Around Town: Shoppers in line for a body check

These consist of simple physical tests including posture, balance, respiratory fitness, walking style and blood pressure examinations, compiled by chartered physiotherapist Joshua Wies.

They will be followed with a consultation offering tips and advice to help improve balance and posture.

The event will be held at John Lewis in the St James Centre on February 19, from 11am to 6.30pm.

Steppe up for orchestra slot

The Edinburgh Orchestral Ensemble is inviting musicians to join and play in its 2011 programme of Russian music.

There are no auditions for the symphony orchestra, and vacancies exist on many different instruments. Rehearsals are held in Tollcross every Monday evening.

Diabetes UK holds seminar

Diabetes UK Scotland will hold its annual group seminar at Napier University, 219 Colinton Road, on March 5. The event runs from 9am to 4pm and costs 10, including refreshments and a buffet lunch.

Places should be reserved by contacting [email protected] or 0131 332 2604.

Get in swing to help patients

AN ANNUAL golfing event to raise money for the city's Parkinson's disease ward is to take place on April 20.

Organisers said they still need participants and businesses to put up prizes. For more information phone Dorothy Barclay on 0131 669 1105.

Lecture puts artist Vermeer in the frame

A FREE lecture discussing the work of the artist Vermeer is to be held in the Capital.

Tico Seifert, senior curator at the National Gallery, will focus on the three paintings extant from the early career of Jan Vermeer van Delft (1632-1675).

The talk will introduce the artist and the paintings in their historical context, tell stories about their respective re-discoveries and recent conservation.

It will beheld on Friday, February 11, at 12.45pm in the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre.

Porty organic markets on the go again

The first Portobello Organic Market of the new year was being held today, with markets to be held on the first Saturday of the month from now.

The market is set to feature a mix of artisan bread, local organic fruit, veg and meat, locally- made cakes, fudge and plenty of other treats.

The PEDAL stall will also be there with project information, and the Changeworks waste team will be on site to provide advice.