June 2008

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Not just singing in the rain…

A week later, it is still hard to believe that last Saturday’s event in the Botanics was such a wonderful experience for audience and performers alike. If the morning forecast was bad the evening weather was much worse. This was no midsummer magic. Yet people queued patiently in the downpour to get into the Temperate [...]

Poetry and Politics in June

Natural Progression: 600 pieces of black bamboo set the scene for dance in the Botanics on midsummer night.

Poetry, politics and planting: we can look forward to a long hot summer, if events in this month’s newsletter are anything to go by. Get involved in environment politics through our Leith Open Space Opening Doors shadow [...]

Midsummer magic: a life changing experience in the Botanics

Susie Brown puts finishing touches to 600 bamboo poles: her sculpture Natural Progression becomes a stage setting for dance in the Botanics on midsummer night.
There’s a serious theme rippling beneath the music but right now enjoy the sheer, mad fun of it all. Listen to robots playing Chinese instruments in the Palm House [...]

Cold but welcoming, a refugee’s view of Scotland

To celebrate National Refugee Week here is an extract from a poem by Sifiso from Zimbabwe, written during poetry workshops involving Scots, refugees and poets.
Scotland
Scotland here I come –
To my surprise you are different
From what I have heard.
Cold but welcoming
Drunkards, racists, unemployed, yes,
But just like any other country…

Opening Doors to environmental action

Francis Kahembwe meets Sarah Boyack MSP at the Scottish Parliament for the first of two days observing her work in environmental issues.
Welcome to Francis Kahembwe, the first person to take part in Opening Doors 2008, the Leith Open Space political ’shadowing’ scheme. As Francis, a forestry expert from Uganda, is particularly interested [...]

Poetry in motion in Dalmeny Street Park

Jonathon Baxter unmissable in Guantanamo orange suit draws a crowd to Poets’ Corner which opened in the glorious sunshine of Parklife 2008. Another great success for Friends of Dalmeny Street Park.

Redbraes wins the lottery

Community garden essentials: plants, enthusiastic volunteers and a nice mulch of money!
“The garden will become a focus for community social events but will also provide a quiet place for people to work, exercise or simply take some fresh air in beautiful surroundings.” Simon Daley, Community Beat Officer

Help wanted on Leith Museum stall

If you have time to spare why not join the Leith Museum campaign stall at Leith Festival Gala in Leith Links on Saturday 7 June.