Uncategorized – Page 12 – The NEN

Push the Boat Out this weekend!

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL

Push the Boat Out (PTBO), Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, is due to set sail this weekend (24-26 Nov) with a vibrant line-up of over 80 performers, artists and speakers and 50 events taking place across Edinburgh’s iconic Summerhall.

The 2023 Push the Boat Out programme, supported by Creative Scotland, continues to expand the festival’s mission to change perceptions of what poetry can be.

From poetry readings and discussions, to new commissions, singer-songwriter circles, music hybrid events, dance and hip hop, poetic cocktail-making classes, film screenings, beach walks, panels, workshops and development opportunities – the polyphonic line-up is a true fiesta of the vernacular, promising something for everyone.

This year, the programme celebrates the poetry of songwriting with multiple events championing the poetic power of lyrics, hip hop and the songwriting process. Singer-songwriter, Hamish Hawk offers an evening of lyrical enchantment in a solo show with support from Iona Zajac whilst Conscious Route, Queen of Harps and Dave Hook share the back stories of their songs in an in-depth Song Exploder event.

The Songwriters Circle welcomes Hamish Hawk back to the stage alongside legendary Scottish folk musician, Karine Polwart and poet and performer Inua Ellams, as the three break down their songwriting process and share some of their poetic influences, whilst British rapper, Dizraeli takes an honest look at human creation with sharp lyricism and a sense of the absurd in his event Animal Noises.

The programme this year also finds drama at the heart of poetic form, with a series of new commissions from Imogen Stirling, Alycia Pirmohamed and Ross McCleary in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland. Developed on the theme of ‘seed’ and explicitly exploring poetry in conversation with other artistic disciplines, these new pieces promise to break new ground and plant some future discussions.

Audiences can also expect newly commissioned work that takes inspiration from the festival’s home base, Summerhall. Writer Ever Dundas and poets Harry Josephine Giles and Iona Lee celebrate the building’s history with a darkly gothic night of poetry and original music composed by David Paul Jones that offers a ‘cinema for the ears’.

Politics and poetry have platform too as Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey posit that poetry is for the many in an event that sees the pair share their favourite poems from their newly co-edited anthology and discuss why poetry is for everyone. Yvonne Reddick’s urgent climate poetry will share words and exchanges on nature’s defiance and audiences can enjoy the pulsing poem-stories of William Letford as he speaks of the resilience of ordinary people as they adapt to strange and uncertain times.

Audiences are encouraged to embrace the cat life in an extra special event at Maison de Moggy cat cafe with The Cat Prince himself, prize-winning poet Michael Pedersen who will share work from his new collection and Scottish Makar, Kathleen Jamie aims to remind audiences that poetry is made for the ear, in an evening celebrating tradition, mentoring and passing on the baton

For the food lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, Joelle Taylor and Kate Fox will help shake up a poetic cocktail or two in events that mix your drinks as well as your words and poet and culinary enthusiast, Sean Wai Keung adds some flavour in a dumpling and poetry workshop.

Emma Collins, Director of Push the Boat Out, said: ‘In this third year, Push the Boat Out is definitely poetry placed firmly in a current tide. This year’s programme is a true showcasing of contemporary excellence. Modern, charged, alive, joyful and celebratory with events that are also vehicles for important and vital discussions.

“We’ve brought together over eighty of the most exciting poets from Scotland, the UK and beyond and we’ve continued to expand our notion of what poetry is, with eclectic events that celebrate words and language in their many glorious forms and in conversation with other artistic disciplines.

“Poetry is everywhere, it’s the lyrics in songs, our conversations and dialogues, the rhythm of spoken word, scripts and sonnets, proclamations and points of view, the stories we tell and the history around us.

“That’s what Push the Boat Out is primarily about… words, how we use them, a celebration of them and what they mean to us. We’ve endeavoured to capture that in this year’s programming.

“We also strive to make Push the Boat Out as accessible for audiences as possible. BSL interpreted events are indicated within the programme and once again, in addition to our in person and online programme, we will have a programme of events free to listen to at home via our partners EHFM Radio as well as a selected live stream event that showcases newly commissioned work.

“We’ve been overjoyed by the response from the incredible artists and poets who’ve agreed to come on board the boat this year and cannot wait to bring them all together for audiences this November.”

Harriet MacMillan, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: ‘In its third year, the Push the Boat Out programme is brighter and more dynamic than ever, capturing the many dimensions of Scotland’s rich poetry scene.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this unique and varied international suite of events is testament to the vital role poetry plays in all of our lives. Their increasing range of collaborations and activities continues to show us how words can connect us with each other and ourselves – the power of poetry will be felt by all who take part in this brilliant celebration.’

KEY EVENTS

Poetry that’s on your wavelength Push the Boat Out, Edinburgh’s annual poetry festival launches on National Poetry Day. The festival will run 24-26 November. Tickets now on sale via Summerhall box office. Neil Hanna

The full programme and artist line-up can be viewed: Here

Tickets can be purchased via pushtheboatout.org or from Summerhall Box Office. Prices range from 0-£20 with concessions available and free tickets for carers.

Push The Boat Out also offers a Pay What You Can Can option with tiered pricing selections. The Festival Pass (£40), gives access to the majority of the programme free of charge plus reduced price tickets for the higher priced and more intimate events.

The Cat Prince

Fri 24 Nov | 3pm & 4.15pm | Maison de Moggy (17 West Port, EH1 2JA)

Meow! Two extra-special off-site performances from The Cat Prince himself, poet and performer Michael Pedersen, celebrating his Forward Prize-nominated poem in a properly feline setting: Maison de Moggy Cat Cafe!

Cocktail Hour with Kate Fox

Fri 24 Nov | 5.30pm | Summerhall

Join us for our first Cocktail Hour of the festival, a heady mix of rum and rhyme. Mixologists from Ruma take you through the history and mixing of each cocktail, while poet, author and comedian Kate Fox creates a poem to accompany each drink. Ticket price covers the cocktails (and poetry).

A Summerhall Triptych: Tales From The Dissection Room

Fri 24 Nov | 8pm | Summerhall

A sublimely dark and gothic evening’s entertainment, as some of Scotland’s most exciting, fearless writers, including Ever Dundas, Harry Josephine Giles and Iona Lee, perform newly-commissioned works inspired by the history of Summerhall, each set to original music composed and performed by David Paul Jones in a ‘cinema for the ears’.

Double Bill: Majorie Lotfi & K Patrick

Sat 25 Nov | 11am | Summerhall

Two stunning debut collections meditating on beginnings and rebirths. K Patrick’s (Granta Best of Young British Novelists 2023) Three Births culminates in the powerful message that we should be able to inhabit the body we want to. Marjorie Lotfi’s The Wrong Person to Ask reflects on an Iranian childhood disrupted and uprooted by revolution and migration.

Songwriters Circle

Sat 25 Nov | 12pm | Summerhall

Three hugely talented lyricists – rising indie star Hamish Hawk, Scottish folk legend Karine Polwart and celebrated cross-disciplinary artist Inua Ellams – come together to offer rare insight into the processes behind creating a song. How do they make the language of words and music meet to tell stories, set moods and paint sonic landscapes?

Your Local Arena: Hair – Film screening and panel talk

Sat 25 Nov | 12.15pm | Summerhall

Delve into the BBC archives in this screening of pioneering film Hair. After the screening Hannah McGill, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Khadijah Ibrahiim and Joanna Bourke will discuss all things follicle, and poet Francesca Beard will read a new poem inspired by the film.

Double Bill: Kim Moore & Iona Lee

Sat 25 Nov | 1pm | Summerhall

A double bill of poems and lyrical essays written defiantly through the female gaze. In All The Men I Never Married, Kim Moore reckons with the harms and coercions of being female in a male-dominant world. Iona Lee’s debut collection Anamnesis charts a descent into adulthood, exploring truth and tale-telling, art and artifice. BSL Interpreted.

Poetry for the Many with Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey

Sat 25 Nov | 2.15pm | Summerhall

As well as a shared belief in a fairer, more equal Britain, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and trade unionist Len McCluskey share a love of poetry. In this special event, they share poems from their new co-edited anthology Poetry for the Many and talk about why poetry is for everyone. BSL Interpreted.

Dizraeli: Animal Noises

Sat 25 Nov | 5pm | Summerhall

Rapper, songwriter and raconteur Dizraeli brings his new book Animal Noises to the Push the Boat Out stage. A searingly honest look at human creation, he confronts the messiness of fatherhood, sex and the end of the world. Expect ferociously sharp lyricism and a sense of the absurd. BSL Interpreted.

Cocktail Hour with Joelle Taylor

Sat 25 Nov | 6pm | Summerhall

We can’t think of better company for a cocktail than the legendary Joelle Taylor. As our Ruma mixologists shake a heady mix of delectable drinks, Joelle will offer up some stirring words to accompany each sip. Ticket price covers the cocktails (and poetry) at this workshop.

Poetry Jam with Leyla Josephine and band

Sat 25 Nov | 7pm | Summerhall

Want to try out your poetry in conversation with music? This event – part open mic, part jam session – gives you the opportunity to do just that. Bring a poem to share, liaise with the band about mood, rhythm and tempo, and then give it a go. Come to listen or perform.

Hamish Hawk Solo Show

Sat 25 Nov | 7.30pm | Summerhall

Hamish Hawk’s rich, poetic imagery, storytelling songs and velvety vocals have invited comparisons to Scott Walker, Jarvis Cocker and Ivor Cutler, so we’re thrilled to welcome this rising start of the UK music scene to close our Saturday night with a solo evening of lyrical enchantment. Support from Iona Zajac.

Rishi Dastidar: Walking with Neptune

Sun 26 Nov | 10am | Meet at Portobello Bookshop, 46 Portobello High Street EH15 1DAP

Poet Rishi Dastidar has spent a lot of time with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. Join them for a Sunday morning stroll along the beach, where they will try and answer questions about waves, the apocalypse, and much, much more.

Song Exploder

Sun 26 Nov | 4pm | Summerhall

Understand the craft behind the bars in this panel with some of Scotland’s foremost rap and hip hop artists. Bemz, Queen of Harps and Dave Hook lift the lid on their lyrics, telling the backstory to their songs and explaining their process. Chaired by Arusa Qureshi. In association The Skinny

Seeds: New Poetic Performances

Sun 26 Nov | 5pm |Summerhall

Three new poetry-led performance pieces, commissioned by Push The Boat Out in association with National Theatre of Scotland. Featuring Imogen Stirling and Susan Bear’s drum & bass/ spoken word piece inspired by the myth of Persephone; Ross McCleary’s AI-era reinvention of the Biblical tale of Legion; and an ecopoetic collaboration between poet Alycia Pirmohamed & choreographer Gwynne Bilski, these pieces are all breaking new ground. BSL interpreted. This event will be live-streamed free of charge.

BELONGING: A Quines Cast Special

Sun 26 Nov | 6.15pm | Summerhall

Hannah Lavery and Caitlin Skinner host a one-off, live special of Quines Cast, the hugely successful Stellar Quines podcast. The theme is BELONGING, with poetry from RJ Hunter and an extract from a new work in progress by Hannah Lavery. Live music from a special guest. Come and find your place.

Inua Ellams: Search Party

Sun 26 Nov | 7.30pm | Summerhall

Inua Ellams – playwright, performer, poet, MBE, Nigerian-British wunderkind and polymathic award-winner – wants you to throw words at him. No, really. Welcome to Search Party, a magical, anarchic evening of reactive poetry created from his archive around whatever the audience suggests. Fresh from uproarious successes in London and NYC, Search Party is chaotic, exciting and always completely unique.

PICTURES: Neil Hanna

NHS Job Information Sessions at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Join us for the NHS Facilities Information Event, where you can meet some of the hiring managers from various departments.

The event will be held on Wednesday 6 December 2023 and is your chance to discover a range of roles available within NHS Facilities.

We look forward to seeing you there. Please note you must have tickets for the event as we are limited to how many people we can accommodate at each session.

You can book your place here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/763393429297…

Holyrood Committee visits Leith in search of circular economy innovation

Members of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee have visited Leith based businesses and social enterprises to learn more about the different ways in which businesses are evolving and adapting to help accelerate Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.

The visits form part of the Committee’s scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy Bill, as Parliament seeks to make sure the Bill encourages a new approach to the use and consumption of materials in a way that will ultimately help Scotland achieve it net zero goals.

Committee Members, Deputy Convener Ben Macpherson MSP (delegation lead) and Douglas Lumsden MSP began the visit at local refill shop WeighToGo, where Members looked back to a time before single use plastics and saw a simple and convenient solution to sustainable living.

Members then continued their research at the Edinburgh Remakery – a social enterprise which encourages regenerative practises linked to upcycling and the reuse of products. The visit ended at the Edinburgh Tool Library which offers the public access to all sorts of tools by promoting a ‘why buy when you can share’ ethos.

Following the visit Deputy Convener Ben Macpherson MSP, said: “Throughout our scrutiny of this Bill, we’re keen to understand each stage of the waste hierarchy – and what’s preventing reusing, recycling and recovering products and materials.

“It was great to hear more about the environmental benefits these organisations in Leith have generated, by offering more sustainable products and services for consumers. They’ve also helped social cohesion by bringing people together to share ideas and lived experiences, as well as learn new skills.”

“We want this Bill to support and drive change to reduce waste. Our thanks to all the hosting organisations for the invaluable insights they have shared.”

The Committee has also issued the video as a tweet – https://twitter.com/SP_NetZero/status/1726899661078716688

The Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 13 June 2023. More information on the Bill can be found here.

Chancellor urged to prioritise public services over tax cuts

DFM calls for Autumn Statement funding to support key missions

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must deliver more funding for public services, net zero and cost of living support instead of cutting taxes, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has urged.

Ahead of the Scottish Budget next month, the Deputy First Minister called for the Chancellor to provide a funding settlement to support the Scottish Government’s key missions of equality, opportunity and community.

Ms Robison, who is also Finance Secretary, is urging the Chancellor to:

increase the Scottish Government’s capital budget in line with inflation to help deliver vital infrastructure
deliver additional funding across the UK to fund public services and fair public sector pay awards
commit to increasing working-age benefits in line with inflation next year
legislate for an essentials guarantee giving basic necessities to those who need them most
prioritise investment in net zero, including funding for offshore wind projects in Scotland

The Deputy First Minister said: “The UK faces a combination of low growth and high interest rates. The Autumn Statement must learn the lessons from last year’s ‘mini budget’ – it must not compound these problems with ill-timed tax breaks which would place even greater pressure on the public finances.

“The Scottish Government is using the levers available to us to support people through this difficult time. However, it is important that the UK Government uses its full range of reserved powers to address these challenges. With many families continuing to struggle with the cost of living, the Chancellor must not use this statement to cut benefits.

“The Autumn Statement provides an important opportunity for the UK Government to support us to deliver the investment and services that Scotland needs, to demonstrate its commitment to net zero, and to help people and businesses with the economic challenges they face.”

Aye, I’m sure Jeremy Hunt will be hanging on to her every word! -Ed.

Package of support following Storm Babet

Additional Scottish Government funding to aid recovery efforts

Hundreds of households and businesses affected by the impact of Storm Babet will benefit from additional funding from the Scottish Government to help with recovery.

Impacted local authorities will be allocated additional funding to enable them to provide flat rate grants of:

£1,500 to people whose properties were most affected by flooding related to Storm Babet
£3,000 grants to businesses where there is evidence that ability to trade was severely impacted by flooding related to Storm Babet

This exceptional additional funding was discussed and agreed during the first formal meeting of the Storm Babet Ministerial Taskforce held today. Grants will be administered by local authorities; further information on when and how to access will be made available in due course.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Màiri McAllan said: “Storm Babet was a highly unusual weather event with severe impacts, and communities continue to suffer. Our thoughts are with all those dealing with the aftermath. We have been clear that Scotland’s response to and recovery from Storm Babet would be collaborative endeavour.

“That’s why we have been working with local authorities and those directly affected by the severe impact of Storm Babet to determine where the Scottish Government can provide additional support to local partners.

“Given the unprecedented scale of damage and impact caused by Storm Babet we have concluded that additional funding is required to support households and businesses.

“This is in addition to our long-standing annual funding of £42 million and the additional £150 million for flood risk management and £12 million for coastal change adaptation over the course of this parliament, and sits alongside the Bellwin Scheme, Scottish Welfare Fund, and additional funds to farming businesses and organisations. Our Taskforce will continue to oversee these matters and support local partners.

Leader of Angus Council, Cllr Beth Whiteside said: “We welcome these discussions with Ministers and have the reassurance that they are fully aware of the scale of impact across Angus.

“Recovery will be a lengthy process as we support people and communities to rebuild their lives and businesses from the unprecedented flooding and we will need ongoing support for years to come to rebuild our infrastructure and take action to protect Angus from such devastating flooding in the future.”

Work to assess and identify the damage caused by the exceptional level of rain caused by Storm Babet has been ongoing in partnership between local and national government.

Existing support which can be accessed as a result of adverse weather events includes:

Council Tax relief for up to 12 months for homes which are uninhabitable and discretionary Hardship Relief for non-domestic rates for businesses where the applicant would sustain financial difficulty without it
the Scottish Welfare Fund which exists to help people in Scotland on low incomes through crisis grants and community care grants, with £41 million invested into the scheme for 2023/24 and an average award of £715 for community care grants and £113 for crisis grants

The Bellwin Scheme has been activated; however, given the scale of damage endured Scottish Ministers have today agreed an extension period of eligible costs from two months from the date of the incident, to four months from the date of the incident, to further support local authorities with the cost of recovery.

The Scottish Government has already pledged support for the repair of damaged flood banks, in addition to providing an additional £50,000 to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) to help bolster the charity’s Flooding Crisis Fund supporting those affected by recent adverse weather in the agricultural sector.

Rail industry creates immersive VR film to show passengers how they can help to combat sexual harassment

Immersive VR experience, designed to empower bystanders to recognise and help combat sexual harassment on the railway, on show today at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Demonstrating how a small action could make a big difference is important – 85% of women would feel relieved if someone intervened when experiencing sexual harassment on public transport.
This is the latest in a series of nationwide events aimed at providing advice and tips on how bystanders can safely intervene and report a situation before police or rail staff are able to get involved.

As part of the rail industry and British Transport Police’s continued commitment to make sure every passenger feels safe when travelling by train, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is coming to Edinburgh today – Thursday 16th November.

The event is aimed at tackling all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how these situations occur for passengers and empower them to intervene safely and report perpetrators.

Sexual harassment is a real and far-reaching issue in society with seven in ten (71%) women in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, the latest survey commissioned by UN Women UK finds.

The short VR film shows how small actions, such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or distracting the perpetrator with a question, can prevent further escalation in the moment.

Following a successful initial launch of this innovative VR film earlier this year at London Waterloo station, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) together with British Transport Police (BTP) and local train operators are inviting people in Edinburgh to try the immersive VR experience in their local station.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group said: “As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.

“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we’re to equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm’s way.

“Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.

“Passengers using Britain’s railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “Everyone has the right to go about their day in peace without fear of harassment or abuse. ScotRail works very closely with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that Scotland’s Railway is a safe environment for our customers and our staff.

“To assist us in tackling unacceptable behaviour, it’s important for anyone who witnesses it to report those responsible so that they can be brought to justice. This VR experience plays an important role in helping bystanders identify inappropriate behaviour when it takes place.”

Further events will be held in various cities in Great Britain over the coming weeks and months.

How to report

By reporting all incidents that occur, bystanders can help British Transport Police to identify perpetrators and reduce potential harm for others in the future.

To report an incident, contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always call 999.

To watch the full VR film, visit the National Rail YouTube channel here.

Police: Attacks on buses

POLICE have recently received a number of reports of youths throwing objects at buses in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh. This behaviour is extremely dangerous and has the potential to cause serious injury.

Lothian Buses provide an essential public service. Removing damaged buses from service and diverting public transport from the area has a negative impact on the local community.

Police Scotland will continue to work in partnership with Lothian Buses to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and identify those responsible.

If you see or know of anyone engaging in this reckless behaviour, please contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal following fatal crash on Gorgie Road

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal crash on Gorgie Road yesterday (Tuesday 14 November 2023).

The incident took place around 1.05pm, involving an HGV and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 62-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man who died.

“We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident and would appeal to anyone who was in the Gorgie Road or Calder Road area around the time of the crash to please come forward.

“If you have any information, or potential dashcam footage, which could assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 1457 of 14 November.”

Festive Wreath Workshop at Starbank Park

3rd DECEMBER from 10.30am – 12.00pm

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas!!

This is our Christmas fundraiser for Starbank Park this year.

Limited places for our Festive Wreath workshop.