Clyde Life February/March 2016

Clyde Life February/March 2016 Issue 28

I’m

FREE Pick Me Up!

The Garden in Spring p12 Beacon Arts Competition Leap Year Proposals p11

p31 Delivered to over

Skelmorlie ■ Wemyss Bay ■ Inverkip ■ Gourock ■ Greenock ■ Port Glasgow ■ Langbank Kilmacolm ■ Quarrier’s ■ Bridge of Weir ■ Brookfield ■ Houston ■ Bishopton

15,000 Homes

4

The Lion’s Paw

6

16

Making a plan for your financial future

6-7

Options for straighter teeth

8-9

Leap year proposals

11

Cardwell Gardening

12

How Westminster really works

14

Waterfront Live Events

15

The Beacon Arts Centre

16-17

Local Classes & Club Guide

18-19

A good read for Easter

20

Chef’s Eye Valentine’s Day recipe

24

Wine tasting competition

26

4

28-29

Style Files Teen Style Files

31

Beacon Arts Competition

31

14

11

Contributors this issue: Charles Briggs, Stuart Davidson, Robert MacDonald, Marilyn Thompson, Holly Thompson, Joanne Simms, Faisal Rahman, Jodie Molyneux, Ronnie Cowan MP

February/March Issue 28, 2016 Publisher: Life Magazines & Publications Ltd Editor Charles Briggs

Features Editor: Joanne Simms joanne@clydelife.co.uk Advertising Sales: Lisa Sanderson lisa@clydelife.co.uk

Cover Image: Provided by Steve Elliott

Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 01505-871962 Email: editor@clydelife.co.uk Web: www.clydelife.co.uk Web Design: tspwebdesign.com Graphic Design: Simon Jones - Skep Design simon.jones@skepdesign.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Life Magazines and Publications Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

2 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

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Prepare to be wowed. In fact, even as this article is being written, two women are off to Paris to buy just that.

‘The show is huge; it takes you three days just to walk round and everyone goes from all round the world,’ said Diane.

Their one purchasing rule is simple: if it stops them in their tracks and makes them say ‘Wow!’ then, and only then, is it good enough to bring back to Bridge of Weir.

And it is this philosophy which has seen The Lion’s Paw draw such a devoted band of customers since it opened in June 2015.

On a cold, wet, winter day Alison Stenhouse, owner of The Lion’s Paw in Bridge of Weir, and manageress Diane Gallagher were finishing their packing and getting ready to visit Paris and spend three days scouring one of the largest trade fairs in the world to fill the shop with wonderful things for you to buy this Spring.

The shop at 1 Morrison Place is full of gifts, clothing, toys, bed and bath and other home interior delights; Cabbage White jewellery, Brodie Cashmere, White Stuff clothing and Jody Lo candles have been amongst customer favourites.

‘This coming season we will be featuring more ladies’ clothes and more home interior products such as lamps and small items of furniture,’ said Diane.

Alison and Diane also believe they

should not stay with just the same companies. They enjoying seeking out new names all the time, making no week complete without a visit to The Lion’s Paw for you to discover their latest finds.

With gifts starting at pocket money prices it is a shop everyone can enjoy.

Exclusive Gift Shop, Bridge of Weir We are a new gift shop right in the heart of Bridge of Weir. We aim to sell interesting things sourced from around the world which you won’t find elsewhere.

Our mission is to provide you with the perfect gift for family or friends or a little treat for yourself - Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries, New Babies, Holidays, House Warmings - we will have something for you.

1 Morrison Place, Main Street, Bridge of Weir PA11 3NU | Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm T: 01505 614 699 | E: alison@thelionspaw.co.uk | www.thelionspaw.co.uk 4 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

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Making a plan for your financial future People love to make predictions, especially when everyone is looking forward to the year ahead. However research has shown that accurate forecasting is practically impossible, and, even when a prediction turns out to be accurate, it is more often down to luck rather than skill.

Recently there was a “SELL EVERYTHING” call from a research analyst at RBS. A closer look at this analyst’s track record shows that he has been predicting disaster, with some regularity, for the past six years—rather incorrectly, as it turns out. In June 2010, when the markets were about to embark on a remarkable five year boom, he wrote, “We cannot stress enough how strongly we believe that a cliff-edge may be around the corner, for

the global banking system (particularly in Europe) and for the global economy.

Think the unthinkable,” he added, ominously. “The unthinkable” whatever that meant, never happened.

Again, in July 2012, his analyst report read, in part: “People talk about recovery, but to me we are in a much worse shape than the Great Depression.” Oh really! Was it scary to have lived through, a 3.2% growth rate in the USA the following year? What

By Robert MacDonald

Great Depression was he talking about?

Taking his advice in the past would have put you on the sidelines for some of the best gains in recent stock market history. One thing this Analyst did NOT predict was the 2008 market meltdown.

Rather than relying on predictions for an investment strategy as many people do, making assumptions based on decades of evidence from market data and academic analysis, investors would be served well assuming that:-

The views in this article are personal and provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as recommendation by the publisher or investment advice by the contributor as laid down by the Financial Conduct authority.

T: 01475 638100 | www.macdonaldandco.com

“Bespoke Financial Planning for your Future” MacDonald & Co is a trading style of MacDonald & Co (Wealth Management) Ltd which is authortised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

6 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

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• Capitalism will remain the world’s preeminent economic model and will continue to provide a steady return to those invested in it.

• On average, certain types of security (stock/bond) will perform better than others over time, so it is worthwhile focusing on those in a portfolio.

• Holding a high number of securities will help manage risk and increase the reliability of investment returns.

You could of course argue that these statements are predictions themselves because they relate to future events. But which would you rather have form the basis of your investment strategy?

These three statements - or, as is the case with many investment strategies, the changing guidance of a

small group of investment insiders (or so-called experts)?

Some forecasts, however, are worth making in relation to your financial planning—generally those over which you have a degree of influence. For instance, when do you plan to retire and how much money you will need to

meet your future financial commitments.

Sensible judgements like these are key to forming an effective financial plan.

Making fun forecasts about sports results or speculating about the direction of a particular currency or the fate of the Eurozone is one thing.

Basing an investment strategy on them is something else altogether. The tried and tested formula of understanding your objectives, understanding your risk, understanding the appropriate investments to meet your objectives, and importantly to review on a regular basis will make you feel so much better that you are on track to meet your goals at this time of market volatility.

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Are you one of the millions of adults in need of adult braces who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed of your smile?

Duration of orthodontic treatment

Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk. They feel stuck because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures could be too invasive or too expensive. Now, there is an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution that fits your lifestyle.

The length of time you wear an orthodontic device depends upon the extent of the problem and available treatment. Plus your dentist/orthodontist will recommend suitable forms of treatment such as a particular type of brace.

Short Term Orthodontics A combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and clear orthodontic brackets gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months. Short term orthodontics is useful when correcting cosmetic issues but sometimes a more comprehensive approach is required.

Aligners The aligners are a transparent type of device which is similar in appearance to a brace. They are worn for two to four weeks before being replaced with another aligner. They gently move the teeth into the desired position over a period of time.

Most braces are worn for a period of 1 to 3 years apart from the faster acting braces which are effective in a matter of months. This is then followed by wearing a retainer which helps to keep your newly positioned teeth in place.

A retainer is usually worn for at least a year following the wearing of a brace but there are cases where it has to be worn on a permanent basis. Retainers can be clear gum shields that are worn over night or a fixed wire placed behind your teeth.

Conventional Braces The term, ‘conventional braces’, simply describes the type of braces that we are all generally familiar with. Your treatment can last anywhere between 1 and 3 years, depending upon the amount of movement necessary. Once your treatment is completed you will need to wear a clear night-time retainer for at least a year which holds the teeth in their new position until they settle permanently into their new position.

Conventional braces are almost always used when treating kids and teenagers as this is an ideal time to correct malocclusions and get a comfortable bite and nice appearance. Sometimes teeth are removed to make space to do this.

8 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

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Q. Will the wires rub on my tongue and gums?

Occasionally some patients experienced slight discomfort. We advise all patients to let the practice team know if there is any discomfort as usually a small adjustment or trimming of the wire will help Q. How will it feel when I have my brace fitted?

You will feel the brace in your mouth and it may feel a little strange to begin with. Don’t worry, most of our patients feel like this. After a short period you will become accustomed to the sensation of having a brace in your mouth and it will feel quite normal to you.

Q. I am worried about how it will look and that I will feel embarrassed to smile. What do other patients say?

You needn’t worry about how your brace will look to your friends and family. They will all be interested to see your new brace just like you did. But like you they will soon get used to it and it will become part of your familiar features quickly.

Ivy Cottage is situated on the Main St in Inverkip, 2 minutes form Inverkip Station and right next to the Bus Stop. We provide short term and conventional orthodontics for kids and adults. It is currently registering new NHS patients, one of our friendly team would be delighted to arrange registration and an initial consultation. Phone 01475 521248 or visit www.clydedental.com for more information.

Inverclyde Orthodontics

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Stuart Davidson provides comprehensive dental care throughout Inverclyde.

Orthodontics deals primarily with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and the jaws. Stuart has been providing Orthodontic treatment for his adolescent and adult patients for over 3 years and now he wants to offer his service to the whole of Inverclyde.

Call in for an appointment on: 01475 521248 Main Street, Inverkip PA16 0AU | www.inverkip-dentist.co.uk Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 9

– Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Peter Brummit feels that it’s all about service. “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many

tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done.

We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”

Cloudy2Clear service Inverkip, Gourock, Greenock, Port Glasgow, Langbank, Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir and

surrounding areas & Peter family of people I’ve done is finding that his approach work for, which just goes to is a major factor in his show how much a little bit success. “The truth is that of effort is appreciated.” it’s not just the personal So, if your windows satisfaction that I get from are steamed up, broken doing a good job but also it or damaged give Peter a makes good business sense. call for a free quotation on I get a huge amount of 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be business fromprofessional friends and happy to help!

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My love ’tis Leap Year, You know, I suppose That it gives a Spinster A chance to propose...

By Joanne Simms

On the shelf and feel like you’d like to get taken down and dusted? Well girls it’s Leap Year and tradition says it’s now your one-in-four-year chance to propose to the man in your life.

was, our Brigid beat him down to four and then promptly proposed. St Patrick declined but gave her 12 pairs of gloves or a silk gown, depending on which version of the story you heard. Just as the extra day balanced the years, so this would balance matrimonial prospects for women said St Brigid.

Here in Scotland not to be outdone, Queen Margaret said that any man asked, if not already betrothed, had to accept or pay a big fine, or buy the girl a silk gown. At least in Scotland the guys got the red flannel petticoat rule, a kind of a Leap year off-side rule: the lass doing the proposing has to wear said garment with the hem on show to let him know she’s coming.

You can thank – or blame - the Irish, for St Brigid is said to have debated the idea with St Patrick that women should have the chance to propose to men too timid or reluctant to ask.

St Patrick agreed, saying once every seven years but, good woman that she

The science behind it all: It takes Earth 365¼ days, give or take about a dozen minutes, to orbit the sun and after a few centuries or so time and date are going to slip; Bonfire Night is going to start heading towards your summer holidays, which is no good at all.

The Leap Year with its extra day gets lobbed in to keep the good old Gregorian calendar in sync with the solar year.

Most dates that divide evenly by four are Leap years – but watch out for the century

Clyde Life Magazine

Unfortunately all these tales don’t stand up to scrutiny; time lines don’t run true and no-one can figure out which Queen Margaret it was.

But in these days of gender equality does it have to be just the girls doing the asking of the boys? How about a new rule: if you want to – and they’re not asking – just go ahead and pop the question yourself. years; they are only Leap Years if they can be divided evenly by 400.

It’s all down to those pesky dozen minutes; well actually 11 minutes and 14 seconds, if you turn your back on them for 125 years they add up to another day.

So, as a final tweak, the century rule was added.

This gets rid of three Leap Years every few hundred years; the calendar and sun stay synchronised to within a half-minute.

Leap Years were first used by the Romans and the Julian calendar had them as well as the Gregorian calendar still in use today. www.clydelife.co.uk | 11

Preparing for the coming of Spring The weather last year was not at all gardening friendly, so I doubt I am alone in hoping for something a little more comfortable in 2016! Indeed, the weather was so bad for so much of the season that many gardeners simply gave up, especially on bedding plants.

As I write this in late January, the winter has been relatively mild, but many records have been broken for the amount of rainfall we have endured.

The unseasonable weather has not had any major effects on the garden, but you must not let the mild weather fool you as spring is still some way away and frost is almost guaranteed before then.

This is our favourite time of the year at Cardwell Garden Centre. Spring is around the corner and the potential for the whole year lies ahead of us. The garden centre is free from Christmas decorations, the gardening supplies are in place, early spring plants are looking great and our staff are back in their comfort zone!

Although the spring season is still a while away, your garden can still use some attention.

Early season seeds can be sown in heated conditions, onion sets and other vegetables can be prepared and even autumn bulbs are on sale in the garden centre!

Plug plants and seedlings for summer bedding and vegetables are also available, if you prefer the convenience of not growing from seed.

However, if you are growing in a heated greenhouse or propagator you should leave the doors open during milder days and close them again in late afternoon.

This serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows your young plants to become slowly accustomed to unheated conditions. This is invaluable prior to moving plants outside.

There are a lot of plants lost to cold nights in Scotland and it pays to make sure the plants you grow, and buy, are capable of withstanding a cold night. This can be particularly true of plants you buy, so check where they come from. Good independent garden centres, including Cardwell, buy Scottish grown bedding plants that will easily handle all but the coldest of nights. Even after a cold snap, semihardy plants will bounce back quicker and stronger than plants shipped up from England, or even Europe. Also bear in mind that gardening TV programmes and many newpaper columns are based in England, where the temperatures are several degrees warmer than Scotland.

The second reason for airing your seedlings is that it helps avoid fungal infections, which are a major killer of young plants.

Early

12 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

By Kieran Gallagher

spring is the last opportunity to move any shrubs or do any pruning required.

When

moving shrubs remember to plant into new compost and, ideally, a small amount of bone meal. The bone meal will specifically encourage root growth.

General fertiliser can be used later to encourage foliage growth and flowers.

Top dressing borders and containers should also be done now. If it is not practical to completely replant and replace the soil in containers, remove and replace the top 2-3 inches or 5-8cm of the soil. Borders will also benefit from new soil or by the addition of some well rotted farm manure or chicken manure pellets. You will be surprised by the difference this can make and both manures are cheap to buy.

Depending on the weather during March your lawn may or may not be growing.

If it is not growing fast I would suggest doing nothing to it until April. If the grass has grown and you wish to trim it then you can do so now, but you should only take a very small amount off it. Your lawn will not need fed until April.

Next issue we will look at summer bedding plants, the lawn and some ideas for mature plants in the garden.

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A GARDEN CENTRE FOR ALL SEASONS GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES Seed potatoes, onion sets, seeds are available in-store. Early spring bedding plants and much more also available now.

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How Westminster Really Works

Ronnie Cowan MP

Previously, I described the use and layout of the many buildings that contribute to the infrastructure of Westminster. Grand, as they are, they don’t tell the full story or even come close. In Westminster, like most places, it is all about the people. And I don’t just mean the 650 MPs or 800 (and growing) members of the House of Lords. To facilitate them there are a myriad of people including Police, catering, tour guides, Special Advisors, mail room and clerks. Not to mention the fact that there are hairdressers, travel agency staff, bar staff, library staff (where would we be without the library staff) and they all combine to make the process of the parliament and government run.

I don’t agree with everything that happens at Westminster or how it is administered but it would be incredibly disrespectful of me not to recognise and acknowledge the professionalism, dedication, commitment and honest hard work that they all put in, day in, day out and often long into the night.

Whether it’s Gladys and Godfrey, in the tea room, with their cheery smiles

14 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

and outrageous laughs or Monty and Wayne, the doorkeepers, with their inside knowledge of process and timing, or John with his sub machine gun clutched to his chest, they are all integral in the operation of Westminster. Without them nothing would happen.

Beyond that we have the contribution of civil servants. Anyone that remembers the TV situation comedy ‘Yes Minister’ will be familiar with the role the civil service play. Of course it is always purely in an advisory capacity, isn’t it? If you have never seen this series then I recommend you watch it. Along with the more contemporary comedy series ‘The Thick of It’ they combine to give an excellent interpretation of Westminster and its workings. Mixing with ‘members’ and staff, or should that be circling ‘members’ who stray too far from staff for too long are the men and woman of the ‘Fourth Estate’ .

Politicians and the media have a love hate relationship.

We need each other but rarely trust each other. Every politician wants favourable air time and column inches at the drop of a hat. Every journalist wants the inside track. There are 150 media passes given out that grant access to Westminster. Some MPs

would say that’s 150 too many and others that it’s nowhere near enough for the coverage they require. Most, like me are content to dance the dance in the corridors and canteens, safe in the knowledge that neither side wins and when it gets too heated we can always retreat. Me to the Members only tea room and them to the press gallery bar.

Most MPs will have the majority of their own personal staff based in their constituency. Sensible MPs know that their own staff are the most important people in the equation and that the MP will not be effective without a good team around them. Some may choose to have somebody based in Westminster, the designation of staff is left up to each member and they decide how they want to utilise their staff and staff budget. Which brings us to the thorny subject of cost. But that is for the next edition! I suggest you lie down in a darkened room for a while before reading the next instalment where I shall reveal all the costs incurred in employing an MP!

Ronnie Cowan MP, Member of Parliament for Inverclyde, 20 Crawfurd Street, Greenock, Inverclyde PA15 1LJ ronnie.cowan.mp@parliament.uk Telephone: 01475 721 877

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Live Events The Railway Children Monday 28th March at 5pm (£12.00/£10.00)

Make tracks to watch a truly unique theatrical experience Do you remember the 1970 movie version of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children starring Jenny Agutter? It tells the story of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on the adventure of a lifetime as their father is imprisoned after being falsely accused of spying. Now imagine the classic adventure transferred to the stage.

The breathtaking show features a stage built around a real train track, and a beautiful 60-tonne vintage locomotive that steams into the theatre.

Jeremy Swift (Downton Abbey) will play Mr Perks and Caroline Harker (The Madness of King George) returns in the role of Mother.

Don’t miss your chance to see this runaway hit. All aboard!

WATERFRONT cinema

Live Event Listing

Feb 2016 – May 2016 February

• La Traviata (Royal Opera House) Thursday 4th February at 6.45pm (£15.00) • As You Like It (NTLive) Thursday 25th February at 7pm (£12.00/£14.00)

March

• Manon Lescaut (Met Opera) Saturday 5th March at 5.55pm (£25.00/ £21.00) • Spartacus (Bolshoi Ballet) Sunday 13th March at 3pm (£13.00/ £15.00) • Boris Godunov (Royal Opera House) Monday 21st March at 7.15pm (£15.00) • E.Nesbit The Railway Children (Kings Cross Theatre) Monday 28th March at 5pm (£12.00/£10.00)

April

• Madame Butterfly (Met Opera) Saturday 2nd April at 5.55pm (£25.00 / £21.00)

Met Opera Live: Madame Butterfly 2nd April at 17.55pm (£25.00, £21.00)

Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production has thrilled audiences ever since its premiere in 2006.

Kristine Opolais reprises her acclaimed portrayal of the title role, opposite Roberto Alagna as Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart. HeiKyung Hong and Massimo Giordano star in a second set of performances. Karel Mark Chichon conducts.

Co-production of the Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, and the Lithuanian National Opera See more at: http://homemcr.org/film/met-opera-live-madame-butterfly/#sthash.iR9n0bBl.dpuf

• Giselle (Royal Opera House) Wednesday 6th April at 7pm (£15.00) • Don Quixote (Bolshoi Ballet) Sunday 10th April at 4.00pm (£13.00/£15.00) • Roberto Devereux (Met Opera) Saturday 16th April at 5.55pm (£25.00/ £21.00) • Lucia di Lammermoor (Royal Opera House) Monday 25th April at 7.15pm (£15.00) • Elektra (Met Opera) Saturday 30th April at 5.55pm (£25.00/£21.00)

May

• Frankenstein (Royal Opera House) Wednesday 18th May at 7.15pm (£15.00)

Tickets available through box office (01475 732201) or online at www.waterfrontcinema.co.uk Clyde Life Magazine www.clydelife.co.uk | 15

What’s On at Beacon Arts Centre Beacon Arts Centre’s first season of 2016 features stars of stage and screen, internationally renowned dance and drama companies and the best in variety and musicals.

Mums the Word 2

ROBERT C KELLY Fri 12 & Sat 13 February | 7:30pm Additional 2:30pm performance Sat | £20 Starring Libby McArthur, Jane McCarry, Lorraine McIntosh, Julie Wilson Nimmo and Suzie McGuire. Mum’s the Word 2 is a brand-new version of the huge original hit show detailing the comedic horrors of rearing young children and now updated to include the “joys” of living with teenagers! The ultimate mum’s night out!

February and March 2016

The Francie & Josie Show: A tribute to Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy

TA-DA PRODUCTIONS & TIP YOUR HAT PRODUCTIONS Thu 18 February | 2:30 & 7:30pm | £16.50 / £14.50 Liam Dolan as Francie and Johnny Mac as Josie are joined by two of Scotland’s finest vocalists, Steve Bishop and Christy Mac. Join us this February for a night of nostalgia full of variety and entertainment and plenty of laughs! “As close to the originals as you are ever going to get” Mary Lee Milroy.

Scocha

WIGWAM CP Sat 20 February | 7:15pm | £15 Scocha are Scotland’s leading Folk n’ Roll band. If you like your folk with that extra twist then this is for you. The band are renowned for their superbly entertaining shows which include Scottish folk classics with that Scocha touch. You can stand or sit but you won’t sit still. Featuring support from Katee Kross and The Wherries.

The Nutcracker

BALLET WEST Sun 14 February | 7:30pm £16 / £12 Under 26s Book a ticket to the show and a table in a restaurant and enjoy a complimentary bottle of fizz!

It is the Christmas party in the Stahlbaum household and the young Clara is given a beautiful Nutcracker doll. After everyone has gone to bed and the house is quiet, Clara returns to be with her Nutcracker doll and discovers that he can take her on magical adventures through the land of the Mouse King, dancing snowflakes and the wonderful land of sweets.

The Nutcracker is an essential part of winter time, a wonderful escape for children of all ages into a magical world of snow, sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

16 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

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A Night of Musicals

A FUNDRAISING CONCERT FEATURING KIERAN BEGLEY & FRIENDS Sun 21 February | 7:30pm | £10 / £8 Kieran Begley is currently completing his Masters in Musical Theatre Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is excited to be performing in the Beacon Arts Centre.

Recent theatre performances include: Orpheus tae the Underworld– Ayrshire Opera Experience, Three’s a Crowd - All or Nothing Aerial Dance Company, Cinderella - Beacon Arts Centre and H.M.S Pinafore - Carl Rosa Opera.

The evening will also feature special guests including: Notre Dame School choir, The Noteworthy Pitch Hikers, friends from Greenock Light Opera, No Nonsense Productions and Ayrshire Opera Experience.

Live music will be provided by Flackback Friday with Musical Director, Kieran Young.

30:60:80

AMY CONWAY IN ASSOCIATION WITH PLATFORM Fri 26 February | 7:30pm | £10 / £8 Suitable for 14+

Devised and performed by Amy Conway Devised and directed by Victoria Beesley 30:60:80 is a celebration of three lives, spanning fifty years with the women of one family and inviting audiences to consider the richness in their own maternal ‘herstory’.

When Amy’s grandma turned 30, she had three children and was thankful to finally live in a house with an indoor toilet. When Amy’s mum turned 30, she had a profession, a mortgage and was pregnant with her first child.

Amy just turned 30. She’s single, chancing it, and certain about exactly nothing.

Luke Danskin

Tue 8 March | 7:30pm | £15 SOLD OUT Suitable for 16+ After 3 sell-out shows, Luke returns to Beacon Arts Centre with his astonishing interactive show.

Although Luke’s live shows are full of emotion, his natural warmth and endearing personality makes audiences feel completely at ease.

Passionate in encouraging people to celebrate the lives of loved ones, laughter is a common theme at Luke’s shows.

Audiences are left utterly speechless and amazed at his capability to give detailed messages with amazing accuracy.

Since taking to the stage Luke has sold out every show and his performance at Beacon Arts Centre is no exception. This show is for the purpose of entertainment only.

The Last Laugh

CREATIVE CONSULTANCY PRESENT A WATCH THIS SPACE PRODUCTION Thu 10 March | 8pm | £10 / £8 Suitable for 16+ contains strong language Written by and starring Keir McAllister.

Why should you never date a comedian? This hit Fringe 2015 show mixes standup, theatre and storytelling in a tale about two people discovering whether being funny is as important as being happy.

Winner of Best Comedy Writer at the Scottish Comedy Awards 2015.

For more information and booking please visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or phone 01475 723 723 Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock, Pa15 1HJ Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 17

CLASSES | GROUPS | AND LOCAL CLUBS Clyde Life publishes details of classes, groups and clubs located within the magazine distribution area. If you are looking for new members or want to publicise an event please let us know.

To be included in the magazine and on the website please send details to charles@clydelife.co.uk Email birsayholistics@gmail.com Mon 9.30am and 8pm Skelmorlie Tues 10am, 6pm and 7.45pm Gourock Wed 6pm Wemyss Bay Thurs 10am Largs, 6pm Gourock, 8pm Largs Fri 6.30pm Meditation Skelmorlie Sat 8.45am Largs Yoga for all levels

Health & Wellbeing Classes Yoga and Meditation for all levels Teacher: Jacci Stoyle YS (reg) jacci@stoylehome.freeserve.co.uk 07790262124 Wed 7:00-8.30pm Boglestone Community Centre, Dubbs Rd, Port Glasgow.

Yoga for all levels Teacher: Aileen Hughes, YS(reg.)

01475 801613 | aileenhughes@ btinternet.com Mon 2-3.30pm RAF Club, 11 Ardgowan Square, Greenock Tue 2-3.30pm Westburn Church, Nelson Street, Greenock.

Hatha Yoga for all levels Teacher: Flora MacKenzie fmackenzie_uk@yahoo.co.uk Wed 7-8pm Lyle Kirk, Union Street, Greenock.

Yoga and Meditation Teacher: Joanna Ritchie, Birsay Holistics 07518 373 073

18 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

Instructor: Jacqueline Gibson 07851 735357 | Email jacqueline_a_g@hotmail.com Tues 9.30-10.30am Fri 9.30-10.30am All in Kilmacolm Yoga for all levels Instructor: Patricia A. Ralston SYTA (Reg) 01475 785685 Tues 7.45 - 9.15pm Finnart St Pauls Church Hall, Bentinck Street, Greenock.

Beginners Yoga Instructor: Sara Marijuan-Tuck 07962 347950 Tues & Thurs 10:00 to 11:30 Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir Thurs 7:00p-8:30pm Scout Hall, Horsewood Road, Bridge of Weir Yoga and Meditation Teacher: Janis Binnie 07813 924922 | janis@santosa.co.uk Langbank Village Hall Tues 8.00-9.30pm Kilmacolm Community Centre Wed 6.30-8.00pm

Pilates (all levels) Instructor - Jenn Forbes 07713 643693 | hello@forbespilates. com | Facebook forbespilates Wednesday 8pm. Dazzles, 1 George Square ,Greenock, PA15 1PQ

Other Classes Ballet – Elite Academy of Dance Inverclyde’s only Royal Academy Ballet School www.theeliteacademyofdance.co.uk RAD Teacher- Julie Gunn Tel- 07753 246035 Email- eliteballetschool@gmail.com All ages for both Male and Female Classes every day. The Studio, 15a Watt Street, Greenock Silver Swans Ballet Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet for the over 50s www.silverswansballet.co.uk RAD Teacher- Julie Gunn Tel- 07753 246035 Tuesday and Thursdays 11am – 12pm The Studio, 15a Watt Street, Greenock The Fashion Class Fashion Courses for children & teens, age 8-15. Call Marilyn Thompson on 07793 591524 or visit www.thefashionclass.co.uk for more information.

Scottish Country Dancing Classes Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Scottish Country Dancing Classes are run at the Elim Pentecostal Church Hall, Kelly Street, Greenock on Monday evenings at 8pm.

Contact Jennifer Murrin - 01475 633096 for more information. @clydelifemag

Local Churches Messy Church held at Greenock Westburn Church From 4-6pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month – next meetings 13th Feb, 12th Mar, 9th Apr and 14th May. The format is an hour of crafts and games (with tea, coffee, juice and biscuits on offer). This is followed by a short act of worship consisting of children’s bible story where they usually participate, and a few action songs to go along with it. We finish off the day sitting down together to have a meal.

It is an alternative style of worship which suits regular church goers and non- church goers alike. Everyone will be made most welcome and there is no age limit.

Local Clubs Greenock Camera Club Every Thursday at 7:30pm St Bartholomews Church, Barrhill Road, Gourock www.greenockcameraclub.com

‘Duncan’s Ices’) Ann MacLeod (Secretary): 01475 522181 annmacleod@btinternet.com

the middle of September from 7.30pm

Fort Matilda Tennis Club

to the Scottish Association of Writers’, who enjoy the chat and fun activities as

The Ardgowan Club

which are given by invited guest speakers

Ardgowan Square, Greenock The club has 2 bowling greens and 4 all-weather surface tennis courts, set in beautiful garden surroundings. www.ardgowanclub.co.uk Contacts : Gilbert McCracken or Dougie Warnock 01475 723418

or by group members who volunteer to

Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club

Star Parties and Night Sky Viewings.

Esplanade, Greenock, PA16 7SE The Club also has an active social calendar with a monthly Folk night, sporting event functions and seasonal themed events. www.rwsabc.co.uk Contact 01475 723260

welcome.

Greenock Cricket Club

inverlydeskywatchers@aol.co.uk

Brisbane St, Greenock The club fosters and develops cricket and squash throughout Inverclyde.

Membership is open to all age groups.

Anyone interested in joining should email the Secretary brian.papworth@talktalk.net Inverclyde Cricket Club

Every Tuesday at 7.30pm Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01 Contact David Walker 01505 873883 for more information Inverclyde Camera Club

Greenock Speakers Club

Every Friday at 7.30pm Cardwell Bay Sailing Club, Cove Road, Gourock Ann-Marie Westwood on 07971607453 inverclydecameraclub@live.com

Ardgowan Square, Greenock Helps people improve their public speaking skills in a friendly environment.

The Club meets fortnightly on alternative Thursdays from October to April within the Ardgowan Club, 7:30-10:00pm Contact Tony Cowden on 01475 783228 or email at tony.cowden@ntlworld.com.

Fort Matilda Bridge Club Meets Monday, Tuesday & Friday 7pm Visitors always welcome Tarbet Street, Gourock (turn right at Bluebird cafe on the main road. The club is on the right hand side opposite Clyde Life Magazine

coffee. They are a small group affiliated

Newark Street, Greenock The Club has four artificial grass courts, in very good condition and has recently added floodlights to three courts. www.fortmatildatennis.org

The club is always on the lookout for new members for both junior and senior teams. If you are interested in giving cricket a go, whether you have played before or not, please don’t hesitate to contact the Club Captain via www.inverclydecricket.co.uk

Kilmacolm Camera Club

to 9.30pm with a break for tea and

much as the writing.

Contact: Mark Jones on 01475 713413.

Inverclyde Skywatchers There is a programme of weekly talks

share their knowledge. The group have a library of books, magazines and DVDs which are available to members. Relevant events are organised, for example, trips to the Dark Skies Observatory, Paisley Observatory and social events such as Anyone with an interest in Astronomy is The group meet in the Greenock Southwest Library (Barrs Cottage) every Monday from 3pm till 5pm.

For further information telephone Marion on 01475 634976 or email

Inverclyde Ramblers Inverclyde Ramblers’ Association is a group of people who enjoy walking in the countryside. Everyone is welcome to come on our walks, whatever age or level of fitness.

We organise walks, on a regular basis, with a leader. Walk lengths vary between 5 and 15 miles on average and may take place over a half-day, a full day or a weekend.

Most of our walks are within driving distance of Greenock. Walks include local hills and walkways to Munros all over Scotland. Walks range from easy strolls right through to strenuous mountain walks.

Walks are arranged for most weekends on either Saturday or Sunday mornings.

We usually meet at Brymner St, Greenock, Custom House car park.

We also have a Wednesday walk which meets at Lunderston Bay on

Greenock Writers Club

Wednesdays at 12:15. To find out more

Ardgowan Square, Greenock The club meets most Wednesdays from

call Dave Souza on 01475 631654 or visit www.inverclyderamblers.org.uk www.clydelife.co.uk | 19

Easter: A time for Spring Reading?

Use your time off for some personal development with these chart-topping books Feeling grouchy? Vitamin D levels reaching dangerous lows? With the Christmas a distant memory and the cold, bleak winter months stretching their way into 2016, we all need a break and the Easter holidays are a welcome chance to recharge those batteries with a good book.

By Jodie Molyneux

not a tidying ‘blitz’ is ruined several weeks later when we’re late for the bus and can’t find our keys. Ms Kondo claims that if we tidy in one mammoth session, over a period no longer than six months, we can maintain show-home levels of tidiness.

‘A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled’ is for the group of people too suspicious for traditional self-help, but who are struggling under the pressures of modern life, or as Wax puts it “frazzledom”.

However instead of losing yourself between the pages of a dramatic fiction set in some impossibly beautiful Caribbean island, how about using the time to do some head-clearing spring cleaning? We all said ‘New Year, New Me’...

Okay, hear me out. ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ by Marie Kondo has topped the New York Times best-seller list and has sold over two million copies in over thirty countries. An ‘organizing consultant’, Kondo is employed on a domestic and commercial basis to help people make sense of their clutter and has had so much success doing so, that her waiting list stretches on indefinitely.

It is proposed that we go through our items by category, for example clothes or books, and ask ourselves if each object ‘sparks joy’, and if not we should thank the item for its use and then dispose of it. If the thought of graciously thanking your novelty ‘New Years Eve 2014’ glasses before binning them seems a bit New-Age, just take a step back. Imagine a bedroom filled with items that make you happy, remind you of good times or excite you rather than looking through your wardrobe with sorrow at old clothes that are no longer in trend (if you are looking for a sign to throw out that poncho, this is it).

‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ is a joyful and motivating read, simple in its ideas and witty in parts; it is the perfect book for a productive Easter break.

Translated from the original Japanese, this book promises to turn your home from a well-meaning but cluttered home to an eternally tidy and joyful one with the ‘KonMarie method’. Now, we all know how to tidy but more often than

20 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

Now your home is spotless (right?), let’s turn to your mind... well, they do say a clean room is a clean mind! Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have heard the self-help buzzword ‘mindfulness’ but what you may not have heard, is that comedian Ruby Wax now has a degree in the subject.

Mindfulness, in essence, is the practice of ‘being in the moment’ and as anxious thoughts encroach upon peaceful moments, using the senses to ‘anchor’ yourself back in the current moment.

Wax explains the neuroscience behind this practice in an accessible and of course, witty manner with the frank tone of a former cynic and of someone with the experience of having gone through it all too.

Make this Easter one of selfimprovement, spring cleaning for both home and mind! @clydelifemag

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Tel: 0800 185 186 www.dmdesign.com

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When you work with DM Design to transform your home you know that you are dealing with the people who were right at the centre of the fitted kitchen movement from the very beginning.

The company proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.

This is the company which can claim proudly: ‘over 100,000 room designs in more than 30 years’, so they know what they are talking about. DM Design’s creative team has a wealth of skill and experience and their tradesmen and women pride themselves on their qualifications, craft skills and a job well done.

De-cluttering your home can be hard work at the best of times, especially if you are by nature a hoarder but what can be a chore becomes a pleasure with DM Design at the heart of your home.

Spring is in the air, but is it in your home yet? Come on, it’s time to stop hibernating, get out from under all that clutter and greet the sun - and where better to start than with fresh, clean bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens from DM Design.

While you’ve been wallowing in the winter blues, the DM Design team have been hard at work at their Cumbernauld headquarters bringing out some stunning new ideas and designs and they are just waiting for you to discover them.

Now is the time to join forces with their expert design team and fitters and invite spring into your home. They have just launched a new high-gloss door range that will have your kitchen or bedroom looking fresh and clean.

You will find it so easy to keep everything tidy and in its right place with a DM Design bedroom; the personal touch that a designer bestows on your fitted furniture makes your new storage a delight to use. On the outside, the range of styles, from the doors right down to the opening mechanisms, means your bedroom becomes a bespoke experience.

From classic to contemporary, high-gloss, oak or the extraspecial premier range DM Design have the look you want.

Individuality is the key; and a consultation will bring all your needs, wants and desires for your dream kitchen or bedroom to life. With the guidance and expertise of a DM Design consultant designer you can re-think and restructure the storage in your home. Your needs change as your family does.

DM Design prides itself on its innovative approach to help design fitted furniture for anyone with extra needs to accommodate lower levels or wheel chair access.

All this service is set against a backdrop of affordable prices; you can have luxury fitted as standard in your home today without paying the designer price tag.

Visit the www.dmdesignuk.com or call 0800 185 186 to start your spring clean. It’s a site filled with inspiring ideas and words of wisdom on how to brighten and freshen your home, ban clutter and importantly add value to the property at the same time.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 23

Chef’sEYE

Hi, my name is Faisal and I am the Head Chef and Director of a company called The Chefs Eye Limited and the resident caterer at Gourock Golf Club where I operate from.

We welcome visitors all year round to the restaurant and for further insight for our menus and upcoming events, please go to chefseye.co.uk and subscribe.

Jerk Chicken Supreme, with egg fried rice and a spiced tomato sauce Ingredients • x2 Chicken Supreme - skin on • Flaked sea salt • Jerk seasoning • Oil for frying

Method

For the rice • x1 egg • Cooked white rice (Veetee 2 min cook in a microwave) • Finely diced onion, spring onion and 1 green chilli • For the sauce • x1 passata • x1 finely diced onion • x3 fresh garlic pureed • Cajun seasoning • Squeeze of lime juice • 100 ml chicken stock • fresh coriander - finely chopped

Whilst the chicken is cooking in the oven its time to make the sauce and the rice.

Sear the chicken, skin side down, until crispy, turn over and place in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 15 mins. Check using a temperature and ensure it is a minimum of 75 degrees at the thickest point

To make the sauce, cook out your onions with a little oil, ensuring they are golden brown and not burnt.

Add the garlic and the seasoning and slowly cook out with a little lime juice to stop it burning.

Once it has been a few minutes add the passata and chicken stock and cook out for 5 mins, blend and taste for seasoning. The sauce should have a slight kick. Leave aside.

In a wok, pour a teaspoon of oil, start to reheat the rice as per the instructions, using a wooden spoon add the finely diced onion, chilli, and spring onion, fry and add the egg and start to scramble the mix season lightly and add the rice. Scoop on the place once hot and the correct temperature has been achieved (min 82 degrees) - roughly about 2 mins Place the sauce back on the boil, your chicken should be done by now, slice the chicken down the middle carefully into 5 for show and using a ladle or spoon pour the sauce just offsetting the chicken.

Serve For a quick dessert for after, pre made and stored in the fridge - my personal favourite is Raymond Blancs chocolate mousse which can be found online or by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/food/ recipes/basicchocolatemousse_93648 All the ingredients can be found at your local supermarket.

24 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

@clydelifemag

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Clyde Life Magazine

Dedicated Wine Merchant comes to Kilmacolm The welcome news in Kilmacolm is that after a gap of five years or so, the village once again has a dedicated wine merchant.

who have really shaken up the world of wine, influencing how and what we consume today.

James said: ‘We have wines lovingly made by artisan producers from all over the world.’

The vast majority of wines on offer are quirky, unusual, and not widely available and James believes that the vast range can satisfy any choice from everyday drinking wines through to the very best Burgundy you can buy.

VINo13 also stocks only the finest Scottish gins, vodkas and rum. The recent explosion of gin production in Scotland has seen an equal rise in the market for premium spirits.

After 35 years in a design career James Kelly has decided to follow his heart and a hunch that there was a gap in the market for a shop selling the kind of wines that you are just not going to find on a supermarket shelf.

James has a passion for good wine and good food and he can now share these with the good company of his new customers calling in at VINo13, at 13 St James’ Terrace, Kilmacolm.

It has been a labour of love and much dedicated deliberation to pick the 260 wines on the shelves; and they are all there after being sampled and considered by James himself.

James Kelly’s life-long enjoyment of good wine has grown into a wealth of knowledge and contacts within the trade and he can offer sound, experienced advice.

This includes understanding your own palate and preferences and selecting wines to your own personal taste and matching wines to foods.

Why not take your party or dinner menu and have James recommend wines for you.

You will find many old favourites stocked alongside new grape combinations James has delighted in finding; the ‘Maverick’ producers

26 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

‘Most whisky producers now offer a gin to augment their traditional ranges and flavoured gins and vodkas have also appeared with our local Scottish ingredients, even Rhubarb,’ said James. And it goes without saying that there will be whisky; with an investment whisky corner’ showcasing customers’ own bottles, which is a developing feature.

James is planning regular wine, cocktail and spirit tastings most Friday evenings, with details both in store and on the VINo13 Facebook page, or simply call the shop on 01505 874042 for full details of what’s on, each Friday.

Win with Clyde Life Magazine!

Win a private Wine tasting for up to 8 people tailored to your Wine preferences. VINo13 are offering a Fantastic opportunity to sample 4 of their Top Wines with advice and guidance from James Kelly.

You and your party will be informally guided through the Vineyards, production methods and styles of some very diverse Wines from across the Globe.

It is a perfect chance to sample some quirky, off the beaten track wines, still offering great value and top quality.

The stories behind the bottles will be revealed, Grapes, producers, and of course why they taste as good as they do!

To enter simply visit www.clydelife.co.uk and follow the link to competitions.

@clydelifemag

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www.clydelife.co.uk | 27

theStyle files

by Marilyn Thompson

Signature looks for Spring.

As I begin writing, the snow is falling heavily outside, covering everything in its all encompassing white blanket and Springtime seems such a long way away.

However here are some of the biggest catwalk fashion trends so you are organised for when it finally does come.

White Shirts The humble white shirt is a Spring/Summer 2016 essential. It will see you through every occasion from casual to evening wear. Your basic white shirt in cotton will be a staple wardrobe addition when worn with your jeans for a crisp preppy look or worn loose with a tank underneath - perfect for your day to day life. At the other end of the fashion spectrum, white shirts were seen matched with beautiful summer skirts and elegant trousers for a much more sophisticated look as seen at Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrerra and many more. These shirts are more fitted to the body and are in luxurious and more expensive fabrics like silk and taffeta, some have beautiful ruffled necklines rather than a collar and some are swathed and tied elegantly around the body. However you wear it, whenever you wear it and how often you wear it is up to you, the important thing is that you get one!

Spanish Influences Conjuring up memories of sultry warm holidays in the Mediterranean, this trend is a romantic and feminine style suitable in its many guises for just about everyone.

Alexander McQueen, Lanvin and Gucci showed the most beautiful creations but similar (and much more affordable) styles are beginning to filter through to the high street shops. Featuring off the shoulder tops, lots of ruffles, bold red and bright colours and pretty flamenco style skirts. It’s time to dream a little dream of the holidays. Ole!

28 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

@clydelifemag

Shoulders on Show

Probably the most heavily featured trend with most designers showing off shoulders in one form or another, from summer dresses and tops to oversized relaxed lightweight sweaters.

Shoulders are having a moment. Being hailed as the new modest erogenous zone, it’s a flirty show of skin without baring too much. Get ready to bring your shoulders out of hibernation as there won’t be much chance of escaping this trend, nor should you want to - It’s pretty and modern and you can show a little or a lot!

As I finish this article, I’m afraid to say it’s still snowing. Not good!

Here’s to Spring and the baring of shoulders.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 29

THE GLASGOW

BUDDHIST CENTRE

The Glasgow Buddhist Centre has offered classes in meditation and Buddhism for 40 years, helping people become more positive and calm and to lead more meaningful lives.

Forthcoming Events Buddhism and Meditation Levels 1, 2 and 3 of our six week courses begin Wednesday 9th March, 7.30 - 9.40pm.

Cost: £66 waged or £33 low/unwaged.

Meditation Introduction to Meditation six week course begins Tuesday 8th March, 7.30 - 9.30pm.

Cost: £66 waged or £33 low/unwaged.

All courses include a Day Retreat on Sunday 17th April.

Mindfulness Based Pain Management An eight week course beginning Wednesday 9th March, 1.45 – 4pm Cost: £120 or £80 concession including materials All courses include a Day Retreat on Sunday 20th Dec. Regular weekly drop-in meditation classes for beginners & regulars on Wednesdays from 12.30-1pm & Thursdays from 10.30am-12noon.

For Yoga and Tai Chi courses, please see our website.

329 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3HW Tel: 0141 333 0524 Email: gbc@glasgowbuddhistcentre.com www.glasgowbuddhistcentre.com

Buddhism and Meditation in the City Centre The Glasgow Buddhist Centre is a spiritual community, dedicated to the enhancement of the Buddhist religion. Our teachings are based on generosity, simplicity and ethics, underpinned by trust. As well as Buddhism and meditation, we teach classes in Yoga and Taiji. We also offer affordable room hire in a City Centre setting.

You are welcome to come in, look around, ask questions or browse in our shop. We are part of the Triratna Buddhist Community, a worldwide movement with Western origins that seeks to make the traditional teachings and practices of the Buddha applicable to the modern world.

Triratna Glasgow, to give us our proper name, offers a doorway to understanding life more deeply through the Buddhist tradition.

Help is at Hand as your Life changes Woodside Care Home is a 19 bedroom Residential Home situated in the beautiful conservation village of Quarriers, just outside Bridge of Weir. Visitors are always made welcome.

The Home is registered with The Care Inspectorate for the regulation of care.

• • • •

Residential Elderly Long Stay Short Stay Convalescent Respite

To request a brochure or to arrange a visit please contact the manager

Fiona Summers ~ 01505 613370 30 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

@clydelifemag

Win

tickets for shows at The

Beacon!

Clyde Life has 2 tickets (a family pass for 4 to One Man Shoe) to give away for each of the shows below.

To enter simply go to www.clydelife.co.uk and follow the link to competitions.

The Last Laugh

Thu 10 March 8pm Suitable for 16+ contains strong language Written by and starring Keir McAllister.

Why should you never date a comedian? This hit Fringe 2015 show mixes stand-up, theatre and storytelling in a tale about two people discovering whether being funny is as important as being happy.

Jango Starr One Man Shoe

Thu 7 April 2:30pm Suitable for ages 5 – 11 One Man Shoe, is a delightful new show for children and families, performed by Jango Starr.

When the headline act fails to show up, Jango, a bumbling theatre caretaker, is suddenly thrust into the limelight and embarks on a hilarious journey of highly crafted and heartfelt silent comedy, as he magically finds his way to realise his dream of transforming into a star!

Jango Starr’s unique style of silent physical theatre includes contemporary circus clowning, slapstick comedy, puppetry, juggling and absurd magic, bringing laughter and joy to all ages!

An Evening with Phil Differ

Fri 8 April | 7:30pm Comedy writer, producer, director and comedian Phil Differ presents an evening of two halves. In the first, stand-up comedy, and in the second, showbiz tales from a career spanning thirty five years.

Phil reminisces on his misspent youth, discusses the problems of being a middle-aged man trapped in a 20 year old’s body and reveals how you go from being a failed accounts clerk with British Telecom to becoming Senior Producer in BBC Scotland’s Comedy Unit.

Clyde Life Magazine

The teen STYLE Files

Back to Basics for Spring

Spring is the perfect time for that wardrobe clean-out you promised you’d do months ago.

It’s also a great time to get back to basics! As shown in the newly launched campaign from River Island, a great pair of jeans, fitted tank or T-shirt and a white shirt are all you need to pull off this minimal but chic vibe.

Fashion and beauty notes....

This less is more trend goes for your make up too. Go back to the classics with a Bobbi Brown BB cream, although a little pricey, it’s perfect as a special treat and your skin will thank you for it due to its light formula which still covers blemishes and moisturises too.

Hair Treat your hair whilst you’re at it with Bumble and Bumbles ‘Sunday’ shampoo, a weekly detox for your hair which leaves it naturally shining and full of body.

Gadgets Organise your wardrobe and your days this year, with American brand, Ban.do’s sticky reminder set. www.johnlewis.co.uk

Celebrity do’s and don’ts - All white • Do have fun • Do keep it classy • Do embrace festive colours • Don’t go totally OTT • Don’t forget to coordinate

Your Fashion Questions Answered????????

Do - Kendall Jenner

Don’t - Jessie J

Q - Hi Holly, this Christmas my family gave me money so that I could get myself whatever I want but I still can’t decide what I should buy that I’ll actually be able to wear or use a lot, any ideas? Clare 13 A - Hi Clare, I would recommend a pair of good black trainers, they go with nearly everything, are effortlessly chic and never go out of style. Otherwise, you could start to save up to buy yourself a designer bag or purse, from Michael Kors for example! Holly x Get in touch - To learn more about The FASHION Class for teens & children, the courses, camps and Birthday parties, or to tell me what you think and ask any questions, contact: holly@thefashionclass.co.uk or www.thefashionclass.co.uk www.clydelife.co.uk | 31

WATERSIDE WEDDINGS All inclusive packages from

Sunday 14th February • 6.00-10.00pm

£3250

Sunday 6th March • 12.30-8pm

Mother’s Day… !

St Valentine’s Day 2 Course menu Two Courses Glass of Bubbly for Mum! with a

& Glass of Bubbly £17.95 per person

£14.95 per person,

kids £5.95, infants free

Call 01475 520919 thechartroom.co.uk

32 | Clyde Life – February/March 2016

@clydelifemag