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THE BEST EVENTS, TALKS AND SPORT
* Velvet Boutique Christmas Design Fair Unique gifts, homewares. fashion, jewellery and accessories — perfect for Christmas shopping for other people or yourself. Come on. you’ve been a very good boy/girl this year. CCA, Glasgow, Fri 18—Sat 19 Nov.
* Ethics In the New Millennium The Dalai Lama joins ethics expert Professor Sheila MacLean from University of Glasgow to discuss topics including non—religious ethics, religion and the impact of Western society on Islam; gender and sexuality and euthanasia. Chaired by former Bishop of Edinburgh, Richard Holloway. Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 19 Nov.
* Generation KKK Public Lecture ZUMA press photographer James Edwards Bates shares his experiences of w0rking on the project in which he recorded the 21 st century indoctrination of a new generation into the Klan’s beliefs and practices. Frightening stuff. St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street. Glasgow, Sat 19 Nov.
* World Aids Day Flashmob Gather in one massive pack on World AIDS Day to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS issues. The Meadows, Edinburgh, Thu 1 Dec.
Ice ice baby
What sOn
As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, the best way to get the blood pumping is to hit the ice, as Rachael Street discovers.
ad I been a child of the l7th century. in the
days when global warming wasn't quite so
rampant and Scotland experienced ‘proper’ winters. I‘d probably be a true ice queen by now. Without TV or central heating to keep me indoors. I'd have spent many an afternoon out on a fro/en loch perfecting my curling prowess — sending the smooth granite stones out across the glassy surface with ease. Then when I got bored of that. I‘d while away a few hours gliding gracefully on the ice. with a fur-lined muffler for my hands and a handsome gentleman by my side.
Back in the 2lst century and my skills in that department are painfully lacking. My ice-legs are what you might describe as wobbly and I had never set foot in a curling rink until I arrived at Braehead for an introductory lesson. With the coming of the Edinburgh International Curling Tournament. it seemed fitting to try my hand at this ancient sport and get an idea of how the professionals do it. Now I have to admit that after watching Rhona Martin and her Olympic gold medal-winning learn performing at the 2002 winter games. I imagined that curling would be a doddle. Pushing a lump of granite across the ice with someone sweeping away debris in front of it'.’ liasy. How wrong I was. Firstly. this was not just any lump of rock but 44lbs of Ailsa Craig. 21 stone which. had I attempted to lift it. would have instantly broken my back. Secondly. all that gliding out on one knee to
release the stone requires tnore than a little coordination. and sweeping at breakneck speed doesn't half test your arm muscles. Ten minutes into my session and l was peeling off my extra layers as I attempted to master the art of turning the stone gently as I let it go -- that‘s why they call it curling. you see.
liar from being the staid sport that some might imagine. it‘s actually pretty good exercise once you get going and with curling clubs at both Braehead and Murrayfield offering beginners‘ lessons and taster sessions. you don't even need to wait until winter to play it.
However. the festive season wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at Glasgow on Ice. For me this generally involves careering about hopelessly. my arms frantically windmilling in an attempt to find something stable to hold onto. before I smash against the barrier in a very unelegant stopping method. But what the hell. it’s fun anyway and it’s a great way to warm yourself tip on these chilly. dark afternoons. Now. if only I had thought about taking ice skating lessons too . . .
For more information about curling lessons at Braehead call 0141 885 461 1 or go to www.braehead.co.uk; Edinburgh International Curling Tournament, Murrayfield Ice Rink, Fri 25-Sun 27 Nov; Glasgow on Ice, George Square, Sat 26 Novéat 24 Dec, www.9lasgow-on- ice.co.uk. See listings for details.
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