Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Abstract Mythology: new exhibition by blind artist at Water of Leith Cafe

Abstract Mythology

Paintings by Alan McIntyre

Friday 24th August – Friday 28th September 2018.

Where: Water of Leith Cafe Bistro, 1 Howard Street. EH3 5JP.

Open Hours – Tues to Sat. – 09:30 – 17:00, Sunday – 10:00 – 16:00.

Phone Number: 0131 556 6887.

http://thewaterofleithcafebistro.com/

A new art show opens later this month from 24th August 2018 at the Water of Leith Café in Canonmills. Abstract Mythology, is an exhibition of small format highly textured and vibrantly coloured acrylic paintings by Edinburgh blind artist Alan McIntyre. Continue reading Abstract Mythology: new exhibition by blind artist at Water of Leith Cafe

Gilson Gray backs Football Festival to support Musical Therapy for Children

A FOOTBALL festival raising money for a programme of musical therapy for children staying in hospital has received sponsorship support from a top legal firm.  Continue reading Gilson Gray backs Football Festival to support Musical Therapy for Children

Transforming Edinburgh: putting people at the heart of city design

Daisy Narayanan, who is leading the City Centre Transformation project on behalf of the Council during a secondment from Sustrans Scotland, shares her vision for Edinburgh: Continue reading Transforming Edinburgh: putting people at the heart of city design

Summer update from Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Dear Friends Group Members and supporters, 

Rain forced cancellation of Sunday’s volunteer mini-session, water butts filling nicely though!

A sunshine filled July and the start of August has brought many new visitors to the walled garden, enjoying the unique atmosphere and tours led by knowledgeable local historians.

Huge thanks to everyone involved in helping at the garden volunteering their time and energy at this busy time of year to open the garden to visitors.

One of the highlights of July was the volunteer picnic and harvest day with a chance to relax and chat together over a bite to eat. Thankyou to Ashley Erdman for documenting the progress with beautiful photographs Tattie Lifting and Garlic Harvesting (see above)

We hope to have another harvest picnic, weather permitting this Saturday the 18th August from 2-4pm. 

All volunteers welcome to bring along family members, neighbours and friends. Anyone you think would like to come and see the secret garden. Bring something to eat, or share too, some refreshments provided.

Brambles are beginning to swell and ripen, so a container with a lid would be handy if you would like to ‘pick your own’ superfruit!

Samples of our first crops from the kitchen garden like new potatoes, courgettes and garlic are still available for a few weeks, remember to bring a bag to take some home to try.

Volunteer mini-sessions set to continue this August on Wednesdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm,

Lots of harvesting, weeding, seedsowing, mulching, compost making, fire-pit building, bramble picking and perhaps some rustic carpentry… Some extra autumn clearance sessions in the planning with a team called the Dirty Weekenders descending on the garden to help with the community orchard preparation and open up more of the South Terrace, previously unexplored.

A short film from footage of recent visit by filmmakers Written in Film helping to raise awareness and document our progress July at the Garden 

Great that we are able to share our first fresh produce at nearby community venues like North Edinburgh Arts cafe, Granton Community Garden & Fidra Community Kitchen.

Lots happening at Granton’s secret Garden, hope to see you there!

Best,
Kirsty
on behalf of the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Website grantoncastlewalledgarden.word press.com/

Harry Potter spends his birthday at Sick Kids!


On the run up to Harry Potter’s birthday on the 31st of July the Royal Hospital for Sick Children was transformed into The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  It wasn’t magic that caused the metamorphosis, it was the amazing effort, talent and teamwork of the staff and children which made it all come together!

Each ward’s name changed to reflect their magical purpose with ‘Diagnostic Alley’, ‘Haemogoblyn’ and ‘Surgical Snape’ to name a few. Beautiful installations were created to match including huge floating Harry Potter glasses and dragons swooping down from the ceiling. There were always more details to be discovered and enjoyed such as opportunities to free Dobby by decorating a sock.

Throughout the week the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s (ECHC) Arts Programme ran lots of exciting Harry Potter themed activities. Artists used projectors to create immersive environments for flying cars and children and families were invited to take part in classic Hogwarts classes such as Transfiguration class using 3D printing pens. Potter super-fans were also taken on a virtual Potter Trail and learned all the secrets behind the creation of the books.

ECHC also gave out awards to each ward to highlight the team’s talent. ‘Best Name’ went to ‘HuffnCough’, and the ward which split their space into Hogwarts and Diagon Alley won ‘Best Narrative’ by naming each bed space after a different magical shop.

Feedback from staff has been very positive ‘[The week] has been amazing at pulling everyone together and making the hospital look great’ and ‘It has created such a positive buzz around the hospital’.

Harry’s birthday was aptly celebrated with a Magic Show with ECHC’s resident magician, Tricky Ricky.

ECHC would like to thank the staff and children who worked so hard to make the hospital a truly magical place!