The Seagrove Sessions

Nessie paints a vivid picture of her childhood in Leith. Starting off in Tollbooth Wynd, at the bottom of Kirkgate, in a single end. At the age of four the family had moved to Burns Street. She tells us all about life at home, of gas light, out side toilets. Her father being away at war, in Burma. The great sense of community but also how family life wasn't always the easiest. It's another evocative step back to bygone Leith.

Anna was partially named after the officer her father served as a batman to in WW2. We hear about the shell shock her father suffered from, her early marriage after a holiday romance. Her short term jobs and her love of dancing. Its a great snap shot of growing up as a young adult in the 1960s. For more information about the work of North Edinburgh Demetia Care go to www.nedc.org.uk or follow us on facebook- NEDC, Seagrove Centre.

Agnes was brought up on a farm near to Whithorn Abbey in Galloway. She trained as a carer, nurse, then midwife and worked largely in the community in Wigtownshire. She tells us of her happy childhood in the countryside and how she would relax, singing with her sisters. Tales from the south west of Scotland. (Please be aware that the interview does contain reference to stillborn pregancy.)

Hermine left her village in Austria aged 17 and moved to London. Quite a change of scene. She worked in central London as a hairdresser, commuting every day from Surrey. After two years she moved to Scotland, where she studied at Newbattle Abbey College and then Edinburgh University. She spent seven years working at Cranston Street Women's homeless hostel. A fascinating life journey.

Two great storytellers in conversation about Leith- Daisy and Doris. Memories of a time not that long ago but now such tales offer us glimpse into a very different world. Going to the washhouse, wandering down streets no longer there, visiting shops long gone. As always what makes these memories so evocative and important is they are about everyday life.

More vivid memories from Daisy. From the 1930s, 40's and 50's. The broad pavement at Henderson Street, Leith. The nearby men's homeless hostel and the broo( Labour exchange). The streets and wynds of Leith. She takes us up toon, to Edinburgh, by tram. Taking her pram, bought out of the window of Patrick Thomson's store. She remembers her nursery school, nearly 90 years ago. As ever, amazing recall. Enjoy a tour of Leith and Ednburgh from our tour guide Daisy.

Some of our favourite songs at Seagrove. Our favourite visiting musician and singer Stevie Q starts us off with The Northern lights of Old Aberdeen and I belong to Glasgow. Ricky gives us The Cappy Club song. No doubt remembered by many people who attended The Capitol Cinema in Leith as children. Margaret talks about dancing at Fairleys and Violet about going to The Excelsior Dance Hall. She then gives us one of her favourite songs. Lissa, Margaret and Margaret sing Daisy, Daisy. Suitably all are aboard Lissa's ' Joy rides, a breath of fresh air ' bike- which is made for three! With so many Margarets in our cast is approiate that Stevie takes us out with fine rendition of 'Maggie.'

Although born and brought up in Leith Gilbert spent many a happy school holiday on Shetland. Both his parents were from the island. We hear about life on a croft and shearing the sheep. He tells us of the trade in eggs from the Shetland to Leith- his father was an egg merchant. We hear about his time as a joiner and the condition of housing in Edinburgh and Leith. And he gives us a top tip about the type of horse race you shouldn't bet on. For information about the Seagrove Centre go to www.nedc.org.uk or on Facebook we are at NEDC - The Seagrove Centre