Day: April 16, 2015

EPIC! Timebank Temptations shortlisted for award

Can the Timebank Temptations be The People’s Choice?

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North Edinburgh’s Timebank Temptations choir has been shortlisted for a Voluntary Arts EPIC Award. Voting opens on Monday for the UK and Ireland’s largest amateur cultural award.

Run by Voluntary Arts, the Epic Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the amateur cultural sector. Last year’s Epic Award winners included a drumming group who came together for the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, an arts festival in a remote Scottish village, an Irish poetry group that held sessions in their local park and a Welsh knitting project that brought their entire community together – from farmers to ferrymen.

Across the UK and Republic of Ireland over 60,000 voluntary arts groups provide regular opportunities for cultural engagement in their local areas and the Epic Awards shine a spotlight on their achievements.  All voluntary-led arts groups were eligible to apply, and entries this year were encouraged from:

  • groups that formed interesting collaborations;
  • projects that engaged with their local community or beyond;
  • creative activity that inspired others or increased participation;
  • groups that used new ideas in innovative ways.

The Timebank Temptations certainly tick a box or two – and now they need your support.

From Monday 20 April you can visit www.epicawards.co.uk and vote for Timebank Temptations as the People’s Choice!

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Old hat? Tackle Edinburgh’s (nearly) new Vintage Trail!

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be!

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Fans of vintage goods will be able to track down their favourite vinyl, 50s dress and retro food and drink using a new Vintage Trail guide produced by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The guide, which takes you on a trip down memory lane, is packed with over 100 businesses. It includes retailers selling clothes, books, music, food and drink, clubs and markets, and was inspired by the number of high quality vintage outets in Edinburgh.

Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “We’ve kept our definition of vintage as inclusive as possible and all of the entries are individual and unusual. The guide is also well indexed with handy maps to help you get around. It is one of many Council projects to help build stronger town centres and includes some areas out with the city centre.

You can create your own vintage trail whether you are heading for the beach at Portobello and South Queensferry or the hidden gems in Stockbridge, Leith and the Grassmarket.” 

Robert Mullin of The Gently Mad on the trail, said: “The Gently Mad is a father and son business and we are passionate about, if not obsessed with, antiquarian and vintage books and have a particular interest in bookbinding and book restoration.

“Our bookshelves are crammed with hundreds of wonderful volumes specialising in children’s illustrated, natural history, and Scottish interest. Our small working bindery is on view to the public and we are always happy to discuss the traditional processes involved in repairing and making books.

“We are delighted to be included in the Edinburgh Vintage Trail 2015 brochure and hope that its readers will see that Edinburgh as a city has a lot to offer those with an interest in all things vintage.”