Re gen issue 121

1st Edition - 23rd January 2009

Next Edition 7th February 2014

and today still the community’s first choice newspaper in East and North Glasgow

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND READERS WHO MAKE CELEBRATING 5 YEARS POSSIBLE AS Scaffolding would like to wish the Re-Gen 5 successful years and wish you many more 90/130 Glenpark Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 1NZ

Tel: 0141 556 7082

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF BEING YOUR VOICE IN THE COMMUNITY 5 YEARS ago, the first issue of the ReGen hit the streets of the East End. The journey since has seen the paper establish itself as your voice in the community across the North and East of the city.

The establishment of the paper came at a time of new optimism and hope for the local area, with massive investment and regeneration of the area and the Commonwealth Games later this year.

The ReGen seemed an appropriate name for the newspaper that would cover the story of the regeneration of the East End. When we started in 2009, it was clear that the community spirit was strong and that there were plenty of good news stories.

Continued inside...

Simply Creative Design Ltd Wish ReGen many more successful years and are pleased to be entrusted by Simply Publishing for Design.

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Helen McGregor House, 65 Pettigrew Street, Shettleston, Glasgow G32 7XR. Telephone: 0141 763 0511 www.shettleston.co.uk

Are you looking for your own, secure accommodation and are over 16 years of age?

We have 2, 3 and 4 apartment properties available to let in Shettleston.

If you are interested, please contact Shettleston Housing Association on 763 0511 or call into our allocations surgery at 65 Pettigrew Street any Tuesday* between 10am-12noon and 2-4pm.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF BEING YOUR VOICE IN THE COMMUNITY Continued From Page 1 Many media outlets have traded on the bad reputation of the area in the past and it was clear that someone had to shine a positive light on the many great things that happen locally.

In the intervening years we have expanded the paper and

incorporated the ReGen North into the ReGen meaning all the best local news and features in the North and East of the city is published in an expanded paper every fortnight, all for free.

5 years is a long time for any local newspaper to survive.

But the ReGen has done more than survive, it has flourished.

The hard work and dedication of every member of staff is to be recognised.

The story of the ReGen is one of continually growing but remaining to its roots as being your voice in the community Our annual Stars in the Community Awards again recognised the community projects and volunteers who make our part of the city so special.

We carried a special picture

Are you an existing tenant of Shettleston Housing Association, over 25 years of age and in employment or with immediate family connection to Shettleston area?

If yes, you may be eligible to be considered for a property within our local lettings initiative.

For further information or to apply, please contact the allocations team on 763 0511 or call into our allocations surgery any Tuesday* between 10am-12noon and 2-4pm.

Wishing the ReGen many more successful years

*except following a public holiday Monday

Wishing the ReGen many more successful years 40 Helenvale Street, Parkhead, Glasgow G31 4TF Telephone 0141 556 6226 Fax 0141 554 6331 Email: emailparkheadha.org.uk www.parkheadha.org.uk

feature of the wonderful dresses, gowns and tuxedos to help us celebrate.

The success of our award winners is only a tiny part of the work that is given public recognition however we try our best to pay tribute to those who really deserve it.

It is true as well that we are not afraid to tackle the big issues and have won many campaigns that have started on the pages of the ReGen. And when it comes to challenging the big wigs, there is no pulling the punches.

One strand that has been consistent throughout the past 5 years is that we always have, and always will continue to stand up for the people of the North and East of Glasgow.

Here is to the next 5 years!

Your Copy ISSUE 121

Your voice in the community 12-14 Commonwealth Countdown 180 days to go

16-17 Celebrating 5 years with The Re-Gen

Next Edition 7th February 2014 18-19 Credit Unions Tackle Payday Lenders

30-32 Re-Gen Sport with Tom Scott 3 bumper pages of local sport

COMMUNITY UNITES TO TACKLE GANG VIOLENCE Antisocial behaviour summit

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ESIDENTS, local politicians, police, community groups and housing associations have joined together to tackle the latest series of gang violence in Lilybank, near the Parkhead area.

A summit involving major players in the local community was organised last week to look at the issue with a further meeting planned for next week.

Reports of anti social behaviour by groups of youngsters have been growing in recent weeks with underage drinking in public, intimidation of local residents and violence involving up to 20 people have meant that the community has united to take action.

A meeting to discuss how to tackle the issue was organised by one of the local Councillors, George Redmond. Speaking to the ReGen he said: “Concern from local residents about the increase in problems meant that action was needed. “I thought that it was important to have more than just the local police round the table to sort out this problem.

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2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 There is no point just having the police round everyone up for weeks on end after the problems have occurred, we need to be a bit smarter in tackling this issue for the longer term.

“Parkhead Housing Association, Tollcross Housing Association and Urban Fox are big players in the community so it is important that we unite as a community to tackle this problem.”

One of the outcomes of the meeting was that if it could be proven that tenants of either Parkhead HA or Tollcross HA are involved in anti social behaviour then action can be taken to terminate their tenancy.

Cllr Frank McAveety, who represents the neighbouring ward, also attended the summit. He said: “The meeting was very positive and I know just how seriously the police and others are taking this issue.

The perpetrators need to know that if they are involved in this anti social behaviour that there will be consequences, so to have the local housing associations on board shows that we mean business.

“It is also important to have the positive diversionary activities to Urban Fox and others have a vital role too.”

It is thought that groups of youngsters from the wider East End are organising meeting points in the Lilybank and Parkhead areas via social media. Facebook, Twitter and Blackberry Messenger are being used to co-ordinate meeting points and times.

Police have become engaged with this tactic and actively monitor the flow of information to help know where to deploy their resources.

They are also using social media themselves to discourage youngsters from outside the area from visiting and causing problems. Local Police Commander Chief Inspector David Pettigrew said: “The police will continue to work with local elected members, community councils and any other group or person willing to assist and provide information to help tackle this.

Recent investigations have led to a number of arrests and we will continue to utilise the resources available to us from across Police Scotland”

Editor editor@regennnewspapers.co.uk

CCTV initiative reaps rewards

PLANS are being considered to deploy CCTV in Lilybank similar to a scheme that has already successfully reduced anti social behaviour for the tenants of Milnbank Housing Association.

The Housing Association put forward funding that has provided handheld devices allowing Housing Officers to tap into CCTV and monitor what is happening in real time.

As well as the new mobile devices, electric bikes are also used by Police Officers attending to incidents.

Speaking at the launch last year, local Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Pettigrew, said: “As Area Commander for

East Centre and Calton, I am delighted to be working with Milnbank Housing Association.

This additional funding, along with the support of their housing officers, will only serve to enhance the service already provided in the area.

“Community Police Officers will be visible in your area to provide public reassurance. I want to encourage people to get to know their local officers and for those officers to be part of the local community, so that together we can keep people safe.”

After being in operation for a number of months, tenants and local residents have started to notice a difference in

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the amount of anti social behaviour in the area.

Speaking to the ReGen, Milnbank HA Housing Manager Joe Scott said: “The successful partnership agreement that is currently operating between Milnbank Housing Association and Police Scotland is now in to its 4thmonth of operation.

The dedicated Police officers who work, and support housing staff in dealing with a variety of issues like anti- social behaviour, dog fouling has proved a be a great success.

“The initiative has resulted in a reduction of the number of anti-social incidents in the area, increased public reassurance and a greater presence of

Police officer’s in and around our area, both on foot and by Bicycle. The partnership arrangement has been extended to included Police welfare visits and the officers are now regular visitors to our Common room at our sheltered complex at Culloden street, and our community hall in Ballandalloch Drive just to have a chat with our local residents and get their views on the service.

“The handheld technology is making a real difference meaning the Police and Housing Officers have information in real time and being able to take a proactive approach in fighting anti social behaviour.”

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3

Dad gives helping hand to deliver his own baby WHEN a parent is having a baby for the first time, it is a nerve wracking experience in itself.

But when a Carmyle couple woke up last Monday morning, circumstances meant that first time dad Joe Jones had to play excited father and mid-wife.

Joe (38) and his partner Gemma Clark were expecting a quiet weekend in the house, but when Jenna’s water broke early Monday morning, there was more drama than the TV show ‘Call the Midwife.’

Speaking exclusively to the ReGen Joe said:

“It was just a normal weekend night when we went to bed.

Gemma had said she had a bit of back pain but we didn’t think too much of it, especially with her being heavily pregnant.

“We wanted to try and get a relaxing sleep but she woke up a couple of times in the night.

It wasn’t until about ten to 9 in the morning that I woke up and all I could hear Gemma shouting from the bathroom was ‘I think my water has broke!’

“I phoned for an ambulance first of all and then my mum who lives locally.

I was fairly calm because I thought we still had a wee bit of time.”

But it was clear that Joe and Gemma were going to meet their son a lot quicker than they might have anticipated.

Joe continued: “Gemma was still in the bathroom and said to me that she could feel the head coming out.

I just went over and saw that the wee man wasn’t going to wait to go to the hospital.

I used my hands to help the baby out and wrapped him in a towel.

“I was in complete shock at what happened but I will never forget that moment when he took his first gasp of air and started to cry.

I knew that he was ok.”

Just after the birth, Joe’s mum and the paramedics turned up, and were nearly as shocked at what happened as the new mother and father. Joe added: “It was an unbelievable few minutes.

I can still see my mum’s face when she walked into the house.”

Mother and baby were taken to the Ward 5 of the Princess Royal for a check up and are both doing well.

Welcome to the world Dylan Thomas Jordan and congratulations to proud mum Gemma and dad Joe.

Young volunteers sought to make a sporting difference in their community

APPLICATIONS have been opened for people between the age of 14 and 25 to join the Young People’s Sport Panel.

The scheme, organised by Sport Scotland, aims to use sport to promote the interests of youngsters and give leadership and confidence skills to those who participate.

They have already scored a number of successes with the Children and Young People’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament last year.

If you think you have what it takes to influence policy making in sport in Scotland, you can apply by post or online. Organisers are also asking for a short video clip as

part of the application process. To access the form, visit www.sportscotland.org.uk/ about_us and follow the link.

Applications must be received no later than 5pm Friday 7th February 2014.

Any queries should be directed to Michelle Livingston via email on Michelle.livingston@sportscotland.org.uk.

Update - Murder of Jean Campbell - Cranhill, Glasgow

Police Appeal for information a month on from murder

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Jean Campbell in Cranhill, Glasgow, on Friday, 13 December 2013 are turning to Facebook users to help catch her killer.

Up to two hundred thousand Facebook users in the Glasgow area logging on to their Facebook page from Wednesday 15 January 2014, will find the appeal for information about her murder highlighted on their newsfeed.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Carey, Police Scotland Major Investigation Team, said today: “It has now been a month since the death of Mrs Campbell.

Christmas and New Year was a very difficult time for her family and friends.

As you can imagine, they are devastated by their loss.

“Whilst the public response to our appeals for information has been very positive, unfortunately at this time, who killed her and the reason why is still unknown.

“Social media is an excellent way to reach thousands of people who can sometimes be hard to reach so we are keen to exploit this opportunity to obtain more information regarding her murder.”

Fifty three year-old Mrs Campbell’s body was discovered by her husband in Cranhill Park, Bellrock Street, Glasgow, at 0740 hours on Saturday 14 December 2013.

Detectives launched a murder hunt and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace whoever is responsible for her death.

Experienced detectives and forensic officers are dedicated to this inquiry; with the support of officers from Major Investigation Teams from Edinburgh and Dundee.

DCI Carey continued: “We are determined to catch the person responsible for this murder.

“The murderer may have sustained minor injuries to their face or body during the attack and it is possible that their clothing may be dirty or stained

with mud or grass.

“If you know anyone who came home late on the evening of Friday 13 December or early hours of Saturday 14 December with unexplained injuries, dirt stained clothing or was acting strangely, then please contact police.”

Over 1100 DNA samples have been taken from people, both men and women, in the area with over 550 houses visited from house to house inquiries. DCI Carey concluded: “I really do believe that there is someone out there who is either harbouring the person responsible or knows who is responsible but has not come forward to police.

“If you have information but do not wish to approach the police directly, then please call Crimestoppers, who are offering a reward of up to £5000, where you do not have to give any personal details.

We also have a dedicated email address that you can contact without saying who you are.”

Information can be passed via the incident room at Baird Street Police Office on 0141 532 4191, the Police Scotland non emergency number 101, or the dedicated email address cranhillparkinquiry@scotland. pnn.police.uk

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Work underway on new City of Glasgow ‘Super Campus’

THE City of Glasgow College’s £228 million new super campus will become a ‘powerhouse’ of skills development according to the new College Principle.

He was speaking as the Finance Minister John Swinney paid a visit to the construction site in Glasgow City Centre.

The College, which consists of two city centre campuses, is targeted to create 170 new jobs

as well as providing a minimum of 40 modern apprenticeships over the period of the contract.

Mr Swinney said: “Developments like the City of Glasgow super campus show how our policies on infrastructure investment are supporting Scotland’s economy, creating more jobs and opportunities for the people of Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is on the right track and Scotland

is reaping the benefits.”

During his visit Mr Swinney toured the Riverside campus, one of the College’s two sites that will serve around 1,200 staff and 40,000 students.

The College was created following the merger in September 2010 of Glasgow’s Nautical, Central and Metropolitan colleges.

Principal Paul Little said: “The college already puts some £32m into Glasgow’s economy each year, and the construction of this magnificent twin site campus is an example of the college playing its part of One Glasgow and actively investing in the regeneration of two key areas of Glasgow.

“The college is a powerhouse of skills development, located in the very heart of the city centre, a part of Glasgow which the Chamber of Commerce has recently re-prioritised as an economic hub and a driver of economic development.”

5200 Glaswegians at risk from under-25s from Housing Benefit axe

THOUSANDS of Glasgow’s under-25s are at risk of being made homeless if the Government goes ahead with plans to end Housing Benefit entitlement for this age group according to Glasgow MSP Bob Doris.

And this week he asked the Scottish Government to oppose such a move.

At First Minister’s Questions, Mr Doris asked about the expected consequences of such a policy.

The First Minister expressed “deep concern” about the

threat, and said that the Scottish Government would undertake an examination of its impact.

Mr Doris said: “I welcome the First Minister’s assurance that the Scottish Government is investigating the consequences to Scotland of UK cuts, and in particular the Tories’ plan to withhold Housing Benefit entirely from people under 25.

“With over 5200 Glaswegians in this bracket currently in receipt of Housing Benefit, it is staggering to imagine the

effect that this would have on homelessness. And this is before we even consider the devastation already being inflicted by the Bedroom Tax. “As the First Minister noted, the cuts to Housing Benefit are motivated by the UK Government’s need to accommodate the overheated housing market of the south-east of England.

Control of Housing Benefit is reserved to Westminster, so as with the Bedroom Tax, the Scottish Government is limited in its ability to alleviate the damage.”

East End school innovates to increase cafeteria use EASTBANK Academy and Cordia have taken a creative approach to healthy eating, installing a gallery café as part of the school’s Fuel Zone.

The joint-initiative has been highly successful, as lunchtime Fuel Zone uptake increased to 42.5 per cent since the gallery was put in place last August.

Artistic pupils are able to display their work in the area while young people enjoying lunch can relax in a café style setting containing comfy sofas and seating areas.

Eastbank Academy had the poorest school lunch uptake of any Glasgow secondary school in the city, with only 13 per cent of its pupils using the Fuel Zone in the 2010/11 academic year.

The building is also surrounded by over 25 different fast-food vendors located only walking distance from the main gates which were visited on a daily basis by pupils Speaking about the success of Fuel Zones, Julia McCreadie, head of facilities management at Cordia, said: “We’re extremely pleased

by how popular the café-gallery at Eastbank Academy has been with the pupils.

“Young people want the options available on the high street to be replicated within school dining areas, allowing them to enjoy appetising and healthy meals in comfort with friends.

“We have repeatedly implemented truly novel ideas in schools across the city, enticing an average of 50% of pupils in secondary schools to use the Fuel Zone services.

“Our goal is to continue raising the diversity and appeal of nutritional food which is available in schools, working closely with pupils, teachers and parents to drive forward creative approaches to dining.”

Councillor Stephen Curran,

Executive Member for Education and Young People, said: “Glasgow has been sector-leading in their innovative ways to encourage our young people to adopt health eating habits and an active lifestyle.

“Our school meal service must appeal to all and this can differ from area to area but our officers have worked with young people to listen to their views and adapt the school meal service accordingly.”

Gordon Shaw, Headteacher at Eastbank Academy said: “The gallery café is really popular with the pupils and staff; it’s great to see it doing so well!

Healthy eating is extremely important for performance within in the classroom and I’ve implemented a number of initiatives to improve dietary habits within the school.

“Furthermore it is excellent to be able to give our budding young artists the chance to showcase their work in front of an appreciative audience and I look forward to seeing more exhibits on display over the coming months.”

‘Stop and Search’ keep people safe: Police Scotland POLICE Scotland have defended their use of ‘Stop and Search’, a controversial policy that allows Police to search anyone they suspect of being a potential threat to public order.

Throughout Scotland a total of 519,213 stop and searches were carried out between April and December 2013 - a decrease of 0.2 per cent on 2012 the same period the previous year.

This is still more than double the rate for other police forces across the UK. But the police are keen to highlight that nearly 1 in 5 searches provide positive results and help to keep people safe.

More than 90 per cent of all searches related to drugs, alcohol and weapons.

Around one third of searches conducted during enquiries into stolen property provided a positive result, with more than 11,000 stolen goods being recovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: “As these figures demonstrate, we are making real progress in building safer communities by reducing crimes of violence and tackling anti-social behaviour by removing the materials associated with offences of this nature from our streets.

“Stop and search is just one of a number of tactics that

frontline police officers use, if and when they have reasonable grounds to do so.

Searches are targeted and intelligence-led and often conducted with the consent of those involved.

“The decision to conduct a stop and search is vital to ensuring we can continue to keep people safe and searches have in many cases resulted in dangerous weapons, harmful drugs and stolen property being recovered.”

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Police Scotland’s priority is to keep our streets and communities safe. By taking a preventative and proportionate approach, proactively disrupting and deterring criminal behaviour, police can stop crime in its tracks and save dealing with the consequences later.”

Each of the 14 local policing divisions in Scotland including Glasgow has responsibility for using stop and search whenever it is deemed necessary to support local community policing priorities.

In Tollcross, a CCTV operator from Glasgow Community Safety Services noticed a man who had been assaulted just shortly before, who intended seeking retribution on another man.

This man had possession of a knife in one hand and a belt in the other. The CCTV operator

alerted police. Officers attended and two men were stopped and searched resulting in the recovery of two offensive weapons and two men being arrested.

Police received a call from a concerned member of the public in Alexandra Parade regarding an incident.

Officers attended and traced a man nearby who was stopped and searched resulting in a knife being recovered.

On both occasions, the people involved were intent on causing serious harm to others.

However, with the help, support and co-operation of the public and our partners we can continue to keep people safe and arrest those involved resulting in fewer victims.

New homes for veterans welcomed

WORK on 51 new flats for former members of the armed services has been unveiled this week at the site in Cranhill.

The project will consist of 21 mainstream flats for affordable rents to veterans and their families and 30 one bedroomed supported accommodation for vulnerable veterans.

The charity Scottish Veterans Residences is behind the project and is hoping that the first residents will be able to move in later this year.

Paul Martin MSP said: “This will be a fantastic project when it is completed. It will be a vital resource for helping those who have served their country and I wholeheartedly welcome these new homes.

“In the past, society has sometimes forgotten that serving soldiers may need some help into readjusting into civilian life, and finally veterans in Glasgow will have enhanced opportunities to get the support they need.”

Scottish Veterans Resi-

Scammers target Baillieston pensioners

CON artists have been targeting vulnerable pensioners in Baillieston by persuading them that they have a £15,000 cheque waiting to be paid to them and all they need to do is pay the commission.

According to one report on ‘The Only Way is Baillieston’ Facebook page, a 93 year old man was telephoned from a withheld number and told that the cheque would only be released after he had paid £320 ‘commission’ via PayPoint, making the payment difficult to trace.

Police advice is to report any scams of this nature to them as well as Trading Standards.

If you’ve lost money because of a scam report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre. You can report the scam through their website or by phone. You can also for-

ward scam emails to them.

You will need to provide as much information as possible, for example any names or other information about the scammer, dates and details about how the money has been lost or how you were threatened.

If you’ve been threatened with physical violence on your doorstep, you can report this to the police.

If you report a scam to Trading Standards, you’re giving them vital information which they can use to help stop other people from becoming victims of the same scam.

Some scams are criminal offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

This means that Trading Standards may be able to take criminal action against the scammers.

dences (SVR) was established in 1910, and has a wealth of experience in providing the best quality support and accommodation to as many ex-Service men and women as possible with similar schemes to the Cranhill project in Edinburgh and Dundee.

Phil Cox Chief Executive of SVR said: “Our experience shows that housing, along with education and employment, are key issues to enable ex-service personnel to resettle successfully.

“We are supporting vulnerable veterans with a range of specialist services such as access to good quality health services, employability and work placement schemes and good quality accommodation.

“We also want the new project to be seen as part of the community and there will be plenty of opportunities in the future for the public to use the new community hub in a variety of ways.”

Work is expected to be completed by autumn this year with the first residents moving in shortly after.

5

Stars to celebrate life of Burns at Lord Provost’s Supper

ACTOR Jonathan Watson of ‘Only an Excuse’ fame is sure to make a big impression when he recites Tam O’Shanter at Glasgow’s Lord Provost’s Burns Supper.

The star-studded event, believed to be the biggest in the world, will raise money for Lord Provost Sadie Docherty’s chosen charities.

She will be joined by former Lord Provosts Michael Kelly, Pat Lally, Alex Mosson and Bob Winter.

The Lord Provost said: “This is my second Burns Supper and I am really looking forward to it.

It’s a great night out, celebrating the genius of our country’s national bard while raising money for good causes.

Shake up in library opening hours

GLASGOW Life, the organisation responsible for libraries across the city, will be changing the opening hours of a whole host of public libraries across the North and East of Glasgow.

The move will see more staff working at busier times but will also mean a reduction in hours at certain times.

However the changes have been described as sensible workforce planning by Glasgow Life bosses.

Baillieston, Dennistoun, Parkhead, Riddrie, Shettleston and Springburn libraries will have their hours changed so that they will open at 10am each day and close at 5pm with late openings until 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Barmulloch, Maryhill, Milton, Possilpark and Royston will have their hours changed so that they open at 1pm and close at 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and 10am until 5pm for the rest of

the week.

The Bridge at Easterhouse will continue to operate the same hours as they do currently but Bridgeton Library will no longer open late on Mondays shutting at 5pm instead of 8pm.

A report due to be made to the board members of Glasgow Life will highlight how people are changing their use of libraries and that online use of library resources has grown exponentially.

And whilst footfall has remained strong, less than 2% of library book withdrawals are made between the hours of 9am and 10am.

The redeployed staff will be working at the busiest times across the 32 community libraries in Glasgow and a new strategy is being developed to allow librarians to work within a local area as much as possible.

Glasgow Life meet next week to discuss the proposals.

“Glasgow is extremely proud of its association with Burns.

Indeed, the Mitchell Library boasts the world’s biggest collection of Burns manuscripts and memorabilia.

Therefore it is entirely fitting that the proceeds of this evening, commemorating a literary and cultural icon whose work was synonymous with his sense of humanity, will go to help the needy at home and abroad.”

A total of 800 guests can look forward to music and merriment at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel this Friday.

Glaswegian Jonathan Watson has worked extensively across television, stage and cinema.

Television credits include the Bill, Casualty, New Tricks and

Waterloo Road.

He has also appeared in hit films like Local Hero and Filth.

Musician and performer John Gahagan will address the haggis. John is a highly respected Burns speaker and former member of the celebrated Battlefield Band.

The Selkirk Grace will be given by Glasgow Cathedral’s Rev Dr Laurence Whitley and Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games David Grevemberg will make the toast to the lassies.

Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal of Glasgow Caledonian University will give the reply.

They will be joined by broadcaster Paul Cooney, Managing Director of Capital FM who is the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The three charities that will benefit are: The Lord Provost’s Charity Funds, The Lord Provost’s Malawi Fund and Glasgow’s Helping Heroes.

Last year’s Burns Supper raised more than £80,000 for the Lord Provost’s Malawi Fund, The Lord Provost’s Vulnerable Citizens Fund and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Brick by Brick Appeal.

National Theatre of Scotland opens Dear Scotland 2014 Season

A CELEBRATION of maverick poets, mercurial monarchs and a country with a lot on its mind will all be on offer in the National Theatre’s Dear Scotland 2014 programme this year.

Rantin, Glasgow Girls, The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Culter, Dear Scotland at the

National Galleries, The Tin Forrest, The James Plays, The Great Yes, No, Don’t Know Five Minute Theatre Show and Blabbermouth are just some of the highlights that theatre goers can expect to see with many more unmissable performances and events.

Throughout the year, there will be rants and regrets, love letters or break-up cards, advice or demands, hopes and dreams and interlace them to create a living record of this momentous year.

6

ng homes Celebrates Outcome of Customer Service Excellence Review NORTH Glasgow based ng homes is celebrating ten years of Customer Service Excellence as a result of its latest review.

Following their recent Customer Service Excellence (CSE) review the 7th largest housing association in Scotland were advised that they continue to meet the CSE Standard.

The CSE Assessor emphasised that although ng homes were already performing to a high standard he had seen further significant improvements and stated that the outcome of this review was an exceptionally good result.

Tony Sweeney, Head of Organisational Development said: “This is great news, it recognises the excellent team work and commitment of our staff and shows that we really care about our customers.”

The organisation was first assessed for the standard in 2004 when it was known as Chartermark and it has been regularly measured against the Government’s Customer Service Excellence standard ever since. This latest successful review marks 10 years of continuous improvement in relation to customer service excellence.

John Fury, ng homes Chairperson congratulated the Association’s staff on this achievement stating: ”Our customers are central to all that we do and this ongoing recognition of our work in delivering excellent customer service demonstrates how much our staff care about making a real difference to our tenants, residents and the community in general.”

The Customer Service Excellence Standard is recognised across the UK and it lies at the heart of an overarching strategy to provide public services for all customers which are efficient, effective, excellent, equitable and empowering and it is totally aligned with the five key drivers of customer satisfaction; delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude.

Dress Down Day Raises Cash for Marie Curie

STAFF from ng homes raised £266 from a non-uniform day held before their Christmas break.

Murray Easton, Fundraising Manager and Anne Jolly, Fundraising Assistant at Marie Curie in Glasgow were delighted to receive the cheque from ng homes Head of Organisational Development Tony Sweeney and Commonwealth Apprentice Jennifer Paton.

Murray said: “We really appreciate ng homes thinking of Marie Curie.

In 2013 we helped more than 40,000 people across the UK with end of life care through our hospices and home nursing service. Every £20 funds an hour of nursing, making a real difference.”

Tony Sweeney said: ““All of our staff were keen to participate knowing that it was for a worthwhile cause and we were delighted to present our cheque to the staff at the local hospice.”

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street Springburn, Glasgow. G21 4LS Tel 0141 560 6000 Fax 0141 560 6005

Website: www.nghomes.net

www.facebook.com/ngsportslegacy ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association

Possilpark (West)

Kenna Rossine House, 252 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow. G22 5LF Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005

7 ng homes would like to wish all at the Regen a happy 5th birthday. Congratulations!

New Art Project in North Glasgow to tackle Anti-Sectarianism PARENTS and children are taking part in a new project using art to explore anti-sectarianism in North Glasgow.

The project which supports the Scottish Government’s Tackling Sectarianism Campaign kicked off last week at Keppoch Campus with a workshop from local artist George Smith and Nil By Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott.

Dave said “This is a fantastic project and a great opportunity for pupils and their families to come together with others to shape their vision of the future.

There are challenges in this area but also a sense of pride and friendship. I’m sure this ng homes project will be a huge success.”

Children from Saracen Primary school and St Teresa’s Primary school took part in the first session along with their parents and Head Teacher of Saracen Primary Evelyn Gibson.

Evelyn said “We are always keen to engage in projects that help to break down the barriers of sectarianism and so we are delighted that parents and pupils from both schools have the opportunity to discuss the key issues and look at how we can address these through art, within the local community” Robert Docherty, Football Development Partnership Manager said: “We are extremely grateful to Saracen Primary and St Teresa’s Primary, Dave Scott, George Smith, Glasgow Kelvin College and the young people and their parents for supporting this worthwhile project” Each session will allow the participants to listen and learn and encourage them to think about, talk about and confront the issues.

Local artist George Smith outlined some of the activities including recreating stained glass artwork and said: “Art can be a way to let people open their minds and look at a problem from a different angle. It is not about creating an artistic masterpiece (that would be a bonus!) but each session would result in each person producing something they have created and treasure – and hopefully make them think a bit more about the subject.”

The project is one of many projects that ng homes are currently running and links to ng homes wider work regarding this issue in supporting the Scottish Government’s Tackling Sectarianism Campaign.

Glasgow Kelvin College are also providing two students to film the project over the next few weeks.

It is planned to exhibit the resulting artwork at a celebration event following the programme.

Springburn (East)

ng homes helps tenants affected by bedroom tax OVER 700 tenants of ng homes are affected by the bedroom tax and the association are doing all that they can to help them.

Housing Services and GEMAP staff are currently contacting these tenants to let them know about how to apply for DHP.

Between them ng homes’ Housing Services team and Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project (GEMAP) have been successful with 322 applications for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

If you are affected by Bedroom Tax and are not in receipt of DHP, please contact your Housing Officer, as ng homes may be able to assist you with an application.

Ann Marie Devlin, Depute CEO said: “We are working with our tenants who are affected by the Bedroom Tax and will continue to do everything we can to help.”

GEMAP offer a free and confidential service for tenants on all aspects of debt and money advice including benefit entitlements, benefit applications, opening bank accounts and contacting creditors.

Although 322 tenants are accessing the Discretionary Housing Payment Fund a further 379 are affected.

To make an appointment with a GEMAP advisor, please contact our office on 0141 560 6000 (Springburn) or 0141 336 1300 (Possilpark)

Email: info@nghomes.net

Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street Springburn, Glasgow. G21 4LS Tel 0141 560 6000 Fax 0141 560 6005

Website: www.nghomes.net

@ng_homes ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association

Possilpark (West)

Kenna Rossine House, 252 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow. G22 5LF Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005

8 EASTERHOUSE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ARE PLANNING THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR VOLUNTEER ADVICE WORKERS TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY 2014 Are you: • Interested in learning new skills and helping local people deal with a range of social problems • Seeking an opportunity to gain valuable training and experience in a wide range of areas • Willing to commit to a minimum of 8 hours each week working as a volunteer advice worker • Over 18 years of age

Call made for Government intervention on continued subsidence issues

We can offer: • Full training and the opportunity to attend ongoing training • Ongoing support to enable you to reach your full potential • Travel expenses For an application pack phone 0141 771 6654 or call our message line on 0141 781 0971 and leave your name, address and postcode. The closing date for applications is 3rd February 2014

OUR SERVICE IS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT

SNP MSP Humza Yousaf has condemned Labour MSP Paul Martin’s decision to vote against the Scottish Government’s decision policy of providing healthy free school meals to all pupils in P1 to P3.

As part of a £114 million package for young people over two years, every one of Scotland’s P1 to P3 children will have the option of a free meal in school from January next year, improving health and wellbeing, increasing attainment saving families at least £330 a year for each child and helping Glasgow’s young people to get the very best start in life.

In Glasgow’s North East, 1991 children in Primaries

1 to 3 are eligible to benefit from this announcement.

The First Minister also announced that free childcare provision would also be expanded to every two year-old from a workless household in Scotland – around 8,400 children or 15 per cent of all two year-olds – by August this year.

However, Labour MSPs this week voted against the policy in the Scottish Parliament – to reactions of disgust in the Chamber.

Humza Yousaf has now called on Paul Martin to explain to the people of Glasgow Provan how his vote against this policy will benefit almost 2,000 local kids.

CALTON’S MSP, John Mason, has called upon the Scottish Government’s intervention following yet another subsidence issue within his constituency.

For the third time in a row, a building or road within Glasgow Shettleston – in close proximity to Glasgow 2014

venues – has been closed due to subsidence.

In January 2012, a major strategic road in the East End was closed for six months when the building at 594 London Road was deemed unsafe.

Later that year, in October 2012, part of the road surface between Celtic Park and the

Emirates Arena collapsed.

This meant that another part of London Road was closed for eight months – directly outside two Commonwealth Games venues.

Just recently residents in Millroad Drive in the Calton area had to flee their home due to subsidence. Mr Mason

has now written to both Derek MacKay MSP, Minister for Local Government and Planning, and to Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, to seek the Government’s intervention.

Commenting, John Mason, local MSP, said: “This is the third subsidence issue in the last couple of years - all within a very close proximity to strategically important roads or Commonwealth Games venues.

“Unfortunately the previous two cases – both on London Road - have shown Glasgow City Council to be incredibly slow to take action which is simply unacceptable. I am keen to ensure that the Council acts quickly and efficiently on this occasion, so I have written to the Scottish Government to ask what locus they have over this particular issue.

“Local residents, businesses and other organisations simply can’t afford to wait five and six months for action to be taken by the local authority, so hopefully the Council and Government can move this along as efficiently as possible.”

Make sure you get your smear test

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are urging woman to make sure they go for a regular cervical smear test during Cervical Screening Awareness Week.

Cervical cancer is cancer of the neck of the womb (the cervix).

Although there are a range of things that can be done to prevent and treat cervical cancer, around 300 women are diagnosed with it every year in Scotland and around 100 women in Scotland die from the disease each year.

The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to go for regular cervical screening smear tests.

Mags McCarthy who works in the North East Health Improvement Team and has a remit for Cancer Screening said: “Smear tests can detect

pre-cancerous/abnormal cells and the detection and successful treatment of these cells usually prevents the occurrence of cancer.

“During Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we are encouraging women, if they haven’t already done so, to make an appointment with their doctor to have their smear test done “Not going for a smear test is one of the biggest risk factors for developing cervical cancer.

“At present 73.2 % of women in North East Glasgow do go for screening this is evidence that women are getting the message and taking cervical screening seriously.

However, given that cervical screening prevents 8 out of 10 cervical cancers from developing we want all women to know the importance of going

for regular smear tests”.

Dr Paul Ryan, local GP and Clinical Director, North East Sector, Glasgow Community Health Partnership said: “Cervical cancer is not simple to detect. The most common symptom is bleeding from the vagina at any time other than your period.

Having regular cervical screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer and I urge all women to take up the invitation from their GP to attend for screening.

“Cervical cancer is usually caused by a common infection called the human papilloma virus (HPV). Using a condom when you have sex reduces the risk of contracting HPV. Girls aged between 12 and 13 can now receive an HPV vaccine at school to prevent HPV, which leads to many cases of cervical cancer.”

Mags and colleagues also give general Cancer Awareness talks to local organisations including to parents at Nursery schools.

For information about cancer or to arrange a talk contact Mags Mccarthy or Siobhan Harkin on 0141 232 0167 or 0141 201 9807.

9

Smaller wine measures to encourage responsible drinking

BARS and pubs across Scotland are being encouraged to increase the availability of 125ml wine measures, as part of a new campaign.

The 125ml campaign was launched this week by a collaboration between government and the drinks industry.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson is calling on businesses across Scotland to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol by making

available smaller 125ml measures of wine to customers.

Mr Matheson said: “Tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol is one of the government’s key priorities.

All too often we see only medium and large size measures of wine available behind the bar and this can mean people end up drinking more than they realise.

“This simple, yet effective, step is part of our wider Alco-

hol Framework, which consists of over 40 measures, and sets out how we are tackling the problem of alcohol misuse.

We welcome the action from the industry to promote it, increasing consumer choice and promoting responsible drinking.”

Paul Waterson, Chief Executive, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said: “Our members fully support this initiative. It fits perfectly with the SLTA’s commitment to promote responsible retailing and help reduce alcohol harm.

Our customers have told us that they welcome increased choice and that the offer of small, medium or large glasses of wine in our premises will make them think more about the amount of alcohol they are consuming.”

Patrick Browne, Chief Executive, Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “As an Association we are fully supportive of the initiative and will commend it to our member companies, their pubs, and the wider licensed trade.”

Businesses are being encouraged to support the voluntary 125ml campaign by making available a 125ml measure for wine.

Bursary named in honour of former councillor PARKHEAD Housing Association have announced that they are to rename their annual education bursary after the late George Ryan.

The fitting tribute was made by the association to mark a life of dedication to others, as well as George’s commitment to lifelong learning. Speaking to the ReGen, Chief Executive of Parkhead HA Jim Strang said: “Having the opportunity to remember Cllr George Ryan in this way was something that everyone at Parkhead HA thought was a great idea.

George was a dedicated man for all of the people he represented.

He also knew that further and continuing education was an important route out of poverty.

“It can be a difficult financial decision to return to or continue your education.

These bursary awards are designed to help tenants and spouses of the association

to access educational opportunities that they might not otherwise have been able to.

And I am sure that this is something big George would have been proud to be associated with.”

The bursary will now be known as the George Ryan Education Bursary and was first set up two years ago to award a Parkhead HA tenant with up to £2000 worth of fi-

nancial assistance.

Last year thanks to fundraising efforts, two awards of £2000 were made and it is anticipated that the same will be made again this year.

If you think you might be eligible and are planning on studying in the next academic year, you can contact Matthew at Parkhead HA on 0141 551 5140 for more information.

A walk down memory lane with new Shettleston Heritage Trail

FUNDING from the Heritage Lottery Fund has given Shettleston residents the chance to take part in a new project that will celebrate the history and heritage of their community.

‘Walking Back to the Future’ will bring together different strands of the community and help develop a heritage trail that charts Shettleston’s past.

The trail will take people on a walk through Shettleston, highlighting landmarks and buildings of historical interest via an accompanying leaflet or smart phone app.

The project is the brainchild of Fuse Youth Café and Shettleston Housing Association who believe it will be a lasting legacy of 2014 and the Commonwealth Games taking place nearby.

To get the project off the ground, Shettleston residents – or indeed anybody with an interest in Shettleston’s heritage - are invited to come along

to a launch day on Thursday 6th February at the Fuse Youth Café at 1567 Shettleston Road.

Two sessions have been scheduled for 2.30pm and 6.30pm at which people can find out more about the project and how they can get involved.

Community history company, Northlight Heritage, who will be coordinating the project and helping participants delve into the past, will be on hand along with Shettleston’s own resident historians, the Shettleston Local History Group.

Walking Back to the Future aims to involve all sectors of the community, from primary school children to sheltered housing residents, and everybody in between.

Workshops will be set up around themes to include employment, education, housing, sport and recreation and social history, and participants will be able to choose the area that

interests them most.

Once a final route and landmarks have been agreed, the trail will have both printed leaflets and an app that can be accessed via smart phones to accompany walkers on their journey through Shettleston’s heritage.

During the two weeks of the Commonwealth Games the project team hopes to offer guided walks to visitors, conducted by local volunteers.

Commenting on the project, Fuse Youth Café manager, Gerry Baldwin, said: “We believe Walking Back to the Future will be a true inter-generational project with older and younger members of the community working together and learning from each other.

This is a great opportunity for Shettleston’s young people to make a positive contribution to their community.”

Shettleston Housing Association Director, Chris Cunningham, said: “The Association is pleased that Shettleston will have a lasting legacy of 2014 in the form of the heritage trail.

Our community has a lot to be proud of and we welcome the opportunity to tell everybody about it.

Shettleston Local History Group added: “We are looking forward to Shettleston’s untold stories being unearthed and made known.”

10

Glasgow NE Foodbank, Project Co-ordinator (Funded for 18 months) £21,000 pro-rata Hours:- 28 (over a 35 hour working week) with scope to increase hours Covering the North East of Glasgow the Glasgow NE Foodbank provides emergency food for local people in crisis.

The Trussell Trust Foodbank network works in partnerships with local organisations and agencies to bring accessible Foodbank services to communities.

These organisations provide clients with vouchers that they bring to the Foodbank Centre where it can be exchanged for 3 days’ supply of nutritionally balanced emergency food.

Curran calls for Minimum Wage increase

The Role of the Co-ordinator is: • Day to day running of the Foodbank including food collections, stock control and recruiting, training and supporting volunteers.

• Make contact with organisation/agencies and projects in the NE of Glasgow to ensure that vouchers are widely available to help local people.

•Identify and set up distribution centres in other communities within our boundary to ensure accessibility for clients.

•Develop a Project Action Plan •Responsibility for Health & Safety •Work with the Trustees to apply for future funding to ensure the continuation of the Project •Coordinator’s post • Report to Trustees on a regular basis.

• Administration duties as required Application Process For an application pack please contact Beth at the telephone number or email below, to be returned by the closing date of Monday 17th February 2014 at 5.00pm.

Tel: 07779224521

Glasgow NE Foodbank Calton Parkhead Church 142 Helenvale Street Glasgow G31 4NA Email: info@glasgowne.foodbank.co.uk

GLASGOW East MP Margaret Curran has called for the national minimum wage to be increased and properly enforced.

The call was made ahead of a debate in the House of Commons this week.

The minimum wage increased above inflation for the first decade after its introduction in 1999; however its value has fallen in real terms since 2010.

It now stands at £6.31 per hour for employees aged 21 and over, with lower rates for younger workers and apprentices.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has hinted that he will not support a large increase in contrast to Labour leader Ed Miliband.

He has pledged to increase the minimum wage and come down hard on unscrupulous firms that fail to pay it.

Speaking ahead of the de-

bate, Margaret Curran said: “For all David Cameron’s talk of ‘making work pay’, real wages have plummeted on his watch, and too many people are now struggling to pay their bills each month.

He should take action now to boost the minimum wage and ensure it is properly enforced.”

She added: “When the minimum wage was introduced, the Tories and many Lib Dems were bitterly opposed and Alex Salmond refused to vote for it.

Now they are falling over themselves to declare it a success. Ed Miliband’s proposals show that Labour is still the only party that can be trusted to strengthen the minimum wage.”

“Spacious and Accessible - The Parking is Free Springburn Shopping Centre - The Best Place to Be”

LOTS OF CHOICE ~ LOTS OF PARKING ~ LOTS OF SAVINGS

VISIT US TODAY!

11

£450K funding Active East youngster’s Royal for Pinkston engagement Paddlesports Prince Charles kicks off Sport Relief 2014 in Dumfries House A WAVE of excitement and energy surrounded the Active East office when Sport Relief called asking for the project to be involved in this special event at Dumfries House.

The Team were first to arrive bright and early, eager to sport their sweat bands, get warmed up and of course find out who the Celebrity VIP would be.

They had to keep quiet until everyone arrived needless to say they were filled with anticipation, Active Mentor Mark Gallacher said: “This is amazing I cannot believe it is Prince Charles that is starting the race.”

strands: a young volunteer strand called Active Champions which is a bespoke programme tailored to their individual interests in sport and physical activity, this may be anything from delivery and coaching to promotion, and a Small Grants strand which provides partner organisations access to funding for new physical activity provision and training.

Mark Gallacher is an Active Mentor supporting young volunteers; he joined the programme in May 2013 and is working with a local community in Cranhill to set up a Badminton Club. He said: “It is fantastic that Sport Relief fund projects such as Active East as it means we can train and support young volunteers to develop in sport and lead sessions within their community getting more young people active.”

Since the launch of Active East last year 63 Active Champions have come on board giv-

ing over 4,500 volunteer hours within their community and over £70,000 has been distributed through the small grants programme to local youth and sport groups across East Glasgow.

The first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games take place from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014.

The public can join the fun and games by running, swimming or cycling their way to raising much needed funds for the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.

To find out how you can get involved visit sportrelief.com

A GROUND breaking water sports project in Glasgow has received a funding boost from the Scottish Government.

The £2.2m centre at Pinkston Watersports, in Port Dundas on the Forth & Clyde Canal, which is due to open later this year, will be Scotland’s first competition-standard training facility.

The latest round of funding to Scottish Canals, £950,000, will be split between the Pinkston project and a visitor centre at Helix Park in Falkirk, and will be spent on works including surfacing, landscaping and decking at the water sports facility.

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow welcomed the latest announcement. He said:

Scots.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I am delighted to announce additional funding to Scottish Canals which builds on our commitment to supporting the organisation in its regeneration work.

This funding will go some considerable way to improving the visitor experience at both the Kelpies visitor centre and Pinkston Watersports.

“Scotland’s canals are of historic significance and are an asset we place great value on. Excellent progress has been made over the past decade in revitalising the network and we are now keen to deliver a wider public benefit and this funding will allow continued progress.”

North Glasgow Community Food Initiative’s Fruit and Vegetable Service sells fresh, affordable fruit and veg at the following venues. Do come along!

We accept Healthy Start Vouchers.

Day Monday

Tuesday Young volunteer Gary Penders said: “I really enjoyed myself and in my book it was really the best day I have ever had and if I could do it again I wouldn’t think twice about saying yes.”

Sport Relief along with The Robertson Trust and Big Lottery fund Active East, a community based legacy project working with existing youth and sport providers across the East of Glasgow.

The project consists of two

“I have been involved in this project since it began in 2012, and early on facilitated a meeting between Pinkston Watersports and the Sport Minister, Shona Robison, to highlight the importance of the facility.

Soon after, the Scottish Government allocated £1 million via Scottish Canals, enabling construction to proceed.

“The project was also awarded Commonwealth Legacy status last year, and just this month, I visited the facility and was hugely impressed by the progress that has been made.

“With this latest round of funding, we can look forward to the opening this year of a world-class watersports facility for Glaswegians and

Wednesday

Thursday

Where Blochairn Housing Association 1 Blochairn Road, Royston G21 2ED

Times 2:45pm – 3:45pm

Possilpark Health Centre Denmark St, G22 5EG

10:15am – 12:00pm

St Rollox Church Springburn Road

11:30am – 12:30pm

St Monica’s Nursery & Primary School (Milton) 200 Liddesdale Road, G22 7QX (term time only) Milton Community Garden Liddesdale Square, Milton G22 7BT Maryhill Health Centre 41 Shawpark Road, G20 9DR

8:30am – 9:30am barras

Spire View Housing Association 43 Tharsis Street, Royston, G21 2JF

10:00am – 12:00pm

Royston Lunch Club (RYA) Rainbow Hall, Roystonhill (once a fortnight)

2:00pm – 3:00pm

2

10:00am – 12:00pm 10.15am – 12:00pm

Sessions are staffed by volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering on the fruit and veg barra, check out our Volunteering Page our website, or call Aileen on 0141 558 2500 or email volunteer@ngcfi.org.uk NGCFI has gardens where you can learn to grow your own fruit and veg. Please first contact Aileen at our office as above.

Springburn allotment (Springburn Road): Mondays 10am – 1pm Milton Garden (Liddesdale Square): Tues & Wed & Thur, 10 – 3pm.

Hamiltonhill allotment (Ellesmere St, Possilpark): Fridays 10am – 1pm

12

Commonwealth Countdown

180 days to go...

THE preparations are nearly complete, and after nearly 12 years in the planning, the Commonwealth Games are here.

The competition starts on the 23rd of July with 11 frantic days of sport with elite athletes and hopefully many gold medal moments for Team Scotland.

In this new regular feature, we will keep you up to date with the build up to the biggest sporting event in the country for a generation.

This week we are looking at one of the purpose built venues for the games, The Emirates Arena.

The Emirates encompasses 6 courts that will be used for the badminton as well as the cycling track, known as The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

The venues might be the new kids on the block, but with more than 10,000 people passing through their doors on opening weekend, they have quickly become a city landmark.

As well as hosting international competition, the venues will aid the development of the next generation of elite Scottish athletes and provide first-class facilities for the community.

In terms of sheer engineering innovation, the Emirates Arena is unparalleled in Scotland and

one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe.

The complex includes dance and fitness studios, external multi-court areas and the facility is the administrative hub for several national sports federations and Glasgow Life’s Sports

Development unit.

The arena is also a national training centre for Athletics, Basketball, Netball, Track Cycling and Volleyball.

Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Scotland has an outstanding

record in international track cycling competition, winning six medals in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and three at Delhi 2010.

The ambitious design and quality of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome celebrates this success.

Commonwealth Games Jobs Fair to be held next week Up to 30,000 vacancies to help deliver prestigious event A JOBS Fair is being organized by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with Jobs & Business Glasgow, Skills Development Scotland and Remploy to help find an army of workers to work before, during and after the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

With the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games promising to be a spectacular worldclass sporting event, interest in working at the event is expect-

ed to be high. Organisers said: “The success of the Games however, won’t just be measured in medals. It’ll be measured in jobs, the development of our businesses and in the number of people from local communities getting involved, gaining employment and making the most of this incredible milestone in Glasgow’s history.”

The Jobs Fair will take place on Wednesday 29th January from 10:00-16:00 in the Grand

Central Hotel, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SF to advertise vacancies to help deliver the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Hospitality, Security, Cleaning, Catering and Retail sectors.

There is no need to register - just turn up on the day with your CV where you will have the opportunity to speak directly to employers.

For more information, telephone the DWP Recruitment Team on 0141 843 5508.

13

Commonwealth Countdown

The Velodrome is named in honour of the UK’s most successful Gold-medal winning Olympian and Scottish Commonwealth Games champion.

Its 250-metre track has been designed by Ralph Schuermann, one of the world’s fore-

most track designers.

Fast facts • The Emirates Arena has a 200 metre, 6 lane athletics track which is hydraulically operated to allow for other events, such as the badminton, to be held.

• The arena is also the new home of Scotland’s only professional basketball team, the Glasgow Rocks, and Scotland’s leading netball side, the Glasgow Wildcats.

• The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome played host to the UCI

Track Cycling World Cup in November 2012, the Scottish National Track Championships and the UCI Under-13 Track Championships in 2013.

A bid is being formulated for the 2016 World Track Championships.

Pool set to reopen at Games venue

ONE of the two pools at Tollcross International Swimming Centre is to reopen next week.

And the second, larger pool will be back in use within weeks.

In May, the swim c­entre reopened after a £14million

­ pgrade, which took 19 months u to complete.

The work resulted in an improved 10-lane, 50m competition pool, a new six-lane, 50m warm-up pool and an extra 1000 permanent seats, creating one of the largest facilities of its

kind in Europe.

On October 17, the pools closed again, so a wall could be moved to allow temporary seating to be installed in time for the Commonwealth Games.

Part of the centre’s roof also had to be strengthened

14

Commonwealth Countdown

Official 2014 tartan launched

THE 21st century tartan which will be a defining part of the fabric of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was revealed for the first time today.

And who better to showcase the plaid that will become an international symbol of Scotland’s biggest sporting event than one of the nation’s strongest men – and one of the country’s most passionate kilt-wearers – Gregor Edmunds.

The 6ft 5in and 22-stone muscle man took to the catwalk at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow to exclusively model Glasgow 2014’s fabulous official new tartan.

He was cheered by an audience of school pupils and VIPs, including Glasgow 2014’s Games Partners.

The school was chosen as the launch venue as a tribute to the tartan’s teenage designer Aamir Mehmood. Aamir, a 15-year-old Shawlands Academy pupil, beat thousands of young people from across Scotland with his winning design which was created using Glasgow 2014’s brand colours.

Pupils from more than 300 schools across Scotland entered the competition and Aamir’s design was chosen by a six-strong judging panel.

His colourful plaid will now be seen by an audience of more than one billion people worldwide in the lead up to and during Glasgow 2014.

In addition to his tartan, Aamir shared the creative inspiration behind his design.

He said he incorporated

blue, yellow, white and red to represent Scotland’s national colours.

In addition he used a green landscape to demonstrate the fact that 75% of Shawlands Academy is bilingual and around 50 different languages are spoken in his school.

As part of his entry he described the design as suggesting that “we should put all conflicts and rivalries aside and celebrate the games being held in Glasgow and Scotland, just as all the different nations will come together in celebration of the Commonwealth Games.”

Aamir said: “It’s an amazing feeling to know that my design is the official tartan for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It will be seen all around the

world and I’m so privileged and proud to be part of this huge sporting event coming to Glasgow and Scotland.”

Gregor, the reigning World Highland Games Champion, spoke of his delight at being the first person to wear the new tartan.

He said: “As a proud Scotsman when competing around Scotland and the world, I always wear a kilt and I’ve got to say, that this tartan is one of the best I’ve ever seen!

“The colours and style are so bright and striking, it really is a well thought out and stunning design.

Aamir should be incredibly proud that his hard work and ability has been recognised in such a manner” It is anticipated that the tartan will be used in the lead up to and during Glasgow 2014 and feature in showcase moments such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, medal ceremonies, welcome ceremonies for Commonwealth Games Associations merchandise and gifting.

Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Aamir and what an honour for Shawlands Academy and our city.

I know that everyone is really proud of him today.

The Glasgow 2014 Games will be an amazing event and the The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan, designed by a Glaswegian, will be an added legacy for many years to come.

“As from today, the The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan will sit proud alongside the Glasgow tartan and historic plaids from around the world.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is fantastic that this new tartan has been created to help celebrate the Glasgow 2014 Games and as a member of the judging panel, what struck me most was the impressive cultural insight and creative thinking behind it. Many congratulations to Aamir and Shawlands Academy.”

2014 visitors spending bonanza Games Village handover completed anticipated in Glasgow MTV European Music Awards and Commonwealth Games bring cheers for tourism industry OFFICIAL figures have shown an increase in both visitor numbers and tourist spending in the past year. And the figures are expected to get even better as Glasgow hosts a number of high profile events this year.

Expenditure in Scotland from North American visitors showed a 12% increase and a 17% increase from the rest of the world excluding North America and Europe.

Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “These encouraging figures come on the back of a strong summer that has helped our tourism industry enjoy continued growth.

“VisitScotland’s confidence to continue investing in European markets has proved success-

ful as have the agency’s tourism drive in North America and the Far East.

“The rises in expenditure suggest that Scotland is thought of as a destination offering quality experiences and visitors are prepared to spend their money in our hotels, tourism attractions

and restaurants as a result.

“We are well placed to make the most of that demand as we welcome the world this year to Homecoming 2014, as well as take to the global stage as host to two of the biggest sporting events in the world – the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. “The MTV Europe Music Awards will also showcase Glasgow and Scotland to nearly 700 million households through MTV’s global network of channels.”

THE keys for the homes where the teams of athletes will stay during the Commonwealth Games this year have been handed over to Games Organisers in an official ceremony this week.

The development of the 700 properties which will make up the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village is now complete, thanks to a partnership project between Glasgow City Council and the City Legacy consortium, and will be handed over to Glasgow 2014 Ltd this month in preparation for the exciting year ahead.

Work on the £150 million Dalmarnock project, which is the size of 90 football pitches, began in June 2010. After the Games, the Athletes’ Village will be transformed into one of the most significant housing developments in the UK with permanent accommodation of 700 houses and flats, available for sale or rent from January 2015, and a new 120

bed care home for the elderly.

Other benefits to the area include the Emirates Arena, an £11 million refurbishment of Dalmarnock train station and a new major road - the Clyde Gateway.

The move was welcomed by local Cllr George Redmond.

He said:

“This marks another step closer to delivering a world class games for Glasgow. But when the competition is over, it is vitally important that we will have a legacy.

“These stunning homes will provide a huge boost to the local area that I represent.”

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editor@regennewspapers.co.uk

15

0141 375 0488

Older and much wiser thanks to ICT class 85 year old Marie celebrates gaining certificate at Carmyle Community Centre MARIE Middlemiss, one of Glasgow Kelvin College’s senior learners is now a true certified ‘silver surfer’ thanks to her efforts in completing her ICT course.

And she hopes to use her new skills to keep in touch with family across the world.

Describing herself and her experience of learning at Carmyle Learning Centre said: “I am 85 years young. I left

school with no formal qualifications in 1945.

“I came to Glasgow from Oban where I married and raised two sons. Glasgow Kelvin College has a flexible leaning centre in Carmyle Community Centre. I joined the ICT class in March 2012 and I had no knowledge of computers.

“I have now set up an email account with Google so I can

communicate with my son who lives in Hong Kong.

I would like use the Internet to find out information about French and Scottish history, shopping, Paris, photos of birds.

“I am happy to say I enjoy my time in the class, and look

forward to next term.”

Marie’s certificate for ‘Introduction to Word Processing’ and a Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) unit on ‘Using a Keyboard’ was presented to her at Carmyle Community Centre by her tutor from Glasgow Kelvin College.

Local girl selected to compete for Team GB Jennifer, 15, goes from Barmulloch to Belgium in quest for more Gold glory

“Our daughter, Jennifer Power, is only 15 but we are already so proud of her and her achievements.

“Jennifer started her running with Red Star Athletic Club for children with learning and physical disabilities after her school Cardinal Winning told her about the club.

She trains there twice a week Monday and Thursday and we know how much it means to her.

“She was also picked to run for Scotland West and Scotland competing in Watford, and won 3 Gold medals in the Mencap Games.

In August last year she competed in The Special Olympics 2013 in Bath.

“Being selected to com-

pete in the 100m, 200m and 4×100m was privilege enough, but she collected 3 Gold’s in the proves.

She also competed in the long jump (not her favourite event!) and won a Silver Medal.

“The highlight for Jennifer was receiving the news that she had been selected for Team GB to compete at The Special Olympic Games in Antwerp this year. We are very excited and I know that she will be working hard between now and the competition in September 2014.

“This recognition is superb for Jennifer and I know that she will continue to do us proud.

“Good luck Jennifer!”

Mr & Mrs Power

16

Celebrating 5 years with Re-Gen THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES Continued from inside cover One achievement that we were delighted to welcome was the news that Playbusters, based in the East End, was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This recognition is due to the hard work and dedication of volunteers, staff, carers and parents and is just one example from numerous projects across our communities.

The Shettleston Burgh Halls were destroyed by fire in 2008, and the area badly needed a new and modern facility for public use.

In July 2011, we carried on the front page, the news that a £13m investment would see an equivalent facility built at the site of Tollcross Leisure facility.

Whenever an unnamed or faceless official makes a decision about what should happen to community health facilities, it is little wonder that when a decision to close a local hospital is made with no real public consultation, there is fury from the people in the area.

With Lightburn Hospital, the Health Board made the decision to close the facility on cost grounds.

This is despite the East End

having some of the worst health statistics in Western Europe with life expectancy lower by up to 15 years than other parts of the city.

Local politicians, health campaigners and patients groups joined together with the ReGen to make a stand on the vital local health service.

After a campaign of several months, this newspaper managed to persuade the Council Leader Gordon Matheson in July 2011 to support our call for the Scottish Government to look again at the Health Board’s decision and halt the closure.

Just a few short months later and the uncertainty was over when the then Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon halted the closure meaning health services would remain local for people across the East End. We were delighted with the outcome of the campaign and are proud of our role in making sure that vital public services remain within the communities that they serve.

And it is not just saving vital institutions in the area that we campaign on but bringing new ones in as well.

In Robroyston, we have seen the growth of what was the site of the old hospital into a bustling and dynamic community full of families.

Watch the pages of the ReGen for more developments.

Healthy living has long been a

Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

For 5 years now the Regen has kept the people of north Glasgow updated and informed of news and events in their communities. It also provides a local perspective on national events, something that will become increasingly invaluable as Septembers Independence Referendum approaches. I believe that an informed electorate will vote for the benefits of Independence and the Regen has a vital role to play providing the facts to allow people to make up their minds I pay tribute to the hard working team at the Regen and look forward to the next 5 years”. passion of the ReGen and as some of our regular features show, the attitude changes that are required to making people live fuller and happier lives are slowly being brought about.

One of these measures is to improve rates of cycling for commuting and for pleasure.

The Transport Minister visited Bridgeton Cross in September 2011 to launch a new scheme to give people greener forms of transport as well as opportunities to own bikes that they never have had before.

Something that the ReGen has long believed in.

At the start of 2012 we had a special feature about poverty in the East End. We face huge challenges and some of our local communities have health and wealth inequalities that are frightening.

Over a third of people in the East End live in poverty and our

special feature was aimed at helping those who have least.

It is unfortunate that nearly a year on, we are still seeing similar struggles day to day as the job situation has become worse and the frightening statistics show little sign of improving.

There wasn’t much love in the air Valentine’s 2012 as students voiced their opinions to politicians about cuts in support for colleges.

Remarkable progress was being made with the construction of the National Indoor Sports Arena and

by March some special visitors were there to visit the stunning facility.

World Lightweight Boxing Champion Ricky Burns took time out of training to see how the arena looked before it was due to be completed in October later this year.

Ricky has fought many times in Glasgow and other arenas but knows that the new arena in the

East End would be have a special atmosphere, especially as he trains locally in Dalmarnock.

Hollywood came to Glasgow as the Barrowfield’s very own Paul Brannigan was the star billing at the glitzy premiere of Ken Loach’s ‘Angel’s Share’.

Paul starred as Robbie in a powerful drama that critics have described as “must see.”

The Re-Gen were privileged to walk down the red carpet with Paul, and we hope to walk down the red carpet many more times as he goes from success to success.

The tragic news about the Freshlink Factory was starting to emerge in August 2012 (Issue 92).

The 220 staff faced uncertainty about the future of the plant on Old Shettleston Road.

After starting a campaign with the Re-Gen and local politicians, hopes were high that at least some of the jobs could be saved.

Unfortunately, because of the

mismanagement of the company, a taskforce was unable to secure a new owner.

The Re-Gen has always stood up for people in the East End, and despite being unsuccessful in our attempt with Freshlink, we will never hesitate to back a campaign that lets people in the East End have their say.

Welfare Reform has been top of the agenda for the Re-Gen with our regular Welfare Reform Awareness features.

The special feature aimed to raise awareness levels about how benefits are paid, council tax changes and the new rules about housing benefit.

The Re-Gen would like to give a special thanks to all the housing providers who took part in the campaign, including Tolcross Housing Association, Thenue Housing Association, John Wheatley College, Cranhill Credit Union, The Citizens Advice Bureau, Mil-

Recycling Centre Volunteering Centre Milnbank Housing Association have a small project based in the heart of the community to recycle household items, toys, new clothes, bedding and furniture. Whatever you no longer need, we can make use out of.

Please visit our Community Shop: 102 Roebank Street, G31 3EA Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00pm

Get Involved in Volunteering!

Meet New People, Learn new skills, and do something worthwhile with your spare time!

Come along to the volunteer centre at 51 Harcourt Drive, Dennistoun G31 3HG. To find out more call 0141 556 7617 Looking for Volunteers for: - Community Gardening Projects - Befriending Older People - Furniture Recycling - Shopping Service for Housebound - Driving and Escorting - Childcare & other opportunities

Many more happy years from all at Milnbank Housing Association

Phone: 0141 551 8131 Fax: 0141 550 2060 web: www.milnbank.org.uk Email: admin@milnbank.org.uk 53 Ballindalloch Drive Glasgow G31 3DQ

Christmas Fete at GESH

Celebrating 5 years with Re-Gen

Management and Staff Wish the ReGen many more successful years

LOTS OF CHOICE ~ LOTS OF PARKING ~ LOTS OF SAVINGS

VISIT US TODAY! nbank Housing Association, Parkhead Housing Association and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The new look Olympia got the thumbs up from local residents as Clyde Gateway opened the doors to let people have a look for the first time since refurbishment.

One of the first residents to have a look was 87-year old Grace Donald. Speaking exclusively to the Re-Gen in October 2012, she said: With the cold weather approaching, the last thing someone wants to do is sit on a bus for several hours to pick up a parcel from a sorting office in Cambuslang.

However, that is what Royal Mail is expecting East End folk to do if they get their way and close the Cubie Street Sorting Office.

The Re-Gen started a campaign to save the much needed facility and joined angry members of the public and politicians at a public

meeting with Royal Mail bosses.

Feelings were made clear to the Royal Mail, Save Our Sorting Office.

The Re-Gen’s campaign will continue and we will keep the fight going into the New Year.

Our front page splash at the end of January 2013 had an exclusive interview the then Chief Constable of Strathclye Police, Campbell Corrigan.

Our questions about the £90m security budget for the Commonwealth Games lead him to state that there would be absolutely “no compromise” with people’s safety in the summer of 2014.

Our front page in Issue 99 asked the tough questions of politicians and others about what they are doing to end the cycle of poverty.

There is a long journey ahead for our local communities, but we are seeing some improvements.

But there should be no complacency as we fight to end child

MICHAEL AND STAFF AT URBAN FOX WISH THE REGEN MANY MORE SUCCESSFUL YEARS For Further information contact Michael McCourt (Initiative Manager) @ Helenslea Community Hall. Call: 0141 556 1195 poverty.

March 2013 saw the ReGen celebrate reaching 100 Issues.

It is always a milestone for an independent publisher to reach 100 issues.

We have always prided ourselves on being the voice of community.

Our thanks go to our customers, community projects and readers who make the East and North of the City such a special place.

In true Re-Gen style, the front page of our 100th edition was campaigning about the decision by RBS to close its local branches in community leaving people stranded without banking services.

Our campaigning ethos has been one of the reasons our paper has been so successful.

Our last edition of the month of May 2013 was a stark reminder of the challenges of poverty that the North and East of Glasgow face.

We also covered the Glasgow

East 5k Fun Run and Big Day Oot where Team ReGen did our bit to raise funds for charity.

Whilst 5k might seem like some people’s idea of fun, try telling that to some of us after a late night on the previous Saturday.

Well done to all those involved who played their part.

September 20th 2013 also saw the launch of our new feature, Scotland Decides.

With the referendum less than a year away, we thought that it would be an ideal opportunity to let the politicians have their chance to persuade you how to vote, either Yes or No. Needless to say, with over 9 months to go, there are still a lot of undecided voters, so this access to information will be of the upmost importance as we move towards September 2014.

That is a brief history of how we got to this stage so far. Here is to the next 5 years!

17

Sunday 8th December 12pm - 5pm Santa’s Grotto £6 “Parkhead Youth would like to wish everyone at the Photo, giftProject and selection box ReGen all the best on their Anniversary and wish everyone all the best for the future, keep up the good work”

Westmuir Street Parkhead G31 5BW

0141 550 2621

Celebrating 5 years of the ReGen Shandwick Square, Glasgow G34 9DT. Tel: 0141 773 0114

Maureen and staff are pleased to celebrate 5 years ReGen Contact Cheryl if you with wantthe to hire a table

GESH

Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands

1 Redcastle Square, Garthamlock, Glasgow G33 5EG

18

Debt

COVERING THE WHOLE OF GLASGOW

Cranhill Credit Union is also part of GCC projectFuture Savers - Glasgow’s Starter for 10

LOCAL CREDIT UNIONS CAN TACKLE PAY DAY LENDERS

“We need to lift the misery of personal debt” – Baillieston Union Ltd Baillieston Union Open MondayCredit - Friday, 10am - 4pm Ltd William Credit Bain MP

“people helping people”

(Closed Wednesday) “people helping people”

tish Parliament rather than UK Parliament boundaries, but the picture it painted of the payday lending problem in the two largest Holyrood constituencies within Glasgow North East was equally depressing. In Maryhill and Springburn, which includes areas of severe deprivation with child poverty in the Springburn electoral ward the highest in Scotland at 51% – half of all StepChange clients had rent arrears averaging £620, 37% had council tax arrears averaging £1,504, and 35% had mortgage arrears averaging £1,173.

In Provan, 45% of clients had rent arrears averaging some £474, 43% had council tax arrears averaging £1200, and 35% had mortgage arrears averaging £1947.

To deal with a crisis on this scale, the Government should be encouraging the FCA to use the existing powers at its disposal to implement a total cap on the costs of lending, so that the consumer credit market serves the consumer not the other way around.

Credit unions are experiencing the sharp end of the cost of living crisis as people use them to save for things like a washing machine that their pay or savings just no longer stretch to.

Nearly a fifth of the payday lending industry’s profits come from just 5% of loans which are rolled over 4 or more times.

I think most people would think it fair if those companies faced a higher levy on their profits, so that a much needed doubling of Government support could be provided to credit unions, like the Greater Milton and Possilpark, Ruchill, and Dennistoun and Haghill Credit Unions in my constituency, who could do so much more for people in terms of debt advice and stronger services if they had the investment to boost their capacity to do so.

The Government must act now to lift the misery of a life in deeper levels of personal debt caused by unscrupulous and irresponsible payday lending.

Tel: or 0141 774in 0001 Anyone living or working in the area can join!

Anyone living working the area can join!

Email: info@cranhillcuco.uk 4 Crowlin Crescent, G33 3PH LOANS -Glasgow Savings

LOANS - Savings Junior Accounts - InsuranceJunior Accounts - Insurance

Baillieston Credit Union Ltd Crosshill - Garrowhill - BroomhouseCrosshill - Mount - Garrowhill - Broomhouse - Mount paced wages for such an exRECENTLY spoke in Par“people helping people” Vernon -Iliament Springhill - Swinton - Barrachnie tended period, it is no wonabout the Charter on Vernon - Springhill - Swinton - Barrachnie der that people have had no Payday Lending whose terms Bargeddie - Barlanark Bargeddie - Barlanark Anyone living or working in the area can join!I strongly endorse, and hope choice but to run down their

Now part of OPEN - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10am - 1pm OPEN - Mon, LOANS Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10am - 1pm - Savings Thurs - 6.30pm - 8pm Thurs - 6.30pm - 8pm S1 Saver’s Scheme Junior Accounts - Insurance the Government will respond positively and speedily to the important recommendations in the Select Committee’s report on advertising and marketing, as well as access to a real-time data on a person’s suitability to a specific loan.

The Business Select Committee has called upon the Financial Conduct Authority to be far stronger on the extension of this practice, saying that if it is not established by July of this year, then the FCA should make it obligatory for lenders seeking to provide payday loans or similar financial services products.

Similarly, on roll-over loans which can see an individual’s effective interest rate on debt escalate rapidly, a limit of one roll-over for each payday loan would prevent much unnecessary hardship.

Sadly, the Government’s recent proposals may be too little too late for many people in Scotland facing escalating charges from using payday lenders.

It is clear that the cost of living crisis is biting hard in areas like mine, where 16.5% of all people in work earn less than the living wage, including nearly 3 in 10 of part-time workers, and where the mean wage at just £342 a week fell in cash terms by nearly 2% in the year to last April, while prices were rising then at around 2.7%, meaning ordinary working people in my constituency were nearly 5% worse off.

And as prices have out-

savings or seek recourse to credit to try and maintain what they can of their living standards.

This means they were increasingly likely to seek payday lending from a proliferating range of shop front lenders in Springburn, Dennistoun and other areas in my constituency, but also seeking lending online or following up adverts in the media or that they have watched on TV. Scotland has the highest volume of payday lending in the UK among StepChange clients, according to a report released by the Debt Charity on November 13. 10.3% of total client debt in Scotland was the result of payday lending by June 2013.

It was 9.4% in England, 8.4% in Wales and 7% in Northern Ireland. By June 2013 over 10% of total client debt in Scotland was the result of payday loans, and almost 20% of clients had at least one payday loan.

The data shows large increases in priority debt arrears such as rent, mortgage, gas and electricity, particularly in the last six months.

Moreover clients in Scotland had the highest value of Council Tax arrears in 2012 nearly double the UK average at £1,312. The most dramatic rise in debts in Scotland has been in payday lending, with 18.% of clients having at least one in June 2013.

This compares to 9% of clients in Scotland in 2012, 5.9 % in 2011 and 2.6% in 2010.

StepChange presented their research on the Scot-

email:Email: Baillieston.c.u@btinternet.com Baillieston.c.u@btconnect.com Email: Baillieston.c.u@btconnect.com

Crosshill - Garrowhill - Broomhouse - 6SL Mount 94 Main Street Baillieston, Glasgow G69 6SL 94 Main Street Baillieston, Glasgow G69 94 Main Street Baillieston, Vernon - Springhill - Swinton - Barrachnie Bargeddie - Barlanark Glasgow G69 6SL

0141 1771 OPEN - Mon, Tues,771 Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10am - 1pm Thurs - 6.30pm - 8pm Email: Baillieston.c.u@btconnect.com 94 Main Street Baillieston, Glasgow G69 6SL

9 Bridgeton Cross - 0141 550 4171 Townhead Village Hall - 0141 550 4171 Tollcross Advice & Learning Centre 1061 - 1063 Tollcross Road - 0141 764 1234

19

Scottish Police Credit Union Responsible lending Celebrating 25 vital for financial health Years of Success CREDIT unions promote the financial well-being of members, including those of modest means, through a system that is cooperative, member-owned, volunteer-directed and not-for-profit.

Credit Unions operate on seven key principles that help define their purpose in the community. These principles are: 1. Voluntary Membership Credit unions are voluntary, cooperative organizations, offering services to people willing to accept the responsibilities and benefits of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Many cooperatives, such as credit unions, operate as notfor-profit institutions with volunteer board of directors.

In the case of credit unions, members are drawn from defined fields of membership.

2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations owned and controlled by their members, one member one vote, with equal

opportunity for participation in setting policies and making decisions.

3. Members’ Economic Participation Members are the owners of the credit union and contribute to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative.

For credit unions, which typically offer better rates, fees and service than for-profit financial institutions, members recognize benefits in proportion to the extent of their financial transactions and general usage.

4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

If the cooperative enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the member and maintains the cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for members,

elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative.

Credit unions place particular importance on educational opportunities for their volunteer directors, and financial education for their members and the public, especially the nation’s youth. Credit unions also recognize the importance of ensuring the general public and policy makers are informed about the nature, structure and benefits of cooperatives.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, state, regional, national, and international structures.

7. Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities, including people of modest means, through policies developed and accepted by the members.

THE Scottish Police Credit Union (SPCU) Limited began life in 1989 and at that time only members of the police service and their immediate families in Strathclyde were eligible to join.

When they opened they had 78 members contributing £3,000 per month in total. SPCU was established to provide a much needed welfare service for the Police at a time when earnings arrestments were growing due to the rise in poll tax debt.

In 1999 they expanded to cover every member of the police family in Scotland.

SPCU now has 8,750 members drawn from Police Scotland, the British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Defence Police.

Since its inception SPCU has loaned in excess of £120 million to its members.

Later this year, SPCU intends holding an event within the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh sponsored by our local MSP, Mr John Mason, to celebrate its successes over 25 years.

At this event it will share its story with Members of the Scottish Parliament, SPCU members and invited guests. SPCU are delighted that the Scottish Police and Community Choir has agreed to perform at the event and the choristers will have the rafters ringing with sweet sounds!

SPCU recently held its 25th Annual General Meeting from which they did a ‘live tweet’ using the hashtag #SPCUAGM25.

Never losing sight of its roots

SPCU tackled the thorny issue of payday lending last year.

It revamped its Flexiloan product which is designed to help members budget for unexpected events by borrowing the amounts of money generally targeted by payday lenders but at low rates of interest and sensible repayment terms.

Following its launch John Mason MSP commended the SPCU in the Scottish parliament for its ethical approach to supporting members in times of financial difficulty.

SPCU is delighted to share details of this product with other credit unions or cooperatives looking to introduce a similar approach.

Pictured below is Mr Mason presenting the commendation to SPCU’s Chief Executive George Nedley.

The Scottish Police Credit Union has continued its efforts to combat the pitfalls of payday lending by developing the first smartphone APP for a credit union in the UK. The APP allows members to check their balances, withdraw funds from their shares or Flexiloan and communicate with the SPCU directly from their smartphone.

Only last week Scottish Police Credit Union launched the first payment waiver protected loans in Scotland with ethical insurers CUNA Mutual, to protect its borrowers when they need it most. Following the blanket ban on some PPI products caused by widespread industry mis-selling, 86 per cent of Scottish

citizens are now without any protection against loss of earnings according to research undertaken by CUNA Mutual.

A drastic move away from the PPI model, the Payment Waiver is simply a feature of the loan, and comes at no additional cost to the borrower.

The APR on Scottish Police loans remains at the same rate as before the added protection of Payment Waiver.

CUNA Mutual, the world’s largest insurer to credit unions worldwide, has been developing a ‘fair, straightforward and ethical’ product in answer to the ‘protection gap’ which is leaving 86 per cent of Scottish residents in trouble when they lose their income1.

The new loans will mean that if a Scottish Police Credit Union member is unable to work due to an accident or sickness, they simply contact the lender and the payments are waived for up to 18 months.

No arrears are built up, no credit scores are affected and throughout the process the loan amount continues to decrease while the person is off work, providing peace of mind when they need it most.

Further details of the approaches mentioned in this article can be obtained from SPCU by phoning 0141 771 1314 or by visiting their website www.scottishpolicecu.co.uk.

Statistics gathered from CUNA Mutual’s 2013 Financial Fragility survey of 1200 UK residents

GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED 922 SPRINGFIELD ROAD, GLASGOW G31 4HE, TEL: 0141 551 8387

Start your Xmas saving for 2014 NOW!

COMMUNITY SAVING & BORROWING TOGETHER Parkhead Credit Union is partnership working with GCC projectFuture Savers - Glasgow’s Starter for 10 (S1 Pupils CU Account Project) covering Eastbank Academy Savings Accounts, Loans, Free Insurance, Junior Savings Account, Christmas/Special Occasions Account.

Benefits can be paid into the Credit Union.

If you live or work within the following Postcodes: G31,G32, G40.

For more information call 0141 551 8387 Opening Hours Monday: 9:30am -3pm Thursday: 9:30am - 3pm

In the absense of banking facilities in Milton, the credit union offers affordable and reliable financial services to the community, regardless of people’s resources or their level of income. Low interest loans are available to members. Any surplus the credit union makes on its activities during the year can be returned to the members in the form of a dividend. Members can save as often as they like and, up to a certain limit, as much as the like.

The credit union operates from two additonal collections points:

Cadder Community Centre Tuesday 7pm - 8pm Possilpark Parish Church Saturday 10am -12pm

Working in Milton, Possilpark

Tuesday: 9:30am - 3pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 12.30pm Friday: 9:30am - 12.30pm Saturday: 10am - 12:30pm

Other Services held in our premises Norman Lawson & Co., Solicitors - Benefits & Legal Drop in Surgery Wednesday and Fridays - 1pm to 3pm Contact No. 07784 777176

Tel: 0141 551 8387

Email: parkheadcredit@btconnect.com Web: www.parkheadcreditunion.co.uk Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Working in Partnership with GCC project- Future Savers - Glasgow’s Starter for 10

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GEMAP take on new apprentices for Super Saver scheme THE Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project (GEMAP) has announced that they be taking on new apprentices to help deliver the new S1 Super Saver scheme across Glasgow.

The Modern Apprentices will be funded through the 2014 Legacy fund and will be the first of their kind anywhere.

Never before has a formal route for apprentices existed to allow them to work in the Credit Union sector.

The new starts can expect to work with GEMAP and across a range of locations within the community.

The S1 Super Saver scheme, launched last week at Lochend High School, is a joint initiative with Glasgow

City Council and GEMAP that aims to get S1 pupils clued up about how to be financial aware and to avoid using high interest pay day lenders.

The figures Pay Day Lenders • 100,000 Glaswegians using pay day and other non-standard lenders • Interest rates of up to

3500% per year with some companies • Run for profit at the expense of poorest in society Credit Unions • Owned and run by local members • Affordable loans of 12.6% • Ethical lending and savings

Pupils at Lochend High School held a debate to highlight just how dangerous getting involved in pay day lenders can be, with an ever increasing cycle of debt.

The students were also encouraging their peers to sign up for the new Future Savings Scheme that gives all of Glasgow’s S1 students the chance to sign up to their local credit

union. As part of the sign up, pupils get £10 to help them start the saving process.

Speaking at the launch, Lochend pupil Ryan Kerr said: “Credit unions are a good place to save up for things you want and need in the future but you’re probably thinking what’s in it for me now?

There will be prizes for the most frequent savers across

21

Participating in the event were Ben Donnelly, Shelley Graham, Ryan Kerr, Foxx McGibbon, Kieran McNeil, Anthony Morris, Shannon Morrison, Olayinka Opeloyeru, Lee Robertson and Jade Sherry the City as well as this every First Year pupil in the City will get £10 put into their account just for joining. So why not sign up with us today?”

GEMAP Scotland helped the students launch the project by making power points and handmade posters advertising the scheme across schools in Glasgow. Questionnaires asking the 1st years what sort of things they would save up have also been distributed, and it is hoped with this information to give the new savers focus.

Whether it is new clothes, driving lessons or car, a house, pets or games console, it is clear that with the help of GEMAP, the teenagers will be able to save up for their futures.

The statistics are frighten-

ing, with 1 in 5 of all adults in Glasgow using expensive credit.

The danger is that by using well marketed pay day lenders with high interest rates mean that the circle of debt only gets bigger.

More than £57m was borrowed last year using non standard credit and it is likely that you will know someone who has used a firm like wonga.com or Quick Quid.

The adverts make Payday loans sound good, it’s quick, easy money that’s put into your bank account within as little as a few minutes.

But what these lenders are not telling you is the long term impact cause long term financial misery.

GEMAP Scotland Ltd has a long experience of helping

people negotiate the financial hurdles of saving and borrowing.

Members can of the new First Year’s Credit Unions will have local offices and regular collections within their school so they can get face to face advice that is suitable for them.

Credit unions have some paid and volunteer staff because a Credit union is for the people of its community. They operate on a ‘not for profit’ basis and are about bettering people’s lives.

Glasgow is already recognised as the country’s credit union capital, with one in every six UK accounts held in the city.

The Future Savers scheme is set to boost that membership even further, with thousands of new accounts likely

to be opened every year.

The City Treasurer, Councillor Paul Rooney, is will be working with GEMAP to help deliver the project across the city.

Cllr Rooney said: “It is clear that many people who use a series of short, expensive loans actually need longer-term credit, but often perceive it to be quicker and easier to get money with payday lenders.

“However, if someone already has a relationship with a credit union, then it can respond quickly and offer affordable, sustainable finance when it is needed.

“Just as importantly, it can also help them to save and manage their money well in the long term; which the payday lenders are just not interested in.”

Foxx said “The adverts make Payday loans sound good, it’s quick, easy money that’s put into your bank account within as little as a few minutes.

BUT! What are these lenders not telling us?

I think if something sounds too good to be true it probably is!

If payday lenders are so good why have Glasgow City Council investigated the extent and impact payday loans have in our City?

Ryan said” As Foxx has mentioned credit unions are a good place to save up for things you want and need in the future but you’re probably thinking what’s in it for me now?

There will be prizes for the most frequent savers across

the City as well as this every First Year pupil in the City will get £10 put into their account just for joining.

So why not sign up with us today, just take an application form from our stall if you haven’t already got one and you’ll be well on your way to affording the finer things in life.

A member of the public was quoted as saying “You know, sitting back stage was quite the show for me I mean the Payday Lenders did call you their “members” (fingers) except Payday lenders don’t have members they have customers and yeah the Payday Lenders do give you loans of money but what they didn’t mention was their high percentage rates of up to 5000% on top of the money you borrowed.”

Westwood Business Centre Unit 2/31, 69 Abergaldie Road, Easterhouse, Glasgow G34 9HJ Phone: 0141 773 5850 Fax: 0141 781 1777 Email: info@gemap.co.uk MONDAY

22

Aries

Your Horoscope Predictions

Just a Thought

By Anne Smith

Welcome to part 2 on Life changing facts

(21 March - 20 April)

You may experience times of tiredness this month but your ruling planet Mars comes to the rescue mid-month as it visits Virgo, Uranus in your sign suggests all relationships will go under the microscope too and the balance, watch out for tipping points look for balance and at both sides before making decisions.

Taurus

(21 April - 21 May)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

You seem to have left your inhibitions behind this month and have found a real thrust for power, you can rule the world absolutely, but remember you will meet the people you tread on, ON the way up when you come back down again, this is a month to be tactful, please!

Scorpio

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

This is a month when it is nose to the grind stone, that tenacity is pushing you forward and a force to be reckoned with, you will leave everyone in no doubt about who and what you are, Mars moves into your sister sign Virgo on the 16th bringing a boost of energy and focus on creativity!

This is a month for the magnetic charismatic Scorpio to come into their own power, you are cool, calm sophisticated in all your endeavours and have us mere mortals eating from the palm of your hand, this is not the silent deep Scorpio, you have emerged, enjoy and embrace everything that makes you passionate.

Gemini

Sagittarius

(22 May - 21 June)

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

With Uranus in your house and Venus in Sagittarius your love zone it could be a sizzling month for romance, old or new as your passion and emotions come to the fore front of all you do this month! Your ruling planet Mercury is connecting with Neptune planet of dreams and shines a light, a light on you, go girlfriend!

Try not to let the past, past mistakes, past loves, ruin the moment, you are in a great position now, and what you believe about yourself is a vital part of how you proceed this month, with Mars in Virgo from the 16th this is the time to make changes, and listen, read or express carefully to all communication as Mercury is in backward motion around that time too.

Cancer

Capricorn

(22 June - 23 July)

This month gives you the opportunity to clear away debris or revive a stagnant situation, clear away the old to allow new beginnings should be your motto this month, there are big changes coming and with them great results, your creative juices flow too and you are on top form with ideas.

Leo

(24 July - 23 Aug)

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Try to respect others as you would expect them to do to you, it is a month of partnerships and friendships, a month of getting the smaller details sorted so we can plan to move to the bigger and brighter future, which is only an arm’s length away, patience!.

Aquarius

(21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Mars is in your sign until the 16th, while it is still in your sign it gives you added energy and pizazz, use the first part of the month to get noticed, whether at work or play, time to manifest your desires by becoming the proud lioness, queen of the universe.

Your ruling planet Uranus is known for its erupting qualities and it is about to go into over drive in your own sign, Venus in Sagittarius on the 6th of the month as well brings your attention to everything to do with love and romance, yes I know, not the normal hidden emotional you, a warm, exciting and passionate you, look out guy/girls, Aquarius is sizzling!

Virgo

Pisces

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

With Mars and Venus in your sign this month, there will be a lot of action, one way or another, relationships on all levels are healthier and happier as the air is cleared, you are a real live wire this month, so use this time and energy wisely forging ahead with new opportunities business and pleasure.

(20 Feb - 20 Mar)

The second half of the month is your time to shine, as the eclipse on the 18th is square with Neptune your ruling planet and this is your time to shine and sparkle for all to see, this is a new beginning a new you a new dawn, get ready to take centre stage and get recognised for all past efforts, your intuition is a an all-time high too, trust it!

Keep Faith Faith can mean different things to different people.

For religious people, Faith means trust in the divine force which sustains every life on earth.

For some others it will mean firm belief on some in their life’s philosophy.

Whatever it might be, the 3rd one of life’s most valuable facts will tell you to have faith; faith that you will survive, faith that you will emerge victorious no matter what, faith that you will achieve whatever you have set as your life’s goal.

If you take two people and provide them the same opportunity and same challenges, the one with faith will prevail and one without will not.

Some wise man once told “Be careful of what you wish because it will come true”. If you wish for excellence, you will be victorious.

If you fear that you will not succeed, you will never succeed.

Faith is the propeller which propels you to reach your destination overcoming all the obstacles.

Having faith is not an easy thing.

Even for people who think they have faith will have small doubts popping up in their mind every now and then.

One way to eradicate is to firmly believe that you are destined for great things and you will achieve what you have set out to get.

Through constant positive determination you can bolster your faith.

Remember this valuable life lesson the next time you face an obstacle.

Feedback No one is perfect. This is because perfection is never a constant state but an ongoing pro-

cess of excellence.

There might be stages in your life when you were wrong or your approach to solving some of your life’s problems were wrong.

There might be setbacks to your plans to achieve some specific goals.

In these situations the easiest way to get out from your fixed state of mind is to be open to feedback.

Ask any successful business person and he/she will tell you the value of feedback.

Even when their business is running smoothly, they constantly acquire feedback from their customers to strive for excellence or to figure out an emerging trend early enough.

From an individual’s stand point getting feedback can be anything like getting advice from your parents, grandparents, friends and well wishers.

But while you are taking advice keep one thing in mind.

Always take advice from a person who has been there and done that.

It is up to you to carefully analyze the advice and make your choice.

If you are a 20 year old, ask a 25 year old what he wished he would have done differently at the age of 20.

A 25 year old can ask a 30 year old and so on.

So many things you might not have imagined of will come to light and this will give you a chance to prepare yourself.

A feedback might not be always asking direct questions. It can be accomplished thorough indirect questions as well if you are too shy to ask for feedback.

Another way of getting feedback indirectly is to put you in another person’s shoes before making decisions.

As what that person would have done in similar situation.

Keep good Company What happens in the future,

The Re-Gen Crossword

Clearing the wood to see the trees

no one knows for sure.

But one thing you can do to ensure that you have a backup plan is by keeping good company. It is your choice.

Ask yourself whether the company you are keeping right now is adding value to your life or taking away value from your life.

A study has proven that your salary will be an average of the salaries of your best friends.

The company you keep will have significant impact when you go through a rough time.

Believe me everyone in this world will have a time where the going gets tough.

But if you keep good company with friends and relatives who are willing to help, who wish for your success, who are not selfish and money minded then your problems are half solved.

Good friends are one of the major investments you will ever make.

If you have a good friend, try to maintain that relationship at any cost Choices Where you stand in life now and where you reach in life after several years is dependent on the choice which we make.

Each and every choice which we make will change the universe in some way.

The seemingly insignificant choices will make a huge differ-

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 29

Across

1. Cultivated plot (6) 4. Written musical compositions (6) 9. Film (5) 10. Refrain from voting (7) 11. Listlessness (8) 12. Meat or vegetables cooked slowly (4) 14. Shrink (6) 16. Evaded (6) 19. Part of the neck (4) 20. Resident (8) 23. Inactivity (7) 24. Play (5) 25. Excused (6) 26. Deferred payment (6)

Down

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ence in one’s life.

I will tell you a story as example which can happen to anyone.

One person was about to choose a career path as an architect.

But he went to a town where he had two choices of café shops.

He chose one and incidentally meets one of his old buddies there.

During the conversation his buddy pointed out why he should choose Mechanical engineering instead of architecture and reminded of his skills which will catapult his career as a top Mechanical engineer.

He eventually took the advice and went on to become a great Mechanical engineer and much more rewarding than an architect.

In the above story if the person chose the other café for taking his coffee, then he would have never met his friend and never changed his mind.

Choices have a cascading effect. There are some times when we don’t have a choice but most of the times we do have a choice.

Think carefully before making your choice because a simple choice can have great effects in long run.

Until next edition continue to strive to improve and any suggestions or questions on the content please email justathoughtregen@aol.co.uk

1. Risk taker (7) 2. Stud (5) 3. Panache (8) 5. Monetary value (4) 6. Responded (7) 7. Tendon (5) 8. Freight (5) 13. Flatfish (8) 15. Use up (7) 17. Take away (7) 18. Large expanse of water (5) 19. Dissonance (5) 21. Accolade (5) 22. Pace (4)

23

Campaign launched to highlight alternative to high interest lenders PEOPLE crippled by Christmas debt are being urged to seek help before they start 2014 in the red, Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said this week.

Timed to coincide with the first pay packet of the year, the Helping Hand with Debt campaign aims to help cashstrapped families who are in financial trouble after overspending at Christmas.

People are being encouraged to consider credit unions as an ethical and affordable alternative to payday loans.

First Minister Alex Salmond announced last year plans to protect consumers, pledging payday lenders would be subject to tougher regulation in an independent Scotland.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said: “If people are worried about debt after Christmas, they should seek urgent advice because help is at hand.

“There are alternative and more affordable solutions to manage your debt this year than payday loans with interest

rates of up to 5000%.

“Credit unions can offer sensible, ethical help as well as loans at much more competitive rates with affordable repayments at fairer and more attractive terms.

“There is also other help available to deal with post-Christmas debt and I would urge anyone to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free, expert advice.”

Margaret Lynch, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland said: “This is a very challenging time of year for people, financially; especially for those on low incomes.

“Many people will have spent more than they expected to on Christmas and New Year, and as a result will now be facing the consequences of this, as well as the New Year bills.

It’s a tough time, and we tend to find an increase in the numbers of people who come to us around now for financial advice.

“It’s important that people know help is available, and that

there is no shame in asking for it.

If you are struggling to pay the bills you’re certainly not alone, and the money advisers in your local CAB are trained to help you, with free confidential advice that is tailored uniquely to your circumstances.

“In general though, our main message is to avoid making your situation worse by taking out a payday loan or other high-interest loans and we fully support the Scottish Government’s campaign in raising awareness of alternative sources of finance such as credit unions.”

Frank McKillop, Policy and Relations Manager (Scotland), Association of British Credit Unions Limited said: “Joining a credit union is a great way for people from all walks of life to get on top of their finances, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s call for more people to turn to credit unions.

“Credit unions can help people get out of the habit of using high cost lenders, and into the habit of saving, budgeting and borrowing responsibly.”

Scotcash is a one-stop financial education and inclusion service where customers can access a range of financial goods and services without the need to go elsewhere.

At Scotcash, customers who may not have access to products from a bank or building society are offered cost-effective personal loans with the aim of reducing the number of people using often more expensive doorstep lenders. As a customer you have the option of opening a savings account with a local Credit Union, where conveniently, the amount of your savings will be deducted from your bank account along with the loan repayment so there is no need for 2 direct debits. Since opening in 2007, the savings scheme at Scotcash has opened a total of 452 savings accounts which has facilitated its customers to save approximately £144,558, this has allowed them to build up savings for planned events such as Christmas, birthdays, holidays etc. Sharon MacPherson (CEO Scotcash) says: “It’s a great way to start saving and couldn’t be easier to set up as our loan officers will complete all the necessary paperwork at the same time as your personal loan.”

As an extra benefit, your savings may be protected by free life savings insurance. This means if anything should happen to you, your next of kin would receive twice the value of your savings *terms & conditions apply including 6 months pre-existing condition limitation.

Scotcash also provides basic bank accounts and money advice as well as offering finance packages on household goods including washing machines, cookers, fridge freezers and microwaves.

If you want to find out more about Scotcash, please visit their new, updated website at www. scotcash.net which has been designed to be more interactive and informative for anyone who is interested in them. You can also see where all of the Scotcash offices are in the locations page as there are now six offices to choose from. You can also contact them by calling 0141 276 0525 or by post at:

Scotcash, 55, High Street, Glasgow, G1 1LX

24

Parliamentary Patter

Glasgow North Bob Doris MSP JANUARY is a time when many people are feeling the pinch, as we return to work with the bills from Christmas still to pay.

Most will need to tighten their belt for a couple of months, but some will be seriously suffering due to the rip-off interest rates charged by so-called payday lenders – legalised loan sharks who target the unemployed and the low paid.

This is a serious and growing problem.

These lenders are rife on our high streets and charge extortionate rates of up to 4,000%.

A hundred Scots every week seek help from Citizens Advice because of them.

While most of the powers to tackle the issue are reserved to London, the Scottish Government has agreed to my call this month for a summit to see what we can do with the limited powers currently at our disposal.

I will keep you updated.

Further good news this month is the Scottish Government announcement that, from next year, universal free school meals will be provided for all children in Primary 1,2 and 3.

This will benefit almost 17,000 children in our city, and is a result of the SNP majority at Holyrood, as sadly Labour voted against this prohealth and anti-poverty initiative.

Also, by next year 27% of twoyear-olds from the most deprived backgrounds will be entitled to 600 hours of childcare.

Again, bizarrely, Labour voted against this, while still demanding additional childcare!

Labour appear to be playing politics with childcare and free school meals.

It seems they will do anything to secure a No vote in September’s independence referendum, even at the expense of our young people.

Fortunately, ordinary Labour members who disagree with the

your Member of the Scottish Parliament leadership have formed Labour for Independence, a progressive group within the party.

They understand that only independence will fully allow for the kind of step change in childcare that ensures full equality for women and gives our children the best start in life.

Within the first two terms of an independent Scotland, we will see all preschool children over the age of one get over 1,000 hours of childcare a year.

Finally, as I write this, the Scottish budget is to be debated in parliament.

The Scottish Government will set out our nation’s spending priorities in a balanced budget.

I await the usual spectacle of certain other parties simultaneously making unfunded demands and seeking to deny our country the powers to grow and retain our own wealth.

Member of the Scottish Parliament for

Glasgow Maryhill & Springburn For advice or assistance please contact: Constituency Office 43 Atlas Road Glasgow G21 4TA Tel: 0141 558 9483 Email: Patricia.ferguson.msp@scottishparliament.uk Website: www.patriciaferguson.labour.co.uk Working hard for the communities of Acre, Ashfield, Balgrayhill, Balornock, Cadder, Carron, Colston, Cowlairs, Gairbraid, Germiston, Hamiltonhill, Kelvindale, Keppochmill, Kirklee, Lambhill, Maryhill, Maryhill Park, Milton, Parkhouse, Petershill, Port Dundas, Possilpark, Royston, Ruchill, Sighthill, Springburn, Summerston and Wyndford

Contact Bob Doris MSP

Constituency office: 3rd Floor, Empire House 131 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2RX

0141 353 0784 bob.doris.msp@scottish.parliament.uk www.bobdoris.org twitter.com/GlasgowMSP facebook.com/bob.doris.msp

WHEN Alex Salmond published his White Paper manifesto for breaking up the UK, he said that childcare would be his priority in an independent Scotland.

The fact is, however, that the power to transform childcare provision is already devolved to the Scottish Parliament so he could make big changes right now.

The fact that Alex Salmond refuses to do so shows that he is trying to bribe people to vote for independence.

However, I believe that providing the best start for our young people is too important to become a political game in the independence debate and that action should be taken now.

On the 7th January the Scottish Parliament debated early years education and childcare.

Following that debate the SNP claimed that Labour MSPs voted against the universal provision of free school meals to children in primaries 1,2 & 3 .

The reality is that what myself and my colleagues voted against was a statement by the SNP that independence is necessary to realise the ambitions for

early years education and childcare in Scotland.

Because Scottish Labour genuinely believes that childcare should be a priority as the best means of lifting children out of poverty, and because we recognise that scarce finances should be directed to where they can make the most difference, we sought support from MSPs across the chamber for action to deliver for children now, including providing 50% of two-year-olds with 600 hours of free early learning and care in 2014.

Unfortunately SNP MSPs voted against this proposal both in the chamber and in committee when one of my colleagues tabled an amendment to a bill currently going through parliament.

Providing universal free school meals for primaries 1,2&3 does not tackle child poverty as children from the poorest households are already receiving free school meals so making this a universal provision will actually benefit those children whose parents could afford to pay for a school meal.

It has been argued that providing free school meals to all eliminates any

stigma that might be attached to them but there are other ways that this can be addressed.

Scottish Labour’s proposal is to spend the available money on improved childcare now, not sometime after 2016 and dependent upon people voting to separate from the UK, we would prioritise the 30,000 most vulnerable children who would benefit from that childcare, giving them the best possible start in life.

This would also help parents, particularly women, get into work thus ensuring that child poverty is tackled in the most effective way possible.

I regret that the SNP has chosen to make the future of Scotland’s young people a ploy in their desperate attempt to win the referendum in September.

Whilst they play politics myself and my Scottish Labour colleagues will continue to do the best we can to deliver the best future for Scotland.

In closing, I would like to wish ReGen a happy 5th birthday and thank Karen and her team for the contribution they have made to our communities over the past 5 years.

Willie Bain MP

Willie Bain MP minimum wage, and the other on payday lending gave me an opportunity to speak up on these issues.I pointed out that the wage share for ordinary workers needs to rise or else the question will be who benefits from this growth?

Take what happened to wages last year in my constituency.

In the year to April, average wages (only £342 a week) fell in cash terms by nearly 2%, at the same time that the inflation rate stood at 2.7%, meaning people were in real terms nearly 5% worse off than the previous April. 16.5% of my constituents who go out to work bring home less than a living wage. People

For Glasgow Region [SNP]

Patricia Ferguson MSP

Patricia Ferguson MSP

THE focus of MPs remains firmly on the economy, how best to strengthen the recovery, and make sure it delivers a comeback in terms of living standards for ordinary people.

I welcome the return to growth and the fall in the numbers of jobless people, but also believe this is masking the real picture of what is happening to our industrial base, the declining quality of jobs being generated, record numbers of people trapped in insecure, low skill and reduced hours work, and the continuing weak prospects for wage growth.

Two recent debates in Parliament – one on the national

Bob Doris MSP

working more hours, but with a lot less to show for it.

So we need to go much further to secure a real recovery that reaches ordinary people – we need to take firm action to move more workers on to a living wage, and being more ambitious on ways to extend the enforcement and real power of the minimum wage in different sectors of the economy; we need to build more homes to release the pressure weak housing supply is causing to prospective home-owners and renters alike; we need to get the more than 600 long-term and youth unemployed in Glasgow North East into decent jobs.

Member of Parliament Glasgow North East Constituency Office Office G2, Abbeymill Business Centre, Flemington House, 110 Flemington Street, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4BX Telephone: 0141 557 2513 Email: williebain.mp@parliament.uk Website: www.williebain.com

25

Parliamentary Patter

Glasgow East Paul Martin MSP

Paul Martin MSP

Your constituency Member of the Scottish Parliament

1st Friday of the Month*

Cranhill 11.00 am Cranhill Community Project, 109 Bellrock Street G33 3HE Wellhouse 12 noon Wellhouse Hub, 49 Wellhouse Crescent G33 4LA Easterhouse 1.00 pm The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, G34 9DU Budhill 2.00 pm Budhill Family Learning Centre, Hallhill Road, Springboig, G32 0PR

2nd Monday of the Month* Barmulloch 5.15 pm Barmulloch Community Centre 46 Wallacewell Quadrant, G21

4th Monday of the Month*

Garthamlock 4.00 pm GESH, 1 Redcastle Square, G33 5EG Craigend 5.00 pm St Rose or Lima Primary School, 295 Mossvale Road, G33 5QS Carntyne 6.00 pm High Carntyne Church (Carntyne Square), 358 Carntynehall Road, G32 6LW

*No surgeries on Public Holidays

Constituency Office: 604 Alexandra Parade Glasgow G31 3 BS 0141 564 1364 Open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Closed for Lunch 12.30pm - 1.30pm

Email: paul.martin.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Website: www.paulmartin.org.uk

Margaret Curran MP RECENT analysis has shown that Glasgow East benefited from over £1.12 million worth of National Lottery grants in the 12 months to October 2013.

Throughout this period 69 local projects received funding; helping organisations as varied as schools, clubs, charities and Housing Associations to grow and prosper.

There is no doubt that these grants have made a huge difference locally, often offering a financial life-line in tough times.

And this 12 month period is by no means unique.

Hundreds of local groups have benefitted from Lottery funding since its inception and many more will go on to do so.

Take the ‘Learning Works’ programme operated by Thenue Housing Association, in partnership with Kelvin College.

It helps the long term unemployed in the East End develop skills which will improve their chances of finding work or moving into further education.

Late last year it received an award of £445,570 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Or Upkeep Shettleston Community Enterprises Ltd; which provides affordable white goods to people on low incomes and offers volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills and enhance their employability. It received £143,897 last December.

Both these examples high-

light, on a small scale, the enormous opportunities that groups and organisations throughout Scotland have as a result of our membership of the UK. The idea that we pool our resources across a nation of 65m and share them according to need and merit, and not simply according to geography, is central to the positive case for the UK. That a Welshman buying a lottery ticket has helped support charities in the East End of Glasgow is a powerful and inspiring concept.

And this concept – of unity and solidarity – demonstrates precisely why the United Kingdom has been such an enduring success.

Ruth Davidson MSP Parliamentary:

Constituency Office:

M2. 13 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP

1373 Argyle Street Glasgow G3 8AF

Telephone: 0131 348 6370

Telephone: 0141 357 2739 Text relay calls welcome

Parliamentary Office Information: Edmund Dalziel edmund.dalziel@scottish. parliament.co.uk

Constituency Office Information: Elaine Herlihy: reposnsible for constituency casework Tel: 0141 357 2739 Email: Elaine.Herlihy@ scottish.parliament.uk

Surgery Times:

If you wish to meet Ruth please call 0141 357 2739 or 0131 348 6370 to arrange an appointment

and a number of mothers whose children have been the victims of dog attacks.

I welcome the First Minister’s commitment to a summit to discuss how we take the issue forward and to look at how to promote responsible dog ownership.

I hope that that will allow further debate on the issue and that we will consider putting in place robust measures to develop responsible dog ownership.

I am strongly in favour of compulsory microchipping.

We must look at using that method to promote responsible dog ownership.

A lack of compulsory microchipping or any mandatory licensing suggests that we are not serious about ensuring responsible dog ownership.

ON Friday 18 October last year, eight-year-old Broagan McCuaig suffered horrendous injuries when she was attacked by two American bulldogs in the back court of her home in the Garthamlock area of my constituency.

Were it not for the bravery of a local passer-by, Broagan might not be alive today to tell her tale.

Thousands of similar incidents involving out-of-control dogs have been recorded over the past five years in Scotland.

Over that period, there has been a 17 per cent increase in the number of such incidents.

Too many children have suffered because of the current dog laws and action must be taken.

Last month, I arranged a meeting with the First Minister

Another measure that might be worth considering is the introduction of a restricted breeds list that is similar to the Irish model.

Those animals or crosses of them must be muzzled in public places and walked on short leads by people who are no younger than 16.

Those dogs earned their place on that list not because they are perceived to be more dangerous than other dogs or more aggressive than Jack Russells or Yorkshire terriers but because of their physical attributes.

Their weight, height and jaw strength make them possibly dangerous dogs in public.

It is time we took action so that there are no more victims like Broagan.

Margaret Curran MP Advice Surgery Details

1st Friday of the month 10 am Carmyle Community Centre, Hillcrest Road 11:15 am The Bridge Easterhouse 1st Saturday of the month 10 am St Andrews Secondary School, Torphin Crescent, Carntyne 11:15 am St Andrews Church, Church Street, Baillieston 3rd Friday of the month 10 am Parkhead Housing Association Online Surgery Email: margaret.curran.mp.@parliament.uk There will be no surgeries held during school/bank holidays I also offer specialist surgeries throughout the year for young people, schools and others as requested. Please contact me for more details.

Your Member of Parliament for GLASGOW EAST

5 Ways to contact Margaret Write: Email:

Academy House Phone: 0141 778 8993 1346 Shettleston Road Glasgow G32 9AT Web: http://margaretcurran.org margaret.curran.mp.@parliament.uk Tweet: @Margaret_Curran

Ruth Davidson MSP IF you are anything like me, January is the time for making – and more often than not breaking – all manner of New Year’s resolutions.

It has become something of an annual ritual for many of us, a light-hearted extension of our festive traditions.

However, there is a serious side to all this, highlighted in a recent report suggesting that we, as a nation, are getting progressively more obese.

The National Obesity Forum said predictions that half the UK population would be obese by the year 2050 were underestimating the problem and the reality is much worse than any-

body previously thought.

However, 2014 offers us a great opportunity to focus on sport and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Whether it is the swimming centre at Tollcross or the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave us with a tremendous legacy of world class facilities available for all the public to use.

After all, if you have watched the world’s top athletes set world records in the pool or on the track, it will hopefully act as a great motivation for some to try and set and break their own personal goals using these

same facilities when the games are over.

And for others, it might just be the spark to get them off the couch for the first time in a while.

What better legacy for the people of Glasgow than if we were to grasp the opportunity provided by the Games to make some important health-improving changes to our lifestyle?

As ever, if you wish to contact me about any issue please do not hesitate to email me on ruth.davidson.msp@scottish. parliament.uk or call my constituency office on 0141 357 2739.

26

Environmental

Green Legacy from 2014 Games WITH the eyes of the world coming to Glasgow this year, Green Glasgow are keen to promote their plans to have a legacy from the substantial public investment.

Green Glasgow is a partnership between the Council, transport body SPT, Scottish Water and others and seeks to help Glasgow achieve the status of being the most environmentally friendly city in Europe by 2020.

Since winning the race to become host city back in 2007, preparations have been underway to ensure that the 11 days of competition are truly world class.

However, the Games partners are not only concerned with the event itself but also the legacy it can build for Glasgow and for Scotland.

One key thread of this legacy is the environment; and Glasgow City Council is currently working on a

plan to develop and deliver around 20 greener legacy projects.

One flagship project is to deliver new, high quality greenspaces at sites across the city.

The sites represent a range of different community and environmental needs and the projects will help meet these needs by drawing on the knowledge and ideas of local people.

Each greenspace will be designed with more than one use in mind to get the most from the land.

For example, it may be possible to open up a stretch of the Tollcross Burn that is currently diverted into an underground pipe.

Opening up the burn will not only help protect homes and businesses from flooding, but could create new areas of wildlife habitat.

Getting Glasgow energy efficient

THE energy performance of Glasgow City Council’s buildings is of paramount importance.

By leading the way in energy efficient retrofitting and new builds the council aims to encourage and influence the private and domestic sectors to do the same.

The council has begun a programme of installing smart metering on all its building.

The smart meters allow the council to monitor its energy consumption identifying unusual patterns of consumption, opportunities to make the

buildings more efficient and save money.

The council has also installed voltage optimisation equipment to ensure the correct levels of supply to council buildings which reduces electricity bills and saving money, as well as enhancing the lifespan of equipment and reducing demand of the supply network.

Similarly we also save money and reduce our heating costs, through a boiler optimisation programme on the council’s buildings estate.

This aims to minimise wasted heat generation and inhib-

iting unnecessary firings of boilers unless there is an actual demand for heat in a building.

Glasgow City Council, in conjunction with our partners in Sustainable Glasgow, is actively exploring the development of district heat networks across the city.

These networks aim to provide low-cost, energy efficient heating and hot water for Glasgow residents.

A number of schemes are under consideration and development.

A system is already in place at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village and two sporting venues, with plans to extend it to social housing after the Games.

There are many other initiatives underway - LED lighting, energy performance contracting, biomass boilers, and photo-voltaic panels.

Saving energy benefits everyone, whether it is lower fuel bills, warmer homes and businesses and helping reduce harm to the environment.

Letting Glasgow Flourish A HUGE amount of work is taking place in Glasgow’s parks, green spaces, woodlands and river valleys to protect, manage, enhance and increase the rich diversity of habitats and species.

The council has been working with our partners to promote biodiversity, which in its simplest form means all things living on the planet from plants to fauna and micro-organisms to mammals, through practical actions and environmental education of local communities.

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Glasgow focuses on key habitats and species while working positively on themes that deliver on the statutory requirements for the city on the environment.

An ecosystems approach is now being taken with the development of the Natural Environment Strategy for the city which will complement and work with Glasgow’s Open Space Strategy in taking

forward the sustainable management of the city’s land and water resources.

The Green Network across the city exists on the foundation of designated areas - Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Local Nature Reserves (LNR) - and builds upon the natural and transportation corridors to form the link between the city and wider countryside.

The Parks and Open Space Strategy aims to maintain and enhance the range of facilities and amenities within parks

raising environmental issues REDUCING YOUR ENERGY BILLS

and to deliver a comprehensive parks service, including an annual parks development programme and measures to support sustainability, conservation, biodiversity and environmental education.

Glasgow aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy the natural green spaces of the city, connecting people to places, creating world class city parks and developing initiatives that encourage volunteers and local people to participate in the management of their local spaces.

27

Welfare Reform

Government report links welfare cuts to increase of food banks A NEWLY published report by the Scottish Government has suggested that more people are having to rely on foodbanks as policies such as the “Bedroom Tax” start to bite.

Researchers also found that every organisation in Glasgow that provides meals and food parcels has experienced an increase in the demand for their services.

Some respondents thought that there are people in need who are “under the radar” and consequently do not get referred to food aid providers.

As one interviewee put it, “It‟s a hard thing to say you need food”.

Another interviewee pointed at the fact that there is unmet need in those poverty hotspots where there are no foodbanks or where foodbanks are unable to meet the demand.

The respondent from Glasgow SE Foodbank said that her foodbank fed 682 people over 2012/13 but it had already fed 1,200 between April and August this year.

Similarly, the Storehouse has observed a four-fold increase in demand since 2012.

Some respondents expressed a particular concern over the fact that their services feed an alarmingly high and growing number of children.

Speaking to the ReGen about the welfare reforms, the Glasgow North East MP William Bain said: “It is clear that the cuts to benefits like the Bedroom Tax is meaning more and more people are forced to use foodbanks.

The poorest in society are paying the price of the brutal cuts being imposed by the Conservative Government,

“It is also increasingly worrying that the number children who need foodbanks for things like nappies shows just how cruel some of these reforms are.”

As for the reasons behind this recent rise in demand for food parcels and cooked meals, the majority of respondents pointed at the changes to the benefit system.

The “bedroom tax”, benefit sanctions and benefit transfers resulting in payment “gaps” were thought to be the main three reasons for clients not having enough income to buy food.

Some also spoke of their clients being forced to use food aid because of not having enough working hours (or having lost overtime).

One respondent observed that the rise in demand may partly be attributed to growing awareness of foodbanks among potential clients, mainly due to foodbanks being highlighted in the media and to the “word of mouth” spreading wider and wider.

It has been estimated that more than 500,000 people in the UK are reliant on emergency food aid.

However, in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, determining the exact scale of food aid provision and the dynamics of its demand remains problematic.

In part this is due to the diverse and often informal nature of food aid providers.

The types of food aid that were the main focus of the study were provision of food parcels and provision of meals.

Those providing food parcels included organisations operating a formal referral system,

such as Trussell Trust foodbanks, and more informal services encompassing also those who provide food parcels on an ad hoc basis as part of other charitable operations.

Those providing meals included any place where free soup, sandwiches or hot meals are available, such as at hostels/day centres/community cafes.

Trussell Trust foodbanks form only a part of the food

parcel provision in Glasgow City.

The study findings suggest that “soup kitchens” in Scotland are used mainly by homeless people who also tend to have long-standing issues, such as substance dependency or poor mental health.

Foodbanks are mainly used by people who are housed but who have little or no income.

Unlike other locations, Glasgow City also has a third cat-

egory of clients: destitute migrants.

This group tends to be homeless or threatened with homelessness and mainly comprises asylum seekers whose application for asylum has been rejected.

Providers who participated in the study were in agreement that welfare reform, benefit delays, benefit sanctions and falling incomes have been the main factors driving the recent

trend observed of increased demand for food aid.

The findings suggest that Trussell Trust data on the chief reasons for referrals are largely representative of what has been happening nationally for other food parcel providers.

With 18% of people across the UK suggesting that they have skipped a meal because of financial reasons, it is time that a country as well of as ours sorts out the shame of our time.

28

Police Scotland

Local Police News Male Arrested in Breach of Adult Protection Order

ON Tuesday 7th January 2014 officers received information that a 44 year old male had been repeatedly breaching a temporary banning order under terms of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

The male was released from prison on 3rd January 2014 after which he immediately began to breach the order by visiting his 84 year old mother whom the banning order was in place to protect.

The male was arrested and detained to appear at court.

ing about the head, neck and body.

As a result of the enquiry a 22 year old male was arrested and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Bogus Workers Continue Targeting the Vulnerable

Speeding Deemed Dangerous

OFFICERS on duty in the Springburn Road area on Friday 10th January 2014 were shocked to see a vehicle travelling in the 30mph limit at 66mph!

Due to the excessive speed the vehicle was travelling at it was deemed to be nothing short of dangerous driving and a 46 year old female has been reported regarding the incident.

Attempted Murder

OFFICERS rushed to the scene of an attempt murder on Friday 17th January 2014 on Maryhill Road.

A 44 year old male was crossing the road when he was deliberately struck by a vehicle being driven by a 26 year old male who immediately made off.

Police traced the vehicle nearby and found it being driven by the 26 year old with an 18 year old male passenger and a 29 year old female passenger.

The 44 year old male sustained a suspected broken leg and a head injury and a 26 year old male and an 18 year old male were arrested and detained to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Drunk Driving

OFFICERS across Glasgow continue tracing drivers drink driving showing the public that they will get caught if they

drive whilst under the influence risking the lives of others.

In the early hours of the morning on Saturday 11th January 2014 officers had cause to stop a vehicle near to Dunolly Street.

On speaking to the driver officers detected a strong smell of alcohol. The driver subsequently failed the roadside breath test and was arrested.

A 20 year old male has been reported regarding the incident.

A short time later at 0200hrs also on Saturday 11th January 2014 officers on patrol near to Baird Street Police Office observed a female hanging from the rear door of a stationary vehicle.

Officers stopped to speak to her and ensure her safety and welfare at which time she was now in the drivers seat with the engine running and her seatbelt on.

The female informed the officers she had dropped her mobile phone and was looking for it under the car seats.

Officers could smell alcohol from the female and she thereafter failed the roadside breath test and was arrested.

A 39 year old female has been reported regarding the circumstances.

The driving offences continued into Saturday 11th January 2014 with a 36 year old male failing to give way at a junction on Petershill Drive and colliding with another vehicle being driven by a learner driver.

Police were contacted and on attendance found the 36 year

old male to appear to be unfit to driver and smelling strongly of cannabis.

Traffic officers also attended and performed a Field Impairment Test and found the male to be unfit to drive.

He was thereafter arrested and reported regarding the incident.

A further male was arrested that weekend with a 27 year old disqualified driver being stopped by officers after a report regarding a possible drunk driver on Springburn Road.

The male was found to smell strongly of alcohol and failed the roadside breath test after which he was arrested and reported for various offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Fraudulent Prescription

STAFF at Boots the Chemist, Duke Street were on the ball recently when a 34 year old male attended and attempted to obtain prescription drugs with a forged prescription.

Staff contacted the doctors surgery listed on the documentation and established it was indeed forged and police subsequently attended and arrested the male who has now been reported regarding the circumstances.

Supply of Alcohol to Juveniles

A 30 year old male has been reported following officers ob-

serving him to supply alcohol to an under age youth outside an off sales on Shettleston Road.

The incident occurred at 1930hrs on Friday 10th January 2014 and on speaking with the male he saw the error in his ways and was subsequently reported regarding the incident.

Offensive Behaviour at Football

TWO males age 16 and 18 were arrested within the stadium at Celtic Park during the Celtic versus Motherwell game on Saturday 18th January 2014.

The males were observed to be singing offensive songs which will not be tolerated by Police Scotland.

The males will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later specified date.

Attempted Murder

ON Saturday 18th January 2014 a 15 year old male was stabbed whilst within the park area near to Canmore Place and Canmore Street.

The youth sustained 2 stab wounds to the back and a stab would to his arm and was rushed to hospital where his injuries were treated as potentially life threatening.

A 16 year old boy was arrested and detained for court for attempted murder.

Good Samaritan Seriously Assaulted

A 24 year old male in search of a food outlet in the early hours of Sunday 19th January 2014 regretted taking a wrong turn!

The male, who had recently moved to Glasgow and settled in Maryhill, was unfamiliar with the area and after heading out to go to Tesco he took a wrong turn and got lost.

He observed a dwelling house with the front door lying ajar and in an attempt to do a good deed he knocked on the door to inform the householder that their door was lying open.

He didn’t get quite the reception you would expect though and instead of thanking him for his good deed the householder attacked him with a knife, repeatedly attempting to strike him with the knife and punch the victim.

The attacker finished his assault on the male with a final kick to the head after which the male was able to get to his feet and walk from the area before contacting an ambulance.

The male sustained several wounds including stab wounds to the face and hands and bruis-

6 MALES ages 19, 20, 28, 30, 31 and 37 were arrested on Thursday 16th January 2014 following an incident in Kirkintilloch.

The males repeatedly attended at the home address of a vulnerable elderly gentleman informing him of work he required to have done to his house including the roof.

On each visit to the property the males stated they had found further work that required addressing, bumping up the cost each time and sending the gentleman to the bank to withdraw a further quantity of cash.

The additional values were relatively small however added up considerably until Thursday 16th January when they requested he withdraw a larger sum of cash from the bank.

Staff at the bank in Kirkintilloch became suspicious of the frequent withdrawals and the size of the requested withdrawal and contacted the police who attended immediately.

Officers found the accused males at the victim’s home address and they were detained and subsequently arrested.

In total the males attempted to fraudulently obtain almost £20000 from the elderly man.

For information on doorstep crime or assistance regarding home security contact your local Community Policing Team.

29 Cars for sale

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THE ReGen is offering a free advertising service for people who have items that would like to sell or exchange.

If you have an unwanted Christmas present, or are having a post holiday clear out, don’t just throw your things in the bin, why not sell or exchange them for something that you really want?

Make space and a bit of money at the same time for free using this page in the ReGen. If you have any items that you would like listed then please email the details to info@regennewspapers.co.uk.

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CARS SPORTS EQUIPMENT

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30

EXTRA SPORT - DOWN MEMORY LANE

CHANGING FACES - and Baillieston Juniors had plenty of them between October and December, 1999. Back Row - Webster, McLaren, Queen, Drennan, G McIntyre, Stryke, Quinn and Loughran. Front Row - McCafferty, McLauchlan, Warren, D McIntyre, McGowan, Ryan and Andrews.

He revealed: “The comple- Scottish Junior Cup winners, CAN it really be a who also appeared in two decade (2003-2004) tion of the project is now in since BAILLIESTON doubt, however, as the club other Ibrox Stadium finals ( losing against Blantyre Vics JUNIORS applied for SJFA has been refused funding from sportscotland at the initial ap- and Bo’ness United) over a non-playing membership four-year period, brought a plication stage. taking a year out - only to “The reason cited by sad end to some very troubled disappear from the game sportscotland is that there times. completely?

Having been relegated out of Founded in 1919, Station would not be a significant increase in sporting participation the old-style Central Premier Park had already been sold to set-up in 1999, Baillieston generated by the development.

Housing Developers before “Funding has become a ma- could only manage two league the Central League Second jor issue due in most part to wins before Christmas during Division outfit, who finished the continuing delays being the next campaign, and five fifth top in their final competitive campaign, entered into faced by the club in relation to overall saw them exit through another trap door into the the project. ground-sharing agreements “The club’s design team basement division. at two other Glasgow-based More importantly, in the completed the tender phase. clubs. space of 15 months, there apIn April, 2003, Juniors’ Returns indicate a much highMatch Secretary Graeme Kel- er figure than was originally peared to be a revolving manager’s door at Station Park as budgeted for. ly expressed fears about the As a consequence, there is a four different backroom changfuture of the East End club es took place. All of them failed amid successfully obtaining significant shortfall in funding for the project, in the region of to revive the fortunes of a once planning permission for a new well-known and respected ju£200,000.” sports development in Ervie The demise of the 1980 nior football club.

Street, Easterhouse.

BOSS SEEKS LEAGUE SAFETY

STEWART MAXWELL insists he still has a good relationship with his former Petershill Juniors’ employers - but that won’t stop him trying to finish above the Super Premier Division club in his position as Kirkintilloch Rob Roy manager.

The Adamslie Park hot seat has become his first attempt at football management following a lengthy junior career served in both the East and West Regions.

Said Stewart: “I have a lot of time for Willie Paterson and Scott Smith. They are good pals of mine, and I really enjoyed my time as a player with them at Peasy.

“Willie admitted they would find it hard to replace me after I applied for and got the Rob Roy job.

“I signed for Petershill as a left wing-back and was encouraged to combine both defensive and attacking duties. However, Willie and Scott knew I could also step into a central defensive role or play further for-

ward in a couple of midfield positions when required.

“Apart from my departure, Peasy have lost key players like big Ryan Jordan (to Arthurlie), Stephen McGladrigan missed games following an ankle operation, and Richie Burke was out for a lengthy spell.

Others have suffered a form “blip” compared to last season, when the team were runners-up to Super Premier Division champions Auchinleck Talbot.

“Knowing the Peasy set-up, if Rob Roy can finish above them we should be safe from relegation.

I have a points target in mind,and the number we need to collect from our remaining games.

“Going into management has been an eye-opener for me.

A massive learning experience.

We’ve had ups and downs along the way, which I expected, because initially I had to put a backroom team in place even before I could consider

signing anyone.

“Billy Thomson and Paul Ronald came on board, and we are working within a financial budget three times less than the previous manager.

“We have had to build almost from scratch.

A number of last season’s regulars left the club to sign for Pollok, and it takes time for new players to gel together.

“I have guys out on loan at other junior clubs, and a couple of new signings came in just before Christmas.

“I believe there are exciting times ahead for the club with a new ground in the pipeline, but we must retain our Super Premier Division status to attract a different type of player next season.

The missive has been signed, grants are in place, and during the transition period we will need to ground-share with another junior club, but that can wait for now.

“If we can keep Rob Roy up it will be like reaching a cup final.”

COOK’S PROMOTION RECIPE From May, 1993 BAILLIESTON JUNIORS Match Secretary Jim Cook admitted the Station Park club could not afford an extended stay in the Reebok Second Division.

Said Jim: “Without doubt the major difference in this division is cash - or rather the lack of it - at the gates.

“We’ve had linesmen at every home game.

That costs £26 a time.

“With all due respect to other clubs, it’s really difficult to generate money. Of course, it’s our own fault after finishing second bottom of the First Division last season.”

After going out of the OVD Scottish Junior Cup at Kilbirnie Ladeside, the Station Park club suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Thorniewood United, who went on to clinch the championship with 40 points from 26 games.

Second-placed Rob Roy had 37 points, with Baillieston a further two points adrift of the Kirkintilloch club.

The trio were promoted to the Reebok First Division.

Meanwhile, VALE OF CLYDE finished second bottom of the Premier Division and were relegated alongside Neilston and Kilsyth Rangers.

PETERSHILL, ten points ahead of Pollok Juniors, were crowned Premier Division champions.

STEWART MAXWELL, pictured (back row left) in the winning Cambuslang Rangers team from the 2000 Sectional League Cup final against Shotts Bon Accord, has entered junior football management at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

GLASGOW CITY AWARDS

CAT CLAIMS DOUBLE HONOUR

NAMED Team of the Year at the sportscotland Scottish Sports Award ceremony, Glasgow City have confirmed their own individual winners right through the club.

From Under-9 to the record-breaking First Team the list makes for impressive reading.

Most Improved Player: Under-9 - Zara Colquhoun.

Under-11 - Danielle Scott.

Goalkeeper, North Glasgowbased.

Send your stories and photographs to the Re-Gen Sports desk at sport@regennewspapers.co.uk or call Tom on 07814269198

Dear Tom, I was really pleased with your article (Keeper Charts Promotion) in the first paper of 2014.

My father is also delighted with the story! I managed to pick up some extra copies at New Petershill Park.

Many thanks once again, Stephen Mather, Junior Football

to promote a product when the trader has paid for the promotion without stating that it is an advertisement.

Claims that a trader is ceasing trading or moving when that is not the

case and false claims (or creating the impression) the trader is not acting in the course of a business are also prohibited.

MARYHILL-based Sapphire Gymnastics Club are celebrating a double Volunteer of the Year honour.

Both awards, announced by the Sports Council for Glasgow and National sportscotland respectively, have been won by Catriona Lessani, who helped launch the club.

It is a condition of acceptance of advertisement orders that the proprietors of this newspaper do not guarantee the insertion of any particular specified

Sapphire have grown in stature and popularity over the past few years, and can now boast over 160 members.

Catriona Lessani regularly spends more than 20 hours a week with their talented stars, organising training sessions and fundraising.

Fiona Wernham, Head of

dates or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers.

The proprietors reserve the right to alter or re-classify any advertisement to conform with the policy of the paper.

Coaching and Volunteering at sportscotland, said: “Catriona is a very deserving recipient.

“It is down the to the dedication and commitment of people like Catriona that provides opportunities for children to become involved in sport and physical activity, and we congratulate her on this award.”

These regulations expressly prohibit advertising which claims that a trader has been endorsed or authorised by a body when they have not and prohibits the use of editorial content

Under-13D - Carly Brown.

Under-13P - Sophie Allison.

Under-15 - Murron Cunningham.

Under-17 - Lauren Leslie.

Coaches Player of the Year: Under-9 - Abbie Steven.

Under-11 - Shannon Tait.

Under-13D - Leah Robinson.

Under-13P - Lucy Ronald, Under-15 - Lyndsay McCall.

Under-17 - Hannah Coakley.

First Team - Suzanne Lappin.

Players’ Player of the Year: Under-9 - Erin Stewart.

Under-11 - Jayanne Gorman.

Under-13D - Abbie Warren.

Under-13P - Karsey McGlinchey.

Under-15 - Brogan Hay. Under-17 - Amy Anderson.

First Team - Suzanne Lappin.

Fans’ Player of the Year: First Team - Suzanne Lappin.

RE-GEN SPORTS FEEDBACK Hi Tom, I checked out this week’s paper (Issue 120) online, and it is brilliant again!

Great coverage,and I am sure everyone will be really happy.

I will pick-up a few copies today and drop them into our

coaches meeting.

I will let you know how that goes too, but basically we will be looking at the year ahead, and what our aims are for the teams.

Speak to you soon, and thanks again for our piece this week. Magic!

Jamie McGowan, Finnart Under-14 Coach.

31 CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 375 0488 SEND COPY TO RE-GEN SPORTS DESK, REDTREE BUSINESS CENTRE, 33 DALMARNOCK ROAD, GLASGOW G40 4LA

FINNART CHARITY BAG-PACK

MATCH ACTION REPORTS

FINNART players,officials and parents helped Santa during their bag-pack at the Asda, Parkhead. The club were raising money for their own funds, but also made a major donation to Cash for Kids.

“One of our parents, David thank every member of the Asda YOUNG players from teams under the remit of Finnart A.F.C. Gray, dressed up as Santa, and Management and Staff for their this went down a treat. valued help and support during helped raise money for charity We bought some lollies and our two-week bag-pack. before the end of 2013.

“Your last paper in 2013 ( Two Sundays were set aside these were distributed to the issue 119) went down a storm for bag-packing at Parkhead’s kids.

“All funds raised went towards again with the boys and their Asda Supermarket. our club, but we also decided to parents.

Under-14 Coach Jamie McWe had copies on display at Gowan revealed: “On the last make a major donation to Cash for Kids, which is a Charity Asda the check-outs. available Sunday we were really A massive thanks again for busy, but everyone had a good themselves support.

Can I take this opportunity to your support.” laugh at the same time.

WINTER CARPET BOWLS

INDIVIDUAL Championships dominate the opening three weeks of the New Year for Carpet Bowls’ League clubs, writes JACK HIGH. GARROWHILL had tremendous success at two venues.

FIRST ROUND at Mount Vernon: Singles - Shettleston 3, Garrowhill 8. Pairs - Garrowhill 8, North British 4. Triples - Sandyhills 2, Garrowhill 8.

Shettleston 7, Springboig 4.

At North British: Singles Springboig 5, Mount Vernon 6.

Pairs - Sandyhills 10, Springboig 7. Triples - Mount Vernon 4, North British 9. Garrowhill 7, North British 4.

LEAGUE fixtures resume

week commencing January 27.

WEEK 11 - North British v Shettleston; Mount Vernon v Sandyhills.

WEEK 12 - Shettleston v Mount Vernon; Garrowhill v Springboig.

WEEK 13 - Mount Vernon v North British; Garrowhill v Shettleston; Springboig v Sandyhills.

WEEK 14 - North British v Garrowhill; Shettleston v Sandyhills.

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

21

13

1

7

141

134

27

Garrowhill

18

10

2

6

133

90

22

Springboig

24

10

0

14

146

181

20

North British

Shettleston

18

9

0

9

119

109

18

Mount Vernon

18

8

1

9

130

125

17

Sandyhills

21

7

2

12

129

159

16

Whitevale - all fixtures null and void due to their resignation.

FOSTERS SCOTTISH CUP

RESULTS from the 5th Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy are: Boca Seniors P Fairfield AFC; Brucefield or Beechwood or Albion or Cleland Club v Minto Lounge; Castlemilk Dynamo 5, Rolling Barrel 2;

Castlemilk United v FC Brig or Springhall or Medda Sports Bar; Charlies Bar 1, Bullfrog 4; Dykehead 2, Cranhill United 2 (1-4 on pens); Fintry Athletic 2, Windlaw 1; Glasgow Thistle 3, East Calder Daltons 2; Harvester P Newton Vale; Hillview

v Gartferry; Redding P Tayport; Salters 0, The Geet 0 ( 3-4 on pens); Shotts Thistle 5, Rutherglen Vogue (holders) 2; St Bernards 1, Drumchapel Thistle 1 ( 4-2 on pens); The Craft P East End Athletic; Thornwood AFC 4, Queens Park Spiders 2.

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS

Third Round - Lochend 1, Barrhead YFC 0; Harmony Row 6, Musselburgh Windsor Colts 3; Falkirk Athletic 5, Bonnyton Thistle 5 aet ( 4-1 on pens); Bonnyrigg Rose 2, Port Glasgow 0; Tynecastle 1, Victoria F.C. 0; Sauchie Juniors 6, Baillieston Juniors 2; Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 2, Tranent Juniors 0; Rosyth F.C. 2, Cavalry Park S.C. 1.

LSK Supplies West of Scotland Cup - Antonine 1, Erskine YFC 1 ( 4-2 on pens); Harmony Row 2, Arsenal BC 3; Tower Hearts 5, Eastwood 0; East Kilbride Rolls Royce 4, Steins 1; Falkirk Athletic 4, East Kilbride F.C. 4 ( 0-3 on pens).

Birdston Kennels League Cup - Falkirk Ath 4, Campsie Black Watch 3; Baillieston Ju-

niors 2, Steins Th 0; Rutherglen Glencairn 2, Harmony Row 1; Rossvale 2, Tower Hearts 5; Goldenhill 3, EKFC 2.

Only Sport League Cup Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 2, Castlemilk 2 ( 7-6 on pens); Victoria F.C. 2, Giffnock S.C. 1; Calderhill Thistle 0, Mill United 3.

Only Sport Golden Goals Arsenal BC 3, Harestanes 1; Glasgow University 0, Kilsyth 1; East Kilbride F.C. 2, St Peters Giffnock North 1; Baillieston Juniors 3, Johnstone Burgh 3 ( 4-3 on pens); Harmony Row 2, Pollok Juvs 2 ( 3-4 on pens); Campsie Black Watch 3, Bonnyton Thistle 3 ( 4-3 on pens); Tower Hearts 2, Clydebank 0.

Premier Division - Glasgow Ams/ Arthurlie 3, Harestanes 1; Johnstone Burgh 8, St Pe-

ters Giffnock North 0; Rossvale 2, Glasgow Ams/Arthurlie 5; Campsie Black Watch 10, Baillieston Juniors 0; Johnstone Burgh 3, Glasgow Ams/ Arthurlie 4.

First Division- Glasgow University 2; Kilsyth 2, Busby 2; Vale of Clyde 2, Pollok Juveniles 2: Vale of Clyde 1, Claremont 1.; Arsenal BC 3, Kilsyth 2; Kilsyth 4, Vale of Leven 5; Arsenal BC 5, Eastwood 3.

Second Division - Stewarton Annick 0; Port Glasgow 5, Stewarton Annick 1; Castlemilk BC 2, Calderhill 5; Victoria F.C. 3, Wishaw W. Wanderers 4; St Columbas 1, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3; Wishaw W. Wanderers 7, St Columbas 1; Mill United 2, Erskine 1; Cumbernauld Colts 2, Victoria F.C. 2; Stewarton Annick 2, Calderhill 2.

DUNOON 0, FINNART 3.

CLEAN sheet for the Under-14 team, who led through Jamie McGowan after he converted a Ryan Madden cross.

Julien Kouame netted a second, and any chance of a Dunoon fightback ended when Jamie McGowan rifled home a well-struck ten-yard volley.

Man of the Match - Persley Sojila.

Team Sponsor - DM Energy (Dalmarnock Road).

TYNECASTLE A.F.C. 7, VICTORIA CROFTFOOT 2.

DOUBLES from Jamie Cochrane and Brian Paxton paved the way for a well-deserved win in the SSMFL Premier set-up.

Taylor, McCarthy and an own goal completed the scoring.

PETERSHILL JUNIORS 1, KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 5.

FOUR second half goals allowed Blasties to complete a league double over Peasy.

Michael Moore netted after 14 minutes. Petershill equalised through Paul Woods on 35 minutes.

There was no holding Ladeside after the interval. Darren McLean and Chris Hamilton both hit doubles.

POLLOK JUNIORS 1, PETERSHILL JUNIORS 2.

REFEREE David McKniff dished out red cards to three players as nine-man Peasy returned to the South Side of Glasgow and won for the second time in a fortnight. This time it was the second round of the sponsored New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup. Richie Barr’s deflected free kick inside two minutes had ‘Lok in front.

Stephen McGladrigan, who has a terrific scoring record at Newlandsfield Park, equalised right after half-time.

Petershill midfielder Jordan Murch was sent off after picking up two yellow cards. The drama continued when red cards were dished out to Pollok defender Graeme McLaren, and Peasy playmaker Paul Woods in a flare-up.

Peasy co-boss Willie Paterson was also sent from the touchline.

Five minutes from time, Petershill substitute and ex-Pollok midfielder Paul McQuilken whipped over a ball, which cleared everyone and bounced up past keeper Robertson into the net for a sensational winning goal.

MARYHILL JUNIORS 3, JOHNSTONE BURGH 3.

HAVING gone 2-0 and 3-2 down with less than three minutes remaining, Paul Callender equalised in time added on at Lochburn Park. Earlier, goals from Begg (32) and O’Donnell ( 37 ) had pegged back a Burgh team, who were twoup inside 26 minutes.

POSTAL UNITED A.F.C. 2, WATERSIDE 3.

SCORERS: Hughes pen and Muir.

VALE OF CLYDE BOYS’ CLUB 5, BUSBY 2.

HIGH-flying Vale came out tops at Greenfield. Sean Spence, Kieran McDonald and Kieran Christie sent them into a 3-0 lead. Busby’s Danny Boyle reduced the leeway, but the pace of McDonald restored Tin Pail’s three-goal advantage.

Daniel Cattrell curled home a terrific fifth goal, with Boyle netting again in 85 minutes.

Man of the Match - Dean Shaw ( Vale of Clyde).

LESMAHAGOW JUNIORS 1, SHETTLESTON JUNIORS 0.

CRAIGHEAD Park passed an early morning referee’s inspection, and allowed Gow to host a match for the first time in six weeks as Town attempted to reach the third round of the sponsored New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup. However, Jon McStay hit the only goal of the game in 25 minutes, when he cut in from the flank and curled a fine shot into the far corner of the net.

Gow manager Robert Rving said: “It was a great result for us in our first home game since October 5.” *Shettleston Juniors striker Keigan Parker has made the step-up to senior football again.

The one-time St Johnstone and Blackpool attacker ( 31) agreed a deal with Airdrie until the end of the season.

ST ROCH 2, VALE OF LEVEN 2.

CANDY Rock were twice behind, but grabbed a share of the points at James McGrory Park.

McNaught netted after 10 minutes, but manager John Fallon selected himself with St Roch down to only 12 fit players, and he equalised after 28 minutes. Three minutes later, Arthur sent Vale into a 2-1 lead, which they held until Max Asanti scored in the 70th minute.

Said Candy Treasurer Frank Brady: “Considering we were without six players, including strikers Jordan Logan and David Fry, this was an excellent point for us.

“Manager John Fallon (31) also played the entire game.”

Three players were sent off Graeme Highlands, of St Roch, for two yellow card offences, plus Vale pair Martin and Pawsey.

LARGS THISTLE 2, PETERSHILL JUNIORS 1.

TWO goals in the space of nine second half minutes decided this Super Premier Division relegation clash at Barrfields.

Stephen McGladrigan put Peasy ahead after 39 minutes. Euan Lindsay equalised from a Muir corner in 66 minutes, and notched their winner on 75 minutes.

ASHFIELD JUNIORS 3, LESMAHAGOW JUNIORS 0.

GREAT way to end the old year at Saracen Park. Paul Mangan scored twice, and Shaun Fraser opened the scoring with a near post shot.

ASHFIELD JUNIORS 1, RENFREW JUNIORS 4.

TEN-man ‘Field came back to earth with a New Year bang against a ‘Frew team fighting Super First Division relegation. Gilmour, Boyd pen, Benton and Forbes scored.

Fraser netted for Ashfield.

PETERSHILL JUNIORS 1, AUCHINLECK TALBOT 1.

SUPER Premier champions Talbot survived with nine men,and ‘keeper Andy Leishman saved a late Paul Woods penalty.

Keir Milliken netted Talbot’s goal in 19 minutes.

Stephen O’Keane equalised on 63 minutes.

Ally Park and WillieLyle were sent off.

FINNART A.F.C. 4, DUMBARTON ACADEMY F.P. A.F.C. 0.

GREAT Fifth Round win for the East End club in the Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup against a very good team.

Finnart led 2-0 at half-time.

Scorers: Steven Wilson, Stephen Barnes, Andy Robertson and Gareth May. GLASGOW NORTH 4, FINNART 1.

UNDER-13 team still struggling to bring through new players into their squad.

FINNART Under-14 were left without a fixture.

Four of their players have been chosen for the forthcoming West Regional Trials at Toryglen - Kenneth Crampsie, Connor McKenzie, Persley Sojila and Ryan Madden.

Good luck, lads.

Team Sponsor: DM Energy (Dalmarnock).

LEVEN UNITED 1, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 1.

FOSTERS Scottish Amateur Cup holders, Wellhouse, were held to a draw.

Thomas Sinclair put them ahead after great work by Craig Halliday.

Leven equalised on the hour mark, but overall a Fifth Round draw was the correct result.

SCOTIA A.F.C. 0, GLASGOW HARP 1.

SECOND half winner from Gordon McClune on a heavy pitch at Taylor High School.

Said Harp boss John Crooks: “We haven’t played in almost a month, so it’s great to get through into the Sixth Round”.

GLASGOW HARP 4, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 1.

TWO goals from Gordon McClune, plus single contributions by Michael Giblin and William Fox in the Caledonian League match.

CRESSWELL LANE 2, TYNECASTLE A.F.C. 5.

SSMFL Premier Division clash at Station Road, and James Jordan produced a superb four-goal haul.

Jamie Cochrane grabbed the visitors’ other counter.

PETERSHILL JUNIORS 2, CLYDEBANK 1.

FOUR players sent off at Springburn. Bankies went down to ten men after 8 minutes, when goalkeeper Robert Hamilton pulled down Stephen McGladrigan.

Liam Campbell came off the bench and brilliantly saved the resultant penalty kick taken by Paul McQuilken.

That miss was forgotten when McQuilken crashed home a superb opening goal ( 26 mins), and Richie Burke added a second on the halfhour.

Bankies came back fighting after the interval, and Ross McPherson netted in the 53rd minute.

Peasy central defender Jordan Chisholm collected a second yellow card, and was sent off.

In a flare-up, Liam Finnigan (Petershill) and Clydebank defender Austin McCann were also dismissed.

NEILSTON JUNIORS 2, GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 1.

GOALS from Adam Nisanci and Martin Hughes had the Farmers Boys’ heading towards victory until the match referee called a halt following incidents under five minutes from time.

ASHFIELD JUNIORS 1, KILWINNING RANGERS 3.

ALL the goals came in the first half at Saracen Park.

Buffs hit two in a minute through Ben Lewis and Bryan Boylan. David Smith added No 3. Ashfield’s goal came from Fraser.

Man of the Match-Kevin Deeley ( Kilwinning Rangers).

SHETTLESTON JUNIORS 2, CAMBUSLANG RANGERS 1.

TOWN came from behind to win at Greenfield Park.

McGrath gave Lang an 8th minute lead, but Moore picked up two bookings and left them with tenmen.

Shettleston levelled in 20 minutes, and hit their winner two minutes after the interval thanks to Scott Anson.

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CITY DRAW TOP EUROPEAN OPPOSITION

GLASGOW City F.C. are poised to meet top European opposition indoors as part of their pre-season programme for the second consecutive year in Germany.

Hosts FFC Turbine Potsdam have invited last season’s treble-winners to represent Scotland at the two-day “Meet the Champions” International Cup. The format which proved highly popular in 2013 remains intact, and brings together two groups of four clubs.

A 2000 capacity crowd is expected to watch the games at the multi-purpose MBS Indoor Arena, Potsdam, which was opened two years ago.

Last year’s winners and Danish champions, Brondby IF, who beat Potsdam 4-3 in the final, will undoubtedly be the pre-tournament favourites.

Invitations have also been accepted by A.C. Sparta Praha, F.C. Honka Espoo (Finland), and NOSV Neulengbach (Austria), who are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League.

Completing the impressive line-up are newcomers MTK Hungaria F.C., who reached the Champions League knockout stages, and 11-times Swiss champions Young Boys Bern Women.

The eight-a-side format should ensure a rigorous pre-season work-out for the Glasgow City squad, and if last year’s tourneyis any guideline the high intensity will test the players’ physical condition.

The travelling party will include U.S. international defender Ella Stephan (aged 24), who was their first close-season signing after leaving Russian outfit Ryazan.

Glasgow City Head of Youth Amy McDonald and Youth Lead Coach Craig Joyce have been accepted into the UEFA B Licence Course, which is the sixth qualification in the national pathway system.

Club Coaches Donald Jennow, Barry Rodgers, and Laura Williamson made the list last year.

City are strongly focused on

PLAYERS WANTED

FINNART A.F.C. ( Bridgeton) are looking for players at Under-13 level.Boys born in 2001.

Contact officials prior to their training night at Crownpoint on a Thursday (7pm).

SPRINGBURN A.F.C. seeking quality players ( aged 21 to 35) for a Saturday League in season 2014-2015.

Call David on 0141 258 5148.

KINGS PARK Rangers A.F.C., founded over 50 years ago and currently playing in the Scottish Amateur League, require an experienced adult goalkeeper.

Home games at Glasgow Green, and training takes place at Toryglen every Wednesday.

Call Colin McDonald on 07534228797.

MUIRTON A.F.C. require players ( all positions) for Saturday Morning Amateur League.

Contact 07940761875 or

07887527534.

GLASGOW PHOENIX Touch Rugby Team are looking for players (adults male and female) to participate in this fantastic new variation of the sport.

Non-contact, and no experience is necessary.

Currently based at Stepford Road on a Wednesday evening from 7pm.

For more information, call David Tierney on 07426816320, or check details on facebook. com/GlasgowPhoenix.

PARTICK WEST A.F.C.want experienced players and a team manager.

Phone 07825295898 or 07727632618.

WOLVES FOOTBALL CLUB 2000s (under14s).

Seeking new football players for all positions.

If interested contact William Lindsay on 07837191151

both player and coaches’ development, and Club Manager Laura Montgomery revealed: “ We have big plans for our Youth Performance Academy.

“The fact that Amy and Craig will hopefully achieve their B Licence within the coming 12 months is a further boost to our investment plans, and our players will benefit from the greater knowledge and experience our coaches will develop themselves.”

The B Licence adds coaching knowledge based on functional practices, small-sided games and phases of play to enhance game-related understanding.

City coaches will also learn how to analyse matches, assess fitness, evaluation of players, and build on nutritional awareness.

Meanwhile, Partick Thistle are breaking new ground by launching a female team in the Scottish Women’s Second Division West, which commences early March.

During November, Jags played their first-ever friendly

FFC Turbine Potsdam (in blue) have invited Scottish treble-winners Glasgow City F.C. to their indoor tournament this month for a second consecutive year. against Motherwell Ladies - a culmination of three months’ coaching, and bringing together new talent at every session.

I understand twice-weekly stints will involve the team plus

GIRLS AWARDS NIGHT

GLASGOW Girls F.C. will honour six teams at their annual Awards Night on Friday, February 21 (7.30pm 1am).

The sellout event is taking place at Glasgow’s Grand

Central Hotel.

A three-course dinner, live band and disco will form part of the evening as club officials present trophies to their Under-9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and Senior Team.

TRANS WORLD PAIRINGS

TOWER HEARTS have been handed a home draw against Johnstone Burgh in the Quarter-Finals of the Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth Under-21 F.A. Cup. Record holders and last season’s winners , Campsie Black Watch, host Murieston United, Arsenal B.C. travel to Gold-

enhill, and Mill United line-up against East Kilbride F.C. The 1995 age group draw is: Baillieston Juniors v North Merchiston BC; Colony Locos v Glenburn Miners Welfare; East Kilbride F.C. Gold v Bonnybridge or Ardeer Thistle; West Park United v Barrhead Y.F.C.

SPONSORED WALK

F I N N A RT Under-14 team are planning a sponsored walk to raise money and help with player-costs at the Eas-

ter Blackpool Cup. Tw o o t h e r a g e g r o u p s within the East End club will embark on similar projects.

another, which is available to everyone.

The open training nights are taking place at the Firhill Complex from 5.30pm. onwards.

Competitive games will be

played on a Sunday.

For more information contact the Thistle Community Trust on 0141 579 1971 or visit www.community.ptfc.co.uk and click on “Girls Football”.

GOALKEEPER COURSES

EAST and North Glasgow-based Boys’ Club goalkeepers are being invited to attend specialist coaching courses which

are running through to the end of March.

Age groups are 12-14 years and 15-18 years.

Call 07772237185.

CITY SIGNING SWOOPS

GLASGOW City F.C. have swooped to sign Scotland Under-19 internationalist Fiona Brown, and national Under-17 striker Alyshia Walker, both from Celtic.

Brown ( 18) spent four years with the Lennoxtown club, while Walker, who turns 16 in April, has scored ten goals in a dozen Scotland matches, and was a Celtic first-team regular.

Republic of Ireland striker Denise O’Sullivan has agreed a new contract to remain at the club.

O’Sullivan was previously at Cork.

Promoting from within the club, Under-17 Youth striker

Megan Mason ( aged 16) has been called up into the First Team squad.Well done, Megan.

Meanwhile, City have received the Scottish Football Association Quality Mark Development Award.

Having previously attained the Standard Award ( 2012), this latest honour demands a high level in management, development structures, administration, planning and welfare, plus key links to local schools and community work.

Head of Youth, Amy McDonald, and Lead Youth Coach Laura Williamson received the award during a special presentation at Hampden Park.

The Re-Gen Newspaper is Produced & Published by Simply Publishing Ltd Use or reproduction of any information or images in the Re-Gen is not permitted without written consent of publishers.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES a brief history of The Re-Gen

AS a local newspaper we are more used to giving you the stories but the evolution of the paper is a story in itself.

Here are some of the highlights of the story of the ReGen: Way back in March 2009, Strathclyde Police launched a new campaign like no other.

“Operation Cleansweep” was the first time that police had joined up with the Fire Service, NHS, Culture and Sport and Glasgow Community Safety Services to tackle crime and to make people feel happier.

Feeling safe and happy are the foundations of a successful community and the ReGen is proud to support efforts like these.

Another feature of the last five years is our relentless campaigning for jobs and opportunities for the residents of the communities that we cover.

One such welcome move was when the work on the completion of the M74 was due to start with jobs and training guaran-

North East Health Centres Open Mon to Fri 9am- 5pm.

Baillieston Health Centre 20 Muirside Road, Glasgow G69 7AD Phone 0141 531 8000 Bridgeton Health Centre, 201 Abercromby Street, Glasgow G40 2DA Phone 0141 531 6500 Easterhouse Health Centre, 9 Auchinlea Road, Glasgow G34 9HQ Phone 0141 531 8100 Parkhead Health Centre, 101 Salamanca Street, Glasgow G31 5BA Phone 0141 531 9000 Shettleston Health Centre, 420 Old Shettleston Road, Glasgow G32 1RT Phone 0141 531 6200 Springburn Health Centre, 200 Springburn Way, Glasgow G21 1TR Phone 0141 531 6700 Townhead Health Centre, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ES Phone 0141 531 8900

teed for local youngsters.

Towards the end of 2009, due to the success of the ReGen in reporting local news and being a voice in the community, the newspaper was asked if it would be expanding its coverage to other parts of the city.

Soon after, the ReGen North was launched and we spread our coverage to the communities of Maryhill, Springburn and everywhere in between.

We applied the same principles to the ReGen North that had made the ReGen such a success and ensured that the paper went from strength to strength.

In January 2011, we covered the story of the shock closure of the Bishoploch Hall closure leaving a group of teenagers in Easterhouse with a meeting place.

The Hall had just celebrated 21 successful years of serving the area and had even played host to the French President Jacques Chirac and Prince Charles.

However powers that be decided that the building could not be saved and would be too expensive to repair.

Not afraid to stand up for the community, we called out the council and demanded what

they were going to do as alternative provision for the kids of the area.

Promises were made and delivered, and we are proud of our role in making sure the youngsters of the area got a fair deal.

At the same time, Issue 17 of the ReGen North had the story of Maryhill HA tenants voting yes for the transfer of ownership of their properties.

This brave decision has led to a massive increase in investment in the properties of the association and others like it.

This means new kitchens, bathrooms and windows as well as exterior work to help make sure that people’s homes are safe and comfortable for years to come.

Following particularly ugly scenes at an Old Firm game in the East End, we carried our feature about stamping out sectarian behaviour that for so long has been an accepted part of Scottish society.

Nearly 300 arrests were made at the game with the Scottish Government calling a summit to investigate the issue.

There can be no excuse for this kind of behaviour and we support the efforts of the Government and others to end this shame.

The paper has gained a reputation for making politicians stick to their promises.

And there is no time better than when election fever hits the streets.

In May 2011 we saw the SNP and Labour battle it out for the Scottish Parliament seats, and while the election would ultimately decide who would be the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, we wanted to know what all the candidates were promising for the communities of the North and East.

The victors were Patricia Ferguson (Maryhill & Springburn), Paul Martin (Provan) and John Mason (Shettleston) who took the constituency seats covering the area.

The work of our politicians is extremely important and it is vital that we keep them under scrutiny.

Needless to say this is something that we have done throughout 5 years of the ReGen and will continue to do so.

There are some incredible projects that serve various needs throughout the area, and telling the good news stories about these groups is something that we take great pleasure in doing.

Continued on centre pages

PAWNBROKERS

HIGH QUALITY SECOND HAND JEWELLERY Opening Times Monday - Friday: 9am - 4:30pm Saturday: 9am - 3pm Sunday: Closed 47 Tollcross Road, Glasgow. G31 4UG Tel: 0141 554 0548 E: margarethughan@aol.co.uk

Eastgate, 727 London Road, Glasgow, G40 3AQ Tel: 0141 276 7400 gcssenquiries@glasgow.gov.uk

HELPING CELEBRATE 5 YEARS OF THE REGEN

GLASGOW PRIVATE HIRE Wishing Re-Gen many more successful years

Help with Parenting.

Triple P positive Parenting programme offers support to families in the North East of Glasgow to help manage the everyday challenges that being a Parent/Carer bring.

For further friendly advice and information on how to access this support please contact the Central Parenting Team on 0141 277 7560.

Keeping Healthy For information on how to improve health and well-being drop into our Keep Well Shop, Inshops, Parkhead Forge, Glasgow. Tel : 0141 554 9276, 232 0173. Services include Money Advice, Stopping Smoking and Healthy Eating. Open Tues, Wed 9.30am – 3.30pm Thurs, Fri 9.30am- 12.00pm.

Smoking Cessation: For help to give up smoking please contact Smoke Free services on 0141 201 9832.

Help with Stress/Anxiety: East Primary Care Mental Health Team provides help for people with mild to moderate mental health problems. You can self refer by contacting the team on 0141 342 3200. (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). Positive Mental Attitudes, (PMA), is a mental health awareness and anti-stigma project based. PMA provides local arts projects, stress manage-ment training and works to promotes a better understanding of mental health. Contact 0141 232 0170/0165.

Help for people with breathing problems e.g. Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema or Chronic Asthma?

The Extra-Time Programme is an informal drop-in service and specially designed fitness training sessions with advice about topics that are important to people living with a lung condition. The service is free and runs every Monday (Except Bank Holidays) from 10.30am to 12 noon at the G31 Centre (Banbury Centre), 67 Yate Street, Glasgow, G31 4AE. Contact: Mags McCarthy 0141 232 0164 Carers: Living with Long Term Conditions This drop in is for carers who have a Long Term Condition or who care for someone who has a Long Term Condition, and provides information and support. The service runs on Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm at Blairtummock Housing Association, 45 Boyndie Street, Easterhouse, and on Wed from 2pm to 4pm at Spire View Housing Association, 3 Bright Street, Royston. Contact: Mags McCarthy 0141 232 0164

WISHING THE REGEN MANY MORE SUCCESSFUL YEARS

Eastends Biggest & Best

Carers can access a range of services through the Glasgow Carers Information and Support Line. Phone 0141 353 6504 or contact: East End Community Carers 0141 764 0012 North East Carers Centre 0141 781 0728

HAPPY TO INFORM THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE REGEN

Glasgow North Carers Support Team 0141 558 6296 Sexual Health: Sandyford East at Parkhead Health Centre, 101 Salamanca Street, Glasgow G31 5BA Phone 0141 232 7413. Provides sexual, reproductive and emotional health services for women, men and young people. It also provides care and advice on sexually transmitted infections, free condoms and lubricant, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and counselling service. All services are free of charge and available without the need to be referred by your doctor or another practitioner.

Public Partnership Forum The North East Public Partnership Forum gives local people a say in how health services are provided in the North East. If you want to know more come along to one of our meetings.

PPF Meeting Dates for 2014 are: 23rd January, 20th February, 10th April, 22nd May, 19th June Time 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Venue - Glasgow Kelvin College, Haghill formerly John Wheatley College, Haghill.

Interested in joining or want to know more please contact Tony Devine Tel: 0141 232 0185 Email: tony.devine@ggc.scot.nhs.uk