Events

The Italian Cultural Institute, founded in 1979, is an office of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Department for Cultural Promotion and Cooperation.

The Institute promotes Italian language and culture in Scotland and Northern Ireland and cooperates with local Institutions and Universities and serves as well as a gathering point for the Italian community.

The Institute promotes academic exchanges, organises arts exhibitions, sponsors the translation of Italian books, supports various events on literature, music, sciences, dance, film, design, fashion, theatre, cuisine, architecture, photography, etc

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We will list any Italian society event here, if you have such an event you wish to publicise then please get in touch.

Last updated December 2008

February 2009

THE ITALIAN CELTS C.S.C – Est. 2007

This Italian outpost of Celtic Supporters Clubs will be hosting their annual meeting in Rome, at Finnegan's pub before the next Old Firm Game.

Recently the AC Milan Scottish Supporters Club, Milan Club Scozia (complete with team tartan) was at Ibrox and featured in the press to see them take on Rangers.

Italian Scotland (Cocais) Newsletter

February 2009

MILANCLUB SCOZIA

If you have a soft spot for AC Milan, then join the club … literally! The Italian giants visit Scotland this week for a friendly with Rangers and for the first time there will be an official branch of the supporters’ club on hand to cheer them on. Thanks to the hard work of founder Michael Lemetti from Falkirk, Milanclub Scozia is now an official member of the worldwide federation of AC Milan supporters associations. To spread the word in Scotland, a new website has been launched. Click here to visit it: www.milanclubscozia.com

There you can catch up on the fixture list and results, see what’s happening for rossoneri fans in Scotland and get a sneak preview of the new AC Milan tartan! Don’t miss it. For more information contact Michael Lemetti at mikelemetti@yahoo.co.uk or on his mobile: 07903 - 133875

SCOTLAND V ITALY

In case you hadn’t noticed the big match between Scotland and Italy is just days away … the big rugby match that is! Scotland Rugby Team will be playing Italy as part of their RBS Six Nations campaign on the 28^th of February at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.

FESTA DELLA TERZA ETA’

This first event of its type to be organised by the CoCAIS has proved an enormous success and has sold out a month ahead. It is planned to stage further similar events at regular intervals throughout the year aimed at the older age group. A reminder for those who have booked places, the event will take place at Bacco Italia Restaurant in Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow on March 1^st from 2-6pm. Watch this space for more details of the next event of its type.

ITALIAN CLOISTER GARDEN APPEAL

A major boost this month to the Italian Garden appeal came thanks to the hard work and commitment of the Cecchini family in Troon. They organised a special fund raising night in Ayr Town Hall with the Mayor of Barga, Umberto Sereni and Archbishop Conti as guests. The night raised almost £10,000 for the appeal – the highest donation of its type so far including a £1500 donation from the Scottish Italian Community Fund. Thanks are due to all who helped, those who donated prizes, and who gave of their time and skills free of charge. At the event the Mayor was presented with the Archdiocesan Medal by Archbishop Conti in recognition of his work to promote links with the Archdiocese. Presentations were also made to mark Sindaco Sereni’s tireless work on behalf of the Lord Provost of Glasgow, the Consulate of Italy and the First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP.

The appeal remains very much open. This month application has been made to a bank foundation in Lucca which we hope will boost the fund considerably.

To make a donation and, if you wish, to commemorate a loved one in the garden, please contact Cav Ronnie Convery at ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk or visit the website www.italiancloister.org.uk

ART OF ITALY EXHIBITION

Time is running short if you haven’t yet seen the masterpieces in the Art of Italy Exhibition at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. The drama of the Baroque comes north in this show which focuses on the 17th century. Among the masterpieces on show are The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew, recently revealed as an original work by the Italian master Caravaggio. Other highlights include Carracci’s Allegory of Truth and Time, Gentileschi’s Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, Allori’s Judith with the Head of Holofernes and drawings by Guido Reni, Guercino and Bernini.

The exhibition runs until March 8^th and The Queen's Gallery is open daily
09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:30).

ITALIAN CUISINE WEEK IN SCOTLAND

This special week dedicated to the delights of Italian food with the emphasis on Piedmont is being run by the Italian Cultural Institute from February 2-7. A great programme of events has been lined up … though the organisers take no responsibility for extra inches added to waistlines as a result of attendance! Here’s the line-up:

Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 6.00pm
Italian Cultural Institue, Edinburgh
82 Nicolson Street
Lecture: The New Trends of Italian Cuisine. Paolo De Maria is a Chef de Cuisine with international experience. He worked in France and for a number of years in Italy, before deciding on a new venture in South Korea. He is presently employed in Seoul as a chef and consultant. He has recorded several television episodes of Buongiorno Chef, for the Korean Food Channel and has written a book “Pasta e Basta”.

Free event but booking essential: rsvp.iicedimburgo@esteri.it

Piedmont’s specialities will be served in restaurants in Scotland during the week:

Monday 2 February 2009 at 7.30pm
Giuliano’s on the Shore - 1 Commercial Street, Edinburgh
For prices, menu and bookings please call 0131 554 5272

Friday 6 February 2009 at 7.30pm
Pavarotti’s Restaurant - 27-29 Union Terrace, Aberdeen
For price, menu and bookings please call 01224 622 555

Thursday 5 February 2009 at 7.30pm
Peter's Yard, Quartermile 27 Simpson Loan, Edinburgh
A Night of Organic Pizza + Great Music with music by Lou Dalfin Group
For price and bookings please call 0131-228 58 76

MORE FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD …

Still on a culinary theme, next month sees the visit to Scotland of another celebrated Italian chef. On Sunday 1 March 2009 at Fratelli Sarti, Wellington Street, Dante Simoncini, proprietor of the Hotel Torretta in Montecatini www.hoteltorretta.it/en_benvenuti.html and his chef are preparing a typical meal from Montecatini. Fratelli Sarti has a strong connection with the Hotel Torretta as they have used the hotel as a base for several of their wine trips The price is £65.00 per head and includes wine to accompany the meal, wine which will be selected by Dante to compliment his food. This is sure to be a sellout evening so please book quickly by calling Wellington Street on 0141 248 2228.

SCOTS ITALIAN TV DOCUMENTARY

Over the last year a film crew from BBC Scotland’s Gaelic department have been filming the life of the Scots Italian community, culminating in the Scampagnata at Alva last June. The final documentary will be shown on

BBC Alba (satellite channel) on Tuesday 3 March at 9 pm. Be sure to tune in and see a few familiar faces!

MESSAGGERO DI SANT’ANTONIO

One of Italy’s best loved magazines is available in English and now also has a special edition aimed at Italian speakers living outside Italy. Produced by the Franciscans in Padua, the magazine carries news of Italian communities round the world and recently focused on Scotland. … “La Scozia si tinge di tricolore!”

The magazine can be sent (or perhaps a gift subscription for a relative purchased) for £18 per year.

For more information click on the following links – it would make the ideal gift for someone who has everything, and all money raised goes to Franciscan charities.

For the English language edition: www.saintanthonyofpadua.net/portale/home.asp

For the Italiani all’Estero edition:

www.messaggerosantantonio.it/messaggero_emi/home.asp

INTERNET PILGRIMAGE

Still on the theme of St Anthony, it is now possible to leave your special intentions at the tomb of the saint in Padua without leaving your own home. The Friars have created an internet service which allows you to write your prayer request or special intention on a form, email it to Italy, where it will then be printed and left at the saint’s shrine. For more information click:

www.carosantantonio.it/ing/home.asp

AUGURI LEANDRO!

The Comune of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Lucca has honoured Cavaliere Avv. Leandro Franchi with a special award in recognition of his business efforts and talents abroad. This award was created in order to give recognition to the important link which unites Castelnuovo with all their citizens who now live abroad. Every year a person will be chosen from the AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all‘Estero) database who, in living abroad has promoted Castelnuovo.

Leandro is the first recipient of the new award which was made for his important role as Honorary Italian Consul for Glasgow and surrounding areas, and for his dedication in his profession as a solicitor in Glasgow. His efforts in strengthening the link between Castelnuovo and the Italian/Scottish community were also recognised.

The presentation took place on 23^rd December 2008 in the Sala Consiliare della Rocca Ariostesca in Castelnuovo. All of Leandro’s family and many friends attended. Many congratulations!

AUGURI PAUL!

Paul Verrico has been elected the new president of the CoCAIS – the federation of Italian Associations in Scotland. Paul previously serves as treasurer of the association and takes over from Cav Irene Vannucci who we wish to thank for her years of service to the Italo-Scots community. Silvia Strommer remains in post as the Vice President, Ronnie Convery as Secretary and the new treasurer is Angela Pieraccini.

SANREMO IS BACK!

If it’s February, it must be time for Sanremo! Italy’s favourite song festival takes to the stage and screen on Rai Uno (viewable in Scotland with a satellite dish) from Tuesday February 17^th to Saturday February 21^st.

Once more this year many of the great names from Italian popular music will be battling it out. Here’s a preview of the runners and riders …

AFTERHOURS - Il paese è reale
ALBANO - L’amore è sempre amore
ALEXIA feat. MARIO LAVEZZI - Biancaneve
MARCO CARTA - Dentro ad ogni brivido
DOLCENERA - Il mio amore unico
GEMELLI DIVERSI - Vivi per un miracolo
FAUSTO LEALI - Una piccola parte di te
MARCO MASINI - L’Italia
NICKY NICOLAI & STEFANO DI BATTISTA - Più sole
PATTY PRAVO - E io verrò un giorno là
POVIA - Luca era gay
PUPO, BELLI e YOUSSOU’N DOUR - L’opportunità
FRANCESCO RENGA - L’uomo senza età
SAL DA VINCI - Non riesco a farti innamorare
TRICARICO - Il bosco delle fragole
IVA ZANICCHI - Ti voglio senza amore

SCUOLA ITALIANA ANNUAL DINNER

The Annual Italian Buffet Dance for the Scuola Italiana (Paisley) Funds will be held at Hawkhead Bowling Club at Lanfine Rd. Paisley on Saturday 2 May 2009.

As the organisers are tied to 100 guests only, tickets will be at a premium, in fact most tickets have already been snapped up. For final bookings please contact Luigi Pierotti on 0141 561 7156

ETHICAL FASHION CONFERENCE

Milan, 7th – 8th May 2009, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Ethical fashion is a growing phenomenon. An increasing number of consumers are very sensitive to the ethical aspects of the clothes they wear, as they consider respect for the environment and workers’ rights as imperative standards in their choices. In response to this new climate the fashion industry has reacted by proposing “ethical” clothes and accessories.

The conference is ken to hear from Scots as well as Italians and intends to offer a site for debate on the often contradictory issues that characterize this new phenomenon. Among the issues to be discussed are: environmental sustainability; fashion and globalization; ethics as a new marketing tool; the communication of ethical fashion and second-hand fashion

For further information please contact: SEGRETERIA ORGANIZZATIVA

Centro per lo studio della moda e della produzione culturale

L.go Gemelli 1, Lotto 3, quarto piano, 20123, Milano

tel.:0039-2-7234.2505
fax:0039-2-7234.3665
e-mail: centro.modacult@unicatt.it

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

The Association "Orizzonte Cultura" in partnership with the Council of Quarrata and the Province of Pistoia is organising the third edition of the "Immagini" photography competition. The special prizes "Tiziano
Terzani" and "O.C. International" will be awarded respectively to the photograph which best expresses the concept of love for nature and to the
best foreign photographer. Deadline: 28th February 2009.

You can check out previously exhibited images, videos of prize-giving receptions, winning photographs, competition rules and request form on this site: www.orizzontecultura.org

NEAPOLITAN SONGS

If you are a fan of the great Neapolitan musical tradition of O Sole Mio, Torna a Surriento, Marechiare, Santa Lucia and all the rest, then read on. The Archivio Storico della Canzone Napoletana is a project sponsored by Italian state broadcasters RAI, in collaboration with the Campania Region, the Province of Naples and the City of Naples, with the aim of collecting, documenting and digitalising all the available examples of Neapolitan musical repertoires and putting them at the disposal of the public. From Enrico Caruso onwards why not dip into an itinerary which includes Peppino Di Capri and Pino Daniele, Nino D'Angelo and Gigi D'Alessio... But also Elvis Presley and Paul Mc Cartney, Mireille Mathieu and Charles Aznavour, Frank Sinatra and Frank Zappa. Check out the hidden treasures of this timeless music at: www.radio.rai.it/canzonenapoletana_eng/view_last.cfm?Q_PROG_ID=659&Q_TIP_ID=1050

ITALIANSCOTLAND WEBSITE

Just a reminder that all of the above information and more are stored on the ItalianScotland website www.italianscotland.com The site has had many tjousands of visitors since its launch last spring and for £50 annually companies can sponsor an advert linking to their own website. Already many have made use of this option to put their company under the eye of Italian Scotland. For more details contact the President of the CoCAIS Paul Verrico at paul.verrico@cosmoceramics.co.uk

ALLA PROSSIMA

That’s it for now. Do let us have details of eny events you are staging in and around Italian Scotland or of any news that will be of interest to all who love Italy. Items for inclusion should be sent to Ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk

Italian Scotland (Cocais) Newsletter

December 2008

LA BEFANA (see November 2008 for more details)

City centre restaurant La Vita is offering a special rate for those attending the Befana Party with children and grandchildren - a 2 course pre-theatre for £10.95 or a 10% discount off food from a la carte menu. The restaurant will be open on the day (Sunday January 4^th) 4pm-10pm. To book in advance call 0141 243 2162

FESTA DELLA TERZA ETA’

Another new initiative from the CoCAIS is the inaugural Festa della Terza Eta’. This will be the first of what we hope will be a series of seasonal lunches hosted by different restaurants for the senior members of the community (65 and over, though no-one will be checking the passports!) Once more sponsorship brings the cost down to just £5 per head for a full three course Italian lunch. The first one will be on Sunday March 1^st 2-6pm at Bacco Italia, Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow.

To book please visit the website (www.italianscotland.com ) and there click on “events” and download the application form. Send it with a cheque (payable to COCAIS) for £5 per person attending to Cav Adriano De Marco at the address above.

ITALIAN MONUMENT AND GARDEN

The efforts to create a new Italian garden and monument in the cloistered area beside St Andrew’s Cathedral continue. Early in the new year it is expected that details will be announced of the level of grant-funding from the statutory authorities. Work is already underway to prepare the Piazza area around the Cathedral and garden.

Fund raising is now essential. In a special message, Archbishop Conti writes:

“Already I have invited and received individual donations and support, while funding applications are presently lodged with Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition I have been to Italy to seek support from some of the institutions there.

“My thought now is to ask you, the various Italian Associations in Scotland to consider how, as a group you might assist the effort to create this special monument and garden. Could I ask that you consider at a forthcoming meeting whether you might be able to arrange some fundraising activity? Perhaps a dance or a raffle, a sponsored event or a sporting event, whatever you feel would be most appropriate to help raise funds for the project?

“I am asking each of the Associations in Scotland to play a part in making our dream a reality. Please consider how you might assist in this effort.”

More information from Cav Ronnie Convery, on 0141 226 5898 or Ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk

ITALIAN SUNDAY

To raise funds for the above project a large-scale event is planned for Troon Town Hall on Sunday February 1^st. Thanks to the collaboration of Aldo Cecchini of Ayr and Ardrossan, there will be places for 300 for an afternoon and evening of food, music and dancing. Music will be kindly supplied by the ever-popular Angela and Paolo and tickets will cost just £15. They can be obtained throughout January from either of the Cecchini restaurants in Ayr or Ardrossan www.cecchinis.com or from the Archdiocese of Glasgow www.rcag.org.uk

The low price is intended to allow family groups (adults and children) to come along and enjoy some traditional Italian food, company and entertainment, and it is anticipated that the Mayor of Barga, Umberto Sereni will make his last visit as mayor to the event and Archbishop Conti will also be a guest of honour. Venite numerosi!

ITALIANSCOTLAND WEBSITE

The importance of the ItalianScotland website is being ever-more acknowledged as a means of sharing news and information among all who have an interest in Scotland and Italy. Last month two new sponsors took up the offer of space on the home page for the special rate of £50 per year, payable to “CoCAIS”

This initiative of the CoCAIS is designed to create a forum for news and views – visit it regularly to keep up to date. If you would like to join the sponsors and benefit from the ever-increasing number of visitors, contact CoCAIS treasurer Paul Verrico at paul.verrico@cosmoceramics.co.uk

YOUR STORY

An exciting new competition is launched this month aimed at people of Italian extraction living abroad. LE 1001 STORIE DEGLI ITALIANI NEL MONDO

NARRATE DAGLI STESSI PROTAGONISTI is an initiative of the Pragmata Cultural Association aiming to collect the stories of Italians who have made their life outside Italy over the last 100 years. If you think your grandfather or uncle or nonna could fit the bill check out the website at http://www.pragmata.info/Le%201001%20storie.htm The best stories will be published in a prestigious volume to be launched at Rome’s Campidoglio and the contributors will be invited to Rome to receive a medal and hospitality in autumn 2009 at the launch.

TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE FOR ITALIAN FOOD LOVERS

A novel approach to spreading the word about Italian food is launched this month. Fratelli Sarti are launching a new text messaging service that will send you SMS text alerts on special offers and discounts direct to your mobile phone.

These special offers will only be available to text messaging subscribers, and our first text offer will be sent out this Thursday.

If you’d like to subscribe to these special Fratelli Sarti text offers, text SARTI REGISTER to 07797 801010.

BARGA BOOK HUNT

The following request for help was received at our email address (italianscotland@aol.com) Let’s hope someone can help Nicola find the book she is trying to find …

“Hi. I am looking to buy a copy of 'They Took The Low Road' by Bruno Sereni. My sister in-law has wanted it for ages and I would like to try and get her a copy for her Christmas. I have searched the net but can't find anything. I would be extremely grateful if you could help me in this matter.”

Thanks
Nicola

nicola.hendry@hotmail.co.uk

AUGURI

Auguri indeed to two Scots Italian restaurants which have picked up industry accolades at one of the top culinary competitions in the UK. The Pizza & Pasta Association, UK held its annual awards event at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Central London, last month. Domenico Crolla, of Bella Napoli Restaurant in Shawlands, Glasgow picked up no less than five awards, an industry first! Gold award for best pizzeria UK; Gold award for best Italian restaurant UK; 1st place for Pizza Designer of the year and two 1^st place sponsor’s category awards. Another big winner was Tony Crolla’s La Favorita Restaurant in Edinburgh which picked up the Gold award for Pizza Restaurant of the Year and the top prize as Independent Pizza Delivery Operator of the Year. To both - Congratulations!

CIAO ITALIA

Scots Italian culinary art is further showcased this month with the launch of the new Ciao Italia Scozia website at www.ciaoitaliascozia.com Ciao Italia Scozia and Northern Ireland – under the presidency of Comm. Gianni Donfrancesco - is part of the worldwide Ciao Italia family of restaurants guaranteeing quality and authenticity in Italian cuisine.

It is a non-profit making organisation which has been uniting Italian Restaurateurs around the world. Italian restaurants are, as many Presidents of the Republic of Italy have said, "the true Italian Ambassadors", providing traditional warm hospitality, fine food and wine using quality authentic products.

The growth in popularity of Italian restaurants over the last 50 years in Scotland and Northern Ireland has been truly extraordinary. The new website will be a valuable tool in uniting and promoting that culinary tradition.

Most recently Ciao Italia and the Laziali in Scozia held a joint night at Giuliano’s on the Shore in Leith. Thanks to the celebrated Maestro Roberto Enzo, the dynamic Giuliano Binanti and the ever welcoming restaurant manager Daniele the event was a great success – sold out!

COMITES

The Comites – or Comitato degli Italiani all’Estero – is an officially established democratically elected committee which works to identify and support the needs of the Italian community in Scotland and Northern Ireland. To make better known the great work of this committee and to encourage wider participation, a new website has been created – www.comites.org.uk

There you can read about the activities of the committee, its membership, elections and minutes of recent meetings. Once more the internet is providing a new way of spreading news, and promoting Italy in Scotland.

CINEMANGIARE

Once more this month there is a chance to combine a film and a meal at some of Scotland’s top Italian restaurants at a special price. On offer for December is the acclaimed 2006 drama La Terra.

Luigi is a philosophy lecturer in Milan, where he moved as a teenager, who finds himself back in his native Puglia embroiled in a family conflict between his three brothers: Michele, Mario and Aldo. Soon the family’s dark past is dragged into the harsh light of the present in director Sergio Rubini’s simmering family drama.

Glasgow offer – on the evening of the film, Wednesday 10 December these restaurants are offering a discount of 20% on food on presentation of your La Terra cinema ticket: Fratelli Sarti city centre restaurants, Butterfly and Pig in Bath Street, Bella Napoli in Shawlands and Roma Mia, Darnley Street.

Edinburgh offer – on the evening of the Monday 15 December, these restaurants are offering a discount of 20% on food on presentation of your La Terra cinema ticket:
Ciao Italia Ristorante 100 Lothian Road; Giuliano’s Ristorante 19, Union Street; Zucca Restaurant 15, Grindlay Street; Lazio Ristorante 95 Lothian Road; Giuliano’s on the Shore, Leith and La Piazza Ristorante 79/99 Shandwick Place.

EDINBURGH AND DUNDEE LAZIALI RETURN TO TERRACINA

Thanks to Comm Gianni Donfrancesco for this report on the recent trip of Scots Laziali to their native region.

Anche quest’anno, grazie alla lungimiranza delle Autorità regionali, noi laziali residenti all’estero ci ritroviamo a Terracina, che già dimostrò la sua efficienza organizzativa.

Ma quest’anno il comune, con illuminata iniziativa dell’Assessorato al Turismo, ha deciso di conferire al soggiorno un carattere anche culturale. La chiave di lettura di questo incontro, che interessa ben 400 emigranti, è la “ricerca delle radici”. Si è giustamente pensato che la lunga permanenza lontano dai luoghi d’origine e l’esigenza di integrarsi nei nuovi paesi, sparsi in quest’occasione in 4 continenti, abbia comportato un affievolimento delle conoscenze, con conseguente esigenza di rinsaldare i legami con le proprie origini, anche con approccio culturale.

Naturalmente l’aspetto logistico ha sempre un’importanza determinante nella riuscita di una manifestazione di così notevole complessità. Qui l’appossionata opera dell’Associazione degli Albergatori “Ass. Juppiter” nella persona del Presidente Jahangir Karimpuor che ha coordinato la partecipazione di ben 4 strutture Alberghiere e.g: Hotel Blue River, Albergo Mediterraneo, Grand Hotel L’Approdo, Torre del Sole di cui si sono distinti, per la parte che riguarda il gruppo degli Scozzesi di adozione, il vulcanico Direttore dell’Hotel Blue River Maurizio Di Meo, che non ci ha fatto rimpiangere l’ottimo Angelo Marazzi dell’Albergo Mediterraneo che ci ospitò qualche anno fà e con cui sono rimasti rapporti di cordiale amicizia; che però quest’anno dovrà vedersela con gli amici Australiani.

Decisamente notevole e, forse eccessiva per la “linea”, è stata la cura dell’aspetto gastronomico “sempre di qualità!”, affidato alle cure della Catering Manageress, Aliana Costache. Una doverosa menzione alla cortese accoglienza e al sorriso dei gentili ed efficienti receptionists: Ingrid, Sofia e Emanuele, la cui assidua cura dei più minimi particolari, hanno reso il nostro soggiorno piacevole e confortevole.

Ricordare le mete delle escursioni consente di cogliere la varietà delle mete scelte: dalla natura del Parco Nazionale del Circeo, all’arte nelle splendide Abbazie di Casamari e Montecassino, alla mistica Subiaco, alla raffinatezza del giardino di Sermoneta, nonché le Città Medioevali della Ciociaria.

Un Ringraziamento sentito - e non certamente formale - a tutti

Gianni Donfrancesco

ALLA PROSSIMA

And that’s it for now … do keep us posted with news of your local events and we can let everyone know. Send items for inclusion to Ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk

Ci vediamo l’anno prossimo! Buon natale a tutti!

Ronnie Convery, Secretary, CoCAIS, December 4 2008

November 2008

Italian Scotland (Cocais) Newsletter

GRANDE FESTA DELLA BEFANA

Sign up now for the latest project of the CoCAIS – the Grande Festa della Befana. The event is open to children aged eight and under and is to be held at Scotland Street School Museum in Glasgow on the Feast of the Epiphany, Sunday January 4 from 2-5pm.

Numbers are limited so it is essential to book a place early. To do so please visit the website www.italianscotland.com and under the “Events” section you can download an application form which should be completed and returned with a cheque for £5 per child to Cav. Adriano De Marco, 58 Beardmore Way, Clydebank Industrial Estate, Clydebank, Glasgow G81 4HT.

Cost will be subsidised allowing the £5 to cover a present and a calza ripiena (stocking filled with sweets). Accompanying adults can enjoy a glass of festive spumante and a slice of panettone while the children eat, greet La Befana (who will attend in all her splendour!) and enjoy meeting new friends.

The whole event is in English but is a great opportunity for the wee ones to enjoy Italian customs.

ITALIAN SINGER’S SCOTTISH DATES

Italian singer - songwriter Pino Leto will play two dates in Glasgow at the end of the month. The Sicilian singer who has appeared in the past at the famous San Remo song festival, will be in concert at the Classic Grand in Jamaica Street on Sunday November 30 and Tuesday December 2^nd. During the two gigs Pino will present his latest album "Lo stesso Cielo", the result of a Scottish - Italian collaboration, which includes eight new tracks. The CD will be on sale, with the tickets, in all the restaurant promoting the gigs and at the Classic Grand on the nights.

Pino will be accompanied by a group of fantastic musicians, five Italians and two Scots. Concert tickets cost just £9 or you can choose a pre-concert meal and ticket for £18. With live Italian music – including hits of all the greats like Zucchero, Raf, Eros Ramazzotti, Pino Daniele, Riccardo Cocciante, Gino Paoli – good food and good wine it should be a great night out.

Tickets are available from the following restaurants ,who are also offering the concert and meal option - £9 for concert ticket alone or £18 for pizza or pasta plus wine or beer and a concert ticket: Fratelli Sarti, Osteria Piero, La Scarpetta, The Butterfly and Pig, Villa Toscana, Piazza Italia, Qua, Italian Kitchen, Ciao Roma, Roma Mia, Bar Italia, Dino’s, Little Italy, Bella Napoli, Bar Milano, La Lanterna, Anima, Il Pavone, Il Pavone Sud, Primavera, Paperinos, Amore, Giotto, Di Maggio’s, Ariosto, O Sole Mio, L’Aragosta, Esca, University Café, Battlefield Rest, Buongiorno and Bonjo.

Full details from Cav Michele Pagliocca at the Classic Grand on 0141 847 0820

Pino Leto’s musical myspace profile is at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=329596287

ITALIAN CHESTNUT EVENING

There will be a special charity chestnut evening of Sunday 23^rd November at Battlefield Rest on Glasgow’s south side. The event will consist of a menu based around chestnuts imported from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (Italy). On the evening there will be a raffle and auction of high quality goods given by numerous businesses around the Battlefield and Shawland area with the proceeds going to Yorkhill Children's Foundation for Schiehallion Unit.

The cost of the evening will be £25.00 per head with £5.00 per person also going to charity. There is limited space for bookings of 2, therefore a min of 4 will be required.

On the menu such delights as freshly baked chestnut bread & olives, Chestnut Tagliatelle with wild mushrooms in red wine sauce and Ossobuco on a bed of roasted chestnut & roast garlic mash. More details from ''Battlefield Rest'', 55 Battlefield Road, Glasgow 0141 636 6955

LAZIALI IN GLASGOW DANCE

The Laziali in Scozia (Glasgow group) are organising a pre-Christmas night to which everyone is invited. The event will be held in St Thomas’ Church Hall in Riddrie, Glasgow on Sunday December 7^th. The buffet dance starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost just £10 (to be booked in advance)

For more information contact Marcello Di Tano on 0141 770 4585.

CASA D’ITALIA TV DOCUMENTARY

The following information has been received from the BBC. Hopefully someone can help make this a programme to remember.

“You will be pleased to hear that the filming for our Italian Communities programme has gone very well and it is in the final process of being edited. We do not have a transmission date as yet but we will let you know in due course. We are assuming that it will be early 2009 on BBC ALBA digital channel 168.

“We did some filming at the Casa d’Italia and I was wondering if you would be able to help me with something? We are looking for some archive, some old pictures of the building in ‘full swing.’ Maybe people dancing in the hall or just something that will show the social aspect of the place. Anything that will show the ‘buzz’ that surrounded the club. If you could let me know if you have anything or know where I could find anything this would be most useful. Thank you for all your help and I look forward to hearing from you. Anne Morrison.”

Let’s look through the old albums and help Anne complete her programme. She can be contacted at anne.morrison@mnemedia.tv or 0141 249 9999.

AUGURI

It has been a month of congratulations – Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow has just celebrated his 50^th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. He was joined by friends and family from the UK and Italy for a Mass in San Marcello al Corso in Rome, 50 years to the very hour from his ordination ceremony!

Meanwhile the CoCAIS is happy to congratulate Cav Adriano De Marco on his election as the new President of the COMITES. The COMITES – Committee for Italians abroad – is an official body recognized by the Italian Government established to identify and support the needs of the Italian community in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has recently launched a new website – check it out at www.comites.org.uk

Comm Gianni Donfrancesco, takes on the role of Vice President, after years of invaluable work as President, which he has combined also with his role as President of Ciao Italia Scozia and a variety of other appointments.

Cav Duilio Castelli takes over as treasurer while Cav Franco Martone stays on as Secretary.

Meanwhile congatulations are also extended to Rodolfo Benacci and Ronnie Convery, both of whom have been named “Cavaliere” by the Italian Republic for their work for the Italian community in Scotland. The Consul General, Dott Gabriele Papadia presented the awards to both men at the annual reception after the Mass for the Italian Community, held last month in Glasgow, attended by 600 people.

A tutti … auguri!

ITALIAN FILMS IN GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH

November is a great month to catch a classic Italian movie. Glasgow’s GFT and Edinburgh’s Filmhouse are showing a series of films by Valerio Zurlini this month. Winner of the Leone d’Oro at the Venice Film Festival in 1965 for Cronaca Familiare, Valerio Zurlini is a director whose work is relatively unknown outside of Italy. In a career spanning more than 25 years, Zurlini made only 8 full features yet worked with the cream of European acting talent, including Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon, and Vittorio Gassman.

For details of these and films scheduled for the Italian Film Festival next year check out www.italianfilmfestival.org.uk

ITALIAN ART IN ROYAL COLLECTION

A fantastic new exhibition of Italian classical art from the Queen’s collection goes on show in Edinburgh this month … The Art of Italy in the Royal Collection: The Baroque will run from 13 November 2008 – 8 March 2009 at the Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

The 31 paintings and 43 drawings selected for the exhibition reflect the great stylistic diversity of the period, which gave birth to the powerful realism of Caravaggio, the revolutionary naturalism of the Carracci and the cool classicism of Poussin and Domenichino. Highlights of the exhibition include two works by Caravaggio, The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew and Boy Peeling Fruit.

Full details from the Italian Cultural Institute website:

www.iicedimburgo.esteri.it

OLIVE OIL COMPETITION

If you enjoy cooking, and have a nose for a good olive oil, then this could be the competition for you …

The Italian Cultural Institute for Foreigners, in collaboration with the Corporation of the Olive Oil Masters of Italy, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Agriculture of Italy are running a competition to be held in London to come up with the best use of olive oil in a new recipe.

The contest is aimed at promoting Italian extra virgin olive oil through the study and the preparation of a recipe by professional chefs, who will compete in the semi-finals, the winners of which will take part in the world finals in Calabria in 2009. The rules are:

“Each participant shall prepare one presentation dish and five tasting portions for the jury which will be formed by 6 personalities including journalists and members of well known food associations in London. The event will be taking place at the Gastro Pub Cat&Mutton in Broadway Market on Monday 19^th January 2009 and the Award Ceremony at the Italian Deli Bottega Prelibato in Shoreditch the following day.”

If you are planning to participate to the London semi-final contest in January please send your CV and a short message - stating the recipes you want to present - before the 10^th December 2009 to: info@prelibato.com or gian@prelibato.com

DATE FOR THE DIARY

To support the plans to build an Italian Memorial Garden next to St Andrew’s Cathedral, an Italian night for all the family is to be held at Troon Town Hall on Sunday February 1 2009. Tickets will cost just £15, allowing families to come along en masse. 300 tickets will be made available and are likely to be snapped up fast. Angela and Paolo will be on hand to provide great musical entertainment, and the Mayor of Barga, Umberto Sereni, will be making his final visit to Scotland before leaving office. The event has been put together thanks to the generosity of restaurateur Aldo Cecchini, and tickets will soon be available from either of the Cecchini restaurants (Ayr and Ardrossan Harbour) or from the Archdiocese of Glasgow. Please keep the date free for a Sunday of good food, good company, good music and all for a good cause!

WEBSITE (Italian Scotland)

Do remember to visit our website periodically to keep up to date with all that’s happening … www.italianscotland.com The site recently clocked up its 5000^th visitor … a fantastic achievement for a new site. To advertise on the site for just £50 per year (all money goes to the promotion of activities for the community by the CoCAIS) contact Paul Verrico at paul.verrico@cosmoceramics.co.uk

Alla prossima!

October 2008 - January 2009

Club Romano Newsletter

Contact email: newclubromano@mac.com

Commemorazione di tutti i Fedeli Defunti Monday 3rd November 7pm

St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow with the Archbishop of Glasgow Mario Conti.

This will be followed by a refreshments. Numbers are needed by the organisers as

soon as possible so please add your name to the list on the notice board. We

hope to organise a bus so if you wish transport tick the box!

Feast of Christ the King Sunday 23rd November

St Andrew’s Cathedral Dundee 11:30am

The annual Civic and Academic Mass with Bishop Vincent. The Italian Community in

the Diocese of Dunkeld has, in the past, been the only national grouping to get

special places at the annual event. If you wish to attend please tell a member of the

committee

Senior Members’ Party Wednesday 10th December

Your personal ticket will be available soon. There are quite a few of you eligible so please let a

member of the committee know if you are intending to come OR not. Non Seniors - £10

Hogmanay 31st December (as ever!)

The Gala Dinner Dance tickets will soon be on sale. Please be advised that tickets must be paid for

when booking.

Italian ScotlaND (cocais)

Grande festa della befana

To encourage the younger members and friends of the Italian community,

the CoCAIS is planning a Sunday afternoon Befana party

for children aged 8 and under.

The event will be held in Glasgow on Sunday January 4 2009, 2-4pm.

If you have a child or grandchild, nephew or neice who might like to come along,

please visit the events page and print off an application form.

The form should be filled in and forwarded (together with payment)

to Cav. Adriano De Marco, 58 Beardmore Way, Clydebank Industrial Estate,

Clydebank, Glasgow G81 4HT.

Cost will be subsidised so the charge per child is just £5 which

includes a present and a calza ripiena (stocking filled with sweets).

Accompanying adults can enjoy a glass of festive spumante

and a slice of panettone while the children eat, meet La Befana and enjoy

meeting new friends.

The whole event is in English but is a great opportunity for the wee ones to enjoy Italian customs.

For more information contact Cav. Adriano De Marco at

ademarco@lineafabrications.co.uk

It is also proposed to hold a Festa della Terza Eta’ for senior members

and friends of the Italian community later in 2009.

More details to come next month.

The idea would be to offer an afternoon of top quality Italian food, Italian music and

good company early next year.

November 2007

Club Italia Fife - FREQUENT MEETINGS FOR CHATS AND GOOD TIMES, CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

http://www.clubitaliafife.co.uk/

Film Night, Life is Beautiful, to be screened in November the 4th, at 6pm in the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkaldy. Cost per person £10 per non-member and includes a glass of wine.

October 2007

St Andrew's University Italian Society

Forthcoming events include Enrico IV by Pirandello to be acted out in the Byre Theatre, St Andrews, a Wine Tasting evening provided by Luvians company, an Aperitivi evening provided by Scotland's best italian deli "the little italian shop", a film night to go and see one of the "signore e signore" film festival films in Edinburgh.)

email italia@st-andrews.ac.uk

University of Glasgow

Società italiana

lunedì 29 ottobre DACE, St Andrew's Building. Non è necessario prenotare.. Alle 18.30 piccolo rinfresco tante chiacchiere, alle 19.00 inizio del film.

Titolo: ‘Saturno Contro’ in italiano con i sottotitoli in italiano

( in Italian with Italian subtitles ).

http://www.saturnocontro.com/