Hospital Activities Programme

January - March 2017

Introduction to Programme
Over the past year Artlink has been working towards this programme of
exhibitions, workshops and events which explores in some detail different aspects
of older age. We want to share the stories of love, life and family we came across
in our research.
We arent looking at this through rose-tinted spectacles; we know about the
problems that exist and the hardship that is experienced. What we want to show is
just how remarkable and resilient people are, how enthusiastic they are to join in,
work together and share their experiences.
Each participating hospital has its own theme and all events match the interests of
the amazing people we have met and worked with over the years.
Although the exhibitions and events are aimed at older audiences and for those
who care for older people, we have designed this programme to have an open
appeal. You will be introduced to artists and writers who have an interesting
perspective on older age, as well as to local people and organisations who do
amazing work giving advice, support and providing recreational activities.
To make sure that everyone has the opportunity to join in, we have placed some of
these events are on closed wards and some in public spaces. All events are free.
If you want to take part, check whats on on your ward, or find out more, get in
touch with us at Artlink.
Contacts
Kirsty Williams: 0131 229 3555 kirsty@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Trevor Cromie: 0131 537 6127 trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

St Johns

Western General

Royal Infirmary

Royal Edinburgh

Theme:
Relationships

St Johns

Lauren Fleishman

Exhibition
Lauren Fleishman - The Lovers
The Lovers is an exhibition of photographs of couples who have shared their lives for over
50 years. Inspired by love letters written by the artists grandfather to her grandmother,
Lauren was moved to find other intertwined souls like theirs.
In this beautiful body of work, couples with different life experiences provide a glimpse of
the realities of their love; most importantly, how it appears in their lives and how they live
and survive it.
Exhibition starts Friday 27th January
Join us for a look around the exhibition and refreshments at St Johns Gallery, 2nd floor
next to the dining room, 12pm - 1pm.

A talk by the artist follows in The Chapel, Spiritual Care, ground floor past Howden
Caf. 1.30pm - 2pm
Open to all

St Johns
Talks
James McLardy
Over the past year artist James McLardy has been working with staff, relatives and
patients on dementia wards. James will talk about a way of working that has emerged
which enhances the ward environment, empowering those involved to instigate change.

Tuesday 21st February

The Chapel, Spiritual Care, ground floor past Howden Caf, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Open to all

Sue Peebles
Award-winning writer Sue will deliver a talk and readings on the theme of older people
and relationships. Sue is interested in the ways fiction can support and enlighten our
own understandings of life events. Themes explored include: language & meaning; family
relationships; dynamics of care. The writer won the Saltire Award for her first book The
Death of Lomond Friel.

Monday 13th March

The Chapel, Spiritual Care, ground floor past Howden Caf, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Open to all
Theme: Relationships

St Johns

Miss Annabel Sings

St Johns
Events

Miss Annabel Sings! - Music at the Movies

Join cabaret star Miss Annabel Sings in a celebration of the hits and theme songs from
movies and TV. Relax and listen, share memories and sing songs from your favourites from
the 1920s to the present day.

Monday 16th January

Pentland Court 11am -12pm, Ward 3 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Max Scratchmann
Edinburgh spoken word artist Max is joining us for an hour of
storytelling, poetry, comedy in a reminiscence of his life growing
up in India to present day Edinburgh working as a successful 60
year old artist in Scotland.

Friday 27th January

Macmillan Centre 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff, patients and visitors to the Macmillan Centre

Tea Dance with DJ Lord Holyrude

A chance for patients and their relatives to have a cup of tea, let their hair down and
tap their toes as Lord Holyrude spins the sounds of the 20s through to the 70s on an old
gramophone.

Monday 30th January

Ward 3, 1.30pm 3.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward
Theme: Relationships

St Johns
Events

Swing and Charleston Dance Extravaganza

Staff, patients, friends and families are invited to get involved and take part in a swing
and Charleston dance extravaganza with the Glasgow Swing Dance Society. You dont
need to know how to dance to join in!

Monday 13th February

In the Dining Room, Second Floor 12pm - 2pm
Open to all

Paul Novak Magic & Comedy Show

Magician Tales: comedy tricks and some magical stories from Edinburghs top magician,
Paul Novak.

Friday 24th February

Macmillan Centre 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff, patients and visitors to the the Macmillan Centre

Toby Mottershead: Music Matters

Toby will sing and play music for a wide selection of tastes.
Listen to American Roots, Blues and Country, Celtic Ballads,
Airs and Romany songs. No matter what your taste Toby
proves that music really does matter.

Monday 27th February

Ward 17 11am 12pm
Ward 3 1.30pm 2.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards
Theme: Relationships

St Johns
Events

A Wee Night In
Lunch time screening of a short film by Stuart Edwards. This
award-winning film follows Chrissie (95) and her boyfriend
Bill (91) as they settle down for a wee night in. Stuart is a
freelance filmmaker/videographer based in Edinburgh,
Scotland.
Monday 27th February
Dining Room, Second Floor 12pm - 1pm
Open to all

Bruce Davies Singin n Reminiscin

Globetrotting musician Bruce is stopping off for a trip down memory lane with his gentle
brand of story and song.

Monday 13th March

Ward 17, 11am -12pm, Ward 3, 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

The Pearls
Vintage inspired musical duo the Pearls will be joining us for a
toe tapping hour. Celebrate years gone by as they sing your
favourite hits from the 1940s and beyond.

Monday 27th March

Dialysis, 11am -12pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward
The Chapel, Spiritual Care, ground floor past Howden Caf,
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Open to all
Theme: Relationships

St Johns
Events

Lake Montgomery
This singer has the most incredible voice. She comes all
the way from Paris, Texas and will bring her very special
brand of music from back home in the USA.
Friday 31st March
Macmillan Centre 2pm 3pm

Open to all staff, patients and visitors to the the Macmillan Centre

Workshop
Workshops with Artist Vanessa Lawrence
Want to learn watercolour techniques? These workshops are open to artists of all
abilities, from the avid painter wanting to learn new techniques to those who want to
learn the basics.
Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March
10.30am - 12pm & 1.30pm - 3pm
Ward groups on Pentland Court, Ward 3, Ward 17, Macmillan and Dialysis wards
Open to all staff and patients on the listed wards
Theme: Relationships

Western General

Deirdre Nelson

Theme:
Pride & Participation

Western General

Exhibition
Artist Commission: Deirdre Nelson
We have invited Glasgow-based textile artist Deirdre Nelson to undertake a residency
with patients and staff on elderly care wards in the Royal Victoria Building at the WGH.
Taking her recent residency at Platform Arts, Easterhouse as the starting point for the
work, Deirdre will begin to develop a series of text-based artworks that list the things
that make patients and staff proud from passing an exam, to climbing Everest, to hearing
your grand-daughter sing to an act of kindness; whatever has made your chest swell with
pride.
The residency will last throughout February; look out for posters on how to get involved,
and expect to see the exhibition change and develop over time as the artist collates a
catalogue of pride from staff and patients on the wards.

Exhibition starts Friday 3rd February with a talk by the artist in the gallery
space.
12pm - 1pm in the Gallery, situated on the ground floor between the Alexander
Donald and Anne Ferguson Buildings
Open to all

Western General
Talks

Deirdre Nelson
The artist will talk about Made In Easterhouse and the artworks on show in the
gallery. She will introduce ideas for new work in the Western and talk about how
to get involved.
Friday 3rd February
In the gallery 12pm - 1pm
Situated on the ground floor between the Alexander Donald and Anne Ferguson Buildings
Open to all

Edinburgh Museums
A taster event run by Edinburgh Museums introducing patients to the wonders of
Edinburgh Museums collections. In this practical workshop you will experience
some of the amazing activities the museums have to offer.
Friday 3rd February
Ward 15
Open to all staff and patients on the ward

Workshop

Deirdre Nelson - Get Involved!

A chance to work with the artist, turning your lists of interests and
what makes you proud into a till receipt. As Deirdre collects your
lists the work in the gallery will change. The more people get
involved the better! Come along and join in.

Thursday 9th & Friday 17th February

RVB Foyer, ground floor, opposite lifts
10.30am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2pm
Open to all

Theme: Pride & Participation

Western General
Whats On Near You

Information day for older people

We have invited local organisations and groups to talk with you about whats out
there in your community for you to get involved in. Groups include Alzheimers
Scotland, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Scottish Poetry Library, National
Galleries, National Libraries, National Museums, Botanics Social Project, LOOPS,
Vintage Vibes, Hearts and Minds and Ageing Well amongst others.
Thursday 23rd February
RVB Foyer, ground floor opposite lifts 11am - 2pm
Open to all

Living Voices
The Scottish Poetry Library will deliver taster sessions
for staff and patients that offer older people activities
using a combination of story, song and poetry to prompt
conversation, reminiscence and creative response.
Week commencing 6th March
We would like to invite staff working on elderly wards to
request this activity for their ward.
Theme: Pride & Participation

Events

Miss Annabel Sings: Music at the Movies

Join cabaret star Miss Annabel Sings in a celebration of the hits and theme songs
from movies and TV. Relax and listen, share memories and sing songs of your
favourites from the 1920s to the present day.
Wednesday 18th January
Ward 70 2pm - 3pm, Ward 71 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Magdalena Durant Sunshine Opera

An incredible classical singer with a huge repertoire of songs, enjoy listening to a
celebration of opera and classical music which is bound to have you exclaiming
BRAVO and ENCORE!
Wednesday 1st February
Ward 72, 2pm - 3pm, Ward 73, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Flamenco with Cheekyirrkis

It may well still be chilly outside, but Cheekyirrykis will bring the sun in with their
feet and their voices. A real celebration of life, complete with music, singing and
flamenco dancing.
Wednesday 15th February
WRVS Caf in AFB 11am - 12pm, RVB Foyer, ground floor, opposite lifts 1.30pm 2.30pm
Open to all

Theme: Pride & Participation

Western General
Events

Toby Mottershead: Music Matters

Toby will sing and play music for a wide selection of tastes. Listen to American
Roots, Blues and Country, Celtic Ballads, Airs and Romany songs. No matter what
your taste Toby proves that music really does matter.
Wednesday 1st March
Ward 70 2pm - 3pm, Ward 71 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Miss Annabel Sings: Music at the Movies

Join cabaret star Miss Annabel Sings in a celebration of the hits and theme songs
from movies and TV. Relax and listen, share memories and sing songs of your
favourites from the 1920s to the present day.
Wednesday 15th March
Ward 72 2pm - 3pm, Ward 73 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

The Pearls
Vintage inspired musical duo the Pearls will celebrate years gone by as they sing
your favourite hits from the 40s.
Wednesday 29th March
Ward 70 2pm - 3pm, Ward 73 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Theme: Pride & Participation

Royal Infirmary
Exhibition

Theme:
Families & Support

Royal Infirmary

Exhibition
Dads Not All There Any More: images from a comic about dementia
When Pete started hallucinating clowns in the corner his son knew something
wasnt quite right. Based on his familys experience of his fathers Lewy Body
Dementia (LBD), Alex Demetris comic explores with tenderness and humour
one of the most common yet often unheard of types of dementia; what it is, its
symptoms, living in a care home and the impact on people living with the condition
and their families.
Alex Demetris is an London based illustrator who enjoys producing humorous
cartoons and short comic strips. He is especially interested in using illustration as a
narrative medium.
Exhibition starts Friday 20th January with a book reading on family relationships

by the award-winning writer Sue Peebles.

Pelican Gallery
Ground floor, south corridor next to OPD 4, 12pm - 1.30pm
Open to all

Royal Infirmary
Talk

Sue Peebles
Award-winning writer Sue will deliver a talk and
readings in the gallery on the theme of families and
support. Sue is interested in the ways fiction can
support and enlighten our own understanding of life
events. Themes explored include: family relationships;
dynamics of care. The writer won the Saltire Award
for her first book The Death of Lomond Friel.
Friday 20th January
Pelican Gallery 12pm - 1.30pm
Open to all

Whats On Near You

Information Day for Older People

We have invited local organisations and groups to talk with you about whats out
there in your community for you to get involved in. Groups include Alzheimers
Scotland, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Scottish Poetry Library, National
Galleries, National Libraries, National Museums, Botanics Social Project, LOOPS,
Vintage Vibes, Hearts and Minds and Ageing Well amongst others.
Thursday 16th February
Pelican Gallery, 11am - 2pm
Open to all

Theme: Families & Support

Royal Infirmary
Events

Anne Connolly
Anne Connolly will read and perform her poetry
which explores the variety of ways in which families
and the wider society cope, support and care for the
ageing population.
Anne is an Irish poet living and working and being
a granny in Scotland. She taught for many years
and has worked more recently as an independent
advocate for older people in long-term care. Her
poems have been widely published in a variety of
journals, magazines, online and in four collections
of her work.
Wednesday 22nd February
Pelican Gallery 12pm - 2pm
Open to all

Bruce Davis - Singin n Reminiscin

Globetrotting musician Bruce is stopping off for a trip
down memory lane with his gentle brand of story and
song.

Tuesday 17th January

Ward 101 2pm - 3pm, Ward 104 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Theme: Families & Support

Royal Infirmary
Events
Magdalena Durant - Sunshine Opera
An incredible singer with a huge repertoire of songs, Magdalenas visit is a celebration
of Opera and Classical singing and bound to have you exclaiming Bravo and ENCORE!

Tuesday 31st January

Ward 201 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward

Pelican Gallery 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Open to all

Miss Annabel Sings! Valentines Special

Cabaret star and all round live wire Miss Annabel Sings will get you in the mood
for Valentines Day with a chocolate box of romantic songs from the past 50 years.
Tuesday 14th February
Ward 202 2pm - 3pm, Ward 203, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all patients and staff on the wards
Theme: Families & Support

Royal Infirmary
Events

Toby Mottershead: Music Matters

Toby will sing and play music for a wide selection of tastes. Listen to American
Roots, Blues and Country, Celtic Ballads, Airs and Romany songs. No matter what
your taste Toby proves that music really does matter.
Tuesday 28th February
Ward 101 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward

Pelican Gallery 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Open to all

Max Scratchmann
Edinburgh spoken word artist Max will entertain us with storytelling, poetry, comedy.
Covering topics as diverse as growing up in India to his life in present day Edinburgh.

Tuesday 14th March

Ward 202 2pm 3pm, Ward 203 3.30pm 4.30pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

The Pearls
Vintage inspired musical duo The Pearls will celebrate years gone by as they sing your
favourite hits from the 40s.

Tuesday 28th March

Ward 104, 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward
Pelican Gallery 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Open to all
Theme: Families & Support

Royal Edinburgh

James McLardy

Royal Edinburgh
Exhibition
James McLardy We will become like (a) family Part 1
Over the last year Artlink has explored creative partnership work with the staff,
relatives and patients of Pentland Ward at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. The
approach they have developed together, uses problem solving within arts activity as
a tool to bring people together, encouraging them to share ideas and experiences,
work together and enable change to happen. The work on show in the gallery is a
direct result of ways of working that have evolved to ensure the full participation of
people with dementia in the creative process.
In his residency, the artist will further develop his work on Pentland, extending this
practice to other dementia wards across the hospitals.
At the end of the residency, outcomes of this work will be shown in the garden of
Pentland Ward. With the consent of the ward, the garden will be open to the public
for 3 days towards the end of March.
We are very interested in sharing this work with other wards and organisations. If
you would like to find out more then please contact trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Exhibition starts Wednesday 15th February
Join us for a look around the exhibition and refreshments at The Link Gallery.
The Link Gallery is located between the Andrew Duncan Clinic and Mackinnon
House,12.30pm 1.30pm
A talk by the artist follows at Divisional Lecture Theatre, Kennedy Tower
2pm - 3pm
Open to all
Theme: Partnership Work

Royal Edinburgh
Talks

James McLardy We will become like (a) family

Artist James McLardy will give a presentation on his work and an insight into the
collaborative processes emerging from his work on Pentland Ward. He will discuss
how working together can enhance the ward environment and empower those
involved to make change.
Wednesday 15th February
Divisional Lecture Theatre, Kennedy Tower, 2pm - 3pm

Round Table Discussion - Arts as part of ethical care

A round table discussion between people who work in the field of dementia, families
and artists to look for answers to the question Can contemporary arts practices have
a positive impact on ways of caring for an older population? Luminate have been
invited to chair this discussion (To be confirmed).
Wednesday 22nd February
The History Room 2pm 5pm
Across from the WRVS shop in the main corridor of Mackinnon House
Open to all with an interest in the wider potential of the arts
Theme: Partnership Work

Royal Edinburgh
Workshops

Pentland Ward Workshops

Exhibition

We will become like (a) family Part 2

A series of investigative workshops, strengthening collaborative practice with staff and

patients on Pentland Ward, building the wards reputation as a hub of developing
excellence.
Wednesdays
11th, 18th and 25th January
1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd February
1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd March
Open to all staff and patients on the ward as well as participants invited on from other
wards

An exhibition of emerging artworks from the artists collaboration with staff, relatives and
patients on Pentland Ward. The work will be shown in the garden and will be open to the
public for three days with the permission of ward management.
Monday 27th, Wednesday 29th and Friday 31st March
Pentland Walled Garden 10.30am to 3.30pm
Access on these days will be via the external gates to the garden only. There will be no
access to the ward itself

Living Voices
The Scottish Poetry Library will deliver taster sessions for staff and
patients that offer older people activities using a combination of
story, song and poetry to prompt conversation, reminiscence and
creative response.
Week commencing 20th March

We would like to invite staff working on dementia wards to request

this activity for their ward.
Theme: Partnership Work

Royal Edinburgh
Events

Miss Annabel Sings: Music at the Movies

Join cabaret star Miss Annabel Sings in a
celebration of the hits and theme songs from
movies and TV. Relax and listen, share memories
and sing songs of your favourites from the 1920s
to the present day.
Tuesday 2nd March
Jordan Ward 11am-12pm
Canaan Ward 2pm - 3pm
Open to all staff and patients on the wards

Tea Dance with DJ Lord Holyrude

A chance for patients and their relatives to have a cup of tea, let their hair down and
tap their toes as Lord Holyrude spins the sounds of the 20s through to the 70s on old
gramophone.
Monday 15th March
Reminiscence Caf, Ward 14 2pm - 4pm
Open to all staff and patients on the ward

Further Information

Please note that there are other Artlink events and workshops at The Royal
Edinburgh Hospital that are not part of
Please see
additional monthly programmes for details.
If you require more information on this work or to get a copy of the additional
monthly programme please contact Anne Elliot on 0131 537 6127 or email
glasshouses@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Theme: Partnership Work

Developing Future Partnerships

Artlink is an arts and disability organisation established in 1984.
Artlink believes participation in the arts has an important role to play in
realising personal and social change.
We will become like (a) family is our response to exploring some
of the issues arising from the growing numbers of older people that are
being cared for within the NHS. We are very interested in working
in partnership with individuals, wards and organisations to look
creatively at how to alleviate some of the stresses placed on patients,
staff and families.
We want your involvement in this programme and your feedback on
exhibitions, events and workshops. We depend on you to make this
programme work and your participation will help us to shape future
direction. So call us if you need more information, or you want to talk
about whats on or would like an activity placed on your ward.
Contacts
Artlink Office 0131 229 3555
Artlink at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital 0131 537 6127
Information on workshops - trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Information on exhibitions and events - kirsty@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Information on performances - missannabelsings@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

 Image: Lauren Fleishman