Tuesday 24 June 2014

Independence Blethers and female inspiration

I have wonderful friends. Some are interested in politics. Others aren't, so whenever the independence referendum comes up in convo over dinner or a glass of wine there are several responses; from sighs of objection to enthusiastic agreement.

However I have one dear friend, who is as passionate about an independent Scotland as I am. She also happens to be a wonderful artist who selflessly mentors me, not only in how to be an *proper* artist but just in life in general.

Her name is Debs Sanderson. She lives in Milngavie with her lovely family. She is involved in the community in many ways but most noticeably for campaigning for a Yes vote in September.

She has initiated a movement, shall we call it, that is slowly taking off. A while ago we embarked on a community arts project with the non-partisan Aye-Aye lemur club. We tried out the concept and it was a success but we didn't really follow anything up with it. Then an opportunity arose for Debs to use that experience to start a women's evening of events. We gabbed about it and Debs done all the legwork, lots of other fabulous women also started to get involved and Independence Blethers was born.

We had our first event last month and had Natalie McGarry from Women for Independence, Michelle Thomson from Business for Scotland, Maggie Chapman from the Scottish Green Party and other experts to speak.

However this wasn't like anything I had ever attended before. There was no "top table". There was no formality. There was a buffet and a bar, I only had orange juice since I was designated driver. My 74 year old mother was there, there were teenagers and young mums, well to do businesswomen. We were all gabbing, chatting asking questions, writing ideas on lollipop sticks, then the music began. 4 Gals and a Piano started singing Mama Scotia in a wonderful homage to Abba.

This wasn't a political meeting was it? It felt like a family event, a wedding or christening vibe. Cyan is a brilliant venue and staff so helpful. Then I realised I was at a table with Maggie Chapman, questions were flying, answered every time, not only by the experts doing the rounds but by all of us women ourselves.

There are a few questions I still have. Mainly about fracking in an independent Scotland and access to adaptive sports, but that is why I will be attending the next in the series of Independence Blethers. This one is Risk... Dinnae be Feart! It will feature speakers Sandra Webster and Anne Mullen. As well as a host of other knowledgeable women. The event will be held in Cyan Bar/Bistro in Milngavie, just off Stewart Street, on Thursday 26th June at 7pm. Why not come along, bring a friend and be part of this momentous, historic referendum?

Poster by another indy woman, Karen McDonald

Other women who are attending will be hosting their own Independence Blethers. If you think you could host one but don't know where to begin, please get in touch with me and I'll pass your details to the star of a woman, who will stay up late into the wee hours to bake "Aye" shortbread, who will hobble round the village precinct with an injured hip and still have her wicked smile and dulcet southern tones to woo the undecided voters.

That's what it's all about, talking to folk and inspiring others to talk about it. Encourage everyone to engage in discussion, understand the arguments and share the knowledge. Politics do not have to be stuffy, nor should they be too complicated for us "mere mortals" to comprehend. It doesn't have to be full of impenetrable language that only politicos speak. Nor does it have to be boring, have a think about what you would do for an evenings entertainment, (e.g. cabaret; karaoke; interpretive dance) and do it! Host an Independence Blethers.

Yes this is a bit lovey dovey, fan-boyish and arty farty, but it's my blog and I'll blog how I want to! Anyway, you've yet to meet "Dorethea, my dears" (said in an über Bearsdonian accent) although, I do believe another alter-ego of my talented friend will be reading the "News from where you are" at Thursday's event. Mark it in your diaries and hope to see you there!

;)


My dear friend Debs with the lovely Nicola Sturgeon
(Glittery Yes t-shirts available NOW!)