Golden Hare October Book Group: The Village Against The World by Dan Hancox. Author and Guardian journalist Dan’s ‘vivid and even-handed book’ is a fascinating and highly entertaining true account of life in the unique Spanish village of Marinaleda, a small village that has bucked the trend of the Spanish economic crash with 100% employment through the years of austerity and depression. Marinaleda’s secret is a kind of old-fashioned socialism underpinned by values of collectivism and solidarity that many thought had vanished at the end of the Cold War – but does it offer a viable alternative to global capitalism in the 21st century? Come along for what promises to be a lively discussion. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge.
Tea Dance at the Portrait Gallery: a spirited tea dance with a wartime theme, inspired by the exhibition Remembering the Great War. Sing and dance along with hosts the Flyright Dance Company and enjoy live music provided by That Swing Sensation. Suitable for community groups including care homes and those affected by dementia. 2-4pm, Great Hall, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but please call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560 to book your place. Part of Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival.
Gilmerton Library Writers’ Group: a brand new group to which everyone is invited, whether you like experimenting with fiction, poetry or plays. 6.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. For more information call 0131 529 5652.
Having Put Herself in the Picture: Tracing a Line Through Kate Davis’ Recent Work. Art historian Dr Dominic Paterson introduces a number of Kate Davis’ works, spanning the period between the series Who is a Woman Now? (2008) and video installation Denkmal (2013). The talk will particularly address Davis’ use of the medium of drawing, often in combination with objects or films, to articulate feminist visual politics and aesthetics. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery. Free and unticketed.
LGBT Workshop – What is Art Therapy? Meet with art therapists to learn what this therapy actually involves and to find out about individual and group options available at Howe Street. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly drop-in session, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
Stories and Songs of Sir Walter Scott: Borders storyteller Mary Kenny introduces the songs and stories of Scott in the anniversary year of his first novel, Waverley. A session for adults. 2-3pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate. Free: part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014. Also available at same time on Wednesday 29th October.
Tiger Tales: a new parent and child craft and story session for 4-8 year olds after school. Each session will consist of a story and a related craft or activity. 3.30-4.15pm today and every last Monday in the month, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road. The library has more information and a display of the books.
Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice: drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project Team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Also available at same times on Tuesday 28th October.
Scotland’s Traditional Tales with Lari Don: Lari Don introduces a super new series of illustrated tales, and shares her version of Tam of the Linn and other fantastic Scottish stories. For ages 4-7. 2.30-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
Studying Elsewhere – Stories of Learning Abroad. University of Edinburgh exchange students share the stories they gathered while living and learning abroad. Is narrative the clue to understanding another culture and being ‘found in translation’? 4-5.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile. Free tickets can be booked via the Storytelling Centre Box Office, online, by phone or in person. Part of Once Upon A Place: Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014.
The Great War At Sea: a presentation by Andrew Grant and David Seaton looking at the broad areas of conflict and war at sea, and focusing on ships from Leith and Newhaven and the individuals who served in them. 6.30-7.30pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Please call the library on 0131 529 5517 or email leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk to book your place.
Tour of the National Library: a guided tour of the NLS building and and an introduction to the collections and history. 2-2.45pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is essential as numbers are limited: book via the NLS website or by calling 0131 623 3734. Please inform the Library of any special access requirements.
City Lights: an exhibition of photography created by Alex and Gabiela Ingle to celebrate the renewed city partnership between Krakow and Edinburgh. This unique collection of images is a tribute to the cities’ similarities and shared beauty. Continues during usual opening hours until 31st October 2014, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Part of the Scottish Polish Cultural Association City Lights Project.
Creature Features! 1950s classic horror double bill with The Fly and Invaders from Mars. With 1950s-themed fancy dress competition and more. 6.45-10.45pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive. To book your place call the library on 0131 529 5244 or email drumbrae.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Film Night: War Horse (2011). In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Cert. 12. 6.30-8.30pm, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Free. (Shown as part of Gorgie War Memorial Hall’s World War One Commemoration Events.)
The Edinburgh Philosophy and Psychology Group October Meeting: Women’s Work! Many career areas seem to have significant gender imbalances – what causes them? Are there women’s or men’s jobs? The group’s discussions are non-academic, with members coming from a range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Non-members are welcome, and meetings are free, with free sandwiches! Attendance is usually around 20 people. 8-9.30pm, The Links Hotel and Bar, 4 Alvanley Terrace. Please RSVP if you plan to go along.
Polish Bookbug: storytelling for young children. 10.30am, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Part of From Poland With Love: Scottish-Polish Cultural Week.
