feature on the website.
Popular facility marks five decades of fun and fitness for people of all ages
Tribute has been paid to patrons and employees – past and present – on the 50th birthday of our popular sports centre The Leisuredrome. The centre marked five decades of swims, workouts, fitness and fun on Wednesday 12 July 2023. The facility, originally known as Bishopbriggs Sports Centre, was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne 50 years ago. Read what HRH said of the centre at the time in our new feature on the website.
Dates for your diary….
28 July World Hepatitis Day (see Wellbeing Update above)
30 July World Friendship Day
3-13 August UCI Cycling World Championships
8 August SQA Exam Results Day
14 August EDC Teachers return to school
16 August EDC Pupils return to school after summer holidays
For those of you taking holidays in the coming weeks, have a fabulous break. My next update will be in a fortnight’s time, the week beginning 14 August.
Ann