Benches

Every day we walk past them, often affording them little more than a sideways glance. We may rest awhile when the burden of shopping becomes too much to bear, when our weary legs say "hang on a sec, we could do with a quick breather." Maybe we just like to sit and watch the world go by, grabbing a few moments respite from a life forever lived in the fast lane. Perhaps we like to sit in the sunshine - yes, it does exist - read a book, chat with friends, or enjoy a bite to eat away from the confines of the office. Could be a spot of courting - is that what they call it these days? Somehow I doubt it. A quick kiss and a cuddle, wrapped in one another, oblivious to all around us. For what ever reason we pause our lives to sit upon a bench, how many of us take time to read the many commemorative plaques that grace these objects of repose? And if we do, how many of us wonder at the stories behind them, the people whose names are carved for an eternity, a memory that means so much to a few, so little to most.       

I love reading these names, etched on the benches along Princes Street, clinging to the backs of those gracing Princes Street Gardens. Anniversaries, events, the passing of loved ones, the loss of life as the ultimate sacrifice, they are all here. Husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents, eminent citizens - these names trace the history of Edinburgh, those who walked its streets, those who lives within its confines, who worked to help this beautiful city evolve. Let me pick just a few of those to be found.

"In memory of those who left this city to serve with the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Edinburgh City Labour Party." "Presented by the Rugby Football Union in commemoration of the centenary of the First International Rugby Match ever played Scotland v England at Raeburn Place on 27th March 1871." There is one to the Royal Scots Greys Association, another to Ludwig van Beethoven - and one that aroused my curiosity. "A loving remembrance of Gertie Gitana Music Hall Artiste. There's an old mill by the stream Nelly Dean." Who was this lady who has a bench in Princes Street? With a sweet, childlike voice, Gertie Gitana was one of the best loved music hall artistes of her day, topping the bill in every major city and packing theatres wherever she appeared. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, she took to the stage at the tender age of four, a member of Tomlinson's Royal Gipsy Children. She made her professional debut in 1896 at the age of eight and never looked back. Hitting the London stage at seventeen, she was reputed to have earned over £100 per week in her prime, with two pantomimes and one Royal Command Performance under her belt. She made gramophone recordings, and even had two musical shows written specially for her. She was the forces sweetheart during the 1914 - 18 war, often entertaining wounded soldiers in hospital. Retiring in 1938, she made a successful comeback ten years later, her final appearance made on 2nd December 1950. She died of cancer seven years later. And her signature tune, the song that brought audiences across the country to their feet, the song that became synonymous with Gertie Gitana? Nellie Dean. What a wonderfully inspiring story. And what a wonderful name to have commemorated on a bench. Have I impressed you with my knowledge? No, I had to look it up!

Took the opportunity to pop into one of Edinburgh's newest eating places, Ashoka. With a first class reputation, Ashoka is part of the Indian Restaurant group that has grown in popularity across the central belt of Scotland - and has now arrived in the capital city. I partook of their lunchtime buffet - they also do one in the evening - and it was wonderful. There was a truly mouthwatering choice of dishes, mainly Indian but with Chinese and Italian also in the mix, and you could make three trips up to the buffet to eat your fill. My favourite? The chicken korma, but it was all very very good. And there were puddings as well, adding the final touch to a yummy meal. They also have an excellent a la carte menu for the more discerning diner or that special occasion. The decor has been kept simple, but very effective, they have created a cosy dining experience, one in which you feel relaxed and unhurried. The staff are friendly and welcoming and I would heartily recommend Ashoka as a place to eat. And if you can't get out? They also offer a takeaway service which I have no doubt will be every bit as good as the food in their restaurant.