Ragged Uni.

 

         Thought this might interest some folks if you are in or around Edinburgh on these dates.

Next Ragged University Events...

10th Sept 2023 Edinburgh: Come along to The Outhouse (12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh) at 5pm for a screening of presentations on the 'East India Company and a discussion of the origins of the modern multinational corporation' with Alex Dunedin... Click HERE for info

13th Sept 2023 Edinburgh: Come along to The Outhouse (12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh) at 6.30 pm for a talk on 'How, as an environmentalist, I got involved in solidarity with the Palestinians' by Eurig Scandrett... Click HERE for info

20th Sept 2023 Edinburgh: Come along to The Outhouse (12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh) at 6.30 pm for a talk on 'Bees and Honey' by Gino Jabbar... Click HERE for info

 

Visit ann arky at https://spiritofrevolt.info      

The Streets.

                   

           A wee bit late with this one, but better late than never. On Saturday 12th. November in Edinburgh, Friends of the Earth Scotland, organised a march and protest demanding a system change. It was massive, colourful, with meaningful banners and costumes, and they were joined by many other groups, all displaying their anger and disgust at the powers that be and their intransigence, all in the name of profit, in meaningful action to stop this climate disaster. It would appear that it is nonsense to expect the present capitalist system to stop its plundering of the Earth that continually fattens their coffers. They are in it for the money and power, not for the well being of any living thing. It is on the streets that we will destroy this system of exploitation. We have to keep up the organising and demonstrating in ever larger numbers and support the strikers, if we are are to make an impact on this system of insane economics of greed. Don't demand change, make change, we owe it to our grandchildren.
           A few photos from the very colourful and peaceful event.

 More photos from Saturday's Friends of the Earth Scotland event, Nov 12th.

Visit ann arky's home at https://spiritofrevolt.info  

Crisis.

 

               Saturday 12th November, an opportunity to show your anger and disgust at a system that destroys the planet, plunges millions in to poverty and fattens the bank accounts of those destroying the planet. A chance to show your anger, disgust and distrust of the managers of the system, the politicians, who are in the pockets of big business, and who hand in hand are dragging us to oblivion.
        November 12th. raise your voice, show your anger.

 

Visit ann arky's home at https://spiritofrevolt.info 

Mozart, Mahler And Palestine.

         A wee treat for lovers of freedom, lovers of music and friends of Palestine.

         Scottish Friends are supporting 3 concerts by Palmusic UK Ensemble who play Mozart and Mahler piano quartets and a range of Arabic folk music .
        The concerts are on the following dates -
       Friday July 5 at 1pm in Stevenson Hall , Royal Conservatoire of Scotland -100 Renfrew Street Glasgow G52 3 DB

      Saturday July 6 at 3pm - St Andrew’s Church and St George’s West Church -13 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2 PA

       Sunday July 7 at 7:30 pm - St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral - 1 High Street Dundee DD1 1TD

         Please pass the word round and help get a good turnout . Be really good if you could circulate information in your networks .
        Entry to concerts is free and people can just come along on the night .
        A voluntary donation will be taken at the concerts for the charitable work of Palmusic UK and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine .

Regards Arthur West
On behalf of Scottish Friends of Palestine

Visit ann arky's home at https://radicalglasgow.me.uk 

Protest June 29th. at The Scottish Parliament.

        Lots of groups and individuals are coming together to protest outside the Scottish parliament this coming Thursday June 29th.. This will be the culmination of a week of  lobbying and protests, June 23rd. to June 30th. regarding the introduction of PIP and its assessment system, I hope it is a massive turnout. I'm all in favour of protesting and lobbying at the seat of power, but we should never lose sight of the fact that tinkering around the edges of this corrupt and exploitative system, will not end the struggles of the ordinary people, nor stop the plundering of the public resources. We have attack the root cause of our problems, capitalism, the need is to organise to bring the system down. We need to by-pass it, circumvent it, short circuit it, strive for control of our communities and workplaces. We don't need the boss class and their politicians, but they need us. 

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

Has Summer Arrived???

        Well, well, whatever happened to our weather, blue skies and 16 degrees, pity about the 16mph wind. The sun made me think of Aberfoyle, so that's where I headed, it is an easier ride home that it is on the outward journey, more long incline drags, as you gain height to about Ward Toll, then you get some nice runs down towards Aberfoyle. So naturally that 16mph wind was in my face on the run out, but gave me a wee push back home on the easier stretch. Still a wonderful afternoon. The sun brought out all manner of cyclists in all shapes and sizes of bikes, but the Lycra clad brigade in their light weight bikes, out numbered the rest. I now accept that they will pass me at regular intervals, usually with a "Hi" as they with their young legs and lungs zip along the road.
       Last year after a run that was meant to end in Aberfolye, but was foiled, I posted about the pipes that run from Loch Katrine to supply Glasgow with its fresh water, and how the road at Ballot Toll  was closed, as where the pipes cross the road at that point, there seemed to be problem, as it was all supported by steel columns across the road. Well it seems that it is still a problem, though the road is open in a controlled single line traffic arrangement, with height restrictions on vehicles, the pipes still look in a precarious condition. Perhaps the fresh water supply to a major city is not a priority.

        Liz MacGregor's is a pleasant watering hole when visiting Aberfoyle. Good soup, nice cakes and not expensive.

        The might River Forth that ends up entering the North Sea on the east coast at Edinburgh, starts its life in these parts. Here it is, just a little river, as it winds its way through Aberfolye. 

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

When In Edinburgh, Visit ACE.

        As usual, ACE in Edinburgh puts on a great array of events, always interesting, always informative, the end of April is no exception.

       Wednesday 19 April Stop Arms Sales to Saudi demo Stop Arms Sales to Saudi: From Scotland with Shame Demo Wednesday 19 April - Scottish Parliament Take Action! From Scotland with Shame: Demonstrate to call for an end to Arms Exports from Scotland Wednesday 19 April from 12 noon – 2pm. Outside Scottish Parliament. https://www.facebook.com/events/100896443796519/ More info at the bottom

       Thursday 20 April Scrap the Family Cap and the “Rape Clause” There will be a demo against the family cap on Child Tax Credits and 'rape clause' at Scottish Parliament from 12:30 - 13:30 this Thursday 20th April, to coincide with First Ministers Questions. Info on opposing these horrific measures at https://www.facebook.com/scotwomensaid/

      Thursday 20th April. Basta! - After the Bolivarian Revolution, with Clifton Ross We'll screen part of a new documentary, "Yukpa: Blood on the Mountain" by Arturo Albarrán and Clifton Ross. Ross, also the author of "Home from the Dark Side of Utopia" (2016, AK Press) will talk about the break-down of 21st Century Socialism, the rightward swing in Latin America and rise of indigenous resistance throughout the continent.

      Free. All welcome. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE), 17 West Montgomery Place EH7 5HA Thursday 20th April, 7pm – 9pm Organised by AK Press

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

Africa In Motion.

       There is still time to catch some of this excellent event. Though it started on 28th. October, there is still four days  in which to immerse yourself in this interesting feast of thought.

       You may have missed this one, but there are still some gems to see.

Vroegherfs (Early Autumn)

        Based on a poem by the highly acclaimed Afrikaans poet NP Van Wyk Louw, Early Autumn uses the expression of dance to convey the message of the poem. The shedding of frivolity, pretence and naiveté of youth, like leaves in fall, to reveal a maturity and strength portrayed as an analogy of the turning of the seasons.

Africa in Motion Film Festival:

Time; 28th October to 6th November
Various locations across Glasgow and Edinburgh -
see http://www.africa-in-motion.org.uk/programme/glasgow/ for Glasgow events
       Welcome to the 11th edition of the Africa in Motion (AiM) Film Festival! We are back and ready to present a packed programme of screenings, discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, pop-up screenings, workshops, exhibitions, live performances and more, across Edinburgh and Glasgow. Artistically innovative and thought-provoking, the programme takes on bold narratives through a range of features, documentaries and shorts.
      This year we have taken a unique collaborative approach to curating the festival, with a number of different groups and organisations taking part in choosing what they want to see on screen. Residents from East Lothian and Paisley have programmed two pop-up film festivals taking place within their home regions. We have engaged young programmers to curate a package of events inspired by taking part in our ‘Reviving Scotland’s Black History’ summer school. Postgraduate students from the University of Glasgow made up the selection committee for the Short Film and Documentary Competitions.
        This year our festival theme is ‘Time’, through which we explore the past, present and future of Africa, looking at different eras of African history including slavery, colonisation, globalisation and future concepts of Africa. We will also look at cultural notions of time including a focus on Swahili time, the Amharic calendar, and the place of tradition in a modern world. By looking at different political, cultural and social epochs we aim to show how Africa has never been a place bound in past tradition separated from the rest of the world, but has always been influenced by and connected to global movements.
         Our festival theme of 'Time' is illustrated through our cover design and trailer created by South African artist, Diek Grobler, who in his own words, drew inspiration from ‘The way in which rock artists have been telling stories with pictures in the flickering light of fires on cave walls for centuries. Cinema in Africa is ancient!’

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

Anti-Racist, Anti-Fascist Protests.

        The weekend of 19/20 March will be an anti-racist and anti-fascist double header, but before then this Wednesday 2 March we have Rally against Racism. Rally against Racism on Wednesday 2nd March There is a great line up of speakers at including Aamer Anwar (Human Rights lawyer), MSP’s Sandra White and Neil Findlay. University of Edinburgh, Teviot Lecture Theatre, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG
https://www.facebook.com/events/527741454064747/

          A coach has been booked to travel from Edinburgh to the demonstration in Glasgow on March 19th. Tickets will be available to buy at the meeting or you can email uafscotland@gmail.com
Saturday 19 March, Glasgow, Refugees Welcome, No To Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and scapegoating immigrants Be in Glasgow for part of the European-wide anti-racism demonstrations.
Coaches from Edinburgh departing Waterloo Place, 9.30 am. Book your place email uafscotland@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/1718485681706641/

         Sunday 20 March, Edinburgh- Refugees Welcome- Deport the Nazis. The Nazis of the Scottish Defence League plan to demonstrate in Edinburgh. The SDL were last seen in Dover beside National Front banners and Seig Heiling Nazis. Despite this the Police appear to be allowing them to march through Edinburgh. Join the counter protest. 12.45 Noon Assemble at The Mound, Princes Street. 1.15 Move off to confront Nazi SDL at City Chambers.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1717372298500120/

          If you can help out then join us on leap year Monday 29 February for a UAF Edinburgh meeting:
Monday 29 February, 7pm at NASUWT Offices 35 Young Street North Lane,
Edinburgh EH2 4JD.

          If you can’t make this meeting but want leaflets then please get in touch. “Prevent = Racist and Islamophobic” meeting
30 April 5-7 pm, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1674489076164375/

Facebook: EdinburghUAF
Email: uafedinburgh@riseup.net
Twitter: @UAFScot
Twitter: @SUTRScotland
Tumblr: Edinburgh UAF

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

A Date For Edinburgh.

Field punishment. 

        In memory of those heroes that the establishment would like you to forget, those who stood up against the first world war, voices for peace, punished, and suffered, as attempts to silence them increased, with the final humiliation, being erased from history. We can never let that happen.

The World Is My Country Exhibition
Thurs 25 Feb - Sat 12 March
Free Exhibition Launch
6pm Thursday 25 February
With graphic artist Emily Johns, Gabriel Carlyle, and Protest in Harmony.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
The Exhibition celebrates, in stories and pictures, the people and movements that opposed the First World War. Featuring disobedient soldiers, feminist peace initiatives, a Maori princess, a famous Cambridge philosopher, and the striking graphic art of Emily Johns. Plus designs for the Conscientious Objectors Memorial in Edinburgh by pupils from St Thomas Aquins Secondary School. Launch with an interactive presentation by Emily Johns and Gabriel Carlyle. Wine & Food. Free. Donation requested.
Join & Share Event on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1575076856117731/

Songs of the Unsung Heroes

Jane Lewis and Penny Stone from Protest in Harmony lead a fun and inspirational afternoon of songs celebrating the movements and people who opposed the First World War. Learn songs about the men and women who refused to fight and those involved in the broader movements for equality and social justice that move us closer to a world without war. In conjunction with The World Is My Country exhibition.

All welcome, no previous experience necessary.

Scottish Storytelling Centre

Full Price – £12.00
£10 Network Members
http://www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre/centre-events/4588/songs-of-the-unsung-heroes

 Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

We Can Withdraw Our Consent.

 

      The state at first glance, holds all the power, it has the best of repressive gear, it has all the organised institutions of repression, but we should never forget we have the numbers and the solidarity. We are only governable by consent, we can at any time, withdraw that consent. The state is aware of this situation, hence its attack on those most vociferous in the demands for freedom from that state. Anarchist don't hide their intentions, to work towards a life free from the burden and repression of the state. Hence the state's attack on those of that ilk. Who will be next?

February 6th, a date for your calendar:

Invited by Jacque Swartz
Solidarity Protest MEET: Spanish Consulate, 63 North Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3LJ FRIDAY 6 Feb – FROM 12:00noon

[see also: Sun 8 Feb 7pm - Film showing - 'Cuitat Morta' [Dead City] (documentary) at The Banshee Labyrinth, EH1 1LG https://www.facebook.com/events/807425185972477] HARASSED! CHARGED! IMPRISONED! FOR BEING ANARCHISTS!
by ‘operación Pandora’ in Spain

      ‘Un movimiento que olvida a sus presos está condenado a la derrota’ ‘A movement that forgets its prisoners is doomed to defeat’

     On 16/12/2014 Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan “independent” police ‘squaddies’) stormed 14 homes and social centers in Barcelona and Madrid, destroying or stealing everything of value. Without concrete accusations and with the greatest secrecy, 11 anarchists (7 women and 4 men) were sent to a High Court in Madrid. 4 were released two days later with charges - and 7 stayed in prison until they were eventually released on extortionate bail of €3000 each on 30/01/2015, one is a member of the CNT-AIT Union. The anarchists continue to endure harassment, charges and secretive Court proceedings because of their criticism and opposition to capitalism and the state. DROP THE CHARGES!

Edinburgh Solidarity Federation, c/o ACE, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH5 7HA | edinburghsf@riseup.net | www.solfed.org.uk

International Workers’ Association, Targowa 22 lokal 27 a03-731 Warszawa, POLSKA | secretariado@iwa-ait.org | www.iwa-ait.org

further information: efectopandora.wordpress.com

http://www.solfed.org.uk/edinburgh/fri-6-feb-12noon-edinburgh-solidarity-protest-drop-the-charges-against-the-anarchists

http://www.solfed.org.uk/edinburgh/sun-8-feb-7pm-film-showing-cuitat-morta-dead-city-documentary-at-the-banshee-labyrinth-eh1

 Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

First They Came For The Anarchists----.

A call for solidarity: 

Friday, 16 January 2015,  10:00am.

Spanish Consulate General, 

63 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 3LJ 

December 16th 2014 saw 11 anarchists in Barcelona detained in what has been known as "Operation Pandora".
All 11 detainees (4 of them were released on charges on December, 18th) are anarchist activists. One of them is a member of Sabadell CNT union and is still imprisoned. Solicitors for the accused have stated that they have been arrested for being organised; evidence against the accused is non-existent and desperate. Demonstrations have taken place already around Spain, however January 16th may see even bigger demonstrations. Please pass this information on - and if you live in or near a city with an embassy or consulate, let us know!
Join us - We will hand out leaflets against this attempt at criminalisation of anarchism.

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk

Learndirect Gets Some Visitors.

 

       Yesterday, a group of enthusiastic and poster armed people from far and wide descended on Edinburgh to protest against the government's inhumane and cruel policy of slave labour, that flies under the flag of workfare. A scheme of forced labour without wages, and the continual threat of benefit cuts, (sanctions). The protesters target this time round, was Learndirect, the slave dealer that supplies the market with its free labour. Well done, to all of you, your fight is for all working class people, not just the unemployed, the unemployed are the tool used by the government to undermine the wages and conditions of all workers. Workfare is also a bonus to the corporate friends of the millionaire cabal that sits in the Westminster Houses of Hypocrisy and Corruption. They work hand and glove to further their own wealth and power, the corporate bosses want wages to go down, the government hands them slave labour, what more could they ask for? Well plenty, if we let them get away with it, workfare must be stopped, this is everybody's struggle.

These photos from Boycott Workfare Edinburgh, and there are plenty more there and also HERE:

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk