West End Life Issue20 March 2014

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Special Homes & Interiors Pull Out (see centre pages)

Glasgow Comedy Festival

14th March – 5th April

New COOK shop arrives in Kelvinbridge Tips and Offers from Ellen Conlin Hair Jordanhill West End Bearsden Milngavie ■

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Find more articles, vouchers and competitions online at www.glasgowwestendmag.co.uk

Broomhill Shopping Centre Where shopping and eating is just around the corner.

ROMA

Little

BROOMHILL LAUNDRETTE & DRY CLEANERS

Broomhill Shopping Centre Broomhill Drive, 2-26 Norby Road Broomhill, Glasgow G11 7BN www.broomhillshoppingcentre.com

FREE PARKING

16

4 To be or not to be …

6 The best thing for…

8 Personal Insolvency Changes

4

10 Ellen Conlin – Tips, Competitions and Offers

14 World Book Day 16 Are you caring for a

6

loved one?

20 Local author spotlight 23 Glasgow Comedy Festival 28 It’s Mother’s Day 10 30 Spring is on its way

20

My office and I are always on hand to assist West End residents with any problems you might have.

23

Ann McKechin MP

You can contact me via my office: 154/156 Raeberry St, G20 6EA or call: 0141 946 1300

ann.mckechin.mp@parliament.uk Front page image courtesy of Glasgow Comedy Festival

March Issue 20, 2014 Publisher: West End Life Deals Ltd Co editors:

Charles Briggs

Noreen Ferguson

Features Editor: Ellen Arnison ellen@westendlife.biz Advertising Sales Manager: Nicky Murphy nicky@westendlife.biz Contributors: Ellen Arnison, David Muir, Brian Milne Thomas Angel, Douglas Harvey Penelope Longstockings

Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 0141-413-4660 Email: editor@westendlife.biz Web: www.westendlife.biz Graphic Design: Phil Cunningham www.creative-magazine-designer.co.uk Advert Design: Simon Jones, Skep Design

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. West End Life Deals 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.

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 3

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 The Essentials of Meditation Tuesdays, 7.30 – 9.30pm, 6 weeks.

Start dates: 4 March, 22 April, 10 June The Essentials of Buddhism Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.40pm, 6 weeks.

Start dates: 5 March, 23 April, 11 June New Daytime Essentials of Buddhism Mondays, 2 – 4.30pm, six weeks. Begins Monday 3 March Cost: £66/£33 concession, including a day retreat at the end of each course. Quote ref “Three Jewels” at time of booking and get the first night free.

Regular drop-in meditation classes for beginners & regulars on Wed 12.30 - 1pm and Thursdays from 10.30am - 12 noon.

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

Great Golf…Glorious Environment Stunning, vibrant, welcoming, and free from over-formality!

The Course for the West End

No Joining Fee! Limited Offer!

Full Seven Day Membership • Weekday Membership Flexible “pay and play” Membership Ladies, Juniors, Gents all welcome • Visitors Most Welcome For more details visit www.milngaviegolfclub.co.uk Tel: 0141 956 1619

4 | West End Life – March 2014

To Be or Not To Be? So you’ve been hooked by golf. You’ve played a few rounds, you’ve hit a few great shots and you’ve decided this is the sport for you. Perhaps you have played for a number of years and you get the occasional invite from a friend or been on a few golfing trips with friends from a local golf course.

What is the next step?

There are several options but with more and more players choosing to stay away from joining a Club and playing ‘nomadic’ golf, what is the right step for you?

In my experience as a Teaching Professional, golfing enthusiast and passionate debater of all things golf, there is really only one step. Join a golf club. The reasons for doing so far outweigh the reasons not to.

Here at Milngavie Golf Club, we have a thriving membership of people just like you: players that live and talk golf. Surrounding yourself in this atmosphere does wonders for your game. You find yourself playing more regularly, meeting new friends, building relationships and enjoying your golf more. In no time at all you have become a member. A person, who is valued, recognised and welcomed each time you play. Move from Club to Club regularly, or worse, don’t join at all and you never fully achieve that sense of belonging.

At Milngavie Golf Club, membership doesn’t just mean playing at one course all year round.

We are part of the 1895 association where courses established in this year afford courtesy to members from other clubs. You have the opportunity to play reciprocal golf at a number of local courses for a vastly reduced fee of approx £10 – £15. The legendary James Braid developed Milngavie Golf Course and again you can play other James Braid courses for a reduced fee.

If you are serious about your golf, if you want to take your game to the next level and you want support Club golf then join a local club.

For all info regarding membership offers, prices and deals contact myself, David Muir, or our helpful Club Secretary, Susan Woods on 0141 956 1619.

Here’s to Season 2014!

David Muir.

@westendlife

Broomhill Sports Club – run in the community for families by families Ten years ago a group of parents got together frustrated about the lack of sports opportunities for children in schools.

They decided to do something about it and set up football sessions for children from Broomhill Primary and other schools.

Since then parent power has seen the club go from strength to strength with sessions in a huge range of sports for a variety of ages all over the area.

Currently, there is training and match play in football, netball, multi-sports, hockey, karate and athletics. Around 750 children from 47 different schools get the benefit of sports via Broomhill.

Recently the club has added sessions for preschool children too in the form of mini-kickers for three to five year olds.

And there are sections for high school children, young adults, special needs classes as well as fun sports for parents too.

In addition to a weekly training programme BSC organise School Holiday Multi sports camps that provide a wide range of sports in a fun and competitive environment. (www.broomhillcamps.com).

The Camps offer something for every level of ability.

In addition, each year more than 300 children are taken on tour to places such as; Italy, Spain, Ireland, Holland and England While the variety of sport offerings has increased over the years, the aim of the club has not changed.

It is all about establishing sport as an integral part of both school and community life, with enthusiastic participation from as many children as possible.

The benefits of participation in sport are clear on many levels, from improved health and well-being to promoting sporting excellence and enthusiastic participation.

Over the years more than 3500 children have been set on the pathway to playing sport into adulthood.

Broomhill also encourages the highest standard of sporting etiquette as well as support for talented and dedicated individuals.

Every week the club provides around 75 hours of innovative coaching and it employs some of the best coaches in Scotland. Training takes place at over 13 sites across the West End of Glasgow.

The club is organised by more than 40 parents and carers who regularly volunteer to give their time – they do everything from management and coordination to coaching, fundraising, washing kits and making refreshments. The Club is always looking for new ideas and new sports. We want to hear from anyone out there with ideas!

To find out more about Broomhill Sports Club visit www.broomhillsportsclub.org.uk

Broomhill Sports Club

Invite you to join our Club We are located at venues throughout the west of Glasgow We Offer: Football • Netball Cricket • Karate • Hockey • Running Multi Sports • Holiday Camps

To Join us or find out more please call or email

0141 339 3606

David Moyes of Manchester United, helps coach some of the young footballers

West End Life Magazine

email@broomhillsportsclub.org.uk www.broomhillsportsclub.org.uk www.westendlife.biz | 5

The best thing for…

Here’s our round up of the things we think are the best in the West.

Hopefully, you’ll find something to put a spring in your step.

The best thing for... miles of fun and fitness.

Find a Sport Relief mile, swimathon or cycle and join in.

Go to sportrelief. com to get details of the events running all over the city.

The best thing for... scaring yourself silly. Get along to the Grosvenor Cinema for their All Night Horror Madness with one scream-fest after another until the sun comes up. It’s on 15 March.

The best thing for... stepping toward health. Go for a walk. Join a regular Health Walk to set out in the right direction.

Go to the Glasgowlife.org website and you’ll find dozens, including ones setting out from Scotstoun, Hyndland and the Botanics.

The best thing for... solving a mystery. Arm yourself with a murder that needs solving from Treasuretrails.co.uk and get to work. Follow the clues around the West End until the perpetrator is brought to book.

The best thing for... mooching. Discover some of the West End’s quieter corners – the Hidden Lane, De Courcy’s Arcade or Ruthven Lane. You’ll find a treasure or, at least, somewhere for a quiet coffee.

The best thing for... appreciating vinyl. Classic Album Sundays are now a regular feature at The Berkeley, North Street. Turn up and listen, beards optional. The next one is Miles Davis’ A Kind Of Blue on 24 February The best thing for... some afternoon delights. Cup Cakes For You is on Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch and it’s delicious.

“Quirky surroundings that were immaculately presented. By far and away the best afternoon tea I’ve had – and I’ve had a few,” said a reviewer.

The best thing for... giving the kids a buzz. The bees are open again at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. There has been a beehive at Kelvingrove since 1959 and generations have been able to watch the fascinating creatures close up.

... Hair & Beauty products direct to your door www.theechshop.com 6 | West End Life – March 2014

@westendlife

Best Prices Guaranteed

Fully Seasoned firewood logs & Kindling Delivered in Bags or Bulk Loads Order your regular supplies from Andrew on M: 07793 158 817, T: 01360 660 911 or by email: andrew@lomondlogs.co.uk www.lomondlogs.co.uk

C o r r i e Wo o d w o r k i n g

] Bespoke wooden furniture and more, made from locally sourced Scottish hardwoods to your design and specification. ] Please call me, Tom Percival, to discuss a commission, or alternatively visit my website for further information or ideas.

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TERRA FIRMA GARDENS

We cater for most budgets and sizes of garden, we are fully insured and all our work is guaranteed.

For a free initial consultation call 0141 429 6267

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Susan Gallagher BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture

WEST END HANDY MAN

HATE DIY? CAN’T DIY? WON’T DIY?

ELECTRICAL PLUMBING FLAT PACK ASSEMBLY TILING JOINERY BATHROOM & KITCHEN RENOVATIONS

MALL! S O O T B NO JO Competitive pricing!

Contact David on:

07843 006840 www.westend-handyman.co.uk

www.corriewoodworking.co.uk | 07808 162186

West End Life Magazine

info@westend-handyman.co.uk

www.westendlife.biz | 7

Scottish Government gets tough with new Personal Insolvency legislation

by Brian Milne

The Scottish Government has recently changed the Personal Insolvency legislation for Scots struggling with debts.

Previously, debtors could avoid sequestration (the Scots equivalent of bankruptcy) by signing a Trust Deed. This would broadly work in a similar manner, but avoid the perceived stigma of bankruptcy.

The Scottish Government believed that the relative high costs and apparent disappointing returns to creditors necessitated a change to the way Trust Deeds worked. So, from late last year, Trust Deeds have been extended from three years to four, meaning that debtors have to pay contributions for 48 months rather than 36 months as before.

The impact of this for those wishing to avoid bankruptcy is the cost of 12 months extra monthly contributions.

Whilst this makes sequestration appear more attractive, it’s more than likely only for a short period as the Scottish Government intends to increase the period that debtors in sequestration pay a contribution for.

In addition, the new legislation also gives the Accountant in Bankruptcy – an agency of the

8 | West End Life – March 2014

Scottish Government – a new power to decide the level of payments in all cases by way of a ‘Debtor Contribution Order’.

This toughening up of the Personal Insolvency regime is surprising; particularly given that there was no real groundswell for change from creditors disappointed at the historic levels of dividends being paid.

Given that a recent Money Advice Service survey confirmed that Scotland has some of the worst ‘debt black spots’ in the UK, with 31% of people in Inverclyde in debt, 29% in Glasgow and 27% in West Dunbartonshire, these changes would appear a bold gamble by the Scottish Government that jars somewhat, given its lauded attempt to influence the UK Government’s policy to regulate payday lenders to protect Scotland’s poorest.

Brian Milne is a partner in the business recovery practice of French Duncan Chartered Accountants

FD Debt Solutions is the debt expert department of French Duncan Chartered Accountants. Our trusted advisors have been providing debt solutions across Scotland since 1989. Providing a quality service you can trust, we tailor every debt solution to the individual to ensure you can maintain and then exit the specific solution, debt and stress free.

@westendlife

Award-winning food business set to open in heart of Glasgow’s West End

• ••

•••••••

Valid u ntil March Sunday 2n 2014 d

• ••

••••••

•

David and Heather will be hosting a grand opening party at the shop on Friday 21st February from 6pm-9pm. Friends, media, local business owners and prospective customers are invited to come along to taste a selection of the delicious food and enjoy a celebratory drink!

• ••• •••••

■ Everyday meals for busy people in one and two portions such as Lasagne al Forno, Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tagine, Hearty Fisherman’s Pie and Roasted Confit of Duck ■ Amazing authentic curries such as Kashmiri Chicken Curry, Prawn Karahi and Lamb Dupiaza with sides of Aloo Gobi, Tarka Dal and Saag Paneer ■ OMG lunch pots which contain less than 14g of fat and less than 400 calories including Prawn Tom Yum, Middle Eastern Lamb Koftas and Thai Butternut Squash Soup ■ New Oriental dishes including Chicken Penang Curry and Yellow Malaysian Fish Curry ■ Posh dishes for entertaining including Salmon en Croutes and slow cooked Lamb Shanks ■ Family and children’s meals and organic baby food ■ Indulgent desserts such as Lemon Meringue Pie, Chocolate Truffle Torte and White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

Friday 21st February 2014

•

The COOK range includes:

Grand Opening Party:

• •••••

COOK’s dishes are made by hand using exactly the same techniques and ingredients that a good domestic cook would use at home, so everything looks and tastes homemade. As proof of its handmade nature, the name of the individual chef who cooked each dish is printed on the packaging. Importantly, COOK’s food is blast frozen at -35°C so all the nutrients and flavour are locked in and there’s no need for additives or preservatives.

••

frozen meals, is opening its first shop in Glasgow. The COOK shop at 498 Great Western Road, Kelvinbridge, opens on Thursday 20th February offering a wide range of award-winning meals and puddings for your freezer that look and taste homemade. Customers can take advantage of a 15% discount during launch week with a home delivery service on offer for many Glasgow postcodes. The shop will be open for business 7 days a week.

COOK’s Glasgow business will be owned and run by David and Heather Hepburn.

Commenting on the opening, David said, “The team at COOK is passionate about making fantastic food like a really good cook might create at home if only they had the time and we’re delighted to be opening our shop in Kelvinbridge. We can help you with everything from canapés for a drinks party, to family meals, dinner with friends or simple suppers for one or two—just don’t let on you didn’t make it!”

••

COOK, creator of remarkable

This voucher entitles you to 15% off all purchases at COOK Glasgow Just present this voucher at the till

(not in conjunction with any other offer)

Open 7 days: 498 Great Western Road, Kelvinbrige, Glasgow, G12 8EW. Tel: 0141 334 0302 www.cookfood.net/glasgow

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 9

ELLEN CONLIN

Hair & Beauty The Naked Truth!

lifestyle

Penelope Longstockings talks about the growing trend for nude make-up and how to achieve a flawless application using just the bare essentials...

This spring’s make-up trend is nude. Which, is, I believe slightly different from naked?

‘But officer, I wasn’t naked in Marks & Spencer on Tuesday afternoon at 3pm, I was nude. ‘So how’s that different?!

Anyway, we’re all going to be sporting a ‘no make-up makeup’ look by the time the sun starts peeping through come April.

This was pioneered by the famed Bobbi Brown way back in the late 90s, if I recollect correctly. At the time I was horrified. I thought I’d end up looking like a negative without my black eyeliner (for those younger readers, a negative was a small sort of inside out

version of a photograph in the days before digital. Strange, I agree), but as I realised I should wear make-up, not let the makeup wear me. By that I mean it should enhance me rather than look like I’ve had a go at painting by numbers around my facial features.

So basically, that’s the nude look. It’s natural, glowing, healthy, all about brighteners and illuminators, barely-there shades and perfect skin.

My top tips? Get yourself a skin brightener or a good primer, followed by a CC or BB cream (I like VITAGE Skin Perfector, it has a more natural coverage), and

you’ll look as flawless as you’re ever going to.

Stick to eye shades that work with your eye colour browns for blue eyes, greys for brown or dark eyes and either for green eyes.

Smudge everything to keep it natural. And invest in a good pink blusher. A little dusting on the apples of your cheeks and you’ll be rockin’ the nude trend, but definitely not the naked one!

Love and kisses, speak soon Penelope X

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Send us a selfie of your own unique style. The best three correct entries chosen will win a SEBASTIAN Penetraitt Hair Care Gift Box - including Penetrait Shampoo, Penetrait Conditioner and Re-Shaper worth £25.50.

To enter visit glasgowwestendmag.co.uk and click on competitions

Getting the most from your products Our team give their thoughts on the latest hair and beauty products available on the market today.

Lauren and Erin tell us more...

The Wella Style Iron has been a breakthrough in the salon. The Styler/Straightening Iron produces amazing results and gives a beautiful glossy finish, allowing that “salon look” to be recreated at home.

The iron has incorporated the cooling tip end which enables you to both grip and hold the casing of the straightener without burning your fingers! In addition, the plates on the iron slide through your hair without any drag or pulling leaving your hair silky soft.

Lauren C @ ECH Giffnock

SEBASTIAN Professional Drynamic Dry Shampoo is my new

BEST FRIEND. My search for the perfect BIG HAIR product is finally over! After countless attempts with volume dusts and sprays, I have found something that doesn’t leave me looking like I have just poured baby powder over my hair before leaving the house.Like most girls I want BIG hair, “the bigger the better” so as soon as I tried this product I instantly fell in LOVE!

Lauren’s Offer:

Erin’s Offer: Get a 212ml Drynamic and a handy 75ml for £24.95.

Normal RRP £29.90 Available from salons and www.theechshop.com

This spray is perfect for the weekend girls, especially the handy handbag size, so it’s at the ready for any emergency hair deflations! Just a few sprays at the roots could give Cheryl Cole a run for her money! And to top it all off, I no longer have to wash my hair every day.

Perfect for a little extra snooze in the morning... Erin S @ ECH Hyndland

“It’s been a breakthrough in the salon”

Purchase a set of Wella Style Irons at www.theechshop.com For only £59.95!

(RRP £79.99) Valid until 28.02.14

... Hair & Beauty products direct to your door www.theechshop.com West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 11

DentistryDentistry with a difference with a difference

Philip Friel Advanced Philip Friel Dentistry Advanced Dentistry 154 Hyndland Road, 154 Hyndland Hyndland, Road, Glasgow, Hyndland, G12 9HZ Glasgow, G12 9HZ Tel no: 0141 339Tel 7579 no: Website: 0141 339 7579 www.philipfriel.com Website: www.philipfriel.com Philip Friel and his fellow dental Philip professionals Friel andare hisregistered fellow dental withprofessionals the General Dental are registered Council.with the General Dental Council.

Philip's membership number is 77637.

Philip's*Specialist membership orthodontists number is 77637. are Andrew *Specialist McGregor orthodontists are Andrew McGregor (GDC 80505) and Imran Shafi (GDC (GDC79325).

80505) and Imran Shafi (GDC 79325).

Visit our state ofVisit the art, our relaxing state of the clinic art,where relaxing our clinic team where will our team w take great care of take your great dental careneeds. of your dental needs.

We offer bespoke We maintenance offer bespoke plans maintenance to retain a plans healthy to mouth, retain a healthy mo teeth and gums. teeth Should and treatment gums. Should be required treatment we offer be required a full we offer a fu range of routine range restorative of routine dentistry restorative treatments, dentistry cosmetic treatments, cosmetic dentistry and specialist* dentistryorthodontics and specialist* to make orthodontics your smile to make as your smile a beautiful as it can beautiful be. The as clinic it can offers be. The a fullclinic range offers of Denplan a full range of Denpla membership withmembership plan membership with plan benefits. membership benefits.

Any lost teeth can Any belost replaced teeth can using beareplaced full rangeusing of implant a full range of implant treatments to restore treatments a single to or restore multiple a single toothor space multiple as tooth space as naturally as possible. naturally Dental as implants possible. can Dental alsoimplants be usedcan to also be used to stabilise dentures, stabilise improving dentures, function, improving stabilityfunction, and confidence. stability and confide A dental implantAinformation dental implant leaflet information can be provided leaflet can on request. be provided on req We look forwardWe to caring look forward for your tosmile. caring for your smile.

THE BIGGEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH COMES TO GLASGOW Glasgow to host World Book Day 2014’s first ever live tour -

WORLD

6 MARCH

Building on the success of show-stopping events for World Book Day, 25 inspiring children’s authors and illustrators will be taking part in The Biggest Book Show On Earth live in five cities across the UK. The tour rolls up in Glasgow on 6th March at Royal Concert Hall.

This year’s live events, stretching over an impressive two weeks, will be hosted by the unique children’s performance poet, writer and illustrator Laura Dockrill (Mistakes In The Background, Ugly Shy Girl, Darcy Burdock).

Featuring a mixture of established and up-and-coming authors and illustrators, attending schools will be given a chance to be inspired by hints and tips on telling stories from Emily Gravett, Jill Murphy, Steve Cole, Julia Donaldson and Laura Dockrill.

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said: “We are ecstatic to be touring The Biggest Book Show On Earth this year. We’ve held it in London for the past two years and by popular request we are now travelling up, down and across the country. We have

14 | West End Life – March 2014

such a great mix of author and illustrator talent ready to inspire and arouse creativity in children everywhere - we can’t wait!”

The special show has been organised by Wee Write!, Glasgow’s book festival dedicated to children and young people.

Karen Cunningham, Director of Wee Write!, said: “The Biggest Book Show on Earth event is a fantastic, fun way for children to engage in reading and learning.

“There has been a phenomenal response to the Royal Concert Hall Show as all 2,000 tickets were snapped up six weeks early by primary schools right across the city and some from further afield.

“The authors who will be taking part in the show are great entertainers and this is a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to meet them and get their hands on signed copies of their books.”

Tune into the Biggest Book Show on Earth Those unable to make the live events will be able to watch The Biggest Book Show On Earth Online in a brand new prerecorded format, compered by CBBC stars Dick and Dom – at a time that suits them, or on World Book Day itself, at Picturehouse cinemas nationwide.

Filmed at Stanley Park High School, each of the £1 authors and illustrators give their advice on different aspects of writing and illustrating stories and talk about their inspiration and creativity. Schools who watch the event at a Picturehouse cinema will also be treated to an extra 20 minutes of exclusive content including

readings and a Q&A session.

Teachers, parents and children can register and find out more at www.worldbookday.com/biggestbook show Half a million children from more than 75 countries logged on to watch the Show in 2013, which this year is just one of a number of events and activities in schools, bookshops and libraries set to excite youngsters about books and reading for World Book Day 2014.

Ten new books including titles by performers from this year’s Biggest Book Show on Earth line-up can be exchanged for free with a special £1 World Book Day Book Token being handed out in schools and nurseries in Glasgow this month Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information, the latest news and to subscribe to the free monthly World Book Day e-newsletter.

@westendlife

0141 9422200 northglasgow@northwooduk.com

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West End Life Magazine

Find us on

Visit our NEW showroom at 161 Milngavie Rd, Bearsden, G61 3DY

View our credentials at

www.westendlife.biz | 15

If you are caring for a loved one, are you aware of the Self- directed support (SDS) changes coming soon?

From April 2014, the Scottish Government is rolling out new legislation regarding Self- directed support (SDS). This is good news if you are caring for a loved one.

With SDS you will be able to choose exactly how your support is provided to you and by whom.

Although Direct Payments (DPs) have been around for a long time, SDS will offer you greater transparency and choice about how your budget is spent and how your outcomes are met. After all it’s your budget, and you should have both the freedom and choice to put together a tailor-made, personalised Care package to fulfil your exact care needs.

This is a big encouragement for quality care providers, the likes of Home Instead Senior Care who have recently opened office in Bearsden. Home Instead is an

established and highly respected independent UK home care provider. We’re here to “change the face of ageing for the better” by providing the very best, premium quality personal care, home help and companionship services to people within their own homes, and respite services for families and carers, who may need a break.

With SDS, you may be able to create your own mix of Companionship Services, Personal Care, Meal Preparation, Home

Help, Shopping Errands – thus further enhancing the quality of your life, with the help of Home Instead.

Debbie McGonagle is Home Instead’s highly experienced Care Manager and she can help and advise you with regard to your SDS award and putting together a suitable package. You can arrange an absolutely FREE no-obligation care consultation by calling the 24 hour Dedicated Client hotline 0141 249 0574.

Looking after loved ones with care and compassion • • • • • • •

Companionship & Outings Personal Care Meal preparation Home Help & Light Housework Shopping & Errands Respite & Convalescence Care In partnership with Self Directed Support (SDS) • Specialist Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care And much more…

For care you can trust, call us at our Bearsden office: 0141 249 0574 Melville House, 70 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2RH Visit our website: www.homeinstead.co.uk/glasgownorth

16 | West End Life – March 2014

@westendlife

The perfect handbag – benefitting from an obsession Sarah Haran loves beautiful handbags, but for many years was frustrated by her inability to find the perfect one.

She said: “Despite all my searching I could never really find my ‘it bag’ - the one that I could use for every day taking me from work to play, one with enough pockets, with adjustable straps, the one that was practical, stylish AND you didn’t require a mortgage to purchase.”

So Sarah, who designed clothes and interiors accessories for years, decided that instead

West End Life Magazine

she was create the bag of her dreams herself… and VV Amore was born.

After much research, some additional training, and a lot of hard work a range of stylish everyday handbags began to emerge.

It quickly seemed that she had hit on a winning combination. “I soon started to get requests from friends, family and friends of friends to make them one of my handbags,” she said.

Each of Sarah’s beautiful bags is handmade in her studio in Kilmacolm using the very best of leathers and components.

She aims for – and achieves – stylish and timeless (but never boring) handbags.

But now having created the “perfect” bag wasn’t enough for Sarah, she’s constantly adding to the range which now includes the innovative Signature 221 giving two bags in one. She is

also developing her own range of stylish leather backpack-style bags.

www.westendlife.biz | 17

Meallmore Ltd Making Care Mean More…

Our new flagship private care home, expected to be one of the country’s finest providing nursing and dementia care, has opened its doors. Rooms at Antonine House on Roman Road, Bearsden, far exceed national care standards and provide a wide range of high quality care and personal services including a hairdressing and beauty salon.

Owned by Meallmore Ltd, a leading Scottish provider of nursing and residential care, we understand that moving to a full time residential care home is not a decision that is taken lightly. It’s often seen as a last resort. However, at Antonine House Care Home, those concerns will be banished. In fact, making that move can reward older people with a range of health and social benefits, as well as bringing families together. Being a family business, our priority is to maintain a standard of care and

services that improves the well-being and quality of life of our residents.

We strive to create a happy and stimulating home where people enjoy working and living. Residents are offered a variety of activities that can be tailored to their needs, to ensure they can socialise and continue to enjoy hobbies. We believe our residents should have choices about what they do and how they’re cared for and so we involve them and their families in developing their own personal care plans. We listen to what people say and treat them with respect, just as we would want for our own family.

If you are interested in finding out more about Antonine House please call Ms Bobby Dougan, the care home manager on: 0141 942 4644.

ANTONINE HOUSE, BEARSDEN 16 Roman Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2SL Tel: 0141 942 4644 antonine@meallmore.co.uk www.meallmore.co.uk

18 | West End Life – March 2014

@westendlife

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 19

Our local Authors

The Incredible Star Portal by John M Donald John M Donald admits to being a science fiction fanatic and has a huge collection of books to prove it.

So for John, who lives in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, it was a relatively short step to distilling the best of the genre into a book of his own.

Though it may not have felt that short as he calls The Incredible Star Portal a “labour of love” that took him 10 years to create.

From the first page, the plot of The Incredible Star Portal is compelling. In keeping with the sci-fi classics, there are physical reasons for each development and no star ship exceeds the speed of light.

John’s immaculate story-telling is tight without one unnecessary character… and the aliens are

fiendishly smart.

In the book astronauts emerge from suspension in to a world a thousand years in to the future.

The reader is presented with strange and incredible discoveries – from the regression of Earth’s population to the peculiar world of Pastoral.

The dialogue is wry and often witty as John’s ideas follow the vein of classic sci-fi without falling into overuse or cliché.

The Incredible Star Portal is fresh and engaging from cover to cover.

Diamonds and Pearls

by Gina McGavin (writing as Jennifer Ullmen)

Gina’s book is set in the West End of Glasgow and is based on the unsolved murder, in 1984, of her own mother. She calls it factional as it tells some of the story of her mother’s life… and death.

Gina, who is now a grandmother and lives in the

20 | West End Life – March 2014

West End with her husband, said: “I wanted to write the book Diamonds and Pearls many years ago. I did a writers’ course in 2004 for the purpose of writing my book.”

She was 30 when her mother, Mary Ann Mullen, was found strangled in her own flat in Glasgow’s Partick. Despite an exhaustive police investigation during which 6,000 people were interviewed, no one was ever charged with the murder.

Gina told West End Life: “I want my mother to know that somebody cared enough about her to keep trying. I have never given up.

“I am hoping that years on someone might remember something about the case and bring new information to light.

“I hope that even if the killer isn’t found in my lifetime, that someone will come forward in the future - maybe because of the book. It keeps my mum’s memory alive.” @westendlife

Jan de Vries natural health shop Jan de Vries has a world-wide reputation for offering the very best in natural and herbal medicine and the same ethos applies to his Clarence Drive shop.

The soothing atmosphere of the shop belies the fact that it is packed with interesting items to care for everyone’s health and wellbeing.

The well-trained and friendly team in the shop are delighted to take the time to enable you to leave with the products that are most suitable to you – sourcing and ordering products if necessary.

A range of regular consultations are held in store including allergy and intolerance testing.

Of course there is Jan’s own range and the team are A Vogel specialists and have many

different supplements in stock including Solgar, Quest, Udo’s Choice, Optima, Better You and many more.

There’s also a large range of natural beauty products including Dead Sea magic, Barefoot SOS, Salcura, Weleda, Faith In Nature, as well as essential and carrier oils and a selection of child-and baby-sensitive products.

For the home, environmentally friendly ECover household products are available along with the Natracare feminine line.

Together with a range of herbal teas, honeys, fruits, nuts, seeds, wholefoods, cereals and a selection of wheat, gluten and dairy free foods there is something for everyone. The

delightful Clarence Drive shop has also got space for a choice of gifts, including an Arran Aromatics range.

The shop is a short walk from Hyndland Station and there is free parking available nearby. jandevrieshealth

Give yourself the best start to a healthier new you this year...

Jan De Vries in Clarence Drive stocks an extensive range of homeopathic and natural remedies, vitamins, skincare, haircare, beauty, bath and body essentials.

In addition to the Jan De Vries own brands, we are stockists for:

Solgar • Quest • Udo’s Choice • Optima • Better You • Barefoot SOS Faith in Nature • Arran Aromatics • ecover • Trim Secrets • Lavera Plus an extensive range of healthy extras to add to Juicing recipes including Flax Seeds, Goji Berries, Wheatgrass and much more...

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Visit our friendly team at 29 Clarence Drive, Glasgow G12 9QN Tel: 0141 339 0345 E: glasgow@jandevrieshealth.co.uk Opening Hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday

West End Life Magazine

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www.westendlife.biz | 21

Social Problems There is a joke which goes something like: The best thing about being a teenager in the 1980s is that we made all our big mistakes before the internet was invented! There is much truth in that.

There have been some recent news stories about young people losing jobs, or not even getting an interview, based solely on what someone from the company has seen on their Facebook page.

Many employers now use social media profiling to screen potential employees. Vetting a candidate’s social media profiles can give employers an insight into someone’s personality, character or work ethic.

Top Tips • Keep just one social media profile where you post personal information.

• Be careful what you ‘like’ or comment on. If the person posting has a public profile your comment will be visible too.

• Make your public image one you’d be happy to show to anyone, even your great granny.

• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.

If you need help or advice speak to an expert.

Email: glasgowwest@pcpal.co.uk

22 | West End Life – March 2014

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: improving your pet’s chances

Animals, the same as humans, often need expert help and support to return to full fitness following surgery, injury or an illness.

The University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital offers the only Wellness centre for pets in Scotland which is supported by a team of veterinary specialists.

Chartered physiotherapist Melanie Gilchrist, is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and a category A member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.

She explained: “Many pets can benefit from physiotherapy and hydrotherapy treatment especially those recovering from illness or surgery and with long-standing conditions such as arthritis.”

As well as reducing pain and improving a pet’s quality of life, a course of physiotherapy can reduce the need for medication or surgery.

In the Wellness Centre at the Small Animal Hospital in Glasgow there is available a tailored range of physiotherapy programmes for cats and dogs under the supervision of a chartered veterinary physiotherapist.

The non-invasive approach of physiotherapy often includes strengthening exercises, specific stretches and exercise programmes.

Hydrotherapy can also be a key component in a successful rehabilitation programme. Treatment in the water provides a buoyant environment for muscles and limbs to be exercised.

It reduces the pressure on joints as well as providing resistance for strengthening.

The hydrotherapy facilities are suitable for all breed sizes and include ramp and hoist equipment for easy access.

Find out more at www.gla.ac.uk/sah or contact the Small Animal Hospital. @westendlife

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY Kelvinbridge, Milngavie & Newlands

You want only the best for your growing family.

So do we.

That’s why so many parents trust our Nursery.

Funded places available Our Nurseries at Kelvinbridge, Milngavie and Newlands take children from the age of 3.

For an information pack, call Suzanne on 0141 342 5494 or e-mail her at exrel@tga.org.uk

www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 23

Laugh? I went to the 2014 Glasgow International Comedy Festival

It’s that time of year again. The Glasgow International Comedy Festival runs from 14 March to 5 April and hundreds of performers will be crammed into dozens of venues trying to make the punters chuckle.

Since its inception in 2003, the city’s comedy festival has punched well above its weight luring big names to the line-up.

This year is no different.

Miranda Hart will be at the Hydro for two nights while Sarah Millican will be across the road at the Clyde Auditorium.

In fact, as well as signing two of the biggest female names in showbusiness at the moment, 2014 is without doubt the year of the funny women.

There is a distinctly female flavour to the 2014 programme.

Alongside Miranda and Sarah are cabaret trio Fascinating Aida and comic turned mental health campaigner Ruby Wax. Home-grown female talent comes from the likes of Susan Calman, Janey Godley and Dorothy Paul.

24 | West End Life – March 2014

The idea for a comedy festival emerged in 2002 with organisers of the Stand Comedy Club. The next year the first festival was a resounding success and has been a regular fixture on the calendar ever since.

It’s now the largest dedicated comedy festival in Europe with nearly 105,000 tickets for 416 shows at 46 venues.

Tommy Sheppard, director of the festival organiser’s the Scottish Comedy Agency, said: “This is a big year for Glasgow, and for Scotland, and I’m delighted to say that we’ve got a programme which steps up to the mark. This is our biggest and most ambitious line-up yet and is set to do our city proud”.

The big events of the nation – the Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and, of course, the independence referendum – are all featured in shows across the city.

The Homecoming Comedy Gala is one of the highlights, with comedians from Australia and Canada celebrating – or at least finding humour in – their Scottish ancestry.

The Commonwealth Stands Up will set the scene for the 2014 Games as four performers from across the Commonwealth take to the stage.

Finding light relief from the diet of political commentary on the looming referendum is top satirist Rory Bremner who will be joined on stage at the Citizen’s Theatre to take the nation’s political temperature.

Elsewhere, two of Scotland’s top political comedians Keir

McAllister and Vladimir McTavish will bring their acclaimed show State of Scotland to the festival.

They take their audience on a comedic journey through our present-day nation that will uncover the funny in Scottish politics.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “As host city for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, we’re now firmly in the global spotlight and the calibre of this year’s Festival programme is a strong reflection of this - it’s diverse, bold and packed with talent from across the Commonwealth and beyond; reinforcing why Glasgow is a city of choice for the top acts on the international comedy circuit.”

@westendlife

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@westendlife

Private landlords – common errors to avoid For any wannabe landlord there is a lot of information available, in part due to the focus on the private rented sector by The Scottish Government over the last few years. With new regulation, comes new challenges for landlords, however there remains basic principles that every landlord should adhere to in order to ensure the smooth running of a tenancy. There should be a blueprint for every tenancy and then the discipline to follow it through. By doing so, landlords will avoid horror tenancies and falling foul of the authorities. Here are some good examples:

1

Know your legislation and make sure your property is compliant. It is very easy to find out about landlord registration, Gas regulations, the tenancy information pack, energy performance certificates, carbon monoxide detectors, the repairing standard and tenancy deposit scheme. Build this into your plan.

2

Properly vet your tenants. Don’t let them in without provision of a credit check, employment reference and proof of address. In certain circumstances it may be necessary for the applicant to get a guarantor.

3

Prepare a detailed inventory and get the tenants to sign it off. This fits hand in hand with the requirement to lodge the deposit with a Government approved tenancy deposit scheme (a must!).

4

Inspect the property on a regular basis – this is possibly missed the most. You are not imposing on a tenant’s human rights by inspecting the property if proper notice is given.

5

If you are in any doubt about how to manage a tenancy, use a reputable letting agent, one that is a member of the Property Ombudsman, ARLA or other industry body. This shows a willingness to sign up to a code of practice and demonstrate good practice.There is a number of other simple, common sense, matters which result in a successful let. If it is not the private landlord’s principal form of employment, the key is for them to approach it in a professional manner as if it were. It is all about attitude!

Harvey &Co.

Specialist Letting Agents in Glasgow’s West End & City Centre LANDLORDS – Quality Properties Required To Meet Demand Contact Douglas Harvey for Details First Floor, St George’s Buildings, 5 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2DH T: 0141 204 1100 E: admin@harveylet.com www.harveylet.com

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 27

It’s Mother’s Day

By Ellen Arnison

Ask yourself the following questions: ■ Are your children fed?

■ Are they clothed?

■ Are they protected from harm and abuse?

■ Are there books in your house?

■ Do you talk to them?

■ Do they get cuddles?

■ Do you tell them you love them?

So it’s that day again, the Sunday where there will be whispering and plots, tea and toast in bed.

It’s Mother’s Day. Apparently it’s all about appreciating us mums. Because we’re worth it. Only quite a few of us don’t believe we are.

Have you noticed? The number of mums who are quick to label themselves “bad”? Only the other day a pregnant pal - first child - called herself “bad mummy” for scoffing a huge heap of chocolates. I was shocked, she hasn’t actually given birth and she’s setting herself up for the guilt trip.

You see, theories about how to “parent” are legion. Are you baby-weaning, baby-wearing? Is Gina the queen o’ your nursery, or is it Super Nanny? Will you be a SAHM or a WAHM, do the school run or hire a nanny? Are your kids veggies, will you tell them “no”? Make them do activities or let them slob on the sofa?

Montessori, home ed, gifted or precocious? Are you a helicopter mum or a tiger mother?

28 | West End Life – March 2014

And whatever we opt for - or stumble into in a haze of broken nights and frustration - there will be strong opposition. The other way is best. How we bring up our kids, it seems, is everyone else’s business as much as our own.

And everywhere you turn there are celeb mums looking bloody marvellous, bright eyed, coherent and slender. Remember, they are not role models, what you are seeing is a tiny stage-managed sliver of an apparently pampered and glossy existence. Pay attention to them at your peril.

And before reality TV and Spanx, there was a time when “parent” was still a noun and mothers weren’t to blame for everything. Mums made things up on the spot while more or less doing the same as their mother’s did... or the exact opposite, if they’d hated it.

And are we deficient in any way because of it? Nope, thought not. I expect we turned out the same as the next generation and the one before us. Why? Because none of it makes a difference worth fussing about.

If you answered yes, then you are a good mother... good enough, and that’s the only measure you need.

Top Gift Tip:...

“Janet & John (upper floor, De Courcy’s Arcade, Cresswell Lane) sells a unique range of handcrafted products made

by Scottish based artists and crafters. There is something there to suit every taste and pocket including ceramics, jewellery, framed and mounted prints, mugs and handknitted tea cosies, as well as a wide range of cards. You will be sure to find that perfect and unique Mother’s Day gift.”

@westendlife

Here at Native Flowers, we love mums and we know exactly what yours would love to receive on Mothering Sunday. Our team of highly trained florists can create a stunning presentation of her favourite flowers in a variety of designs - from beautiful bouquets to creatively styled potted plants. A lovely range of cards and gifts also available.

Call in or call to arrange the perfect gift Mother’s Day gift.

0141 341 0101

We look forward to hearing from you.

Email info@nativeflowers.co.uk Native Flowers, 27 Clarence Drive, Hyndland, Glasgow G12 9QN

Unique and hand-crafted artisan products Made in Scotland!

Fine Art • Cards • Jewellery • Decoupage • Hand Knitting Ceramics • Sewing • Photography • Homewares and Much More!

Find us in the heart of the west end at the delightful De Courcy’s Arcade, Cresswell Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8AA Tel: 07731 768373 www.janetandjohnscotland.com janet@janetandjohnscotland.com www.facebook.com/janetandjohn Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5.30pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm (closed Monday)

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 29

Spring is on its way!

It might be hard to believe, particularly as the snow seems to be accumulating on the Scottish hills at the moment, but spring really is on its way. We are well past the shortest day now, so the ground is getting more daylight, and so are the plants. Regardless of the temperature, the simple fact of the change in the ratio of light and dark means that things start happening under the soil. You’ve probably already noticed, but spring bulbs have started appearing, and various herbaceous perennials such as Crocosmia have started emerging from previously barren looking flowerbeds. Snowdrops are the last flower of the winter, and as they ‘go over’, the next thing we can expect to see are early spring bulbs like Crocus. In some sheltered spots you may be seeing them already!

■ There are various other jobs that we can keep on top of in the garden at the moment, here is a selection of them: ■ Divide up Snowdrops to spread around the garden or share with friends ■ Prune winter flowering shrubs after flowering ■ Renovate overgrown deciduous hedges (e.g.Beech) before birds start nesting ■ Spike any boggy patches in your lawns, and repair edges ■ Plant bare root roses and hedges (much cheaper than pot grown!)

We wrote in last issue’s article about the importance of keeping the birds in your garden well fed and watered. This continues to be important, the second half of the winter can be really tough for birds – so keep your feeders well stocked and your bird baths ice free. With wildlife in mind, now is a great

30 | West End Life – March 2014

time to do the following jobs as well: ■ Build and erect a bird box in your garden ■ Dig a pond before other garden jobs demand your attention ■ Create a log/stone pile for beetle and insects ■ Hang a bee nesting box ■ Build a compost bin or wormery There’s loads of great advice out there, especially on the internet, for all of these tasks and more.

In summary – now is a great time to get ahead of yourself in the garden, and to do all those jobs that you never seem to have time for during the growing months. And here at Thomas Angel Gardens Ltd, we just think there’s something pretty special about working outdoors on a frosty day, and then coming in to a warming cup of tea and hot shower to soothe those well-earned aches and pains!

Thomas Angel MI Hort is managing director of Thomas Angel Gardens Ltd (www.thomasangel.com) and Lawn Angel (www.lawnangel.co.uk)

Residential garden maintenance Commercial grounds maintenance Communal gardens maintenance Recommended by garden designers www.thomasangel.com info@thomasangel.com 0845 368 2111 or 07985 934846

@westendlife

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 31

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