West End Life August/september 2014

I’m

FREE

Pick Me Up!

August/September 2014

Special Educating Glasgow Supplement-

from Nursery to University Jordanhill West End Bearsden Milngavie ■

■

■

Inspired by the Games?

Then try a new sport

Tea at the Botanics anyone?

10% discount, p8

Show your kitchen some love Customers are hunting high and low for that perfect kitchen.

Show your kitchen some love and we will show it our passion & creativity.

Everything you could want in your kitchen we have. Top brands, craftsmanship, beauty, elegance & technology, we’ve got the lot and we promise it will certainly be worth your while especially when we get to the bottom line.

So look no further, give us a visit. We can’t wait to meet you.

nce 1999

A family business si 52 - 54 Regent St, Greenock PA15 4NP

|

Tel: 01475 727774

|

www.affordableluxuries.co.uk

4 Inspired by the Games 7 Sports Therapy Clinic in the West End

9

Interest rates on the rise

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

17 Educating Glasgow 19 Looking for a Nursery 22 Pre-School to Primary 24 Choosing an Independent school

4

7

9

17

31 Learning you’ll love 37 The Style Files 42 Book suggestions for summer reading

44 Sunny days and Rainy days

19

24

31

37

46 Fill your garden with colour Contributors this issue: Ellen Arnison, Charles Briggs, Mariessa Devlin Brian Milne, Thomas Angel Cover image courtesy of Glasgow Botanic Gardens

August/September Issue 23, 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 Advertising Sales: Lisa Sanderson lisa@westendlife.biz

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

Inspired by the Commonwealth Games?

Why not join a local club and take part

If the achievements of the sportsmen and women at the Commonwealth Games has inspired you then why not take up a new sport or maybe go back to one from your youth. Various clubs in and around Glasgow can offer you the opportunity to get up from the sofa, get out of the house and become more active.

Below you will find by sport a list of clubs that are always keen to welcome new members into their ranks. So go on try something new and maybe, just maybe you will end up in Queensland, Australia, in 2018.

Badminton There are loads of badminton clubs throughout Glasgow. Visit www.badmintonscotland.org. uk for a list of local clubs and contact details.

Cycling For almost 90 years Glasgow Wheelers has been one of Scotland’s foremost cycling clubs.

Visit www.glasgowwheelers.com to find out more

Athletics All the athletics clubs based in the city offer levels of competition that suit all participants in the sport.

The levels of competition offered

by Glasgow’s athletics clubs and the Glasgow Athletics Association range from United Kingdom / Scottish League competition to Open Graded Meetings and mass participation events. To find a suitable club near you visit www.glasgowathletics.org.uk

Rugby West of Scotland Rugby Club: www.westofscotlandfc.co.uk Hillhead Rugby Club: www.hillheadsportsclub.com Triathlon Glasgow Triathlon Club: www.glasgowtriathlonclub.co.uk Fusion Triathlon Club: www.fusiontriathlonclub.co.uk Lawn Bowls There are approximately 20 Bowling Clubs in and around the West End. If you are interested in playing just approach the one nearest you.

Netball There are 18 senior and 12 junior clubs that are affiliated as part of the Glasgow Netball Association.

They train at various venues, in the Glasgow area. Find a club here www.glasgownetball.co.uk

... Hair & Beauty products direct to your door www.theechshop.com 4 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

Transform your kitchen without buying a new one

20% O F * until F 30

/9/14

Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it?

Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.

•

Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • 50% deposit balance on completion • From doors to complete kitchens * Terms & conditions apply, please ask for full details

fore..!

kitchen be

Call Ian or Jim for a FREE Quote on 0141 942 0977 Visit our showroom at 161 Milngavie Rd, Bearsden, G61 3DY

Proud members of

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Find us on

Clearance

SALE

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 5

Pamela’s Personal Assistance Service • Helping busy professionals save time • Helping Seniors maintain independence Organising, finance, shopping, errands, arranging small events, down-sizing and hospital visiting

Tel: 07546 986 214 E: pdchater@gmail.com

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

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

6 | West End Life – August/September 2014

PC HELP & SUPPORT as EASY as

123

1 ... Call 0141 530 7530 2 ... Tell us your problems ... Relax whilst your IT 3 issues are solved

www.123pchelp.co.uk

Acu IT Solutions Making IT work for YOU!

@westendlife

New Professional Football Team and Sports Therapy Clinic for Glasgow’s West End

Broomhill Sports Club is pleased to announce that they have been accepted as members of the Scottish Lowland Football League and have established a new team that will be called BSC Glasgow.

The SLFL is part of the new pyramid system that has been introduced into Scottish Football. This means we will be in the 5th tier of Scottish football below the Premier League and we will gain entry into the Scottish Cup. This new pyramid system represents a historic moment for Scottish Football and Broomhill Sports Club. There is a new dedicated website - www. bscglasgow.co.uk. On the site you can find details of all the upcoming fixtures and how to buy for matches or just to get involved.

As part of this new professional club set the club have engaged Katrina Dunn (BSc Hons) as a sports injury therapist. In addition to her work with the professional players Katrina will also offer a range of General Public Price List Medical Consultation

30 Mins

£40

Injury assessment

30 Mins

£40

Treatment

1 Hour

£50

Half Body Massage

30 Mins

£25

Full Body Massage

1 Hour

£35

Full Body Massage specific area

1 ½ Hrs

£40

Medical Consultation

30 Mins

£30

Injury assessment

30 Mins

£30

Treatment

1 Hour

£40

Half Body Massage

30 Mins

£15

Full Body Massage

1 Hour

£25

Full Body Massage specific area

1 ½ Hrs

£30

services to both Broomhill Sports club members and the general public Sports Therapists treat not only ‘injured athletes’, but also deal with many common muscular complaints such as back pain, mobility problems, postural problems and work related conditions.

The consulting rooms for the clinics are located at Napiers, 61 Cresswell St, G12 8AD. Clinics are held on Tuesday and Friday mornings and Thursday evenings.

To book an appointment or to enquire about the range of services available contact Katrina on 07964 725005 | 0141 280 1234 or email: sportstherapy@bscglasgow.co.uk First 20 Clients receive Half Price Consultation/ Injury Assessment and £10 off treatment price.

Members include Broomhill Sports Club members, Armed Forces, NHS and Emergency Services.

Children attending the clinic must be accompanied by an adult.

All clients must come appropriately dressed.

Please ask for details when making an appointment.

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

Members Price List

West End Life Magazine

To Join us or find out more please call or email

0141 339 3606

email@broomhillsportsclub.org.uk www.broomhillsportsclub.org.uk www.westendlife.biz | 7

Best Prices Guaranteed

Fully Seasoned ďŹ rewood 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 8 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

e s i r e h t n o s e t Interest ra

By Brian Milne

There has been much toing and froing in the City over the last year about the timing of an interest rate rise. Given that they’re at historic lows, the only way is up and it’s just a matter of timing.

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, had stated that rises wouldn’t be welcome until the economy had reached ‘escape velocity’. However, as recently as last week, he has stated that low interest rates may result in a dangerous housing bubble developing, forcing ordinary householders to take on unaffordable levels of debt to get onto the housing ladder and maintain their cost of living.

The Bank of England has already taken steps to limit lending in the housing market – the first time it has done so in over 30 years. Under the measures, the Bank is restricting banks’ and building societies’ ability to lend out more than 15% of their mortgages to customers needing to borrow four and half times their income.

All of which means that an interest rate rise may be imminent. However, a June report from R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals, claims that over one in five businesses say that they would be put into financial difficulty if interest rates were to rise by at least one percentage point in the West End Life Magazine

next 18 months, with six per cent of businesses stating they would be put in ‘serious’ financial difficulty with one percentage point rise by end of 2015.

All of which shows that whilst GDP may have reached pre-recession levels, a lot of the economy is still based on tentative confidence levels, which could evaporate with one wrong move.

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.

133 Finnieston Street Glasgow G3 8HB Telephone: 0141 221 2984

www.westendlife.biz | 9

Celebrate 30 years of success

KITCHENS

WITH 30% OFF OUR PREMIER RANGE OF KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, & BATHROOMS West End Life customers in July & August qualify for a fully integrated dishwasher.

BEDROOMS

Normal retail price £579 Offer price £179 (Save £400) Quote (West End Life/DM offer) and receive a FREE shower supplied with all fully fitted concept Bathrooms.

www.dmdesign.com 10 | West End Life – August/September 2014

BATHROOMS t: 0800 185 186 e: sales@dmdesign.com www.dmdesign.com @westendlife

DM Design 30 years and still going!

DM Design in the early days

To Celebrate 30 years in the home improvements industry we here at DM Design decided to treat ourselves to a brand new website.

Back in 1984 Managing Director Donald Macleod and his wife Ann set up business as DM Design Bedrooms Ltd. The first base for business was in their own home. Admin was taken care of in the house while manufacturing was done in the garage.

Mr Macleod was the only original employee, acting as a one man band he sold, purchased materials, manufactured and installed fitted bedrooms.

A few months later it became apparent that a workshop was required if the business was to expand and develop. They opened their first workshop in Westfield Industrial Estate, where we remain today, albeit in a different premises. From here the business grew leading

to employing more staff, mainly in manufacturing, leaving Mr Macleod to focus on selling and installing.

1985 saw the launch of DM Design products at the Ideal Home Exhibition in the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. That same year saw DM Design start to design, build and install fitted kitchen and with this the need for new premises to accommodate the office and sales staff who were now in place, and also to facilitate the creation of the first DM Design showroom.

Business was growing and five years later it was decided the time was right for DM Design to move onto the project of designing, building and kitting out their own factory. By 1993 the purpose build factory was completed and the company made a smooth transition into their new premises where we remain today.

Over the next few years branches were opened up throughout Scotland with showrooms opening in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Kirkcaldy and Uddingston. With such a success in Scotland Mr Macleod opened up the marketplace in England and has never looked back.

DM Design’s latest endeavour is our purpose build Granite factory, Built late in 2011. Here we

are able to cut and manufacture granite & quartz custom made for each customer. By having this facility we are able to reduce costs for the customers without jeopardising on the quality of the product.

Throughout all this Mr Macleod has striven to achieve the best standards in all aspects, from employee satisfaction to customer satisfaction. Proof of this achievement can be seen by the employees who have been with the company for over 15 years and some from the very start.

To celebrate 30 years in business Mr McLeod would like to show his appreciation by offering 30% off after 30 years to all West End Life readers.

There is no better time than now to take advantage of this fantastic offer, Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen.

1 Deerdykes Place, Westfield Industrial Area, Cumbernauld G68 9HE Tel: 0800 185186 Email: sales@dmdesign.com Website: www.dmdesign.com Registered in Scotland No. 89938 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

DM Design 30 years on

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 11

Introducing the new AGA City60 Always had room in your heart for an AGA, but never enough space in the kitchen? Well now you have. The electric AGA City60 is everything you would expect from an AGA, but wrapped up in a smaller package. At just 60cm wide – the same size as a slot-in cooker, or a standard kitchen unit – it’s perfect for smaller spaces.

There are two ovens, offering roasting, baking and simmering functions and a hotplate which allows you to boil and simmer. Both the ovens and hotplates can be switched on when you need them and off when you don’t. Plus, with programmability, you can time the roasting/baking oven to be ready when you are.

What’s more, if you place your AGA City60 order and pay a deposit before the 30th September 2014 you will receive a ‘Getting you started’ cookware pack worth over £500.

To learn more about the AGA City60 or other AGA models,call or visit AGA Glasgow, 130-132 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G4 9AD. 0141 332 8486 Agaliving.com

12 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

LET Us Impress..

DS R O L D LAN

0% Full Management for three months

0141 357 0436

www.westernlettings.co.uk Scan the code with your smart device to read what our landlords & tenants have to say about our service!

14 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 15

Homemade White Pudding

Ingredients 2 onions, finely diced 450g beef suet 750g coarse oatmeal 10g salt 4g white pepper 150g raisins 150g sultanas 1 tbsp five spice 30g full fat milk

Method 1. S lowly cook the onions in a touch of butter until soft but with no colour.

2. L eave to cool slightly then mix with all other ingredients to form a dough.

3. R oll tightly in clingfilm to form cylinders.

5. S et in fridge for half an hour then cook in a waterbath/ sous vide [see below] at 80C degrees for 30 minutes.

6. C hill in iced water then set in the fridge overnight before slicing.

What is sous vide cooking?

Sous vide — which literally translates from French as ‘under vacuum’ — was originally developed in France during the early 1970s. The process evolved when a chef and a university food scientist joined forces to devise a method for perfect foie gras. The best method proved to be sealing the food in a pouch under vacuum before slowly cooking it at a controlled low temperature.

Introducing Paul O’Malley Head Chef at Culcreuch Castle Hotel has agreed to share some of his favourite recipes with West End Life readers.

After learning his trade at some of the best restaurants and hotels in Edinburgh Paul moved to the 5-star Grove Hotel, to work in their 3 AA Rosette restaurant, Colette’s. Here Paul continued to learn from some of the most highly regarded names in the business, including Raymond Blanc protégé Chris Harrod.

After 18 months an opportunity arose to return to Scotland to work at Cameron House. Following a successful time here Paul’s experience and talent allowed him to run his own kitchen in several acclaimed restaurants throughout Scotland.

Paul is a regular participant in top culinary competitions and has recently been a UK Chef of the year semi-finalist and a Scottish Chef of the Year finalist.

Cu l c re• u c h• Castle COUNTRY ESTATE

Looking for somewhere different to eat? Why not come and experience fine Scottish cuisine throughout the year at historic Culcreuch Castle Hotel set in our own private 1600 acre estate. We are within easy reach of Glasgow, Stirling & Edinburgh.

Paul O’Malley our Head Chef has created menus for all tastes and occasions. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in our elegant oak panelled Dining Room or for something less formal, enjoy the service and wide varied menu in

HOTEL

WEDDING VENUE

our Dungeon Diner restaurant. Weather permitting, you can eat outside whilst children take advantage of our play area.

For private celebration meals our Laird’s Hall Dining Room can accommodate up to 30 people and the Galbraith Hall up to 110.

Afternoon tea can also be booked in our Drawing Room overlooking the lawns and loch.

Please visit our website to view all our menus.

www.culcreuch.com | info@culcreuch.com | 01360 860555 | Culcreuch Castle Hotel & Estate, Fintry G63 0LW

16 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement In addition to these public institutions there are organisations such as Alliance Francais that offer cultural and foreign language courses for young and old.

Learning for Fun, Enjoyment and Life As the lazy days of summer come to an end we start to think about what to do during the longer evenings and nights. For those with children a new academic year can mean a new school or even a first school. For adults it can mean the opportunity to learn something completely new. That’s why, for 2014, we’ve put together a special West End Life supplement.

For children we have great articles about what to look for in a nursery (p19), to getting ready for primary school (p22), to choosing an Independent school (p24).

For adults, Glasgow boasts 3 Universities, 3 major colleges, the internationally renowned Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The range of courses available is incredibly varied – art, photography, learning a musical instrument, computing, learning a foreign language, cooking,

accounting, history, creative writing… the list is endless.

Some of the courses are as short as 6 weeks with most running for 18-26 weeks. The courses are offered in various formats - part-time, evening, weekend and distance learning.

Choose the course, the location and format that suits you.

We have listed the various institutions and websites below that offer an extensive programme of evening, weekend and part time courses.

You are bound to find something that you have either always wanted to do or maybe just learn a bit more about something you have always enjoyed doing.

Read on and find out what our local schools and teachers have in store for you. Expert services, on your doorstep, from learning an instrument to learning to swim.

Institutions offering Extensive Evening, Weekend and Part time Courses Institution

Website Search for Glasgow University www.gla.ac.uk open studies or MFL Strathclyde University www.strath.ac.uk evening and weekend classes Glasgow School of Art www.gas.ac.uk short courses Royal Conservatoire of Scotland www.rcs.ac.uk short courses City of Glasgow College www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk look for the course directory

West End Life Magazine

Alliance Francais www.afglasgow.org.uk The Alliance Française de Glasgow is the official French government’s Language and Cultural centre for Glasgow and the West of Scotland. It is one of 1040 Alliance Françaises located in 136 countries over the five continents, making it the largest cultural network in the world.

The Alliance Française de Glasgow is proud to welcome up to 500 students during each term, who all learn French through our communicative approach.

Lorca – www.lorcaspanish.com Lorca Spanish is a dedicated Spanish language school that promotes the Spanish language and culture of Spain and Latin America through a variety of language courses and cultural activities. They offer a range of courses from complete beiginner to advanced. You can even have 1 to 1 teaching if you want. www.westendlife.biz | 17

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Monkey Music - nurturing a lifetime of music

Monkey Music’s award winning pre-school music classes introduce babies and young children to music in a way they can easily understand and enjoy – and it’s brilliant fun for both children and adults! The specialist teachers who are carefully chosen for their natural ability to communicate with and entertain young children, gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun, stimulating and

friendly environment. Classes are carefully structured to encourage progressive learning and freedom of expression, and children are grouped in small classes according to their age.

There are many benefits of introducing music to very young children, particularly when teaching within a group. Early exposure to singing, listening to and playing music can really help develop a whole range of educational skills. Language and numerical skills flourish through action songs and rhymes; fine motor skills are refined through playing hand held percussion instruments, while an awareness of space and one another is developed through movement. It’s amazing to watch each child’s confidence and self-esteem grow, as their involvement in the group increases!

Fiona would love to invite you along for a free class and she is delighted to be able to offer you special half priced membership to celebrate Monkey’s 21st birthday, if you join classes between 25th August and 3rd October 2014!

To find out more, or to book your FREE class, call Fiona on 0141 5737299. Or visit the interactive website at www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Award winning music classes for babies & young children

BEARSDEN, MILNGAVIE, LENZIE, BISHOPBRIGGS T: 0141 573 7299

E: bearsden.lenzie@monkeymusic.co.uk

Back to School

Stockists of Glasgow Independent and State School Uniforms (Primary and Secondary)

BOOK YOUR FREE CLASS TODAY! www.mansworldglasgow.co.uk 18 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Looking for a nursery: Speak to your friends, relatives, colleagues. Word of mouth is the best recommendation for local services as people will generally be honest.

See what The Care Inspectorate, independent regulators of care services in Scotland, says about the local facilities. Their website www. careinspectorate.com allows you to search all the services in a town or postcode area.

You’ll find: ■ Service and provider details – the who, what and where.

■ Conditions of Registration – opening times and maximum number of children cared for.

■ Quality Grades – see how a service is performing. Care Inspectors during unannounced visits look at four themes, care and support, environment, staffing, leadership and management.

■ Inspections – full inspection reports are available.

■ Complaints/Enforcements Armed with the above information, contact those nurseries on your shortlist. Expect the nursery to ask you some questions about the care you require, as well as information about your child and their details. You should be offered an information pack that contains some or all of the following: ■ The aim of the nursery ■ Background on the nursery ■ Opening times ■ Numbers of children cared forInspection grades ■ How they will involve you and your child in the service ■ Information on Pre-Birth to Three/Curriculum for Excellence (Scottish Government policy) A typical day at the nursery West End Life Magazine

By Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest Nurseries

Here’s what you need to know

Fees and payment terms You will want to visit possible nurseries. Do not be afraid to take a list of questions on your visit. Similar to viewing a house, you should get a feel about the nursery as soon as you walk in.

Things to consider: ■ Is the entrance safe and secure?

■ Is the entrance area welcoming, with displays of children’s work, parent notice boards and staff photographs?

■ Are you asked to sign-in?

The member of staff who shows you around should be knowledgeable and put you at ease.

■

s part of your visit, you should A expect: ■ To view all playrooms, regardless of the age of your child.

■ To be welcomed by all staff as you enter playrooms and a nice touch is when staff speak to your child, showing their genuine interest.

■ Playrooms to be calm, but not quiet – children should be engaged in a variety of learning opportunities including imaginative play, arts and crafts and physical play.

■ To view evidence of children’s involvement such as art work and photographs ■ The nursery and all resources to be visibly clean

To be shown children’s toilets, nappy changing areas and outdoor play areas – again these should be clean.

■ To speak to a member of the management team.

■ To see evidence of the curriculum in practice – planning and information documents displayed.

■

Questions you might want to ask include: ■ Does the nursery have a waiting list?

■ Does the nursery open on bank?

■ What is included in fees e.g. nappies, snacks, lunches etc?

■ Does the nursery accept childcare vouchers?

■ Is there a discount for siblings?

■ Are deposits required to confirm the place?

■ How does the nursery support the child in settling in?

■ What number of staff are qualified, how many are training?

■ What training do staff have access to?

■ Is the nursery in partnership with the local authority to provide funded pre-school places?

■ How do staff support toilet training?

■ How do staff support any additional needs?

■ How does the nursery track a child’s progress?

■ How often do the children get access to active outdoor play?

■ Are the nursery accredited to any schemes/awards?

The final piece of advice would be for you to visit at least three nurseries before deciding. That way when you take your child on day one, although you may still feel anxious, you will know you have made a good choice and your child is in a safe and nurturing environment. www.westendlife.biz | 19

Promoting self-esteem in young children

By Mariessa Devlin

We’re often told how important healthy self esteem is, here we discuss how to nurture it in our youngsters Studies show that only 15 per cent of us have sufficient self-esteem to enable us to achieve our dreams… while research tells us that our futures are shaped by our early childhood experiences.

So what is self-esteem?

According to the dictionary, it means “belief and confidence in your own ability and value”.

Self-esteem changes as a child grows based on their experiences and perceptions.

As parents, family members and

people who work with children, we should never underestimate the profound effect we can have on the lives of children.

Children who grow up with healthy self-esteem are better equipped to face challenges; they know their strengths and weaknesses, whilst generally feeling good about themselves.

Self-esteem is created within but is hugely influenced by the people children come into contact with.

As adults, we can hopefully recall times when we felt safe, secure, special, worthwhile, successful, that we had achieved, or that we had made a difference. We need to use these memories to start building self-esteem in all the young children we come into contact with, but most importantly with our own children.

Ways to increase children’s selfesteem: ■ Use praise or empowering words as often as possible. Praise helps to build selfconfidence. (Thanks for being honest/ You did your best/I believe in you/ Well done/Great answer) ■ Give children compliments frequently. We take a lot of things our children do for granted, so reinforce the behaviours you want to see ■ Notice when children

20 | West End Life – August/September 2014

do something special and acknowledge it. (This could be doing well in a test, learning to ride a bike, showing good manners, etc) ■ Recognise and point out their good choices and decisions, all too often we focus on the negative. (“I’m so pleased you tidied your room,” rather than saying: “It was about time that you had tidied that room.”)

■ Avoid making children part of a joke or putting them down – children often believe this negativity and this can seriously contribute to low self-esteem.

■ Do not compare your children, this can cause sibling resentment and one child feeling they are inadequate When we communicate with children there are some things that help boost their self-esteem and the main one is to actively listen to your children. Active listening is a skill that many adults have not mastered, however these tips will help and should be encouraged for use even with the youngest of children: ■ Speak encouragingly (Tell me more/Can you describe?)

Ask for clarification (Help me understand) ■ Summarise key parts of the discussion (Tell me if I heard you right...)

■ Reflect (It seems you are feeling) ■ Show genuine interest by use of body language (lean forward and use eye contact) ■ Empathise by trying to understand the child’s thoughts and feelings It goes without saying that selfesteem starts to form at birth and becomes the armour that children use in later life. We must not forget that building positive self-esteem takes time and needs maintained – that goes for us adults too.

@westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Overcoming Dyslexia and Language Processing Difficulties

By Kirstie Price

The symptoms of Dyslexia can be deceiving and can often elude teachers and parents. As a result, all too many children slip through their school years without being able to read properly. Many treatments for dyslexia are based on the belief that overcoming dyslexia is not possible and the best approach is to accommodate difficulties.

However, Cellfield is different. The Cellfield Intervention is based on neuroscience and brain plasticity research. This research has shown that brains are not ‘hard wired’ and neuro pathways can be reorganised to help people overcome dyslexia.

As an experienced Depute Head Teacher with extensive experience of Additional Support in schools, I am well aware of the impact of Dyslexia and processing difficulties. As the Centre Director for Cellfield Glasgow, I am professionally and personally convinced that Cellfield does result in permanent and sustainable improvements in reading and

language processing. For those experiencing such difficulties, results prove that Cellfield is the answer.

For further information or to discuss whether Cellfield is suitable for your child visit www.cellfielduk.com or contact Kirstie on; 0141 955 2141 | 07766315225 cellfieldglasgow@yahoo.com

What do 28% of British parents do to help their children?

Over a quarter of children in the UK receive extra tuition at some stage in their school career. The main benefits that children enjoy as a result of this help are: • They feel more confident in school.

• They have the fundamental skills needed to make the most of their abilities.

• They are well prepared for exams.

• They receive the specialist support that their school may be unable to provide.

One of the world’s largest providers of additional tuition, Kip McGrath has qualified, experienced and supportive Maths and English Tutors covering Milngavie, Bearsden, Glasgow West End, Clydebank, Maryhill, Helensburgh. The proven Kip McGrath system of 1-1 tuition, computer activities, paper based work, and homework helps children aged 4-18 to reach their individual targets.

If you would like to find out more about whether the Kip McGrath system can help your child, please call Kirstie on 0141 955 2141 or email bearsdenmilngavie@kip-mcgrath.com West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 21

The Transition to Primary School

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

By Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest Nurseries

This guide will help you support your child on the daunting step up to primary school. However, if your child has been in a childcare setting since they were a few months old, they will have actively (and discreetly) been prepared for school since their early years.

The most important time for children moving to primary school is the ‘pre-school’ year.

During this phase, nursery staff take a more focused approach to the learning experiences, whilst still being led by the children’s interests.

While the details of school enrolment programmes are set by local authorities, most are very robust and schools use various methods to engage the child and their family well ahead of the start date.

All children, however, will find starting school easier the more independent they are. Therefore, it’s helpful to do the following: ■ Encourage your child to go to the toilet on their own ■ Ensure school clothing is easy for your child to manage ■ Consider school uniform choices on PE days. If the school has a polo-shirt option, this is great for a PE day until your child can confidently tie their school tie

“With a little forethought and preparation, moving to school will be a happy and successful milestone in your child’s life” Curriculum For Excellence 2010

■ Consider your child’s shoe

fastenings. If they can’t tie laces, then think about another kind of fastening.

■ Consider meal routines at home – sitting for meals, using cutlery - so children transfer these skills to school ■ Encourage your child to find and use a tissue for their nose, wash their hands, tidy up, share and take turns.

■ Positively discuss school, possibly taking your child to see the building and playground and by acknowledging that they may be feeling a little apprehensive, even if they appear excited about a new uniform or school bag.

Some points to remember: ■ Primary schools do not expect children to be able to write when they start. It is far more important that they have had plenty of opportunity to build up the control in their hands.

When the teacher begins to teach formal handwriting, children with well-developed muscle control will learn to write with ease. Here’s what you can do: – Activities involving drawing, painting, colouring and cutting will help co-ordination.

22 | West End Life – August/September 2014

– Construction toys aid dexterity and imagination.

– Card and word games and jigsaws all help with prereading skills.

– Exposure to books fosters a life-long love of reading ■ It does help if your child can recognise their own name but remember not to write in capitals: For example: Claire not CLAIRE ■ Treat it as a natural step in your child’s life.

■ Children take their outlook from you so if your experience was not a happy one, your child does not need to know, and theirs will be different.

Starting school is a very exciting time and during the weeks prior to leaving nursery, staff there will be talking about this transition, using role-play to develop familiarity with ‘big’ school and may have arranged visits from reception class teachers and a visit to the school.

Primary 1 teachers are highly trained and, more, importantly understand the importance of their job as they take a child and start them on their journey through school, fostering a love of learning.

Although an emotional time for some families, your child will embrace primary school and most children cope very well with their new learning environment.

@westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Unique and Innovative Learning from The Language Hub

Open Day 16th August 12pm-5pm 52 Keith Court Glasgow G11 6QW

The Language Hub based in Glasgow’s West End is a language school for children (as young as 6 months) and adults interested in learning a new language, learning about different countries and cultures or looking for bilingual support. We also support English as a foreign language.

We provide a flexible approach which caters for individual needs and applies fun and interactive methods bringing enjoyment to learning a new language. We believe that language learning can be easily fitted into weekly routines so why not check out what is on offer.

Our classes are run on site at 52 Keith Court, Glasgow G11 6QW with our English and foreign language bookshop for children, the only one of its kind in Glasgow.

Visit us and you can enjoy a coffee and a snack while browsing through our stock. With over 1000 books, toys and more in over 24 languages there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We provide classes for children keen on learning a new language but also offer classes for bilingual children in order to support and improve their skills in their other languages (other than English).

Visit our website www.thelanguagehub.co.uk or take a look at our online shop stores.ebay.co.uk/The-LanguageHub for children’s books, teaching and learning material and other accessories relating to languages or countries.

We are always happy to support individual needs, and welcome any inquiries or suggestions for other languages, age groups or classes.

Contact us by phone on 07505 144476 or by email at info@thelanguagehub.co.uk

Glasgow based language school for children, offering modern languages and bilingual support classes for people of all ages from 6 months to adult.

Open Day

16th August | 12pm - 5pm 52 Keith Court, Glasgow G11 6QW, Tel: 0141 2582700 or 07505 144476 info@thelanguagehub.co.uk | www.thelanguagehub.co.uk West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 23

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Choosing an independent school…

By Ellen Arnison

There’s no doubt that everyone wants the very best for their children, it’s only natural. And quite often that best takes the form of deciding to use an independent school.

Perhaps the decision to opt out of the state education system felt like a huge one, however, it’s only the beginning of the choices you face.

Some families have a tradition of sending their youngsters to a certain school – perhaps going back generations. While this is a strong motivating factor, it should be borne in mind that much will have changed in the 20 or so years since the parent last set foot in the school. Don’t let loyalty and sentiment cloud such an important issue.

A fundamental decision is whether or not for your child to board or be a day pupil. To a certain extent boarding school frees you from considerations of location, although the length of journey will still be a factor when it comes to visits or the start and finish of term.

Boarding is a considerably more expensive option, but many parents feel their children

get great benefit from the independence it fosters as well as enjoying the ‘whole school day’ experience of comprehensive extracurricular activities.

The list of schools within reach of a day pupil will be shorter, however, near cities and the central belt, it is still extensive.

Your family’s basic requirements must be the starting point in the decision over which of Scotland’s 100 or so independent schools to choose from. Your child’s age, gender, religion, and the location of the school will dictate a great deal.

Do you have an opinion about which qualifications you want your child to pursue? For example, many independent schools do offer the Scottish SQA exams, but others offer the English curriculum or the International Baccalaureate.

Will the school you’re looking at meet your child’s particular needs? For example, does it have the sports facilities they want or offer the specific courses or instruction required? If your son or daughter shows great promise as an athlete, then it’ll help if the school can offer coaching and somewhere to train. Other schools

24 | West End Life – August/September 2014

have a particular strength in the performing arts.

There are plenty of league tables and other measurements to give an idea of the results the school produces. These can be based on exam results or further education the pupils move on to.

However, impressive as these may be, they are only part of the picture as there is so much more to a school’s success than exam passes.

What’s much more important is to visit the school, meet pupils and former pupils. Ask questions and observe, get a real feeling for the school as it is today. What’s the ethos? How does it make you feel?

If you can’t make it to a school’s open day, pop in and ask to have a look around?

Sometimes it’s even better to do this on a ‘normal’ school day anyway, to get a better, more natural feel for things. Chat to pupils and parents if you get the chance – this should tell you everything you need to know.

But perhaps the most important person to talk to is your child – they, after all, are the one who is going to be most affected by your decision. @westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

K E L V I N S I D E

A C A D E M Y

T H E B E S T YO U C A N B E

O P E N D AY Saturday 20th September 2014 1.30pm - 4.30pm Leading Independent School 3-18yrs Junior & Senior School Tours: 33 Kirklee Road, G12 0SW Nursery Tours: Balgray Campus, 40 Chesterfield Ave, G12 0BL

www.kelvinsideacademy.org.uk Telephone 0141 357 3376 West End Life Magazine

Charity Number: SCO 03962 www.westendlife.biz | 25

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

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 26 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

We want only the best for your children The Glasgow Academy is a happily busy community providing a unique wealth of opportunities for children aged 3 - 18. We strive to nurture our young people, enabling them to develop confidence and a spirit of ‘can do, will do’.

We have high expectations and encourage them to work hard and to be the very best they can be. They grow into articulate and well-rounded individuals - and key to that are the exceptional range of activities, inspiring teachers, individual attention, smaller classes and support that they enjoy at The Academy.

With over 100 clubs, societies, ensembles and other activities each week, everyone has the opportunity to achieve, to feel that they belong, to work in a team, to take on responsibilities, and, above all, to have fun succeeding and enjoying a really great start to life.

Children thrive on challenge We very much value our partnerships with parents and the family feel of our school.

The Academy is big enough to offer opportunities to all and to challenge even the exceptionally gifted, but small enough to be a really friendly and open community. At The Glasgow Academy everyone matters.

Opening doors for brighter futures is what we do.

Do come and see us for yourself: we look forward to welcoming you most warmly.

Call or e-mail us for an information pack or to arrange a visit on 0141 342 5494 or exrel@tga.org.uk

An Education for Mind, Body and Spirit “School is where young people find out about themselves, about others and about the world.”

Robert Karling - Rector

Mind Learning is a journey of personal discovery for every child.

Through inspiring teaching, we encourage young people to ask questions and make connections, to think critically and imaginatively, and to reflect and evaluate.

Some learners excel in logical thinking and problem solving; some are practical learners; others think visually and creatively.

Our key to unlocking individual potential is to know each boy and girl and to provide challenge and support for them all.

leadership skills, learn about teamwork and enjoy a sense of achievement.

Creativity plays a vital part in the education of the individual.

The expressive arts flourish and contribute to the rich cultural life of the school.

Young people gain confidence through performance; they learn to explore their feelings and appreciate things of true beauty and lasting worth; they listen, observe and interpret their world in music, drama and art.

Body Students take part in a wide range of sports and physical exercise. These activities not only promote their health and wellbeing, they help them to develop

Spirit From Nursery to Senior School, outdoor education is an integral part of the curriculum at Kelvinside Academy. We want boys and girls to explore the natural world and to

West End Life Magazine

experience new challenges.

Kelvinside Academy is an inclusive and caring community which values the individual for his or her unique contribution. In building self-worth and a sense of belonging, we emphasise the importance of courtesy, kindness and concern for others.

Educating the spirit, as well as the mind and body, helps them to be hopeful and thankful and to lead lives with meaning and purpose. Equally, we want boys and girls to learn with a sense of fun, playfulness and humour.

For more information please visit www.kelvinsideacademy.org.uk or attend our Nursery Open Day on 25th August or school Open Day on 20th September. www.westendlife.biz | 27

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Confidence in Water – one of life’s most important lessons…

The William Young Swim School at Arlington Baths and venues throughout Glasgow and the West End The William Young Swim School has built up an excellent reputation since it was established 6 years ago, providing lessons across various venues throughout Greater Glasgow, including the West End. William Young tells us ‘I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to provide swimming instruction at the west end’s famous Arlington Baths. Built in 1870 and brimming with history and character, it is a peaceful sanctuary for the citizens of Glasgow.

Swimming lessons are available to members of Arlington Baths as well as individuals and groups that book their lessons directly with us at the swim school’.

Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome.

It’s not just about ‘swimming’ – young children are also taught to understand the dangers associated with lochs, gravel pits, canals and rivers. Staying safe outdoors is very much a part of the programme.

Additionally, helping adults to improve their stroke, build their stamina, improve their fitness levels or even meet the needs required for switching to their dream job can all be achieved with The William Young Swim School. The instructors take a holistic approach to teaching, taking into account the use and performance of the whole body (a whole-part-whole teaching method) which produces excellent results.

Whatever your objectives: overcoming nerves, technique improvement, swimming for fitness, triathlete training or new vocational skills in watermanship, The William Young Swim School would be delighted to teach you! Swimming lessons take place at Arlington Baths every Friday 2pm-7pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. To book lessons here or at other Glasgow venues, contact William Young on 0798 6884556 or email williamyoungswimschool@gmail.com www.glasgowswimminglessons.com

William Young FIOS, MIOS (TD) Swimming School

provides swimming lessons to all ages and abilities at locations throughout Glasgow.

Learn to Swim Vouchers Now Available A great gift for any age Telephone: 07986 884556 Email: williamyoungswimschool@gmail.com www.glasgowswimminglessons.com

28 | West End Life – August/September 2014

Why not learn something new this winter?

The Centre for Lifelong learning offers a wide range of daytime, evening and weekend progammes aimed at adults. Classes include art, photography, genealogy, history, modern languages, philosophy, religion, psychology and much more. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, explore Scottish maritime history, write a novel , join the morning choir or learn to speak Gaelic There is something for everyone so if you wish to learn a new skill and meet new people come along and join us.

Individual Learning Accounts are accepted on many courses.

Our exciting new winter programmes will be launched on 18 August 2014. To request a brochure call us on 0141 548 2116 or visit www.strath.ac.uk/cll.

Classes for Adults Evening & Weekend Classes for adults of all ages

Daytime Classes aimed at those aged over 50.

CENTRE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Subjects for everyone including languages, art, IT, geneology, film, drama, history creative writing, wellbeing and more.

Unique seminars and classes also available in association with Titan Crane, Glasgow Life and the Botanic Gardens.

Individual Learning Accounts accepted on many classes.

For a brochure, call us on

0141 548 2116 or visit

www.strath.ac.uk/cll over 600 classes to choose from and more than 6000 students a year The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SCO15263

Follow us on Facebook

@westendlife

L’Alliance Française de Glasgow As the official French language and cultural centre for Glasgow and the West of Scotland, the Alliance Française de Glasgow offers French courses for adults and children of all levels throughout the year, and our teachers are all native speakers who are qualified to teach French as a foreign language.

Teaching activities are complemented by a wide range of cultural and social events and our modern multimedia library offers a large selection of items and learning materials.

Would you like to learn French or simply brush-up on your language skills this autumn?

Our regular adult classes will resume from 15th September. If you have studied French before, simply contact us to book a free assessment so we can recommend a suitable class at your level.

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

We also run weekly classes for children aged 3 and over, as well as revision classes for Secondary School Pupils.

Join us at the Alliance Française to meet the team and be assessed during one of our Open Days: Tues 2nd & Wed. 3rd September 5-7pm, Sat. 6th Sept 10am-2pm.

A bientôt!

Contact details: 0141 331 4080 admin@afglasgow.org.uk / www.afglasgow.org.uk

Bonjour !

•FRENCH morning and evening classes •Adults and children •Suitable for all levels

Enrolling now!

Free assessment

Classes start from Monday 15th September

ENQUIRE NOW FOR NEW COURSE (ALL LEVELS) STARTING SEPTEMBER 2014

OPEN DAYS

2nd & 3rd Sept: 5-7pm 6th Sept: 10am-2pm

(Valid until 12th SEPTEMBER 2014, terms & conditions apply.)

For more information on the above courses starting throughout 2014.

Please see contact details below.

Alliance Française de Glasgow 3 Park Circus, GLASGOW G3 6AX Tel: 0141 331 4080 / admin@afglasgow.org.uk www.afglasgow.org.uk

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 29

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Courses for adults 2014 - 2015 We offer an exciting range of new part-time courses and day events: Archaeology, Classical Studies and Egyptology • Art • Computing • Counselling Skills • History, International Affairs & Politics • Languages • Literature, Creative Writing and Film • Music • Philosophy & Religious Studies • Science • Social Science: Psychology, Sociology, Mindfulness & Legal Studies NEW! Masterclasses, Merchants House lunchtime talks and Pre-retirement events Coming soon: New Continuing Personal Development classes and events To find out more visit the Centre for Open Studies, St. Andrew’s Building, 11 Eldon St., Glasgow G3 6NH www.glasgow.ac.uk/centreforopenstudies www.facebook.com/universityofglasgowcentreforopenstudies https://twitter.com/GUopenstudies Email: openstudies-enquiry@glasgow.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)141 330 1860/1853 The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.

www.glasgow.ac.uk

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

University of Glasgow’s Centre for Open Studies offers learning you’ll love.

The University of Glasgow’s Centre for Open Studies will be launching their course guide of part-time courses and day events for 2014/2015 on the 11th August.

You will be able to view the course guide at www.gla.ac.uk/courses/ openstudies.

There will be a vast range of courses on offer on subjects ranging from art to astronomy to variety shows to zoology, we are sure you will find the course that is right for you. Most of the courses offered have no examinations, but some do have an assessment option. Most of the courses are run in Glasgow, although several are offered in the wider region.

ACE courses These courses have no entry qualifications, no formal examinations, and usually no requirement of previous subject knowledge. They all feature an assessment option.

If you successfully complete

the assessment, you will gain 8 credit points towards an Award in Continuing Education. You will be eligible to apply for an Award once you have 40 ACE credits on your record.

Courses and Events without credit These courses are a traditional form of adult education. They are similar to ACE courses, but there is no assessment option and so no opportunity to gain credit.

If you have any concerns or queries relating to any aspect of a course please feel very welcome to contact Irene Vezza, Student Guidance Advisor for The Centre for Open Studies. Irene is based beside the Information Office and you can arrange an appointment at a convenient time. Alternatively you are welcome to phone or email if this is more convenient.

You can contact Irene directly on 0141 330 1823 or at irene.vezza@ glasgow.ac.uk

New for session 2014–2015 we have: ■ A series of FREE lunchtime ‘Masterclass’ talks which bring the best of the University of Glasgow’s research and teaching to the public, ■ Lunchtime talks at the Merchants House at the corner of George Square and West George Street: an hour to broaden your horizons with wide ranging topics including Philosophy, Egyptology, History, Art, Biology Literature and Astronomy ■ New courses in philosophy, creative writing, counselling skills and legal studies ■ Timely and topical events on Scotland post-referendum and other topics such as the American mid-term elections

Enrolment for courses opens 11th August 2014

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 31

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

1– 31 OCT 2014 UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

EXHIBITIONS KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM TALKS SCOTLAND STREET SCHOOL MUSEUM TOURS THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART MUSIC THE MACKINTOSH CHURCH PERFORMANCE HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER KID’S ACTIVITIES THE WILLOW TEA ROOMS 32 | West End Life – August/September 2014 WORKSHOPS THE HUNTERIAN WALKS

ST MUNGO MUSEUM OF RELIGIOUS LIFE AND ART GLASGOW CITY HERITAGE TRUST THE HILL HOUSE PROVANDS LORDSHIP LYON & TURNBULL THE LIGHTHOUSE @westendlife THE GLAD CAFÉ

Educating Glasgow Special Supplement

Creative mackintosh festival returns for a third year A MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME OF OVER 50 EVENTS IN 15 VENUES IS LAUNCHED The Creative Mackintosh Festival 2014 is back for a third year this October with a monthlong programme of arts and cultural events celebrating the life and genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s most famous architect, designer and artist and is part of Homecoming Scotland 2014.

Now in its third year, the festival will run from 1st – 31st October 2014 in Mackintosh venues throughout the city, and further afield, with the addition of several new partner venues to this year’s programme. Attendees to this year’s festival can also enjoy Mackintosh in: Glasgow Women’s Library; Provand’s Lordship; St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art; Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, Nitshill; The Glad Café in Shawlands and Lyon & Turnbull, an auction house in the city’s Bath Street.

Visitors are invited to unleash their creativity during the month with a series of exhibitions, talks, tours, music events, kids’ activities, workshops and walks.

Many of the events are FREE and appeal to all ages and tastes.

This year’s highlights include: Unlooking - the key creative commission of this year’s festival.

Created by Alex Rigg and Oceanallover, this is a promenade performance featuring costumes inspired by Mackintosh paintings.

Unlooking is a dramatic and thought-provoking piece which will be performed at six Mackintosh venues including: Kelvingrove; Scotland Street School Museum; The Hill House and Willow Tea Rooms.

West End Life Magazine

Mackintosh Architecture at The Hunterian – the first major exhibition devoted to architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

See over 80 drawings, many never exhibited before, alongside specially commissioned film, models and rarely seen archive material.

sublime classical music in the surroundings of Mackintosh’s only built church. A series of musical events will take place throughout the month, the highlight being a musical recital from Fergus Hetherington on violin, joined by Frankfurt-based pianist Gavin Brady.

© The Hunterian, University of Glasgow 2014

Glasgow School of Art Walking Tours – the Glasgow Style & the Glasgow Miracle walking tours will run throughout the month with every ticket purchased supporting The Glasgow School of Art. The Lighthouse will host its popular evening talks and workshops on Mackintosh and this year’s new event: ‘Lighthouse Late’ in conjunction with The List magazine – an evening of food, drink, music and entertainment.

The Story of House for an Art Lover – visit the House for an insight into its creation as told by four of the most significant contributors including, James Cosgrove and David Leslie and a pop-up restaurant with The Chefs Larder – 20% of the ticket price will be donated to the Mackintosh Building Fire Fund.

Music at Mackintosh Church – a great opportunity to experience

New venues, St Mungo Museum of Religious Art and Provand’s Lordship will host a series of talks and workshops where you can hone your creative skills and there’s an opportunity to see two original Mackintosh drawings - one of Provand’s Lordship - up close. The Glad Café in Shawlands will host a lecture

by Roger Bilcliffe, Scotland’s foremost art critic, who will talk about Mackintosh’s life and work in the south of France. Lyon & Turnbull will host talks and events and show furniture, paintings and objects by Mackintosh and his contemporaries from private collections, not generally on display to the public. Mackintosh Stained Glass will be hosted

by Linda Cannon, an associate of the British Society of Master Glass Painters at Glasgow City Heritage Trust. www.westendlife.biz | 33

!

SAVE 50%!

SCOTLAND’S LARGEST SHARK COLLECTION

Terms & conditions: This voucher entitles a maximum of 6 people to 50% off the standard individual entry at Loch Lomond SEA LIFE Aquarium. Valid until 30/09/14.

This voucher is not valid with any other offer.

REF:WESTENDLIFE2014

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, G83 8QL

For more information:

sealife.co.uk/loch-lomond The Glasgow Buddhist Centre is a peaceful place in the middle of one of the city’s busiest streets, and you are welcome to come in, look around, browse in our shop or have a cuppa. We are the Triratna Buddhist Community, a worldwide movement with Western origins that seeks to make the traditional teachings and practices of the Buddha available to the modern world.

Our classes are open to all. Whether you come for a yoga or Tai Chi class, or want to find out how the Buddhist approach to life can change yours for the better, we’ll be pleased to see you.

Have a look at our website for all upcoming courses and events. Or ‘phone or visit us to find out more.

34 | West End Life – August/September 2014

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 Mindfulness Meditation Day Sunday August 24.

Metta Bhavana (Loving Kindness) Meditation Day Sunday September 14.

Both suitable for beginners. Cost: £30/20 concession.

Essentials of Buddhist Meditation Teaching the two main meditation practises of Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana.

A six week course beginning Tuesday September 16 from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Cost: £66/33 concession.

Essentials of Buddhism The Buddha’s life and his basic teachings plus the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditation practices.

A six week course beginning Wednesday September 17 from 7.30 – 9.40pm. Cost: £66/33 concession 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

@westendlife

The Loch Katrine Experience – timeless, elegant, yet far from old fashioned A trip to Loch Katrine – one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs – is not complete without a cruise.

And following in the footsteps of many famous visitors, including Queen Victoria herself, as you board the Sir Walter Scott is a very special experience.

The steamship, launched in 1899, gives an added dimension to viewing the magnificent landscapes of the Trossachs.

However, it’s important to resist the idea that the Loch Katrine Experience is anything other than bang up to date. Even the

Sir Walter Scott itself has been thoroughly refurbished and the original engine now even runs on biofuel.

It’s also wheelchair accessible and heated, and you can enjoy a drink and a snack while listening to tales and legends of the loch as narrated by the experienced and knowledgeable crew.

Of course, the Sir Walter Scott doesn’t ply Loch Katrine alone. It’s much younger sister ship the Lady of the Lake (named after Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem) is just as busy.

Both vessels operate daily return

sailings from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar as well as shorter one-hour cruises.

Whether you want a glimpse of the luxury of years gone by or you’re using your cruise as part of an energetic day of hiking or cycling, you’ll have an unforgettable trip.

All sailings depart from Trossach’s Pier, where facilities include a souvenir and gift shop, free coach parking, and all-day dining in The Brenachoile Café, the ideal place to relax and complete a memorable day.

60 mins. from Glasgow & 75 mi ns. from Edinburgh

WWW.COM LOCH KATRINE

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Panoramic Cruises on Lady of the Lake • Dining in The Brenachoile Café - Restaurant - Bar • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Scottish Crafts • Katrine Kiosk - Snacks, Drinks & Sandwiches • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire for all the family

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 35

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:

• Our professional staff are fully accredited • We only use environmentally friendly products • Our pre-clean inspection identifies your fabrics and test for compatibility • Your carpet goes through our 3-Step Cleaning Process • Inspection & customer approval on completion

CALL FREEPHONE 0800 298 5330

07843 006840 www.westend-handyman.co.uk

For more information, visit

www.carpetchem.co.uk

info@westend-handyman.co.uk

THE

MAKE THE MOST OF RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL, AFFORDABLE CARPET CLEANING SERVICE

FINTRY I

NN

11 AM TILL MIDNIGHT MONDAY - SATURDAY SUNDAY 12.30 PM TILL MIDNIGHT FOOD SERVED FROM 12PM TILL 8.30PM FRESH FOOD PREPARED USING LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS WHERE POSSIBLE NEW BEER GARDEN NOW OPEN “...an uncut gem, offering everything from a country pub...”

Joanna Blythman

Main Street Fintry Tel: 01360 860224

36 | West End Life – August/September 2014

Combi Boiler service

£35

Gas fire service

£30

Landlord Safety certificate

£15

Combi boiler installation from Central heating installation, up to 4 rads

£925 £1,475

All other gas installation and repairs prices available Gas safe registered

0141 404 8371 | 07964 236016 @westendlife

s e l i F E L Y T S e Th

Get ready for Summer and dress from head to toe in style with your best ever summer fashion choices.

With style expert Marilyn Thompson of The Fashion Class.

Colourful prints may not be your first choice of apparel, especially if you are used to a more monochrome palate but holidays and the warm summer months are the perfect time to go (a bit) wild with pretty, bright colours and patterns which can look amazing with sun kissed summer skin. There are some really lovely examples available like this fabulous jumpsuit from Lipsy, however for the less adventurous, try a pretty but bold top teamed with white jeans or colour block shorts for a less is more look.

Team up with some well chosen accessories like statement ‘chandelier’ style drop earrings or some delicate bracelets in soft gold to really make your outfit pop.

Cute dresses should be your summer staple for day to day

West End Life Magazine

wear and three dresses, one white, one black, and the other in a bright colour or print should safely see you through most

of your summer requirements.

You can dress them up with leg lengthening wedges or keep them smart casual with a ballerina pump and a relaxed fit lightweight cardigan, a fun and flirty sundress can also be used as a beach cover up teamed with flip flops.

The dress - a true multi functional garment!

1946 was the year that a French engineer called Louis Reard created the bikini (as we know it) at first, no model would dare to wear his tiny design which could fit into a large matchbox as at the time it was scandalous - however, if you are feeling bikini ready this year then you could easily continue the colourful vibe through to your swimwear as there are so many choices. M&S has a good choice including this great well cut bikini, otherwise M&Co has a fantastic selection of flattering and exotic one pieces.

All done, now enjoy Summer knowing you look and feel fabulous! Happy holidays.

www.westendlife.biz | 37

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

38 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 39

Your love is our passion‌ At House for an Art Lover, we are passionate about weddings.

This Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired house, set in the grounds of Bellahouston Park, is the perfect setting for your special day. Your special day deserves a memorable setting.

For further information on our weddings visit www.houseforanartlover.co.uk or please contact our wedding coordinator on 0141 353 4773 or info@houseforanartlover.co.uk @westendlife 40 | West End Life – August/September 2014

T: 0141 892 6310 www.mcmillansrugspa.co.uk

McMillan’s Rug Spa have been involved in rug cleaning and carpet cleaning for around 20 years and have recently invested in a purpose built rug cleaning spa. This is where we take your rugs through our extensive cleaning process, leaving them cleaner, revitalised and sparking.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

WE CLEAN ALL TYPES OF RUGS:

ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER:

• Persian • Silks • Oriental • Indian

• Pet urine odour removal • Supply non-slip rug pads • Remove smoke/soot odours • Moth treatment • Fringe cleaning • Stain guard

• Turkish • Kilims • Tribals • and others

✁

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

T: 0141 892 6310 West End Life Magazine

www.mcmillansrugspa.co.uk

10% OFF www.westendlife.biz | 41 ANY RUGS - CLEANED & PAMPERED

A Summer Read for Young and Old With the Games now over why not stop watching the sport on TV and get yourself a good book. We have two recommendations below – one for adults, set in a fantasy circus and one for children set in a “special” museum.

A steampunk retelling of the Victorian age that you will wish you could visit. The language is poetic and evocative and you will find yourself longing for the day when the circus arrives near you without warning.

You too will want to wear a red scarf and join the rêveurs.

The Invisible Man’s Socks, By Alex Shearer

The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern

They should have known better....but it had been an educational school trip, and they had some free time, and there was really nothing else to do...

So, Mr Ellis’s class (and Mr Ellis, and Miss Bingham, and Mrs Ormerod) find themselves in The Museum of Little Horrors, where, despite the warnings issued by the owner, they can’t resist touching the exhibits. You would too, if you were faced with the Bigfoot’s Big Foot. Or the Cyclops’ Cycle Clips. And especially the Tuft of the Werewolf’s Hair. However, when Michael Pensley realises that he can actually feel the Invisible Man’s Socks, it stops being so funny. And when the class return to school, and then go home, they begin to realise that perhaps those warnings were there for a reason.

Alex Shearer treads the line carefully between the ghoulish and the absurd in this novel for 8 years and over, and there are plenty of laughs to keep the pages turning as the horrible consequences develop, just realistically enough to make you wonder...and perhaps to stop you touching when the signs tell you not to.

“The circus arrives without warning … It is simply there when yesterday it was not” So begins this adult fantasy novel. From the seductive opening you are drawn into the world of the circus. The mysterious circus owner, Prospero the Enchanter, otherwise known as Hector Bowen, is a magician and Le Cirque des Rêves is the greatest accomplishment of his career. Magic unfolds on every page as his circus and its assembled performers enchant and amaze its audience. Time moves differently in the circus, as the performers appear not to age. Acrobats perform without safety nets and the audience move from one spectacle to another, created by the illusionist who transforms tents on a whim.

Fates intertwine as two young protégés must meet and compete on this unsuspecting stage. The ultimate bet will be decided after years of dedication and preparation.

Set in America and Europe in the late 1800s this novel oozes with an era that never quite existed.

42 | West End Life – August/September 2014

@westendlife

Take a seat for Puccini’s one act comic gem, Gianni Schicchi.

of opera’s favourite arias ‘O mio babbino caro’), Gianni Schicchi is perfect for opera newbies and regular goers alike. Come and see how far the Donati family will go to secure their fortune! Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Performance length 1 hour.

The Company of Opera Bohemia photographed at one of their ‘Eugene Onegin performances last year

Opera Bohemia, Scotland’s dynamic professional company, is delighted to announce their new production for 2014, Puccini’s one act comic gem, Gianni Schicchi. A stellar cast includes BBC Kiri Prize winner Shuna Sendall, Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Andrew McTaggart, Royal Opera House debutant Andrew Dickinson, and Scottish favourite Alan Watt.

Tom Cooper offers a wealth of theatrical and operatic directing experience to bring this intimate production to life. Guaranteeing an evening of laughter and beautiful music (including one

TERRA FIRMA Garden Design and Construction

We cater for design minded clients and for most budgets and sizes of gardens. We have over 20 years of experience, are fully insured and all our work is guaranteed.

References available.

For a free initial consultation call Susan on

0141 429 6267

Website: www.terrafirmagardens.com Susan Gallagher BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 43

Ideas for Sunny days and Rainy Days For Rainy Days Glasgow boasts a range of fascinating museums, enthralling galleries, and fabulous attractions second to none.

Riverside Museum: Inside this astounding building, you can gaze up at the car wall, walk down Kelvin Street, as it would have been between 1895 and 1930, and pop into the shops.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery: Explore national and world culture for free in Glasgow at the where you can see Roman artefacts and objects from Captain Cook’s voyages alongside scientific instruments and an amazing art collection.

Visit www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian for information.

Glasgow Science Centre: Lots of activities to keep visitors entertained for hours. There are two acres of interactive exhibits, workshops, shows, planetarium and an IMAX cinema.

Pollok House: In the heart of Pollok Country Park, which houses the world renowned Burrell Collection.

For Sunny Days The West of Scotland is home to some great regional country parks. We have highlighted two below because of the range of activities they have for families.

Clyde Murshiel Country Park: www.clydemurshiel.co.uk Looking for an great inexpensive day out or a camping adventure for the kids, then visit Clyde Murshiel Regional Park. There are activities to try throughout the summer and nearby there is the RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve that runs a daily activities for families.

Walking: There are signposted countryside trails and hill walk routes throughout the park that vary in length from ½ km to 5km.

Cycling: Cycle routes to suit all abilities from off-road trails to quiet lanes.

On the Water: Hire rowing boats, sailing boats, canoes and even pedalos at Castle Semple Loch. Some craft require skill/ experience certificates.

Wildlife: Home to one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds – the

44 | West End Life – August/September 2014

Hen Harrier. The Park’s moorland landscape offers nest sites for this spectacular bird, as well as places for it to hunt.

Camping: Based at Barnbrock Farm, near Lochwinnoch an attractive countryside campsite with basic facilities where you can unwind, enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Relaxing: Prefer to relax? If activities aren’t your thing why not relax at one of the cafes or picnic sites.

Mugdock Country Park: www.mugdock-country-park.org. uk If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to home why not spend a day at Mugdock Country Park. It has loads to offer – walking, cycling, orienteering and BBQs and loads of activities for children of all ages. And don’t forget the Great Outdoors Festival which runs from Saturday 31st August until Sunday 8th September. Visit www.mugdockcountry-park.org.uk for the latest what’s on information.

@westendlife

Clinetix rejuvenation offers anti-ageing face and body treatments, with the highest standards of personal service given to every client. The clinic uses the latest technology in skin care in its signature facials, botulinum injections and dermal filler treatments and now offers semi permanent makeup. It treats cellulite and provides body sculpting treatments as well as painful or unsightly leg veins and can remove lumps and bumps from the skin.

Clinetix was established in 2005 by Simon Ravichandran, an ear, nose and throat surgeon working for NHS Lanarkshire and Emma Ravichandran, a paediatric dentist working for Glasgow NHS. It very quickly established itself as Glasgow’s centre of

West End Life Magazine

excellence for non surgical facial aesthetics and Emma and Simon have become recognised nationally as leaders in the aesthetic industry, frequently teaching and demonstrating at national conferences.

The company has now grown to operate out of two locations, with a new branch opened at 65 Main Street in Bothwell, while the original West End clinic has recently relocated and is now in the vibrant West End Hyndland area at 165 Hyndland Road. The ethos of the company is simple, with the aim of always exceeding the patient’s expectations. Emma Says “every patient is offered a consultation with one of the four expert aesthetic doctors, which gives them the opportunity to educate our patient on how their individual face, skin or body has aged and how Clinetix can reduce the signs of ageing and most importantly, explain how to slow down the ageing process for the future. This consultation takes approximately half an hour and the team of 5 aestheticians have a profound knowledge of skin, ensuring they can put a program that will have your skin glowing like never before.”

Clinetix’s cosmeceutical home care products are of a similar

price to high street cosmetic products and are guaranteed to physically change your skin for the better.

The company is passionate and enthusiastic about being at the cutting edge of aesthetic medicine with competitive prices that give incredible value for money, ensuring that every patient can use Clinetix for all their aesthetic needs.

It is committed to each patient and to travelling with them through all skin changes that may occur and responding appropriately with the right treatment for every individual.

Everyone is welcome to visit the Clinetix clinics or get in touch with any enquiries about their skin care concerns, secure in the knowledge that they are being treated by the best in the aesthetic industry.

Westend Clinic: 0141 221 0229 Clinetix Medispa 159 Hyndland Road G12 9HT E mail: info@clinetix.co.uk Opening Times Mon 10 am–6pm Tues-Frid 10am–9pm Sat 10am–5pm Sun Closed medispa

www.westendlife.biz | 45

Native Plants to fill your garden with colour

Cow Parsley

With a huge array of colourful plants available from garden centres, expertly sourced from around the globe, we are continuously spoiled when it comes to choosing new plants for our garden. Fabulous flowers and tropical foliage can bring an incredibly lush feel to a garden, but don’t overlook the natural beauty of our native plants just because they’re right outside your door.

Many of the plants native to the UK flower in spring, such as sweetly delicately scented primroses, even the invasive cow parsley looks great en-masse in spring. Then there are the striking red poppies which adorn the fields mid-way through the year.

Wild, hardy Geraniums grow in the most unlikely places and are very happy naturalised in grasses, proudly showing off their ‘Chelsea purple’ flowers.

The stunning blooms of the pasque flower are perfectly displayed over foamy foliage and are low growing and very well behaved (perfect for the modern gardener). Their hairy seed heads also look fun long after the flowers have faded. May and June is showtime for the foxgloves whose tall slender stems carry beautiful purple and white spires of flowers which will seed prolifically and brighten a dull corner. Take care if you have small children though as foxgloves are poisonous if ingested.

The Asian moth orchids are popular houseplants, but our wild orchid is a plant to treasure. Often found in woodland settings, the purple Fox Gloves

46 | West End Life – August/September 2014

Pasque Flower

flowers lurk around on the cool and shady forest floor. For a similar native, more easily available to buy and worth planting this month, look for Colchicums or naked ladies … so called as they produce their flowers well before the leaves appear.

The bulbs are quite expensive individually, but quickly bulk up if happy, and will very soon provide you with a flower that will become an interesting talking point.

Commonly known as the Autumn Crocus, it does seem strange to see it in flower in September, but it has to be one of my favourite native bulbs.

Using native plants can also mean a higher rate of success, even in our variable climate, so if your fingers are not so green, it’s harder to kill these plants … they’re born survivors!

Happy summer gardening

Colchicums (Autumn crocus)

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 | 47

freephone 0800 0152 728 visit us at www.rbsteel.co.uk or email info@rbsteel.co.uk

HELENSBURGH • OLD KILPATRICK • GRANGEMOUTH