Castle Rockers Podcast

In this week's podcast, we are joined by Anna Reid a freelance stage manager. Anna has worked with the big stars of theatre and pantomime too. If you wondered what happened back stage, Anna tells Ruth all the technical details and it's fascinating.

Speedway is back. For many of our older listeners, they will remember Old Meadowbank or even Powderhall. For Mike Hunter, Director and historian of Edinburgh Monarchs, speedway never really went away. Super fan Mike has been to thousands of speedway meetings and shares his love of this very family friendly special sport. For tickets, more details and lots of information - visit the Edinburgh Monarchs website.

It's Dementia Awareness Week. Making theatre dementia friendly is a big undertaking. Dawn Irvine works for Capital Theatres as a Creative Engagement Coordinator with a special interest in working with experts from the dementia friendly community to make the theatrical experiences accessible to all. Whether this means physical adaptations from stairs to loos or creative new collaborations, Dawn has a fascinating story to tell. Over the last year, she has been busy delivering radio plays, afternoon teas, virtual tours, sensory boxes  and multiple productions which you can read about on the Capital Theatres website here.

Beki Dover came into the pod to talk to Maria about the upcoming 3 Harbours Arts Festival and gave us some background to this well established community festival . The Festival will run 3-11 July 2021 and will be exclusively online. There is going to be a wide range of artists, activities and musicians. You can check out all the details on their website and on their social media platforms - Facebook and Twitter - @3harbourArtFest.

Edinburgh Evening News Entertainment Editor, Liam Rudden came into the pod to talk about his journey into journalism and a lot more besides. Liam, in conversation with Ruth, tells an amazing  and amusing life story starting with fanzines, moving on to Marvel comics and a detour into celebrity interviews, theatre directing and speedway. If you like Liam as much as we do, you can follow him on Twitter ( @LiamRudden ) or if you have a story then you can email him  ( lrudden@edinburghnews.com )

As we struggle through a late spring, we have a podcast to delight gardeners. Jenny Mollison is passionate about allotments and a regular Scotsman columnist and author. Jenny, in conversation with Marysia, explains the ins and outs of the allotment world from ‘dirty plot letters' to the ‘weed police'.   Here are the links  for  Jenny's book and the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society.

Collette from Trading Standards came in to tell us all about what is keeping Trading Standards busy in Edinburgh. As ever, there was lots of advice and reassurance from Collette and the following links are very useful. For help and information with regards to setting up a No Cold Calling Zone please contact trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk If you are looking for work to be carried out around your home or garden. Please check out our Trusted Trader website first where you will find a list of reputable traders that have been vetted by Trading Standards and Police Scotland For further helpful information against scams and what to look out for have a look at Friends Against Scams.

Anne Kirkland has been a journalist and a writer for a wee while and was the editor of a number of publications including ‘Jackie' magazine.. When Anne joined Marysia in the pod, Anne talked about her inspiration, some of her background and offered some good advice for potential authors. Anne also answers the question, “does everyone have a book in them?” By the end of this podcast, you will be reaching for your pen and paper.

Jason Schroeder, CEO of Scottish Men's Sheds Association came on the pod to tell us the story of men's sheds in Scotland. Ruth had lots of questions about ‘shedders' and what their ‘men only' activities were. It was a fascinating conversation and afterwards, if you want to know where your local men's shed is; use the handy ‘Shed Locator' on the SMSA website and check them out on social media, including YouTube.

Louise from Haddington Library came into the pod to tell us a little bit about what happens behind the scenes right now. From who chooses new books through to all the activities which library visitors enjoy; she gives a picture of the hub the modern library has become. And we are all looking forward to returning to. And as you would expect, when two book lovers get together, there are a flurry of good read recommendations. There are lots of ways you can stay in touch with the library now via their website and social media.

PC Sonja Kaiser-Ferris of Police Scotland came into the pod to talk Ruth about staying safe in your home. It's nearly a year since we spoke about scams and scammers, so it was good to get some updated information. In these tough times of lockdown, Ruth also asked about domestic abuse and Sonja was able to give some good advice and highlight  a whole  range of support services available to all - we have listed them below. It's reassuring to know whatever is happening, Police Scotland are still keeping people safe. Womans Aid:  Scottish Women's Aid is the lead domestic abuse organisation in Scotland Shakti: Help for black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse. Sacro Fear Free for men: FearFree is a support service for any man, or LGBTI+ person experiencing domestic abuse. EDACS (Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Support) is a support and advocacy service for female victims of domestic abuse crimes going through the court process. Domestic Abuse “Ask for ANI” codeword scheme Trading Standards Scam Share Bulletin: Cyber Scotland Bulletin: Police Scotland websites: Domestic abuse Home and personal property Police Scotland website scams

In this podcast, Maria talks to local artist Beki Dover about her love of painting. Beki explains why she loves seascapes and reveals some of her secrets. In talking about her art journey, Beki also gives some hints and tips to encourage the artist in us all. By the end of this episode, you will be reaching for the paint brushes. Beki gives us lots of ideas for all the family.   You can see examples of Beki's art on her website.

Have you ever wondered how the blind and visually impaired can enjoy trips to the theatre? Fortunately, there are people like Bridget Stevens who provide audio descriptions to accompany performances. Bridget took us behind the scenes to explain how this service works and has a few tales to tell from near disasters to meeting the stars. It's an inspiring listen.

“Ding! Ding! Hold very tight now! The day I ditched a vintage Edinburgh bus” was the Edinburgh Evening News headline for a hilarious  article by the paper's  long serving Entertainment Editor, Liam Rudden. It prompted many memories and ‘bus' stories from readers.  Liam came on the pod to tell Ruth more tales and explain his love of this form of public transport. You can read the original article here. And you can follow Liam on Twitter ( @LiamRudden)

Feeding local people, recycling surplus food from supermarkets and raising funds for the refugees at Calais are the objectives of the Refugee Community Kitchen here in Edinburgh. Morven Lindsay came into the pod to explain a little more about the network of volunteers who make fresh food available across the city, including the Leith Walk Police Box and the Shrub. and the CargoBikeMovement. For more details check out Refugee Community Kitchen Edinburgh on Facebook.

Quite a few of us are now used to ‘working from home' , it was good to find out about ‘learning from home' or ‘remote learning' which a lot of young people are having to do just now.   David Gilmour, who is a ‘Learning Technologist' working in East Lothian, came into the pod to explain to Marysia what the challenges of supporting learners of all ages remotely. It is interesting to hear a little bit about the background and the changes which have happened between lockdowns. And a couple of preconceived ideas are shown to be mistaken. David is speaking to us on a personal basis as opposed to being a spokesperson for his employer

An episode to banish the gloom of a dark February. This week's podcast is a very cheerful, funny and informative conversation with Susan Morrison the award winning comedian and local historian. As the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland's "Time Travels" programme, Susan has amusing and interesting stories to tell ,including her own memory of the launch of the QE2. It's a light hearted listen which has Ruth in fits of laughter. You will enjoy it too.

The Necklace of Days is a creative response to the pandemic by the artist Fiona Maher from contributions from a wide range of people. It is a new necklace created everyday and then all 365 displayed together. Fiona explains to Maria how people can get involved and also has some great ideas for making art at home. You can find out about  'Necklace of Days' on Facebook and check out Fiona's website and her Print Club @ Home videos for inspiration.

In this episode we talk to Charlie Hindley, a drama practitioner based in Musselburgh, who has been offering online drama classes to children and young adults during the lockdown. He is enthusiastic about the positive role drama can have on people of all ages. Marysia and Charlie talk through his career from chorister through improvised comedy to coaching online. It's been an adventure. You can find out more about Charlie on Facebook and his website. Men with Coconuts

 Venchie is a long running young peoples' project in Craigmillar. Many will know and remember the playground. Susan Heron came into the pod to tell us about how the Venchie has been providing food to the community during the lockdowns. Recently there was a fire and then an amazing community response. It is an inspiring story. For more details check out their website and Facebook pages

It's January again. Burns Suppers will be different this year. Fancy a ‘Burns Big Night In' ? Jenny Howard-Coombes of the National Trust for Scotland came into the pod to tell us all about this amazing event. As custodians of over 4000 Burns' related artifacts, the Trust are to do something special this year with a wide range of performances  ( and performers ) guaranteed to entertain everyone. You can check out details here on the Burns Big Night In website.

The Iona Community is a very special centre on a very special island. It is a place where lots of people go to recharge their batteries, as it were. Founded by George MacLeod in 1938, the restored Abbey is the centre of a vibrant community. His son, Maxwell came into the pod to talk about Iona and even manages to tell the tale of meeting Donald Trump. For more details about Iona.  

When well known story teller Tim Porteus popped into the pod, it was a little bit of magic. Tim has been entertaining audiences, young and old for years. Between Marysia and Tim, there were stories galore and plenty of smiles as they talked. For a special treat at this time of year, Tim has been posting a riddle a day on YouTube - they are guaranteed to put a wee smile on your face.

Ever thought about learning a musical instrument, singing or even getting back to playing that dusty guitar in the corner? There's a brand new opportunity coming your way; Sound Space. It's online, free and has talented tutors ready to help you to realise your musical dreams . Iain Bruce and Ageliki Gkini came into the pod to tell us all about ‘Sound Space'. We got to know a little bit about them and there were a couple of very interesting claims to fame. If you want more details or even chat about what ‘Sound Space' could do for you then email them directly or call them. Email thesoundspace@placesforpeople.co.uk  Phone 07917492507  

This week, Tom Norris who is the new managing Director of Castle Rock Edinvar ventured into the pod. Ruth had lots of questions. In a very informative session and one every tenant should listen to,'  Tom was able to outline his vision  and plans for tenants. It really does sound like exciting times ahead. If you want to know a little bit more about the Castle Rock Edinvar Management Team - it's here.

Loons, and quines, many of us may have heard about Doric. It was great to get Kay Dunn who was raised in the north east to come into the pod and share this special language with Ruth. As you can hear it was informative, instructive and a laugh. As a special treat and bonus, Kay recites a wee poem at the end.

Stephanie Straine, a senior curator at the National Galleries of Scotland joins Maria in the pod to talk art. Stephanie explains the role of a curator and what's involved in mounting an exhibition. As a specialist in modern and contemporary art, Stephanie is fascinating about the challenges posed in bringing art to the public. She also nominates one of her favourite artists - Eva Hesse - it's an amazing story. If you are interested in art of any kind, this will be the podcast episode for you. And there is more information at the National Galleries of Scotland website.

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi may not be familiar to lots of our listeners, but his sculpture , the Manuscript of Monte Cassino may be. The big foot and hand at the top of Leith Walk are well known to both tourists and residents alike. Fiona Menzies, an archivist from the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art joined Maria to reveal some interesting facts about this Scottish artist who inspired many, including Andy Warhol.   If you want to know more - there is a huge amount of information on the Gallery's website.

From making Edinburgh a swift sanctuary to restoring bogs in North Ayrshire, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has a wide range of conservation projects. Scott Shanks of the RSPB spoke to David and provided some fascinating facts. For more information, there are lots more details here. RSPB Bog restoration in North Ayrshire Edinburgh Swift City

Daniel Tipping Education Officer popped in to the pod to update Ruth. Things have been difficult for everyone at the Edinburgh Dogs and Cats Home but there are still lots of good news stories. All our four legged friends still need our help. For more details please visit the Edinburgh Dogs and Cat Home website.

Mushrooms, rose hips and elderberries all feature in this week's podcast. Rupert Waites of Buck and Birch came into the pod to talk about his great love of the outdoors larder we have on our doorsteps. With Marysia, he explains his journey into foraging and the base of his business. You will be inspired to look at Mother Nature differently.  For more information please visit the Buck and Birch website.  For safety information and guides to foraging, please visit the NatureScot website before venturing out.

I wonder if our listeners have any idea about the number of different species of whales and dolphins we have around our coastline. It is a lot more than we would probably imagine. In this podcast Pippa Garrard, Education Manager for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust talks to David about the amazing work and research they carry out. David was highly amused by the fact that some of these animals are known to the trust and even have been given pet names and can be easily identified by individual characteristics. Wonder if the animals also recognise the staff! You can follow the work of the Trust at: www.hwdt.org Or check their Facebook page for loads more interesting information.

In this week's podcast, Dr Helen Taylor of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland talks about the Pine hoverfly. It's only found in a small patch of the Cairngorms. It's an endangered species and the subject of a restoration project which involves breeding the pine hoverflies in captivity. As you will hear, it's no small task and there is some good news. It's a fascinating story right on our doorstep. You can find out more details at the RZSS website.

Have you ever wondered what type of music your pet likes to listen to? Does your dog or cat prefer classical or rock? Gilly Mendes Ferreira from the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explains  how they are using music to destress animals while they are in their care. You will also hear Gilly telling David about the society's education and digital learning programmes. Find out about the launch of an exciting new website called Animal WISE.

Have you got a moose in the hoose? Or need help with your computer?  Iain Couper from the Edinburgh based charity ACE IT came into the pod to tell Maria all about their work bringing IT coaching for the over 50s. It's a valuable service for people who may be hesitant about going online. Iain has lots of information, help to offer and a few stories to tell about their successes.  For more details you can visit their website. Or call their helpline 07737 738551 Or even email them info@aceit.org.uk

Ever wondered about audio books? Ken Reid is an avid reader, blind and knows a lot about different types of audio books for the visually impaired. He gives us a quick guide to different options and with the help of mum Barbara and Jenny Agutter paints a very informative picture. For more information - the RNIB Helpline is 0303 123 9999 and there are these excellent sites to visit. RNIB Books Calibre Audio Books Daisy Audio Books

The Children and Young People's Commissioner's main function is to promote and protect the rights of children and young people in Scotland. But what does the Commissioner actually do?  Who appoints the Commissioner? What do children and young people want? The Commissioner is Bruce Adamson and he kindly came into the pod to explain what his day job involves and answer some questions. It is a wide range of activities, interests and answers - you will be surprised as David finds out the details. For more details - please visit Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland website.

The Retirement and Amenity Tenants Forum met on Wednesday 9 September online. Quite a few issues were discussed and we were fortunate enough to get David the Forum Chair and Anna from Castle Rock to give us a report from the meeting. Maria asked the tough questions.  If you would like to contact David directly - his email is david.grant@btinternet.com

How do we keep safe in our homes? How do you charge your mobile phone safely? Do fire engines always gleam? And is there a special person firefighters always keep an eye out for?  In this episode Ruth talk to Watch Commander Elliot Whitson who is the Local Area Liaison Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and she gets answers. Elliot passes on some useful information on how to stay safe. The links are all below and the answers are all in the podcast.   Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Register My Appliance Electrical Safety First

Bruce is a well kent face on the comedy circuit both here in Scotland and internationally. Currently his YouTube videos ( watch them here ), with their unique take on Scottish history, are receiving rave reviews. In this podcast David finds out about Bruce's background and what sparked his interest in comedy. It is fair to say there isn't a dull moment in this chat.

This is a follow on conversation with Euan Winton who we first met in Episode 19 talking about the 12 Closes Project and we touched briefly on his work involving dementia and design with Alzheimer Scotland. In today's podcast, Ruth explores the topic with him in more depth. Euan talks through some of the remarkable work he has done with various project groups and outlines the research. It's both inspiring and thought provoking. For more details, the ‘designed with dementia' website has plenty of information.

If you haven't heard about this group,  Anna Matthews of the Older Persons Team and our own David Grant tell us a little bit about the Retirement and Amenity Tenants Forum. This group of Castle Rock Edinvar tenants will be meeting virtually at 10.30am on Wednesday 9 September and would like to see you there!  For joining instructions - just RSVP by telling your Service Coordinator, Concierge , or Tenancy Advisor or emailing retirementhousing@castlerockedinvar.co.uk

What should you never feed bees? How many bees are in a hive? Why are there different colours of honey? Luckily, we have Keith Anderson on hand to tell us all about bees and honey. Keith has just retired and, as a recent graduate of the Bee Academy, was keen to share his enthusiasm and considerable knowledge. There are some amazing facts about these helpful little insects in this podcast.   If you would like to find out more information then a good place to start is the Edinburgh and Midlothian Beekeepers' Association's website.

What does it mean to live in the Southside, Pilton and Craigmillar? Aaron Sheridan is a student researching the history of these three areas for Castle Rock Edinvar. This vital work will, in turn, help us all to understand what ‘place making' means for present and future residents.   In this episode David explores with Aaron the extent of his research to date and when we can expect to see the results. In the course of the discussion, Aaron makes an appeal for contributions from the wider community. If you would like to share your memories, stories and thoughts about growing up and or living in the Southside, Pilton or Craigmillar then you can email Aaron directly at aaron.sheridan@castlerockedinvar.co.uk

Ghost fishing,nano plastics and pingers. These are just some of marine mysteries unraveled by Charlotte Foster, the Marine Engagement Officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Charlotte tells us a little bit about her journey into marine conservation. She also highlights some of the current challenges facing us all as we try to reduce our use of plastics. There are a number of very practical steps we can all take and a wealth of resources to support us.

If you liked the ‘Blue Planet' TV  series, then this is the podcast for you. Professor John Baxter talks through global warming from a marine perspective. He explains why there is a single ocean, what ‘dead zones' are and lots of other fascinating scientific facts. John explains it all in an easy to understand way and points out things we can do to help the planet. There is more information about Marine Protected Areas here in the UK.

In this week's podcast, Karen Bartke explains; why Officer Karen is called ‘Karen', how an archaeology degree leads to playing a seagull and the dangers of muttering Shakespeare to yourself. On the way, she talks about her acting career and passes on tips about accents and auditions. It's a fascinating and funny look behind the scenes with one of Scotland's favourite actors. Lots of stories and laughs, this podcast is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

 Eugene Mullan is the founder, director and architect at Smith Scott Mullan. He was one of the team who developed the award winning scheme at Fortune Place.  In this podcast, Eugene explains what ‘dementia friendly' means in terms of planning homes for older people - it's full of challenges and as Ruth finds out, some surprises. If you would like more information about Eugene's work at Fortune Place - it's here. If you would like to know more housing design - The Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation - the HAPPI report is here.

Part of the plan for renewing the Twelve Closes off the High Street in Edinburgh is improved innovative lighting. One of the consulted communities said, “make it more disco”. Euan Winton has been a big part of the design team from Edinburgh Napier University involved from the very start and can reveal all.  He joined us in the pod to explain the key elements of the design which we touched on in Episode 16.  It was an interesting perspective on a project we can all go and see as the nights draw in. You can find out more about the Twelve Closes project here.

The lockdown is easing and we got the news about reopening plans directly from people we recently interviewed.  Max Coleman of the Botanics, Jess Wise of Edinburgh Zoo, Susan of the Scottish Seabird Centre and Alison of the Red Bus Bistro sent through wee messages explaining how they were opening up to the public again. You will agree they all sound very excited and very prepared to welcome us all. Now it's over to us. For more details – check out their websites. Edinburgh Zoo Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish Seabird Centre The Red Bus Bistro

Everyone has a tale about the challenges of growing older and the support many charities offer. Age Scotland is one that's familiar to lots of our listeners as you will from Maureen and David. So we were delighted when Adam Stachura, Head of Policy and Communications of Age Scotland, came into the pod to explain what they were all about. “Adam oversees Age Scotland's policy development, communications, campaigns, digital and influencing work, supporting a team dedicated to improving the life of older people in Scotland. Adam and the team have been working on solutions to Scotland's loneliness and isolation problem, banking and age-friendly financial services, transport, social care, dementia and housing for older people.” This is what the website told us about Adam and we certainly learnt a lot from our conversation. We hope you do too. For more details about Age Scotland – please visit their website.