community news

Louder than words: actions of the News Group

By fay.young on August 30, 2010

Confrontation – how the media simplifies a complex story [pictures by George Lamb]
Every now and then a surprised face peered through the window: this was not business as usual in the Scottish Parliament, not even during the Festival of Politics. For once the emphasis was on actions rather than words. And actions can speak volumes. [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, drama, Leith Open Space Events | Leave a response

Scottish Parliament votes for maximum wage

By fay.young on August 19, 2010

It’s true. In the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament yesterday a majority voted in favour of a maximum wage, a cap on bank bonuses and renationalisation of the railways. Whatever will the News Group do tomorrow?

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, Leith Open Space Events | Leave a response

Turning a new Facebook page

By fay.young on July 19, 2010

Phew! It took two attempts and then a bit more trial and error but Leith Open Space finally has a Facebook Page – with thanks to Dougal Perman and Anny Deery for support and guidance, Ally Tibbitt of Greener Leith for setting a great example, and to the good friends who are already joining the [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, Leith Open Space Events, World Kitchen in Leith | 1 Response

Leith drama workshops in the Festival of Politics

By fay.young on July 7, 2010

It’s official – if a little scary – we’re in the Festival of Politics along with Annie Lennox, Mark Thomas and John Prescott. Admittedly we’re not all on the same platform at the same time. But the News Group are delighted to be in the fantastic programme of events taking place at the Scottish Parliament [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, Community art dance theatre and music, Leith Open Space Events | 5 Responses

Peace in the city

By fay.young on June 29, 2010

We are looking forward to Peace in the City – or at least we will be seeking out a peaceful corner on Thursday 1 July when Nahid Aslam, a member of Leith Open Space group, will be one of the speakers taking part in the latest inter-faith event in Edinburgh.

Posted in community news, women in politics | Leave a response

Cut or run: how to survive the age of austerity?

By fay.young on June 15, 2010

Running a mile, “helping with belt tightening”: MCFB staff raise cash and support sponsors at the same time
This is a marathon race with a difference. Recycling, running, and constantly exploring innovative new ways to raise money – Leith-based voluntary organisation Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) demonstrates an inspiring determination to maintain vital services despite public spending [...]

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In search of a safe place – Refugee Week in Edinburgh

By fay.young on June 9, 2010

What if we shut our doors to all the people traumatised by wars and persecution… would we live in a stable economy once we had selected our choice citizens?
A thought-provoking question is posed by Joyce Juma Phiri on a flyer advertising Edinburgh events during Refugee Week from 13-19 June. With luck the events will provoke [...]

Posted in film, The Welcoming | Leave a response

Cafe culture brews revolution in Leith

By fay.young on June 3, 2010

The cafe was always a place where you could go and talk about changing the world. But now a bigger change is happening; something that requires less talk and more action…
Action points: there’s lots of exciting stuff simmering below the surface which we are not quite ready to tell you about. But one festival event [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, Community art dance theatre and music, drama | Leave a response

Smile please – you’re in Leith

By fay.young on April 30, 2010

All smiles: Maria Masur-Grieve and just visible behind her Marek Pietryzykowski
Politicians take note. Sometimes the simplest ideas win the most hearts, minds and votes. Last night’s political drama in Fort Community Wing ended with a competition for a project to change life in Leith for the better. And the clear winners of a small cash [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, drama, Swietlica | 2 Responses

Be the change (and win a prize to make it happen)

By fay.young on April 27, 2010

It’s not just make-believe. Actors in Change – the political drama coinciding with the general election campaign – will invite the audience to vote for changes they want to happen in real life. But this election involves community organisations who work for positive change and the winning votes come with a small cash prize. Which [...]

Posted in ACTive Inquiry, drama | 2 Responses