Fay Young

Category: Community politics

  • Schools ahead of their time – and ours

    Schools ahead of their time – and ours

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    What would teachers, pupils or parents of 1896 make of the state we are in now?

  • Leith: where local needs are global

    Leith: where local needs are global

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    There’s no quick fix. No instant gratification for community campaigners in a consumer society. “We need to know how power works, how politics works. You can’t just order democracy online and get it delivered the next day!”

  • In memory of Kerry Napuk

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    I am very sad to report the death of a good friend, Kerry Napuk.  He was the inspiration for a community venture in Leith which survives as a testament to his vision, leadership and constant cajoling. This is one of those times when there is no clear dividing line between my private and public worlds…

  • All the world’s a market place

    All the world’s a market place

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    “I hope you don’t mind”, says Kerry, “I’ve put you down for leading a workshop on Open Space Community.”  I’ve just arrived at the conference and within minutes I find myself sitting with a microphone in my hand in a circle of people of all ages from all over the world inviting them to join…

  • Into the unknown

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    Another step into the unknown, I’m on a train hurtling south from Edinburgh to London. Of all unlikely things I find myself an ambassador for Leith Open Space on my way to take part in an international conference of open spacers, more precisely the World Open Space on Open Space (WOSONOS) for participants of this…

  • Into the unknown

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    Our first Open Space event took place in a very open space, a cavernous place, at the top of a shopping centre overlooking Leith harbour, one cold Sunday in November. There was no heating, no lighting, no floor covering but there was a fabulous view of the Forth. It seems a good place to start.

  • Anyone for the Big Society?

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    Harder than it seems, members of the audience get involved in Change earlier this year (picture by Kasia Raszewska) At the dress rehearsal I find myself on the edge of my seat. Why is Alice not gathering information and support from her local councillors, MSP, housing associations, neighbourhood groups? Who the hell is funding this…

  • Travel the world without leaving Leith

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    Who says multicultural Britain is broken?  On Facebook I am invited to a ‘Migrant Drop In Night’ where an open stage invites migrants, travellers, refugees and local people to celebrate Edinburgh “As a welcoming & safe environment; where all new arrivals feel empowered, accepted & integrated & able to contribute to our community.”

  • Welcome immigrants, you make life better

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    Not many people saw it, but last night was a good night for community action.  While would-be leaders dominated the television screen,  a political drama was quietly unfolding in a Leith community centre which confounds all those fears of immigrants.

  • Broughton awaits Tesco Express

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    Welcome to Broughton Street, open for business despite the tramworks. It’s the place to come whether you want a leisurely meal or a quick coffee, whether you are looking for upmarket sausages or  good wines, second hand books or frilly knickers, organic  fruit, vegetables or ( ahem) erotica.  On a wet March morning there is …

  • The tenement tree

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    Enlightened city had let you be till Mammon’s grasp said ‘damn the tree’; So far the trees are still there: a splash of green between grey buildings in a grey street. Otherwise only cars and traffic signs add  colour to one of the posher parts of Edinburgh. Planning permission for a new building on the…

  • Can cafe culture beat Tesco in Broughton?

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    Just for the record, I did write a letter to Edinburgh’s Head of Planning to register my concern over Tesco’s plans to open a new store at 8 Picardy Place.  As it happens I wrote it the same day I went to see the Edinburgh premiere of the Age of Stupid.  Make of that what…