Scotland & Northern Ireland news
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Take One Action Film Festival
The Co-operative membership in Scotland are delighted once again to be sponsoring Take One Action Film Festival, Scotland’s global action cinema project, based in Edinburgh.
Now in its second year the festival’s aim is to celebrate people and movies that are changing the world, linking audiences, filmmakers and campaigners to inspire shared solutions to the world’s greatest challenges.
February 2010 will see T1A touring some of the most popular films from the recent festival. All screenings are accompanied by audience discussion, with input from a range of speakers, and tools on hand to help you go “beyond the screen”. We hope you can join us for one of the films near you.
There are 2 pairs of tickets for every film to give away to members of The Co-operative, on a first come first served basis. Simply, email your name, membership number, venue and choice of film to info@takeoneaction.org.uk
For full details of screenings, speaker info and trailers go to ww.takeoneaction.org.uk.
Over 8,000 people braved the December weather conditions to be part of Scotland’s largest ever demonstration to demand action on climate change. The membership team in Scotland joined the many marchers and their families at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on 5 December, giving out badges and placards to members and customers for their march to Kelvingrove Park. On arrival at Kelvingrove drummers, pipers, speeches and a visit to the Membership Trailer entertained the marchers; visitors to the trailer were given Co-operative fairtrade cotton bags for life, balloons and bubbles. The Wave was organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, which represents over 60 organisations and 2 million people across Scotland – including Oxfam, Christian Aid, SCIAF and WWF. The marchers sent out a strong message for those world leaders who will meet to discuss climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Summit being held in Copenhagen during the next two weeks.The Wave also took place in London, Belfast, Dublin, Paris, Brussels and Berlin.
Raising the Roof at St Columba's, Callander Saturday night, 14th November, 2009, saw the players of Callander Brass host the Scottish Brass Band of the Year, the Co-operative Funeralcare Band, in a joint concert held in St Columba's Church, Stirling. The move to Stirling was intended to give a wider audience the opportunity to hear one of Britain's finest bands and a good crowd, including local Co-operative members, were treated to a grand musical evening. Callander Brass conductor Ian Milligan introduced the fledgling local band's contribution to the evening, presenting a varied programme. Each item was warmly received, with most generous applause from the gathered audience and the onlooking Co. musicians. The Co-operative Funeralcare Band then took to the stage. Conductor Gavin Lindsay immediately launched the band into the stunning 'Enter the Galaxies' - coincidentally composed by the son of a Callander Brass guest cornet player, Paul Lovat Cooper. This was followed by an array of wonderful pieces. Another brief pause, while the Callander Brass instrumentalists and conductor returned to the stage, preceded the finale of the concert, a joint performance of Ball's brass band standard, 'Star Lake'. What this rendition lacked in perfection was more than compensated for with energy and once again the crowd responded enthusiastically, bringing the evening's entertainment to a close. Look out for more events at: www.callanderbrass.co.uk and information about the band, whether you are interested in listening, learning or playing, can be obtained from Band Secretary, Ken Milligan on 01877 339474.
For details of The Co-operative Funeralcare band look at: www.theco-operativefuneralcareband.co.uk
The fact that interest in the plight of the people of Burma is strong in the Orkney Islands was clearly demonstrated recently when 200 adults and young people attended performances of the Burma Play. Bringing the play to Orkney was made possible by financial support from The Co-operative Group, the enthusiasm of the Orkney Group of Amnesty International through Cristine Ferguson and the engagement of Northern International Theatre.
Support from The Co-operative Group is in line with its “Ethics in Action” Campaign and with its policy of not trading with Burma, delisting the country as a tourist destination and not financing any organisation with a significant presence in Burma
The Burma Play, performed by Anglo-Burmese performer Cilla Baynes and David Bowen, with music by Omar Sattaur, is described as a sprint though the twentieth century history of Burma. The writer is Pamela Brough Sandiford and the Producer is David Bell, who was born in Burma and has had a lifelong interest in its people. Lighting and sound was provided by Chris Giles of the Orkney Islands Council Education Department
The play was written in honour of two Burmese performers who were imprisoned with hard labour for over 5 years for poking fun at the dictatorship and in honour of all the people of Burma who continue to suffer forced labour, displacement, extreme poverty, arbitrary imprisonment and execution.
The first performance, which attracted an audience of 140+ was held in Kirkwall and was followed by a lively debate involving the cast of the play, Tony Fairman of National Burma Co-Ordinator for Amnesty International, Orkney’s MP, Alastair Carmichael and Tor Justad representing the Co-operative Group
Questions raised included what individuals can do to support democratic change in Orkney and whether going there as a tourist is helpful or harmful to the people.
The second performance was in Stromness with an audience of 50 secondary pupils which gained an insight into the history of Burma and what can be done by people in Orkney to influence change.
Proceeds from ticket sales and a collection at the Kirkwall performance will go towards the Burma Campaign Uk.
For further information on events or activities near you, please contact your Regional Office below:-
The Co-operative Group
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region
Membership Department
Robert Owen House
87 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 2EE
Tel: 0141 304 5586 Email: scottish.membership@co-operative.coop