SCO music workshops at North Edinburgh Arts

Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Music Workshops

North Edinburgh Arts
Friday 30 January

5 – 9 years (2 – 2.45pm)
1 – 4 years (3 – 3.45pm)

Free

Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants

When King Colin’s golden underpants go missing and the royal bottom is bared, it’s Sir Scallywag to the rescue! Brave and bold, courageous and true, he’s the perfect knight for the job… and what does it matter that he’s only six?!

Join the SCO team for an afternoon of music making. Hear the story and learn songs and actions featured in the SCO’s upcoming Family Concerts with the help of the workshop leader and SCO musicians.

All children must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

A snack will be provided after each workshop.

Places are limited. The workshops will run from North Edinburgh Arts, but to book tickets contact SCO directly:

Telephone: 0131 478 8342
Email: anna.hainsworth@sco.org.uk
or on their website: www.sco.org.uk

New Year, new coach-led adult swim sessions

Scottish Swimming announces the 2015 Adult Swim Series

These events are for adult swimmers who would like to take part in coached sessions in a 50-metre pool. The events are open to all and will be fun and informative. and follow on from the successful Come and Try Open Water Swimming event held in June last year.

The Adult Swim Series has been devised following research on swimming paricipation and questionnaires completed by adult swimmers in late 2014 about what gets them motivated to go to the pool and what would make their swimming session more meaningful.

Results of the survey suggest that there is a big demand for coach led swimming sessions, with 90 per cent of surveyed adults either likely or very likely to attend such sessions in the future. The main drive for adults to attend is to improve their swimming, train for an open water, Masters swimming or triathlon event, or simply to get fitter and meet friends at the pool.

The benefits of swimming are wider than the actual health benefits, as one past participant put it:

“The health benefits I can see with swimming here is that it brings people together from any background, so that’s like elderly who are not working anymore, people who are working, or students like myself. It’s creating a routine that keeps people healthy – that is in a physical sense, but also in a mental health sense, because it’s motivating.”

The social aspect is especially important for people that have attended sessions already. For one past participant It was more motivating than trying to work on their own, while another one said “it was good fun, enjoyable yet educational and improved my swimming and my motivation following the session.”

The Swim Series starts in Edinburgh this Saturday with sessions in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Stirling to follow over the coming months:

Saturday 17th January (A few places still available)
Edinburgh 5.30pm-7.30pm Royal Commonwealth Pool

Sunday 22nd February
Aberdeen 10am-12noon Aberdeen Sports Village

Saturday 21st March
Glasgow 2pm-4pm Tollcross International Swimming Centre

Saturday 11th April (Intermediate and Masterclass only)
Stirling 10am – 12pm National Swimming Academy, Stirling University

Sunday 31st May
Open Water Style Session
Stirling 3.30pm-5.30pm National Swimming Academy, Stirling University

There are different session types available depending on your swimming ability and level of fitness:

Skills and Drills: Beginners: This session will cater for the competent swimmer who would like to focus on their technique and perhaps work on one of their weaker strokes. This session would be ideal for those wishing to improve their front crawl breathing or to learn how to get more out of their swimming sessions by using coaching equipment.

Skills and Drills: Intermediate: This session is for the competent swimmer who would like to improve their technique and fitness through learning new skills and drills. This class will be suitable for an able recreational swimmer or perhaps a triathlete or individual hoping to take part in a participation event.

Masterclass: This session is for the more able swimmer who is perhaps competing or training with a Masters club or group. The session will focus on everything from speed of turns, starts and distance off the wall, to streamlining and core strength building.

All sessions are listed at www.scottishwimming.eventbrite.co.uk.

For more information on adult swimming in your area go to: www.scottishswimming.com/adults

Fun on the Run in 2015

It’s never too late to start your New Year resolutions and this year’s Big Fun Run series gives people of all abilities the chance to kick start a new, active 2015.

Set in 18 of the UK’s most iconic parks from Edinburgh to Brighton, the 5k events are aimed at all members of the family, with entry free for children under 5.

Edinburgh’s 5k Big Fun Run event takes place on

Sunday 11 October in Holyrood Park.

The emphasis is on fun at the charitable events, where over £200,000 was raised for good causes last year. Organiser GSi Events, who also host the Edinburgh Marathon and Bournemouth Marathon say: “Each run has a friendly atmosphere whilst offering an achievable challenge “

Big Fun Run Event Director, Neil Kilgour said: “Tens of thousands of people take part in Big Fun Run every year, it attracts people of all shapes, sizes and ages. No event is timed, it is all about having fun and raising funds for a charity close to your heart.

“It is a great event for all the family and it is not unusual to see grandma, mum and daughter all lining up together at the startline. We also have many people taking part in fancy dress to add to the feel good atmosphere.”

Among those set to enter is Karen Marshall who intends to take part in the Victoria Park event in London on Sunday 1 November. “We are running as a family group for our Mum Annie, who has stage 6 Alzheimer’s, giving the money we raise to the Alzheimer Society.” Karen said.

“We are thinking of bringing her on the run with us in her wheelchair and we’ll all, including Mum be wearing our ‘Running for Annie’ T-shirts.” They also took part in last year’s event at the East London venue.

“We had a fabulous day out,” Karen recalls. “We wanted to try to raise some money for the Alzheimer’s Society – Mum loves being outside so we decided to run 5k with the Big Fun Run as a family group.

“We ran with Mum in her wheelchair and she managed to walk over the finish line herself at about the 40 minute mark to huge cheers from the crowds. Everyone was so helpful and supportive. We couldn’t have wished for a better fund raising day and overall a lovely family day out.”

The Big Fun Run events run from July to November, to see all the venues and to find out how to enter, visit www.bigfunrun.com

‘Mum, I’m bored …’

The October school holidays, it’s raining again – but the kids needn’t be bored. The city council is offering some ideas on how to keep the little dears happy during the holidays:

With the October holidays in full swing, families from Edinburgh and further afield will be looking for fun and inexpensive ways to entertain and spook the kids this Halloween.

From ghoulish arts and crafts workshops at Lauriston Castle and Edinburgh’s Libraries, to spooky storytelling on the Royal Mile, there is something to thrill all members of the family.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “Falling just 10 weeks before Christmas – and not long after the summer break – the need to keep the kids amused during the October holidays can be hard to budget for. But in Edinburgh, families really are spoilt for choice.

“Whether you are looking for a low cost scare factor this Halloween, or visiting one of the city’s attractions for the first time; make sure you check what’s on at Edinburgh’s public libraries, museums, parks and sports facilities to find something to suit.”

Top five things to do at Edinburgh’s public attractions and parks

1) In the city’s haunting Old Town, take a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh which is housed in beautifully restored 16th Century buildings on the Canongate.

This October, the museum will be home to a host of storytelling events, as the 2014 Storytelling Festival kicks off once more. The museum programme features war tales and songs based on Sir Walter Scott, and older children and young adults will also enjoy hearing about gruesome moments from Auld Reekie’s past from Scotland’s Storyteller, Calum Lykan on Sunday 31 October.

2) For even more tall tales, the City’s community libraries will be open for a number of spooky events including a 1950s classic horror double bill of ‘The Fly’ and ‘Invaders from Mars’ at the Drumbrae Library Hub which will also be hosting a 1950s-themed fancy dress competition.

For younger movie fans, pay a visit to the Museum of Childhood, which will be hosting a drop-in craft event on Wednesday 15 October to tie in with Making Movies, the museum’s new exhibition all around movie making. Children can make their own spinning card animations (thaumatropes), and Scottish Screen Archive curator Emily Munro will be on hand to talk about the history of movie-making.

3) But what if the crisp Autumn weather makes you want to get outdoors? After winning a prestigious Entente Florale Gold Award for beautiful green spaces, where better to enjoy time off than by visiting one of Edinburgh’s 140 parks.

Children who aren’t afraid of creepy crawlies will love helping to build B&Bs for beasties at the Hermitage of Braid Local Nature Reserve as it prepares to home insects for the winter on Sunday 19 October. Or why not join in the Great Saughton Park Bear Hunt on Thursday 16 October in the Winter Gardens, where 30 bears will be hidden in the gardens.

4) Take a visit to East Princes Street Gardens and brave breathtaking views of Edinburgh from atop the tallest tribute to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument.

There’s no better time to conquer the 287 steps to the top than this October, which marks 100 years since Sir Walter’s publication of ‘Waverley’. Equally impressive is the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill.

5) The beautiful grounds of Lauriston Castle, laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s, are also well worth a wander – especially if the family wants to get in the mood for Halloween. The Castle will be offering spooky woodland trails, craft classes to create ghoulish globes and window decorations, which can be booked at the Museums and Galleries website.

If you are looking for something crafty to do in the centre of town, an alternative spot is the City Art Centre‘s new ‘ArtSpace’, which allows children to have fun experimenting with different art materials during normal gallery opening times.

There must be something in that little lot to keep the kids amused? Enjoy the holidays!

Family fun and games at Grassmarket

Old Town gets ready to celebrate Playday

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket will be transformed into a giant children’s play area tomorrow as the city to promote play in the city. The historic Old Town street will be transformed, with lots of family-friendly activities on offer including junk drumming, giant weaving, magic potions, a giant sand pit, water play and a cardboard city!

The event hopes to build on the successes of previous years where thousands of people have came along to join in Playday activities.

Playday is the national day for play, which is being celebrated next week. On Playday thousands of children and their families get out to play at hundreds of community events across the UK.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. It’s all about learning for life and showing that play is fun not just for the child but for adults as well.

Councillor Keith Robson is the city council’s ‘Play Champion’. He said: “Play is a massively important part of a child’s development and makes a tremendous contribution to happy and healthy childhoods. Our very popular Playday in the Grassmarket provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate play and promote its many benefits.

“One of our objectives is that we want to ensure that communities recognise the importance of play for children especially outdoor play. Not only are there significant health benefits from being out in the open air, but also exposure to a range of different activities can help a child’s development.

“Here in Edinburgh we’re very lucky to have some fantastic outdoor spaces and I would encourage all parents to get outdoors with their children during these lovely summer months. The great park at west end of Princes Street Gardens has been a family favourite these holidays when friends have been visiting from around the UK.”

Edinburgh’s Playday event will be held in the Grassmarket from 12.30pm – 4.30pm. On offer will be a giant sand pit, water play, magic potions, cardboard city, play pod, mud kitchen, giant weaving, play for babies, junk drumming and much more!

Access is free but children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact

cf.play@edinburgh.gov.uk

There have already been two meetings of the Edinburgh Play Forum which is made up of various community groups, schools and other organisations with an interest in promoting play in the city. The aim is to make Edinburgh a playful city where children can enjoy their childhood.

The Council is currently updating it’s Play Strategy which will be discussed at the Education, Children & Families Committee later in the year.

Additions to West Pilton summer programme

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre have added more activities to their summer programme:

Tuesday 29 July and 5 August

Sports Leadership Course 10-16 year olds

10.00am-1.00pm 50p per child

Gain a certificate to be able to assist in delivering playground games and sessions with younger children in various settings.

Limited spaces and attendance is required on both days.

Friday 8 August

The Generator at the Scottish National Gallery

10.00am-12.00 5-12 year olds £1.40 per child

A crazy Art Lab—What happens when you mix art with music? How do you ‘un-paint’ a picture? What could a sculpture be made of? Simply pick up your artist’s I.D card and begin your journey of discovery!

Limited spaces available

A Consent form is required to be completed and returned to the Centre before the day. Meet at the Centre to leave prompt at 9.30am to catch the bus.

Spaces on all courses must be booked and paid for before the date. For further information contact West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, telephone 551 3194

Be inspired at Craigroyston

Craigroyston Community High School is organising a week of arts activities with a sporting theme later this month.

The Commonwealth Games Summer Arts Programme runs from 21 – 25 July (10am – 4.30pm daily) for young people aged 11- 18.

Murals, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery and dance – all with a Commonwealth Games twist!

For more info or to book your place call 0131 477 7801.

Local churches stage Saturday events

Davidsons Mains Pipe Band will be one of the highlights at St Serf’s Goldenacre Summer Fair this Saturday from 2 – 4pm.

The Capital Concert Band will be performing a 10th Anniversary concert at St Serf’s in the evening too – for tickets for the 7.30pm performance or for more information go to www.capitalconcertband.com

Also on Saturday, there’s a coffee/bring’n’buy event at Granton United Church on Boswall Parkway, again from 2 – 4pm.

Monday 19 May is Time to Play

North Edinburgh Time Bank and Speakeasy are organising a fun afternoon of play activities at Inverleith Park on the Monday 19 May school holiday.

Anyone and everyone welcome – meet at midday at North Edinburgh Arts!