Inter-generational Project

This photograph was taken in our Reminiscence Room at Duddingston.

For the last few weeks we have been working together with the Canongate Youth Project to link up some of our clients and volunteers with young people in the community. The teenagers are working with the older folk to produce a computer- published book of photographs and reminiscences. The project is going well and we are looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Looking Ahead

Outreach Work

We are continuing to grow our programme of Outreach work supported by Big Lottery Funding. This initiative supports isolated older people by giving them the chance to chat about their memories to one or two dedicated members of our team. This provides valuable social activity for individuals whose lives have become a little limited. As part of the service we offer, we can produce personal history books for our clients and provide opportunities for group social events at our Reminiscence Centre. If you know someone who might like to be part of this programme, please contact a member of the team at 0131 661 3222.


Tenement Life

Did your granny lower your jeely piece in a bucket from her tenement window?

We are starting work on a project to capture memories of tenement living in Edinburgh. If you were brought up in a tenement or have memories of what life was like in the old (and not so old) tenements, please get in touch.

February Training Roundup

Miles and John ran three workshops in Glasgow recently for BUPA. Careworkers from BUPA homes throughout Scotland were trained in reminiscence skills, learning how to run groups and how to use prompt materials to engage their residents in enjoyable group sessions centred around the sharing of memories.

Later in the month, our intrepid training duo travelled to Elgin to run a training session at the Elgin Youth Cafe. There they trained young people and adults, equipping them to take part in an inter-generational project where members of the community will work together to share their experience of life in Elgin.

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Street Party

Miles, Heather, John and Evelyn joined members of the local Moredun Community in a family day Street Party at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre on Friday 17 February. Miles and Heather were in charge of the old-style laundry and cleaning room, giving families the chance to use the carpet beater, the mangle, the scrubbing boards and the flat irons. Many children took a turn at the popular polishing activity using brasso and good old fashioned elbow grease. John and Evelyn were in charge of Granny's Kitchen making piles and piles of tattie scones. All the mashing, sifting and kneading was done by eager children and adults and the scones were soon demolished by granny's helpers.

Party Pieces

 

Evelyn thrills her audience with an extract from Tam O'Shanter

John in full flow

 

The LMA's Newhaven fishwife looks on in astonishment.

First Ever Burns Supper

 

Finally as promised,a report of our first ever Burns Supper. The Stables rang to the music and words of Rabbie Burns as guests and hosts all performed their tributes to the Bard. The Haggis, tatties and, particularly, the neeps were voted a great success and we've got our thinking caps on now to prepare for our next community event.