I have cleared my desk at PEP, done what I can do at the Council and everything is ready for the summer holidays - hurray. We have booked an apartment in Puerto Banus, hired a car and when we're there hope to spend a couple of days in Cadiz. I have stocked up on books 'Atonement' being top of the list, and am taking the laptop to do some writing - so, along with the joy of preparing fresh local produce to eat and drinking the best rioja - my holiday is all planned. I can't wait.
While we're away my sister and two of her adult children are travelling from London to settle her son in as a Fresher at Edinburgh University and are using our house as their base. He has found a flat but I am warned to expect regular visits for feeding - I have drawn the line at doing his laundry!
So that's it - no more blogs for a while: normal service resumes mid September
Friday 31 August 2007
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Three coins in a fountain
On Friday the Labour Group is throwing a party: what, you might ask, have we got to celebrate after our electoral drubbing in May?
I have to say, that despite the defeat, the labour group is in pretty good heart. Take a look at the divided groups opposite us and you'll see what I mean. Jenny is plainly unable or unwilling to assert her will over the Liberals - to us, it looks like the backbenchers are running the show and their lack of experience shows.
The SNP? I mentioned elsewhere our view that Mr Cardownie isn't making all the running, except maybe running scared now Mr Tymkewycz has time on his hands.
The Tories? Even Iain Whyte looks like he might have his hands full with definite grumbling on show at last week's Council.
What do each of these groups have in common?
Lots of new members all eager to strut their stuff; to show they can't be taken for granted. Politics, you see, is a deadly competitive business and never more so, than when you're in power.
And Labour? Well we've four new councillors, all extremely capable, all been given recognition and a clearly understood agenda that we're going to be the most effective Opposition this Council has seen. We've been handed a couple of open goals lately but it won't always be so... meanwhile we do have a job to do to lay out our stall and we aim to do that too.
So, the party is for fun, a get-together - the theme is 'Roman Holiday' and though, sadly I'm no Audrey Hepburn, and even more sadly there will be no Gregory Peck, we'll enjoy the company, the vino rosso and the pasta and we'll even have a Trevi Fountain to throw our coins into and who knows who'll be wishing for what...
I have to say, that despite the defeat, the labour group is in pretty good heart. Take a look at the divided groups opposite us and you'll see what I mean. Jenny is plainly unable or unwilling to assert her will over the Liberals - to us, it looks like the backbenchers are running the show and their lack of experience shows.
The SNP? I mentioned elsewhere our view that Mr Cardownie isn't making all the running, except maybe running scared now Mr Tymkewycz has time on his hands.
The Tories? Even Iain Whyte looks like he might have his hands full with definite grumbling on show at last week's Council.
What do each of these groups have in common?
Lots of new members all eager to strut their stuff; to show they can't be taken for granted. Politics, you see, is a deadly competitive business and never more so, than when you're in power.
And Labour? Well we've four new councillors, all extremely capable, all been given recognition and a clearly understood agenda that we're going to be the most effective Opposition this Council has seen. We've been handed a couple of open goals lately but it won't always be so... meanwhile we do have a job to do to lay out our stall and we aim to do that too.
So, the party is for fun, a get-together - the theme is 'Roman Holiday' and though, sadly I'm no Audrey Hepburn, and even more sadly there will be no Gregory Peck, we'll enjoy the company, the vino rosso and the pasta and we'll even have a Trevi Fountain to throw our coins into and who knows who'll be wishing for what...
Tuesday 28 August 2007
How to make a hash of it
The first education committee went off pretty much as expected today... though the schools reorganisation programme should now be renamed 'How To Make A Hash Of It.' Today we had the astonishing admission that for some community centres & nurseries in the first round, their promised public consultation would be heard after they'd made their case to the committee: effectively, the committee would have decided their fate before they'd been consulted. You really couldn't make this up.
In fairness to the convenor, as soon as she understood the size of the cock up she backtracked and agreed to change the process but the expression all her colleagues wore told its own story...glum, dejected...wondering how they got into this hell. Not a promising start for the new director or the new convenor.
Oh...and one more thing...at last we wrung an admission out from the Coalition that Labour had no hit list of schools...a glimpse of truth in what so far, has been a defensive, shrill attack by Marilyne.
Elsewhere, a good public meeting last night about the Access Road in West Pilton with unanimity among elected representatives, the community and the land developers that the road should be kept permanently open...now let's see if 4 councillors are better than 1 in persuading city transport & TIE to change their mind.
5 days and counting then I'm away for my summer holiday...yippee!
In fairness to the convenor, as soon as she understood the size of the cock up she backtracked and agreed to change the process but the expression all her colleagues wore told its own story...glum, dejected...wondering how they got into this hell. Not a promising start for the new director or the new convenor.
Oh...and one more thing...at last we wrung an admission out from the Coalition that Labour had no hit list of schools...a glimpse of truth in what so far, has been a defensive, shrill attack by Marilyne.
Elsewhere, a good public meeting last night about the Access Road in West Pilton with unanimity among elected representatives, the community and the land developers that the road should be kept permanently open...now let's see if 4 councillors are better than 1 in persuading city transport & TIE to change their mind.
5 days and counting then I'm away for my summer holiday...yippee!
Monday 27 August 2007
A humble u-turn & an honesty box
I see the Lib/Dem/SNP Coalition has performed a humble budget u-turn already: surpise, suprise...it's to do with councillors' soup and sandwiches. You remember the headlines about scrapping free lunch time facilities for elected members? Well an email went round at the weekend to tell us they're being re-instated at a cost of £1 (roll only) or £1.50 (roll & soup) ...'collection will be by way of an honesty box'.
Now I seldom eat lunch at the Chambers (nearly always down PEP way) but even if I did I wouldn't be too happy with this arrangement. It's all very well trusting us to pay, but councillors who eat lunch while on Council business are expected to produce receipts and claim the cash back. So this arrangement neatly bypasses the established system - another example of the Coalition making it up as they go. Maybe we could have an honesty box for collecting our Council tax too - now that would really be a first!
Now I seldom eat lunch at the Chambers (nearly always down PEP way) but even if I did I wouldn't be too happy with this arrangement. It's all very well trusting us to pay, but councillors who eat lunch while on Council business are expected to produce receipts and claim the cash back. So this arrangement neatly bypasses the established system - another example of the Coalition making it up as they go. Maybe we could have an honesty box for collecting our Council tax too - now that would really be a first!
Sunday 26 August 2007
It takes time
The horrible murder of Rhys Jones has shocked the UK.
Here in Granton, guns are not a new phenomenon. I can think of at least 4 incidents in the last 18 months where whole neighbourhoods have been locked down as armed police swarm tenements looking for guns used in local incidents. Everbody, including the police, knew who was responsible; everybody, except the police, was afraid to 'grass' in case they ended up looking down the wrong end of a barrel.
I completely understand local people's fear and I also understand that until someone is prepared to screw up the courage then the hoodlums will prevail. Until you have lived with that kind of fear it is difficult to be judgemental.
Once, for a while I was caught up in the middle of two gangs, fighting it out for supremacy in the area. It was insidious, vicious stuff. The gangs were powerful local families with strong roots in the area, both with a large power base and with many neighbours who regarded them as friends. One would come to make a complaint about the other; then vice versa - meanwhile fearful constituents daily reported anti- social, criminal incidents involving both. Local housing policy was being used as a weapon by the gangs - each trying to get the other out.
They were clever in other ways too- legitimate local concerns about lack of youth provision or the need for new community facilities were an excuse for rowdy, oppressive public meetings, feeding local people's fear that the authorities were not in control, aggrandising their own power. I became a target - one night my car was stoned and I was nearly driven off the road. I don't mind telling you I was terrified. After that, our house was wired with a panic alarm and camera for months- [one morning our dog accidentally set off the panic alarm...within minutes six police officers were banging on the door...reassuringly!]... I was not unique in any way though...
Eventually they imploded and their gun violence led to arrests with one or two being jailed. Of course, they will, in time, return since their families still live here. It remains to be seen whether their return will mean an upsurge in the same behaviour or whether they have changed. I hope so.
Two women, in particular, stick in my mind as having shown the kind of courage needed - one was relocated out of Edinburgh to a safe house, the other sadly died of a long standing illness. Both made a moral stand that eventually helped bring their community back to some kind of normality.
I don't know the circumstances behind the gangs in Liverpool which have led to this tragic murder. I do know, though, that it will take guts on the part of many ordinary people to help make the community safe again. Knee jerk policy won't work: it takes time to build confidence in the authorities; time to show people there is a different way - it takes time to defeat badness.
Here in Granton, guns are not a new phenomenon. I can think of at least 4 incidents in the last 18 months where whole neighbourhoods have been locked down as armed police swarm tenements looking for guns used in local incidents. Everbody, including the police, knew who was responsible; everybody, except the police, was afraid to 'grass' in case they ended up looking down the wrong end of a barrel.
I completely understand local people's fear and I also understand that until someone is prepared to screw up the courage then the hoodlums will prevail. Until you have lived with that kind of fear it is difficult to be judgemental.
Once, for a while I was caught up in the middle of two gangs, fighting it out for supremacy in the area. It was insidious, vicious stuff. The gangs were powerful local families with strong roots in the area, both with a large power base and with many neighbours who regarded them as friends. One would come to make a complaint about the other; then vice versa - meanwhile fearful constituents daily reported anti- social, criminal incidents involving both. Local housing policy was being used as a weapon by the gangs - each trying to get the other out.
They were clever in other ways too- legitimate local concerns about lack of youth provision or the need for new community facilities were an excuse for rowdy, oppressive public meetings, feeding local people's fear that the authorities were not in control, aggrandising their own power. I became a target - one night my car was stoned and I was nearly driven off the road. I don't mind telling you I was terrified. After that, our house was wired with a panic alarm and camera for months- [one morning our dog accidentally set off the panic alarm...within minutes six police officers were banging on the door...reassuringly!]... I was not unique in any way though...
Eventually they imploded and their gun violence led to arrests with one or two being jailed. Of course, they will, in time, return since their families still live here. It remains to be seen whether their return will mean an upsurge in the same behaviour or whether they have changed. I hope so.
Two women, in particular, stick in my mind as having shown the kind of courage needed - one was relocated out of Edinburgh to a safe house, the other sadly died of a long standing illness. Both made a moral stand that eventually helped bring their community back to some kind of normality.
I don't know the circumstances behind the gangs in Liverpool which have led to this tragic murder. I do know, though, that it will take guts on the part of many ordinary people to help make the community safe again. Knee jerk policy won't work: it takes time to build confidence in the authorities; time to show people there is a different way - it takes time to defeat badness.
Saturday 25 August 2007
5 taxi drivers, 4 ministers and 3 policemen
The weekend- thank the Lord. No weddings, no family demands, no constituency obligations - just 48 hours to do as I please. Inevitably it will involve a fit of cleaning - it's either boom or bust chez Maginnis and it's been a while since the furniture has seen a duster or the floors a mop. Husband off to watch the Hibs with elder son and eldest granddaughter and I'm taking my old mum to the pictures - 'Knocked Up' ...nothing too challenging, hopefully funny....
Then tomorrow, the garden: the weeds are springing up again; the forecast is good and I enjoy gardening if I can get some time at it. For a moment I can pretend I have Nature at my mercy.
I wonder at the nature of the new city council: reflect on the fact it at least 5 taxi drivers; 4 ministers; 3 policemen on it...I wonder what you could draw from that? Answers on a postcard please...
Then tomorrow, the garden: the weeds are springing up again; the forecast is good and I enjoy gardening if I can get some time at it. For a moment I can pretend I have Nature at my mercy.
I wonder at the nature of the new city council: reflect on the fact it at least 5 taxi drivers; 4 ministers; 3 policemen on it...I wonder what you could draw from that? Answers on a postcard please...
Friday 24 August 2007
Political instinct and talking to people
Lots of email correspondence from parents and constituents worried about the consequences of the school closure programme. I hope they're not writing to Marilyne and expecting a quick response either. Today, several conversations with people who have written to the chair of Children & Families some weeks ago reveal they haven't yet received anything other than a holding response. Now I now she's been busy trying (unintentionally I'm sure) to bring all hell down on her head but she has a whole swathe of staff who can answer her letters for her...she only has to read and sign them. I suppose once you get in the habit of not wanting to hear opposing voices it becomes infectious.
I was interested yesterday to hear how often the Administration referred to the fact that the hit list was drawn up by experienced officers - now, I've no doubt the new head of children & families is experienced but she doesn't know Edinburgh...she's only been here a couple of minutes! Marilyne is meant to provide the political instinct and acuity: not much sign of that, I'm afraid. But you can't fault her for courage, though.
I was interested yesterday to hear how often the Administration referred to the fact that the hit list was drawn up by experienced officers - now, I've no doubt the new head of children & families is experienced but she doesn't know Edinburgh...she's only been here a couple of minutes! Marilyne is meant to provide the political instinct and acuity: not much sign of that, I'm afraid. But you can't fault her for courage, though.
Keeping the hoi polloi out
An amazing day at Council yesterday: ten hours of drama and serious mistakes by the Lib/Dem Coalition.
Mistake 1 - using the Lord Provost's casting vote to gag Edinburgh citizens - that will come back to haunt them
Mistake 2 - asking a totally inexperienced councillor to second the motion on school closures: he was weak, did not advance the Coalition's argument an iota and, given that not a single one of her front bench 'heavyweights' came in to support her, means Marilyne already looks isolated. At the very least Jenny Dawe should have seconded her
Mistake 3 - using the Lord Provost's casting vote to push through the closure consultation when the Children & Families Committee hasn't even met yet was premature and nervy and means the Council is split down the middle...in Marilyne's shoes I would be worried she couldn't get the Tories to back her
Mistake 4 - The Lord Provost moves to reinstate the robes & the SNP vote with him: hardly the actions of a modern, anti-unionist party when the robes are nothing less and nothing more than a symbol of the unelected power of Briitish Monarch
Mistake 5 - The Lib/Dem Leader says wearing robes would, 'if nothing else separate us (councillors) from the hoi polloi'- you couldn't make it up!!!
So there you have it - the new administration in its true colours - reactionary, elitist and unprepared to listen
Mistake 1 - using the Lord Provost's casting vote to gag Edinburgh citizens - that will come back to haunt them
Mistake 2 - asking a totally inexperienced councillor to second the motion on school closures: he was weak, did not advance the Coalition's argument an iota and, given that not a single one of her front bench 'heavyweights' came in to support her, means Marilyne already looks isolated. At the very least Jenny Dawe should have seconded her
Mistake 3 - using the Lord Provost's casting vote to push through the closure consultation when the Children & Families Committee hasn't even met yet was premature and nervy and means the Council is split down the middle...in Marilyne's shoes I would be worried she couldn't get the Tories to back her
Mistake 4 - The Lord Provost moves to reinstate the robes & the SNP vote with him: hardly the actions of a modern, anti-unionist party when the robes are nothing less and nothing more than a symbol of the unelected power of Briitish Monarch
Mistake 5 - The Lib/Dem Leader says wearing robes would, 'if nothing else separate us (councillors) from the hoi polloi'- you couldn't make it up!!!
So there you have it - the new administration in its true colours - reactionary, elitist and unprepared to listen
Wednesday 22 August 2007
Suppressing debate
Visited the Victoria Children & Families Centre today - threatened with closure, these very vulnerable parents sought advice. I was shocked to be told by the depute headteacher she was under instruction not to discuss the centre with me. ..not even allowed to tell me how many children attend the Centre or how many families it serves. I am the local councillor - and central diktat denies me denied simple facts about a public facility. It is outrageous. This Lib Dem/SNP Coalition is in trouble if it thinks it can suppress facts and debate
Monday 20 August 2007
liberal democrats? I think not!
Labour Group meeting today - three hours later it was still going on and I had to leave. Lots to go through: budget cuts; school closures; Meadowbank replacement but, interestingly, a sleekit move to change Council standing orders to forbid deputations to the Council. Even Malcolm Chisholm MSP has been denied a hearing - I advised him to knock on the door again...standing orders don't change until Council debates and decides. And what kind of Coalition is it that wants to deny people their say? Not very liberal; not very democratic and definitely not very sure of their ground!
Sunday 19 August 2007
Headaches
Labour has scored a success.
Stefan Tymkewycz has decided to stand down from Holyrood to concentrate on the council. This follows intense pressure from Labour when council procedures were tossed aside to allow him to attend a vote. Diversionary arguments that it was all due to Labour gerrymandering were exposed by Eric for the nonsense they were. The Lord Provost has complete authority to curtail debate, control proceedings. The Lib/SNP Coalition has bowed to the inevitable and Tymkewycz has made his choice...but his decision may have given Cardownie a headache. Look at the Meadowbank debate. Both Stevens took an opposite view but it was the one spelled FA who won the internal SNP debate. A portent of the future? A leadership challenge soon? Watch this space...
The latest Maginnis wedding went of with a loud, successful bang.
Mike has 3 siblings and between them they have 12 children. Ten were present yesterday and they partied hard as a clan, plainly enjoying their united strength...not a hint of friction. Mike's parents would have been very proud.
I predict several headaches today and...oh yes...the bride was beautiful too!
Stefan Tymkewycz has decided to stand down from Holyrood to concentrate on the council. This follows intense pressure from Labour when council procedures were tossed aside to allow him to attend a vote. Diversionary arguments that it was all due to Labour gerrymandering were exposed by Eric for the nonsense they were. The Lord Provost has complete authority to curtail debate, control proceedings. The Lib/SNP Coalition has bowed to the inevitable and Tymkewycz has made his choice...but his decision may have given Cardownie a headache. Look at the Meadowbank debate. Both Stevens took an opposite view but it was the one spelled FA who won the internal SNP debate. A portent of the future? A leadership challenge soon? Watch this space...
The latest Maginnis wedding went of with a loud, successful bang.
Mike has 3 siblings and between them they have 12 children. Ten were present yesterday and they partied hard as a clan, plainly enjoying their united strength...not a hint of friction. Mike's parents would have been very proud.
I predict several headaches today and...oh yes...the bride was beautiful too!
Thursday 16 August 2007
The vision thing
The buildings closure list is now out: 3 things are immediately clear:
- the process amounts to cheating the public - imagine pretending that a long deputation/hearing at the C+F committee is a proper substitute for people who will want their say to the entire Council...it's clear to me that Marilyne is terrified her troops will cave in if confronted with true parental resistance...the report says patronisingly that 'repeat deputations [are] not conducive to attentive listening'. What do they think we are? Five year olds?
- The proposals are flawed: too many annexe solutions taking us back 10 years when Labour marched people to the top of the hill, got kids out of portacabins and split sites and into proper classrooms and single schools - and now we're being marched right back down again to conditions we thought we'd abolished forever
- And...this proposal was meant to help rebuild Council balances (or so we were told by Marilyne in June) yet here we are with a report, peppered with commitments to reinvest any savings (both capital & revenue) back into C+F. Doesn't look so good for poor old Donald McGuigan's balances, does it? And £16 million of capital from the closure of 13 primaries won't go far in building many new schools either! So blaming this Lib Dem/SNP's 'brutal' (Marilyne's words, not mine) school closure programme on Labour mismanagement won't wash...they've not proposed this programme to rebuild balances at all
So, I'm left wondering where their vision thing is...school rationalisation in the 90's (by me) was to find the money to create the first universal nursery provision in the country and in 2000's (by Ewan) to let the biggest new school building programme in a century go ahead in Edinburgh. ..big ambitions - huge vision for our Capital City's Education.
Anybody know what the narrative is here?
The mood music is changing
Invited to the Film Festival opening event last night - Hallam Foe. Not sure if I liked the story largely because I don't think there was enough explanation of motivation but Edinburgh looked fab.
So that's it. Jack's gone. End of an era, really. He's changed the face of Labour in Scotland alright. Knocked the smile right off our face and difficult to see how we can get it back again. Local government was our organisational foundation and right across Scotland we're in trouble. Wendy says her first task is to rebuild the Party. She'll have to, and damned quickly too.
Personally, I think those people who argued for PR in local elections have a lot to answer for: but we've got to look to our own performance too. Our policies look...are tired...where's the vision thing? My old mum says there's nothing new under the sun...right but wrong too...new people need old ideas constantly refreshed and made relevant for their time...that's the politican's job. The mood music in Scotland has been too stolid, too managerial and too damned boring. Excitement is what the people are looking for: I fear the chimera of independence - sometimes ...even if it's just a blink, you can fool all of the people all of the time.
So that's it. Jack's gone. End of an era, really. He's changed the face of Labour in Scotland alright. Knocked the smile right off our face and difficult to see how we can get it back again. Local government was our organisational foundation and right across Scotland we're in trouble. Wendy says her first task is to rebuild the Party. She'll have to, and damned quickly too.
Personally, I think those people who argued for PR in local elections have a lot to answer for: but we've got to look to our own performance too. Our policies look...are tired...where's the vision thing? My old mum says there's nothing new under the sun...right but wrong too...new people need old ideas constantly refreshed and made relevant for their time...that's the politican's job. The mood music in Scotland has been too stolid, too managerial and too damned boring. Excitement is what the people are looking for: I fear the chimera of independence - sometimes ...even if it's just a blink, you can fool all of the people all of the time.
Wednesday 15 August 2007
Hear Hear!!
Staff at PEP received a boost today - one of our funders was in for their annual visit and to follow up on written reports. She praised the organisation for 'great team working', for its 'strong sense of its values' and for its 'intelligent, confident, reflection on the way forward'. Hear, hear!!
Tuesday 14 August 2007
Lothian Region ...happy days
Did I tell you that yesterday was a trip down memory lane?
A conducted tour of the former Lothian Regional Council Chambers - now the registry office. Former haunts I knew very, very well: each room full of fabulous memories...each room wonderfully decorated: it would be worth getting married again just to do it in one of those suites. The grandest of them all, the Lothian suite - the old Lothian debating chamber...and here...isn't it great? I don't have to get married again...the Council is relocating there in September because the City Chambers is being refurbished...happy days are here again
A conducted tour of the former Lothian Regional Council Chambers - now the registry office. Former haunts I knew very, very well: each room full of fabulous memories...each room wonderfully decorated: it would be worth getting married again just to do it in one of those suites. The grandest of them all, the Lothian suite - the old Lothian debating chamber...and here...isn't it great? I don't have to get married again...the Council is relocating there in September because the City Chambers is being refurbished...happy days are here again
Mair airts & pairts
Last night's meeting with the North Edinburgh Arts Board was interesting: forecast of a substantial deficit if spending goes ahead as planned, advice that the Autumn programme has been shelved : the Board is taking their fiduciary duties seriously. I do not want the theatre to close - not even for a short time - re-building an audience in those circumstances is a doomed exercise. I believe they must produce a rescue plan which aims to close the funding gap through a combination of public funds, private fundraising and trimming the budget. This is an important facility in the area and says much about its aspirations - everybody has a part to play in rescuing it.
In 2008 it will be 50 years since Yehudi Menuhin specifically requested to play in North Edinburgh as part of the official Festival. He filled the Embassy Cinema and the event was a tremendous success. I have asked the Evening News for its help in trying to promote the idea of a special event in North Edinburgh in 2008 - we're gonna need the Arts centre for that!
And finally: I saw it last night and knew instantly I must have. My object of desire ...a black, gleaming panther of a car... Chrysler Crossfire - my name is on it...no man or woman has ever made my heart beat thus!!
In 2008 it will be 50 years since Yehudi Menuhin specifically requested to play in North Edinburgh as part of the official Festival. He filled the Embassy Cinema and the event was a tremendous success. I have asked the Evening News for its help in trying to promote the idea of a special event in North Edinburgh in 2008 - we're gonna need the Arts centre for that!
And finally: I saw it last night and knew instantly I must have. My object of desire ...a black, gleaming panther of a car... Chrysler Crossfire - my name is on it...no man or woman has ever made my heart beat thus!!
Saturday 11 August 2007
Airts & Pairts
The Oyster Club last night and despite feeling an understandable 'end of the week' fatigue (it's been a beast of a week) I enjoyed the event. Magnus Linklater and Ian Rankin spoke.
Since it's the opening weekend, Magnus concentrated on the Festival. Interestingly, he took the completely opposite view from mine about the atomisation of Edinburgh's festivals: his theory is that Edinburgh is now so much a fixture in the international 'arts' psyche it can stand the separations - I have my doubts though time indeed will tell. He was very excited about Jonathon Mills' entirely new Festival - completely out the McMaster mould - though, I noticed, wary about predicting its success. Ian Rankin was, as ever, good value - a thoughtful, humorous look at Literary Edinburgh...very evocative and a huge plug for the Book Festival, which I candidly admit is my favourite too.
Spoke to Judy Steele who was promoting her Fringe production 'The Journey of Jeannie Deans' which will shortly do a tour of Border towns. Based on Walter Scott's 'Heart of Midlothian', I intend to go see it
Eric Milligan was the host and what he doesn't know about Edinburgh's history isn't worth knowing: he pulled out a wee gem last night which I'm about to pursue with the Evening News and the Festival Board...watch this space.
And finally, Ron Brown's funeral yesterday...a measured, dignified occasion. May would have been proud of Gavin. He spoke well and has grown into a fine man. Ron's life and contribution were celebrated appropriately and without bitterness. It all felt very right.
Since it's the opening weekend, Magnus concentrated on the Festival. Interestingly, he took the completely opposite view from mine about the atomisation of Edinburgh's festivals: his theory is that Edinburgh is now so much a fixture in the international 'arts' psyche it can stand the separations - I have my doubts though time indeed will tell. He was very excited about Jonathon Mills' entirely new Festival - completely out the McMaster mould - though, I noticed, wary about predicting its success. Ian Rankin was, as ever, good value - a thoughtful, humorous look at Literary Edinburgh...very evocative and a huge plug for the Book Festival, which I candidly admit is my favourite too.
Spoke to Judy Steele who was promoting her Fringe production 'The Journey of Jeannie Deans' which will shortly do a tour of Border towns. Based on Walter Scott's 'Heart of Midlothian', I intend to go see it
Eric Milligan was the host and what he doesn't know about Edinburgh's history isn't worth knowing: he pulled out a wee gem last night which I'm about to pursue with the Evening News and the Festival Board...watch this space.
And finally, Ron Brown's funeral yesterday...a measured, dignified occasion. May would have been proud of Gavin. He spoke well and has grown into a fine man. Ron's life and contribution were celebrated appropriately and without bitterness. It all felt very right.
Thursday 9 August 2007
Our unique selling point
Last post about North Edinburgh Arts and yesterday's news the Film Festival intends to move to June set me thinking ...already the Jazz Festival and Fringe have shifted from outside the International Festival umbrella...I wonder about the wisdom of this drift.
Is any one of Edinburgh's festivals really good enough to stand alone? Think about our competition...Salzburg...Cannes... Isn't the sheer variety of the artistic experience of Edinburgh in August our unique selling point? Isn't that what gives it special buzz? Doesn't the real strength lie in numbers and by splitting away from the anchor event doesn't each stand the risk of falling alone?
I wasn't too happy to read Jonathon Mills predicting Edinburgh's International Festival might become a weekend event...I am even less happy to think that all the others could dwindle as each pursues its own agenda. If ever there was a case for the City to get its act together and get a Head of Culture in place tout de suite - someone with the clout and political backing to really punch the Festivals' weight - then this is it....before it's too late
Is any one of Edinburgh's festivals really good enough to stand alone? Think about our competition...Salzburg...Cannes... Isn't the sheer variety of the artistic experience of Edinburgh in August our unique selling point? Isn't that what gives it special buzz? Doesn't the real strength lie in numbers and by splitting away from the anchor event doesn't each stand the risk of falling alone?
I wasn't too happy to read Jonathon Mills predicting Edinburgh's International Festival might become a weekend event...I am even less happy to think that all the others could dwindle as each pursues its own agenda. If ever there was a case for the City to get its act together and get a Head of Culture in place tout de suite - someone with the clout and political backing to really punch the Festivals' weight - then this is it....before it's too late
Culture & the Arts
Phone call last night from the Evening News about the North Edinburgh Arts Centre triggered off a series of calls...apparently there is a budget deficit and the Arts Centre will have to recalibrate staffing to bring things into line: some gossip about it closing but I think this is overblown. Gave Steve Cardownie a call to ask what he'd heard. Like me...nothing ...which is surpring since most local organisations would make an immediate bee-line to the local councillors for help and advice: it's disappointing it didn't happen in this case since I understand employees, many of whom are local people, have been issued with statutory redundancy notices. This might have been avoided if another approach was followed.
With some justification one or two locals have said, 'they spend aw that money oan the Festival, but they dinnae care aboot local arts.' Steve and I profoundly disagree on some things but on this we are as one - local arts are just as important to the city as the Festival and it's time Edinburgh had a head of culture again. The capital city should lead the country's cultural life - not trail in Glasgow's wake.
With some justification one or two locals have said, 'they spend aw that money oan the Festival, but they dinnae care aboot local arts.' Steve and I profoundly disagree on some things but on this we are as one - local arts are just as important to the city as the Festival and it's time Edinburgh had a head of culture again. The capital city should lead the country's cultural life - not trail in Glasgow's wake.
Monday 6 August 2007
Ron Brown
News of Ron Brown's death wasn't unexpected - we had heard he was ill, hospitalised and very poorly.
I am surprised by the large number of people who have taken the time to email or phone or stop to talk to me about the news. The gist of most comments is he was a Leither through and through and people believe he stood up for his constituents, particularly during the closure of Henry Robb. He is plainly remembered with great affection and that will be a consolation for his sons.
Once, May and I were great friends and there are many memories of campaigns and debates, elections and colourful parties. Both were extremely generous hosts and enjoyed a party almost as much as they loved their politics. Later memories of bitter argument and political differences have little place at a time like this. Ron and May have secured a place (and it will be more than a footnote) in Leith's history.
I am surprised by the large number of people who have taken the time to email or phone or stop to talk to me about the news. The gist of most comments is he was a Leither through and through and people believe he stood up for his constituents, particularly during the closure of Henry Robb. He is plainly remembered with great affection and that will be a consolation for his sons.
Once, May and I were great friends and there are many memories of campaigns and debates, elections and colourful parties. Both were extremely generous hosts and enjoyed a party almost as much as they loved their politics. Later memories of bitter argument and political differences have little place at a time like this. Ron and May have secured a place (and it will be more than a footnote) in Leith's history.
Moving on
I don't often use the bus - partly to do with time constraints, partly because every time I get on a Lothian Transport bus somebody sits beside me and talks non-stop...I like to use travel as thinking time so I don't want to talk to people but I have never learned a strategy for heading them off at the pass.
Three weeks ago boy racer son 'borrowed' my wee Fiesta since both his vintage, souped up cars went kaput. Ergo...I am forced on to Lothian buses. Last Thursday was an epic: board the bus at the Bridges - wee fat woman sits beside me and talks about the bingo till she gets off at the Foot of the Walk...wee fat man gets on bus outside Tam O'Shanter (at least that's what it used to be called) pub in Great Junction Street, sure as hellfire sits beside me, and talks all the way to Granton Road about his mobile phone. My husband says I've just got the kind of face people like to talk to: I can't change my face so that's the last bus I'm on this year. More walking for me, at least till I get my car back!
Bumped into Kingsley (Thomas) and Gina yesterday: both in good spirits. Moving on from the Council was obviously a good move for him but a big miss for Edinburgh. Kingsley is an able, thoughtful man and Labour right down to his cotton socks. We need more like him.
Three weeks ago boy racer son 'borrowed' my wee Fiesta since both his vintage, souped up cars went kaput. Ergo...I am forced on to Lothian buses. Last Thursday was an epic: board the bus at the Bridges - wee fat woman sits beside me and talks about the bingo till she gets off at the Foot of the Walk...wee fat man gets on bus outside Tam O'Shanter (at least that's what it used to be called) pub in Great Junction Street, sure as hellfire sits beside me, and talks all the way to Granton Road about his mobile phone. My husband says I've just got the kind of face people like to talk to: I can't change my face so that's the last bus I'm on this year. More walking for me, at least till I get my car back!
Bumped into Kingsley (Thomas) and Gina yesterday: both in good spirits. Moving on from the Council was obviously a good move for him but a big miss for Edinburgh. Kingsley is an able, thoughtful man and Labour right down to his cotton socks. We need more like him.
Sunday 5 August 2007
Bits and pieces
Noticed the press natives are restless: lots of media attention lately to Labour's non-combative approach particularly at Scottish Parliament; lots of calls to arms; lots of speculation about Jack's imminent demise; lots of chatter in the ether.
I'm not close to it but it seems to me there's probably the same smooth transition being sought at Scottish level as was achieved at Westminster...whether it can be so is a moot point. I read in one newspaper last week that Andy Kerr has decided not to make a challenge, leaving the way clear for Wendy. No doubt, intellectually she's way ahead and I think she's great: I would watch out for Ian Gray, though. He'll be there or thereabout.
Trouble with kids in Granton: first, it was the school playground, then when dealt with there, the bother just moved round the corner to Granton Crescent. Had some seriously anxious constituents asking for help: contacted the local agencies who are now working on a more permanent solution. Then yesterday, at the Forth Youth Theatre's Fringe show - The Wiz. Great stuff and the kids all real stars. Two ends of a spectrum: one thing in common, though. The energy young people have, channeled either positively or negatively, makes a real impact. They just don't know their power.
And finally, the window came out smoothly - thanks to a glazier neighbour. Sofa safely in place...not so bad.
I'm not close to it but it seems to me there's probably the same smooth transition being sought at Scottish level as was achieved at Westminster...whether it can be so is a moot point. I read in one newspaper last week that Andy Kerr has decided not to make a challenge, leaving the way clear for Wendy. No doubt, intellectually she's way ahead and I think she's great: I would watch out for Ian Gray, though. He'll be there or thereabout.
Trouble with kids in Granton: first, it was the school playground, then when dealt with there, the bother just moved round the corner to Granton Crescent. Had some seriously anxious constituents asking for help: contacted the local agencies who are now working on a more permanent solution. Then yesterday, at the Forth Youth Theatre's Fringe show - The Wiz. Great stuff and the kids all real stars. Two ends of a spectrum: one thing in common, though. The energy young people have, channeled either positively or negatively, makes a real impact. They just don't know their power.
And finally, the window came out smoothly - thanks to a glazier neighbour. Sofa safely in place...not so bad.
Saturday 4 August 2007
Spring has sprung
In a previous blog I mentioned Gordon Brown has dealt with fire & flood & war in his first month - now he has pestilence...I don't think I'll be alone in saying, please God, not another foot & mouth outbreak. Gordon, I'm sure, will deal with this problem with the same calm assurance he had dealt with all his other trials. He has wanted to be PM for so long...I wonder if he ever thinks 'be careful what you wish for' .
My son-in-law, whose grandmother was a Tory councillor on Edinburgh Corporation, and whose natural political affinity is not with Labour, seldom discusses party politics with me. Yesterday he gave rave reviews for Gordon, making very positive comparisons with TB. And at PEP, colleagues who pay little day to day attention to politics, also spoke very favourable of Gordon's first few weeks. A peaceful handover (despite Press attempts to stir it), a mature performance from the cleverest man in British politics and the Tories once again in disarray - I think Labour may well be in for an historic 4th consecutive victory. I can feel a Spring election being sprung!
This morning 8.30 - M&S arrive with our new sofa. Rats...it doesn't fit through the TV room door... the window will have to come out to let the sofa in...I can feel an aaargh coming on...
My son-in-law, whose grandmother was a Tory councillor on Edinburgh Corporation, and whose natural political affinity is not with Labour, seldom discusses party politics with me. Yesterday he gave rave reviews for Gordon, making very positive comparisons with TB. And at PEP, colleagues who pay little day to day attention to politics, also spoke very favourable of Gordon's first few weeks. A peaceful handover (despite Press attempts to stir it), a mature performance from the cleverest man in British politics and the Tories once again in disarray - I think Labour may well be in for an historic 4th consecutive victory. I can feel a Spring election being sprung!
This morning 8.30 - M&S arrive with our new sofa. Rats...it doesn't fit through the TV room door... the window will have to come out to let the sofa in...I can feel an aaargh coming on...
Friday 3 August 2007
good work
Got word today that in fact the fatal accident was no such thing - an accident -yes- but at least nobody died. How do these rumours start? However, the department is investigating the site and they will get back with any recommendations. Good work!
Times Change
Friday 3 August - our 34th wedding anniversary. We were married on a Friday so that makes it an exact anniversary. My dad was against the marriage because it was 'mixed'. Times change and so do we. Nowadays we don't even blink at two people of the same sex, of different races and certainly of different faiths being married. I think it's for the best, don't you?
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