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Cafe culture brews revolution in Leith

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 is ready and raring to go public. Don’t miss The Legacy the latest Flashback Drama Group production during Leith Festival on June 17, 18 and 19 in Out of the Blue Drill Hall. Continue reading “Cafe culture brews revolution in Leith”

Friday feast in the World Cafe

Market stall in Tanzania (picture by Yvonne Baginsky)

Wondering where to go and what to eat on Friday night? How about African lamb with spinach, mixed vegetable curry, rice with coconut and beans…finished with a fresh fruit salad of mangos, watermelon, guavas and pineapple. Welcome to the monthly World Cafe at North Edinburgh Arts Centre. Continue reading “Friday feast in the World Cafe”

Inside out: a view from the shadows

David and Sarah by the stairs in the Scottish Parliament — David Ng Hop with Sarah Boyack MSP at the Scottish Parliament

“It’s never ending”, says David Ng Hop, describing the work of an MSP. David had asked to take part in the Opening Doors shadow scheme because he wanted to see every aspect of what it means to be a member of the Scottish Parliament. Here is his report… Continue reading “Inside out: a view from the shadows”

Difference, diversity and the ghost story at the Scottish Parliament

Looking to the future: Peace and Security is the theme of this year’s international Africa Day. Picture by Yvonne Baginsky

This is a busy month for African communities in Edinburgh. There’s a brave new play exploring difference and diversity through children’s eyes, and the annual celebration of Africa Day focusing on international issues. But first the play which is being launched at the Scottish Parliament next week… Continue reading “Difference, diversity and the ghost story at the Scottish Parliament”

Answering questions of domestic violence

Life goes on whatever is happening in Westminster. Here’s an email from Kasia Raszewska about an important project at Swietlica, providing support and information for people experiencing domestic violence. You are welcome to join the meeting chaired by community policeman Simon Daley on Monday 10th May at 6.30pm in Fort Community Wing. Over to Kasia for more information… Continue reading “Answering questions of domestic violence”

Smile please – you’re in Leith

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 prize to make it happen were Maria and Marek for an idea that costs nothing to put into action. Smiling Leith simply asks everyone to smile three times a day to a complete stranger. Continue reading “Smile please – you’re in Leith”

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

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 is why ACTive Inquiry is inviting local groups to performances, starting with Thursday’s event in Fort Community Wing (see also last blog). This is where you come in… Continue reading “Be the change (and win a prize to make it happen)”

Change – a real life political drama at a theatre near you

“I’ve never seen anything like it! It is such an interesting and dynamic way to explore issues. I really liked how the audience interacted with and influenced the play.”

While politicians debate, a Leith community theatre invites local people to explore what positive change means and how we can make it happen. Change is the name of a unique theatre project which opens with a first performance at Fort Community Wing on Thursday 29 April at 7 pm.

Continue reading “Change – a real life political drama at a theatre near you”

Have your say on Afghanistan at Annandale Street Mosque hustings

Doorstepping politicians often find local people want to talk about local issues – bin collections, broken pavements, and anti social behaviour. But more distant issues (like volcanic dust) can also shape our daily lives – and deaths. Full marks to Stop the War for inviting local election candidates to answer questions on Afghanistan and to Annandale Street Mosque for hosting the event on Saturday 24 April at 6.30 pm Annandale Street Mosque. Continue reading “Have your say on Afghanistan at Annandale Street Mosque hustings”

We love Leith and bacon rolls

Mmmm….who can resist the smell of bacon? Greener Leith is dishing up a reward for local commuters on Tuesday 21st April when that irresistable smell will signal a free breakfast for healthy souls cycling or walking to work. Look out for free bacon rolls, bags and bike maintenance on offer on the Water of Leith Walkway beneath the Great Junction Road bridge. What do you mean it’s not healthy?

Continue reading “We love Leith and bacon rolls”