Excellent article on the attemps to close the Gorgie War Memorial Hall. One of the best articles I've seen in the EN or is that because the issue is so clse to my heart? Read it for yourself.

The relaunch of the 'Gorgie Dalry Christmas lights Switch on Ceremony'. After a poor shadow of a ceremony last year I put it to the Community Council that if anything was going to happen this year they would have to organise it now that we have lost the Gorgie Dalry Partnership (funding cut by the Lib. Dem / SNP Administration). They have done a great job however at short notice and it looks like we have the makings of a decent ceremony again this year. For details see below...

Saw an interesting page by Ed Miliband today about an article that the Government has had made about climate change. It hits right at the heart of one of the issues I feel most strongly about. As the effects become ever more clear there is still an increasingly desperate sounding group who persist in ridiculing any attempt to do anything about it.Things like wind farms and solar panels can in my view contribute a significant percentage of the worlds energy needs especially if you consider them being on houses and buildings in addition to the farms themselves. As soon as I decide what is the best configuration I will be putting them on my house. And, yes I do like the look of them ! An Admin. Assistant in the Council once told me she thought they looked like 'hope' and I have never forgotten it. Even if we can't reverse the trends global warming what harm does it do to clean up the atmosphere? It reminds me of the interminable arguments about the link between smoking and cancer. The time for discussion is past, we need action now , and quickly.

Anyway here is what Ed says ....click on the link and watch the advert.

'As part of an effort to raise peoples’ awareness of man-made climate change and what we can all do about it, the government had this advert made.Now, whipped up by the sceptics, nearly six hundred people have complained about it in a bid to get it banned.We need to show that the climate change sceptics are a tiny, if vocal, minority and that action to make the public aware of climate change has real public support.Sign up to Ed Miliband's campaign at EdsPledge.com '

Just seen an interesting message from Hilary Benn .....

'The ban on fox-hunting – that Labour Party members from across the country worked so hard to achieve – is under threat. Yesterday, at a time when our Labour Government is focused on tackling the recession and securing our economic recovery, the Tory spokesman on Animal Welfare re-affirmed that the Tory Party, if elected, would set aside Government time for a vote to repeal the ban. And make no mistake - David Cameron and members of his top team have made it very clear that their intention is to see the return of the cruel spectacle of foxes being torn to pieces in Britain’s countryside. So I need your help. Please sign up now to Back the Ban.We need to make sure that as many people as possible know that a consequence of voting for the Conservatives at the next election will be an end to the ban on fox-hunting with dogs. I’m going to be campaigning alongside animal welfare organisations on this in the coming weeks and months and it will help a lot to know if you’ll support our campaign. Sign up now to pledge your support for my campaign. Once you’ve signed up I’ll be in touch by email next week to let you know exactly how you can help. Together we can make sure that as many people as possible know that a Conservative Government would mean an end to the ban so many people worked so hard to introduce.
Thank you
Hilary Benn '

I have always felt strongly about this one. I don't believe the nonsense that it was a humane way to keep the numbers down. How could being ripped apart by dogs be humane? But the final argument for me is that fox hunting is not banned, you just can't use a real fox! Fox hunting has become more popular since the ban so surely that means killing the fox isn't the important thing. In throwing the javelin for example, which originally came from throwing spears in war, you don't still have to throw it at someone. Why then in Fox Hunting would you still have to use a living fox?

It's that time of year again - time for the ....

'Wasps Artists' Open Studios Weekend 2009
Saturday 3rd October 11am - 5pm
Sunday 4th October 12pm - 5pm '

Of course there are exhibitions from the Highlands to Selkirk in the Borders (where I am from) but I like to go to the local one at -

'West Park Place Studios, Dalry: Regular visitors will know that the artists always put a cafe together in the basement space for the weekend. This year the cafe in the basement exhibition space will be run by Delish Salad and Sandwich bar and will be the perfect place to meet and talk about the work on show. If you can't wait until the weekend, you can visit Delish at 59 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2BS. '

It is well worth a visit and we usually buy something. Prices range from the expensive to the very reasonable. Or just go along to look at the wonderful art works.

See below local activities at the Whale Arts Centre. Quite a variety! 'Let's Dance' is well timed with the return of 'Strictly' to our screens. Bring back Arlene - that's all I'm saying.

Free Workshops for Adult Groups in South-West Edinburgh.
WHALE is delighted to be able to offer the workshops below FREE OF CHARGE to groups in South-West Edinburgh. Workshop times are flexible so can be arranged around the time that your group usually meets and can either take place at your group’s usual venue or the WHALE Arts Centre.


Let’s DANCE
Dancing is a great way to have fun and to keep fit! Let’s DANCE workshops are led by expert tutors who are experienced in working with beginners. A range of dance styles are available including salsa, ballroom and swing! 1 or 2 hour workshops available.


Creating a Character
At heart everyone is an actor and this workshop will enable participants to release their inner drama queen! Aimed at complete beginners this is a fun, interactive workshop involving games and exercises to develop characters and scenes. A chance to play! 1 or 2 hour workshops available.


Film and the G20
This workshop is offered as a partnership between the World Development Movement (WDM) and the Reel Lives Film Club at WHALE. On the 7th of November the G20 (twenty of the richest nations in the world) are sending their Finance Ministers to St. Andrews to decide on their solutions to the global financial crisis. Residents of South-West Edinburgh have a particular interest in this because it is our MP, Alistair Darling, who will be representing the UK at this meeting. This workshop uses film clips to engage groups in discussions about what the G20 is, the effects of its policies and how it can be challenged. 1 hour workshops available.


For further information, to arrange a workshop for your group or to suggest other possible workshops and collaborations please contact Gavin Crichton on 458 3267 or adult@whalearts.co.uk

Further information on our weekly workshop programme for young people and adults can be found at www.whalearts.co.uk

More local activity. See below....

Looks good!

Back to School for me! Due to the fact that I only teach Mon., Tues, & Wed. and in Midlothian the kids only came back on the Thurs. , I didn't have any classes till this week. It was good to see the kids again but it is easy to forget how tiring a full days teaching actually is. It is a bit like being an actor but the performance lasts six hours a day. Not complaining though - love it.

Another date for the diary is the South West Neighbourhood Partnership Meeting. I was centrally involved in the development of these local Committees and I Chair the SW one (just been reappointed for another year). As well as Councillors for the area they have representatives from the Police, Fire, the Voluntary Sector, Health and Community Councils. It is also open to the public and this time (a first for any Neighbourhood Partnership ) we are giving it a theme and splitting into 'surgeries' so you can ask your questions or make your points to the right people. If you live in the South West area and would like to ask a question or make a point on the subject of Community Safety and the Environment please come along. See poster below....