Today, the Portobello Timebank marks its 10th Anniversary with a fund-raising event this afternoon in the Baptist Church Hall. They do hold regular such sessions there – but this one is just a little special – as David Calder found out from some of the members:
The dark nights of 2020 were enlivened by the brilliant pictures and illustrations people put up for the first Window Wanderland. The event just before Christmas helped us cope with the restrictions of lockdown. This year it’s back but moved to the first weekend of March to remind us all that longer nights and better weather are on their way.
It’s been over six months since the community took over control of Portobello Town Hall. Inside, it’s now strikingly different from what had been before - it now looks quite vibrant and fresh and there’s an air of excitement because of the activity held there. Outside in the grounds that surround the Hall, it’s a different story - and, next weekend, you’ll have the chance to share your views on what should be done.
Belly dancing is synonymous with the Middle East. Some of remember films from the 50s and 60s which feature these exotic looking dancers. However, belly dancing has attracted followers all over the world, not least here in Scotland. Tonight, you can see it in action at Bellfield in the first of seven such events to be held there this year. Called The Rose Hafla, it’s a showcase of Scottish belly dancing.
https://www.rosesunderthemoon.com/
Royalty free music from Smartsound
Album: Across Borders
Track: Belly Dance - Fire
Just over three months ago, Storm Babet caused considerable damage across the East of Scotland. Although Portobello was sheltered from the worst effects of the storm to a certain extent, we still saw large swathes of the beach swept away, groynes left at crooked angles and damage done to the sea wall and Prom. At the time, local Councillor Tim Jones was the nominated spokesman to represent the Council and was shocked by what he saw. Over the past few weeks, officials and others have had time to assess what needs to be done. In this episode, Tim Jones again spoke to David Calder.
What did you do in lockdown? Well, one Porty couple set about starting their own TV show called Moreish TV. At first, it was found on YouTube but its growing popularity meant that it attracted attention not just from up and coming stars from a whole range of different media but from ever more interesting, important and influential streaming platforms. Today, it can be found on Apple TV giving it all the kudos and credibility its founders could have wished for.
It’s just over six months since Tills and Company arrived in Portobello High Street. It’s more than just a second-hand bookshop, but a place where you can meet friends over a coffee or spend time reading or quietly meditating. It’s taken a while to reach the management for an interview to find out more about this business – but in this episode, I finally met up with Joshua McNamara and Amanda Dever.
Panto is back at Portobello Town Hall! Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it certainly is! The new production of Cinderella is brought to us by Stage Door Entertainment, the same company that produced the highly successful ‘Oliver’ last month. Rehearsals are now under way in the Town Hall itself and the show opens on the 8th of December.
To buy tickets, click here: https://www.stagedoorentertainment.co.uk/
Over the past quarter of a century, a group of men, aged between 65 and 100, have been taking on a labour of love to recreate a unique piece of aviation history – building from scratch a replica of the WW1 fighter, the Sopwith Strutter. Today, it’s the only one of its type flying in the world. The project has been described as a "Men's Shed On Steroids" and has given the members of the group a real sense of purpose. It also provided an opportunity for a young woman to fulfil the dreams of women from a century ago. They had been banned from flying such aircraft. Local journalist Jean West has been involved with the project for a long time and is part of a team looking to make a documentary about it. They have set up a crowd funding campaign but time is running out.
To find out more or contribute, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/38xc7msm
There are several blue or black plaques to famous men in Portobello – from Hugh Miller to William Russell Flint to Harry Lauder. However, there’s only one to a woman – Helen Hopekirk, a talented musician who was born here, emigrated to America and was celebrated in her day as a composer and concert pianist. But surely she was not alone. Last month during the Book Festival, a tour was organised of the places where famous women of our community once lived. The organisers wanted to tell the Herstory of Portobello.
If you want to listen to the lecture and songs click here: https://www.loc.gov/item/2021689569/
Presenter: James Wintle
Singer: Jennifer Wintle
Pianist: Joy Schreier
Picture of Helen Hopekirk
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