Tag: events

Still time to sign up for October Challenge

Hundreds of participants from around the world have signed up for the Great Scottish October Challenge.

We would like to wish all our October Challengers best wishes as they set out on their chosen events over the next month. Here are just a few of our overseas October Challengers.

Ross from Australia, Clare from Canada, Louise from Denmark,Heinz from Switzerland, Petra from Germany, Tracy from New Zealand, Svein-Erik from Norway, Victor from Kenya, Valtine from Romania, Janice from USA, Emilie from France, Aline from Ireland.

To all those who have not joined it’s still not too late to take up the challenge:

www.greatscottishevents.net

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Today, the nation will join together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The special day will evoke memories of the jubilant scenes on the streets as Britons cast off the shackles of war – but the service and sacrifice of the WW2 generation will not be forgotten.

At 11am there will be a national two-minute silence, which will also honour those so devastatingly affected by the coronavirus crisis, and DBS staff are invited to participate from their homes. There is no right or wrong way to take part – some may wish to stand at their windows, step outside while remaining socially distanced, watch the broadcast on TV or simply sit in quiet reflection.

Whilst the UK is unable to celebrate this day as originally planned, it is important that we do everything we can to virtually mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May.

You can tune into TV coverage on the day to pay tribute and respect to the Second World War Generation. There will be various dedicated shows across radio stations and TV channels.

Timeline of events

What’s on …

Just because we can’t all be together right now, doesn’t mean we can’t all be involved. There is something for everyone to try whilst you’re at home…

Looking for some home-schooling inspiration? Look no further…with teaching remembrance with the British Legion

Have your VE Day plans been cancelled? Not to worry…

Join the RBL for a VE Day Singalong

Why not get involved on Twitter with the hashtag #ThisIsYourVictory to share with us what you’re doing to spend VE Day at home.

Lord Provost: “Like the VE Day generation, hope for better days to come”

Lord Provost Frank Ross writes about alternative ways to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day:

This Friday, 8th May, marks 75 years since the guns fell silent and the Second World War in Europe came to an end. 

Our original plans were for the city to come together to mark this important anniversary with a series of events in the Capital. More than 100 Second World War veterans were due to take centre stage in West Princes Street Gardens as the whole country paused to remember the generation who sacrificed so much on a special bank holiday Friday.

Unfortunately, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of these events but I believe it remains important to remember the sacrifice, courage and determination shown during World War Two and do what we can to mark the important anniversary.

As we remember and pay tribute to the struggles the war time generation faced, we’re experiencing an uncertain and difficult time ourselves. As we honour VE Day we can look to that generation and learn from their resilience, determination and hope for better days to come.

While we can’t have street parties and celebrations in pubs, or services in churches, as with many other areas of our lives, we can join in virtually. 

On Friday (8th May) from just before 11am there will be a virtual service of remembrance which will be broadcast live on the Legion Scotland Facebook page.

The service will be followed at midday by a virtual tribute concert, featuring performances from several of the groups who had been lined up for the Princes Street Gardens concert.

Poppyscotland have a range of online and virtual activities that you can get involved in including learning resources for young ones to a guide to hosting your own “virtual” VE Day party.

Whilst of course it is disappointing that the events have been cancelled, we are all playing our part by remaining indoors and I hope everyone takes a moment to remember those who fought for us. I will be joining the nations toast at 3pm and then we all have the chance to join a national singalong of Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again.” as part of the BBC 1 programming. Surely to be very emotional.

It’s been a tremendous effort to rearrange how we can celebrate the day and I want to thank Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland.

We must all remember the struggles people went through during the second world war and let us use their resilience and determination as inspiration to carry everyone through the difficult period we’re facing during the pandemic.

As always, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been touched by the Coronavirus. Let’s do what we can (safely) in these challenging times to mark this significant occasion.

National commemorative events – 8th May

11am    Two-minute silence for a national moment of remembrance
2.45pm   Commemorative programme on BBC One
3pm   Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2
8pm   Commemorative programme on BBC One.
9pm   Her Majesty The Queen will send a message to the nation on BBC One, at 9pm, the same time her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945. Followed by a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’.

This first appeared in the Evening News on Wednesday.

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Edinburgh Science Festival: Making Science Sociable

Making Science Sociable

Edinburgh Science Festival isn’t just for kids! We’ve rounded up the best events in this year’s programme that would make for a fun day or night out with friends and leave you enlightened and entertained.

Whether you’re into coding, comedy or cocktails, we’ve got something for everyone this April …

Dynamic Earth After Dark

Saturday 4 April
7:30pm | 3 hours

£12/£10

Ages 14+

Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth

Prepare for jaw-dropping beauty and stellar entertainment under the shadow of Gaia by Luke Jerram. This scale version of our home planet offers a unique opportunity to view Earth as it’s seen from space while you enjoy explosive science demonstrations that showcase the incredible power of the elements – earth, air, fire and water. Experience Dynamic Earth after dark and celebrate with a special themed cocktail, elementary face painting and preview fun, interactive activities before anyone else.

Dome Nights

Sunday 5, Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Monday 13, Friday 17 and Sunday 19 April
6pm | Durations vary

Prices vary

Ages 8+

ShowDome, Dynamic Earth

Marvel each night at an unforgettable selection of films in Dynamic Earth’s newly upgraded 6K 360° dome cinema. Screenings include awe-inspiring solar system visuals in Gustav Holst’s Planets 360, films inspired by the music of Pink Floyd and a selection of shows from Dynamic Earth’s daytime collection. Take the chance to view Luke Jerram’s stunning Planet Earth art installation, Gaia, before or after an evening of movie magic.

Wildcats and Whisky

Friday 10 April
7pm | 2 hours

£30

Ages 18+

Holyrood Distillery

Join us for a dram or two of Scotland’s most iconic drink as we tell you the story of one of the country’s most famous animals. Hear Edinburgh Zoo’s wildcat expert discuss the history of wildcats in Scotland and reveal the exciting next chapter in the battle to save our last native cat species. This night out with a twist is full of feline fun that you won’t want to miss. Over 18s only.

Stranger Than Fiction: Panel Game

Monday 13 April
7.30pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Upper Hall, Pleasance

A panel game with a difference – the panel vs you! The Festival’s most popular lie-busting show is back with an elementary theme as a motley team of non-fiction writers will try to pull the wool over your eyes by sneaking some surprising facts hidden amongst ridiculous fiction and persistent science myth. Each round has a different flavour ranging from short themed talks to quickfire truth-or-fiction. Get ready to make some noise.

Cyber Zone

Monday 13 — Sunday 19 April
Times vary, see individual listings

Prices vary, see individual listings

All Ages

Salisbury Building, Pleasance

Discovering the digital world has never been so cool. We’re introducing our very first, immersive Cyber Zone packed with events covering technology, computing, programming and artificial intelligence (AI) for children and adults

Cyber Zone events include Hack Your Own Self-Driving Car, Enter the Multiverse: Crafting Immersive Stories in VR, App Factory For Grown Ups, Artificial Intelligence For Grown Ups, Interactive Digital Storytelling For Grown Ups, Create A Virtual Reality World​For Grown Ups and Coding For Grown Ups

Islands of Love: The Science of Reality Romance

Tuesday 14 April
8pm | 90 mins

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 14+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Don’t be muggy, come along and dissect an absolute bev of a brain and uncover the personalities that are most likely to couple up – especially if it’s all seen on TV. Dr Raj Persaud explores the scientific theory behind our favourite summer lovefest. What kind of personality type is best for you and do they ever end up on a TV programme like Love Island? How can you improve your ability to spot different personality types? Come along and take part in our fun science experiment where you judge each character and we’ll tell you if you were right.

The Science of Poetry

Wednesday 15 April
7.30pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pentland Room, Pleasance

Find your inner poet and discover how you can help raise awareness of the biggest global environmental challenges. Join Prof Patrick Corbett from Heriot-Watt University and Scottish poet Dr Colin Will for a discussion on the use of poetry in science communication with a focus on the Earth sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to test your poetic skills through writing your own poem which geological specimens, from the British Geological Society, will provide inspiration for. 

Jukebox Bingo: Science Up Your Life!

Wednesday 15 April
8pm | 90mins

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Lay down your labcoats, dust off your party threads and take a firm hold of your dobbers as the Festival gets glittery with a special science-flavoured edition of Edinburgh’s musical quiz sensation. Jukebox Bingo is a 2020 twist on the beloved pastime of the nannas of the nation, testing your recall of scientifically-inspired chart classics from across the decades. Match the tracks on the decks to the artists on your bingo card to win some truly questionable prizes. Featuring sideshow shenanigans aplenty, this is a night out not to be missed. 

Ugly Animal Preservation Society

Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Stand-up comedy with a conservation twist. Enjoy an evening dedicated to raising the profile of some of Mother Nature’s more aesthetically challenged children. The panda gets too much attention and the ugly blobfish was made famous by the internet, so now the Ugly Animal Preservation Society move their attention to EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered). Sit back and laugh as comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley join science communicator Hana Ayoob to take you through the world’s weirdest and most wonderful critters. 

What’s So Funny?

Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Why do we laugh and when do people laugh the most? Pioneering researcher into the science of laughter, professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, Prof Sophie Scott, will take you on a journey to discover all of this and more. A scientist studying laughter – it’s funnier than you might think! 

An Evening with Gaia

Thursday 16 April
7pm | 3 hours

£15/£12

Ages 18+

Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth

To honour the 30th anniversary of the now iconic pale blue dot image, join us for an evening packed with science talks, live music, poetry, and hands-on activities, all in the shadow of the incredible Gaia at Dynamic Earth. View our beautiful blue marble as it’s seen from space and delight in the evening’s entertainment. The evening’s lineup includes satellite expert Dr Murray Collins, Glasgow-based musician Nicolette Macleod, mythologist Dr Christine Plastow, geologist Dr Roger Musson, poets Hannah Lavery and Leyla Josephine, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, and will be hosted by comedian Susan Morrison. 

Univer-Silly Challenged

Thursday 16 April
8pm | 90 mins

£12/£10/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Are you ready to have your geek-card challenged? Join comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley, along with some special guests, for an anarchic comedy gameshow turned pub quiz that lets you embrace your inner nerd. Win points in wacky rounds, to give your team the advantage in a fiendish final challenge for chance to become the Challenged Champions and go home with a niche prize. Turn up with a team or join in with some random punters you meet on the night. 

European Stone Stacking Championships

Friday 17 — Sunday 19 April
11am—4pm | Drop-in

£10 to participate/Free to watch

All Ages

Dunbar Beach, Eye Cave Beach

Rounding off the Science Festival’s contribution to Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, the European Stone Stacking Championships returns for the fourth Year.

Stone stacking takes materials found in nature and works with Earth’s gravity to create sculptural towers, archways and other awe-inspiring structures from rocks and stones. Transient in nature – at the mercy of the elements, tides and time – these wonderful land-art creations merge artistic skill and the laws of physics to amazing effect.

With competitions, demonstrations and workshops across the weekend, be amazed by what the professionals can create and try it for yourself!

Cheeseology

Friday 17 April
6pm and 8.30pm | 90 mins

£15 Includes samples

Ages 12+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

Cheeseology returns! Exploring the science behind cheesemaking and ripening, dairy technologist Paul Thomas and journalist and cheese expert Patrick McGuigan are ready to take you on a cheesy journey through some of Europe’s finest exports. Cheeseology combines a tutored tasting with an exploration of cheesemaker practices and physicochemical parameters which influence texture and flavour development. 

Queer by Nature

Saturday 18 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

What do penguins, lizards, sheep and humans all have in common? They all engage in homosexual behaviour. A bisexual woman armed with a biochemistry degree and committed to investigating the science behind her identity, comedian Florence Schechter takes us on a hilarious and thought-provoking tour of LGBTQ+ behaviour in animals and the evolutionary benefits of being queer. Expect laughs, single innuendos and a whole load of fun, sexy, science facts. Please note this event includes some graphic descriptions of a sexual nature. 

Coasts and Cocktails

Saturday 18 April
8pm | 90 mins

£20/£18 includes drinks

Ages 18+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

Scotland has over 10,000 miles of coastline and a huge population that lives and works beside it. It’s time to celebrate our bodies of water with an evening of entertainment featuring poet Janette Ayachi and Neu Reekie’s Michael Pedersen, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, with songs and stories from host Nicolette Macleod. Close out the final Saturday of the 2020 Science Festival in style with a couple of complimentary sea-themed cocktails to make you feel less like a fish out of water!

10,000 Decisions

Sunday 19 April
8pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Good or bad, our decisions make us who we are. American comedian Robyn Perkins brings her Sydney Fringe Comedy award-winning show to the Edinburgh Science Festival! 10,000 Decisions uses a series of hilarious personal anecdotes, family stories and neuroscience to come up with a well thought out decision for one anonymous audience member. It’s quirky, thought-provoking and fun, laced with intriguing science.

Whisky and Water

Sunday 19 April
8pm | 90 mins

£20/£18 includes samples

Ages 18+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

It is one of the world’s most loved spirits, with a history stretching back as far as we can remember, but what makes Scottish whisky so great might surprise you. Our expert panel will guide you through the symbiotic relationship between Scotland’s most famous drink and the environment in which it is made.

Join us for a tipple provided by Isle of Arran Distillers and find out why the whisky industry just might be as important to Scottish water as Scottish water is to whisky. Snacks and samples are provided.

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

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Ama-zing Harmonies returns tomorrow

Our young people’s Transition to Confidence Workshop for this month is on Monday 24th February.

Topic: Young People’s confidence boosters

Venue: West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Time: 5-6pm

Free and fun packed full activities For Ages 9 and above. Spaces available!

Our choir group also resumes for the year on Monday 24th February.

Our singing club offers refreshing music, dance and food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Come and join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 6 – 7pm tomorrow and every last Monday of the month.

See you there!

110 – Hermie Now and Then

Hello,

Please find attached a poster and link to our online plea for past Hermitage Park Pupils to share stories with us.

As you know, this is part of our ‘110 – Hermie Now and Then: an intergenerational story told in film, podcast and print’ project with author Dan Gray.

The completed ‘110- Hermie now and then” short film will be screened at our community ceildhi event on 24th April.

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Warm regards,

Lisa Black

Lisa Black | Depute Head Teacher (PEF)

Hermitage Park Primary School | Hermitage Park, EH6 8HD | 0131 554 2952

Bonnie Bairn: Scotland’s largest pregnancy & family fair

Bonnie Bairn, Scotland’s premier Pregnancy & Family Fair is set to take place on Sunday 1st March.

Following the huge success of the 2019 fair, which saw over 1,000 local visitors flood through the doors, the organisers have confirmed that the 2020 event will take place at Edinburgh Corn Exchange and will welcome over 80 exhibitors, making it the largest pregnancy & family fair in Scotland.

Setting it apart from other fairs, Bonnie Bairn focuses on supporting local businesses, crafters and retailers. They aim to keep the event affordable for stallholders and ensure the event not only benefits the local community, but also gives a welcoming atmosphere for expecting parents and local families from Edinburgh and beyond.

Bonnie Bairn will also offer a series of taster sessions from participating businesses, which will allow visitors to take part in half hour condensed versions of the brand experience; these will include talks and workshops scheduled throughout the day, where services providers can explain what they offer or provide free advice.

Deby Rainnie, Founder of Bonnie Bairn said: “Pregnancy is such a wonderful time and should be celebrated.

“The early years of parenthood can often be overwhelming and with so many amazing classes and support groups available it can be a little daunting to know which ones to go with.

“Our fairs are designed to be an excellent opportunity for visitors to meet the people behind the businesses, trial the classes and engage in a wide range of informative talks.” 

Bonnie Bairns is all about bringing together the best local experts, activity providers and businesses supporting families from pregnancy to preschool. Their mission is to educate and inform parents and parents-to-be about all of the great local and online businesses that are available to them.

Deby continued: “We want to support parents and parents-to-be, across Scotland, sharing everything that is wonderful about raising a family here.

“Many of our retailers are local businesses, selling beautiful products that are often only available online, so this is also a wonderful chance for them to showcase their products.” 

2020 stall holders confirmed include Baby Sensory, Diana Baker Photography, Edinburgh Baby Co, A-Fotografy, Bumblebee Sports, Mum Me, Sweaty Mama, Water Babies, John Lewis, Positive Birth Scotland, Sleep Safe Scotland, Playroom by Little Lunches and Yummikeys.

For a full list of companies participating visit https://www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk/visit

​Advanced tickets for the event can be purchased online for £6.00 per person. Under 16’s can attend for free and do not require a ticket.

Every ticket purchased will also count as one entry into the Epic Prize Draw, which will be drawn on the day of the event.

For more information visit https://www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk/

Follow Bonnie Bairn on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A free premium goody bag will be given to the first 250 families who arrive on the day. These are packed full or goodies, samples and local discounts.