Around Town
THE BEST EVENTS, TALKS AND SPORT
* ‘lhlklng Teachers Find out more about the experiences of teachers around the world at this talk organised by VSO as part of a global campaign to achieve quality education for all people. See vso.org.uk for more details. Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, 77m 11 May.
* Had l-lot Ballroom Here’s your chance to try out those fancy steps, with a little help from the Glasgow Swing Society. Tunes come courtesy of the Frank Curran Big Band and there will also be demonstrations by Ricardo Orta and Scottish champions Norma and Alan Miller. Hilton Grosvenor, 1-10 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow, Fri 12 May.
* lertoun llouse Tours A unique chance to snoop around the Duke of Sutherland's house and personal art collection. both of which are nonnalty out of bounds to the public. National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh, Mon 15 May-Fri 16 Jun (not Sat/Sun).
* Pass the Spanner Hannah Forget the Wright brothers and Biggles.thisisallaboutthegals. without whom those planes would never have got off the ground. Clare Walker from the British assesses the contribution of women to Glasgow University. James Watt Building South. Glasgow, Wed 17 May.
With Volun
Support act
Wht sin
ering Week fast approaching, Rachael Street offers three reasons
to help your favourite good cause and get some valuable experience to boot.
Volunteers get the best view
Ever fancied taking part in a 80km race around Edinburgh. alternating between travelling by bike. on foot. in a kayak and using ropes'.’ ()k. maybe competing in the Rat Race (IS—lb Jul.
ratraceadventure.com) isn't for everyone. but even if
you don’t fancy being a competitor in this gruelling but exhilarating event you can still get a ringside seat by volunteering. ()ne of the most obvious roles to be filled is for course marshals. but people are also needed to help promote the event (see picture). give out information to members of the public on the day and even paint kids’ faces in the Kidzone. Materially. the rewards may seem a little scant — a packed lunch and a can of Red Bull being part of your pay packet — but the Rat Racers are a fun loving bunch so working and partying with a vibrant team will be the main boon. Other events currently recruiting for helpers include the Edinburgh Moonwalk (24 Jun. walkthewalkorg). the Caledonian Challenge (l7 & l8 Jun. caledonianchallenge.com) and Pedal for Scotland (27 Aug. pedalforscotland.org).
Public service
Many of Scotland’s major arts organisations rely on help from volunteers so that they can offer a full programme of events and activities to the public. Glasgow Museums (glasgowmuseums.com. (ll-ll 276 9381) are constantly on the look out for people to help out at workshops and lead guided tours around their exhibitions. These may sound like they require specialist skills. but as volunteer coordinator Catherine Cartmell explains. all that‘s required is a passion for the subject. One of the capital's most famous organisations.
the lidinburgh l‘ringe ledlringe.com. ()l3l 226 0026) also uses volunteers on a regular basis for events such as Fringe Sunday and the opening party. as well as lending a hand during the progranune mail out between 5—9 Jun. Obviously these opportunities fill up pretty quickly. but if you’re aged between 18—25 l’roject Scotland can organise regular placements with a huge range of organisations. including the liringe. lior more getterle information about volunteering in the cultural sector. Voluntary Arts Scotland offers support and advice. See vascotland.org.uk for more details.
Get political
It‘s all very well believing in a catise but getting stuck in and helping to spread the word is even better. It could be something as simple as manning a stall at a festival. but there are opportunities to use more specific skills. Friends of the liarth Scotland (foc- scotland.org.uk) are currently looking for a number of volunteers to fill roles such as marketing and communications assistant. receptionist and major donor fundraiser. Many organisations need confident speakers to get their message across in schools and at specific events. which is a great way to show your passion for a particular subject. Show Racism the Red Card (theredcardorg) needs people to help out in this way. although other opportunities are available if that sounds a bit daunting.
National Volunteering Week runs from 1-7 June. For more information on ways you can get involved, visit volunteerscotland.info. See page 102 for more ways to get into volunteering in our new Engage section.
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