Leith Open Space Events – Page 5

Opening Doors to the 2011 election

Congratulations to David ng Hop who has become the first member of our Opening Doors shadow scheme to put himself forward for election to the Scottish Parliament. David has been nominated as a Labour candidate for Lothian Region in next year’s Scottish elections. A lot of work lies ahead but if he was successful, David could be the first Scottish Chinese member of the Scottish Parliament (unless of course anyone knows differently?).

Louder than words: actions of the News Group

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.

Scottish Parliament votes for maximum wage

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?

Vacancy at Africa Centre Scotland

Wanted: someone who enjoys community work and would like to play a crucial role in supporting people of African heritage.

No nightmare in the World Kitchen

Alice and Mridu in the kitchen, lots more pictures by George Lamb and Euan Wheatley on Flickr

Altogether it was a great experience. But the night before the event we emerged from the kitchen slightly terrified. When it comes down to it, The World Kitchen in Leith is just a bunch of amateur cooks getting together for the fun of sharing food. Under the careful coaching of Drill Hall Arts Cafe manager Chris Askham, I think we all realised for the first time the true scale of the task we were facing.

Out of the Blue: Your invitation to the World Kitchen in Leith

Here’s your invitation to the World Kitchen in Leith at Out of the Blue Drill Hall Arts Cafe on Thursday 5 August. You can book through us or buy tickets direct from Out of the Blue. Tables are going fast but there are still some left for later sittings. More stories about the World Kitchen cooks to follow…

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…

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.

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…

I spent four days with two very different MSPs, one a shadow minister the other an opposition back bencher. The four days allowed me the opportunity to see the variety of work which is done day to day through Parliament and also within the constituency office. I discovered one thing very quickly – this is not a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job. The work of an MSP is never-ending.

Over the four days I spent two with Sarah Boyack, MSP for Edinburgh Central and two with Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith. In many ways their work is very different. Sarah is the shadow Minister for the Environment while Malcolm’s main area of work is as a member of the Equal Opportunities Committee and the Finance Committee.

But their constituency responsibilities are similar. Both send out regular updates to people in their constituency, both get huge numbers of emails and letters every day and every single one has to be answered.

Inside the Parliament I had the chance of sitting in and listening to the Equal Opportunities Committee and from the gallery of the debating chamber I saw the vote on the Public Service Reform bill as well as general questions and First Minister’s Questions. Following Sarah in her duties outside Parliament I visited the new Tynecastle High School (which was built under the last Labour-LibDem coalition in the Scottish Parliament) and sat in on a meeting with the Head Teacher.

I didn’t spend all the time watching. I also had the chance to help with work in the office, stuffing envelopes with letters replying to constituents campaigning against the cuts proposed by the council.

It was all very interesting. I would like to thank both Sarah and Malcolm for allowing me to be with them over four days – and to thank their teams of Personal Assistants who all made me very welcome. I would like to thank them all.

David is a support assistant in the City of Edinburgh Council health and social care department. We would like to thank him for his enthusiastic support of the Opening Doors shadow scheme which aims to encourage ethnic minority representation in politics.

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.