Talk of the Town: Women’s football was a slow burner

AS revealed in the Evening News at the weekend, Easter Road was the first ever site of an official women’s football game.

Club officials are considering a plaque to commemorate the 1881 match, although they might think twice after some new information came to light thanks to reader Bob Gilchrist.

He has a book that documents a brief match report of the clash, played in front of 2000 people, which saw the women dressed in “knickerbockers”.

The report was less than complimentary of the encounter, which it described as “a farce”.

In a review which bears an uncanny similarity to descriptions of the current Hibs squad it states: “The football shown was of the most primitive order.

“Spectators treated the various episodes and accidents of the game with sarcastic or personal remarks, and with loud guffaws.

“Most, having satisfied their curiosity with a look at the players, left the ground before the match was concluded.

“The general feeling seemed to be that the whole affair was a most unfeminine exhibition.”

Recharge batteries on shopping sprees

SHOPPING can often be a tiring experience, leaving you fit to drop.

But Ikea customers will be able to overcome that shopping fatigue – by going for a little nap half way through.

Staff in the Edinburgh store will be getting into bed with their customers as part of a new drive to encourage people to test mattresses before they buy.

The ‘Bedmates’ team will be wearing their pyjamas and have books, magazine, hot drinks and biscuits on hand.

Early taste of 2012

IT might almost be Christmas, but for some people there is a more important event to plan ahead for.

No, it’s not Easter – it’s the 2012 Taste of Edinburgh, which organisers have announced will be back in the Meadows next July offering its usual blend of celebrity chefs, exorbitant prices and bizarre currency deals.

Clearly keen to score some early business, tickets to the event – at just £10 – are being billed as the ideal Christmas present.

Changing traditions

NEARLY half of city residents now send Christmas wishes online instead of the traditional card.

According to Comet one-third of Edinburghers use Facebook, Twitter or text simply to save cash.

The retailer is launching a ‘gadget themed eCard’. Bah humbug indeed.