Please see our calendar pages for details of our forthcoming services and events
CONCERTS IN THE KIRK
THE DUDDINGSTON PLAYERS PRESENT
Thursday 9th September
Piano Recital by Tricia Ball: From JS Bach to Fats Waller
Friday 10th September
Violinist Veda Runge and Pianist Tricia Ball
play a recital of works including Elgar’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, and music by Faure,
Brahms and Corelli.
Saturday 11th September
Three Bach Concertos:
Concerto for Violin in A Minor, Concerto for Violin and Oboe, Brandenburg Concerto No 4
All Concerts 5-6pm.
All tickets £5 - proceeds towards church funds
BEREAVEMENT VISITING CONFERENCE- CARBERRY 23-25 APRIL
There were about 24 people on this course, sharing the Christian spirit of fellowship in rather palatial accommodation in the beautiful setting of Carberry Tower. Throughout the two days there were workshops and talks, looking at the subject of grief and how we can more effectively be alongside one another when this inevitably happens.
We were lucky enough to have Tom Gordon on the team; the recently-retired chaplain from the Marie Curie Hospice. We learned to understand better that loss is a common experience, and discussed what differing reactions there may be to major losses and bereavements, and how we might be better able to help one another both emotionally and practically. Later we considered what needs people may have, and how these needs might be sensitively met.
It was very beneficial to share experiences with others, and to consider new ideas as to how to improve the support we might give as visitors and carers. In the words of writer Henri Nouwen: "As I look at my own hands, I know that they have been given to me to stretch out towards all who suffer, to rest upon the shoulders of all who come, and to offer the blessing that emerges from the immensity of God's love".
Tricia Ball
FRESHSTART SUNDAY - 27 JUNE
FreshStart are very grateful for all the many contributions to their charity over the past year from Duddingston Kirk.
At our FreshStart Sunday on 27 June, we will collect household items in the Hall between 11:00 ‘til 13:00. This could be an opportunity to bring items too large for the now famous "Blue Boxes".
FreshStart are always in need of -
- Dishes and Cutlery
- Pots and Pans
- Cleaning items
- Bed linen and Towels
- Small electrical items.
Helen and Dorothy are happy to collect any item from your home if you are unable to bring it along.
Many thanks.
Helen McMillan & Dorothy Blackock
DUDDINGSTON KIRK WALKING GROUP
The June walk is on Sunday 20th and will be led by Margaret and Jim Paul. The chosen route takes in Roslin Glen with picturesque meadow and woodland walks. Walking distance is about four miles with moderate and steep inclines along recognised paths. Meet in the Kirk Hall by 11.15am.
John Cook
DUDDINGSTON KIRK GOLF CLUB
Thursday 20 May Portobello 9 Hole Competition - Meet at 6pm at the Pavilion on Stanley Street
Tuesday 15 June Craigentinny 18 Hole Competition - Meet at 6pm in car park off Fillyside Road
Wednesday 21 July Braids 2 9 Hole Competition- Meet at 6pm at Starter's Box - parking in Braid Hills Driving Range CP
Saturday 11 Sept Duddingston 18 Hole Championship
Events are open to members and their friends. Please let Hugh Flockhart know if you intend to participate, a few days before each event.
Hugh Flockhart
DUDDINGSTON KIRK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Visits to two Edinburgh gardens have been arranged: firstly on Tuesday 15 June at 2pm to 36 Morningside Drive, and secondly on Wednesday 21 July at 2pm to 9 Braid Farm Road. For information on the above, please contact Mrs Ella Bruce (Secretary).
Mo Johnston
41st EDINBURGH BOYS BRIGADE
from Captain's Report at Annual Display & Presentation on 7 May.
Every year we choose the wettest week to go to camp. We wouldn't have it any other way. Standing in our new marquee at Meigle, there was something quite therapeutic and amusing about listening to the thunder get closer and watching the rain bounce off the ground.
Following all the 125 celebrations last year, and with a trip to Italy in the summer, this year was at risk of being a bit of an anti-climax . It has been anything but. We have continued to offer numerous great opportunities for boys and they have made the most of them.
Camps and Craggan are always among the highlights of any year but our bread and butter is our Friday night. It is particularly pleasing that this year we were able to make Fridays even more exciting, particularly during our Emergency Services class which included visits to the fire and police stations. As usual, it is all about opportunities and making the most of these. We know we do things differently but we continue to pride ourselves on that.
Our curryoke in September was so unique that the company who hired us the karaoke equipment wanted photos so that they could advertise the concept on their website. When we were asked to host the Battalion Carol Service, I'm not sure they expected the entire Company Section to put on a full nativity play. When the BBC came to film us for De-a-Nis in February, the director commented that we were not what she expected from a traditional BB Company but the boys seemed to be having so much fun together.
We've made quite an impression on a lot of people this year and we continue to build on our excellent reputation. Our ability to do this has been increased with the launch of our new website and facebook page. Former members now living all over the globe have been in contact.
Perhaps this could be the year the sun finally comes out at a BB camp. Now that would be different!
Alan Meikle
FESTIVAL PLAYS AT DUDDINGSTON, 2010 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEATRE ALBA
Children's Play: Excalibur by Clunie McKenzie
Monday 2 to Sunday 15 August at 11:00 (Sundays at 14:30) in Dr Neil's Garden
Afternoon Play: See You Jimmy devised by the Tynepark Mental Health Centre
Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 August at 12:30 in the Marquee (audience capacity 46)
Afternoon Play: Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams
Tuesday-Saturday: 10-14 and 17-21 August at 17:00 in the Marquee (audience capacity 46)
Evening Play: The Seagull by Anton Chekhov
Wednesday-Sunday: 11-15, 18-22 and 25-29 August outdoors in the Church garden.
DR NEIL'S GARDEN OPEN DAYS
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May from 2 to 5pm.
Teas and home baking.
Proceeds from the Garden are for Multiple Sclerosis
and proceeds from the Teas are for Christian Aid.
SOCIETY, RELIGION & TECHNOLOGY PROJECT
SRTP@40
Helping the church engage with ethical issues in science. A conference marking forty years of the Project.
Saturday 1 May 2010 10am to 4pm
City Chambers, Edinburgh Registration £10 (lunch and refreshments included)
Information and bookings:- srtp@cofscotland.org.uk
Topics include: Ethical Issues at the Beginning and End of Life, A renewed Role for Nuclear Power in the UK, and Technology, e-Government & the Citizen.
SRT is a project of the Church of Scotland working ecumenically with Action of Churches Together in Scotland and with the support of the Scottish Episcopal, United Reformed and United Free Churches
WELCOME TO EDINBURGH 2010!
This year the world church celebrates the Centenary of the World Missionary Conference, held in Edinburgh in 1910. Christians from all over the world will join in unity and explore different ways of
Witnessing to Christ today
What is Edinburgh 2010?
Edinburgh 2010 is a multi-denominational and international project set up to commemorate the 1910 World Missionary Conference, and to provide new perspectives on mission for the 21st century. To find out more about the history and governance of Edinburgh 2010
2010 CONFERENCE
From 2 to 6 June 2010 a Centenary Conference will take place in and around the historic sites of the 1910 Conference. The Edinburgh 2010 General Council has invited 250 church and mission leaders to come to Edinburgh and is welcoming another 900 visitors for the Sunday Celebrations.
For more information visit www.edinburgh2010.org
WALK FOR THE WORLD
on Arthur's Seat on Sunday 9 May 2010 organised by Duddingston Christian Aid Group
Starting in the gardens of Duddingston Kirk, the 10km route climbs the steps from Duddingston Loch and crosses Arthur's Seat. There will be a tea stop at St Margaret's Loch as well as refreshments on return.
Walk, jog or stroll. Kids quiz. Get some sponsors or just donate.
Medal for every walker. Juice and sweets at tea shop. Free refreshments at end.
Check in at Duddingston Church Hall from 9.30am.
Special send off from the Manse Gardens at 10am
Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Maps and checkpoint cards are issued at the start.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for the weather!
For sponsor forms contact:-
Jim & Morag Baird, Hugh Flockhart, Gordon & Noreen McDougal, Just World Shop
Please help to support a world in need. It's the only one we have!
Christian Aid is one of several charities that provide very practical advice in needy parts of our planet, work that is funded entirely through fundraising ventures such as this.
ART EXHIBITION IN THOMSON TOWER
8 to 15 May 2010
2 - 5pm
Exhibition by local Edinburgh artists.
Admission free.
THOMSON TOWER
The Historic Thomson Tower opened its doors to the public last summer. We couldn't have done this without the enthusiastic group of volunteers who agreed to man it on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the months of July and August. A big thank you to all of them with our heartfelt appreciation.
The entrance money we charge to visit the Tower, a modest £2 per head or £5 for a family over three persons, is the main source of income to keep the Tower from falling into disrepair again as there are hefty insurance, heating and maintenance costs to be found.
With this in mind, we would like to extend the opening dates and times this summer, but we cannot do this without the help of more volunteers. We ask you to think about giving a few hours of your time this summer to help this most worthy cause.
We hope to open Saturday and Sunday 12 - 5pm in June, July and August, and have broken the shifts into 12 - 2.30pm and 2.30pm - 5pm. If you would like to volunteer for a few shifts, or just learn more about this, please contact either:
Barbara Anderson & Alex Calder
DUDDINGSTON KIRK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Our monthly Tuesday evening meetings have finished for the season though there are other dates for your diaries.
The Annual Plant Sale which always has a big turnout will be on Saturday 8 May opening at 10.30am. There are no pre-booked order forms this year, just buy on the day. Members showing their current syllabus will be given a discount on purchases.
The Summer Day Out is on Thursday 27 May leaving from the Kirk Car Park at 9.30am and arriving back at approximately 5pm. The planned visit is to Manderston House, Duns, which is a Georgian-style house featured on TV as the "Edwardian Country House" and has amongst many attractions the Silver Staircase. The 58 acres of grounds include woodland, azaleas, rhododendrons, bluebell wood, a lake and formal terrace gardens.
The cost is £12 for members and £15 for guests, payable at the time of booking. This includes entrance to the house, garden and coach travel. Not included are coffee and lunch.
Also arranged are two Summer Afternoon Visits to private gardens in Edinburgh:- Tuesday 15 June at 2pm at 36 Morningside Drive, and Wednesday 21 July at 2pm at 9 Braid Farm Road.
For information on any of the above activities do not hesitate to contact
Mrs Ella Bruce, or Mo Johnston
THE GUILD
I can't believe we are at the last two meetings of this Session's Guild. Our project this year is the Madagascar Mission (Mission Aviation Fellowship) and on Tuesday 6 April at 7.30 pm Mr Andy Martin will tell us all about this worthy cause. Our AGM is on Tuesday 20 April and will be followed by supper. (Have your tea before you come to the meeting!). All welcome.
Evelyn Robertson
DUDDINGSTON KIRK BROWNIES
The Brownies are looking for someone to volunteer to help on a Wednesday night. We have lost one of our helpers and really need another. There is no work involved, just turn up each week to help!
SILENT AUCTION
Tuesday 18th May at 7.30pm in Duddingston Kirk Hall
Dr Neil's Garden Trust, in conjunction with the Kirk's World Church Group, will hold the above fund raiser. The proceeds will be split evenly between Dr Neil's Garden and an educational programme the World Church Group is funding in the Third World.
We are looking for contributions of saleable quality and would welcome anything suitable you can offer. If you have never been to a silent auction, it's great fun and you could just bag a real bargain.
If you have recently redecorated a room, and have household items of good quality that are too good to throw out, including small pieces of furniture, paintings and decorative pieces which no longer fit in, we would be happy to take them off your hands. Christmas gifts which don't suit you may well be a delight for someone else. What about that juicer you promised you were going to use every day?! Vouchers for anything - meals out, hair and beauty treatments etc, etc - would be very welcome
Tickets will be on sale soon at the Kirk or the Garden at a cost of £2 which will include refreshment.
For collection, please contact either,
Barbara Anderson, or Anne McCrossan
DUDDINGSTON KIRK WALKING GROUP
The next walk is scheduled for Sunday 11 April and will be led by John and Christine Watkins. The aim is to visit St Baldred's Cradle in the Tyninghame area of East Lothian. The distance is about four miles and involves no hills but a good part of the walk is along the beach hence the usual good footwear is required. Meet in the Kirk Hall at 11.15am
John Cook
SHOEBOX NEWS
Samaritan's Purse wants to say a big "Thank You!" to everyone who played a part in making Operation Christmas child 2009 a huge success. Thanks to your support, Samaritan's Purse is able to work through local churches overseas to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God amongst communities in need in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The total for our area is as follows:
December 2009
St. Joseph's warehouse, Port Seton 11,701 children's boxes
574 babushka boxes (for the elderly)
Harthill 3,500
Total from Edinburgh & the Lothians 2009 15,775
Total sent from St. Joseph's to date approx 110,000
A copy of the Shoebox News letter is on the information board in the hall vestibule and I am hoping to get a further supply in the near future.
Email address for updates info@samaritans-purse.org.uk
With thanks,
Margaret Paul
PASSION PLAY ADDS A TWIST
The annual Princes Street Easter Play in Edinburgh will be performed on Saturday 3 April in West Princes Street Gardens at 10.30am and 2pm.
This year, the organisers wanted to communicate to the audience that Jesus provides timeless answers to some of the biggest questions of life. They are seeking to achieve this and add a 21st century touch by transporting three main characters into modern dress and character:- Zaccheus transforms from a money lender to a city centre loan shark; Nicodemus will be portrayed as an Edinburgh academic professor; and the devoted Mary Magdalene will be a gothic misfit feeling somewhat rejected by society.
When the first Princes Street Easter Play was performed, the intention was to have "Christ in the Heart of the City at Easter". This year, the theme is being extended to an art exhibition to be shown for two weeks from 26 March along the top path in West Princes Street Gardens.
Professional artists and primary school children will be contributing to the exhibition. While the digital prints are on display outside, the original paintings by the professionals will be on display in Henderson's Café under St John's Church, Lothian Road, and the children's paintings in St John's Episcopal Church at the West End.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF PORTOBELLO
would like to thank everyone who supported the "Mary's Meals" Lunch on 7 March. We are delighted to have raised over £1400 - which will increase to approximately £1600 with Gift Aid.
