Thursday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

With Nerve and Heart and Mind: in her poem The German Ward, Vera Brittain wrote of how she worked with ‘nerve and heart and mind’ to match the courage and skill of the sister-in-charge, the only trained nurse in the understaffed ward caring for prisoners of war at No 24 General Hospital at Etaples. Professor Christine E Hallett’s presentation will explore the hidden work of nurses with emotionally damaged patients during the First World War, examining some of the ways in which nurses enabled patients to process their experiences, resolve their trauma and regain a sense of their own humanity in the highly-charged environment of the military hospital. The Craiglockhart Exhibition will be open from 6pm and the Librarian will be on hand to talk about the fascinating history of this historic site and the work that went on there in World War One. 6.30-7.30pm, Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh Napier University, 219 Colinton Road. Free but booking required via Edinburgh Napier’s website.

Edinburgh Napier University UK and EU Postgraduate Webchat: if you are from the UK or EU and have questions about studying with Napier at postgraduate level, join this webchat and talk to staff and other potential students. 4-6pm: registration required here.

A Witch Among the Gooseberries: Ian McDonough launches his latest collection. Ian was born and brought up in Brora; he now lives in Edinburgh and is a member and former convenor of The Shore Poets. Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close. Free but please book a ticket via eventbrite.

South East Scotland Wargamers’ Club: every Thursday from 7pm, Royal Navy and Royal Marine Association, Heriot Hill House, 1 Broughton Road. For more information contact admin@seswc.co.uk.

Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Mark Wilson – My Last Visit to India? All warmly welcome: bring your own sandwiches, tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church Hall, Lothian Road. £1.50 per person. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Quintin Jardine: Mathew’s Tale. In his landmark 40th novel Quintin Jardine tells the story of a man’s quest for justice – at any price. Best known for his crime series featuring Bob Skinner, Primavera Blackstone and Oz Blackstone, Mathew’s Tale, set in 1818 Carluke, is Quintin’s first foray into historic fiction. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and their families. 11am, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free: no booking required, just turn up!

Easel Sketching in the Gallery: November. Sketching in the Gallery, led by artist Damian Callan. A different subject each month, sometimes with a model. All materials supplied. 2-4pm, Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Also available at same times on Friday 21st November.

The Scottish Traditional Music Players: Alan John (fiddle) and Graham MacKintosh (piano) present a rich and varied programme, drawing on the slow airs, strathspeys, reels, jigs, hornpipes and marches that have become a part of Scottish culture. Readings from Scottish literature are inserted to underline the message of the music. 6-6.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Bookbug: songs and stories for pre-school children. 10.30-11am (fortnightly – next session 4th December), Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Also on Saturday 22nd November.

LGBT: Self Help for Scarring. Hosted by Merrick Pope, coordinator of Edinburgh’s Skin Camouflage Clinic, this workshop offers information and support on how to manage scars and improve their appearance no matter how old they are or what type they are, in addition to offering tips on how to feel more confident and answering questions on scarring. The last half hour will provide an opportunity to speak to Merrick individually regarding personalised support. 6.30-8pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Free but booking is essential: contact the Centre on 0131 523 1100 or email admin@lgbthealth.org.

Under Fives Storytime. 10.30-11am, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.

Bridgend Growing Communities: weekly free gardening workshops for adults in the garden behind the library. 12 noon-2pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. All welcome!

LGBT Learning Disabilities: Social Circle. A monthly group for LGBT people who also identify as having a learning difficulty or disability. Today’s topic: information about People First and Speak Out discussions about bullying. 2-4pm, Lifecare Centre, 2 Cheyne Street. For more information call George on 0131 523 1100 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk