Posts filed under 'community news'
What exactly does democracy mean? The Leith Community Involvement Project has organised a ’summer school’ so local people can take part in a thought-provoking programme to stimulate debate about the connection between democracy and the lives of ordinary people.
The programme begins in August with drama in the Scottish Parliament (the theatrical kind rather than political debate!). A trip to Holyrood provides the chance to see a performance of “The Journey of Jeannie Deansâ€? following Jeannie’s journey from Edinburgh to London in an attempt to win the freedom of her sister who, she believes, has been wrongly accused of murder.
The summer school ends with a showing of Ken Loach’s film “Land and Freedomâ€?, about the questions raised by a young woman’s discovery that her grandfather fought in the Spanish Civil War.
All activities are free of charge. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JACKIE MEARNS ON 554 9951 OR 07732471660 – she will be on holiday for two weeks from July 13.
• Friday 24th August 5pm – 6.30pm
“The Journey of Jeannie Deans� performed at the Scottish Parliament. Set in the decades following the Act of Union, this play takes Sir Walter Scott’s “Heart of Midlothian� as its basis, and documents the human drama of sisters Jeannie and Effie Deans, following Jeannie’s journey from Edinburgh to London in an attempt to win the freedom of her sister who, she believes, has been wrongly accused of murder.
• Tuesday 28th August 10am – 3.30pm
A day trip to New Lanark. This trip includes a guided tour around this beautifully restored 18th Century cotton mill village, entry to the visitors centre and a presentation on the life and philosophy of Robert Owen, the mill manager whose ideas were 100 years ahead of their time - abolishing child labour and corporal punishment, providing decent homes, schools, evening classes, free health care and affordable food.
• Friday 31st August 6.30pm – 9pm :
A showing of Land and Freedom directed by Ken Loach. A young women discovers her newly deceased grandfather, David, fought in the Spanish Civil War. But his idealism was tested as comrades were killed and the alliance disintegrated. The old man is buried. Was his struggle in vain?
The Leith Community Involvement project is funded by the Community Voices Fund and City of Edinburgh Council, Community Learning and Development.
Further events are in the pipeline, including an introduction to the Scottish Parliament and how to lobby MSPs, a women’s event and a European themed evening. Further information about these will be sent out soon. Jackie will be on annual leave from Friday 13th for two weeks,
July 14th, 2007
During Refugee Week Fay Young of Leith Open Space Group joined an information session organised by Edinburgh Refugee Centre. This is the first part of her report.
We sat at tables in small groups grappling with questions. What exactly is an asylum seeker? Where do most refugees come from? What is a migrant worker? Can there be an illegal asylum seeker?
The words matter. Dispelling myths was one of the aims of the Information session organised by Edinburgh Refugee Centre with the Scottish Refugee Council during Refugee Week. There is a lot of fear and confusion surrounding words like asylum seeker and refugee.
We were a mixed bunch – from voluntary organisations and public bodies, including two uniformed police officers – who met in St Georges West Church in Edinburgh to gain accurate information about rights and entitlements of asylum seekers.
But first the definitions. Across the table from me is a young man who turns out to be a psychologist. He spends much of his time treating traumatised asylum seekers, many of them suffering from the added anxiety of HIV plus the uncertainty of not knowing whether they can stay in Scotland. Perhaps not surprisingly his definition of asylum seeker is pretty much spot on: ’someone who has arrived in the country, made themselves known to the authorities and exercised the legal right to claim asylum’.
A refugee, therefore, is a successful asylum seeker – someone who has been granted the right to stay either first time round or – since 80% of applications are refused at first – after appeal. A migrant is someone who has come to this country on a visa to work. And, as Jamie Spurway of the Scottish Refugee Council name makes clear, there can never be any such thing as an ‘illegal asylum seeker’ – when he sees that term in a newspaper he knows the rest of the story is not worth reading.
Many of the people at today’s workshop are refugees. I am sitting next to a woman from Palestine who helps me name the countries on the map where most refugees come from (to name but five: Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Iran and Iraq). And why. Civil war, rape, religious persecution, ethnic oppression, political repression, tribal conflict, government corruption – these are the main causes why people are forced to flee their native land.
In such a complicated world it is increasingly difficult to fit 21st Century refugees into the definition laid down by the United Nations in 1951 – a refugee is someone unable to return to their country because of a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion”. Rape as a weapon of war is not included.
A morning’s workshop doesn’t answer all questions but the interest and concern in an Edinburgh church hall is heartwarming. We leave with news of many more information sessions to come.
For more information about future workshops and training courses visit the Scottish Refugee Council website.
July 5th, 2007
Let’s join the campaign for Leith Museum. Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, is inviting Leithers near and far to sign a petition to support local groups campaigning for a museum celebrating the history of one of the fastest changing parts of the Capital.
Celebrating Leith’s history, the mural in North Junction Street was created by Tim Chalk and Paul Grime using material collected by Leith Local History Project in 1986. Thanks to Peter Stubbs for use of this photograph © Peter Stubbs www.edinphoto.org.uk
This not a new campaign – local groups such as Leith History Society have been calling for a museum for years – but as Mark told the Evening News
the case is now stronger than ever: “Leith deserves a museum which will strengthen community links at a time of rapid social change, and will highlight Leith’s important role in the history of Scotland as a whole.”
Exactly where the museum will be has yet to be decided (the spotlight falls on possible buildings like Lambs House and the old Customs House). But wherever it is there will be no shortage of exhibits: Leith’s diverse history stretches from seafaring to Trainspotting and celebrity connections include Mary Queen of Scots, Eduardo Paolozzi and Irvine Welsh.
Living memories of local people (recently captured by [murmur] who are returning to Edinburgh in June for a second phase of the oral history project ) are another rich resource for a museum aiming to appeal to people of all ages with family connections across the world.
So lets sign the petition – and pass it on!
May 15th, 2007
It’s amazing what you can pick up with a litter picker (if that’s what those long sticks are called). At first sight on Saturday, Leith Links looked fresh and clean in the spring sunshine. Within two hours it was much cleaner. A group of willing volunteers had filled around 30 refuse sacks with assorted rubbish – crisp packets, drinks cans, cigarette butts, poly bags and a few other things you didn’t want to investigate closely (those litter pickers and rubber gloves meant you didn’t have to!).
Bags of fun – with thanks to Greener Leith for the picture
Leith Open Space supported the enterprising community event organised by Greener Leith. We were joined by Cllr Gordon Munro (who is standing again for Leith Harbour Ward and got stuck in despite being dressed for a HIBS match, no prizes for picking him out) and Angela Blacklock, a Labour candidate for the new Leith Central Ward in Thursday’s Council elections, who proved to be a dab hand at picking up cigarette butts.
Altogether, as Alastair Tibbitt of Greener Leith said, it was not only a successful afternoon, it was fun too. Here’s to the next one!
May 1st, 2007
If you have time, treat yourself to a walk through living memories today. As you walk round Leith you will almost certainly see the green ear signs marking the spot where local people tell stories that shape the character of this unique part of Edinburgh.
These green ears are symbols of [murmur] a very human approach to local history which we first reported on this website in September last year (see Making History in Leith). At that time we passed on an appeal for local people to come forward with their stories. Now [murmur] Edinburgh has been launched and Leith Open Space is very proud to have played a small part in helping to make local history. Some of our supporters are among the voices on the street.
Memories of life in Leith can come to life with the help of your mobile phone. Dial the number on the sign and you can hear a story (often more than one) triggered by this location. Alternatively, if you don’t have time for a walk today, click on the [murmur] Edinburgh website, and try any of the red dots on the map.
A sense of place: thanks to New Media Scotland for pictures
Remember when you could catch a train from Leith Central Station to Waverley? Just click here for John Stewart’s story? Or try here for Stan’s great tales of ‘the dancing’ on Mondays and Fridays when Alexander’s Ragtime Band filled the Assembly Hall with jiving couples. Then go along to Victoria Swim Centre to hear Gina remember the days when she paid six old pennies for a bath at Victoria Swimming Pool (for a whole shilling she got soap too).
The present inspires stories too. Celina Mbwiria, a founder member of our Opening Doors shadow scheme, celebrates the diversity she finds at the foot of Leith Walk. Click here for her warm memories of the welcome Leith Primary School gave her children at a time when there were no black children in the classroom. And click here to discover how Tommy Miah (who has generously donated food for our Open Space events) brings ‘fusion’ food such as curried haggis to that grand old cinema building which is now The Raj restaurant.
Supporters of Leith Open Space were among many who responded to the appeal for stories when Shawn Micallef came from Toronto last year to explore the potential for developing the [murmur] project in Edinburgh. Mary Moriarty, vice chair of Leith Festival, welcomed Shawn to meet locals at her Port O’ Leith bar with his name chalked among today’s specials on the bar blackboard. (Click here for one of Mary’s stories).
The first 20 story signs were recently launched in Leith but there will always be room for more. Shawn hopes to be back for a second launch in June when [murmur] Leith is part of the Six Cities Design Festival, and the Leith Festival.
[murmur] in Leith is produced in partnership with New Media Scotland (mediascot.org), which supports imaginative collaboration between art and technology. Or as Michelle Kasprzak of NMS puts it: ‘we are using the technology we all carry in our pocket as a tool to access contemporary culture’. New Media Scotland is core funded by the Scottish Arts Council, and [murmur] in Leith is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
March 13th, 2007
What is your experience of childcare support in Edinburgh?
You are invited to take part in a research project exploring how parents feel about their experiences with their children’s doctors, nurseries, primary schools and other areas of childcare.
Rana Syed is gathering information from focus groups for the Edinburgh University research projects. Although the first phase of the research programme finishes mid February Rana says she would be happy to hear from community groups who would like to take part in a new focus group discussion.
If you would like to be put in touch with Rana contact Fay Young at Leith Open Space Group by emailing leithopenspace@btconnect.com
See also details of the focus group meeting at Edinburgh Refugee Centre, Thursday 8 February 2:30-4pm at St George’s West Church, Shandwick Place.
January 30th, 2007
Friday cookery classes at Dr Bell’s Family Centre are so popular there is now a waiting list among young mothers – and at least one father – keen to try their hand at healthy recipes they can afford.
Three weeks into the scheme, Steve Cochrane, cook trainer at Dr Bell’s, is delighted with the response to the new community project that aims to help people on low incomes put healthy meals on the table.
“The present healthy eating focus on organic and fair trade food misses an essential point,” he says. “I believe in organic and fair trade too but if you have only £5 in your pocket that is not your top priority.”
Cookery classes at Dr Bell’s explore how to turn goods on sale in local shops and cut price stores into healthy soups, stews and staple meals. “The kind of thing your mum would teach you, we are trying to get back to some good basic skills.”
The cookery classes at Dr Bell’s are funded by a mixed partnership of public agencies and charitable trusts. For more information contact Dr Bell’s Family Centre on 0131 553 0100 or leave a message for Steve Cochrane on 0131 553 0105
January 29th, 2007
Wednesday is curry day at Dr Bell’s Family Centre, the thriving new community centre in the heart of Leith.
Between 12 noon and 2pm you can eat freshly made vegetarian curries, cooked and served by volunteers from the women’s group Sikh Sanjog. In the first few weeks of the scheme the small cafe in the old Dr Bell’s school has rapidly filled with young mothers and local office workers keen to try the new menu.
For the other four days of the week the cafe offers soups, sandwiches and scones. But as the kitchen was closed on Wednesdays the ‘curry club’ developed as a joint venture between Sikh Sanjog, generating income for the community centre and providing experience for the volunteer chefs.
Now Steve Cochrane, cook trainer at Dr Bell’s, says the partnership is likely to continue when the month’s trial is over. As the scheme develops, income from the very economically priced meals (around £3.50 per plate) is likely to be split between the two organisations.
“It’s the kind of cross cultural partnership we hope to develop,” says Steve, “We have financed the purchase of equipment and provided space and support while Sikh Sanjog has had the opportunity to hone their skills and gained confidence and experience in running a small enterprise.”
And local people can enjoy a delicious lunch. If there isn’t room to sit down, then you can buy a carry out meal. And traditional Scottish favourites – soup and scones – are always on the menu too.
January 28th, 2007
From drum workshops to English language classes, from complementary therapies to council meetings, or simply a chance to meet and talk over a cup of tea – here are just a few of the multicultural community activities happening in Edinburgh this month. Please let us know if you want to promote activities open to Leith communities – either here in Leith or elsewhere in the city.
First up: two events for members of Edinburgh’s Polish Community.
Tuesday 7 November CITY CHAMBERS
4.30 to 6pm
Polish community leaders are invited to meet council representatives in the City Chambers to explore the needs of the community and how the city can meet them. This meeting has come from the work of George Rubienski, former head of Craigroyston High School, who is currently carrying out community research for Leith FM.
Saturday 11 November McDonald Road Library
10 am to 2pm
An information day for all members of the Polish Community
Saturday 4 November McDonald Road Library
10 am to 11.30
Mark Lazarowicz MP is holding a meeting for local community people and organisations to discuss sustainable energy issues.
Wednesdays at Edinburgh Refugee Centre St Georges West Church Centre
10 am to 2pm
A new drop in programme welcomes you to take part in a wide range of activities – some, like English classes and complementary therapies, are for women only; others, like lunch, drumming and singing workshops, are open to everyone. Anyone needing advice or help with filling forms and making appointments is welcome to drop in between 10 am and 2 pm.
- English classes (for women only) from 10 am to 11.30 am
- Music workshops (everyone welcome) from 11.30 to 12.30
- Lunchtime – everyone welcome for tea, coffee, sandwiches and fruit
There are also drop ins on Monday and Thursday 1 pm to 5pm. Everyone welcome.
For more information contact:
Rosie Robertson
Refugee Centre Manager
0131 226 1499
St George’s West Church Centre
58 Shandwick Place
Edinburgh
EH2 4RT
October 31st, 2006
Who makes history? The answer according to Shawn Micallef is that we all do. And history can happen on a park bench, in a shop doorway or by a post box in Leith.
Shawn is creative director of [murmur] an innovative Canadian arts company who have come to Leith for their first project outside Canada and the US. With the help of funding by New Media Scotland, [murmur] will make local history come to life by recording the memories and stories of local people and communities living in Leith. But first [murmur] needs to hear from you.
murmur at work in Toronto: www.livewithculture.ca
Shawn emailed Leith Open Space Group after reading about us on the new Greener Leith website. He is keen to involve as many different ethnic communities as possible and says: “We want the voices to reflect those of Leith residents, and make sure there is a diversity in those voices — Ideally, we want local communities to look at [murmur] as a way to get their voices heard, and we’re just here to provide the tools to do so.”
Leith Open Space Group is putting Shawn in touch with people who came to our two Open Space events and quite a few of you are already interested in taking part. But there is plenty of room for more so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a story or memory to share. Just email leithopenspace@btconnect.com
As Shawn describes it, “The stories are usually 2 or 3 minutes long — just short little anecdotes about that place. It’s history from the ground up, told by the people who know — voices that are often over looked when the stories of cities are told.â€?
You can get a taste of [murmur] by visiting their website and listening to some of the ‘audio documentaries’ they have recorded in parks and on street corners in cities like Toronto and Montreal in Canada, and San Jose in California.
Each [murmur] listening point is marked by a green ear bearing a telephone number you can call on your mobile phone.
Leith Open Space Group is delighted to get the chance to support this exciting project – and many thanks to Greener Leith for offering us a place on your community website!
September 11th, 2006
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