CHAS speakers on standby

Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is on a mission to spread the word about its children’s hospice services in Scotland. It has trained a volunteer army to deliver talks and speciality workshops to schools, youth clubs and adult groups, and is ready to take bookings across Scotland for the months ahead.

Pippa Johnston, CHAS Fundraising Manager for South East Scotland, said, “Speaking to community groups is one of the best ways to let people know that the two CHAS children’s hospices, Rachel House and Robin House, are hugely positive places.

“We are looking to speak to new groups as well as revisit old friends who may have had a CHAS speaker in the past. There are always plenty of new family stories and service developments updates and we will travel anywhere in Scotland.

“Talks are also a great way for CHAS to thank the Scottish public for their fantastic support. If you have fundraised for CHAS we would be delighted to arrange a presentation to your group or workplace.”

If you would like to book a speaker please contact CHAS on 0131 444 1515 or go to the website.

GROW: An Edinburgh success story

A major commission from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland has given a huge boost to one of Edinburgh’s social enterprise success stories. They have been requested to make two lecterns and a table for the head of the church by the end of April.

Tommy Steel, workshop manager of the Greyfriars Recycling of Wood Project (GROW) told us:- “The 27th of April 2011  is firmly set in my mind as the delivery date for this important contract.   This is much bigger than anything we have previously done. It is a very prestigious commission.  We have a great team spirit here and the anticipation of getting the project when they first approached us, was exciting enough in itself. While we are doing this project though we still have other orders coming in, so we now have work till the end of this year.”

Principal Clerk to the Church of Scotland, Reverend John Chalmers, is also enthusiastic about the deal. He said:-”It seems appropriate that we should be using church timber to create the new furniture for the Assembly Hall. The recycling aspect is good in itself.

But the project also helps people, and the fact that we are able to support it in this way and contribute to people getting their skills and their place in life back is the best of all worlds for us.”

Too often these days we hear about organisations complaining about lack of funding or the complete removal of funding as a result of budget cuts at local and national government  levels. GROW is not among those. After our meeting with  Steel who runs the project, we found ourselves just about as enthusiastic as he is! The best thing about the GROW project is that it is real recycling with a purpose. It is a part of the Grassmarket Community Project which has a wide variety of projects on the go. Their website tells us:-”These projects will give men and women who feel they have nothing to contribute the opportunity to gain self-worth and purpose, working together to make a difference for themselves and their community. Putting dignity back into their lives.”

Steel told us:-”We go all over Scotland collecting church pews for recycling. Churches may close, or they may reorganise their seating by removing pews so that they then have more adaptable seating arrangements. We use the wood from these pews in our work here.

We always have a range of gift items such as candle holders, chopping boards and wooden pens available. These items can be resold to anyone but especially to the church congregation – they love the fact that they are buying a piece of their own church history.

But our biggest bread and butter produce is furniture. We make a lot of different things, and often it is for churches.

“The project is run as a social enterprise, so the double bottom line that we are trying to achieve here is working with people who face issues about deep social exclusion – the homeless, addicts, that kind of thing. We are here to enhance people’s lives but we also run it as a business.

We have 3 years funding – and this is our second year – The Lankelly Chase Foundation gave us 3 years’ funding. We got a lot of money last year with low achievable sales targets, but this year the funding dropped and our sales targets went up quite considerably.We will have no funding in the fourth year and we should by then be self-funding!”

The furniture commissioned by the Moderator is to be made from oak, and according to Steel there are not so many oak pews around Many pews are made from piranha pine, beech and douglas fir.

Steel explained:-”We have a huge store in Perthshire, but we were not sure that even there we would have some oak available.   Then, out of the blue, we got a phone call from a church in Tranent which was full of oak and they wanted us to take it. Somebody was looking down on us!”

The GROW project appears to be a financial success. Steel said:-”Last year we turned over £6000 and it went up to £25000 this year and next year it should be £35,000.

The people working here are all volunteers. It’s my job to create a welcoming atmosphere that people want to come to. On Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday we have a furniture making team of guys and girls. I teach them what to do. My background is that I was a joiner, and at one point I decided to change careers. So it was quite a nice time of my life as I had a blank sheet in front of me. I then decided to study social care and worked in that sphere for a couple of years.

Four or five years ago I then met Richard Fraser, the minister at Greyfriars Church. He told me he had been collecting a load of old pews for a number of years. He asked if I would pilot a little project to use them in some way.   We did bird boxes but then found that the birds were nesting in complete luxury!  We felt we had to move on from that and so now we make furniture. We have a beautiful building now with a state of the art workshop.

From the portakabin beginnings we moved in to a building owned by Heriot’s just next door to where we are now. The lease then came to an end, and this building was one of three adjacent buildings which were derelict and were about to be demolished.

However they saved this lovely building for us. They spent a lot of money on it and we are staying here. The new building for the Grassmarket Community Project will be an extension of this building here, and we will have an interlinking door.

This is not just about woodwork. For example, geometry and arithmetic are all used daily too. We teach people transferable skills and this place allows them to participate in their own community in their own way. It is about accepting people. I have a team of volunteers who are so motivated, much more so than in some places where people are getting paid for it! We have no problems with motivation!”

And having met with Mr Steel (and his four-legged friend, Brillo) we can see why. If you are interested in the project or buying anything from the workshop then contact Tommy Steel by email.

What’s on this week in Edinburgh? 28th February 2011

28th February 2011

The Travelling Gallery is on the road from 28th February to 4th March in Midlothian at the following venues:
Monday 28 February – Beeslack High School
Tuesday 1 March – Penicuik High School
Wednesday 2 March – Newbattle High School
Thursday 3 March – Lasswade high School
Friday 4 March AM – Dalkeith High School
Friday 4 March PM – Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Information Session about Real Nappies 5.30pm – 6.30pm. N.B. space is limited. Please email or phone to book your place.  This event is being held at the new Changeworks office building at 1 Carmichael Place (off Newhaven Road, opposite Ashley Place – look for the flags at the new Westpoint flats), Edinburgh. “Hear about the many benefits of using real nappies and collect your trial pack or lending kit. Free practical advice and information. To guarantee we will have your size available and to reserve your place please get in touch.” More info and to book your place: Email realnappies@changeworks.org.uk or call 0131 555 4010

University of Edinburgh Scotland Russia Forum will hold a lecture “Power and Politics in Russia: Continuity and Reform” which is a part of “Russia since 1991 Lecture Series”.  Lecture by Dr Andrew Monaghan: An experienced observer of Russian politics Dr Monaghan will review developments over the last 10 years.

University of Edinburgh Old College, South Bridge, Lecture Theatre 270 | 6pm .

Weekly hoop jam session at Forest Café. Bring your own hoop  to share and join a fantastic hoop party!
Forest Café ( 3 Bristo Place, EH1 1EY)| 6-7 pm |free

Monday Jazz Night at Teviot
The Teviot Lounge hosts an open jam jazz session where anyone can come along with the house band. You’ll hear a selection of Jazz classics, and with the lively crowd of swing dancers coming to practice after their lesson – be sure to bring your dancing shoes
Teviot Row House (13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ) | 8pm | Free

Benefit Concert for Down’s Syndrome Scotland

A evening of classical and contemporary music performed by music students from Stevenson college. Programme includes jazz and contemporary songs as well as pieces by Bach, Handel, Haydn and Chopin.

Quaker Meeting House (7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2HE) Box office: 0131 225 4825 | 6.45pm |minimum donation – £3

Faces of Palestine Exhibition at Out of The Blue in Leith
Monday 28th February 2011 – Friday 4th March 2011
A selection of pictures taken in the course of a fortnight’s photography workshop for teenagers in the small town of Beit Ummar in Palestine. The workshop was held by the Centre for Freedom and Justice, a small community organisation that aims to develop leadership skills in the young people of the town. It documents the joys and woes of eight young people.

Starting today Newington Library hosts an exhibition of aromatic jewellery by Dona Ferentes, incorporating a recreation of the sixteenth century pomander.  This will be running until the 25th of March.

For one night only, see Elaine Paige in concert at the Edinburgh Playhouse.  She will be singing songs from the country’s most popular musicals, including Memory and Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, as well as classics from her new album, Elaine Paige and Friends.  Tickets range from £33.25 – £42.25 and the show begins at 8pm.

1st March 2011

Global Village Party at Teviot

“Ever wish you could travel around the world in one night? Do the next best thing — come to the AIESEC Global Village!
Guaranteed:
-A delicious and generous spread of international cuisine
-Amazing performances including Belly dancing and Capoeira
-Lots of games with prizes to be won (including a free raffle)!
Tickets are only £4 and will be available at the Teviot Box Office. We’ll also be selling tickets in front of the library during the next days!
You might be able to get tickets at the door on the night of the event, but we recommend buying them ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Teviot Row House (13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ) | 7-9pm | £4

Concert at Reid Hall

Mezzo-soprano cutie Beth Mackay performs a programme to include works by Brahms and Montsalvatge accompanied by pianist Simon Smith.

Reid Concert Hall (Edinburgh University, Bristo Square, EH1 1EY) Box office: 0131 650 2427 | 1pm |Free |  www.music.ed.ac.uk

A Play, A Pie and A Pint at the Traverse Theatre (10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED) Box Office: 0131 228 1404. Starting at 1pm and lasting under an hour. Starts on Tuesday 1st March until Saturday 5th March, all for just £10. For more information go to www.traverse.co.uk

2nd March 2011

The Cherry Orchard at Bedlam Theatre

Edinburgh University Theatre Company takes on Chekhov’s emotionally turbulent final play, the tale of Madame Ranyevskaya and the pride which may cost her family its most important possession – the orchard of blossoming cherry trees.

Bedlam Theatre (11b Bristo Place,EH1 1EZ, Box office: 0131 225 9893, Phone: 0131 225 9873 |Websites: www.bedlamtheatre.co.uk |2.30 pm | 4pounds

Love Letters to the Public Transport system. Starting Wednesday 3rd March (until Sat 5th March). At The Traverse Theatre (10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED).

‘In a fast-moving world where no one stays in one place for too long, Love Letters to the Public Transport System is a show that seeks to find and thank the people who transport us daily – to our friends, to our lovers, to work, and to moments of significance in our lives.’

For more information see www.nationaltheatresscotland.com

Ahead of his US tour, folk musician Jim Malcolm is playing at the Pleasance Theatre and Caberet Bar this evening from 8pm.  Tickets are £8 on the door or £7 concessions/£5 for members.

3rd March 2011

An Explorer’s talk:
Alex Hibbert’s “The Long Haul”

The explorer gives his account of a gruelling Antarctic mission completed in 2008.

Appleton Tower | 7.30 | tickets: 0131 650 8445, £8 (students/under 18s/RSGS members free)

Artists’ Books in Focus

Explore the works of Miró, Léger and Le Corbusier with an expert from the National Galleries.

Dean Gallery (73 Belford Road, EH4 3DS) Phone: 0131 624 6200 |Free, but booking is essential, 0131 624 6200 | 11.30-12.30

Tonight at 7.30pm the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will put on Zadok the Priest

Purcell: Suite from The Fairy Queen
Bach: Contrapunctus XIV from Art of Fugue
Purcell: Hear my Prayer
Purcell: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem
Handel: Coronation Anthem: My Heart is Inditing
Bach: Suite No 3
Handel: Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest

Richard Egarr: conductor/harpsichord/organ; SCO Chorus

Handel – ever the master dramatist – created one of the iconic moments in all music when he allowed a long slow build-up of chords to grow and grow over a pulsing bass line until it bursts into the radiant shout of Zadok the Priest. That’s the climax of this sumptuous concert of Baroque masters bringing together some of the greatest musical minds of the age into a rich sequence of delights. Tickets £9-27

4th March 2011

Crumbling Jack are one of Scotland’s most exciting new groups. Songwriter A A Reid and singer Ian Robertson bring their show to The Queen’s Hall for the first time, with a set comprising of 18 original songs and some of Reid’s outstanding poetry, all drawn from his first collection The Poems and Songs of A A Reid.

Joining them on stage tonight at 8.00pm at The Queen’s Hall will be some of Scotland’s finest musicians, including Bill Craib, Ed Kelly, Grant Bolton and Slawek Justynski. Tickets £15

The Edinburgh Bookshop is excited to announce that they are hosting a Pink Pyjama Party with author Vivian French on Friday 4th March at 3.30pm to celebrate the paperback launch of Polly’s Pink Pyjamas.

There will be stories, singing, dancing and fun! Vivian will be wearing her pyjamas, and you are apparently more than welcome to do the same. Tickets are £3 per child, which you can get from The Edinburgh Bookshop, or online here. The event will be at the Christ Church Centre, which is directly opposite the bookshop.

Vivian is also the author of many other books, including the Sparkle Street books, the Oliver series and The Tiara Club and Tales from the Five Kingdoms for older children. She’s done hundreds of events – some of you may remember their Tiara Club Princess Party – so they are really looking forward to this one!

The first Friday of the month means Bookbug Rhymetime in Blackhall, Gilmerton and Muirhouse libraries – a free event for 0 to 4 year olds and their parents/carers.  Times vary, see the council website for more details.

Jackson Idol at Potterow
The biggest event of the year features then fantastic singers performing the hits of Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, back by the mighty Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra.
Potterow (5/2 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL) | 8.30pm | £8

Alternative band White Heath are playing at Sneaky Pete’s tonight with support from Boycotts, The Imagineers and Steve Heron.  Doors at 7pm, tickets £5.

5th March 2011

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair comes to Out of The Blue on Dalmeny Street between 11am and 4pm today.  There will be over 40 stalls with handmade and vintage clothes, for up to 75% less than high street prices. Tickets £1/£2.

Tonight at 8.00pm at The Queen’s Hall.  In their first UK tour together, Ralph Towner and Paolo Fresu play music from Chiaroscuro, their acclaimed recent release on the ECM label. Rarely do we have the opportunity to hear a duo combining guitar and trumpet alone, a lyrical collaboration made special in the hands of two master musicians who have an elegant and simpatico rapport.

Guitarist Ralph Towner is an iconic musician, hugely admired by fellow guitarists and known for his legendary group Oregon, which has been in existence for 40 years. An almost equally long collaboration has been with the ECM label where recordings have included multiple projects and contributions to albums by Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Kenny Wheeler and Egberto Gismonti, whilst his playing as a duet will be familiar to those who have his recordings with Gary Burton, John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock. Tickets £16.50

Cult movie fans might want to head to The Cameo Cinema tonight for a double bill of Best Worst Movie and Troll 2.  Hailed as one of the “top reviewed films of 2010″ by Rotten Tomatoes, Best Worst Movie follows a small-town dentist and a self-deluded Italian filmmaker as they struggle to come to grips with their role in what is arguably the worst movie ever made: Troll 2. As for Troll 2, it needs to be seen to be believed!  Starts at 11pm, tickets £7.

6th March 2011

The Bongo Club hosts the Edinburgh Skeptics Sunday Sermon this afternoon from 2-5.  An opportunity for rational thinkers to meet and discuss all things skeptical, as well as having a monthly presentation by a renowned skeptic [or even a believer] followed by a Q&A.

Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards play Sneaky Pete’s tonight, with support from The Heebie Jeebies, Wooden Sky, and This Daring Move.  Doors at 7pm, tickets £5

Five things you need to know today

An Edinburgh man has invented a wristwatch type of device to help you keep tabs on your children. According to Deadline “The former paratrooper thought-up the device, which allows parents to use a GPS system to monitor their children’s whereabouts within two to three metres through a computer or mobile phone application.” However hidden right at the end of the article is a shocking statistic: that 100,000 children go missing in the UK each year…

Leith Neighbourhood Partnership is working on the priorities for Leith’s Local Community Plan 2011-14. A Local Community Plan sets out the most important things needed to improve services and how this could be done. The Leith Local Community Plan covers the Leith and Leith Walk Council Wards.

The people living in the area are the best ones to know what is needed. You are invited to take a few minutes to give your views. All responses are anonymous.

If you have any questions about this consultation, you should contact Loraine Duckworth on 0131 529 5269 or email loraine.duckworth@edinburgh.gov.uk

You have until Friday to comment on the plans for student accomodation in Orwell Terrace.

An open exhibition of the proposals, attended by a member of the design team from Yeoman McAllister Architects, will take place on Sat 26th Feb 2011 between 10am-1pm and Tues 1st Mar 2011 between 5-30 and 7-30pm. at St Brides Community Education Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH11 2DZ

Further information relating to these proposals may be obtained from: Yeoman McAllister Architects, tel 0131 346 1145.

If you wish to make comments on the proposals you may do so at the above event and/or in writing to Yeoman McAllister Architects, 64 Coltbridge Avenue Edinburgh , EH12 6AH and no later than Friday 4th March 2011.

Radio Today tells us that former Radio Forth DJs met last week in the capital for dinner. It tells us nothing else. Did they have a good time? Maybe they will tell us…

In case you are wondering, the cow is in Captain Taylor’s Coffee House on South Bridge, another great place with free wifi.

Women’s rugby Scotland v Ireland

by John Preece

Scotland’s women faced Ireland’s women at Lasswade Rugby club at the weekend, off the back of two heavy defeats from France and Wales. Fairly decent weather, for a change saw 50 times capped Heather Lockhart lead the team onto the pitch, for what turned out to be an entertaining game from two fairly evenly matched sides. Ireland, however, opened the scoring after 6 minutes with a try from Lynne Cantwell, following a concerted period of attacking play which saw Scotland pinned back in their 22.
A fine attacking move from Scotland, following a sustained period of possession saw Scotland winger, Lauren Harris, ground the ball in the corner to bring the scores level at 5-5. Scrum half, Louise Dalgleish just missing the conversion. Scotland then continued to force Ireland back into their own half, from a combination of forward play, kicks and strong defence, to keep the score level at the break.
The second half continued at the same pace as the first left off, but Ireland managed to put centre Geraldine Rea over for their second try of the day after 50 minutes of play. Scotland came strongly back at Ireland, but a couple of Scottish substitutions and a yellow card for Ireland seemed to fire up the Green team and Niamh Briggs scored a third try for Ireland on the 66th minute.
With the pace of the game continuing, and both sides having chances, a flurry of subs 5 minutes from time (4 for Scotland, 5 for Ireland) appeared to upset the home team slightly more, and Ireland scored the final, and only converted, try, to round out the game Scotland 5, Ireland 22.
This was a greatly improved performance from the young Scottish side, with the final score, again, not reflecting the performance and will, hopefully, bode well for the future.
England next, however…

Photo (Lauren Harris scoring for Scotland) – John Preece
Gallery - http://www.jlp-photography.co.uk/International-Sporting-Events

David Hume Three Hundred years on

In the three hundred years since his birth, the work of David Hume on philosophy, history and economics has been invaluable.

To mark the Tercentenary, the conference ‘Hume after 300 years’ will be held between 18th and 23rd of July 2011. The University of Edinburgh is also organising a series of events throughout the year and anyone is welcome to attend any of these events. Events include ‘Dialogues with Hume’, ‘Humes Birthday Party’, and ‘Hume Today’. More information on all of these events here.

Hume was a prominent figure of the 18th century’s Scottish Enlightenment, particularly remembered for his philosophical empiricism and scepticism, and his works continue to be relevant to the philosophical disputes of the 21st century. He lived from 1771 until his death in 1776 at the southwest corner of St. Andrew Square at what is now 21, Saint David Street.

The story goes, that while standing at the top of Calton Hill and taking in the views of Edinburgh, Hume realised that his senses gave him knowledge. Hence he was a rationalist and an empiricist: he argued that proof was required in order to establish a truth.

He is generally recognised as the greatest philosopher ever to write in English and today his work is studied by academics from all over the world. One of Hume’s main focuses is the argument against superstition. As a sceptic as well as an atheist, his ideas were not popular with religious leaders. He argued, for example, that religion is not the key to understanding the universe and that instead it is a reflection of human psychology.

The publication for which he is best known, ‘A Treatise of Human Nature’ was produced around 1740. The ‘Treatise’ was not well received within his lifetime, but it has since become arguably one of the most important books in the history of philosophy.

Strange Theatre presents ‘Mother, à la carte’

This play should attract men, women, mothers young and old, groups of friends enjoying a mum’s night out, or anyone wanting to enjoy an entertaining lunch hour together. Grown up children may like to treat their mums to a play and a meal, and it will also appeal to anyone who has lost their mum and might like a moment to reflect on them.

It is a personal exploration of the mother and daughter relationship at the Word of Mouth Café for an afternoon or evening of feasting and theatre where Liberty Des Roches-Dueck will dissect and serve up her mother in an insightful and uplifting performance in honour of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

Performing at Word of Mouth Cafe (3a Albert Street, Edinburgh EH7 5HL) at 1pm and 7pm on Tuesday 8th March (International Women’s Day) and Sunday 3rd April (Mother’s Day). Running time 45 minutes. Tickets: £6 / £5 (conc.) available from Word of Mouth Café – 0131 554 4344 or to find out more visit http://www.wofmcafe.com/Welcome.html

This year marks the 100th Anniversary, of International Women’s Day which has now become a global event.

On the 8th of March, people around the world will be creating and attending events that raise political and social awareness of struggles faced by women and celebrating the collective power of women past, present and future.

Five things you need to know today

The Scotsman refuses to let go of the story about the council leader and her deputy who will not apologise over the evidence which they gave to The Scottish Parliament Public Audit Committee..and The Scotsman claims there are now appeals for an inquiry into the matter.

Some of the myths surrounding the Edinburgh Tram Project are dispelled by the latest post of their Facebook page. Are they – well we will leave you to decide…..

And we would like you to watch the video which The Guardian Local have on their website of the protest at Holyrood earlier in the week agains thte Leith Biomass project.

The animated film based in Edinburgh, The Illusionist, is in line for an Oscar this weekend. How lovely that would be!

The NEN had its final deadline yesterday for its final issue which will be published in March. The EGM/AGM will be held on 30th March 2011. There is a Facebook campaign to save NEN which you can access here.

International Women’s Day 8th March 2011 – What’s on in Edinburgh?

Tuesday 8th March 2011 marks the centenary of International Women’s Day.

There are some events taking place in Edinburgh to mark the day – some on the day and some ahead of it – if you know of any then please let us know! Add them in the comments section below.

Date & time:	05 March 2011 13.00 to 16.00
Event:	CELEBRATE – AN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT
About:	An event not to be missed. Community Learning & Development in Leith working in partnership with Women onto Work. This is shaping up to be a great fun filled event and an appropriate way to celebrate a number of anniversaries:- 100th International Women’s Day, 90 years of education at Duncan Place Resource Centre, 21 years of Women onto Work and 40 years of Stevenson College. An event open to all. Free Workshops, stalls, refreshments, food and live music
Venue:	Duncan Place Arts and Education Centre Duncan Place Leith, Edinburgh
Organisation:	Women Onto Work and Community Learning Development: WOW runs pre-vocational courses for women who have been unemployed for at least 6 months. WOW courses include: careers guidance, job-seeking skills, self-presentation, confidence building, stress management and assertiveness training. As part of the course each trainee undertakes a work placement and a mock interview.

Date & time:	08 March 2011 11.00 to 14.00
Event:	PUBLIC DANCE DISPLAY
About:	Our event involves learning a simple dance routine (no dance experience required) which will be performed flash mob style in Dalkeith. Rehearsals are taking place now, you only need to attend one.
Venue:	Contact Julie or Jillian at Midlothian Women’s Aid to register and details will be provided., Dalkeith, EH11
Organisation:	Midlothian Women’s Aid: Midlothian Women’s Aid Working to end domestic abuse Changing lives – Challenging attitude

Date & time:	08 March 2011 1.00
End date:	03 April 2011 21.00
Event:	MOTHER, à LA CARTE
About:	An insightful and uplifting play about the mother and daughter relationship. Join us for an afternoon or evening of feasting and theatre.
Venue:	Word of Mouth Cafe 3a Albert Street,Edinburgh EH7 5HL Perfrmances: 1pm and 7pm on 8th March and 3rd April Running time: 45 minutes Tickets: £6 (£5 conc), Edinburgh, EH7 5HL
Organisation:	Strange Theatre: Strange Theatre is a Community Interest Company. We create challenging and uplifting performances that promote debate and bring people togeteher.

Date & time:	08 March 2011 7.00 to 9.00
Event:	WHAT A STITCH UP! – GIRLS, NEEDLEWORK AND MATHS EDUCATION
About:	An event to celebrate the centenary of International Women’s Day. Based on her research Madeleine Shepherd presents a historical look at the links and differences between maths and needlework in the education of young women. There will be a short talk followed by discussion and workshop activities on the various crafts and ideas presented. £5 (£3 for members) to cover room hire, materials & refreshments
Venue:	The Library, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge , Edinburgh, EH1 1E
Organisation:	Craft Reactor: We aim to provide a friendly, constructive & creative environment for the promotion of craft in Edinburgh.

Date & time:	07 March 2011 9.00
End date:	01 April 2011 21.00
Event:	PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION – NEW WORK BY WIFIE
About:	Photographic exhibition displaying the work that has recently been produced by members of the women’s photography group WIFIE, to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Venue:	Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG
Organisation:	WIFIE (Women In Focus In Edinburgh): WIFIE is a collective for women interested in photography who live in and around Edinburgh

Date & time:	08 March 2011 18.00 to 19.40
Event:	CAT AND MOUSE
About:	A Stellar Quines Theatre Co Rehearsed reading of Cat and Mouse by Ajay Close. A play about the treatment of Suffragettes in Perth Prison. Directed by Muriel Romanes. Followed by a discussion of the issues raised by the play.
Venue:	Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AX
Organisation:	Stellar Quines Theatre Company:

Date & time:	08 March 2011 18.00 to 19.15
Event:	THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LECTURE BY DR IRENE KHAN FORMER DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
About:	Please join us for our International Women’s Day lecture, presented by Dr Irene Khan. Dr Khan, international human rights expert and former Secretary General of Amnesty International, will speak on “Gender equality and women’s empowerment: the unfinished revolution”. The public lecture will be chaired by journalist and broadcaster, Sheena McDonald.
Venue:	Assembly Hall, New College. 1 Mound Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2LU., Edinburgh
Organisation:	The University of Edinburgh

Date & time:	08 March 2011 6.00 to 20.00
Event:	INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CENTENARY NETWORKING NIGHT
About:	Celebrate 100 years of International women’s day with some of the third sectors most dynamic women. This will give you the opportunity to not only hear from, and network with, some of Scotland’s most inspiring women but also to celebrate current equalities and inspire further change. The event is a unique opportunity to network with likeminded people over a lovely glass of wine and some nibbles.
Venue:	The Melting Pot 5 Rose Street – Click the link below for directions http://www.themeltingpotedinburgh.org.uk/HowToGetHere/tabid/130/Default.aspx , Edinburgh, EH22PR
Organisation:	The Melting Pot: The Melting Pot is a unique place in the heart of Edinburgh. We provide spaces for individuals and organisations to work, connect, meet and hold events. The only facility of its type in Scotland, The Melting Pot is a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to inspire and support people to realise their ideas for a better

And we have already told you about The Eleanor Macdonald Lecture being delivered by Susan Rice on 8th March.

The number of women in top jobs at the City of Edinburgh Council has approximately doubled since 2004 according to a recent report published by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Nearly 40% of its senior managers are now female, as the Council continues its efforts to ensure that its staff profile is a closer match for the population it serves.

There has also been significant progress towards making sure that Council decisions and services are fair towards all sections of society, including people who are disabled or are living in deprived areas.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, the Council Leader, welcomed the news: “The diversity in our communities is an asset and something to be celebrated. But it also brings challenges in how we take account of the needs of different groups and how we respond to those.

“While we have legal requirements we have to meet, I believe a Council also has a moral responsibility to make sure it is inclusive. And a capital city, of all places, should lead the way in creating a fair society. We can always do better, but I’m pleased to see that we are going from strength to strength in this area. It’s also important we keep sight of these issues in difficult economic times.”

JLS & Olly Murs at The Royal Highland Centre this summer

The Royal Highland Centre has secured the UK’s hottest boy band, JLS, for what is expected to be this summer’s biggest outdoor concert in Scotland.

JLS, who shot to fame on the 2008 series of the X-Factor, will be joined by special guest Olly Murs to entertain a 20,000 strong audience at the Centre on Friday 1st July.

This latest event signing follows close on the heels of the Scottish Car Show, an annual event for all car enthusiasts, which takes place on Sunday 17th July.

These two latest bookings cement a busy programme of events for the Centre with the Royal Highland Show, Gardening Scotland and the Independent Living & Easy Lifestyle taking place at the venue this summer.

Archie Glendinning, director of the Royal Highland Centre said:

“We’re delighted to have signed JLS for the Scottish leg of its tour.  They are one of the most sought after bands and I’m sure there will be no shortage of fans coming to the Centre for a great concert.

“The Centre is the perfect place for an outdoor concert with ample space and parking for visitors to enjoy good food, good music and a fantastic day out.

“Our summer programme is shaping up to be a time of fun and festivals with something for everyone at the Royal Highland Centre including JLS, the Scottish Car Show, the Royal Highland Show and Gardening Scotland.”

Other Upcoming events include:
•                    Gardening Scotland (3-5 June) – Gardening Scotland is Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living. If you want to find the best plants, catch the latest gardening trends, find a designer to transform your own garden or ask the experts about anything from growing vegetables to keeping bees, then this is the one Show that you won’t want to miss. For tickets or more information, please contact: 0131 333 0965 or visit: www.gardeningscotland.com

•                    Royal Highland Show (23-26 June) – bringing together the best of lifestyle pursuits, gardening and handcrafts this truly great show attracted over 187,600 visitors in 2010. Visit its website for more information – www.royalhighlandshow.org

•                    JLS (1 July) – Aston, Marvin, Oritsé and JB will be joined by special guest Olly Murs at the Royal Highland Centre for the Scottish leg of their tour. The group, who took the X-Factor by storm in 2008 will entertain fans with renditions of their six top ten singles and selection of hits from their two multi-platinum selling albums. To book tickets, call 08444 99 99 90 or visitwww.ticketmaster.co.uk

•                    Scottish Car Show (17 July) – This year marks the eighth annual car show at the Royal Highland Centre. This is an immensely popular event which attracted over 18,000 visitors last year. Working with media partner The Sun, organisers are confident that visitor numbers will surpass 20,000 in 2011.  This year’s attractions are expected to be bigger and better than previous shows and will include performance, import, classic, retro, Euro, JDM and American muscle with more to see than ever before, plus an array of stunt shows, fairgrounds, karting and much more. For more information, visit: www.scottishcarshow.com or phone: 0141 416 0033

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