Turning a new Facebook page

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 page.  Looks like it is going to be a very good way to spread the word about our new adventures in catering and drama… Continue reading “Turning a new Facebook page”

Leith drama workshops in the Festival of Politics

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 in August. Continue reading “Leith drama workshops in the Festival of Politics”

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

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 cuts. Perhaps you also have a story to tell?  Meanwhile over to Becky Robertson office manager at MCFB… Continue reading “Cut or run: how to survive the age of austerity?”

In search of a safe place – Refugee Week in Edinburgh

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 plenty of thought and action too.  Not least a film about young Afghan asylum seekers which could hardly be more topical. Continue reading “In search of a safe place – Refugee Week in Edinburgh”

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”

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”

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”