The Genn issue 124

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Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community 10-11

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Commonwealth Countdown All the latest news about Glasgow 2014

Alcohol Free Week Information on going alcohol free

Next Edition 21st March 2014 14-21

Housing Feature A look at the history of social housing

30-32

Genn Sport With Tom Scott 3 bumper pages of local sport

CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE LAW TO CHANGE T

HE GOVERNMENT has announced that changes to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will come into effect on 10 March 2014.

The changes (contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment Act 2012) will reduce the period during which certain convictions need to be disclosed to potential employers.

The law states that, subject to certain exceptions, a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence but who does not re-offend during a specified period from the date of conviction(the rehabilitation period) becomes “rehabilitated” and their conviction becomes “spent”.

Then, unless one of the exceptions applies (which is usually in relation to serious crimes and/ or where the person will work in certain professions e.g. teaching or working with vulnerable adults), they will be entitled to hold themselves out as having a clean record.

During the rehabilitation period, the conviction is not spent and should be disclosed in response to a request for details of any criminal record.

Currently this means all rehabilitation periods start from the date of conviction.

This will change on 10 March 2014, so that rehabilitation periods will comprise the period of the sentence plus an additional specified period.

0141 771 6488

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Glasgow’s Chinese School Celebrates in Style THE Glasgow Chinese School celebrated Chinese New Year in style at The Point in the North of the city.

A packed See Woo Restaurant hosted almost 500 exquisitely dressed guests, including families and entire classes of children, all eager to do their turn on the stage.

This spectacular event opened with the clamorous ‘Dragon Dance’ which was a blaze of colour and noise, heralding an evening of cultural and contemporary entertainment.

A delicious array of Chinese dishes was served up to the delighted diners while they were entertained.

Guests included local elected members and their families, as well as the families of the students and

teachers of the Chinese School.

The Chinese School, which has been running on a Saturday for more than 20 years, now enrols around 800 students per year in a range of skills, including

languages and arts & cultural activities delivering these classes within Glasgow Kelvin College’s City Campus.

Sam Chow, Headteacher at the Chinese School, welcomed all the guests to the celebrations and, of course,

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to The Year of The Horse.

He highlighted the importance of the Chinese School to the Chinese community in Glasgow and its contribution to the rich diversity of culture which Glasgow has to offer its residents and visitors.

Principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, Alan Sherry, said, “Glasgow Kelvin College is proud to be so closely associated with the Glasgow Chinese School and its achievements.

The role which it and the Chinese community play within the culture of Glasgow is very significant and we look forward to continuing our relationship as host for the School in the future.

I wish everyone at Glasgow Chinese School a very Happy New Year”.

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Historic School in the East End Demolished

A PROMINENT landmark – a B-listed historic school – has been demolished by Celtic Football Club to make way for a for a supporter’s hub containing a Celtic Football superstore, café, museum, theatre, ticket offices and so forth.

In May of 2013 the Planning Applications Committee of Glasgow City Council gave permission for the demolition of London Road Primary School – a former School Board of Glasgow erection, despite objections by locals who wanted to see this B-listed building preserved.

Because of the age of the building and its listed status,

Historic Scotland became involved.

The school, which was situated between the Emirates Arena and Celtic Park, was eventually sold for £300,000 by Glasgow City Council to Celtic Football Club, but part of the school wall will be kept as an ‘historic link’.

Celtic Football Club also has plans to create an ‘Avenue of Heroes’, including statues of famous figures from the club’s past, which would start at London Road at, or near, the former site of the school and would stretch all the way up to the stadium of the Club.

This school was important

historically because it was one of the schools that were built as the result of the 1872 Act of Parliament which appointed School Boards around Scotland including Glasgow.

These Boards were elected and their role was to erect schools and run them, and eventually 75 such schools were built all over Glasgow.

Many of these often neglected and unappreciated School Board Heritage Buildings have since disappeared.

London Road primary was built in 1905 and opened in 1907; it was demolished on February 22nd this year.

The buildings that the School Board of Glasgow erected were quite distinctive.

Usually of three storeys in height, the design was conditioned by having separate entrances for the boys and girls leading to a central hall, which usually served as a gym.

There were separate playgrounds and even separate staircases; with toilets and offices out with the main buildings.

These schools were large enough to accommodate around 800 to 1000 pupils. The School Board of Glasgow was eventually superseded by the Education Department in 1918.

BARMULLOCH MURDER POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the death of a woman in Barmulloch, Glasgow, on Wednesday 26th February 2014.

Around 1640 hours on Wednesday afternoon, the body of Angela Humphrey (48) was found within her flat in Quarrywood Avenue, Barmulloch, Glasgow.

Following a post mortem examination, her death is being treated as murder.

Detective Inspector Allan Burton, Major Investigation Teams, said today: “Angela lived alone and had not been seen since last Friday 21 February around 1300 hours in Balbeggie Street, Sandyhills, Glasgow.

“Relatives who had not

seen her for a couple of days and concerned that she had not been in touch with them, discovered her body within her home.

“We are obviously very keen to establish her whereabouts between last Friday and when she was found on Thursday 27th February 2014. Officers are currently carrying out door to door enquiries in the area and checking local CCTV to establish her last movements.

“Angela is described as white, approximately 5 ft 4 in height, of medium build, with shoulder length black hair. She was wearing black framed glasses, black trousers, black and white trainers, cream and black three quarter

length hooded ‘Parka’ type coat.

“She is known to frequent Springburn Shopping Centre and a tanning salon in Springburn Way, Glasgow.

“Anyone with information can contact officers on the non emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.” *******STOP PRESS******* Her husband Alan Humphrey, 55, has been charged with assault and murder when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

There was no application for bail.

Car Volunteer Scheme A NEW volunteer car scheme aimed at helping isolated elderly people in the North East of Glasgow urgently needs volunteer drivers with their own car to take patients to GP or hospital appointments.

Ann Porter, Project Officer at Community Transport Glasgow says,

“We want to help those older people who would not be able to attend their appointments due to transport difficulties.

If you are reliable, have a good sense of humour and can spare even as little as a half day per month to help, then we would like to hear from you!

In return for your commit-

ment we can offer you training and support within a small, friendly team, a mileage allowance and any out of pocket expenses.”

If you would like to volunteer or to find out more, please call free on 0845 605 5955 or email projectofficer@ctglasgow.org

Yellow Tuesday at The Imaginarium Now Enrolling!

Places Available for 3- 5 Year Olds!

THE sun came out to celebrate “Yellow Tuesday” with the young people of Possil at The Imaginarium.

The event was hosted by somewhereto_ to showcase the free creative space for young people aged 16-25 where they can let their imagination run wild.

Serving up pancakes and making Mardi Gras yellow masks somewhereto_ project managers were hard to miss in their bright yellow hoodies.

With a bright yellow man made by the young people to point the way from Saracen Cross it was hard to miss the fun but the pancakes did all the talking in the end when young local resident Harry took the helm with the best batch of the day.

The Imaginarium hosts

workshops, events, pop up shops and studio space free for all the community. In partnership with Depot Arts & The Concrete Garden somewhereto_ is looking for 16 - 25 year olds to use the space for whatever they want from film screenings, running workshops, exhibitions, gigs to performances.

Catherine and Joe, project managers for somewhere-

to_ are in The Imaginarium Mondays 11am-2pm to chat over any idea big or small and make it happen.

We are already building a Tardis, producing comedy news channels, making pallet furniture and hosting spoken word performances, so there are plenty of exciting projects to get involved in.

The Possil-bilites are endless!

Carbon Footprints Nursery is a child care facility in central Glasgow. It’s custom built facility has the latest green credentials, that coupled with experienced staff makes it great environment for your children.

Mission Caring for the planet and the next generation!

We are committed to providing excellent quality childcare in an environmentally sustainable way.We look after the environment your children are in today, and protect the environment for them for tomorrow.

We have a number of chilcare places available for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children. The facilities are brand new and designed to care for your children and the environment at the same time.

10 Duke Street, Glasgow G4 0WX Email: marie@carbonfootprintsnursery.com Website: www.carbonfootprintsnursery.com Tel: 0141 548 6500 Carbon Footprints Nursery is a Milnbank Housing Association enterprise

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Scotish Government reveals rise in demand for right to buy THERE has been a 50% rise in the number of people wanting to buy their council house in the last year, new figures have revealed.

Statistics published by the Scottish Government showed 972 applications were made to local authorities to buy homes in the third quarter of last year, up from 646 for the same period in 2012.

The rise comes at the same time as Housing Minister Margaret Burgess conceded building in the private sector “remains flat”.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said it was “not surprised” there had been a spike in right to buy applications, as the Scottish Government has announced plans to end the entitlement.

The SFHA is now calling for ministers to reduce the time available for people to use the policy to buy their home, saying this should be limited to one year after the legislation gets Royal Assent instead of the three-year notice period proposed.

Housebuilding statistics

also published today showed work began on 2,802 properties in the third quarter of 2013 - down from 3,510 in the previous three months but up from the total of 2,394 from 12 months ago.

The number of new homes that were completed between July and September was 3,741 - up from 3,349 the previous quarter and also up on the same period in 2012 when it was 3,111.

In the private sector, building work started on 2,375 homes in the third quarter of last year, down from 2,643 the previous three months but up from the third quarter of 2012, when the total was 2,093.

More council and housing association properties were started, with work getting under way on 797 new social homes in the fourth quarter of last year, up from 427 in the previous quarter and higher than the total of 625 in the last three months of 2012.

The figures, from the Scottish Government, also showed an increase in homes competed through the Affordable

Housing Supply Programme which includes properties for sale and for rent.

A total of 7,189 such homes were completed in 2013, 12.6% more than the previous year, with ministers confident they are on track to deliver 30,000 affordable new homes by 2016, with almost 18,000 such properties build so far.

Ms Burgess said: “Today’s statistics show we are well on track to reachour commitment of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament.”

Philip Hogg, chief executive of the industry body Homes for Scotland, said the figures “ highlight the ongoing difficulties facing not only builders but those looking for a warm, sustainable new home”.

He added: “Whilst they do not take account of the launch of the Scottish and UK Governments’ Help to Buy initiatives given the time lag, they highlight a decreasing supply of housing and the record low base from which the industry must recover.

GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED

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

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

Attempted murder POLICE have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with an incident in which another man was seriously injured after being

hit by a car.

Police said at the time they were treating the incident as attempted murder after a 47yr old man was

taken to hospital with head injuries after being hit by a moving vehicle in Royston road on Friday 21st Feb around 1pm.

Scottish Energy Bills highest in UK SCOTTISH households have the highest energy costs in Britain, according to official figures.

The average spend in Scottish homes is £112 a month, compared with £105 in Wales and £103 in England, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

But all three nations are substantially lower than Northern Ireland, where the average household spend is £154 a month.

The average UK household spend on energy rose by more than half in a decade from £69 a month in 2002 to £106 in 2012 despite a 17% drop in energy usage, the ONS said.

An ONS report on Household Energy Spending in the UK 2002-2012 states: “Considering the average household energy spend across the countries of the UK from 2010 to 2012, households in Northern Ireland were spending £154 a month on energy (in 2012 prices).

“This was £42 higher than in Scotland, £49 higher than in Wales and £51 higher than in England.”

It added: “UK households spent an average of £106 a month on household energy in 2012.

This was a 55% rise on the 2002 monthly spend, after accounting for inflation.

This is despite a decline in average energy usage.

“Over this same time period, household energy use has fallen.

The average amount of energy used per household was 17% lower in 2012 than in 2002.

This means the increase in the average amount households are spending is explained solely by rises in energy prices.”

Scotland’s high energy costs are consistent with Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) figures on energy consumption, the ONS said.

Scotland has the second highest energy consumption per thousand of population of any British region or nation, 18% higher than the British average, according to the DECC. Wales has the highest household energy consumption at 30% higher than average.

ONS said: “The higher average spend in Northern Ireland may be partly explained by the different nature and size of the energy market there.

“Across the rest of the UK, any differences in the average energy spend are very small.

The average monthly spend in Scotland is slightly higher than in England and Wales, consistent with DECC figures on energy consumption per household.”

The ONS figures come on the day Scottish Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced a £60 million fund to cut fuel poverty.

Councils will each get a share of £42 million from the fund for this work, with the remaining £18 million made available to local authorities to develop large-scale schemes.

Ms Burgess said: “Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for this Government.

Today’s funding will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive new measures like solid wall insulation and help to drive down the number of people living in fuel poverty.

“This funding will be distributed across all of Scotland’s local authorities, including our rural and island areas and will include specific provision for households in rural areas currently finding it difficult to access the measures.

“The investment will also support and sustain the insulation industry in Scotland, generating work and supporting jobs.

“We are doing everything we can within our limited powers to provide a wide range of energy efficiency measures to individual households and to local authorities.

“We are actively working with councils and energy companies to ensure that Scotland continues to get its fair share of funding for efficiency programmes like these.

“Only with the full powers of independence can we fully tackle all the causes of fuel poverty.

We made our position clear about how ECO (Energy Company Obligation) and Warm Homes Discount would be funded in an independent Scotland.

These costs would be met by central resources. Based on current arrangements this would reduce energy bills by around 5% - or around £70 per year.”

A DECC spokesman said: “The Government is doing everything within its power to help hard-pressed families keep their energy bills down.

“We’ve already announced plans that will save customers around £50 on their energy bills.

This year 230,000 low income and vulnerable households are estimated to receive long term assistance with their energy bills through the Energy Company Obligation scheme.

“There is also direct help for people with their bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments.”

Labour shadow energy minister Tom Greatrex, a Scottish MP, said: “These new figures from the ONS yet again make clear that households and businesses in Scotland simply cannot afford the costly increase in energy bills that would be likely to follow Scotland leaving the UK. “At present, Scotland benefits from its role in the shared UK market.

Breaking up that market by fragmenting the UK would place a number of new costs on Scottish consumers which have the potential to raise bills by £100 or more.

“In Scotland we receive around a third of all of the renewables subsidies in the UK, despite representing less than 10% of consumers.

The costs are shared by all UK consumers, so in the event of separation, the costs of supporting our renewable potential would fall to Scottish consumers, putting pressure on our bills up.

“In the face of rising bills, Alex Salmond has joined his natural ally David Cameron in defending the profits of the Big Six against the interests of the consumer.

Labour are the only party with a plan to reset this failing market and introduce a price freeze that would save households and businesses in Scotland £500m.”

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Early sectarian Exhibition Looks CELTIC FOOD at the Future for BANK DONATION review ruled out Glasgow’s North Quarter A N E W ex h i b i t i o n o p e n i n g n ex t w e e k a t D u n dasvale Community Hall shows the work done so far in planning for the re g e n e r a t i o n o f t h e N o r t h Quarter onthe north side o f G l a s g o w ’ s c i t y c e n t re o v e r t h e n ex t t w o d e c ades.

The North Quarter is t h e a re a b e t w e e n b e t w e e n m a i n h u b s - Po r t D u n d a s , Re n f re w S t re e t a n d S p e i r s L o c k s . A re c e n t re p o r t i l l u s t r a t e d t h e g ro w i n g economic and social importance of these hubs, and the benefits of maint a i n i n g a n d ex p a n d i n g the links between them.

Glasgow City Council has been working with a n u m b e r o f o rg a n i s a t i o n s , many located in the North Q u a r t e r, o n p l a n s t o f u r t h e r d e v e l o p t h e a re a .

The new ex h i b i t i o n ,

North Quarter - What w i l l t h e f u t u re b e ? , s h o w s strategies and visions for t h e f u t u re o f t h e a re a d e v e l o p e d b y s t u d e n t s f ro m the Urban Design Unit at Strathclyde University in collaboration with the council, the local commun i t y a n d o t h e r s t a ke h o l d ers.

T h e ex h i b i t i o n w i l l r u n f ro m 6 - 9 M a rc h , a n d visitors will be able to meet students and counc i l o f f i c e r s , p re s e n t i n g a n exc e l l e n t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s t a ke h o l d e r s a n d p e o p l e f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t y t o see the work, to comment o n i t , exc h a n g e i d e a s a n d influence its further development.

Images of some of the w o r k p ro d u c e d b y t h e s t u d e n t s f o r t h e ex h i b i t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e o n re quest.

GLASGOW North East Food Bank has been boosted by the generosity of Celtic fans.

The food bank which operates out of the Calton Parkhead Parish Church has benefitted from the initiative set up by ultras group the Green Brigade and the Celtic FC Foundation.

The Celtic FC foundation, set up by Fergus McCann to re-establish the charitable goals of Celtic FC, has donated £50,000.

The money came from a charity match held to honour former player Stilian Petrov.

The money has allowed the foodbank to appoint a full time project co-ordinator.

The food bank, based at the church on Helenvale Street opens three days a week, and is run in partnership with the Trussell Trust, who operate another three food banks in the city.

Since the collections at matches started in November there has been a donation of over six tonnes of food as well as other items such as nappies and toothpaste.

The average supermarket

Men hunted over train abuse TRANSPORT police are searching for a group of men who sang sectarian songs on a busy train.

The group of five or six boarded the 6.15pm service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street at Linlithgow station on Sunday, travelling to Falkirk High.

While on board the train

they sang sectarian songs and acted in a threatening and abusive manner, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

The only description of the men BTP have is that they were all under the age of 40.

Officers are reviewing CCTV from the train and the stations to try and identify those involved.

collection brings in one and a half tonnes.

The Green Brigade released a statement on their website which said: “It’s a sad state of affairs that such places exist, but the least we can do is try and help struggling families” The level of generosity has been praised with local councillor Yvonne Kucuk saying “We really should recognise the true meaning of a community rallying together to help others regardless of their creed and regardless of their background.”

Church minister the Rev Alison Davidge paid tribute, saying “What you have is the Church of Scotland, Celtic and its supporter base all working together as a whole community.

“We are seeing a community helping a community.

It proves to me that people ­really do care about others.”

A spokesman for the Celtic FC foundation said “We hope our ­e fforts and those of our fans have in some way made a positive difference.”

HOLDING an early review of controversial laws intended to stamp out religious sectarian abuse at football matches would be nonsensical, according to the Scottish Government minister for community safety.

Roseanna Cunningham rejected suggestions that the timetable should be brought forward from the deadline, due in August 2015, when Stirling University researchers are due to publish findings.

The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act received Royal Assent in January 2012.

An agreement was made at the time for the Scottish Government to review the operation of the offences after two full football seasons and to report back to Parliament one year later.

But concerns have since been raised by fans about police tactics and the Act in general.

Ms Cunningham told MSPs on Holyrood’s Justice Committee: “Until August 2014, they haven’t got all the information.

It’s at that point they start to be doing all the analysis of the two full years work.

£6.3m Calton Facelift

Constable Christopher Sutherland said: “There is no excuse for this sort of behaviour on public transport.

This was a busy service and I am appealing for anyone who was on the train or at either station and witnessed this unwelcome behaviour to come forward.”

Patricia Ferguson MSP 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

We are now a good two years down the line from this being implemented and we’re coming close to the end of that twoyear review period the Act provided for.

“I just don’t really see any great need for that to be changed.

I couldn’t now step in and ask them to do something differently to what they’ve been instructed.

The legislation gives police and prosecutors new powers to tackle sectarian songs and abuse at and around football matches, as well as threats posted on the internet or through the mail.

It created two distinct offences, punishable through a range of penalties up to a maximum five years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Some football fans say the legislation created problems for ordinary supporters.

An advisory group set up by the Scottish Government reported in December that sectarianism remains a significant force in society.

But the problem has “had its day” with a large groundswell of people tired of “worn-out rhetoric”, the independent group concluded.

A £6.3million project to regenerate the east of the City Centre including the historic Schipka Pass is under way.

Work on the Calton Barras Action Plan has started in the city’s East End. The project includes opening a park at the site of the Schipka Pass, which links London Road to Gallowgate.

The park, designed by Loci Design, has been given planning permission and is expected to be finished by summer.

Work will start in the next few weeks to improve around 80 shopfronts along London Road, the Gallowgate and nearby streets.

Vacant units and floorspace at the Barras Market will be handed to design, recycling, craft and restoration groups to help provide new jobs and to restore the area to it’s former

glory.

It is hoped that the project will attract more businesses to the area.

Councillor Yvonne Kucuk, who is part of the Action Barras Calton (ABC) group, said: “It is heartening to see.

We’ve had so many people get intouch with us to get involved now that they actually see things happening.

“Everybody is talking about it - the park will be amazing.

“It’s all go and it’s our last sprint before the Games.”

The plan is funded mainly by Glasgow City Council who are injecting £3.5m into the plans, with another £1.4m coming from COSLA and the Scottish Government, and a further £1.4m is expected from other sources.

The improvements at the Barras hope to revive the East

side of the City Centre Liz Cameron, executive member for Jobs and the Economy at Glasgow City Council, said it would create employment opportunities.

She said: “The plan will bring new jobs and a better environment to Calton and the Barras, and a sense of being better connected to the surrounding areas.

“What is especially pleasing is that from the very beginning local residents and businesses played a key role in the development of the plan, and will continue to do so as we work towards a bright future for this historic part of Glasgow.”

Work has already begun improving the infrastructure on London Road and Gallowgate.

Proposals have also been developed to clean up Morris Place and to emphasise the link between Calton and Glasgow Green, including the People’s Palace.

Greendyke Square will be “reconfigured” by council road teams, with traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossings put in place to create a new open space.

One of the plan’s goals is to minimise anti-social behaviour around the area by creating a clearer sight line between homes on either side of the Gallowgate.

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Glasgow Life presents Vintage Tea Dances GLASGOW Life is offering Vintage Tea Dance classes in four of the city’s local community centres - Castlemilk Community Centre, St. Francis Centre, Tollcross Community Centre and Barmulloch Community Centre.

Everyone is welcome to step back in time and take part in a Vintage Tea Dance and the best bit is the first class is completely free!

There’s no need to worry if you haven’t been on the dance floor for a few years as Glasgow Life’s expert dance coaches will be on hand to assist in every step of the way.

Alongside having a dance, you can enjoy some classic music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.

If you’re looking for a bit of gentle exercise and another way to met up with loved ones then the Glasgow Life Tea Dances provide the perfect opportunity.

When dancers have had their fill of the dance floor there is also the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a cup of

tea – served on vintage china.

Glasgow Life’s Tea Dances provide a fantastic opportunity for people to socialise, catch up with old acquaintances, and make new friends.

Classes are underway and run until Sunday 2 May. Everybody’s first class is completely free and only £2 a go thereafter.

Classes run at Tollcross Community Centre from 11:30am – 1:30pm and Castlemilk Community Centre on Wednesdays from 1 – 3 pm.

In addition classes are held at St Francis Community Centre from 10am – 12pm and Barmulloch Community Centre 11:30am – 1:30 pm, both on Thursdays.

For further information on the dance classes you can call the community centres involved direct on: 0141 634 2233 (Castlemilk); 0141 429 0275 (St Francis); 0141 763 0138 (Tollcross); 0141 276 0875 (Barmulloch). For further details on the centres themselves please visit www. glasgowlife.org.uk

STUDENT AT RADIO 1XTRA

GLASGOW Kelvin College Sound Production student, Stacey Holmes, has just returned from an exhilarating visit to the Radio 1 studios in London, which has opened up a feast of opportunities for her including a place at the British Academy of New Music on their Artist Development programme.

This is truly impressive for someone who had such a troubled start.

Stacey had a history of challenging and offending behaviours, very poor school attendance and left school with no qualifications and limited literacy.

She arrived in Glasgow at age 16, homeless and defiant.

Supported by the James Shields Quarriers Project, she learned independent living skills and started pursuing her musical talents while recovering from major surgery.

She started at Glasgow Kelvin College in 2013.

A huge fan of Radio 1, especially DJTarget, Stacey had been working on her own music for several years and, through the #targetsnoticeboard feature managed to get some of her own sounds played.

BBC were really interested in her work and she became the very first Scottish female rapper to be featured!!

She was “ecstatic”!! She has launched her own EP entitled

NEW LEARNING CENTRE FOR ROYSTON A £1 million lottery grant has been awarded to build a new community hub in Royston.

The money will be spent on a base for Rosemount Lifelong Learning Agency (RLLA) as well as providing an event space for the area.

The RLAA was set up in 1998 to help the people of North East Glasgow into work.

Its services include literacy and numeracy classes as well training to get people back into work and also provides

childcare.

The events space will also accommodate local groups and offer a space to hold functions.

The new centre will be built on the site of the existing learning centre on Royston Road, which will be demolished.

The centre will temporarily move to Springburn Road during construction.

The new £1.2 million building is due to be completed in November.

RLAA Chief Executive said: “There’s nothing like it in Royston.

“It’s going to be a community facility, but it will only work if people use it and we can revive community groups in the area” Springburn Councillor Allan Stewart,welcoming the development, said: “The new centre will be a great benefit to the community because there are not a lot of facilities in Royston”

‘Ms Marvellous‘ which features all her own music, including her song, ‘It Could Be’.

As she said herself, “After this I started really believing in myself: many people told me to give up ages ago, stop wasting my time, I was going nowhere! Hah! Who was laughing most?”

In January, she took part in the BBC’s Access All Areas initiative and from the thousands of applicants she was shortlisted, resulting in an hour-long slot at Radio 1Xtra playing her own and her choice of music.

The College’s Student Asso-

ciation and the Discretionary Fund supported her with expenses.

She had the best time in London and has returned with the offer of further learning – the Artist Development Level 4 Rock School Diploma, which she was offered after an interview during her visit.

She’s very excited and her main concern will be how to fund her move to London she’s open to ideas on this!!

But she is stoked to be given this opportunity.

As Stacey says, “I’ve never made things easy

for myself but I’ve turned my life around and I’m determined to make the most of this for me and my family.

I can hardly believe I’ve come this far - just a year or more ago I was barely literate and now here I am, about to take my dream journey even further.

I can’t thank the BBC, Glasgow Kelvin College and the Students’ Association enough for helping me to achieve this.”

Stacey is compiling a video blog which will soon be available via the link at soundcloud. com/novelistt.

NEW CONNOLLY DOCUMENTARY BILLY CONNOLLY is to front a new documentary series about death in which he discusses his own thoughts after being diagnosed with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

The 71-year-old shares his views about the afterlife and heads to various locations around the world to examine traditions and beliefs in his ITV programmes, which have the working title Billy Connolly’s Big Send Off. The Scottish comedian and actor underwent surgery for prostate cancer last year and also revealed he was suffering

from the early signs of Parkinson’s, but vowed to continue working.

In the series he “ sets out to gain an insight into the rich variety of attitudes, belief systems, rituals and customs relating to death that are woven into different cultures and communities”, according to ITV. And for the forthcoming films he is said to candidly share his thoughts on his own death and how he would like to be remembered.

Connolly visits a pet cemetery, a drive-through funeral parlour and his favourite grave-

yard in Glasgow, and discusses the funerals of friends he has attended including The Who’s Keith Moon.

He also duets with Eric Idle on a version of the Monty Python song Always Look On the Bright Side of Life, and the pair joke about plans for quirky graves and discuss dark humour.

Richard Klein, ITV’s director of factual programmes, said: “Death comes to us all yet still it can come as a shock to realise that one way and another we will all have to deal with at some point in our lives.”

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NORTH GLASGOW TRAIN BOOST Wellshot Pupils Make Splash by Releasing Fish Raised in Class

FIRST Scotrail has announced a new Sunday service between Glasgow Queen Street and Anniesland.

The train operator will run ten trains a day from Sunday 18th May. The service will call at Kelvindale, Maryhill, Summerston, Gilshochill, Possilpark, Parkhouse and Ashfield.

Previously the Sunday service was available for a few weeks in the run up to Christmas.

ScotRail revealed the first train from Anniesland will depart at 09:51 and then at 51 minutes past the hour until 18:51.

The first train from Glasgow Queen Street will leave at 09:26 and will run at 26

minutes past the hour until 18:26.

A spokesman for Scotrail said: “We’ve introduced these Sunday trains because we believe there is local demand, and because they will further connect people and communities.

We hope that they prove ­ popular.”

‘I miss buttons on my mobile phone’ – says more than a third of 40-65 year olds IN a recent survey 35% of over 40s using a smartphone admitted that they missed having physical buttons to press.

Other findings from the survey included: • More than one in five of over 40s found it more difficult to dial numbers and write text messages on a touchscreen • Almost thirty percent of those surveyed mis-dialled numbers more often with a touchscreen mobile phone • 38% of those surveyed preferred to remain with a traditional button phone rather than move to a touchscreen Eveline Pupeter, CEO of emporia Telecom, comments: “Just because almost every new phone is a touchscreen it does not mean that everyone

likes the format, particularly those over the age of 40.”

From the age of 40, people’s manual dexterity begins to gradually fade.

Whilst it is impossible to notice this on a day to day basis, as they age people have significantly less feeling in their fingers.

This impacts the ability to use a touchscreen as effectively, particularly as tactile feedback is important to confirm the press of a button.

“A QWERTY keyboard on a touchscreen smartphone is typically less than six centimeters by four, incorporating 33 keys, less than 0.75 of a centimeter per key. It is difficult for any user to accurately press buttons on a touchscreen, but with older users it becomes

even more challenging.”

Pupeter dismisses the notion that older people are disinclined to use any touch technology: “25% of tablet sales are to the over 55s, demonstrating that, at the right size, touchscreens have universal appeal. The issue is with smartphones where a QWERTY keyboard is tiny on the screen.”

She continued: “Only when you consider the limitations that the ageing process can place on people, can we hope to develop universal products with global appeal. Touchscreens are wonderful for browsing images but counter intuitive for typing on a small screen. This is why we offer users the choice of physical buttons or a touchscreen.”

Buffaloes Sighted in the East End NO, you did not misread the heading: Buffaloes have indeed been spotted in the East End of Glasgow, but before you contact Buffalo Bill Cody for his help, perhaps you should be made aware that they are not the type of buffaloes you may have been thinking of.

What is being referred to here are the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB), a fraternal organisation – one of Britain’s biggest in fact – whose chief aim is to help the local community, local charities and local good causes.

These ‘Buffs’ as they call themselves are hoping to increase their membership.

The origins of this benevolent fraternity are theatrical, and go as far back as 1822 in London.

This Order was formed by the artist Joseph Lisle, the comedian William Sinnett and a number of theatrical workers who met in a tavern just across the road from the Drury Lane Theatre.

At that time there was a very popular song: “We’ll chase the Buffalo” it was called, and the name struck a chord.

Throughout the nineteenth century the Order spread throughout the British Empire, in places such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the

Middle East, etc.

The meaning of the weird and pompous-sounding name – The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – should not be looked at too deeply.

It is an indication, bearing in mind that one of its founders was a comedian, that the Buffs do not take themselves too seriously.

During the First World War the Buffs contributed a number of ambulances to bring wounded soldiers back from the front line.

After the war these vehicles formed England’s first Ambulance Service which later became the St John’s Ambulance.

During the Second World War the Buffs offered Grove House, which they had orig-

inally purchased to use as an orphanage in 1926, for use as a military hospital.

The Glasgow Buffaloes East End Branch was established in December of 2006 and has managed to raise £20,000 so far for local charities, but they would like to raise a lot more, which is why they are looking for new members and also looking for more good causes to help.

If you feel that you can help out, then search for “RAOB Glasgow East” on Facebook or come along to their meetings which take place at Shettleston Juniors clubhouse on Monday evenings at 8pm; or alternatively phone Philip Brannan, the Societies Secretary, on 07811329980.

PUPILS from Wellshot Primary, Glasgow, have just completed ‘Clyde in the Classroom’ – an eco-education project for the 3rd year that uses the life-cycle of a native Scottish species, the brown trout, to encourage children to engage with nature and protect their local environment.

Wellshot Primary is one of 96 schools from the Clyde catchment participating in the project, which is run by the Clyde River Foundation.

The children, assisted by Clyde River Foundation scientists, have followed the development of brown trout from eggs to fry in a custom-made classroom hatchery over the past 5 weeks.

The children were responsible for the day-to-day care of the fish which required preparing them for release into Tollcross burn by using homemade icepacks to control the water temperature.

Teachers use Clyde in the Classroom to help deliver Curriculum for Excellence learning experiences and outcomes, tying in everything from art to mathematics with the project.

Mr Urquhart the class teacher said: “This has allowed P6/5 to use Clyde in the Classroom as a

theme for all their learning this term and has provided wonderful opportunities for inter-disciplinary learning.

The class have responded magnificently to the challenges of this theme, taking responsibility for the hatchery and confidently making an effective contribution to school life.

This is now our third year of participating in the project and we hope to participate again next year as it is such a valuable experience for all the pupils.”

Clyde in the Classroom started in 2000, as a one-off project for five schools in Glasgow.

This year, 102 classes from 96 schools are participating in the program, totalling 2744 pupils. CITC 2014 welcomes thirty-five new schools to the programme and all eight Local Authorities in the catchment are represented, with schools stretching from Greenock and Balloch to Kilsyth and Lanark.

Since 2000, 64% of the 550 primary schools in the Clyde catchment have been involved, with 18965 pupils passing through the project to date.

Dr Willie Yeomans, Catchment Manager with the Clyde River Foundation said: “Clyde in the Classroom continues to go from strength

to strength and to have 102 participating classes is exciting, challenging and gratifying for our small team.

Again, the schools have contributed significant funding, which reflects the value they place upon it to deliver Curriculum for Excellence outcomes.

With more schools participating, more and more children are engaging with their environment and learning how to protect it for the future.

We’ve had almost 20 000 potential “river rangers” involved to date which can only be excellent news for the environment.”

This year’s project is crowd-funded by the participating schools plus a range of other supporters, including the Robertson Trust, The Crown Estate, The Nineveh Charitable Trust, the Ernest Cook Trust, Glasgow Science Centre, The W.M. Mann Foundation, The AMW Charitable Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, the James T. Howat Charitable Trust and the United Clyde Angling Protective Association Ltd. For more information see www.clydeintheclassroom.com and www.clyderiverfoundation.org or call the Clyde River Foundation on 0141 330 5080.

FAMILY FUN IN GLASGOW ON BOARD ‘BENJI’ YOUNG children and their parents are invited to climb on board the PlayTalkRead bus ‘Benji’ as it visits Glasgow.

Designed to help encourage parents and carers to play, talk and read more with their little ones, the bus - affectionately known as Benji – will be stopping at: • Benview Early Years Centre, Benview Campus, 100 Bilsland Avenue, Glasgow from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm on Tuesday 4 March • Lyoncross Nursery, Lyoncross Road, Glasgow, from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm on Wednesday 5 March •Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Street, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, from 10am-4pm on Thursday 6 March • Govanhill Nursery School, 335 Allison Street, Glasgow from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm on Friday 7 March • Aye Write, Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow from 10am-4pm on Saturday 8 March • St Monica’s Primary School car park, Milton Community Nursery, 200 Liddesdale Road, Glasgow from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm on Monday 10 March • St Francis’ Primary RC

School, 430 Old Rutherglen Road, Glasgow from 9.30am12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm on Tuesday 11 March • Play Symposium, Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Rd, Glasgow from 9.30am-4.30pm on Thursday 13 March • Burnbrae Children’s Centre, 271 Househillmuir Road, Glasgow from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm on Friday 14 March Giving parents and carers of 0 – 3 year olds the chance to hop on board, inside there’s ample opportunity for all types of fun with books, toys, and interactive storytelling as well as song, rhythm and rhyme sessions.

Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell commented: “We can never underestimate the power of play and its crucial role in the positive development of our wee ones.

The first three years in a child’s life are critical to their development.

Our PlayTalkRead bus offers free fun for parents and carers of tots, to help give them the very best start in life.

The good news for mums and dads is you don’t have to wait until your kids are bigger to do fun things together.

There are lots of opportuni-

ties to get out there and have simple fun every day and for little cost.

“We’re really looking forward to visiting Glasgow and to welcoming lots of mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their wee ones on board.

It’s free, it’s fun and each child that hops on board Benji will also receive a PlayTalkRead pack to take home.”

Activity on the bus includes demonstrating easy ways for parents to interact with their children during their early years, with lots of low-cost ideas which can all be done at home and easily incorporated within daily routines.

The PlayTalkRead roadshow is part of the Scottish Government’s Early Years campaign which focuses on the early years (0 – 3) of children’s lives, and is travelling across the country to all 32 local authorities.

Entry is free.

You can see when the PlayTalkRead buses will next be in your area at: www.playtalkread. org/tour For more information – plus lots of handy tips and advice visit www.playtalkread.org.

You can also visit the Play Talk Read Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ playtalkread.

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Game On! ON Monday the 24th of February an outstanding event took place at the Emirates Arena, where a ‘Mini’ Commonwealth Games took place.

This was organised by FARE or Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse which started as a youth club in 1989 in response to the area’s lack of amenities.

The aim was to ‘enhance the lives of the local people’ by trying to answer the social, emotional and physical needs of the local community.

Years of fund-raising, and with the help of David Bannatyne, of ‘Dragon’s Den’ fame, a new purpose-built premises was opened in 2010, becoming known as Bannatyne House.

Since 2003, FARE had staged ‘Mini’ Olympic Games at the Kelvin Hall and last year they were staged at the Emirates Arena.

Because this is Commonwealth Games year, and also because the week commencing the 24th of February is Commonwealth Legacy Week, the name of the event was changed to ‘Mini’ Commonwealth Games.

Around a thousand Primary 7 pupils from 26 Primary Schools in the east and north of Glasgow were asked to participate at this event at the Emirates Arena.

The Games were officially opened by Jade Nimmo, the Scottish Long Jump Champion, and Andy Ashcroft, the North East Area Director of GHA, who are co-sponsors of the event.

The Commonwealth Games mascot Clyde was also in attendance, as was FARE’s own mascot – the FARE bear!

These young competitors took part in a number of track and field events such as the 60 metres, the 200 metres, the 4 x 200 metres relay, long jump,

javelin and shot putt.

The philosophy behind the games, according to Jimmy Wilson, the Services Manager of FARE, was to bring Primary School pupils together in their final year, to meet other pupils and have fun, before moving on to Secondary Schools.

These Games started with the competing pupils parading around the arena and doing two circuits of the track – as in the grown up version of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

90 medals were to be competed for in the usual denominations of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All participants got a certificate.

The school that won the overall prize was Avenue End Primary, whilst the prize for sportsmanship – the Bob Holman Award – was secured by Garrowhill Primary.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at the Glasgow Council, thought the event was: “Fantastic! A great way to kick start our Legacy Week celebrations.”

The Genn says to the medal winners, Well done guys!

On the following Wednesday, it was the turn of Primary 7s of 20 different Primary Schools, this time from the northwest of the City, who participated at the Active Schools Athletics Championships at the same venue – the Emirates Arena.

This was another Legacy Week event.

Squads of 5 boys and 5 girls took part in sprinting events, throwing and jumping disciplines, and the winning school was Blairdardie Primary.

These track and field championships are hoped to become a regular Glasgow-wide event in future.

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YONEX been unveiled as the Official Provider of Badminton Equipment and Services at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The sponsorship will see Yonex provide 15 certified international standard badminton courts, tournament shuttles, nets, posts and a players’ stringing service as well as having branding rights for court mats and net posts.

The Badminton Competition will take place at the Emirates Arena and will be played across all 11 days of sport competition at Glasgow 2014 (24 July – 3 Aug).

Yonex is a global Badminton, Tennis and Golf equipment and services company headquartered in Japan, but with branches across the world including distributors in all Commonwealth countries.

Established in 1946, the firm has previously been the Official Badminton Equipment Supplier at all the Olympic Games since the sports induction at Barcelona 1992 and is a long time title sponsor of the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships.

Glasgow 2014 Deputy Chief Executive, Ty Speer, said: “Yonex is synonymous with Badminton across the globe and we are delighted to welcome them as the latest addition to the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family.”

Commonwealth Games Art Display at Beechwood Nursery

GAMES SPONSOR ON TRACK

ON Wednesday the 26th of February the children of Beechwood Nursery at Wellhouse held a special art display on the theme of the Commonwealth Games as part of Commonwealth Legacy week.

Beechwood Nursery shares a campus with Aultmore Park Primary and the Co-Located Language and Communication Resource (formerly the Autism Unit).

All three of these institutions took part in the art display and competition.

This art competition was actually held Glasgow-wide, being open to all of Glasgow’s 130 primary schools.

The intended outcome of the competition was to select winning works of art which would eventually adorn and decorate the bedrooms of the Commonwealth Games athletes at the Games Village in Dalmarnock.

Altogether 18 winning entries, including 3 from the nursery, were eventually chosen.

The difficult selection of the winning entries was judged by 2 teachers and two secondary school pupils.

The teachers were: Gillian Kierans, the Head Teacher of Aultmore Park; and Siobhan McMahon, Principal Teacher of Art at Lochend Community High School.

The secondary school pupils were Amy Mclauchlan,

GLASGOW 2014 last week revealed that ScotRail, operator of 95% of Scotland’s railway, has become the latest addition to the Games Sponsor Family.

ScotRail, part of the Aberdeen-based FirstGroup, has been planning for the Games for more than two years – and was a supporter of the original Bid to bring the Games to Glasgow.

The train operator will deliver an enhanced Games timetable of high frequency services on key routes across the city, delivering high numbers of spectators to major venues and associated events.

ScotRail will also provide increased capacity on long-distance trains linking Glasgow with other parts of Scotland.

The full timetable is set to be announced this Spring with the train operator expecting to deliver more than one million passenger journeys over the 11 days of the Games.

Transport on ScotRail services within designated Glasgow city boundaries will be included in the price of the Games ticket for Glasgow 2014 spectators.

The company will also become an Official Supporter of Team Scotland at the largest multi-sport event Scotland has ever seen.

More than 3,000 ScotRail staff are already undergoing specialist ‘World Host’ customer service training ahead of the

and John Cunningham, two of Lochend Community High School’s brightest art pupils from S6, both studying Higher Art. Among the stated aims of Beechwood are to have fun while learning and to express themselves through art; and as you can see from the accompanying photograph the children did indeed have a good time judging by their smiles.

They were obviously very proud of their individual works of art, as undoubtedly were their parents.

The epithet of this nursery school is a “Curriculum for Excellence”, which is meant to inspire confidence in the children’s abilities, among other things, focusing heavily on literacy and numeracy.

This “Curriculum for Excel-

lence” is therefore expected to give these children skills for both life and for work.

Establishing a good relationship with the parents of the children is also part of their creed because childhood development is influenced by both the carers and the parents; and therefore parental involvement at Beechwood is nurtured.

The art on display were of a high standard despite the age of the artists themselves.

Games to guarantee a worldclass welcome to those visiting both Glasgow and Scotland this summer.

Glasgow 2014’s Chief Executive, David Grevemberg, said: “We warmly welcome ScotRail to the Glasgow 2014 Sponsor Family. This summer’s Commonwealth Games will see over 6,500 athletes and officials come to Glasgow for 11 days of fantastic competition that will put Glasgow and Scotland on the world stage.

“The city will be bustling with activity and with ScotRail’s additional services supporting Games spectators, and their highly trained staff greeting hundreds of thousands of new visitors to the city, I’m sure that we will deliver an outstanding Games experience that everyone can enjoy.”

Tim O’Toole, chief executive of FirstGroup, which runs ScotRail, said: “We are proud of our Scottish heritage and the important role we play connecting people and communities up and down Scotland, every day.

“The Commonwealth Games, falling in the Year of Homecoming, provides an important opportunity for Scotland to promote itself around the world, and we look forward to playing our part, moving people around Glasgow and Scotland as quickly and efficiently as we can.”

Young people will carry the legacy spirit on beyond the Commonwealth Games

WITH less than 150 days to go until Glasgow plays host to the biggest sporting and cultural event in its history, 21 Active Champions, young volunteers from across the North East of Glasgow and whom are part of community legacy project Active East engaged in a training residential at the Edinburgh Hilton Hotel.

The aim of the training was to equip these inspirational young volunteers with the skills they need to deliver their own physical activity programme.

To enable this the event focused on Education Through CashBack (ETC) modules such

as ‘Benefits of Physical Activity’ and ‘Goal Setting’.

The residential was run in partnership with Youth Scotland who also delivered Fitness, Games and Conflict Resolution.

Youth Scotland, Youth Active Manager, Rebecca Simpson said: “Active East is working with the coaches and volunteers of tomorrow who will be at the heart of building a meaningful legacy”.

At Youth Scotland we are delighted to be working with Scottish Sports Futures’ Active East and Education Through

CashBack programmes to support these inspirational young people at the beginning of their journey.

Through the ETC training they have the opportunity to develop skills around engaging, understanding and developing young people through sport and physical activity”.

Active Champion Si Yuan who is 17 years old and won Coach of the Year at the Active East Awards Night said: “I enjoyed the training and look forward to using them in my sessions”.

Si Yuan leads Basketball Sessions with 2 of his peers from Reidvale Youth and Action which engages an average of 30 participants each week.

This success has recently attracted another SSF programme, Shell Twilight Basketball, to partner up with the Active Champions to provide mentoring and support for the sessions.

Part of the training weekend included a ‘Plan Your Own Programme’ session which saw 3 groups focussing on 3 community project ideas to address a problem or need under the themes of “physical, mental and social” and targeting young people aged 12-25.

They were given this specific

criteria and allocated time to plan their programme and present back to the Funding Panel, Youth Scotland, who would provide the winning group with the £600 budget to make it happen.

The panel were so impressed that they agreed to fund all 3 of the group ideas.

Each group chose an Active East partner organisation to link with for support and to distribute the budget.

All 3 groups will now be setting up and running these projects in the East of Glasgow, providing more opportunities for other young people to get active, an example of how the effect of the games will be felt for kids in the East of Glasgow.

Active East, which was granted Glasgow Legacy status in 2013, works with existing youth and sport providers across the North East of Glasgow.

The project consists of two 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.

Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) manage both the Active East and Education Through CashBack programmes.

ETC was also granted national legacy status in 2013 highlighting how as an organisation, SSF committed to ensuring the massive potential of the Commonwealth Games is harnessed and lasts far beyond the summer of 2014.

The motivation and inspiration the games offers is a fantastic vehicle for effecting long term change and building community capacity for years to come.

SSF CEO Ian Reid said: “We are delighted to have 2 legacy mark programmes in Active East and the Education through CashBack initiative, both programmes promote personal development, maximise the impact of sport and physical activity while supporting those who deliver to the wider youth community.

We are excited to see what a true legacy will look like for the city of Glasgow and across Scotland”.

Active Mentor Michaela Munro attended the residential training weekend to support the Active Champions and lead

on a reflective activity and creative evaluation session.

Michaela works with partner organisation, PEEK Project and having grown up as a young person through the project has developed into an inspirational leader.

Active East currently has 10 Mentors on board and will be focusing on developing this part of the programme to ensure that Active Champions have as much support as possible to develop their skills and experience.

Michaela said “Active East is an excellent opportunity for young people across the North East of Glasgow to discover, develop and nurture an array of skills, knowledge and experience.

As an Active Mentor, I support and encourage the Active Champions to take a leading role in delivering their own programme of physical activity within their communities.

I believe that to leave a lasting legacy for the Commonwealth Games, young people should first and foremost be at the core of anything legacy related.

Young people are the future generation and will carry the legacy spirit on beyond the Commonwealth Games”.

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Welcome to the Alcohol-Free Week

ALCOHOL-FREE WEEK aims to encourage you to become more aware of your drinking habits and to help you reduce the amount you drink if you are taking too much.

The eighth Alcohol-Free Week is launched on Wednesday 5th March 2014.

During Alcohol-Free Week, we’re hoping you will give up alcohol for one day, a weekend or, if you’re up to it, the whole week.

This will give you a chance to test how much of a role alcohol plays in your life and how easy it is, or not, to do without.

We’re hoping that, whether

you give up for a day, a weekend or a week, you’ll use the opportunity to take stock of when you drink alcohol, why you drink, and how much you drink.

Why we drink alcohol Alcohol has been around since Man first discovered fermentation in rotting fruit thousands of years ago and the ancient Sumerians became the first brewers in around 4000 BC. It is a mind-altering drug that affects our mood. We use it to celebrate, commiserate, to boost our confidence, to wind down.

We use it to overcome self-consciousness, give us ‘Dutch courage’ and help us loosen up in social gatherings.

Sometimes we use it to ‘drown our sorrows’. In moderation, alcohol can, temporarily, make us feel better about ourselves but it is actually a depressant drug.

More than three or four units of alcohol can begin to adversely affect our mood and can make us feel worse. Then our brain tells us to have another one to buck us up again.

The trouble is, even after just a couple of drinks, alcohol affects our judgement.

When we are feeling down, perhaps after a bereavement, relationship breakdown, disappointment, or if we are in physical pain, we might turn to alcohol for comfort. Most of us have done it but we soon find there’s no solution in the bottom of an empty glass.

When we drink alcohol People like a drink with a meal. It may be a lunchtime pint or a glass of wine with dinner.

Many enjoy a beer after work to socialise with colleagues and share a joke or a gripe about the boss. We may be tired after a hard day or want to congratulate each other on a job well done.

We probably look forward to a cold beer after a workout, a glass of wine once the kids are asleep, or a cosy night cap before bed.

It might be a midweek night out with pals, or a quick one after the theatre, and at the weekend we can really let our hair down.

It doesn’t have to be a special occasion.

Drink has become an intrinsic part of British culture.

Our grandparents probably drank alcohol far less often than we do.

It was, relatively, more expensive back then so most people were more likely to use alcohol as an occasional treat.

We don’t need an excuse anymore to have a drink but if we find we are drinking every day, we’re in danger of drinking more than we should.

Even if we stay within the recommended daily limit, but we drink every day, our bodies will develop more tolerance to

alcohol. This means we will gradually need to drink more to feel the effects.

That’s why it’s recommended we have at least two alcohol-free days every week. or.....

De-alcoholised wines have all the heart-health benefits of ordinary wine and alcohol-free beers have been shown to cut cholesterol and cancer risks.

Some beers also have isotonic properties making them ideal for sports and fitness enthusiasts.

These wines and beers have fewer calories than their alcoholic equivalents and can help those avoiding alcohol to continue to enjoy their favourite drinks and improve their health.

The week is industry-led and backed by leading alcohol-free wine and beer producers, specialist alcohol-free retailers and supported by health professionals and local authorities.

Rock guitarist Peter Hook, who ditched his drugs and booze fueled hell raising with New Order and Joy Division to adopt an alcohol-free lifestyle, supports Alcohol-Free Week He said: “Alcohol-free drinks have helped me stay sane and sober!

I now can still enjoy wine and beer with my family and friends and I don’t feel like the odd one out. In fact most of the time they end up drinking mine Drinkers trying to cut back on booze are being encouraged to enjoy the benefits of wine and beer during Alcohol-Free Week.

Thousands joined the dry January challenge and many enjoyed going sober so much they

are staying off the booze.

Experts agree that it takes just two or three alcohol-free days a week to prevent longterm health risks associated with alcohol Choosing drinks without alcohol It’s important to know what is meant by alcohol free.

This is particularly so for people who avoid alcohol for religious reasons or those on certain medications which create a severe reaction to even the smallest alcohol content.

Government regulations control what terms can be used.

The rules that control how we label drinks according to their alcohol content are different in the UK from the rest of Europe.

In the UK there are strict regulations that split drinks into specific categories: Non- alcoholic: contains no alcohol at all (0.0%) Alcohol-free: contains 0.05% alcohol or less De-alcoholised: contains 0.5% alcohol or less Low-alcohol: contains more than 0.5% but no more than 1.2% Under EU regulations the rules are not so complicated.

All drinks with up to 0.5 per cent alcohol are regarded as alcohol-free.

To put this into context, an ordinary glass of fresh orange juice can naturally contain up to 0.5% alcohol.

Malt vinegar you put on your chips is about 0.2% alcohol.

For more information on non alcoholic beer, de-alcoholised and alcohol free drinks, visit The Alcohol-Free Shop at www. alcoholfree.co.uk or LoNo.

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ng homes launch food for thought project What is Food for Thought?

Food for Thought is a community based initiative supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

The aim of the programme is to provide additional support for individuals and families who live in North Glasgow.

Over a number of months, residents and staff of ng homes have been working together to identify ways of tackling food waste and reacting to food need amongst other issues and this programme was developed as a result.

What will Food for Thought involve?

There are three main elements to the programme: The provision of food and, in some cases furniture, to those experiencing hardship, community food workshops and informal and formal volunteering.

We are aware that there is an increase in people referring to Foodbanks and at the same time there is a real issue of food waste, with an over 3 million tonnes of food going to waste each year.

Therefore, in addition to responding to an immediate need we are working with the community to develop long lasting solutions and to build up the connections between residents.

We have partnered with Fare Share to address both the environmental and social issues as part of our food redistribution element. Over the past two months ng homes has supported a number of residents and local families who found themselves in crisis through the provision of food donations. Referrals to Food for Thought programme can be accessed through initial contact with ng homes housing services and Food for Thought staff.

What about Community Food Workshops?

An important part of the programme is the provision of fun and creative community food events to bring people together.

There will be regular community food events where people can come along and enjoy some nutritious and delicious food in a friendly setting.

They will be given information on the overall programme, get support and information from ng homes and other organisations and get to know others in their community. In tandem with this we will be providing a food service for those who are referred for additional support.

Community Food events will be held at Balgrayhill Community Centre every Wednesday between 12.30 – 2.30 p.m. from 12th March with further events in Possilpark and other areas coming soon.

Healthy Eating Workshops are also on the ‘community menu’ and these will be available for individuals, families and children. Our first Healthy Eating workshop is taking place in Possilpark with the ‘Chancers’ group and is proving to be a big success.

How can people get Involved?

We have had strong interest from local people who want to get more involved and there will be volunteering opportunities where people can have the chance to gain new skills, meet new people and become more involved in their community.

How can I find out more?

The Food for Thought programme will be introduced to the Community during Climate Week and will include an International Community Cook In, a range of activities and information on the service and an opportunity for people to become involved either as volunteers or for food and cookery workshops.

The Food for Thought team pictured below are happy for you to contact them if you want to find out more or want to support the programme in any way.

You can contact them on mycommunity@nghomes.net or phone 0141 560 6000 Claire Alexander, Community Support Officer. Claire’s role will involve establishing food related activities across the community including ‘Meet and Eat’ and ‘Cook and Share’ Clare Bird, Community Resilience Officer.

Clare’s role will involve recruiting, supporting and maintaining volunteers involved in this programme and other regeneration activities.

Janice Quinn, Community Support Co-ordinator.

Janice’s role will involve establishing systems and processes for the Food distribution service and related programmes.

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

15

GENN

ng homes support unique university scholarship TWO mature students from Malawi are being helped to further their education with assistance from ng homes.

Grace Sukasuka and Sabron Kalyolyo have been provided with accommodation while they attend Glasgow Caledonian University.

FareShare, Food Surplus-the big picture Food waste is an inevitable part of the 21st century life because even though most food companies run very efficient operations, factors such as changing supply, consumer demand for 100% availability, human error and even the weather can create surpluses. We can’t eradicate food waste altogether, but we can outsmart it and FareShare does this by being on hand to divert edible food from going to waste and getting it to people in need.

Every day we work with growers, manufacturers distributors and retailers right across the supply chain to identify and rescue good food that would otherwise go to waste. We work with multi-nationals, and all the major supermarkets, but we know that there are many companies who could and should be working with FareShare.

We have an impeccable reputation for protecting brands and meeting food industry standards, so there really is no barrier to doing the right this with surplus food.

FareShare Glasgow and West of Scotland FareShare Glasgow is run by Move On and is an independent franchise of the national charity, FareShare UK. Our aim is to deliver food to those who need it most and give support on nutrition, food hygiene, employability and more. Our service enables organisations in Glasgow and the West to help people experiencing food poverty. www.moveon.org.uk/fareshare/ What we do FareShare is an award winning UK charity that fights hunger and food waste. We rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people who need it, benefiting those in need and the planet.

The issues we tackle 5.6 million people in the UK live in ‘deep poverty’ making it hard for them to afford every day essentials, including food. At the same time, 3 million tonnes of food is wasted by the food and drinks industry every year, 1% of this, FareShare could provide for for 70 million meals.

Our Impact Last year, the FareShare network provided food for 10 million meals, supported 1000 local charities and helped them feed 36,500 vulnerable people a day.

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

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

Both are aged 36 and have left behind their families to study in Glasgow.

The move followed the signing with the High Commissioner of Malawi last August of a unique agreement to support scholarships.

It is the first time that a university and UK housing association have teamed up to offer assistance to Malawi’s students. It is being organised through the GCU’s School of Engineering and Built Environment which has worked on a series of projects including asset management, agriculture research, environmental and waste management in Malawi.

Grace graduated with a Batchelor of Science degree from University of Malawi in 2006. She was an assistant lecturer at the same university before being accepted for a Masters in Quantity Surveying and started her course in January.

At home is her husband Loimbikani and their two children 11-year-old daughter Akonda and six-yearold son Tithokoze. Grace says: “I’ve visited Zambia, South Africa and Kenya but only for a few days before going back home so being in Scotland is very different for me. “I do miss my family but thanks to Skype, I can still be in regular contact.”

She says her course is very challenging and that academic writing is different from back home. Grace added: “Glasgow is a very big city and very different. I have never seen snow before and I do find it very cold. When I told my husband that I was living on the 18th floor he just could not believe it.”

Flatmate Sabron was a classmate of Grace’s when they were at university in Malawi. He also has a B.Sc degree from the University of Malawi and is now studying for his Masters in International Project Management. Sabron’s wife back home in Malawi is also called Grace and they have three children – sons Khama, 10, and seven-monthold Benjamin and five-year-old daughter Atupele.

Sabron was born in South Africa and spent time as a youngster in America. He has worked in the construction and engineering industry but most of his time so far in Scotland has been in the Glasgow Caledonian University library.

Sabron said: “It is great to have the opportunity to study for a Masters but especially at GCU which is held in such high regard.”

Robert Tamburrini, CEO of ng homes, said: “When Glasgow Caledonian University asked if we and our partners would support their scholarships we were happy to help by providing accommodation close to GCU. I am sure they will find it a great place to live and learn.”

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

16

GENN Housing

Social Housing – The Glasgow Solution IN common with every other authority, Glasgow has an obligation to house its citizens.

How this came about in Glasgow is no short story.

As far back as 1866 Parliament passed the City Improvement Trust Act setting up the Glasgow City Improvement Trust which was a body that could compulsorily purchase properties in certain areas.

In a short space of time around 15,000 homes and slum dwellings were soon swept away from the ‘Old City’, which was then situated around the High Street and parts of what is now known as the Merchant City.

This may be deemed the beginning of the story by which the then Glasgow Corporation would take upon itself some responsibility for the housing welfare of its citizens.

In this area of the Old Upkeep Furniture Shettleston 981 Shettleston Road, Glasgow G32 7LN Opening Hours -Mon - Wed 9.00 - 4.00 Open Late Thursday - 9.00 - 7.00 Fri 9.00 - 4.00

City sanitation was almost non-existent: there were no privies or drains, for example.

The railway companies helped with the demolition of these, and other old properties, thus acquiring land for the erection of railway stations and sidings.

The most famous example of this was the demolition of the Old College on the High Street, and its subsequent removal to the current site on Gilmorehill in the West End and re-named Glasgow University.

The railway company built the College Goods Station on the Old College’s former site.

The area round about the Old College contained slums which were described as “a congested mass of tenement houses” in which lived unsavoury characters such as thieves and prostitutes that brought the area into disrepute.

Our Shops Upkeep Furniture Easterhouse Shandwick Square Shopping Centre Westerhouse Road Glasgow G34 9DT

Upkeep Furniture Rutherglen 74 Main Street Rutherglen Glasgow G73 2HY

Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9.00 - 3.30

Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9.00 - 3.30

Upkeep Furniture Upkeep Furniture sells low cost but high quality, second hand furniture at its three shops in Shettleston, Easterhouse and Rutherglen. We have a good range of furniture in stock including the following: Sofas and suites, beds and bedroom furniture, dining/kitchen tables and chairs We can also supply white goods and electrical appliances, all of which are safety tested and come with a guarantee.

We offer an installation service for white goods for an additional charge. Our prices are very reasonable and we can deliver in the local area for a small charge.

Donate to Upkeep Furniture We are always looking for furniture donations and are happy to pick up items from anywhere in the city. Items should be in good, clean and working condition.

Unfortunately we cannot accept upholstered items that do not meet 1988 fire safety regulations and have the regulation label still attached.

Volunteer with Upkeep Furniture Would you like to volunteer with Upkeep Furniture? We can offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities including: shop sales, shop dressing, furniture uplift and delivery, driving, warehouse work, minor repairs and PAT testing. Volunteers are given travelling expenses, uniform and training. Some of our volunteers have become regular fixtures at Upkeep Furniture and others have used their experience as a springboard for moving on to paid employment, either with Upkeep or another employer. Whatever your motivation, we would like to hear from you.

Void Property Management, Joinery & Kitchen Fitting, Plumbing & Heating, Painting & Decorating, Electrical Work, Cleaning, Handyperson Service, Roofing, Gutter Cleaning & Repairs, Stonework & Slabbing, Close Cleaning, Environmental Maintenance, De-Littering, Graffiti Removal, Power Washing, Needle Searches, Furniture Reuse Services, Material Recycling, House Clearances, Removals, Cherry Picker + Driver for hire.

17

GENN Housing The College Masters and students used to complain about having to walk through groups of prostitutes in order to gain access to their classes.

The railway companies may also have made the housing situation a lot worse as they did not replace the housing they demolished.

The City Improvement Trust was deemed to have been such a success in slum removal that an amendment to the City Improvement Trust Act of 1880 gave the Trust further revenue raising powers by increasing the Rates (the ‘Council Tax’ of its day) allowing the building of sewers, setting up of recreational areas such as public parks and the laying out of streets so that private developers could erect new housing, usually in the form of the ubiquitous tenements.

In this era about 25% of Glasgow’s population lived in one-roomed homes: the infamous ‘single-ends’ of Glasgow legend and folklore. .

In 1888 the Trust decided to erect their own tenements in the Saltmarket area, meaning that Glasgow Corporation (as the Glasgow City Council was then known) had become landlords in their own right, and by 1909, Glasgow Corporation had managed to build well over 2,000 new homes.

The private sector, which

up until then had thrived in the last century-and-a-half or so, no longer saw the erection of tenements as a lucrative enterprise, especially since the 1909-10 Budget of Lloyd George’s Government which had a disastrous knock-on effect on the erection and ownership of properties, especial-

ly in Scotland.

It would not be until after the war that houses for rent were built by private enterprise again.

A Royal Commission in 1912 found that Scottish cities, and Glasgow in particular, had six times as many families living in one-roomed

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

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

18 (‘single-ends’) and tworoomed homes as were found in cities south of the border.

There were also problems of sanitation: most of these families had to share toilets with other residents, either on the landings or in the back courts (a situation that was to last well into the 1960s).

Perhaps in response to this the Government, from 1919 onwards, gave local authorities substantial subsidies for the erection of new homes, and as a result the building programme of Glasgow Corporation increased quite markedly.

By this time Glasgow had been treating its housing problems so seriously that a

GENN Housing special department under a Director of Housing had been set up to overview the situation three years previously in 1916, perhaps in anticipation of this financial help from the Government. Tenement building was no longer in vogue in Glasgow by then.

One of the most important Housing Acts ever passed by the Government was the Act of 1935 which laid down detailed standards of permitted housing occupancy.

For example 2 adults would occupy a one bedroom house; 5 adults would occupy a 3-bedroom house, etc. with separate bedrooms for different sexes (unless married) and a minimal floor area.

The criteria set by this Act are still used as a benchmark today.

By the 1950’s Glasgow was unable to keep up with the demand for housing because of the decay of the older properties and their subsequent demolition, and also by population growth.

One solution to the problem was to set up New Towns such as Cumbernauld and East Kilbride, on the fringes of the City, with other New Towns like Glenrothes, Livingstone and Irvine somewhat further afield.

By the mid-1960s just over 12,500 homes were built in these New Towns by both the Scottish Special Housing As-

sociation and the New Towns Development Corporations to help stem the social housing shortage.

But there were still immense problems to overcome.

A report by the sub-committee of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee in 1967 reported that housing conditions were ‘appalling’ and were as bad as those mentioned in a similar report of 1842 a century-and-a-quarter earlier, and much of that were

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Tel: 0141 763 1317

in districts such as the Gorbals, Anderston, Springburn, Maryhill, Townhead and the East End; but at the time of the report, work was already in hand in an extensive redevelopment of the Gorbals area, and much of the old Townhead would disappear under the Townhead Interchange, becoming part of the M8 Monkland motorway.

All of the areas cited have now changed beyond recognition.

The amount of Council housing in the 1960s increased to 67% of the housing stock, making Glasgow have the highest proportion of social housing than anywhere else in the UK. To this day, Glasgow still has the highest amount of social housing units when compared with the rest of Britain.

The 1970s saw the rise and rise of Community Based Housing Associations (CBHAs) which are managed by,

19

GENN Housing and for, the local residents by people who wanted to have a say in how their districts and housing estates should be developed.

As a result, around a hundred or so of these housing associations sprung up all around the City with funding available from the Government to assist in the transfer of ownership from the Council.

The CBHAs have created a tremendous amount of academic debate and interest world-wide as an outstanding example of democracy in action and the power of the people!

The 7th of March, 2003 is a date of enormous significance in the history of Social Housing in Glasgow.

This was when 81,000 of Council homes were transferred to the not-for-profit Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), becoming “the largest public sector modernisation project in Europe”, which was an example of “social justice in action” according to the Social Justice Minister of the period: Margaret Curran.

This all came about as a result of a ballot a year previously in which 58% of 50,082 tenants voted in favour of the transfer.

What helped the outcome

of this ballot was that the Treasury would underwrite Glasgow City Council’s massive £900 million housing debt: money that could now be made available for other uses and projects around the

City (It could have contributed towards Glasgow’s decision to stage the Commonwealth Games, for example.)

Also promised was a £4 billion investment by the GHA in the improvement of Glas-

gow’s former council housing stock.

The GHA is now one of the largest social landlords in Europe.

An interesting situation has arisen in which Second

Stage Transfer is taking place: thousands of tenants are being given the vote on whether they would want to have their homes transferred from the GHA to one of the CBHAs. Recognising its role as a

huge employer and as a user of large amounts of the earths resources that would be used in erecting properties, and in the day-to-day living and use of these properties, efficiencies in power usage, as reflected in its ‘carbon footprint’, had to be addressed in this age of Global warming.

This was to come about by modernising, improving and refurbishing the homes of the GHA tenants in order to make them warmer, safer and drier.

Thermal efficiency, therefore, would be increased, lowering energy usage.

In the first five years of its existence, the GHA had managed to save over 160,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is claimed to be the equivalent in volume to 32,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

It had also saved a massive amount of energy – around 1.6 million giga joules – which they claim is enough energy to power the floodlights of every Scottish and English Premier League football match for the next twenty years!

This thermal efficiency came about by:• installation of 35,900 new central heating systems; • over-cladding of over 20,800 properties; • installation of draft-proof-

20

ing in over 20,500 homes; • installation of over 10,600 windows; • insulation of 5,800 homes; and • provision of an energy advice service that was consulted by over 9,800 tenants.

These measures cost the GHA investment plan around £600 million.

It was claimed that the energy saved in heating costs as a result of these measures amounted to between £150

GENN Housing

and £210 per home per year.

More recently, the GHA is fitting solar panels to over 500 homes on south-facing roofs of existing semi-detached and terraced houses.

This would have the benefit of free electricity during the daylight hours, with savings of around £100 and about a tonne of CO2 per home per year, and contributing to the further lowering of the carbon footprint.

Plans for the future envis-

age that by the year 2020 the GHA’s contribution towards ‘Sustainable Glasgow’ – a plan that aims to make Glasgow one of the most energy-efficient cities in Europe – would amount to a reduction in CO2 emissions by 30%.

A new chapter of the Glasgow Solution would have begun and will again be the stimulus for academic debate because of Glasgow’s avant-garde approach to social housing.

Free loft insulation, O E E wall cavity insulation and FR underfloor insulation available ER

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21

GENN Housing

Cranhill Development Trust hosts Chance to Thrive celebration

DEREK MACKAY, Minister in the Scottish Government for local government and planning and Right Reverend Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland congratulated the eight local communities involved in the Chance to Thrive Project at an event in Cranhill on Thursday 27th February 2014.

Chance to Thrive is a five year long project funded by the Kirk’s General Trustees and Ministries Council. It supports and mentors eight congregations who live in some of the poorest parishes in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Stirling and Dundee.

The key aim behind the project is to support more local people to become involved in

changing their communities.

Feedback shows volunteer groups had been pushed by the initiative to go beyond the confines of their buildings and reach out to individuals in public areas as well as to involve more local people in their work.

Those who have benefited from the scheme claim to have been given greater confidence and enthusiasm by the mentors put in place by Chance to Thrive.

They had received help to form partnerships with other local organisations and national agencies.

They have made changes to their buildings based on the aspirations and needs of the local community.

Martin Johnstone, Secretary of the Priority Areas Committee, said “At the heart of what is happening is a piece of work, pioneered by the Church, where the regeneration of our poorest neighbourhoods begins with the aspirations of people and not

just with buildings.”

Marie Ward, CEO of Cranhill Development Trust said “We were delighted to host this event and hear some of the creative and life-changing things going on in the other projects.

With Cranhill Parish Church, Chance to Thrive is giving us the focus to redevelop the church building for church and community.”

She added: “We are now looking forward to our next local Chance to Thrive event on Saturday 22nd March – Dare to Dream a Difference- where everyone in Cranhill is invited to use their imaginations to improve the environment and services in Cranhill to benefit everybody.”

Cranhill Development Trust is keen to increase the number of local people on their Board of Directors.

If you are passionate about Cranhill and it’s people please get in touch.

For more information contact 0141 774 3344.

22

GENN

GESH –Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands ONE of the more pleasurable things that a reporter does is to write about the good Samaritans in our midst.

Michael and Maureen Ferrie founded an extraordinary community facility called GESH – Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands – set in Redcastle Square of Greater Easterhouse’s Garthamlock district.

Michael and Maureen have each devoted 35 years of their respective lives to this unique project.

This is a Community Centre with a difference; and that is because this is a labour of love for this extraordinary pair.

It is quite remarkable to realise that this couple has touched the lives of quite literally thousands of people – of all ages – in a very positive manner.

So what is GESH? It is quite simply the hub of the community and is pivotal in the lives of over 600 members, at least, who have physical and mental disabilities, and who use the facilities of the centre on a weekly basis.

But that does not mean to say that you have to be disabled to use the facilities: it is a so-

cial club par excellence and almost every sort of activity and entertainment you can think of is available to you here, from bingo to carpet bowls; from wheelchair basketball to Country and Western Dancing; from DJ courses to keep fit classes!

It is indeed a challenge to name an activity that is not catered for.

Members have their own committee and make decisions about what activities they want.

GESH arranges numerous activities and entertainment for hundreds of disabled people every week including the ever-popular Friday night discos on the dance floor.

Local Councillors and MPs stage their surgeries here on a monthly basis, and even the Community Council meets here, emphasising its central role in the community.

The history of GESH goes way back to 1979 in Lochend Secondary School.

It had 12 members in those days.

It was constantly expanding its role and even a second home for the centre at Cranhill became too small.

Michael and Maureen came across a community facility in Garthamlock that had lain derelict and vandalised for about a year, but importantly, it was of an appropriate size for what they had in mind.

The building was council-owned and would have eventually faced demolition if nothing was done to save it.

They decided to take it on.

It was obviously going to cost a small fortune to make the building ‘wind and watertight’.

The couple were somewhat daunted by that prospect, but, after all, this was to be their calling.

They came across a scheme called Community Service Payback whereby people caught committing minor offences are sent back out into the local community to make reparations in the form of performing small tasks to improve the environment.

They were soon enrolled to volunteer with the task of undertaking the repairs to the building.

Together with other volunteers and tradesmen, the building underwent a considerable transformation with complete renovation.

This was where Michael’s experience came in: he has a history in the building trade and would thus supervise the renovation work.

A new roof was installed as was an efficient heating system; squads of volunteers tackled the painting; a new dance-floor was laid; and a new stage built.

Even the local Pub, The Roadhouse, got involved: they paid to have the driveway mono-blocked.

Within six months, the building was ready, opening in 1999, and because of the use of volunteers and the Community Payback Scheme, the bill was

kept down to around £200,000 raised locally.

The community had now gained a much-needed social venue, but it was primarily to cater for the people with special needs and those with reading difficulties in the locality.

To keep GESH running, the couple had to use their own initiative in finding funding, as they do not receive public money.

As the reputation of GESH grew more widespread and the powers of persuasion of Michael and Maureen became more honed, a number of organisations became involved as financial sponsors - witness the number of brass plaques in the foyer naming them.

There are far too many to mention here in this article, but they feature such organisations as British Telecom, BP Exploration, Radio Clyde, The Body Shop, North Glasgow College, etc.

In fact GESH is thriving and flourishing and have managed to procure an impressive variety of favours, support and donations.

An example of support is the fund-raising football match which the ex-Celtic striker Frank McGarvey helped organise.

GESH has spread a web of help throughout the community: it has established a partnership with the local housing associations, the local community council and any agencies dealing with single parents and elderly.

It has affiliated itself with all the usual groups such as churches, chapels and local groups, and via the Easterhouse Citizens Advice Bureau, and through the involvement of all these organisations, GESH is made aware of the complaints of the local community and local issues that need addressing.

This results in GESH working with a number of major social care providers, and creates a focus for the tasks that need addressing by the community volunteers.

Over 40 caring agencies such as Enable and Key Housing set out to provide social and recreational activities for the disabled.

GESH has taken around 150 members on exchanges to Nuremberg in Germany, and a holiday caravan is available in Ayr for use by members.

There is a ‘lunch-club’ whereby the elderly can enjoy a home-cooked style threecourse meal for a nominal sum.

The Community Service Payback continues to play a major role in the work of GESH. These teams of offenders help out by cleaning run-down areas, doing a spot of gardening for the elderly residents, picking up rubbish, cleaning back

courts, odd job repairs and general maintenance.

As a result, GESH has received scores of letters of thanks from delighted residents who were helped out by these teams.

A number of the offenders who were involved in the Community Service Payback saw the value of GESH and how they benefited from it that they have returned as volunteers themselves.

GESH’s work has led to Micheal and Maureen being nominated for quite a number of awards, among them Maureen being nominated a finalist in ‘Scotswoman of the Year Awards’ in 2001 and a ‘Great Scot’ nominee in 2006.

In 2011 GESH won the Scottish Community Service Award for the best Community Project in Scotland, and recently won the award run by the GHA and Tower Homes for the best in the community because of their tireless effort in keeping the community tidy by constant litter picking and looking after the gardens of the local elderly and disabled residents.

Thirteen hour shifts are not uncommon for Maureen who would work tirelessly for six, sometimes seven, days a week.

The project receives no funding so they have to rely on the generosity of its countless volunteers and members.

GESH has to raise its own finances and one way of doing that is by hiring out the building, usually at weekends, for functions.

Michael is now in his late 80s and Maureen in her late 60s, so they are looking to the future in finding safe hands in which to pass the responsibility of looking after the Centre.

This is a Community Centre with a difference.

It has become the place to be for residents in the east of the city.

Michael and Maureen Ferrie have dedicated their lives to GESH and given people of all ages with disabilities, and our older residents, somewhere to meet, socialise, and partake in activities and entertainments if they so choose.

It is all about the community spirit.

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GENN WEEKLY PROGRAMME MONDAY 10am – 3pm Members Snooker & Pool Club Community Prize Bingo 7.30pm until 10pm.

Cherrykees Children Dance Club. Hip Hop & Disco 6.30pm – 9.30pm TUESDAY Members Activity Day Club/Lunch Club 10am – 3pm Arts & Crafts, Card making Group 10am -3pm.

GESH members club 6pm-9,30Pm WEDNESDAY Senior Citizens Lunch Club 12am – 3pm 3 Course Lunch £2.50 Followed by Bingo and other Activates (New members welcome transport provided) Disabled Members Country & Western. Night 6pm – 9,30 Cherrykees Under 10 Gymnastics 5-6pm Cherrykees Over 10 Gymnastics 6pm -7pm Cherrykees Slow Dance 7pm – 8pm Cherrykees Disco 8pm –9pm THURSDAY 9am – 4pm Available for various training activities/ conference 6pm – 9-30pm Members Club night for cards domino’s, snooker, pool, darts etc Children’s Cherrykees Dance Club 6.30pm-7,30pm – Under 10’s 7,30pm – 9,30 Over 10’s Slimming Class(Gwen McCreadie) 5.45Class 7pm Class £10 to join/then £4 weekly FRIDAY 9am – 4pm Community Groups Training Friday Night Members Disco £2.00 entry fee 6pm until 10pm SATURDAY 11AM – 1PM Cherrykees Advanced Dance Class 11am – 1pm SATURDAY AFTERNOON 1PM – 5PM FUNCTION HALL AVAILABLE FOR CHILDRENS PARTIES Saturday Night Our Function hall is available for all community events such as birthday parties, weddings, engagements, and Charity Fundraisers.

CALLING ALL SENIOR CITIZENS! DON’T BE LONELY OR ON YOUR OWN! Gesh hold a tea dance for Senior Citizens the last Monday of each month.

We would like to take the opportunity to invite along any individuals or groups who would be interested in meeting new people and enjoying a fun filled day.

Transport can be provided for anyone in the local area. Entrance fee of £3.00 which includes Tea/Coffee & Snack plate containing Hot snack, cakes, biscuits & prize bingo with free raffles and entertainment. Each event starts at 1pm-4pm.

GESH also have a lunch club every Wednesday 12-3pm with availability for Senior Citizens around the Garthamlock, Craigend, and Ruchazie & Easter house Area.

Each individual pays £2.50 for a 3 course nutritional meal following a game of bingo and other activates.

Transport can be provided for anyone.

Contact Cheryl if you want to hire a table

Sunday:- Our function hall is available for Christenings and First Communions

GESH

Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands

1 Redcastle Square, Garthamlock, Glasgow G33 5EG

24 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

GENN Police Scotland

Local Police News £1 Million Drugs Recovered in Baillieston!

DRUGS with a street value of £1,000,000 have been recovered in Baillieston, Glasgow following a police operation on Monday 24 February 2014.

Around 1800 hours on Monday evening, Police Scotland Officers, acting on warrant, searched a number of lockups in Glenburn Avenue, Glasgow.

A large quantity of drugs, believed to be amphetamine, cocaine and diazepam were recovered with a street value in the region of £1,000,000.

Speaking today, Detective Inspector Frank Clarke of Stewart Street CID said: “This was an intelligence led operation aimed at targeting those who bring misery to our communities.

I would urge members of the public to continue to come forward with any information or concerns in their areas.”

Any information should be passed to police on the non emergency number 101.

Alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555

111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Motorway Assault

A 61 year old male travelling on the M8 on the morning of Friday 28th February 2014 became victim to a road rage incident after a minor road collision.

The 45 year old male driver of another vehicle made attempts to stop the 61 year old carry out a manoeuvre resulting in the minor collision.

Both parties stopped on the hard shoulder at which time the 45 year old attacked the male breaking the 61 year old’s leg.

The 45 year old male has been reported to the Procurators Fiscal following the incident.

Armed Robbery Maryhill

POLICE Scotland Officers are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following an armed robbery at a bookmakers in Maryhill on Friday 21 February 2014.

Around 1840 hours on

Friday night, a man entered William Hill bookmakers on Maryhill Road and threatened staff with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money.

He then made off on foot with a three figure sum.

No firearm was discharged and no-one was injured, however the two staff members – a 20 year-old woman and a 21 year-old man were badly shaken as a result of the robbery.

The man responsible is described as white, 5ft 11 inches in height and of slim build.

He was wearing a black hooded top with a white zip, black jogging trousers and white trainers.

He had a black scarf wrapped around his face and was carrying a drawstring bag.

Detective Constable David Somerville of the Greater Glasgow Division’s Robbery Unit said today: “Maryhill Road is a particularly busy area and I am sure that there are motorists or pedestrians that may have seen this man acting suspiciously near the bookmakers.

I would ask any witnesses,

or anyone who recognises his description to come forward to police.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Call 101 for non-emergencies and general enquiries, in an emergency call 999.

If you have information about a crime you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Householder By-Passed Electricity Meter

ON Monday 3rd March 2014 officers in attendance at a disturbance within a dwelling house on Strone Road could clearly see that the electricity meter had been by-passed.

One the female householder realising the officers had now seen the by-passed meter she began shouting and swearing at the officers.

After refusing to desist in her assault of verbal abuse the

Police Scotland Launch Stay Safe Online Campaign for Children POLICE Scotland today, launches a campaign to raise awareness about online safety for children.

The Stay Safe Online campaign is to help children, parents, teachers and carers improve their knowledge and understanding of how to keep children safe while the are online.

Backed by radio adverts, Stay Safe Online will provide children with the information they need. “Digi Dan’s Top Tips” will be available on the websitedigidan.co.uk.

The website includes a quiz for youngsters and there is a Digi Dan’s ibook to download and keep his online safety tips.

The campaign targets two age groups, the younger group, from 9-12 years old will receive ten top tips from a cartoon character, Digi Dan, who is an internet explorer and knows everything about staying safe online. Packs for youngsters including leaflets, posters, mousemats and water bottles will be distributed to schools across Scotland promoting Digi Dan and his website.

Older children will also receive advice about keeping safe online

including tips on password security, social media posting, sexting, how to deal with inappropriate pictures and who to contact for help.

Chief Inspector William Cravens said: “Police Scotland is committed to building Safer Virtual Communities for everyone.

We want to help children to enjoy the benefits of the Internet by being able to Stay Safe Online.

“All children and young people need to understand they should only share pictures online that they are happy with friends, family and others seeing. They also need to know how to keep their personal information private and to contact an adult if they feel threatened.

“Any child who feels risk or is worried should speak to a parent, guardian or teacher or can phone Police Scotland on 101 or Childline on 0800 1111.”

Stay Safe Online Digi Dan’s top tips for

staying safe on the internet for 9-12 year olds: Tip 1 - Keep your phone, laptops or tablet secure - use a password or PIN. Tip 2 - Don’t do anything online that you wouldn’t do face to face” Tip 3 - Learn what is ok to post and share on the internet. Comments, photos and videos you post or share are always recorded even if you delete it so it could be seen by someone in the future.

Tip 4 - Don’t talk to strangers or make friends with strangers on social media – you never know who they really are Tip 5 - Never feel forced to do anything you don’t want to do Tip 6 - Block people who send nasty messages and tell someone about it Tip 7 - Also don’t send or make nasty comments about someone else online Tip 8 - Don’t open links and attachments from people you don’t know Tip 9 - Never arrange to meet someone you have on the internet Tip 10 - Tell an adult or someone you trust – like a friend – if you feel frightened or worried about what’s happening to you online.

There is always someone who can help you.

female was arrested at which time she decided she didn’t have enough charges and thought adding assault to the list was a good idea!

After kicking and biting the officers the 52 year old female was reported for various offences including contraventions with Electricity Act 1989, Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Police and Fire Reform Act 2012.

Clearly not the brightest spark!

Serious Assault

A 17 year old male was the victim of a serious assault on Tuesday 18th February 2014 when he was attacked by two 16 year old males and a 14 year old boy near to The Forge Retail Park.

The males approached the victim and after an altercation ensued one of the males struck him to the head with a glass bottle.

The victim was hospitalised in order to have a head wound treated and two 16 year old males have since been arrested following the incident.

Any persons with any further information regarding the

incident should contact police on non-emergency number 101.

Drink Driver

IN the early hours of Monday 3rd March 2014 officers on patrol near to Madras Street had their attention drawn to a vehicle travelling at excessive speed.

The officers stopped the vehicle at which time it became apparent the driver was heavily under the influence of alcohol.

The male driver failed the roadside breath test and was subsequently arrested.

A 27 year old male was held custody to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Meet Your Local Community Policing Team - Calton THE CALTON is a busy and thriving area within the East End of Glasgow and is home to Glasgow Green, the oldest park in Glasgow, the Barrowland Ballroom and the famous Barras Market, which has been trading for over 80 years.

The area is currently undergoing some major renovations prior to the start of the Commonwealth Games which will only support the area to continue to be a favourite with people from Glasgow who routinely visit the area from all walks of life.

Police Scotland and your local community officers have listened to your concerns regarding drunk or disorderly behaviour; drug dealing, drug use; and assault/violent crime within the area and we are working closely with our partner agencies to combat these issues.

We have local community officers dedicated to the Calton who are undertake high visibility public reassurance patrols on a daily basis addressing local concerns.

These officers link directly

PC Gary Scott and PC Robert Shirkie Calton Community Policing Team

with the local housing associations, hostels, social work services and routinely attend community council and residential meetings.

They also work in partnership with local organisations on any issues and concerns within the Calton.

Your local community officers are based at London Road Police Office and can be contacted by telephone on 101, email at CaltonCPT@scotland. pnn.police.uk and you can now follow the team on twitter at @ GlasgowEPolice.

25

GENN

Holiday Focus - The Algarve ALBUFEIRA in the central Algarve region of Portugal,serviced by Faro Airport a 45min taxi ride away.

It attracts thousands of visitors every year and it’s easy to understand why!

There is Albufeira old town with it’s pretty cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops; the lively nightlife in the Strip or how about Albufeira marina with it’s sugar candy coloured apartments and last but not least the lovely, stunning sandy beaches galore.

Albufeira is perfect for families, couples and singles of all ages and is central for all the tourist attractions, with the added bonus of a 3hr flight from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Prestwick with low cost airlines!

In Roman times Albufeira was known as Baltum and then re-named Al-Buhera by the Moorish settlers in the 8th Century.

It was finally taken from the Moors in the middle of the 13th Century by the ‘Knights of the Order of Santiago’.

Albufeira, like many Algarve towns, has the remains of a castle dating from Roman times, but most of the castle along with the town, was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

The most visible pointer to the castle remains is the Torre do Relógio (clock tower), which was built on one of the old castle towers, and is normally lit up on festive occasions.

Albufeira was a small fishing village until the arrival of tourism in the 1960s.

Substantial developments since then have turned it into a major holiday resort (and probably the most popular resort in the Algarve) and today there are well over 100 Albufeira Hotels to choose from!

Even with all of the developments, some of Albufeira Old Town still retains the essence of the village it once was, with narrow cobbled streets winding up and around the hillsides and typical single storey houses lining the roadside.

If you are looking for lively nightlife and bars and clubs that are open nearly 24 hours a day then you probably want to stay in an area near “the strip”

or nearby Montechoro both of which are about 2kms from Albufeira old town.

There are plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from and shops, bars and restaurants (many with English menus) all to hand and the beautiful beach, Oura, just a short distance from the bottom end of the strip.

Of course if neon signs and late night revelry aren’t for you, it will be better to stay near the old town Albufeira old town is more relaxed and has a lovely central square decorated with trees and colourful shrubs surrounded by street cafés and restaurants for a quiet meal or a cool drink.

The streets leading off the square are a shoppers delight with clothes shops, leather goods (fantastic handbags!), gift shops, street stalls and of course, all the practical shops for daily necessities.

There are also many more restaurants and bars in between the shops so there is never a shortage of places to eat anddrink!

It is worth mentioning that although English is very widely spoken and menus will normally be in 3 or 4 different languages.

There are two main beaches in Albufeira itself - “Fishermans beach” (Praia dos Pescadores) is overlooked by a variety of restaurants and there is always the tempting aroma of barbecued fish in the air.

Here it’s possible to walk straight onto the beach without the need for steps.

Adjoining Fishermans beach is Albufeira beach (Praia do

Túnel), slightly to the west through the tunnel near the tourist office.

There are more bars and restaurants here and steps down to the beach.

Within in a walk or bus ride you have endless miles of beach.

If you are staying in Albufeira, it isn’t really necessary to rent a car and as the ‘tourist train’ that runs between the ‘strip’ and Albufeira ‘old town’ and the excellent local “Giro” minibus network make travel easy.

If you want to visit one of the water parks such as Aqualand or the Algarve’s most popular theme park Zoomarine, there are several agencies in Albufeira offering very reasonable prices for transportation and tickets and with pick-up points near the main hotels it’s both convenient and cheaper than hiring a car.

Albufeira MarinaAlbufeira marina is on the western outskirts of the town - you can’t really miss it as all the buildings and apartments are painted in blue, pink, orange, green and yellow squares!

There are rows of shops along the road behind the marina and some bars and restaurants along the marina itself.

It is a brilliant place to spend an afternoon, have a drink or a meal, or just sit in the sun and watch the boats and people strolling by.

If you go for nothing else, go to see the amazing colours of the buildings! There are also some interesting dolphin statues raised on poles along the marina walkway and each has been individually decorated with a different design.

The marina is the starting point for many of the most popular things to do in Albufeira, such as boat trips, fishing trips and diving excursions.

Or if you prefer staying on dry land - have a go on a Segway - the marina’s long promenade is perfect for this novel form of transport! Just around the corner from the marina is the fishing port where you can see the fishermen going about their daily business and also get a lovely view of Albufeira across the bay.

Buy, Sell or Rent a Property in Portugal

Hélio Viegas

e: hveigas@century21.pt

t: 00 351 961 518 139

Buying a property in Portugal is a pretty safe step, however you should make sure you are working with a fully licensed professional real estate company. The investment via a true professional will guarantee no unpleasant surprises, not having to deal with out of date documents and eliminating any risks associated with the purchasing process.

The first step is to clearly define the type of property you are looking for, the desired location and of course your budget.

With this information it will be easier for your agent to select a series of quality properties designated for you and avoid wasting time and focus on such that is of no interest. Century 21 Realty Art has been part of the market since 2001 with a good history of sharing business, one of their agents is the best repesentative you can have within a buyer’s market.

Someone you can trust to find your new home.

26

GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

To turn around things,dont leave things for others to do. Do not be too prompt to give your opinion and learn to listen to others attentively.

The possibilities of journeys will be favorable in terms of connections and moneymaking. Do not let others limit you, say how you feel on family questions. Your lucky day this month will be Monday.

Good news from afar this month.

New investments possible, while old investments could bring in new gains. Career could pickup very well this month. You will find support from your superiors and people in government or authoritative positions. Time to show your own authority.

Taurus

Scorpio

(21 April - 21 May)

The month will start slow with low energy and opportunity. Things will turn around mid month and you will see a revival in energy and level of activity. Anger and aggression could come in and create some amount of hassles for you if you do not control it. By the end of the month you will be back in control of things, although you might be more aggressive and outspoken than you ought to be..

Keep your cool.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Money making will be high on your priority list and you will experience growth in the first half of the month. Your confidence will be high but opposition to your ideas or issues in work or relations could come in the second half of the month. Words spoken should be controlled as they cant be taken back once spoken.

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

A positive month, although returns and gains could be lower than usual. You should guard against unnecessary ego and then shown in speech and actions. Issues in family life are possible this month due to self opinion. Investments in lottery or bingo pay possible dividends in the second half of the month.

Issues could remain in relationships. New developments in love life possible for those unattached. Your ideas could find opposition. Stamina and immune system could dip in the second half and so you need to take care of your health. Avoid very active or new commitments in the second half of the month.

Cancer

Capricorn

(22 June - 23 July)

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

The month begins with doubt and worry. You will realize half way into the month that working with others is better than having others work against you. This will bring in growth as well as progress. Your status and public image will look upwards now too and the doubts and worry can be shaken off.

You might feel sleepy and low on energy in the first half of the month. Luck and happiness will rise in the second half of the month. You will feel happy in children or family related matters.

Travel could come about and will be pleasurable. A positive period in the second half of the month.

Leo

Aquarius

(24 July - 23 Aug)

(21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Progress will continue both on personal as well as professional front. You will find your progress could come more due to non academic knowledge and your instincts. In the second half of the month the action could move towards family matters and some movement in residence and travel could come about too.

This month will see money luck and good fortune shower upon you. Some tension mid month with family members possible.

Position and career could move up after the 15th March 2014.

Position and status will be high during this month.

Virgo

Pisces

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Changes could come about during this month in the first half.

You become quite creative and adventurous at the same time in the second half of the month.

Trouble on the home front, possibly with grown up children.

Expect good news or some developments with regard to pregnancy, children and as such.

Just a Thought TRAVEL can be an escape - a chance to get away from the stress of our daily lives - but it can also be much more.

Travel is about exploring a destination (new or familiar), understanding and connecting with the local culture, and seeing how people in a different place live.

Even more than the physical act of moving to a new place, traveling is about discovery, and just because you can’t get away from home at a particular time doesn’t mean you can’t still embrace that philosophy of adventure.

Here are some ways to “travel” without leaving your own area.

Public transportation Travel is all about exploring a foreign place.

For most of us, that doesn’t mean we need to venture far to discover a place that is new to us.

Even living in an area for years, dosent mean you know it all!

There are still pockets of the city you’ve yet to step foot on.

It’s easy to fall into a routine and only visit the same reliable places in your area, but this can lead to a feeling of boredom.

Spice up your daily life by seeking out new places in your own city.

You live somewhere with a good train and bus system, so pick a weekend to play what some like to call “public transportation roulette.”

Just hop on one of the buses or trains close to you and get off at a stop you’ve never visited before.

Then spend the afternoon checking out the area’s restaurants and shops.

In the city just spending an evening wandering the streets can also feel like a mini cultural journey.

Books Just like movies, books can take us places (see, that poster in the Library didn’t lie!).

Whether you prefer to read creative nonfiction set in a specific place or places - explore the idiosyncrasies of the Chinese with J. Maarten Troust in Lost on Planet China, ride the rails through Asia with Paul Theroux in The Great Railway Bazaar, or return to the Paris of the 1920’s in Earnest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast – or to read more about the idea of wandering, books can help keep us in a traveling state of mind.

TV When you start to get itchy feet but know that you don’t have a trip scheduled for a few weeks, start renting all the favorite travel shows.

You explore the world through food with various chefs, or laugh along with the “Idiot abroad” crew as you learn about destinations you plan on visiting in the future.

Food and drink Traveling through your taste

buds is one of the favorite ways to “virtually” experience a destination.

In most countries you visit, try to schedule a cooking class to learn to make at least one local dish.

When you get home, you can then make that meal any time you are feeling nostalgic for the country.

You can’t make fresh pasta without being transported to somewhere in Tuscany.

Empanadas and some red wine can take you to Buenos Aires, and fresh paella seem like a day in Barcelona.

Even if you didn’t learn to make a special dish while you were in a country, you can try to recreate memorable meals at home, or just pick a local specialty from a country you’d like to visit, and make it with the help of a recipe found online.

If you can’t cook more than a piece of toast, no worries just head to your local ethnic restaurant.

You might not be fooled into thinking you are really in Ethiopia as you spoon up stewed meats with spongy injera bread, but a little taste of

Your status and position will be elevated for a time this month.

You will see a focus on career and of course higher gains and income due to that. Socially a good period as friendships would be revived and new friendships possible. If you try, you could make friends in high places also this month.

Cultural centers and events A large part of traveling is learning about another culture, and while nothing can really substitute for the experience of being there, a trip to a local cultural center can help you explore the history and traditions of a culture in your local area.

Cultural festivals, which often feature food, music, and art from the home country, are another festive way to immerse yourself in a foreign culture.

Clearing the wood to see the trees

The Re-Gen Crossword

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

Across

1. Prank (5) 4. Small community (7) 8. Everlasting (7) 9. Accolade (5) 10. Wear away (5) 12. Voter (7) 13. Alter or regulate (6) 14. Refuge (6) 17. Repossess (7) 19. Travel lodge (5) 21. Mound of stones used as a marker (5) 22. Sincere (7) 24. Latticework (7) 25. Herd or flock of animals (5)

Down (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

a foreign food can transport you to a happy state of mind.

Theme nights Remember you can turn the living room into a tour of the continent with food and decorations from various Asian countries?

Just like that, you can host a theme night to celebrate a destination you’ve been to or are planning a trip to.

Heading to Japan? Host a Japanese night, complete with sake, anime movies, sushi and geisha costumes.

If you have friends of various ethnicities, take turns hosting and ask each person to tell a story about their culture’s traditions.

1. Subject (5) 2. Frozen water (3) 3. Dog houses (7) 4. Smooth fabric (6) 5. Letting contract (5) 6. Flat (9) 7. Senior (7) 11. Target (9) 13. Fruit (7) 15. Stuck (7) 16. Hot fragments from a fire (6) 18. Declare invalid (5) 20. Supple (5) 23. Self (3)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

27

0141 552 9977

Army Cadets March Ahead

F Platoon, Royal High l a n d Fusi lie rs Army Cadets co n t i nue s to go from stre n gth to s t re ng t h.

Based in Wa lcheren B a rr acks, Ho ts pur Street, Ma r yhill, the unit h a s jus t seen 8 of i t’ s mo s t recent recruits p a ss the ir B as ic tra ining, p rep a rin g the m fo r th e next s tep in t heir AC F career.

Based a ro und milita r y p rin c i ples, this y o uth gro u p rou ti n e ly p la y s h o s t to 25 ca d ets ag e d between 1 2 a nd 1 8 yea rs.

The cadets enjo y a f u l l p rogr am o f drill, navig a tion , shooti ng, fieldcraft, sp ort s and adventure tra inin g , p rogressing th ro ugh d if f eren t Star levels as th ey go.

The Duke o f Ed in b u rg h

Aw a rd is a l so o ffe re d , and t hose show in g p o t e nt i al c an even cl imb throu g h t h e r ank s a s hig h a s Reg ime nt al Se gre a n t Ma jor.

In a d d it ion t o re gular t r ai nin g ever y Mon d a y and T h ur s d a y n ig ht f rom 7p m t i l 9 : 3 0 p m , t he ca d et s g et t h e c h anc e t o p a rt icip a t e in va r i o us c am p s t hrou g hou t t he ye ar, fro m t h e occa sion a l w eeken d s t o a t w o w eek su mmer ca mp , us uall y i n England.

T hose ca d ets w h o are e s p e cia l l y a d ven tu rou s e v e n h av e t he cha n ce to tra v e l fur t h e r a f iel d , w it h a n exc h ange p ro g ra m t o C a n a d a a nd a gro up visitin g Pol a n d th i s m o nt h t o l ea rn more a b ou t t h e J e w i s h Hol oca u st .

L anc e Co r p o r al Ke ls e y H i ggi ns ( 1 3 ) s ai d : “I t ’ s j us t go o d fun, and y o u ge t t o m e e t a lo ad o f ne w fr i e nd s and le ar n a lo ad o f c o o l s t uff li ke c am o uflage and c am p i ng”.

Fo r Co r p o r al Ky le Ev ans ( 1 7 ) , i t ’ s t h e r ange o f ac t i v i t i e s t h at ’ s t h e ap p e al.

“Yo u ge t t h e c h anc e t o d o t h i ngs and go p l ac e s y o u w o ul d n’ t no r m all y d o.

F i e l d c r aft exe rc i s e s are b r i l li ant , w h e n y o u c am p o ut and c ar r y o ut a s i m ulat e d b at t l e ”.

F P l at o o n R H F i s al w ay s re c r ui t i ng and t h e re i s no ni gh t ly c o s t fo r t h o s e at t e nd i ng.

Wh y no t c o m e d o w n and fi nd o ut m o re , o r v i s i t us at Fac e b o o k . c o m / F P l at o o nR H F

Glasgow Kelvin’s Award-Winning Website!

G L ASGOW Ke l v i n Colleg e is d e ligh t e d to an nounc e that i t was nam e d the G o l d Award Winne r for t h e S tu dent’s Award f o r Websi te at the 2 0 1 4 Colleg e D e ve lop m e n t N etwo r k M ar ke t i n g Award s.

This i s a p re sti g i o u s a nd m uc h sought- a ft er a ward as i t i s j udg ed b y a p ane l of stud en t s from throughout S c o t la nd and th e se , t h e stu de nts, are th e p eo ple that matte r m os t t o ea ch and e ve r y c olleg e in the f urth e r e d u c a tion sec tor.

Picture d h e re wi t h the aw ard are E v a B ola nde r, We b E d i t o r a nd L e sl e y L ang, C o m mu nic ati ons & P la n n in g Manag e r.

G l as gow Ke l vi n C o llege w oul d l i ke t o than k NUS, w ho spo n sored th e Aw ard , a n d the stu d e nts w h o vo t ed for the m and th ank t h e Col l e ge D e ve l op m en t Netwo rk f or h os t i n g the e ve nt.

G re at ne w s - c ong r a t u l ations and w e l l - do n e to the te am i nvol ve d! ! !

28

GENN Genn Service Directory COVERING THE WHOLE OF GLASGOW

Open Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm (Closed Wednesday)

Tel: 0141 774 0001

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

Post: Trainee Youth Worker Reports to: Project Manager Salary: £5 16/17 years £7 18/19 years Hours of Work: 25 hours per week inclusive of evening and weekends Duties and Responsibilities 1. To contribute to the personal and social development of young people through the provision of informal learning opportunities.

Holiday Club for all primary school children Venue - Shettleston New Church, 679 Old Shettleston Rd. Glasgow G32 7JG

Date - 7th - 10th April Times 10am until 12 noon See website for details at www.shettlestonnew.btik.com

2. To help deliver a Drop In unstructured youth provision which actively engages Fuse members and is consistently sensitive to their needs and suggestions 3. To assist young people in addressing the issues that affect their lives - providing support, encouragement, information and signposting to other agencies/services as appropriate 4. To ensure health and safety procedures are adhered to and that child protection measures are implemented, according to Fuse’s Policies and procedures.

5. To work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and undertaking planning, monitoring and evaluating of service delivery.

6. Attend staff meetings and undergo training as required 7. Any other duties as requested by the Project Manager for the benefit of Fuse.

This post is subject to an enhanced CRBS Disclosure

www.fuseonline.org.uk

Competition Time Want to instantly transform the appearance of fine, thin or thinning hair? Want a full head of hair in mere seconds? Look no further, KeraFiber is your answer!

This new US brand is giving away a 3 month supply of best-selling Hair Building Fibers, together with a Fiber Hold Spray, Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, worth £85!

Currently selling out in salons and spas in New York, Miami and LA – KeraFiber is now launching in the UK to aid those suffering from fine or thinning hair. KeraFiber is made of 100% natural organic keratin protein fibres to give hair instant volume. The fibres are charged with static electricity to bond seamlessly with your own hair, and stay in place come rain, wind or sports. The natural keratin fibres thicken thinning hair instantly, without the need for costly products and treatments or invasive surgical procedures.

Hair loss is a huge issue amongst men and women in the UK, with an estimated 8 million women and 50% of men suffering from thinning hair at some point in their lives.

Risk-free and easy to maintain, KeraFiber is a simple solution to thinning hair. Available in a wide variety of colours, from blonde to auburn, dark brown and black, KeraFiber will instantly transform any shade of hair for the better.

COMPETITION WINNERS Winner of our Valentines Competion in association with Eusebi Deli was Mrs Anne Cameron, Mount Vernon

Say goodbye to bald patches and thinning and hello to a full head of hair!

For a chance to win this great prize, simply answer the question below. Send your name, address, telephone number, and answer choice to kerafiber@lucre.co.uk . In the subject line of your email be sure to put ‘The Genn Kerafiber Competition’.

How many women in the UK suffer from thinning hair at some point in their lives? a) 4 million b) 12 million c) 8 million

SLIDING MIRROR DOORS

Visit www.kerafiber.com or call 020 3129 2566 for further information on products and testimonials.

• Made to measure for your home • Supplied and Fitted Unit 3, 315 Shettleston Road, Glasgow Call 0141 556 2264 - www.gliding-doors.co.uk

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across

1. Trick 4. Village 8. Eternal 9. Award 10. Erode 12. Elector 13. Adjust 14. Safety 17. Reclaim 19. Hotel 21. Cairn 22. Earnest 24. Trellis 25. Drove

Down

1. Theme 2. Ice 3. Kennels 4. Velvet 5. Lease 6. Apartment 7. Elderly 11. Object 13. Apricot 15. Adhered 16. Embers 18. Annul 20. Lithe 23. Ego

29

GENN Welfare Reform Thousands helped by Welfare Fund THE Scottish Welfare Fund was set up to provide community care grants and crisis grants after the powers were transferred north from Westminster.

In the first six months, between April and September last year, 7330 awards were made in the city.

The majority, 4460, were crisis grants for emergencies, mostly for food and heating at an average cost of almost £100 each.

The remaining 2870, were Community Care Grants, at an average of more than £900, to help people stay in their own home or set up a new home.

The grants in the city were higher than most other local authorities, with the Scottish average at £65 for crisis grants and £600 for Community Care.

Margaret Burgess, Welfare Minister, said: “It is heartbreaking to see the impact of welfare reforms laid bare, with people coming forward for help to buy everything from food to shoes to beds.

“These figures show over £18 million has now been claimed and we are expecting that to increase further as awareness of the fund grows.”

Charities welcomed cash reaching people in need but were concerned at rising poverty.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “It is welcome that these statistics show that more of the money that the Scottish Government has rightly set aside is reaching those in need.

“Worryingly, our services are seeing increasing numbers of families in severe poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs.

Graeme Brown director of Shelter Scotland said: “It is vital that people know about and can access help at their time of immediate need.”

Housing associations bearing the brunt of welfare reform

AS government attempts to reduce the benefits bill through welfare reform, housing associations are left dealing with the fallout.

‘It’s a cruel pill.’ That’s how one housing association chief sums up the coalition’s welfare reforms, which are already hitting tenants hard – and threatening to get much worse in the future.

Policies like the unpopular ‘bedroom tax’, the benefit cap and the flagship universal credit are designed to drive down the overall welfare bill – and the early figures suggest they are making a difference.

But speak to housing association bosses and it quickly becomes clear there’s a heavy human price to be paid.

The ‘most severe’ impact on the households affected comes from the benefit cap, which prevents any family receiving more than £26,000 a year.

Across the country 8,000 households have been hit, and it’s mostly housing associations which are having to help deal with the consequences.

A reform with a much broader, more worrying impact has been the under-occupancy charge, which sees 25% or 50% of a housing benefit payment deducted for each vacant spare room.

This ‘spare-room subsidy’, as the government calls it, has come as a shock to housing associations.

For years, registered social landlords were told to build two- or three-bedroom homes to provide their tenants with flexibility.

So when the bedroom tax arrived, they were stunned.

‘The change of government policy has left an awful lot of people in a difficult position,’ Providing all of those who want to downsize with a small-

er home – assuming no-one new gets off the waiting list – will take five years.

The DWP is convinced its approach is making a difference.

‘Tenants are taking action in a number of ways from moving and using home swap services to finding work or increasing earnings,’ a spokesperson said.

But only a ‘tiny number’ of people have actually registered to move to a smaller home ‘To be honest, it shows the policy is not working and needs reforming.’

And that is what is leaving so many housing associations gritting their teeth at what’s still to come.

Each is dealing with tens, occasionally hundreds, of households hit by the benefit cap or bedroom tax.

When universal credit goes nationwide, they will have to

deal with thousands of struggling families.

That could threaten housing associations’ plans to build more much-needed properties.

Unlike the reforms implemented so far, universal credit’s wider roll-out could endanger housing associations’ business models.

For instead of receiving a single monthly payment from their local authority, rent will have to be collected from each individual household directly.

That means ’30 paydays a month’, sending admin costs spiralling upwards.

‘It’s a genuine concern that if the money doesn’t come in, the business has to adapt in some way,’ Worse still are the implications for revenue.

Most housing associations currently enjoy rent collections ‘somewhere around the 100%

www.gha.org.uk

mark’.

But those involved in the universal credit pathfinder schemes say they’ve seen rent collection rates plummet to as low as 50%.

‘The language they use is that once a claimant is in universal credit, they’re in the “lobster pot”. They can’t get out.’

When tenants are forced out it’s bad news for the business.

Rising void rates mean money has to be spent renovating and refurbishing properties.

‘This is all money that we can’t spend on building new homes.’

When we asked a government official whether it was possible for tenants to abandon universal credit, he was told the answer was an absolute ‘no’.

‘The language they use is that once a claimant is in universal credit, they’re in the “lobster

pot”. They can’t get out.’

Housing associations are doing their utmost to mitigate the impact of these changes.

Lowering rents isn’t an option, though, because changes to capital funding rules actually mean ministers want them to increase rents.

Instead their approach is to provide intensive, personal support – what Baldwin calls ‘a lot of hand holding’.

Housing associations have been leading the fight against poverty for decades. What now seems strange to them is the source of that poverty is the government.

As ministers focus on reducing the overall cost of the benefit bill, it’s housing associations who are left dealing with the human cost of the reforms – and bracing themselves for the bill to jump upwards in the years to come.

30 Down Memory Lane

GENN FINNART WALK FOR CLUB FUNDS

FINNART were out in great numbers for their sponsored walks from Celtic Park to Ibrox Stadium, with the Under-14s making a return journey back into the East End.

HISTORY-MAKERS at Shettleston Bowling Club. Back Row (left to right) - Bobby Bell, Ian Bell, Scott McMillan and Ian McMillan.

Front Row (left to right) - Alex Bell, Jim Bell (President), Bobby McMillan (Vice-President), and Robert McMillan Jnr. SHETTLESTON Bowling honours included Lanarkshire trict finals, and West of Scotland Ladies Finals a year later.

Club have enjoyed creating League Division 6 winners, The double recognition was a a “family atmosphere” ever G.B.A. Charity Cup, G.B.A. Top Ten, G.B.A. 5 Singles, fitting tribute to the club greens since a public meeting was held in Hill Street Hall (late G.B.A. Triples (T Travers, R and facilities - high standards McLarrie, and G McKenzie), which still exist today!

1906) to consider the possibilThe Lanarkshire Top Ten, ity of forming a new East End and S.B.A. District Singles (G McKenzie).

Lanarkshire Middle Ward, set-up at Culrain Street.

Some 12 months later, W Scottish Champion of ChampiA tremendous amount of ons pairs, and G.B.A. Pairs title voluntary work has been car- Murdoch, made an Honorary all arrived at Culrain Street in ried out by members, and Member for services to Shettle1998. friendships forged over 108 ston, joined S Maley, J McLarShettleston membership had rie, and I Beattie in winning the years. increased to 114, and the overIn April, 1996, club history G.B.A. Fours at Rutherglen.

R O’Connor, J.S.Lang, R Mc- all popularity of bowling was was made when TWO famiGeechan and I Beattie won the marked by the registration of lies, each with four members, 84,000 members (split between played each other at their S.B.A. District Fours and represented Shettleston at North- 924 clubs) throughout Scotopening day - Jim Bell and sons land.

Bobby, Ian and Alex, against field, Ayr. I Beattie Jnr also made the * A big thank-you to MR Bobby McMillan, flanked by journey to the same Ayrshire IAN COLLIGAN (Shettleston his sons, Robert Jnr, Scott and Bowling Club) for nominatvenue after securing the S.B.A. Ian. ing his “Down Memory Lane” An exceptional season District Junior Singles title.

Shettleston, who won the story, and also securing a copy (1996) saw Jim McLarrie Carpet Bowls League title in of the exclusive family photocrowned Lanarkshire Champion of Champions. Other club 1997, hosted the S.B.A. Dis- graph which we have used.

ROVERS CLAIM CUP PLACE

WESTWOOD Rovers ended the Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth F.A. Cup hopes of Kilsyth Athletic to claim a semi-final place.

A brilliantly taken free-kick from left-sided midfielder Josh Cochrane was enough to settle their quarter-final clash.

Despite rain, wind and cold

conditions, both teams deserve full credit for producing a thrilling contest.

Rovers made the decisive 9th minute breakthough.

Mark Dornan was fouled 25 yards from goal, and Cochrane curled the resultant free-kick past ‘keeper Ryan Anderson.

Kilsyth hit back in deter-

mined fashion, and Westwood ‘keeper Jamie Picken produced two excellent saves.

Young Picken and his defence stood firm in the second half, while at the other end Cochrane fired another freekick over the bar, and Lewis MacMillan shot straight at Anderson.

TRANS WORLD SOCCER CUP

SCOTTISH YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION: Semi-Finals.

Age Group 2001 - Hutchison Vale v Edina Hibs; Harmony Row YC v Rangers SABC. Age Group 2000 - Ayr Boswell v Hillwood BC; Celtic Juniors “B” v Syngenta.

Age Group 1999 - Hamilton

Accies v Blantyre BC Yellow; Fraserburgh LInk-Up F.C. v Westwood Rovers.

Age Group 1998 - Rossvale Thistle v Musselburgh Windsor; Fernieside v Hutchison Vale.

Age Group 1997 - Antonine F.C. Blacks v Syngenta; Tynecastle F.C. v Edina Hibs.

Age Group 1995 - Baillieston Juniors v Barrhead YFC; Colony Locos v F.C. Bonnybridge, Age Group 1992 - Goldenhill v Tower Hearts; Mill United v Campsie Black Watch (holders).

Quarter-Finals: Age Group 1995 - Baillieston Juniors 5, North Merchiston 2.

It is a condition of acceptance of advertisement orders that the proprietors of this newspaper do not guarantee the insertion of any particular specified

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.

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

PLAYERS, parents and coaches from two young teams braved the winter weather and raised funds for their East End club.

Finnart 2000 and 2004 age groups carried out sponsored walks from Celtic Park to Ibrox Stadium.

The older squad (Un-

der-14) went one better, and defied both rain and wind, to complete the return journey back into the East End. Coach Jamie McGowan revealed: “The younger lads were raising cash for general club funds.

“Our 2000 team had the

aim of helping us reduce player-costs to go and compete at the Blackpool Cup this Easter.

We won the tournament last year.

“Though the weather was terrible, everyone involved battled on and did us proud.

Every youngster played their part.”

BANNY SURVIVE SHIELD THRILLER

BANNERMAN High School edged out Woodmill High on penalty kicks to secure a sixth-round place in the SSFA Shield.

The 2013 British and Scottish champions were up against last season’s semi-finalists, who took an early first half lead through Dolan’s free-kick.

Another deadball situation

produced Bannerman’s superb equaliser.

This time Cameron McKay curled home a 25 yard freekick.

McKay, a constant danger to the visitors, struck again.

He controlled a long ball played from the back by Foy, outwitted the defence, and produced a clinical finish.

The same player was de-

nied his hat-trick when Paton saved his shot on the line, and in a dramatic finish Woodmill stunned Banny when Hunter headed home for a 2-2 draw.

Onto the shoot-out, and Woodmill missed two spot kicks.

Cameron McKay remained calm and stepped forward to dispatch the winning penalty past Paton.

TON FIGHTBACK STUNS CELTIC

BAILLIESTON Juniors Boys’ Club produced a stunning second half fightback against Celtic to reach the SYFA West Regional Cup Under-16 quarter-finals.

Ton trailed 1-0 at the interval, but an own goal and a Sam Ronald finish turned the cup-

tie in their favour.

Baillieston goalkeeper Scott Matthews revealed: “You could say the half-time team talk we received sparked our fightback!”

Next up is a last-eight clash against Rossvale Thistle - and young Matthews knows all

about their talented goalkeeper.

He revealed: “Graeme Milne has been outstanding for them.

He goes to the same Goalkeeping Coaching Academy as me (Shot Stoppers), and like me has improved tremendously because of the set-up.”

GENN SPORT - INSIDE TRACK ST ROCH have signed defenders Abou Mansare and Jordan Paterson, plus midfielder Ross McKenzie, all on loan from St Anthony, until March 26.

Paterson and McKenzie made impressive debuts during a floodlight bounce game against Blochairn at Milton.

The Candy Rock won 4-2.

POSTAL United A.F.C. are hosting their latest Sportsman’s Dinner at St Thomas Church Hall, Cumbernauld

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

Road, Riddrie, on Saturday.

A three-course meal and bar facilities are included.

for international duty - Robbie Peebles, Gary Gaitens and Stephen McDevitt.

GLASGOW Tigers open their speedway season at Edinburgh Monarchs on March 28.

EAST End boys’ club players will form part of the SYFA West Region Under-14 team in their representative games – Connor McKenzie (Finnart), Lewis Smith, Andrew Rhoddie, Robbie Lennon, Kieran Douglas and Mark McBeth (Celtic Juniors), and Matthew Coyle (Celtic BC).

Ryan Madden (Finnart) is on the list of stand-by reserves.

PETERSHILL Juniors are holding a Race Afternoon at the Social Club on March 30.

WELLHOUSE A.F.C. are delighted three of their players have been selected

case and false claims (or creating the impression) the trader is not acting in the course of a business are also prohibited.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

31

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 sport@thegenn.co.uk

WINTER CARPET BOWLS MATCH ACTION REPORTS

MATCH SECRETARY Alex Morrison is looking for a good turn-out of club representatives, when the the N.E. Leagues (Outdoor Season) hold their Annual General Meeting at Garrowhill Bowling Club next Friday (March 14). The business starts at 7.30pm.

Mr Morrison is making all domestic fixtures (list) available to Genn Sport.

SHETTLESTON Bowling Club host their Annual General Meeting at Culrain Street on Tuesday, March 11 (7.30pm).

Meanwhile, the race for the Winter Carpet Bowls championship has ended in dramatic fashion.

Double champions NORTH BRITISH made sure of another title with a resounding 6-0 win over runners-up Garrowhill.

Here is how the final three weeks panned out.

WEEK 12 - Shettleston 4

points, Mount Vernon 2 points (5-9, 12-1, 13-3); Garrowhill 4 points, Springboig 2 points (73, 12-2, 4-5).

WEEK 13 - Mount Vernon 2 points, North British 4 points (10-3, 4-5, 4-7); Garrowhill 4 points, Shettleston 2 points (4-11, 5-3, 9-4); Springboig 5 points, Sandyhills 1 point (9-3, 12-6, 8-8).

WEEK 14 - North British 6 points, Garrowhill 0 points 20-0, 7-4, 10-7); Shettleston 6 points, Sandyhills 0 points (13-

1, 14-2, 14-1).

Re-arranged previously postponed fixture from WEEK 9 - Mount Vernon 2 points, Garrowhill 4 points (5-6,5-3,4-7).

I would like to thank IAN COLLIGAN and DONALD McCALLUM for their excellent support in compiling fixtures, results and placings over the 14-week domestic programme.

The indoor season is set to reach an exciting climax with the Top 10 tournament, which we will be covering.

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

North British

30

19

2

9

206

178

40

Garrowhill

30

16

2

12

200

169

34

Springboig

30

16

1

13

223

156

33

Shettleston

30

13

1

16

185

221

27

Mount Vernon

30

12

2

16

198

200

26

Sandyhills

30

8

4

18

164

252

20

Whitevale - all fixtures null and void due to their resignation.

FOSTERS SCOTTISH SUNDAY

DRAW for the 7th Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy: Tayport A.F.C. v Cranhill United; Fairfield Sports and Leisure A.F.C. v Bullfrog A.F.C.; Hillview A.F.C. v Harvester A.F.C.; Fintry Athletic v Castlemilk Dynamo.

5th Round - Castlemilk

United 4, Medda Sports Bar 4 (4-5 on pens).

6th Round - Fairfield Sports and Leisure 6, Cleland Club 0; Fintry Athletic 3, Medda Sports Bar 1.

DRAW for the 7th Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup: Oban Saints v Eastfield A.F.C.; Wellhouse A.F.C.v

Bowhill Rovers; Pittenweem Rovers v Carluke Bapist; Galston Utd v Glasgow Harp; Edinburgh Rose v Colville Park; Greenock HSFP v Hurlford Thistle; Harestanes v Bannockburn; Nia Roo v Finnart A.F.C. 6th Round - Thorn 2, Oban Saints 4; Netherthird 1, Colville Park 3.

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS National Lady Darling Supplementary Cup: Quarter-Finals - Bonnyrigg Rose 2, Tynecastle F.C. 0; Lochend YFC v Sauchie Juniors; Falkirk Athletic 3, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 2; Harmony Row Y.C. 10, Cavalry Park S.C. 0.

Semi-Final - Falkirk Athletic v Bonnyrigg Rose; Harmony Row Y.C. v Lochend YFC or Sauchie Juniors.

LSK Supplies West of Scotland Cup, Third Round Mill United 4, Giffnock S.C. 0.

Sauchie 2, Rob Roy 4.

Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, First Round – Vale of Leven 3, Rossvale 3 ( 4-3 on pens).

Second Round- Glasgow Ams/ Arthurlie 3, Steins 1.

Birdston Kennels Glasgow

Cup, Third Round – Barrhead 2, Castlemilk AFC 0.

Premier Division Johnstone Burgh 0, Campsie Black Watch 4; Goldenhill 3, St Peters Giffnock North 3; Tower Hearts 6, Rossvale 0; Glasgow Ams/Arthurlie 2, Rutherglen Glencairn 0; Baillieston Juniors 2, Goldenhill 2; Tower Hearts 7, Clydebank 0; Rossvale 1, Goldenhill 1; Harmony Row 0, Campsie Black Watch 2.

First Division Falkirk Athletic 4, Glasgow University 1; Vale of Leven 0, Kilsyth 1; E.K. Rolls Royce 2, Antonine 2; Pollok 3, Arsenal BC 3; East Kilbride F.C. 3, Eastwood 3; Glasgow University 2, Eastwood 5; Glasgow University 0, Pollok 6; Arsenal BC 2,

East Kilbride F.C. 3; Eastwood 0, Vale of Clyde 1; EKFC 0, Antonine 4; Pollok 3, Vale of Clyde 4; E.K. Rolls Royce 4, Glasgow University 0; Falkirk Athletic 7, Claremont 3; Kilsyth 1, Eastwood 3.

Second Division Port Glasgow 7, Barrhead 2; Calderhill 3, Mill United 1; Cumbernauld Colts 3, St Columbas 1; Victoria F.C. 3, Erskine 3; Stewarton Annick 1, Castlemilk B.C. 3; Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 2, Port Glasgow 1; Cumbernauld Colts 0, Mill United 4; Castlemilk B.C. 2, St Columba 3; Giffnock 5, Wishaw W. Wands 9; Mill United 6, Stewarton Annick 2; Castlemilk BC 6, Barrhead 1; Wishaw W Wands 5, Calderhill 0; Victoria F.C. 1, Giffnock 0

S.Y.F.A. WEST REGIONAL CUP

CAMLACHIE Under-17 suffered a penalty-kick defeat at Giffnock Juventus.

The teams had played out a 2-2 draw, but Giffnock went through 3-0 on penalties.

BAILLIESTON JUNIORS had a superb 2-1 win against Celtic BC.

Other ages/results: Under-13 - Celtic BC 1, East End United 2. Under-14 - Everton BC 0, Rangers SABC 1; Celtic Juniors 6, Houston 1; Rossvale 5, Finnart 0.

Under-15 - Rangers SABC 4, Alba 4 (4-5 on pens) Under-16 - East End 1,

Harmony Row 2; Eastwood 1, Rangers SABC 3; Rossvale Thistle 2, Westerton 2 (5-4 on pens); Celtic BC 1, Baillieston Juniors 2.

Under-17 - Antonine 4, East End United 1.

Under-19 - Baillieston Juniors 1, Johnstone Burgh 1 (2-1 on pens).

EAST END ATHLETIC 0, CRANHILL UNITED 6 UNITED cruised into the Fosters Sunday Scottish Cup quarter-finals with six second half goals.

Christopher O’Connor put them ahead from Gary Rae’s deflected free kick, and after East End were reduced to ten men, Shaun Cairney and Gary Rae put Cranhill in control.

Paul Martin, Marc McGeough and Donald Gillan finished the cuptie.

CRANHILL UNITED 4, OLD KILPATRICK 5.

GOALS galore at Stepford Road, where Cranhill crashed out of the Sunday Central League Cup in sensational fashion. Old Kilpatrick raced into a 3-0 lead with counters after 4, 14 and 24 minutes.

Gary Rae reduced the leeway with a great solo run and finish after 31 minutes, but the visitors took advantage of a set-piece seven minutes later.

Cranhill, despite the scoreline, were the team creating (and missing) chances, until Martin Welsh struck twice before half-time.

On the re-start, Paul Martin and Gary Rae went close before Martin Welsh completed his hat-trick 11 minutes from time.

The drama was not over, and Old Kilpatrick stunned Cranhill with their winning goal on 82 minutes.

POSTAL UNITED 5, CHRYSTON A.F.C. 0.

MUCH-improved display from United, who netted through Anderson, Muir, Dunnett, Smith and Simpson.

RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 2, POSTAL UNITED 3.

GLASGOW Club Drumoyne hosted a much-needed friendly for the junior club, who had gone 25 days without any form of match action.

Michael Anderson opened the Postal account, and Paul O’Brien added a second. Anderson made it 3-0 with a penalty.

Glens hit back through Nicky Sullivan (penalty) and Gavin Ross.

ASHFIELD JUNIORS 1, SHOTTS BON ACCORD 4.

FORMER Petershill striker Sean McKenna returned to North Glasgow and grabbed a double for promotion-seeking Shotts.

Gary McStay and Tom Hanlon also netted.

Ashfield’s goal came from John Wells.

SHETTLESTON JUNIORS 4, WISHAW JUNIORS 1.

TOWN reached the third round of the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup with goals from McClung (2), Dickson and Anson.

MARYHILL JUNIORS 1, ROYAL ALBERT 1 (4-2 on pens) ALMOST a second round shock for ‘Hill, who went behind to a 42nd minute Nelson goal. Wells equalised a minute from time.

Maryhill goalkeeper jack Baker saved two Albert spot kicks in the shoot-out. Bentley,Monaghan, Wells and Callender made no mistake from 12 yards.

Royal Albert netted through Stobie and Dickson.

BROOMHOUSE F.C. 1, VALE OF CLYDE 1.

EXCELLENT floodlight friendly with quality football on display.

Trialist put the Tin Pail ahead after 63 minutes following a punched clearance by ‘House goalie Don Scott.

The equaliser came 9 minutes from time. Willie Hardie’s clever free kick found Gary Rae, who played in Mark McFarlane, and he made no mistake.

BROOMHOUSE F.C. 6, MUIREND A.F.C. 0 STRIKER David Quinn put the league leaders ahead (10 mins) after great work by Joe McGowan and Lee Weir.

The same player headed home Mark Anderson’s cross for a 2-0 interval advantage.

Quinn completed his hat-trick (59), and four minutes later McGowan added another. David Omozik’s right-foot 73rd minute finish made it 5-0, and Craig McGregor added No 6 with a backpost header.

PETERSHILL 1, ARTHURLIE 2.

MASSIVE result for the Barrhead club, who were captained by former Peasy skipper Ryan Jordan.

Craig Palmer (pen) netted but ‘Lie hit back through Ryan McArdle (another ex-Peasy).

A Palmer own goal won the points.

STIRLING CITY 1, POSTAL UNITED 2.

TWO goals from Kieran Martin put United back at the top of the division, although they have played more games than the chasing promotion pack.

GLASGOW CITY F.C. 2, EVERTON LADIES 3.

MUCH-changed City team from last season’s treble success, and they conceded a last-gasp winner in the first friendly at Petershill Park.

Denise O’Sullivan (29 mins) and Leanne Ross (75) scored for the Scottish champions. A Nikita Parris double (42 and 90) plus one from Simone Magill just after half-time counted for Everton.

Match Sponsor ng homes Player of the Match: Leanne Ross.

GLASGOW CITY F.C. 0, MANCHESTER CITY 0.

DESPITE the scoreline, this second Scotland v England friendly was entertaining at Petershill Park.

City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black was delighted with his decimated squad, which was minus 11 players.

Match Sponsor ng homes Player of the Match: Lee Alexander.

WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 10, EAST KILBRIDE 1.

M and M Trophy First Round.

Scorers: Sinclair 3, Hughes 3, McGeough, Dorrans, Ross and Peebles.

In the same competition, POSTAL UNITED beat Wishaw HSFP 5-1. Scorers: Smith 2, Simpson, McCairns and O’Brien.

ROSEBANK 2, FINNART 3.

UNDER-19 Knock-Out Cup quarter-finals. Goals from James Docherty, Lyle McPherson and Andrew McCulloch.

Finnart Man of the Match - Ryan McFaulds.

SEMI-FINAL – Albion Rovers 4, Finnart 3.

WEST of Scotland Amateur Cup – Finnart 1, Bannockburn 3.

UNDER-14 SYFA West Regional Cup – Rossvale 5, Finnart 0.

A powerful diplay from the homesters.

Finnart Man of the Match – Bailey McGuire.

FINNART 2003 Re-started after the winter break.

Beat Westercommon 3-0, top player award Luke Kenny, 9-1 against Kelvindale, top player award Ben Hobbs, 5-0 against Summerston, top player Luke Kenny, and 1-1 against Hampden, top player Lewis Hobbs FINNART 2004 Defeated Summerston 4-0, 1-1 draw against Southside, 7-0 win over Eastwood, and 4-0 win against Clyde.

ROSSVALE 2, ASHFIELD 3.

GOALS from Wells, Barclay and Wright in the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup at Petershill Park.

ST ROCH lost 2-0 against visitors Kilsyth Rangers in the same tourney.

SYFA WEST REGION 4, CENTRAL REGION 1.

INTER-Region Cup. Under-15 win with goals from Fraser Burns (2), Connor Nelson and Connor Baird.

Under-16s were held to a 3-3 draw by the Central Region.

Danny Williamson, Robbie Connelly and Michael O’Brien on target for West.

Paul Archibald bagged a superb Central hat-trick.

GENN SPORTS FEEDBACK Hi Tom, A massive thanks from all of us. The Back Page (issue 123) looks great.

We could not have asked for more. Spot On! What I liked about the coverage is you have managed to focus on what we have done in the past eight months.

To any outsider reading the

paper, hopefully they will say we have done well.

It is great all of our coaches/ committee were mentioned by name in the article.

They give up a lot of their time to work with our players (male and female).

I will continue to supply you with information for GENN Sport.

Many thanks again, Billy McNaught, Budhill Football Academy.

Dear Tom, Picked up a few copies of the paper last Saturday.

Brilliant coverage yet again!

Thank you, Jamie McGowan, Under-14 Coach, Finnart A.F.C.

GENN

UNITED TARGET TAYPORT CUP UPSET CRANHILL United secretary Stephen Brown insists he was delighted to hear radio pundit Alan Rough write off his club’s chances of reaching the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy semi-finals.

The “live” quarter-final draw, broadcast on Central F.M. Peter and Roughie’s Football Show, handed United a tough away trip to Tayport A.F.C. Said Stephen: “Despite us being the least experienced club left in the competition, we were hoping to get them.

“We have only been going three years - two of them in the Sunday Central Amateur Football League - and Alan Rough admitted he had never heard of Cranhill United!

Not surprisingly, he tipped Tayport to win.

“We have invited him to be our guest at the game, and will soon find out if he is right with his prediction.

“No doubt Tayport will be happy to have drawn us, but the Scottish Cup is a one-off and anything can happen on the day.

“For us to get into the quar-

ter-finals for the second year running is a good achievement.

Reaching the semi-final would be even better.”

Cranhill delighted their supporters with a 6-0 derby victory over East End A.F.C. in the last round at windy Stepford Road.

Squad-depth was demonstrated with five second-half changes, and impressive substitute Paul Martin injected added pace up front.

He converted their fourth goal past goalkeeper Donald Grant, who kept the scoreline down with several fine saves.

Two new signings have since been made. Stephen McDevitt and Craig Halliday were part of the Gantry (Shettleston) squad who won the Sunday Trophy at Livingston in 2009.

I can reveal table-topping Tayport have lost once once in their league, and been defeated twice all season.

With 67 domestic goals and another 24 netted in the national tourney - two recent rounds have gone into penalty kicks - the Dundee Sunday Amateur League club

will start as clear favourites.

However, statistics don’t frighten Cranhill United.

Stephen Brown revealed: “We have played teams before who had impressive pre-match credentials, and managed to beat them.

“The Dundee League has joined up with the Welfare League, and we believe the overall standard through there is not as good as it was a few years ago.

“We are the last remaining East End club in the competition which makes it a wee bit special - and during previous away cup games this season have filled a 52-seater. Such is the interest for this one, we are looking at the possibility of running a second bus.

“If I had to pick out a couple of teams from other games to reach the semi-finals they would be Harvester, last season’s beaten finalists, and Castlemilk Dynamo.”

ROAD TO THE QUARTER-FINALS TAYPORT A.F.C. First Round - Bye, Second Round - Tayport 12, Taybank 0. Third Round - Vic A.F.C. 2, Tayport 5.

ACTION from the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy.

Fourth Round - Tayport 3, A.F.C. Airdrie Albion 1.

Fifth Round - Redding 3, Tayport 3 (2-4 on pens). Sixth Round - Glasgow Thistle 1, Tayport 1 (5-6 on pens).

CRANHILL UNITED. First Round – bye.

Second Round - Gartcairn Academy 0, Cranhill 3. Third Round - Cranhill 5, Edinburgh Athletic 3.

Fourth Round - Bathgate Thistle 3, Cranhill 5. Fifth Round - Dykehead A.F.C. 2, Cranhill 2 (1-4 on pens).

Sixth Round - East End 0, Cranhill 6.

PLAYERS WANTED ‘HOUSE RACE NIGHT TREBLE CITY SWOOP

BAILLIESTON B.C. 1997 team seek good Boys’ Club level or ex-Pro Youth goalkeeper and central defender.

Training Tuesday and Thursday, with Sunday games. Contact 07773043499.

BROOMHILL Sports Club require adult players (all positions) for new amateur team, plus Under-21 level for season 2014-2015.

Call Alastair McColl on 07757690725.

MUIRTON A.F.C. seek players for Saturday Morning Amateur League.

Call 07940761875 or 07887527534.

BUDHILL Football Academy require players born 2002 (all positions) They will shortly be moving up from 7s to 11-a-side,and

ideally seek players who have already competed at this level, or have experienced 7-a-side football, and are now seeking a new club.

Call 07453306788.

BUDHILL Football Academy are seeking girls to play in their Under-13 and Under-9 teams.

Both have fully qualified female coaches.

Call 07960344563 or 07876128464.

KINGS PARK Rangers A.F.C. urgently require an experienced adult goalkeeper for the Scottish Amateur Football League (Saturday football). Home games at Glasgow Green, and Toryglen training sessions every Wednesday from 7pm.

Telephone Secretary Colin McDonald on 07534228797.

BROOMHOUSE F.C. are holding a fund-raising Race Night at the Fullarton Suite, 1230 Tollcross Road, on Friday, March 28.

Tickets, priced £5, can be obtained from any club official or player.

Race sponsors / prizes would be greatly welcomed.

GLASGOW Ci t y F.C. h a ve s i g ned Und er- 1 9 S co tl a nd ca p Abbi G ra nt fro m Fo rfa r Fa rmi ng to n, Jul i a S co tt, wh o h a s p l a yed i n bo th th e E ng l i s h F.A. S u-

p er Lea g ue (D o nca s ter Bel l es ), a nd S WPL l evel wi th H i berni a n, Cel ti c a nd mo re recentl y Fo rfa r, a nd H a mi l to n Acci es s tri ker Ch er yl M cCul l o ch .

WEST CUP DATE CALEDONIAN BOOST COLVILLE Park Country Club West of Scotland Amateur Cup final will be played at Hamilton Accies’ ground on Monday, May 5.

Meanwhile, Livingston’s Energy Assets Arena is hosting the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy final on Sunday, May 4.

KEEPER COACHING EAST and North-Glasgow based Boys’ Club goalkeepers have been enrolling for a series of goalkeeper coaching

courses running through to the end of this month.

Age groups are: 12-14 years and 15-18 years.

Call 07772237185.

TWO new clubs have been accepted into the Caledonian League - subject to approval from the Scottish Amateur Football Association.

Broomhouse F.C. and Overtoun successfully applied to join for season 2014-2015, and there could be more new

arrivals as top-table officials look at possible reconstruction.

Ambitious and well-run clubs, with good facilities, should contact League Secretary Kenneth Lindsay on 07899750240 or email: Kenny. lindsay@sky.com

SUNDAY RECRUITS

NEW Third Division clubs are being sought by the Sunday Central Amateur Football League to join their

set-up next season.

Call 07810588507 or email interest to: sundaycentral@live.co.uk

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