North Edinburgh Grows Drop-In Sessions: for ages 16+. Learn valuable gardening skills to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs. 1-5pm today and every Tuesday, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Free. Keep up to date with with NEA’s latest gardening news at www.northedinburghgrows.wordpress.com
Light Against Darkness: an Exhibition of Art by Syrian Children Refugees. Official opening and launch of this exhibition, which has been organised by Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, the Children’s War Museum and relief agency Nadja Now, supported by the Church of Scotland, just Festival, World Mission Council and Edinburgh Churches Together. The 166 exhibits were created by Syrian refugee children at the Shatila Camp in Lebanon. The launch will include background information, a short programme of Middle Eastern, Spanish and classical music by Syrian guitarist Ayman Jarjour, and refreshments. 6.30-7.15pm (exhibition open until 8pm), City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square. To RSVP and for more details, email contact@peaceandjustice.org.uk or click here. The exhibition will run until 12th November 2014 (some pieces will be shown at Edinburgh University Chaplaincy and St John’s, Princes Street.) For opening hours see Edinburgh Peace & Justice Centre website. ‘The joy of light in the face of darkness.’
Lunchtime concert: Clea Friend (tenor violin) and Alex Taylor (piano) play JS Bach Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord no.3 in G minor BWV 1029, Schubert Arpeggione Sonata and Shiori Usui new work. 1.1opm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free.
Science on Television and in the Museum: how did museums respond to the arrival of television, the mass medium par excellence? Drawing on five years’ research investigation into the development of science on TV and the history of the Science Museum in London, this presentation by Dr Tim Boon seeks to illuminate this question. 3pm, Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking required: contact Maureen Kerr on 0131 247 4274 or m.kerr@nms.ac.uk.
Over My Dead Body: organ donation is an issue that affects us all. What would you do if doctors asked you to give away your daughter’s heart? And what if doing so would expose a terrible secret that might destroy your family? Hazel McHaffie has published eight novels which bring the quandaries of modern medicine alive; she will encourage you to confront your own ethical uncertainties. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but please book online or by calling 0131 623 3734.
La Vie Domestique: Juliette wasn’t sure about coming to live in the residential suburbs of Paris: she doesn’t want to become another middle-aged woman with a predictable life. She is waiting to hear whether she has been picked for an important job in a publishing house, a job that will change her life. ‘An immersive quasi-satire featuring a brilliant female cast and fascinating characters.’ This film, based on Rachel Cusk’s novel Arlington Park, will be shown in French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, French Institute, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free. Also showing at 1pm on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.
Edinburgh East Save Our Services Open Discussion: come along to talk about the Edinburgh City Council planned budget cuts and the implications of the cooperative council approach which local authorities across Scotland are adopting. 6.30-8pm, Northfield Community Centre, Northfield Road. Organised by Edinburgh East Save Our Services.
Nothing But The Poem: Wislawa Szymborska. A selection of the poet’s works will be read and discussed (please note that the poet will not be present). 6pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate. Tickets £5/£4 bookable via eventbrite. Event also available at 11am on Saturday 25th October 2014.
Tuesday Tour and Tea: Stills is a centre for photography providing exhibitions, courses and open-access photography facilities all year round. Join staff for a relaxed, informal tour of the gallery, its creative facilities and the current exhibition The King’s Peace: Realism and War, The tour will be followed by conversation, tea and cake in the library area, with the chance to learn more about Stills and how to get involved. 11am-12 noon, Stills, 23 Cockburn Street. Call 0131 622 6200 for more information. In partnership with Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival.
Play Poland 2014 Film Festival: ‘Wajda School’ special screenings. Four short films (in Polish): Joanna, Psubrat, Games and When I’m a Bird. 6pm, Screen Academy, 2a Merchiston Avenue. Free. For more information see festival website.
