FREE - Issue 136
GENN
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Your voice in the community
PROUD TO BE SCOTTISH
Glasgow East and North News
10-13
Legacy Feature Commonwealth Legacy
16-17
Independence Forum Have your say on Indyref
Next Edition 5th September 2014
19-22
Parkhead Feature A look at Parkhead
26-27
Credit Feature Start saving for Christmas
SCOTLAND DECIDES : FINAL COUNTDOWN
The First War of Independence: 1296–1328 Last and Final Battle of Independence: 18 Sept 2014 0141 771 6488
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GENN Family Fun Day goes ahead despite hurricane Bertha
DESPITE the rain, over 200 people came along to the Shettleston Community Growing Project on Sunday 10th August to enjoy the Family Fun Day. The event, now in its third year, is run by the Shettleston Community Growing Project in partnership with Shettleston Housing Association. With the Met. office predicting the tail end of the hurricane would hit Glasgow sometime in the afternoon, the organisers made sure all activities could take place under cover and decided that the show would go on.
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
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There was free ice cream for all children, a small animal zoo - with the chance to hold a tarantula or a rat, Commonwealth food demonstration, wood carving, soup and jam making, storytelling.... to name but a few of the things on offer. Family Fun Day favourite Mr. Giggles - this year masquerading as Caribbean Joe - entertained the children and the tea and cake stall warmed everybody up. The day ended with a singalong courtesy of the Kings Theatre and everybody went home a bit wet but more than a bit happy.
ATTEMPTED MURDER IN RUTHERGLEN POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted murder in Rutherglen on Tuesday 19 August 2014. Around 1730 hours on Tuesday evening, a 23 year old man suffered serious injuries after being attacked by up to 10 people in Lochiel Lane, Rutherglen. He was taken by ambulance to the Victoria Infirmary where he is presently detained. Hospital staff describe his condition as serious but stable. Detective Sergeant Susie Cairns, Cambuslang CID, is leading the enquiry. She said: “At this time we believe that there were at least six but possibly up to ten people involved in the attack on this man. “Whether it was a targeted attack or not has still to be es-
tablished. We have been checking CCTV and carrying out door to door enquiries to establish exactly what happened. “This brutal attack took place in the middle of the afternoon. There were people within the street or out of their house watching the attack at the time therefore there is no doubt that the answer to what has taken place and why lies within the community. “It is essential that we work together to identify those responsible so I would ask anyone with information to contact Cambuslang CID on the non emergency number 101 or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
1,100 POLICE JOBS FOR DALMARNOCK IS EVIDENCE OF REAL AND SUSTINABLE LEGACY FOR EAST END OF GLASGOW THE completion and opening of a new £24 million office development is set to bring a huge boost to the east end of Glasgow. Police Scotland has agreed to become the sole user of Riverside East, a five-storey building in Dalmarnock which is due to be completed by the end of November and ready for occupancy from the beginning of 2015. The building will become home to 1,100 Police Scotland officers and staff, functioning as the main office and administrative centre for the West of Scotland. The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has made a significant commitment to secure the building for Police Scotland use, an important step in the modernisation of the police estate as well as a boost for the east end. There has been a colossal amount of early progress but the decision by Police Scotland to locate up to 1,100 of-
ficers and staff in the area gives a huge boost to everyone and provides evidence of the real and sustainable legacy promised by the Games.” Deputy Chief Constable Neil Richardson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Police Scotland to relocate from its current Pitt Street location. This will unlock real benefits not only for the Police Authority and the Police Service but will be crucial to contributing to the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway area and will enable enhanced policing services to be delivered to local communities and beyond.” John Foley, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “The SPA’s financial contribution to this project, together with that of the legacy authorities in the former Strathclyde area, is an important new step in providing a modern, efficient, and sustainable estate from which police officers and staff can support our commu-
nities. It is a sound investment for Scottish policing as a whole, and we are committed to working with partners to ensure it is part of a local success story too.” Rosie Robertson sits on the Clyde Gateway board as a community representative and is delighted that the service is relocating from the city centre. She said: “These sort of job numbers will provide huge and immediate spin-offs in terms of the local economy but what is much more significant is that an organisation with the stature of Police Scotland is committing itself to the area and wanting to make its own significant contribution to regeneration.” “I think also it sends out a great message about just how much change there has been over the past few years and at the same time it raises all our expectations in terms of how much more we are going to achieve in the years ahead.”
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Dog Fouling… HOW often do you hear people complaining about dogs making a mess of the environment by fouling all over the area? There is no denying it really is a filthy habit but who is to blame? The reality is that the dog is only doing what is natural and it is the owner who ought to know better! Under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 it is an offence for anyone in charge of a dog to leave it’s mess without removing it. Both the police and authorised local council staff can issue a fixed penalty notice to someone they suspect of committing an offence under the Act. The fixed penalty due is £40 but if it is not paid within 28 days this increases to £60. If you have a problem in your street or backcourt please report it and phone free on 0800 0277027 or by emailing clean@ glasgow.gov.uk
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POLICE APPEAL FOR INFO ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
POLICE Scotland is appealing for information following an alleged serious sexual assault in the Beith Street area in Partick between 0100hrs and 0320hrs on Sunday 3 August 2014. Detective Inspector Liz McLean, Divisional Rape Investigation Unit, London Road, said today: “From our investigations, we have established that there was a small dark coloured hatchback car in the area at the time with a man and woman on board – described as in their 20s – who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that will help us with our enquiries. “I would ask that the man and woman contact police at the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit at London Road on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.
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PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FOR POSSILPARK FORGE Properties wants to build a supermarket, shops, a gym and petrol station on the site of the former North British Locomotive works in Carlisle Street, Possilpark. It is estimated the scheme will result in more than 600 jobs being created. The majority of the site was cleared in the late 1960s and has remained vacant ever since. It is bounded to the north by the Morrison Bowmore bottling plant, which the Health and Safety Executive has identified as a major hazard site because of the presence of significant quantities of ethanol which is used in fermentation. However, the developer has agreed to pay to have the ethanol tanks moved to another part of the distillery site making the area safe for development. A city council report says the proposals have the potential to deliver major regeneration and to pump-prime further regeneration in the immediate area. An earlier application for the site included greatly increased shopping space, a cinema, restaurants, library, multi-storey car park and new homes. But planning bosses were concerned that would effectively result in the creation
of a new town centre. As a result, the developer agreed to reduce the scale of the plan which now involves nine business units, a supermarket with a floorspace of just over 5000sq m, non food shops with a combined floorspace of 2200sq m and a petrol station. The proposed gym, which would have a cafe attached, would be two storeys tall and located to the east of the proposed car parking area. The work would also result in the upgrading of Carlisle Street, the formation of new access roads and parking. The council report said: “The retail aspect of the proposal is out-of-centre, however the proposal has the potential to satisfy an identified need for a main food shopping destination in an area that is currently underserved. “It is considered the net benefits of the proposal represent a very significant material consideration in the delivery of major physical, social and economic regeneration in North Glasgow.” If councillors decide to give the scheme the go-ahead, it will have to be referred to Scottish Ministers because of the Health and Safety Executive concerns.
DRUGS WARNING FROM POLICE SCOTLAND POLICE Scotland is issuing a warning about the dangers of drugs after a 16-year-old girl fell ill whilst at a party and died a few hours later. It is unclear at this stage what caused her death and a post mortem examination will be carried out in due course. The teenager had been at a house party in the Rutherglen area between Friday evening and 0500 hrs on Saturday 16 August along with around forty to fifty other teenagers and although not confirmed at this time, it has been suggested that
she may have taken some form of ecstasy type drug. Chief Superintendent Ciorstan Shearer of Police Scotland said: “My sympathies are with the girl’s family and we have specially trained officers providing assistance and support to them at this sad time. “The 16-year-old girl returned home feeling unwell at around 0500 hrs this morning and she died within her home several hours later. “As it has been suggested that she may have taken some
form of ecstasy type drug, it is vital that we trace the other people who were also at the party to ensure that they are safe and well. “I would urge anyone who was at this party and has taken drugs and is feeling unwell, or knows of someone who took drugs at the party to attend or contact their local hospital for treatment or advice. “I also urge anyone who was at the party to contact police at London Road Police Office via telephone number 101 as a matter of urgency so that we
can confirm their safety and establish the circumstances in which the 16-year-old girl became unwell. “Police Scotland is working with its partner agencies including health officials in connection with this risk. “Taking any type of illegal drug is highly dangerous as very often these substances contain a cocktail of ingredients which can vary from pill to pill. The effects can be unpredictable and can cause serious harm or even fatality.
The Royal Voluntary Service requires a Service Manager to manage the café within the new Bellrock Close Community Facility in Canhill, Glasgow. This is a part-time position, working 20 hours per week. Salary: £8.54 per hour. Closing date: Monday 25th August 2014. For further information please visit:
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk. Registered charity 1015988 & SC038924
ANTI-SECTARIANISM INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP PROJECT “Make sectarianism a history lesson”, are hosting a group of 7 International Volunteers until the 30th of August to explore and challenge in creative ways the topic of sectarianism, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion to overcome it. One of our actions within this project taking place will be the creative performance “Make the river the only thing that divides Glasgow”, bringing together la group of international volunteers and community members to creatively explore hopeful, positive messages around tackling sectarianism and spreading messages of community cohesion through the performing arts (drama/physical theatre). They are looking for community participants to join the in-
ternational group and creating positive social change! Working with the group of international volunteers aged 1830 to creatively explore hopeful, positive messages about tackling intra-christian sectarianism in Scotland, ending with a short public performance. WHEN? - Training with the international crew: Wed 27th Aug, from 2 - 3pm and Thurs 28th Aug (1 - 3pm) - short performance in Glasgow City Centre afterwards (will be finished by 5pm). If you would want to get involved or have a pal who might be interested on this, please let us know why you’d like to get involved: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!! For more details contact Julia at sos@xchangescotland.org
DRINK DRIVING VEHICLE SEZIURES
MORE than 150 motorists in Scotland had their vehicles seized for drink driving between April 2013 and March 2014. The vehicles were forfeited by repeat offenders, first offenders with a high alcohol reading and some drivers who refused to give a breath sample. Those of any value were sold at auction and others were scrapped. All proceeds went into public funds. Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC said there were “tough consequences of drink
and drug driving”. He said: “Drivers whose selfish actions result in the deaths of others when they drive under the influence of drink or drugs bring misery and devastation to families and loved ones throughout our communities. “My message is very clear. You will be caught and when you are, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. “Not only could you lose your vehicle but you will receive a minimum 20-year criminal record.”
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PALESTINIAN FLAG ROW
GLASGOW’S council has provoked controversy by flying the flag of the Palestinian people from the City Hall. The council said it had decided to fly the flag - a green, white and black tricolour with a red triangle at one end - as a mark of support for those affected by the violence in
Gaza. It came about after the mayor of Bethlehem, which in twinned with Glasgow, wrote to the city’s Lord Provost, asking Glasgow to show solidarity. Although Bethlehem is in the West Bank, the city council said it felt it was necessary
to fly the flag to support all the people in the Palestinian Territories. It has prompted outrage from Jewish groups, who say it will not achieve anything. We’ve received some comments from our readers on this subject. Paul Barrett sent this com-
ment to us via email: “The decision by Glasgow City Council to hoist the Palestinian flag for a week on the day when Hamas fired over 20 missiles into Israel, as well intentioned as it may be, is an act of supreme ignorance and folly. Hamas who run Gaza are a declared human rights terrorist and criminal.organisation who are being supported by and large by the Palestinian people. All that is being achieved by this act is to aid their propaganda and create anti Semitism here. The declared intention of Hamas is to create a sunni Islamic State in Palestine in the same manner as we in the west are now witnessing in Syria and Iraq. They have also avowed to destroy the state of Israel. Glasgow City Council and indeed Fife Council who are planning similar should be acting on behalf of the people who put them there as opposed to dabbling in foreign policy.” Simon McLean had a different view. He sent us this via email: I think anyone who has a problem with Glasgow City
“WORLDS” AT GLASGOW GREEN THOUSANDS of spectators watched the final of this year’s World Pipe Band Championships. The event, known as The Worlds and staged at Glasgow
Green, was won by Northern Ireland’s Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band. It is the fourth year in a row the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band have won the title.
Based in Lisburn, County Antrim, the band was founded almost 70 years ago The runners up were Inveraray and District Pipe Band and third place went to
the St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band from the Republic of Ireland. The competition featured 300 performances and 30,000 spectators attended.
Council flying the national flag of Palestine for 9 hours is clearly over-dependent on the mainstream media for their view of this issue. You hear words like “war” and “conflict”, but over 2000 murdered Palestinian civilians to 3 Israeli suggests “genocide” or “ethnic cleansing” might be more appropriate. Some say it promotes anti-Semitism yet several Jews came to witness the raising of the flag with a placard that read “Not in Our Name!” Religion has long been used as a facade for the profitable persecution of “non-believers” and I personally couldn’t care less whether Israel is a Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Martian state for its leaders are about as holy as crusaders, suicide bombers or Nazis. Consequently I am delighted that Glasgow City Council took this decision. Gestures can be very important in politics, and next I hope to see a ‘Palestine Street’ to replicate the symbol of ‘Nelson Mandela Place’. After all, it was civil society who finally brought an end to the brutal South-African apartheid regime and certainly not the ruling elites.
PLAYING FIELDS CONTROVERSY IN December 2013 the playing fields opposite St Bridget’s Primary School in Baillieston were padlocked closed by Glasgow City Council. This came after receiving complaints from concerned residents about the amount of dog mess left behind by dog walkers, a decision supported at the time by the Head Teacher. The park is now closed to the public, not including official events. Local residents feel that alternative measures, such as appropriate signage and bins would have been a better response. According to Baillieston local, Mr Robert Sideserf, the playing fields have been used by the public for the last 30 years. Mr Sideserf fears that the closure may deprive the local kids of somewhere to go and something to do. He also advised that the closure has led to vandalism of the perimeter fence with persistent youths cutting holes in the fences to access the fields. Council spokeswoman said: “It is a shame that a minority of dog owners are spoiling the use of the playfields for the majority of the local community. We can’t let children play football until the pitch is cleared and we have had to resort to locking the gates to ensure the park is clear for them to play.”
JOBS AT RISK WITH POSSIBLE CLOSURE
DM Energy Limited, owner Joe Morris when questioned over his companies inability to pay its creditors, says the company is losing money and may not be sustainable. Mr Morris said his company had difficulties which may ultimately lead to the closure of the business. This latest review of the current trading position painted a gloomy picture and therefore they must consider all of the options available to them The company struggles are despite various government grants which seem to have been miss-managed Current debtors are considering every possible option and have tried speaking to the owner of the company Joe Morris, but to no avail We appreciate this is not good news for the workforce and priority should be to ensure staff and creditors are treated fairly and kept fully informed throughout the process.
“Heartbreaking” Maryhill Food Bank GREATER Maryhill Foodbank revealed it handed out emergency food rations to 89 children under 17 in the first week of August. Volunteers warned that many children who are entitled to free school meals have been going hungry during the holidays and described the situation as “heartbreaking.” One, volunteer coordinator, said: “We saw 89 children under 17 in two hours in the first week in August. “The children who get free meals aren’t getting that guaranteed meal if they are off school, It’s heartbreaking. “Since January 2013 we have seen treble the amount of people coming in.” The shock figures were revealed as Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the foodbank to unveil a £500,000 funding package for projects across Scotland, including five in Glasgow. The Maryhill foodbank typically help up to 70 families in a week. The Greater Maryhill Foodbank has been given £40,000 from the Government’s Emergency Food Fund. Other projects benefitting include the Glasgow North West Foodbank. Ms Sturgeon said: “This money is not going to deal with the underlying reasons that are leading more people to foodbanks. “Unless we can take the social security system and the minimum wage out of the hands of Westminster then we will always have this situation. “The referendum is an opportunity to break the cycle.”
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£1.3 BILLION CHARITY CLIMB INVESTMENT
GLASGOW has formally signed a City Deal with the UK and Scottish governments to bring in £1.3bn of extra investment. The scheme will see Westminster and Holyrood give £500m each in additional grant funding to the city and its surrounding areas. Glasgow and neighbouring councils will supplement this by borrowing £130m. The cash will be used to pay for major transport and employment programmes. It is hoped the City Deal will boost the area’s economy by £2.4bn annually. It was announced last year that Glasgow would be the first city in Scotland to benefit from City Deal status - an agreement between the UK Treasury and a city region. Similar deals are already in place in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. The City Deal was signed on Wednesday by Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson; Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander; Scottish Local Government Minister Derek Mackay; UK Minister for Universities, Science and Cities Greg Clark
and and leaders of the other participating local authorities. Councillor Matheson described the signing of the City Deal as “a momentous day”. The UK government has already claimed the investment could create 28,000 new jobs over the next 20 years, and could eventually generate around £1.75bn of economic growth in Glasgow every year. Mr Alexander said the deal would have a lasting impact on Glasgow and its surrounding area. He said: “This is fantastic news for residents of the city and the Clyde Valley region, as it means those who know Glasgow best - the people who live and work here - can decide where this investment can benefit them and their families most.” Mr Mackay added: “As our largest city, Glasgow is central in driving economic growth. “That is why the Scottish Government has agreed to invest £500m in a city deal for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley that delivers significant benefits for the region and Scotland as a whole.
EMPLOYEES from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks will be pulling on their hiking boots on 5th September for a spectacular ‘Trek the Ben’ fundraising climb in support of Help the Hospices – the UK’s leading charity for hospice care. A total of 93 participants, including nine in Glasgow will take part in the challenge to climb Ben Nevis; it will last up to eight hours and see the group tackling rough terrain, steep climbs, snowy ground and finally crossing the boulder field to the summit cairn. Gail Miller, (37) from Springboig works as a Mortgage Adviser in Clydesdale Bank’s Glasgow head office branch. Gail will be taking part in the event with Glasgow colleagues Shauna Cochrane, Emma Dickson, Yvonne McGuigan, Noreen McGinley, Lorna Rae, Gemma McGinley, Donna McLean and Euan Johnston, as well as Help the Hospices Chief Executive David Praill and senior staff at the Banks, as they ‘Trek the Ben’ to reach the highest point on the British Isles, at 1,343m above sea level. Gail said: “It’s great to be setting off to climb Ben Nevis alongside my colleagues for the benefit of an extremely worthwhile cause. “I have no doubt it will be a fantastic experience and I’m hoping to raise much needed funds
for Help the Hospices at the same time. The Bank is supporting us by match funding every penny raised which will be a great motivation when the climb becomes physically challenging.” Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks have been working in partnership with Help the Hospices for seven years raising more than £3.5million for hospice care to date. Their combined efforts from the ‘Trek the Ben’ initiative are expected to raise over £60,000 for Help the Hospices after the Banks match fund their employees’ fundraising donations. Jacqui Atkinson, Community Support Manager at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, said: “We are very pleased at the number of employees who have signed up to take part in the ‘Trek the Ben’ fundraising challenge, raising funds to support the valuable work of Help the Hospices.” The ‘Trek the Ben’ initiative is the latest phase in Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks’ award-nominated partnership with Help the Hospices, supporting people with terminal or life-limiting conditions and helping them to live as well as they can to the end of their lives. The £3.5million raised so far has supported nearly 100 hospices around the UK in their vital work; in addition employees from the Banks have given over 31,000 volunteering hours to their local hospices.
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NHS ADVICE FOR CHILDREN AS children return to school this week, Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year. NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school in the next week or two, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead. “NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types. “There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have
in your first aid kit at home. “It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.” For further health advice and information go to www. nhsinform.co.uk The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years. The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.
SAFER STREETS IS BACK!
MARYHILL HOUSING Association is to renew its linkup with police for a summer crackdown on crime and disorder. Its acclaimed “Safer Streets” initiative will see the housing provider again work hand in hand with local police after two previous initiatives saw levels of crime fall. Housing chiefs also won overwhelming praise from residents surveyed by the Association as it pledged unprecedented resources to deal with the menace of crime and disorder. Announcing the new link-up which originally began in 2012,
the Association said it was determined to stand up for its tenants who want firm action on crime, disorder and anti social behavior. And it praised local police in Maryhill and Ruchill whom it described as a “dedicated, hard-working and valued partner” in driving down levels of crime. Maryhill said this week that Safer Streets reflected its longheld desire to create safe communities where people want to live. Safer Streets will focus resources at undisclosed times to tackle crime and feature regu-
lar meetings with housing staff whose intelligence on where trouble spots are is invaluable. Jennifer Simon, Housing Services Manager at the Association said: “Our tenants and local residents in general want the local community to be as safe as possible. And we’ve shown with previous Safer Streets initiatives that a close working relationship with Police Scotland locally does bring results. “Our intention with the latest Safer Streets project is to deal with incidents of crime and disorder that come to our attention, by relaying this information to police and dealing with it quickly. We know that this is something our tenants want us to tackle. “The campaign represents our strong working relationship with our local police and shows that the housing association takes these matters seriously. “We know that weekends are a particular concern when it comes to anti social behaviour and crime and that’s why some resources are being particularly focused on these times.” Chief Inspector Joe McKerns
said “Police Scotland continues to speak with the local communities and partners and by doing so in the Maryhill Housing Association areas we realized the success this link up brings. The officers based at Maryhill are determined to ensure that not only are our communities safe but that they feel safe.” “Working with our partners will have a greater impact on those who want to cause anti social behaviour and commit crime. We will not only be patrolling during the day and nights but also sharing information and looking to identify other partners and specialist units who can assist. I am confident that the communities in Maryhill and Ruchill will benefit greatly from the Safer Streets initiative.” The initiative will see a number of additional police resources in the area. High visibility patrols will offer reassurance to residents (as well as acting as a deterrent for crime) and officers will work with licensed premises to tackle the sale and supply of alcohol - a well-known contributing factor to anti-social behaviour, violence and disorder.
MHA housing officers and police officers will undertake joint visits to nuisance residents whose behaviour has a direct negative impact on those living around them. The local officers can be contacted at: MaryhillKelvinandCanalcommunitypolicingteam@scotland. pnn.police.uk Phone: 101 Web: www.scotland.police.uk Twitter: @policescotland Facebook: www.facebook. com/policescotland The housing association’s most recent survey of local res-
idents found overwhelming backing for Safer Streets. The snapshot of opinion found that issues like vandalism, underage drinking, litter, noise nuisance and dog fouling had been causing concern in the community. People who were asked their view said they felt “more confident” since Safer Streets was launched about reporting anti social behaviour to the housing association or to the police. Fear of crime fell sharply with others saying Safer Streets had had a “positive” effect on where they lived.
GENN Glasgow East and North News
Christmas is coming, guarantee your public know about your offers, specials, deals, events, your celebrations and anything that allows them and you to plan the festive season.Only 9 more issues until Christmas…DO NOT MISS the opportunity to feature in our Festive season run up. Contact us NOW info@thegenn.co.uk for offers.
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Benefit is a necessity not a life choice Television programmes such as Benefits Street, Skint, On Benefits and Proud portray being on benefits as a life choice with people living it large at the expense of hard working families. The most recent British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey indicates that our fellow citizens think that the welfare budget is too high and should be cut back, that people By Niall Alexander receive too much in benefits and are generally “at it”. Benefit fraud accounts for under 1% (0.7%) of all social security claims yet it appears to be open season on denigrating people who are living on benefits.
And there are implications for wider society as the rise in foodbanks, crime, rent arrears, homelessness and medical prescriptions for anxiety, stress and depression confirm. One in five Glasgow households is living on a net income under £10,000 a year. A significant minority of people are being left behind making hard choices often around whether to eat or heat. The financial loss per working age adult in Glasgow as a result of welfare reform is estimated at £647 per person, only a sliver of that loss relates to the under occupation charge, yet it probably remains the best known of the governments popular-with-the public welfare reforms.
Life for those living on a low income is not fun; it can be debilitating, soul destroying and pretty miserable. Nights out, a gym membership, theatre or cinema visits are rarely, if ever, on the agenda.
Set aside increases in food prices of 12% in real terms since 2007 and the average household consumption on electricity and gas by 30%, the hardship facing people on low incomes either waged or unwaged becomes greater and more acute.
Major annual events like Christmas and kids birthdays can be dreaded rather than celebrated and many end up living their lives in just a few streets within their community. Planning weekly expenditure against a background of rising food and fuel costs is a real challenge.
Niall has been working with ng homes tenants helping them to cope with the impact of welfare reforms. Along with Neil, ng homes works with its partners Scotcash, GEMAP and Pollok Credit Union to offer a range of money advice services in its offices.
Ann Marie Devlin (ng homes), Natalie Docherty (Pollok Credit Union), Tricia Will (Scotcash) and Karolina Bodzak (GEMAP) are here to help in our offices.
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Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street Springburn, Glasgow. G21 4LS Tel 0141 560 6000 Fax 0141 560 6005
Scotcash also provides: • Bank accounts • Money Advice • Savings • Energy Advice Visit our website for more information or apply online at www.scotcash.net
Website: www.nghomes.net @ng_homes
ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association
Possilpark (West) Saracen House, 139 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5AZ Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005
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Springburn Winter Gardens Competition IN its heyday Springburn was an industrial powerhouse and it was once said “all roads lead to Rome, but all railways lead to Springburn.” This maxim illustrates the extent of Springburn’s production of steam powered locomotives. Following the demise of the steam locomotive industry Springburn has experienced a loss of its built environment and community heritage. The routing of the Springburn Expressway (completed 1988) through the heart of Springburn as part of the plans set out under the Comprehensive Development Area 1973 has impacted on the urban cohesion and sense of community. There is a lack of community buildings in this area. Springburn Library was closed and refitted as offices. The Springburn Museum was closed in 2003 and in December 2012 the Grade B listed Springburn Public Halls was demolished. The Winter Gardens represent the last vestiges of the industrial power and philanthropic spirit that existed in
Springburn. It is one of the few remaining civic places of Springburn and it is at risk. Glasgow City Council are making positive steps towards saving the Winter Gardens - recently the overgrowth of plants was removed to slow structural deterioration. In 2009 it was estimated that full refurbishment of the structure is feasible and would likely cost around £4.67million. The fundamental issue is to determine a financially viable venture. A number of options have been suggested during the 30 years the structure has lain dormant but none have gained any traction. The Glasgow Institute of Architects were engaged by the Springburn Winter Gardens Trust to formulate an approach which could save the Winter Gardens structure. The approach suggested by the Glasgow Institute of Architects is to make a series of incremental steps toward full renovation. The first step should be small, engage the local community and bring the structure
back into the daily lives of the residents of Springburn and lovers of the park. The competition is designed to engage the local community in Springburn and bring the Winter Gardens back to the fore of collective consciousness. A key outcome of this process will be to raise the profile of the restoration campaign and interest in its restoration. The Glasgow Institute of Architects are pleased to announce the launch of an architectural design competition in partnership with Springburn Winter Gardens Trust. The competition is titled, “An intervention at Springburn Winter Gardens; to provide a place where people can gather and share collective memories.” The competition will go live on the GIA website from 20th July 2014. The competition is designed to engage the local community in Springburn and bring the Winter Gardens back to the fore of collective consciousness. A key outcome of this process will be to raise the profile of the restoration campaign
Mary’s Birthday Boost for Marie Curie IN the last issue of the GENN we reported that Gourlay Street sheltered housing resident Mary Fishwick celebrated her 99th birthday with a party with her friends, neighbours and ng homes board and staff members. Mary received many gifts and birthday cards on the day and in a kind gesture she has donated money she received
and also raised funds with her friends for Marie Curie. Robert Tamburrini, CEO of ng homes said: “Mary is remarkable, to think of others on her 99th birthday says it all about her. She is very generous and we were delighted to help her present a cheque to Marie Curie.” Sheltered Housing Manager Karen Johnson said: “It’s residents like Mary that make
sheltered housing a great place to live.” Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie Susan Cuthbert visited Mary and her friends at Gourlay Street in Springburn for the cheque presentation and said: “It was great to meet someone as inspirational as Mary and we thank her for her kind donation, it was a lovely morning at Gourlay Street.”
Chris Quayle, Sheltered Housing Support Officer, CEO of ng homes Robert Tamburrini and Sheltered Housing Manager Karen Johnson join Mary Fishwick and her friends Bridie and Nan to present the cheque to Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie Susan Cuthbert
and interest in its restoration. This competition is in partnership with MAKlab. In an innovative twist all intervention designs will be 3D digitally printed. The GIA hopes that this competition will provide an opportunity for Architects to experiment and trial contemporary digital media with a
Glasgow based company. The entries will be displayed in an exhibition of models that will tour a number of venues facilitated by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Institute of Architects. The first of these events will be Doors Open Day on 20th and 21st September 2014 in Mosesfield House, Springburn
Park. The model exhibition will then tour other venues in Springburn as part of a community engagement process. Winners will be selected from a shortlist by a community voting process at these events. The winner will be announced in November 2014. The competition is proudly supported by NG Homes.
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Let the sales begin! Buyers’ last chance to bag a home at the Athletes’ Village BUYERS will have to be quick off the starting blocks to snap up one of the 52 new homes at the Athletes’ Village when the telephone lines open from 11am – 4pm on Thursday 28 August as the final homes are released for sale. The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games may be over, however as a result of the incredible interest the Games have sparked in this multi-award winning new development in the East End of Glasgow, the final release of homes for sale is happening months ahead of schedule. The Village that Team Scotland called home for 11 days is now being transformed into a unique-family focused community. During the first phase release, in January 2014, almost all of the 242 homes available sold in record time. With this final release, 52 properties - two, three and four bedroom terraced homes and townhouses - are being offered for sale with prices starting from approximately £125,000, £137,500 and £175,000 respectively. The exclusively designed homes are affordable to buy and affordable to live in. Energy bills are set to be much lower than average, thanks to the energy efficient heating system and super insulated features in every home. Purchasers may also be able to take advantage of the Government-backed Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme which allows
buyers to own a home with only a 5% deposit. The Village has been built by City Legacy, a consortium of Glasgow companies Mactaggart & Mickel, CCG, Cruden and WH Malcolm - all with a strong track record of residential development in the city. Buyers have flocked to secure these homes that are set amongst green space with River Clyde views and yet are located only three miles from Glasgow city centre. Speaking on behalf of City Legacy, Joanne Casey, Sales and Marketing Director of Mactaggart & Mickel, is urging anyone who is interested in living in this unique £150 million development to register their interest now. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, everyone involved in the design and the delivery of this fantastic development has been overwhelmed by the interest in The Village both before and during the Commonwealth Games,” she said. “Almost all of the 242 homes released for sale in the first phase sold within a few weeks and unique website visits and registrations on the sales website spiked dramatically during the Games period – that’s why we have taken the decision to release the final 52 homes early. “We anticipate that interest in this final sales release will be extremely high, and would urge anyone who is tempted by the thought of being part of the
Commonwealth Games legacy, by living in this unique, award winning and environmentally friendly development, which is situated in a stunning riverside location to visit the website or telephone us now.” Interested buyers can register for updates on these new homes at The Village by visiting www. citylegacy.co.uk or by telephoning 0800 0321 100. As a result of the incredible interest sparked in The Village by the Commonwealth Games, and the speed with which buyers have flocked to reserve the new homes which are already available for sale, the developers have now moved onto phase two of their Dalmarnock masterplan. The proposals, which were submitted to Glasgow City Council on Friday 22nd August, include the building of up to 200 homes, associated roads, landscaping and the safeguarding of land for community infrastructure such as education, retail and commercial use.
GLASGOW BUSINESSES VIE FOR PRESTIGIOUS GREEN ACCOLADE
GLASGOW-BASED businesses, BAE Systems and GRAHAM Construction are among the 24 Scottish organisations that have been shortlisted for this year’s Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards - Scotland’s leading environment awards scheme. Companies from all over Scotland entered the Awards, which recognise businesses that contribute to Scotland’s sustainable development through improving processes or developing new products and services. The awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, improvement of environmental performance, enhancement of business competitiveness, and support for wider sustainable development. BAE Systems, shortlisted in the Management (large) category, based on the Clyde comprises a mixture of office and manufacturing/production areas and specialises in naval ship building. GRAHAM Construction, also shortlisted in the Management (large) category, is a privately owned company operating in the construction, asset management and project
investment markets whose primary focus is constructing and maintaining infrastructure. 2014 has seen a streamlining of the Award categories, comprising Management (SME and Large), Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation, Circular Economy and Micro Business. Winners of the 2013 VIBES Awards include Airdrie based, Albert Bartlett & Sons Ltd., Dryden Aqua Ltd., Rabbie’s Small Group Tours and Vegware from Edinburgh, Whitmuir Organics from West Linton, Peeblesshire and Biomatrix Water Solutions in Morayshire. Many of the 2013 winners signed up as VIBES Ambassadors in 2014, promoting the benefits of entering the awards to their wider business networks. Gillian Bruce, Chair of VIBES, commented: “The VIBES Awards have been recognising champions of sustainability for 15 years it is encouraging to see so many entries from such a wide range of sectors from across Scotland in 2014. “Scotland’s businesses have proved yet again to be blazing a trail in their sustainable practices and every one of those on the
shortlist can be proud of their achievements.” The VIBES Awards ceremony, which is a great networking opportunity for like-minded businesses, will take place at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow on 27 November 2014. Details are available from www.vibes.org.uk Sponsoring the event and award categories this year are Business Stream, Albert Bartlett and Sons Ltd, ScottishPower, Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, Lothian Buses Ltd. and NetRegs. The University of Stirling Management School is a venue sponsor. The VIBES Awards are a strategic partnership between Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and the 20:20 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business. The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www. rsaaccreditation.org).
It is proposed that the construction will take place in 2015/16 subject to the necessary planning permission being provided. Speaking on behalf of City Legacy, Calum Murray, Managing Director of CCG Homes, said: “It’s been a fantastic few years for all of us involved in this unique project. The interest in The Village before, during and after the Commonwealth Games has been overwhelming and that’s why we’ve taken to decision to build more homes on the site. “It’s a great location and the quality of homes is excellent – the multiple awards that we have secured over the past two years are testament to that. Hundreds of families have already decide to make The Village their new home and through this new Proposal of Application Notice, up to 200 more families could have that once in a lifetime opportunity.”
New scheme offers confidence boost to school leavers
YOUNG people looking for a job can boost their chances thanks to a new scheme from Wheatley Group. A group of 26 school-leavers from across Glasgow have completed a four-week pre-apprenticeship programme to help prepare them for the workplace. The programme, in partnership with Jobs & Business Glasgow and Skills Development Scotland, saw the young people complete a certificate of work readiness. Over the four weeks, they completed a work placement with Wheatley Group – Scotland’s leading housing, care and regeneration group – as well as a number of group sessions to help improve confidence, interview techniques and even help with how to fill in job application forms. Simon Stuart, 17, from Castlemilk said: “I really enjoyed the course and meeting new people. We learnt all about the workplace and what’s expected from you in a
working environment. It’s a great opportunity.” Monica Ayoub, 17, from Drumchapel said: “We’re learning how to work well as a group. I’ve enjoyed meeting new friends and going to new places. We’ve all been given different work placements in different parts of the organisation in offices across the city.” Jacqueline Norwood, Wheatley Group’s Neighbourhood Services Leader, said: “This new programme is all about building confidence, improving social skills and helping young people from our communities prepare for applying for jobs and apprenticeships. “The good news is there will be opportunities for these young people to secure an apprenticeship with Wheatley Group after they complete the course. “By working with our partners we can continue to change lives for the better.”
End of paper tax discs
AS of 1 October 2014, the Driving Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) will stop issuing paper tax discs. Motorists should be aware of the changes that highlight the risk of a fine, as well as facing penalty charges against a vehicle they no longer own. Car owners still need to have vehicle tax to drive or keep a vehicle on the road, but now the DVLA is taking payments online, including Direct Debit payment options or motorists can visit their local Post Office branch. Instead of using paper tax discs to spot tax evaders, police cameras automatically check a car’s number plate. The new rules also put the onus on used car sellers to inform the DVLA, when they sell their vehicle, The move away from paper tax discs will save motorists money on postage and offers more flexible payment options, not to mention making it harder for tax dodgers to drive un licenced cars. For used car buyers, from 1 October, the vehicle tax will no longer be transferred with the vehicle, so it’s important to ensure they get tax as soon as possible. Importantly, under the new rules, used car sellers are responsible for notifying the DVLA and then they will receive a refund for any months left on the vehicle tax. Sellers who fail to inform the DVLA, could be fined and they will still be liable for any speeding or parking fines and vehicle tax for a car they don’t even own any more. We remind sellers to always send the V5C to the DVLA, rather than relying on the buyer to do it. And if you scrap a vehicle, you should get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) from an authorised treatment facility (ATF). The new DVLA initiatives will make it harder for dodgy drivers to head out on the road untaxed.
It’s easy to check if your vehicle is taxed by heading online at the Vehicle Enquiry Service, making this the first step for anyone planning to sell their vehicle and avoid the risk of fines.
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Justice Secretary cheers on Possilpark’s Highland Games and Chancers Women’s Group for children attending a summer programme at Possilpoint Community Centre. The Highland Games are just one example of activities developed by residents of Possipark over the last two years, for the benefit of the wider community. Mr MacAskill said: “The curtain may have come down on the Commonwealth Games but the people of Possil are making sure the sporting activity keeps going. “This is a great example of the ‘Link Up’ project which focuses on helping everyone to make a difference in their own area.
POSSILPARK hosted its very own version of the Highland Games recently and they were joined by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP who stopped by to cheer on the caber tossing, wellie throwing and tug of war. Alongside viewing the traditional activities, he awarded winning rosettes to the Highland Games Champions. The highly popular Highland Games, an alternative to the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, were organised by local group the Inner Circle Men’s group
“By doing things together and helping each other, organisations like the Inner Circle men’s group are helping communities to better face challenges while providing positive activities for young people.” Link Up focuses on people as contributors within their community, working on the principle that by doing things together and helping each other, individuals and communities become more resilient, happier and better able to deal with some of the challenges they face. Billy Aird, ng homes tenant and member of the Inner Circle said: “This event has made the members of the community group think together and work as a team. It’s something different for the local young people and their families to enjoy.”
Men’s Groups Go from Strength to Strength in North Glasgow INNER circle, a men’s group established earlier this year in Possilpark and supported by ng homes and Link Up have been linking up with the international men’s group, Uniting Nations in Scotland (UNIS). Members of both groups have shown amazing hospitality and have met up in each other’s communities - Possilpark and Maryhill. Gillian Halliday, Link-Up Co-ordinator said: “The Inner Circle group is diverse with ages from 30 to 70 and the men attending set the agenda. “One of the aims of the group is to welcome refugees to Possilpark, promote integration, challenge the negativity which often surrounds refugees and continue building on the friendships that have been established.” Previous events involving both groups have included music and Scottish dancing and a variety of international food dishes to try. Inner Circle members have tried to learn Syrian dancing with help from members of UNIS. They have been involved in a book launch by UNIS with short stories about refugee experiences, written by Inner Circle members, showing how their previous views had been challenged and changed. Inner Circle also received an award in recognition of their encouragement and support to the UNIS group.
with refugees and asylum seekers said: “ Police Scotland is delighted to see the Uniting Nations in Scotland and Inner Circle groups working together. It is a great example of what can be achieved when people from different parts of a community get together and realise they have so much in common. We see on the news the horrific situation many of these refugees are fleeing from and they always tell me how grateful they are to the people of Glasgow for providing them with refuge. They are keen to integrate and credit goes to both these groups for making this happen. Police Scotland would also like to thank ng homes for their continued support of both these groups.”
Jean Dallas, member of the Chancers Community Group said: “This has been great to bring people together and get different people mixing in the community.” Since being supported by Inspiring Scotland’s Link Up programme and the Link Up Programme Co-ordinator at ng2, over 1400 members of the community have got involved in community family events including pop up farms, beaches and cafes and 48 people regularly volunteer in groups established like the Inner Circle and Chancers. Gillian Halliday, ng2 Link Up Programme Co-ordinator said: “Having worked with both the groups on a regular basis it has been great to watch them come together and put on an event for the benefit of the community. Both groups have different skills and abilities and I feel that the Highland Games has showcased their combined strengths and highlighted the assets and community spirit in Possilpark.” John Fury, Chairperson of ng homes said: “Its brilliant to see local people coming together and getting involved in their communities. With our partners Inspiring Scotland we will continue to support and develop more community groups in North Glasgow.”
Saracen Street Closes get a new look thanks to ng2
UNIS meet every Friday evening between 5.30 and 7.30 in the Napiershall Street Centre. Inner Circle is for men of all ages who want to take part in group discussions, play games and enjoy some guest speakers and workshops. They meet every Thursday from 11.30am – 2.30pm in Possilpoint Community Centre. For more information contact Gillian Halliday on 07557369599 or pop into Possilpoint Community Centre for a chat.
SIX closes in Possilpark are being freshened up as part of investment works going on in the Saracen Street area. Plasterwork has been repaired in the closes and painting of the internal communal staircases, landings, walls and balustrades has also been carried out.
The bond developing between the two groups is now attracting interest from the media and news channels are keen to feature both group’s experiences.
Supporting ng homes stance against graffiti ng2 are using a quick-drying anti-graffiti paint with a clear coating which protects against graffiti of all kinds and can be cleaned repeatedly without special chemicals.
Constable Dario D’Andrea of Police Scotland who, earlier this year was awarded The Spirit award for his hard work and efforts in working
Robert Readie, ng2 Painting Supervisor said: “We are halfway through the project and the
ng2 400 Petershill Road, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4AA Tel: 0141 630 4252
Email: info@ng2works.com
Website: www.ng2works.com
ng2 is a subsidiary of ng homes
feedback from tenants and residents on the new look for their closes has been positive.” Apprentice Painter Martin Bird who has been working on the project said: “Its been a great experience for me and I have really enjoyed it.” Saracen Street Tenant Kelicha Daphey said: I am happy with the work that is carried out in my close, great improvement, it looks fresh.”
Miss really being it’s a really
The works are part of £50,000 of improvements to the closes in Saracen Street which have also been fitted with new security doors.
ng in the community
Saracen House, 139 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5AZ Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005
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GENN Legacy Feature
Commonwealth Games legacy projects to be aided by £1.5million cash seized from gangsters CASH seized from gangsters is to fund £1.5million of projects to carry on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, it was revealed Aug 19th. The money will be used to fund projects in deprived communities, steering kids away from crime and towards sport. It was claimed that scores of youngsters have already been saved from a life of crime, alcoholism or drug problems as a result of similar funding in the approach to Glasgow 2014.
Ian Reid, of Scottish Sports Futures, who lead the initiatives, was reported as saying“There’s something wonderfully poetic about the way money is being taken from criminals and then channelled back into the communities they’re harming. “The benefits are already plain to see. There are many young people who are heading for a brighter future who would otherwise have been sucked into a life of crime or addiction.”
GLASGOW City Council is responsible for overseeing the delivery of legacy within Glasgow. The legacy vision was that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will help achieve a healthier, more vibrant city with its citizens enjoying and realising the benefits of sport and the wider, longer term economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits that the games can help to deliver. The strategy is delivered through approximately 80 projects structured under six themes which seek to make Glasgow • more Prosperous; • more Active; • more Inclusive; • more Accessible; • Greener; and, with an enhanced International image and outlook. As a result of extensive partnership work and planning the people of Glasgow are already experiencing legacy benefits • £200 million worth of tier 1 Games-related contracts won by Glasgow companies • 3,000+ Commonwealth Apprenticeships • £198 million invested in new / improved sports and Games-related facilities since 2009 • £145 million worth of conferences and events • 16 minutes cut from journey times between Hamilton and Glasgow Airport due to the M74 completion • 12,000+ pupils from 160 schools received Healthy World biodiversity talks • 13,000+ new junior club members since 2009 • 88% of Glaswegians surveyed believe the Games will have a positive impact on their city • 1,500 Host City Volunteers welcoming visitors • 97,000 m3 of contaminated soil remediated and used on the Athlete’s Village site • 14,800 attendances at coaching courses since 2009
Supporting the Commonwealth Games Legacy
Milnbank Housing Association 53 Ballindalloch Drive Glasgow G31 3DQ Call 0141 551 8131 admin@milnbank.org.uk www.milnbank.org.uk
Scottish Sports Futures will spend the £1.5million on education programmes, exercise groups and late-night sports clubs. Official figures show that,since 2007, CashBack for Communities has been handed £74million recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act. Danielle McGuinness, 16, of Easterhouse, has taught basketball and was involved in a drive to get more girls to sign up. She said: “People
have got involved in Active East and it’s given them a better direction.” Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Sports Futures brings many benefits to young people, offering alternatives to crime.” Proceeds of Crime legislations has led to scores of confiscations by the Crown, adding to the Cashback for Communities scheme. Last year drugs trafficker David McKenzie, 44, was ordered to repay £214,000
in profits, after being jailed jailed for six years and eight months. Following his conviction, the Crown raised proceedings to seize his crime profit The Cashback for Communities scheme has also benefited from a confiscation order of £13.9 million in December 2010 Scottish engineering company Weir Group pled guilty to paying “kickbacks” in return for contracts from Saddam Hussein’s government
In December 2011, £3.1 million was recovered from 17 individual fisherman who landed large quantities of undeclared fish in Lerwick between 2002 and 2005, and the Peterhead-based factory which assisted the skippers to process their illegal catches by making false declarations. A civil recovery order for £5.6 million was issued to a Scottish drilling company in November 2012 after it accepted it had benefited from unlawful conduct
Hannah Builds Her Skills Through The Games HANNAH Muir, a 19yr old student from Kirkintilloch, is entering her third year apprenticeship at Glasgow Kelvin College, having won the enviable honour of Plumbing Apprentice of the Year at the previous two annual College Award Ceremonies. Emerging from Lenzie Academy with a collection of Standard Grades, Hannah was keen to leave school and gained a place with Campbell Construction (CCG) to train as a plumber. She was delighted to have this opportunity to learn a trade and has gained hugely valuable experience, especially over the last 12 months working at the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village. “I wasn’t keen on the idea of university and Plumbing was something I really wanted to do. It’s always good to have a trade at your fingertips and, even if I did change direction later, I would always have these skills to fall back on.” The College’s Construction and Building Engineering Services tutors recognised Hannah’s skills and aptitude early on and, when an opportunity arose to train on state-of-theart heating and venting equipment, she was a prime candidate for the training. The skilled, hard-working staff are experienced practitioners trained to industry standards and are keen to encourage and develop skills and talents in their learners. Vokera plc have brokered a partnership with Glasgow Kelvin College which establishes them as the principal provider of customised training on the installation and maintenance of their new energy-efficient ‘Flagship’ combination boiler. Glasgow Kelvin College have already trained all their 2nd year Plumbing apprentices on the kit and are looking to roll this out in the coming session. As the ‘Flagship’ combination boiler is set to become an industry-standard model in the field of energy efficiency, the College has also introduced Energy Awareness Training across all of its construction and building services engineering programmes. The College has worked closely with the Energy Skills Partnership to ensure its students receive highly current information and training, equipping them for job opportunities and future-proofing their skillsbase which will make them very attractive to potential employers. Glasgow Kelvin College also delivers a range of programmes which look in detail at more efficient, carbon neutral energies such as solar, hot water, air/ground sourced heatpumps and F-Gas (the College is the Scottish centre for the delivery of F-Gas training currently deliv-
ered to industry partners.) Anticipated to tie in with the Scottish Government’s Green Deal, the College hopes to ultimately provide this to small companies when it becomes commercially viable for their business development. Hannah is already enjoying her third year
as an apprentice and, this year, will be working hard on her Gas-Safe skills. With the refit of the Athlete’s Village in Dalmarnock, she’s looking forward to putting her new skills into practice in the near future and is proud to play a part in the regeneration of this city.
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GENN Legacy Feature
Commonwealth Games Lights the Spark! BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Commonwealth Voices’ pop-up radio station presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hands-on experience for Glasgow Kelvin College students in the lead up to and during the 20th Commonwealth Games. Building on strong links with Glasgow Kelvin College through the BBC Modern Apprenticeship programme, and capitalising on the prime location of the College’s East End Campus, the BBC Scotland production team benefitted from the skills of the College’s NC Sound Production students from across the campuses. Working in volunteer shifts at the Commonwealth Voices studio in the Parkhead Forge Shopping Mall, the students gained experience on the cutting-edge industry standard equipment while learning the intricacies of radio production. Broadcasting for six hours per day, the station broadcasted before, during and beyond the Glasgow Commonwealth Games festivities,
bringing music, chat and entertaining features. The BBC researchers organised live pieces from broadcasters throughout the Commonwealth, which involved the students in the global broadcasting experience, editing material from local contributors through prepared voxpops and ‘on-the-spot’ interviews. It doesn’t get more ‘seat of the pants’ than that! Of the ten students approached, several NQ Sound Engineering students were able to provide a creative, consistent and reliable service throughout the three weeks of the programme. The students came from both City and Easterhouse campuses and worked collaboratively to support a schedule for the programme. Bringing a range of non-advanced skills to the project, the students learned new technical skills in a very pressurised environment where timing and deadlines played a key role. The experience allowed them to build their confidence and communications skills, helping
them to form a more global view of the games and the diversity of the commonwealth nations. As one of the students commented, “This was a real eye-opener and made me realise that the BBC isn’t just this thing in London!” The College’s East End Campus building, a few minutes from the shopping mall, provided an excellent base for research and production staff to prepare and monitor the content and scheduling of the radio station. Lesley Kay, Senior Producer for ‘Commonwealth Voices’ and a lynchpin for the student trainees, said, “We’re hugely grateful for the input of the trainees, the invaluable office space and Glasgow Kelvin College’s willingness to get involved! Without this we wouldn’t have been able to achieve such success.” The partnership is now examining further ways that this model of training could be replicated (perhaps on a less intensive and fast-moving project!!) and create fur-
Funded by NHSGG&C and GCC, AXIS Health Hubs offer free healthy lifestyle courses and activities for adults in areas across North Glasgow. Why not join our fun, healthy cookery demonstrations and classes? Enrol in a local health walk. Learn more about health issues in your community and turn your ideas into action. Or, why not join our team of volunteers, get trained, and get involved? AXIS Health Hubs operate in Barlanark/Greater Easterhouse; Barmulloch/Balornock; Camlachie/Dalmarnock/Parkhead; Possilpark/Ruchill; Milton/Lambhill; Wyndford; and Drumchapel. Current opportunities include 6-week Healthy Eating Cookery Courses in Milton (from Tuesday 26th August) and in Barmulloch (from Friday 29th August). Interested? Contact North Glasgow Healthy Living Community on 0141 336 7000 or email: info@healthynorthglasgow.co.uk
ther experiences and opportunities for students. In addition, two members of the BBC production team, Ben McCormack and Lisa Graham both came through the BBC Scotland Apprenticeship programme at Glasgow Kelvin College in 2012. Now, two years down the track, they’re established in the broadcasting industry and working at the sharp end with the innovative production team for BBC Scotland’s Commonwealth Voices. The Commonwealth Voices programme is an excellent example of the College’s willingness to adapt and provide a flexible approach which will ultimately benefit learners and support stakeholder progression. Glasgow Kelvin College is delighted to continue and expand the development of its strong relationship with BBC Scotland in helping establish concrete work experience opportunities for young people which can lead to a career in Scotland’s exciting creative industries.
Ben McCormack and Lisa Graham, ex-Glasgow Kelvin students from the BBC Apprenticeship programme
EASTERHOUSE OFF SALES - MARINALDO`S - UPKEEP POST OFFICE - ROUGE - B & M BARGAINS MONEY STATION - SAVERS - ICELAND LIVINGSTONE BROWN - AUDREY BELL - DAY-TODAY H & T PAWNBROKERS - SWEET GREETINGS BRIGHTHOUSE - MEATMARKET - L & R SALON - GREGGS JACKPOTS TOO - tv - LLOYDS PHARMACY CREDIT UNION - EASTERHOUSE COMMUNITY CHURCH FARMFOODS - C.A.B. - ABRAHAMS BROWNS SOLICITORS - LLOYDS TSB - GRIERS CENTAUR BAR - JOB CENTRE - MCDONALDS LADBROKES - THOMAS RAE TAILORS SPEEDY UNLOCKERS - L & L SALON DONNAS TATTOO PARLOUR -SUNGLO TANNING STUDIO
Shandwick Square, Glasgow G34 9DT. Tel: 0141 773 0114
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GENN Legacy Feature
Shettleston Juniors FC: A club Shettleston Club for function hire at the heart of the community
WE are all very aware (or at least we all should be) about Scotland’s shockingly high obesity rates. Over a quarter of the nation are considered clinically obese. One of the key ways to tackle this - especially in children - is to encourage exercise from an early age. Luckily, there are few that understand the importance of introducing sport at a young age than the folks at Shettleston FC. “Probably the best football club in the world” reads the sign outside, and it’s enough to make you realise just how passionate the club is about their sport. With a proud history that began in 1903, Shettleston FC is one of the most successful clubs in history regarding grassroots football - helping jun-
iors realise their potential from a young age, and nurturing their abilities to allow them to eventually go on to senior clubs. Nicknamed “The Town”, the club’s grounds are situated at Greenfield Park on Old Shettleston Road. More than ever now, the club is encouraging young people in the area to get involved in football - having held a primary school tournament over an afternoon that featured twelve teams. Every child received a medal whether they won or not, encouraging the idea that sport is very much about taking part even if you don’t win. The club also works closely with cancer research charities to host on average three events a year to help raise funds. However, the club is now looking to raise awareness for their own kids academy, an academy that will help juniors from 3-18 hone their skills. Having received interest from ages across that range, the academy is now looking to take on more youngsters to help form full teams to be able to play friendlies or as part of leagues depending on age. The academy itself offers coaching for all ages. In addition, older players are encouraged to take coaching courses and to give a little bit of their time each week to the younger players, promoting a sense of unity throughout the club. If you wish to put forward your child to take part in the academy, see the ad below for full contact details.
The Shettleston FC building is not only for the football. Having opened in 1970 the Juniors Club itself is replete with everything you need for a great night no matter what the occasion. Anything from christenings to funerals to hen nights to fundraisers can be held within its walls, and with over 40 years of experience, it’s an ideal venue for pretty much anything you need it to be. Booking is simple and with reasonable pricing, a first come first serve system means that you’ll need to be quick to avoid disappointment. Resident DJs as well as wedding and funeral buffets are also available and are also priced very competitively. The venue itself has a modern but warm feel to it, and is refurbed once a year to make sure it looks as fresh as possible at all times. See below for more info and check www.shettlestonjuniors.co.uk/bookings for full booking details.
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GENN Commonwealth Roundup
5000 attend Team Scotland Parade
ABOUT 5000 people came out to celebrate the success of the athletes who won an unprecedented 53 medals during a magical Commonwealth Games. The all-ticket event, held at the parade’s final stop, also honoured the army of Clydesider volunteers who helped make Glasgow 2014 the best Games ever held. The athletes’ family and friends got to join in the fun before the parade floats arrived. Swimmer Ross Murdoch’s dad Graham told the crowd his
son was fair game for everyone who wanted a photo. He added: “If you guys want a selfie today, just ask him.” And when the 200m breaststroke champion arrived, Ross obliged for his new fans, as did bronze medal swimmer Erraid Davies. Those taking a bow were judo sisters Kimberley and Louise Renicks and cycling stars Neil Fachie and Craig MacLean. Bowler Alex “Tattie” Marshall, a veteran of five Games, said nothing compared to Glasgow. He said: “I’ve never
experienced anything like it.” But perhaps the biggest roar of the day was reserved for boxer Charlie Flynn. Asked about his post-fight chat with John Inverdale, the Royal Mail worker said the BBC man struggled to understand him. Charlie added: “The roles are reversed because I don’t know what is going on. Everyone has been running up to me. Unreal.” Asked to sum up his experience, “The Mailman” said: “Mindblowing. One word – craziness.
GAMES TOURISM BOOST
THE record-breaking Glasgow 2014 Games may have ended but the memories of the 11 days when Glasgow shone on the global stage will remain. Described as “the best games ever’ and ‘Pure Dead Brilliant’ by HRH Prince Imran in his Closing Ceremony speech, the latest figures released by the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee show the passion felt for and sheer scale of Scotland’s biggest-ever sporting festival. Glasgow 2014 delivered: • 96 % of tickets sold overall ensuring the athletes felt the roar of support from the stands • 91 % Satisfaction in the Games from spectators • 142 Commonwealth Games and nine world records broken Spectator feedback, based on 20,000 responses, has shown overall satisfaction rates of Glasgow 2014 at an amazing 91 % with 86% of spectators saying they would be likely to recommend future big events in Glasgow and Scotland. The three top words used by our spectators to describe the Games were fantastic, exciting and fun which was the experience organisers had hoped for it in the packed stadia.
The competitors set nine World Records and 142 Commonwealth Records and had the biggest integrated Para Sport programme in Commonwealth Games history It was the first Commonwealth Games with children’s tickets and 86 % of all tickets were available to members of the public The Opening Ceremony which boldly celebrated diversity, human rights and, according to Amnesty International, redefined ‘The Glasgow Kiss’ by sending a big kiss throughout the Commonwealth, which was watched by a television audience of over 1 billion people. On social media throughout the Games there were 3.5million public mentions, 500,000 social media followers and 450,000 downloads of the Games app. Some amazing figures from the Athletes’ Village include: • Over 150,000 towels washed • 30,000 laundry bags laundered • Nearly 500,000 meals served • Circa 65,000 handmade fresh fruit smoothies • 100 tonnes of fruit and vegetables
GLASGOW’S tourism industry was one of the big winners during the Commonwealth Games, according to Visit Scotland. The tourism body reported that hotels and restaurants, had reported some of their busiest days on record in during the games It said many businesses felt it had brought many more tourists to the city. A survey suggested up to 100,000 visitors had stayed on after the Games to see more of Scotland. Hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes enjoyed one of their busiest-ever summers. The hope being that Glasgow benefits long after the Games
GENN Glasgow East and North News
@gennnewspaper
IT’S been dubbed “The friendly Games”, and it certainly brought us some heart-warming stories. There were the two Malawi athletes, Missi Kathumba and Leonard Tsoyo, who were given new bikes by an independent cycle shop in Glasgow. Then there was boxer Taoriba Biniati, who had never fought another woman. Biniati flew out of Kiribati - a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean - with only the uniform she was wearing and a pair of trainers. When she arrived at a Glasgow gym, the owner bought her some proper boots. And who could forget the four members of Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games team who were assisted by police... off the M74 near Glasgow.
They were seen on one of Scotland’s busiest stretches of road at the exit for Motherwell and Hamilton before being told they were breaking the law
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED OUT DURING THE ROYSTON COMMONWEALTH GAMES EVENT FOR CHILDREN AT THE RAINBOW HALL 22/07/2014-30/07/2014
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GENN
Independence Forum Scottish independence referendum: Decision day approaches In just a month, voters in Scotland will go to the polls to decide our nation’s future. It’s an irreversible decision and not one to be taken lightly. Nor is it one to be made on a whim or without thought of the consequences – and these could be far-reaching. This is not like a general election. There will be no second chances and no trial run. We can’t go back into the polling booth in five years’ time and vote again If Scotland votes yes, the rest of the United Kingdom will continue without Scotland. Future generations won’t thank us if we make the wrong decision. Because it’s such an important decision we must all make an informed choice. It is not hard to get the facts you need. There’s a wealth of information out there and leaflets from both sides of the debate as well as an impartial guide from the Electoral Commission As we prepare for the final push in the independence referendum campaign, one thing which nobody should be in any doubt about is that we are standing on the brink of history. The clock is ticking and our date with destiny is drawing nearer
‘Make up your mind’ tour
SCOTTISH Labour Leader Johann Lamont has launched her ‘make up your mind’ tour as we enter the last month of the campaign. She will meet undecided voters at kitchen tables and in sitting rooms all over the country to persuade people to vote No and keep Scotland in the United Kingdom. Labour politicians and activists are inviting undecided friends, neighbours and community leaders to house meetings to speak with Johann about referendum issues. Long-serving Labour activist Nancy Allison hosted the first meeting at her home in Paisley this morning. She was joined by Neil Bibby MSP. Johann Lamont said: “There is no doubt that the referendum is creating real interest in our country’s future and all of the polls tell us that there are still many people who have yet to make up their minds. “I believe we are better staying strong within the United Kingdom and I am determined to make the best of both worlds case to as many undecided voters as I can between now and September 18. “I also want to hear people’s concerns about the referendum and hearing the questions they want Alex Salmond and the Yes campaign to answer. “This is an irreversible decision and it’s important that people go into the polling booths armed with the facts.”
LEADING HISTORIAN MOVES FROM NO TO YES SIR Tom Devine, regarded as many as Scotland’s leading historain and one of Scotland’s greatest intellects has backed the Yes campaign He said Scotland had succeeded most in upholding the “British idea” of fairness and compassion while England had “embarked on a separate journey”. Professor Devine said: “The Scottish parliament has demonstrated competent government and it represents a Scottish people who are wedded to a social democratic agenda and the kind of political values which sustained and were embedded in the welfare state of the late 1940s and 1950s. “It is the Scots who have succeeded most in preserving the British idea of fairness and compassion in terms of state support and intervention. Ironically, it is England, since the 1980s, which has embarked on a separate journey.” He added: “The union of England and Scotland was not a marriage based on love. It was a marriage of convenience. It was pragmatic. “From the 1750s down to the 1980s there was stability in the relationship. Now, all the primary foundations of that stability have gone or been massively diluted.”
What’s Plan B? SCOTTISH Labour is calling for Alex Salmond to come before Parliament ahead of the Referendum recess and explain his currency plan B. The call comes after Crawford Beveridge, Chair of the Fiscal Commission Working Group, altered his position on a number of areas. Scottish Labour’s finance spokesman Iain Gray said: “Alex Salmond must come before parliament as a matter of urgency and explain his plan B for currency. This is his last chance to be truthful on what he will do as it’s been made crystal clear by UK politicians form across the floor that he will not get a currency union in the event of a yes vote. Even his own advisor agrees and has confirmed that if the SNP refuse to take on their share of the national debt then it would be tantamount to defaulting. “His position of digging in his heels, sticking his fingers in his ears and pretending it’s not happening isn’t good enough. Nor is trying to attempt to divert attention away from this critical issue and scaremonger on wholly devolved issues such as the NHS. The people of Scotland want clarity, in fact they demand it and Alex Salmond should stand up in the Chamber and tell us what currency Scots will use if there’s an independent Scotland after September 18th.”
BANKING CLAIMS “NONSENSE” FORMER RBS chief executive and chairman Sir George Mathewson was reported in the Scottish Financial news as branding Unionist anti-independence claims relating to banking and currency as “nonsense.” Sir George condemned as “scaremongering” the ‘No’ camp’s pessimistic take on the prospects for an independent Scotland’s financial sector, saying that such claims should “be taken with a bucket of salt”. Hitting out at warnings over the scale of Scotland’s financial services sector and the need for some banks to relocate if the country becomes independent, Sir George also described as “even less convincing”, the UK government’s claim that it cannot share the pound with an independent Scotland. Sir George described a ‘Yes’ vote that would offer Scotland the opportunity to “support and expand the financial services sector using the powers of independence to attract new business and new entrants to the market”. He also went on to allege that Scotland’s financial services sector is currently “neglected by the
Westminster government and its London-centric policy”. This report underlines that It is nonsense to argue that Scotland’s banking sector would make independence impossible to achieve. Banks such as RBS and Lloyds Banking Group have strong Scottish connections but they can scarcely be described as Scottish banks. In reality they are run from London, and that is where they are regulated. The customers, assets and ownership are global, even if the holding company happens to be registered in Edinburgh. The location of a brass plate bearing the name of a bank may determine where the institution formally resides. But it does not tell you which government is primarily responsible for overseeing the bank or for limiting the damage if things go wrong. That depends principally on where the bank’s economic assets are located. On the issue of Westminster’s refusal to consider a currency union with an independent Scotland the No campaign, abetted by the British government,
claims that an independent Scotland could not continue in a sterling currency union because Scotland would have independent financial institutions lying beyond the reach of regulators in London. But at the same time they argue that these financial institutions would relocate to London in the event of independence, leaving Scotland poorer. They cannot have it both ways. This is “bluff and bluster”, as Alex Salmond, first minister of Scotland, has said. Commenting on Sir George’s intervention, SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Sir George is absolutely right to say that the No camp’s claims need to be taken with a bucket of salt – people in Scotland just don’t believe their predictions of doom and gloom any more. As Sir George makes clear, with a Yes vote we can use the economic powers of independence to further grow our financial sector and attract new business to Scotland – and to have an economic policy tailored to Scotland’s needs, rather than London and the south-east.
FORMER LABOUR MAN BACKS YES FOR THE NHS AND JOBS IN GLASGOW
A LEADING member of the Labour movement has switched his backing from No to Yes in the independence campaign - because he believes it is the only way to fully protect Scotland’s National Health Service. Councillor Stephen Dornan, who represents Glasgow’s Govan district, is certain that without independence, the Scottish NHS will suffer from Westminster spending cuts, including the damaging financial impact of privatisation already running rampant through the health service in England. He said: “Our health service is a brilliant institution. It doesn’t matter if you’re penniless or a millionaire – health will take priority, not your income” he said. “But it can only be protected if Scotland votes Yes next month.” “With a No vote, I fear we will suffer the consequences of the market-driven NHS England model and here in Scotland, we will be paying for our own healthcare within just a matter of years.” The reason, he explained, is that under the Barnett Formula, which determines Scotland’s funding provision from the Treasury at Westminster, the Scottish Government gets a fixed proportion of the UK’s public spending. But as England puts more and more of its own NHS into
private hands, so this UK public funding falls - which means that Scotland’s share falls too. Stephen, who has been a member of the Labour and trade union movement all his life, resigned from the party three years ago. He was re-elected under the Glasgow First banner and now aims to put Scotland first by voting Yes. He is immensely popular in his Govan ward and has a reputation for getting things done. A former activist for the No campaign – he went on the campaign trail with Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Margaret Curran - but changed his mind after he felt the party was failing to fight for Scotland’s interests. He added: “By 2020, a third of the NHS down south will be privatised, and it’ll be fully sold off soon after that. Labour have no plans to fix that. As surely as night follows day, they’ll just try and better what David Cameron does. “It’s painful for me to watch. As far as I’m concerned, the NHS is very much part of the Labour movement. Our mothers and fathers created it and now it’s being stolen off us by the private sector. “It is dear to each and every one of us, but with a No vote, it is going to be destroyed.’ He said he had lost faith in
the Labour party. “Their MPs at Westminster failed to show up to vote against the Bedroom Tax, but they were happy to turn up to vote for a cap on benefits, hitting the poorest in society. “It really does beggar belief that they should act like this. The Labour party has no interest now in the wider Labour movement. It’s become a brand, and is no longer prepared to take that fight forwards.” He also believes that only independence can save the Govan shipyard from the axe. “With a Yes, it will be able to diversify and do other things, but if Scotland votes No, the yard will be dead by 2019, when the present orders finish.” Stephen then continued: “I strongly believe in Yes because I firmly believe it will allow us to build a fairer Dornan has declared his support for Yes. He is a hugely respected Glasgow councillor with a well deserved and more prosperous society which looks after its people. Put simply, Scotland’s future looks much better with Yes.” Welcoming Councillor Dornan to Yes Scotland, former Labour Lord Provost of Glasgow, Alex Mosson described his old council colleague as a man of “independent mind” and an “asset” to Yes Scotland.
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GENN
Independence Forum Have your say Dear Editor Surely it’s about time that we were able to take pride in being Scots by showing that we are not afraid to control our own destiny. Most of the world think that we are a non country. A region of England, the cover of a shortbread tin or Brigadoon. People laugh at our money. They pity our hard drinking and tight fistedattitudes, which are at best anachronistic if they were ever true in the first place. We cannot even choose ‘Scottish’ as our nationality when we fill in online forms. “Where do you live?” Answer - “Scotland”. Wrong! The option is always ‘UK’. When I visited Lebanon and entered my nationality at immigration as ‘Scottish’. I was told to change the entry and informed “You are not Scottish. You have a British passport. You are British!”. Everything we do requires an apology or a tug on the forelock. Am I the only one that finds this demeaning? On September 18 let’s change ‘Scotland the Joke’ to ‘Scotland the Brave’. Brian W McGinty Glasgow Dear Editor I’m not trying to influence anyone here but, for me, saying Yes to Scottish independence is the ONLY way we Scots are ever going to have a say in our country’s future. The UK is a failed state which has long since lost its empire and is now trillions of pounds in debt. Thatcher’s UK used Scotland’s oil revenues to help destroy those heavy industries which employed the majority of Scots and whose unions were the biggest threat her power and that of the establishment. Were we better together then? Tony Blair removed the last vestiges of social justice from the New Labour agenda before marching us blindly into two devastating and illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan against the will of the Scottish parliament and the Scottish people. Were we better together then? A large proportion of Scotland’s people have now been reduced to the status of welfare dependency and many families are having to resort to foodbanks. Meanwhile UK Plc continues to concentrate its power and its spending in the City of London and SW of England. The UK is not working for Scotland as had been proven by the so called “austerity measures” that have been forced onto the poorest in our country in or-
yesscotland.net YES to using our oil wealth to build financial security for all and forever Did you know that even without oil and gas, Scotland’s economy matches the UK’s, measuring the wealth we produce per person? That reflects the strength and depth of Scotland’s industries. We are fortunate to have oil – and with Yes we can use that wealth to benefit the people who live here, while moving as quickly as possible to clean renewable energy. Having discovered oil in 1969, there is no doubt people in Scotland should be enjoying some of the highest standards of living on earth right now. We should have followed the Norwegians using their oil wealth to transform their economy, and establishing the largest rainy day fund on the planet – now worth over £500,000 for every person! Indeed, in 1974 a civil servant called Gavin McCrone told UK ministers Scotland would become “as rich as Switzerland if it controlled North Sea oil”. Yet successive UK governments have left us facing falling wages, impossible living costs, and massive public service cuts. What has Westminster done with our oil? In short, most of it was blown on Thatcher’s economic policies during the 1980s. As Tony Blair wrote of the Tories - “the importance of this windfall to the Government’s political survival is incalculable”. Yet still there are no UK proposals for a rainy day fund.
der to bail out the greedy bankers and city wizzkids who got us into this mess in the first place, while they continue to award themselves obscene bonuses. Are we better together now? Scotland is a country rich in natural resources. We have oil, gas, fresh water and fertile land but most of all we have some of the most talented and enterprising people in the world. We have produced some of the worlds top scientists, engineers, surgeons, designers, artists and musicians with a population of just over 5 million people. We have punched above or weight for centuries and I have every faith in our ability to look after our own affairs. Will we be better together in the future? The independence referendum is not about the separation of the UK or a divorce from our English neighbours.
So only Yes offers the opportunity to build a lasting oil legacy through a rainy day fund, and investment in infrastructure and more and better jobs closer to home. Instead of Thatcher’s deindustrialisation, it’s our responsibility to deliver reindustrialisation. Thankfully, in terms of value, there’s still as much to come from North Sea oil as has already been extracted. The Westminster government – just as before – is “deliberately downplaying” (to quote the Investor’s Chronicle) the potential of oil. But they’ve been caught, and the possible revenues from existing fields are now thought by independent experts to be worth many times what the UK government tells us. And recent weeks have seen new oil off Shetland, and proposals to investigate oil off Scotland’s west coast – including in areas previously ignored by Westminster in case of interference with their nuclear submarines. As Mr McCrone warned back in the 1970s: “If we allow this precious asset to be used without leaving something in its place for the future we shall be rightly condemned in the eyes of succeeding generations.” A Yes means taking the opportunity to deliver real gains from our oil wealth!
Its not about the pound, Europe, the Crown or the armed forces and we will never have a say in those issues if we say no to our independence. No, this referendum is about waking up, growing up and standing up for ourselves. It’s about taking responsibility for making a better future for our children. For that reason I will be saying Yes on 18th September. Eric Spence Dear Editor It has been obvious for some time now that Scotland simply cannot afford a No vote. The consequences of voting No would be appalling. If there were any lingering doubts that the political union between Scotland and England is unsustainable then those doubts must surely now have vanished. It could all have been so different. Supporters of independence
There is now less than a month left of the referendum campaign. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If we vote for Scotland to leave there would be no going back. We need to think very seriously about the decision we have to take. We can have the best of both worlds - a strong Scottish Parliament, with the guarantee of more powers, backed up by the strength, security and stability of being part of the larger UK. In the face of this, and as time runs out, the claims of the Nationalists were always going to get more desperate. On the losing side of the argument, they have resorted to trying to scare voters. The most recent scare story has centred on health. This is an issue where people in Glasgow are worried about the impact of separation. It is shameful that the Nationalists are looking to exploit these fears with such desperate and misleading claims.
have always viewed the referendum as a positive and enriching thing. A peaceful, democratic process that offered the opportunity to redefine the relationship between Scotland and England and create a new formulation of the union between our two nations which is fit for our times and the future. History will recount how this lawful constitutional process was soured and corrupted by a cabal of hard-line British nationalists who bitterly resented the people of Scotland being “permitted” to exercise their democratic right of self-determination. The Yes side in the referendum campaign has sought a constructive, pragmatic debate which aimed to develop an aspirational vision for Scotland while being mindful of the practicalities of our situation. The No side has sought to create an atmosphere of uncertainty, trepidation and acrimony.
We all know the facts. Expert analysis from the Institute of Fiscal Studies has shown that independence would lead to spending cuts of £6 billion. Independence would put our NHS at risk. That’s half our budget for the NHS in Scotland. We cannot afford to take that risk. How can we believe a word the Nationalists say when they can’t even tell us what currency would be used to pay for our NHS if we leave the UK. The Nationalists can’t claim that pensions of elderly people in Glasgow are safe if they can’t say in what currency they would be paid. The Nationalists can’t say that independence won’t affect spending on public services such as local schools and hospitals across Glasgow if we don’t know what currency would make up the council budgets. Alex Salmond wants us to take a huge risk with our future. On health, the Yes Campaign have claimed that reforms in England would affect the health service in Scotland, despite the fact that since 1999 health has been under the control of the Scottish Parliament. That means that it has been politicians in Scotland that make all the policies and funding decisions. In fact: “The Scottish Parliament has responsibility for the health service and that means we can protect NHS budgets.” Not our words, but the words from the SNP’s own manifesto ahead of the 2011 Holyrood election. It’s dishonest campaigning of the very worst kind. Scots will make their decision in September based on facts, not on the misleading claims from the Nationalists.
However much we might wish that it had been otherwise, we must now accept that the British state regards as its enemies those who would have Scotland’s rightful constitutional status restored. Nobody in Scotland can now afford to disregard the implications of a No vote which empowers those who would punish us for having held this referendum and who will surely stop at nothing to so cripple our democracy as to ensure that we can never again express our will on the constitutional question by democratic means. The very act of asking the constitutional question has provoked such unreasoning rage among British nationalists that there is now no hope of any kind of viable constitutional settlement short of independence. We do not have to wonder what the British state will do to Scotland should we hand them the power to vent that rage against us.
The threats are not subtle. The act of asking the constitutional question has irrevocably altered the relationship between Scotland and the British state. Or, perhaps more precisely, it has revealed the true nature of that relationship. What has been exposed is not pretty. It is not healthy. More importantly, it is not sustainable. We simply cannot afford to vote No and lock ourselves into that unhealthy and inevitably deteriorating relationship for years and possibly decades to come. The only way to break out of that corrosive relationship and have the opportunity to forge something better is to vote Yes. George Stewart
WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS email: editor@thegenn.co.uk
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GENN Nursery Feature
THE IMPORTANCE OF NURSERY EDUCATION
FROM the moment we open our eyes to the world we are under the influence of our surroundings, and from this moment we are learning, taking everything in. Yet it is only in the last couple of decades that education authorities are beginning to realise the sheer importance of education from a very young age, and that there are more ways to learn than just sums and dictation, a lot like life. It is for this reason that taking a child to nursery is so vital. Not only do they learn basic skills, but also how to function with others - and it goes with-
out saying that seen but not heard is a thing of the past. So, as previously mentioned, the way in which young children learn is not what it used to be. Having recognised that each child already has their own unique perception of the world from very early on, new learning schemes have been implemented by the government to nurture this. Undergraduate primary teaching student Emma McKie (21) recently seen this for herself: “The new curriculum that the Scottish Government has
stretches to nurseries now too, whereas they didn’t have a set curriculum before, and so basically instead of learning facts they work towards statements along the lines of “In everyday activity and play, I explore and make choices to develop my learning and interests. I am encouraged to use and share my experiences.” The curriculum referred to is the Curriculum for Excellence, first implemented in schools across the nation in 2007, its aims are - as Education Scotland puts it - “aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing a coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum from 3 to 18.” This change in attitudes has meant that the way in which youngsters learn is far more natural than simply learning set phrases, and sets them up far better for the social challenges life presents. Another great advantage of nursery is that it takes pressure off parents in a couple of ways. Firstly, by taking a child to nursery you know that they are in capable hands who only want the best for them - leaving you with peace of mind and more able to focus on other important parts of family life, from looking after even younger children, or being able to focus
Now Enrolling Places Available for 3- 5 Year Olds!
more on your career. From the child’s perspective, it will be socially advantageous too, as it can help them become used to time away from their parents more gradually than primary school might, and in doing so making the transition much smoother and less stressful for all parties. However, that is not to say that more academic learning does not take place, nursery sets kids up for life, but more specifically it must set them up for school life - and whilst social benefits of nursery are on the up, it will also be seen to that academically children at nursery will all be at roughly the same level so as that they are prepared for their primary school years. But what if a child is struggling to cope? What if a child doesn’t seem to be grasping what his or her peers can? The child might have learning difficulties, or a disability that impedes them in some other way that might not have been picked up on at home.
This is much more easily spotted in a nursing environment, where the child is surrounded by young ones of a similar age, and so this means that any irregularities can be noticed earlier, giving the child in question a much better chance of getting to grips with their disability. The majority of nurseries nowadays will also have a visiting specialist that will visit from time to time to help nursery staff understand deal with the
specific requirements of that child and help to nurture them as best they can. Nursery has such a vast amount of pluses for you and your child, and whilst separation can be difficult at first, you’ll be able to rest easy know that they are in capable hands that want to see your son or daughter do the very best they can do, and help prepare them for the road ahead. See next issue for nursery near you feature
10 Duke Street, Glasgow G4 0WX Email: marie@carbonfootprintsnursery.com Website: www.carbonfootprintsnursery.com
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GENN Parkhead Spotlight
PARKHEAD HOUSING ASSOCIATION AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY were out in force too, with facepainting, cake selling, tarot readers all braving the strong winds and sheet rain to make the most of the day. The gala also featured a brave performance from Distinctive dance academy who soldiered on throughout, and it even seemed youngsters remained undeterred as they happily played in the bouncy castle despite it being filled with water. Unfortunately even the THINGS are busier than ever for the Parkhead Housing Association, and on Saturday the 16th, the PHA held their annual gala at Beardmore Park, an event that in previous years has had an attendances of 1500 locals, all looking to be a part of the community and to mix with their fellow east end residents. However, this year, the Scottish weather appeared to get the better of the situ-
ation, and for much of the afternoon, it poured heavily, meaning a slight drop in turnout, but not at all in spirit. Both sides of the Independence Referendum debate made sure to turn up as time marches on and September the 18th gets closer and closer, as does the gap in the polls, and so both Yes and Better Together made sure not to waste such an opportunity. The usual gala day suspects
high spirits were not enough to save the day, as after a few hours of a lot of grinning and bearing, the gala was abandoned due to health and safety reasons. Even so, Association Chief Executive James Strange still considered the day a success “it wasn’t as good a turnout as last year, but we still had about 200 kids there and they seemed to have fun splashing about in the bouncy castle so that’s the main thing”. In addition to this, the PHA will also be holding their Annual General Meeting on the 25th of September, giving opportunity to discuss the successes the Association has had this year as well as improvements that could be made. It will also mark the fourth year running that the AGM will hold elections for the board. Entertainment on the night will include a performance from the hard-work-
ing Parkhead Youth Drama Group. To find out more about the PHA and their work visit www.parkheadha.org.uk. Be sure to pick up our issue on the 29th of August to catch our article on their Independence Referendum debate held Thursday the 21st at the Church of Nazarene - featuring Libby McArthur on behalf of the Yes campaign and MSP James Kelly representing Better Together.
40 Helenvale Street, Parkhead, Glasgow G31 4TF Telephone 0141 556 6226 Fax 0141 554 6331 Email: emailparkheadha.org.uk www.parkheadha.org.uk
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GENN Parkhead Spotlight
PARKHEAD – home to football, Steel, and a drink ‘made from girders’
PARKHEAD Cross is one of the few untouched Crosses left in Glasgow: at one time there were at least 20, but because of regeneration, road-building and the like, there may only be around a half-dozen or so remaining. Parkhead Cross is unique: the buildings that make up the cross were built in the first
decade of the 20th century – i.e. it is Edwardian. It was the industrial revolution that created this vibrant hub of activity as we know it today. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries Parkhead, or rather Camlachie as it was then known, was predominantly a mining area with quite
a number of pits, as it was situated on top of the massive Lanarkshire coal fields. The locations of a number of pits that used to be located in Parkhead have survived, such as Wester pit and the two Black Engine pits which used to be situated in East Wellington Street where the Forge Market is now located; the Old School pit was near the junction of Westmuir and Sorby Streets; the Caroline pit near Caroline Street; and there were many others, the locations of which are now unknown. The majority of these pits, and many further afield, were owned by the Gray family of nearby Carntyne House. Because of the availability of coal in the area and thus a large source of fuel and energy to power industrial processes, John and Andrew Reoch founded a forge adjacent to the Camlachie burn in 1837 (the same year that Queen Victoria ascended the throne) immediately west of the current junction of Duke Street with Shettleston Road.
David Napier acquired the works in 1841, employing William Rigby, under whose management the company thrived. Seizing an opportunity, William Beardmore bought the forge in 1861 and by 1879 the company began making steel. It was during the Beardmore family ownership that the company underwent its largest series of expansions to about 45 acres in Parkhead; and by 1918 the company had taken over Robert Napier’s shipbuilding and marine business at Govan and Lancefield, and transferring them to his new purpose-built shipyard at Dalmuir, Clydebank. Beardmore’s became a company that would attempt all forms of engineering: high grade alloys; carbon steels; heavy forgings; tanks; armaments; aeroplanes; airships; and even battleships! It became one of Scotland’s largest employers having around 50,000 on its payroll, not to mention the scores of satellite companies that had work sub-contracted out to them. The East End of Glasgow thrived as a result and a remarkable transformation began to take place. Gone were the miners’ rows and weavers’ cottages that appeared to be randomly scattered about the area, to be replaced by Victorian tene-
ment buildings in all the major streets of Parkhead, with the ‘piéce de resistance’ being the erection of the buildings at Parkhead Cross in Edwardian times. To accommodate the rising population, schools and
churches sprang up, and there was even a railway station at Springfield Road near the foot of Whitby Street giving the East Enders access to the city centre and beyond. Beardmore’s was nationalised in 1949, and because of
Parkhead Youth Project’s “Nae Excuse - Anti Sectarian Project” is looking for young people to be involved in a number of Projects including... • Drama on a Tuesday • Peer Mentor Project on a Monday • Football on a Friday Watch out for more information on our web site or contact Diane at the Project. http://www.parkheadyouthproject.org.uk
Tel : 0141 550 2621
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GENN Parkhead Spotlight
the economic situation that existed for many years after the war, the company faced a downturn in its fortunes and by 1975 it ceased trading. The Forge Shopping Centre, which opened in 1988, now occupies the huge site. Many may be surprised to learn that one of Glasgow’s most famous architects Charles Rennie Mackintosh - may have had a hand in designing one of Parkhead Cross’s buildings: the former Glasgow Savings Bank on the corner of Burgher Street. At that time he was a junior partner in John Keppie’s firm of architects that was responsible for the design of the building. If you haven’t already done so, stare up at the building on the corner of Duke and Westmuir Streets – Watson’s corner as it was once known – and you’ll see the ‘Parkhead Heads’ carved on it, the heads being members of the Watson family who owned and erected
this building. They had a business selling groceries, grains for horse feed, and their famous range of soaps from the attached building at the corner of Westmuir Street and Dervaig Street (formerly Gray’s Lane – named after the Grays of Carntyne). In the 1920’s this building was replaced by that of W. H. Wyllie who continued the grocery business and had branches all around Glasgow. At one time W.H. Wyllie was a famous Glasgow institution. The firm that was responsible for making Scotland’s ‘other national drink’ – Irn Bru – may have had its origins in a local pub. In the mid 19th century, Andrew Stout of the Black Bull, which has a history stretching back to 1760 and reputedly Parkhead’s oldest pub, used to make soft drinks for the hot thirsty workers of the nearby forge. This enterprise was subsequently taken over by a
member of the Barr family who erected premises behind the pub in the Gallowgate to manufacture soft drinks on an industrial scale. By 1904 this company became known as A.G. Barr & Co that would eventually launch Scotland’s ‘other national drink’ on an unsuspecting public. Now one of Britain’s largest soft drinks manufacturers, the company operates from larger premises based at Cumbernauld. To many the name Parkhead is synonymous with football in the shape of Celtic FC. This football club had its
Nazarene Parkhead THE Church of the Nazarene was founded in Los Angeles in 1895 and has become an international evangelical denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, with a world-wide congregation of around 2 million members. After a number of visits to the US, George Sharpe returned to Scotland and took to the pulpit preaching in Parkhead Congregational Church in Westmiur Street. In 1906 he was forced to leave because of preaching the Wesleyan Doctrine, and 80 members of the congregation left with him, forming the Parkhead Pentecostal Church on land purchased in Burgher Street after launching an appeal for donations. This church became known as “Sharpe’s Kirk”. In 1909, by the joining together of a number of congregations, the Pentecostal Church of Scotland was formed which, together with a number of similar missions, amalgamated with the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene six years later. In 1919 the term “Pentecostal” was dropped from the name because it was no longer considered to be PC at the time having unwanted connotations. The current building was
opened in September 2013 because the old church building proved inflexible and expensive to run, the new one is hoped to be far more flexible and “more economically and environmentally efficient” according to the Lead Minister Ian Willis. The church now calls itself Parkhead Nazarene. Because of the long-term social problems, such as unemployment and drug usage in the east end of Glasgow, Parkhead Nazarene started what they called the Oasis Project in 2011 whereby they would listen to the community in order to find
out how to help out and support people. A number of initiatives became established as a result, such as the opening of a youth café, an IT learning centre, a youth community football project, a gardening project, and even a food bank. All the initiatives of the Oasis Project are staffed by those who attend Parkhead Nazarene with a view to establishing prayer with the people concerned and to help them find faith in Jesus Christ as well as to minister to the physical or social needs of those who attend.
origins in a meeting held at a church hall in Bridgeton in 1887. The original Celtic Park, which opened in 1888, was located about 200 yards south of St Michael’s primary school on Springfield Road and bounded by the Eastern Necropolis on the west. One of the first matches played here was a Celtic v Rangers match in May of that year in which Celtic won 5-2. It was not until 1892 that the pitch was laid out on its current site, at the south side of Janefield Street. It was such an outstanding venue for its time that a news-
paper reported that it was like stepping out of a cemetery to enter paradise – and that name (i.e. paradise) has stuck ever since with the fans. The centenary year of 1988 saw a £2 million upgrade of facilities at the stadium before the major rebuild completed in 1998 and in July of this year Celtic Park staged the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. And, what about the name of the district: how did it get to be called ‘Parkhead’? Well, those above a certain age may remember large iron gates, which appeared to be permanently locked, diagonally
across London Road from the foot of Helenvale Street. These were the gates of the estate of Belvidere Big House, which was later Belvidere Park (which had a cycle racing track) and Belvidere fever hospital, opened in 1870. Helenvale Street was originally envisaged to be the main street of the area (hence its width), this street being at the ‘head of Belvidere Park’ and the name stuck. As it turned out, Westmuir Street became the primary street, and thus the main shopping street, until the opening of the Parkhead Forge Shopping Centre.
Calton Parkhead Parish Church THIS church has one of the longest histories in Glasgow and was founded in the Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral. The Parishioners of this ‘Great Parish of the Barony’, as it was then known, were granted their own church in 1793, which was erected in Tobago Street. As a result of the New Parishes (Scotland) Act of 1844, the parish expanded to include Calton, Bridgeton, Camlachie, Dalmarnock and Parkhead. A growing population prompted the building of a new church annex, in 1906, in Helenvale Street – which became known as the ‘The Wee Tin Kirk’ because of its tin roof – a temporary structure until the current church was erected in 1935, being renamed ‘Calton Old (Newbank)’. The old Tobago Street Church was demolished soon after. Its congregation merged with the congregations of Parkhead Church and Dalmarnock Church in 1977, and is now called ‘Calton Parkhead’. During the Commonwealth Games, due to its proximity to the Athletes’ Village, Calton Parkhead was designated as a ‘Legacy Partner’ of the Games making their facilities available to the athletes and visitors. An initiative, known as ‘Des-
tination Dalmarnock’, was run during the period of the Commonwealth Games. With the help of Architecture students, an events space was opened on vacant ground on Dalmarnock Road with a view of exploring hypothetical design projects created by these students on the theme of post Glasgow 2014 Dalmarnock. Workshops were available to encourage public participation and refreshments were available. An exhibition of these students’ models and drawings could still be seen on display at the Calton Parkhead Parish Church. A number of activities are on offer at the church for those who would like to get involved,
such as Taekwondo, a slimming club, and a music school. For refreshments a café is open at lunch time on Wednesdays, or you could pop round for elevenses on Wednesday mornings at 11. There is an on-going youth project coming together twice a week. Because of the local poverty levels a food bank was opened in the church in September of last year by charity chiefs with the Trussell Trust who operate a number of food banks in Britain. In one week in the middle of July this year this food bank, which is only open for three days a week due to staffing levels, supplied food to over 600 people locally.
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We are delighted to announce that our highly successful service “Making Connections for Families In Need” will continue to be funded by the Big Lottery for a further 5 years.
Do you need a respite service, a family support service and/or TOFFEE Club? We would like to help families with the following:Confidence and self esteem Parenting skills Budgeting skills Health and well being Family routine Personal support
‘Making Connections for Families In Need’ is offered through a selfreferral process to parents living within the North East & East End of Glasgow and who have a child /children under the age of sixteen years If you feel you would like more information on ‘Making Connections For Families In Need’ and the ways we can help you
Tel: Cathy or Ed on 0141 573 2900
email: info@geezabreak.org.uk 1450-1456 Gallowgate, Parkhead, Glasgow G31 4ST
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GENN Tollcross Housing Association
New houses at Braidfauld
New houses at Braidfauld
The opening at Braidfauld House
The opening at Braidfauld House
The opening at Braidfauld House
The opening at Braidfauld House
THE WAVERLEY
On Thursday 21st August Tollcross Housing Association organised a day trip on the Waverley. A great time was had by all.
Tollcross Learning Centre Event
Tollcross Learning Centre Event
New Office
This year Tollcross Housing Association celebrates its 40 years
Local People Local Control
Tollcross Housing Association, 84 Braidfauld Street, Tollcross, Glasgow, G32 8PJ Tel: 0141 763 1317
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GENN Royston
Royston Gala Day - Saturday 6th September 2014
Rosemount Development Trust is happy to support the Royston Gala Day, the 4th event on the inspireROYSTON calendar. Spire View Housing Association and Royston Youth Action will lead the way with Spire View’s Royston’s Got Talent Event and Royston Youth Action’s Fun and information day coming together to deliver a fun and exciting day for the Royston community
Rosemount Development Trust Limited Address: 221 Millburn St, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G21 2HL Phone: 0141 552 1199/9046 Web: www.rosemounttrust.co.uk Email: info@rosemounttrust.co.uk
Rosemount Development Trust Limited Address: 221 Millburn St, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G21 2HL Phone: 0141 552 1199/9046
Web: www.rosemounttrust.co.uk Email: info@rosemounttrust.co.uk
Inspire Royston - Working for You
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GENN Royston ROYSTON Youth Action and Spire View Housing Association along with Copperworks Housing Association are organising a joint community event which is taking place at Glenconner park on Saturday 6 September from midday to early evening as part of the recently formed inspireRoyston partnership. They will be assisted by staff from Rosemount Development Trust, North Glasgow Community Food Initiative, North Area Transport Association, North Glasgow Integrated Network, Toonspeak, St Rochs Church and Glasgow Life The popular Royston’s got talent event which is organised by Spire View Housing and Copperworks will be hosting auditions from 11.30am. Why not call in at the Housing Association offices and let them know
you are taking part. You can also attend at the rainbow hall on Saturday 30 August between 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm to get some practice and advice from music experts who will make sure they have the right backing sound for your act if required on the big day. Royston Youth Action which a commonwealth games sport legacy organisation along with Glasgow Life are providing different sports for local residents to try. There will be food to sample from the Commonwealth and other treats on the day There will be a variety of children ‘s rides, face painting, badge making, games and other activities including a raffle provided free of charge to make the day a great success. Make sure you come along with your family and friends to promote community spirit
Rosemount Development Trust Limited Address: 221 Millburn St, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G21 2HL Phone: 0141 552 1199/9046
Web: www.rosemounttrust.co.uk Email: info@rosemounttrust.co.uk
Inspire Royston - Working for You
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GENN Credit Union
Thinking of taking out a Payday loan? Then read this first...
IN the old days in order to secure a small loan for a few days, the borrower would go into a Pawnbroker’s shop, which were very common, with something valuable, such as an item of jewellery, which would act as collateral. To ensure privacy, the transaction is carried out in a booth somewhat furtively. The pledge would then be redeemed with interest, usually with the next pay packet (those were the days when
employees were paid in cash on a weekly basis). Nowadays, instead of going to the pawnbroker’s, all you need is a Smartphone and the loan is secured by having it paid directly into your own account, usually within 15 minutes or so. On the next payday the loan is automatically removed from your bank account along with the interest. It is still a furtive act, but at least you don’t have to hide
your face, and you will not be asked what the loan is for. It appears to be a simple process but you still have to keep your eyes open. Traditional forms of credit have become harder to access nowadays and together with shrunken incomes this has led to a boom in the payday loan industry. Payday loans are an expensive way of helping people overcome temporary financial shortfalls; it is a way of securing a loan quite literally in minutes and without much security. It has also coincided with the appropriate technological advances which has made it possible for tech-savvy lenders to offer loans on a 24/7 basis and without the need for human contact: no phone calls; you do not even have to produce proof of your ID or your address by producing utility bills, etc.
Affordable Finance for Christmas How are you going to pay for Christmas this year? Remember to plan carefully, investigate your options and if you need to borrow money, find out exactly how much it will cost you to repay. For example:
£400 over 32 weeks Borrow Admin Fee Total APR Total Repayable Weekly Repayment
Scotcash £400 £24.00 96.75%* £486.72 £14.46
Provident £400 399.7%** £640.00 £20.00
Total Saving £153.28 *Rates may vary
**Loan featured on www.providentpersonalcredit.com Feb 2014
Can you afford to pay out £150 more than you need to? To book an appointment contact us on 0141 276 0525 or apply for a loan online at www.scotcash.net Scotcash also provides: • Bank accounts • Money Advice • Savings • Energy Advice FOR CHRISTMAS LOAN APPLICATIONS, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Scotcash, 55, High Street, Glasgow, G1 1LX
Some of these payday loan companies even allow customers to text the amount of the loan they require and the number of days they need it for. Wonga hope to appeal to what they call the “Facebook generation”: those who are internet-savvy but who feel that they are disengaged from the established banking system. Wonga (slang for ‘money’), is Britain’s biggest payday lender. There are others. The company was founded in 2007 by two South Africans, Errol Damelin and Jonty Hurwitz who see themselves as trendy internet entrepreneurs rather than “legal loan sharks”, as they are now known by many of their clients. Damelin is now said to pay himself more than £1m a year and have shares in company worth £33.6m; co-founder Hurwitz has shares worth £25m. Their personal remuneration reflect the extortionate levels of interest rates that Wonga charge: an APR rate of 4,214% is not uncommon and is one of the highest rates charged by any pay day loan company. Wonga charge 1% interest per day of £1 per £100 borrowed. Are they justified in charging such a high rate? Concerning Wonga’s APR of 4,214% John Morwood, Wonga’s PR man asserts, in justification, that it’s like taking a black cab rather than a bus – the price difference is worth it. (!) “We see ourselves as an internet technology business first, and a finance business second,” said Darryl Bowman, the company’s head of
marketing. As proof he has an award naming Wonga.com as the fastest-growing digital media company in Europe. He is adamant that Wonga. com is a responsible lender. The end-of-year accounts do not describe the company as a money lender, but as “a technology company that has automated the end-to-end lending process.” (Please, will somebody explain what that means?) The company has already been formally censured over its casual approach to taking on debt and was forced to remove a page from its website suggesting its loans had advantages over student loans without mentioning its APR rate of 4,214% as against the current student loan rate of 1.5%! Students were invited to borrow money from them for things such as holiday flights to the Canaries. The proposal was condemned as being outrageous, cynical, predatory and irresponsible. The fast hi-tech service that Wonga claim that they provide, and not previously available, is the company’s explanation for the driving force of its success. Critics say it is down to extending expensive credit – at an interest rate of 1% a day – to people who are unable to get money through conventional, cheaper sources. Campaigners against the rapidly growing payday loan industry describe them as “immoral and unjust” and that these “legal loan sharks” appear to be normalising debt. According to Wonga, only seven per cent of its customers have missed a payment, if that is the case, then that
would represent more than 250,000 people who are struggling with spiralling debt. The most common way to pay back a payday loan is through your bank debit card. When you get the loan you agree to let the lender take the money from your bank account. This is called a continuous payment authority (CPA). Heed this warning: late repayment can cause you very serious and complicated money problems! Missing a repayment would render you liable to be charged extra interest as well as additional fees, and repeated failure to meet the agreed repayments could lead to legal action. Also be aware that your credit rating would be affected and non-payments recorded on your credit file. It is not very widely known, but just by taking out a payday loan may damage your chances of obtaining a mortgage even when the repayment is made on time. So, again, beware! In 2012 the Consumer Credit Counseling Service revealed that it had received five times the number of calls from people struggling to keep up with repayments to payday lenders as it did three years previously. Undoubtedly this figure has skyrocketed since then. It is thought that over two million people could be payday loan customers, many of whom are having multiple debts, with some borrowers having as many as 10! This comes about by taking another payday loan, perhaps from a different loan company to pay off the first, and then another, causing the debt to spiral out of control.
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So what about the Scottish Government’s viewpoint on payday loans?
ON the run up to Christmas last year, the Scottish Government had urged people across Scotland to consider credit unions as an ethical and affordable alternative to payday loans by a new Scottish Government campaign, known as the “12 days of Debtmas.” This was because of the concerns that had arisen about those who would be liable to get into debt using high interest, short-term credit by taking out pay day loans. The Government were hoping to raise people’s awareness of the benefits of using the services of credit unions with their low interest rates and to take a responsible approach to their finances. There are alternatives to taking a pay day loan. Have a look at the Money Advice Service’s website (www.moneyadviceser vice. org.uk) which has useful information on borrowing and managing your money. If you do get debt problems, you can get free and confidential advice from Step Change Debt Charity on a freephone number: 0800 138 1111. The Scottish Government’s preferred option of a ‘Credit Union’ may well have begun in early 19th century Scotland with such pioneers as David Owen, of New Lanark fame, and whose ideas and values formed the central concept. It was a concept that was not appreciated at first, and it took a long time before credit
unions took off in Britain. Before the Credit Union Act of 1979, there was no legal recognition and had little, if any, meaning in law. In Europe, though, credit union history dated from 1852 when a Prussian (i.e. a German) named Franz Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch brought together a number of socio-economic ideas and the first credit union, as we understand the concept today, was put into practice. Towards the end of the 19th century, credit unions had spread to Italy, France, the Netherlands, England, Austria, and other nations. A credit union is a member-owned cooperative financial institution in which individuals pool their money to provide loans and services to other members. It is democratically controlled by its members, and operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit at competitive rates, and providing other financial services to its members. Many credit unions also provide services intended to support community development. Credit unions offer their customers, or ‘members’, a range of savings accounts. You can choose to save as little or as much as you can afford and on offer are loan products suited to your individual needs and at rates you can easily afford. As a credit union member you are in control of your own finances and have
a say in how your financial service provider is run. In addition, each member of a credit union, no matter how small his or her holdings, often has a voting share in the credit union’s affairs. This ensures the organization’s policies match up with what members really want. Credit unions are non-profit organizations owned by their customers, whereas banks are in the business of making money. Like a bank, though, credit unions must make enough money to cover expenses, otherwise, like any other business, they cannot continue. There are drawbacks to banking with a credit union, but that is mainly due to their smaller size, with fewer branches and fewer ATMs. Which should you chose: banks or credit unions? The answer is mainly personal preference. The services of a credit union are similar to those of banks and building societies, but there are a number of advantages to banking with the credit unions.
The cost of borrowing is lower with the credit unions: the interest charged on taking out a loan to buy a car, for example, is about half that charged by the banks. Borrowing from a credit union is also easier and less problematic than from a bank and you get a higher rate of interest on savings, with the rate of interest now guaranteed by law. This is one of the major attractions of banking with credit unions. Also, credit unions are as safe as banks and building societies. Like them, the first £85,000 of a customer’s savings is protected by Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Credit unions are now being regulated by both the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority both replacing the Financial Services Authority. Credit unions are run “notfor-profit” because their purpose is to serve their members rather than to maximize profits: they are mainly “community-oriented” to serve people and not profit; and are run by you for you. The concept is simple enough: members pay in savings, and then that money is used to fund the loans. Then on an annual basis, members get to share the profits that had arisen as a result of the interest accrued from those borrowings. Towards the end of 2010 it was calculated that there were around 53,000 credit unions in 100 countries around the world with 190 million members. The country with the greatest number of credit union members is the United States with 92 million – almost half the world total. There are around 40 credit unions in the Glasgow area and to find the one nearest you, visit http://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk , or http://www.moneysupermarket.com .
COVERING THE WHOLE OF GLASGOW
START SAVING FOR CHRISTMAS NOW Open Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm (Closed Wednesday)
Tel: 0141 774 0001
Email: info@cranhillcuco.uk 4 Crowlin Crescent, Glasgow G33 3PH
START SAVING FOR CHRISTMAS NOW Tel: 0141 551 8387 Email: parkheadcredit@btconnect.com Web: www.parkheadcreditunion.co.uk
GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED
Start saving for Christmas now 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
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GENN School Holidays
GENN Glasgow East and North News
Summer Fun
Proudly sponsoring Summer Fun
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GENN School Holidays
Supporting Summer Fun Proud to support Summer Fun
Simply Creative Design Ltd http://creativedesign.uk.net Supporting Summer Fun Supporting Summer Fun
30 Upcoming events
Friday 22/8/14 Gigs Broadcast - Vagabond Poets, Sonny and the Soul Train, John Irvine Stereo - The Insomniac Project (Single Launch) ABC - Crack Ya Ribs, Julius D’Genius Agwu King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - The Broken Ravens, The Dead Raven, Ripley, The Iqons McNeill’s Bar - The Just Joans, The Middle Ones, Hallie and the Annies Pivo Pivo - Rossfest II featuring Seraph Sin, Portion Fed, Auctioneers, Robin McKinven, Christopher Price, Chris Napier The 13th Note - Miss The Occupier, The Dark Arts, Weird Decibels, Cicero’s Secret Flat 0/1 - Evil Edison, Forest Fires, Rob Duncan The Glad Cafe - Rail Fan, Mark Copeland, Black and White Boy River - Always the Way, Bullit, Roller Pink The Roxy 171 - Theremin Hero, OST The Buff Club - Cellar Door, Violet Drive, Miles End, Tetra Box - Alavano, Dirty Boots, The Urchins, Anton & The Colts Clubs Sub Club - i AM with Horse Meat Disco Saint Judes - XY with Main Ingredient, TODD La Cheetah - Offbeat – Tales of Tonto Audio - Grandmaster Flash, MOG, Respek Ba The Art School - Red Bull Music Academy: Midland, Throwing Snow, James Jasper, Andrew (Huntley & Palmers) The Poetry Club - Weird Science Flat 0/1 - Tremors 2nd Birthday Stereo - Playpiece 69 Below - Dyewitness/DJ Nemesis, C.Murphy, TJay, Zitkus, Kirkland
Saturday 23/8/14 Gigs Oran Mor - There Will Be Fireworks The 13th Note - The Dirty Blonde, Catholic Action The Old Hairdressers - Cry Parrot presents Lovers Ritual, Ivor Kallin, Neil Davidson Broadcast - Apache Darling, Atom Tree, Asthmatic Astronaut Audio - Mad Child, Shifty Presidents, P.Nology, Gasp, Bigg Taj & Spee 69, Astronomic, GiMiK, Theholyic, Aereka ABC - Ashley Collins, Angel Gold, Jake Blair Nice ’N’ Sleazy - Let’s Play God, Splintered Halo, Warhead, Blood Fire & Roses Stereo - The Graveltones King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - MDNGHT, Cheryl Risk, Courtney Gibson, Emma Nuella Flat 0/1 - Aurora The Roxy 171 - Die Japanische Clubjacke, Faex Optimism, Steg G & Freestylemaster McChuills - Filth Spector, Charles Randolph Rivers’ Slim Rhythm Revue, Rank Berry The Classic Grand - Karma To Burn, Desert Storm, Bacchus Baracus Box - Signus, Bismarck, Audio Driver Clubs Sub Club - Subculture with Telford The Art School - Headstrong with Randomer, J. Tijn, Clouds The Berkeley Suite - Jonnie (Optimo) Saint Judes - NIcE7 with This Is I, Harrison La Cheetah - notsosilent with Linkwood b2b Fidge Fingas SWG3 - Jimmy Edgar, Chambray, Sensu Ivory Blacks - Valhalla Stereo - Push It Sunday 24/8/14 Gigs The 13th Note - ZFE, No Form, Black Cop, Lost Limbs Mono - Summer Hoo Hah! All Day Long with Irma Vep, Davidd Winter, Apostille, Clip Art, Secret Admirer River - The Black Tartan Clan Audio - Ciazarn Affair Clubs The Buff Club - Kill Yourself Dancing Saint Judes - Sunday Circus with Alex Arnout Monday 25/8/14 Gigs Broadcast - Codeine Club Box - Above Attics, Failed At Sea, The Hookers For Jesus, Budgie McGubligan Tuesday 26/8/14 Gigs ABC - St. Vincent, White Hinterland, Arc Iris Clubs Sub Club - i AM with Beta & Kappa The Buff Club - Killer Kitsch presents 1989 Wednesday 27/8/14 Gigs King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - The Front Bottoms, Pup ABC - Blondie, Little Eye ABC - Morded, Furyon, Of One Blood The Roxy 171 - Colour Me Wednesday, Kate’s Party, Chrissy Barnacle Hard Rock Cafe - The Mirror Trap, Vasadeva, Dante, Loosing Ground Box - Beyond the Veil, Seel, Fuelbound Clubs Sub Club - Sub Rosa presents Jamaica Street Reggae Fleet The Art School - No Globe vs Night of the Jaguar
GENN Thursday 28/8/14 Gigs ABC - No Mean City: The Felice Brothers King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - Nick Waterhouse, Anna Sweeney, Bronagh & the Boys Broadcast - The Beautiful Lies Nice ’N’ Sleazy - Dear Lara (EP Launch), Lidh, Scott Robinson, Seoras Campbell, Chrissy Barnacle Ivory Blacks - We Were Kings, Evil Edison Clubs Sub Club - Reverb Keller Club - Unity Friday 29/8/14 Gigs ABC - Deke McGee Band Broadcast - Kill City Radio, Tasty Jailbait, Smile In Regret, Saint Secaire King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - Herculean, Froeignfox, Justhope, Emjay The Buff Club - Nick Mercer Jr, Soldier On, Luke Gibson, Jamie Coleman Audio - The Joules, The Alter Natives, Jamie and the Buzz, The Scabby Queen Pivo Pivo - Jersey Budd, Anton McCann, Marc Evans, Jordan Reid, Ewan Butler, Cousin Kenny, Josephine Sillars The Old Hairdressers Status: Choke! presents Van Stonholdt, The Modern Institute, Andrew R Burns Cathouse - Magic Trik, 12 Stories High, Diamond Mindworks, Marfa Front The Record Factory - Katie Sutherland Box No Egos, Sam Swallows, The Kelptkrats, 21st Century Breakdown Blues Band Clubs The Admiral - Madchester – Summer of Love with Tim Burgess Flying Duck - Last Ever Glue Club Stereo - Poisoned Chalice with CLIP ART, Sham Gate, Tigerbeat DJ, Werk DJ, Cleoslaptra DJ The Poetry Club - Argonaut Sounds Reggae Soundsystem welcomes Fogata Sounds Broadcast - Baby Strange Saint Judes - The Shimmy with Detroit Swindle Stereo - Poisoned Chalice featuring Tigerbeat 69 Below - InfeXious invites Theracords, DJ Thera, Degos & Re-Done, Deetox Saturday 30/8/14 Gigs Richmond Park - The Last Big Weekend featuring Mogwai, Fuck Buttons, James Holden, The Wedding Present, Young Fathers, Swervedriver, Holy Mountain ABC - Freddie Gibbs Academy - The Janoskians King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - wecamefromwolves, Alburn, GoodCopGreatCop, Bright Side Oran Mor - Blazin’ Fiddles Broadcast - Ringo Deathstar, Garden of Elks, The Cherry Wave The 13th Note - Certain Death, Edgeville Hellride, Little Hands of Silver, Watcher’s Guard Pivo Pivo - Kamblu, The Chelseas, Big Dirty Ride, Bit Nite, Jordan Reid The Beresford Lounge - Rap It Up! with Mog, Loki, Snow, Deadsoundz, Orry Caren & MegaMega Man, Kid Robotik, Revolution, Ciaran Mac, Number 13, New Flow Records The Buff Club Alabaster Jones, The Unknown The 13th Note - The Vex 3hr set (afternoon) Box - The Shift, The iFoundation Clubs Sub Club - Subculture vs Warehouse Project with Krysko, Greg Lord La Cheetah - Missing Persons Club Saint Judes - Patron Silver Series with No Artificial Colours, Vilmos Stereo - Militia The Berkeley Suite “A Love From Outer Space” Andrew Weatherall & Sean Johnston 69 Below - Trancelate presents Giuseppe Ottaviani Sunday 31/8/14 Gigs Richmond Park - The Last Big Weekend with Hudson Mohawke, James Murphy, Optimo (Espacio), Jackmaster, Spencer, Nozinja, Golden Teacher Broadcast - Pink Mountaintops Custom House Quay - Kevin McGuire, Anton & The Colts, Old Bohemia, Jeye T, Michael Timmons, Scott Charles(noon-5pm) The 13th Note - For The Kill, Nothing But The Night, Eyes Sewn Shut, Megalomatic Monday 1/9/14 Gigs ABC - No Mean City Festival: Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Sean McGowan CCA - Perfume Genius Oran Mor - St Paul & The Broken Bones The 13th Note - Lifelines, Number Them Broadcast - Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Mono - This Will Destroy You, Thought Forms, Lymbyc Systym Tuesday 2/9/14 Gigs Audio - Cryptopsy, Disgorge, Jungle Rot Clubs Sub Club - i AM presents Daniel Avery Wednesday 3/9/14 Gigs Oran Mor - Randolph’s Leap Nice’N’ Sleazy - Tiny Ruins, Alistair Ogilvy Hard Rock Cafe - Suspire (Album Launch), Sarah Kennedy, Franklin Box - Hotel Moskva, Mason Hill, The Usual, Charly Houston Thursday 4/9/14 Gigs Broadcast - Marissa Nadler, Le Thug The Old Hairdressers - 730 Days of Good Grief with The Unpeople, Mirror People, Bianca, Jason Riddell
GENN
Eating Out With Denni-Gee
31
Music
With Mark Johnson
THE LAST BIG WEEKEND
It sometimes feels quite overwhelming at the number of restaurants there are in Glasgow to be tried. It feels like every time I leave the house or go on twitter I find somewhere else to add to the list. This may sound like a grumble but believe me I couldn’t be more thrilled at Glasgow’s growing culinary offerings. We have an embarrassment of riches in our food scene and I am loving every minute of it. One such new dinner is The AMBER CAFE on Saracen Street, each time I passed I would comment that I had try it out for food but never seemed to get round to going. I am pleased to report that last week I finally got to give it a try for lunch
I really loved the vibe inside Amber Cafe which I would describe as casual chic. The décor is fresh and comfortable and I really liked the decorative booth seating, I know this sounds odd but it felt like it really fitted in with this laid back chilled café/restaurant. The hostess Jodie and her staff were great and very welcoming, they were attentive without being suffocating. For lunch I opted to try the steak mince dish, mostly because I love “mince and tat-
ties” and it is very rarely on a menu. The dish was fantastic.
I also ordered a side of french fries and veg which were fantastic and huge portions. The chips were hand cut and at least double fried if not triple fried. After my huge lunch there is no way I could manage one of the home-made desserts which sounded amazing – plus I am still trying to stay sugar-free this month. On my next visit I am definitely going to try to keep space. This is a lovely wee café/ restaurant which feels like a real community spot to drop by and have some breakfast in the morning, a tasty lunch in the afternoon or a special evening dinning experience and is surely one worth giving a try.
THE East End Social has been a huge cultural programme tied into the Commonwealth Games, aimed at bringing a variety of music and cultural events to people in the east end’s doorstep. The Last Big Weekend is the largest of these events and will be held at Richmond Park on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of August. I met the man behind the East End Social and Director of Chemikal Underground Stewart Henderson to chat about the East End Social and The Last Big Weekend at The Bowler’s Bar in Bridgeton, one of the venues that has hosted East End Social events. As a project tied into Culture 2014 I found out how the East End Social came into being. Stewart said: “Music, culture and art and all of these things are at the centre of what Glasgow means to a lot of people now. It’s a very culturally vibrant city. Our only frustration with this is that these music events, cultural activity and arts stuff have tended to be in the City Centre or the West End. The Southside’s got the Tramway, but there’s very little in the East End. The things that were here like the Dolphin Arts Centre have all gone, so we thought why don’t we try to come up with something that helps to try and bring some music events to the East End and we can try and pull this idea together that we can bring music events, not just for fans of Chemikal Underground’s music, but for people of all ages. It was important for us to do what we could to put things on for lots of different people to be able to enjoy. We went a walk round the East End and looked the The People’s Palace. The idea was that it was rooted in working men’s clubs and the Trade Union Movement. Not a party political things, but if you look at the museum in The People’s Palace, you find out that Glasgow Green was a place where social activism and workers rights movements congregated. It’s a weird hybrid of that.” With a huge range of events that started in at the end of March with a talk promoting Playlist for Life, who encourage the use of personally
meaningful music on iPods in the care and treatment of people with dementia at the Apple Store through Tea Dances to large events such as the Mungo’s Hifi at Alexandra Park, The Duke Street Expo, Optimo’s Revue and McGinn Meets Seeger and MacColl at the Barrowland, the Glasgow Mixtape at Glasgow Green and nearly a dozen shows at The Bowler’s Bar the East End Social has had a very busy programme. Commenting on the amount of events Stewart said: “The idea was that we would go out of our way to programme a lot of our stuff, so that if you missed the Duke Street Expo, you could get to the Mixtape. We went out of our way to programme it heavily and make sure there was a lot of stuff on.” With a view to the future he said: I don’t want people to think that the East End Social was just a cosmetic exercise in airdropping hipsterdom into the East End for four months and forgetting about it after that. One of the most satisfying aspects of the whole thing were the Tea Dances at the Barrowland, you know we’ve been having tea dances running in Calton and Bridgeton every fortnight all through the summer up to the end of last week. We’ve got the Hip Hop school that we’ve been running up at Bridgeton Community Learning Centre with Steg, Loki and Louie. That’s been amazing and that’s a kind of longer term thing we’re trying to establish. It’s about encouraging these events in the East End. It wasn’t just about trying to make people come to the East End from elsewhere, it’s about the people here in the East End and I think that that’s the one thing we can do if we sustain the East End Social going forward then we have to redouble our efforts to try harder to make sure that the communities here in the East End are aware of what’s going on and can feel part of it. The communities in the East End deserve to have these things as part of their social calendar just as much as anywhere else in the city.” Turning focus onto the Last Big Weekend he revealed: “We felt strongly that some-
thing of the scale of the East End Social that we didn’t want it to go out with a whimper. It was important that we came up with something that was as ambitious as we possibly could and I think as a city Glasgow is perfectly placed to be the type of city that should have a festival or an event like the Last Big Weekend.” He continued: “We’ve got an incredibly diverse music scene in Glasgow. We’ve got a very rich, credible core of music fans, labels, artists, DJs and bands etc so for us we took the view of “we’ve got one crack at putting something like this on” and if we were to choose not to take it wouldn’t have made the East End Social any less worthwhile but for me it was the ultimate challenge and whether we rise to that challenge is dependent on whether people choose to come along.” Enthusing about the lineup he heaped praise on the acts involved: “Mogwai are clearly, demonstrably one of Scotland’s most important bands at the moment. I think, and I don’t say this lightly, they are one of the world’s best live acts. There are very few acts that will leave an impression on you like Mogwai. So to have them headline the Saturday just feels great. F*ck Buttons have talked about it in interviews and made it quite clear that Mogwai have been an incredible influence on them. The opportunity to put them back to back with guys like James Holden has been quite a bold line up. There are other connections as well. One of the most important established bands in the early stages of The Delgado’s career were the Wedding Present. David Gedge was really supportive of us, and there was the John Peel connection as well. So to have The Wedding Present play is a real thrill for us. What was important for Saturday was to put something together that highlights how strong and influential Scottish music is, in and alongside acts which have been influenced by Scottish music. With Young Fathers it’s not a purely Glasgow thing. They’re amazing, just won the SAY award.
It’s a great line up of old, new and influential stuff.” Talking about the Sunday lineup he said: “Optimo was something that was synonymous with Glasgow through the mid 90s into the early 2000s, so the idea for having a weekend festival we thought about what to do on the Sunday, well Optimo! He added :“I think what the Numbers guys have done in the last 5-10 years has been amazing. I think the nightclub scene in Glasgow now is a broad spectrum of a lot of different types of music and I think we’ve managed to reflect that in the Last Big Weekend. Glasgow as a city has had genres of music that have existed in their own little pocket. You had your indie crowd, and then you would have your entirely different clubbing crowd. It’s the way that music’s going now, Glasgow’s always been ahead of the curve in that respect, you know collaborating and bringing people together and I think the idea of being able to celebrate these two very distinct scenes in Glasgow, you know the Numbers guys with Sophie and Jackmaster and their connections with Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and all of these guys, I think it’s terrific that we have found somewhere where we can put this on in the East End in Richmond Park. It’s a big 3000 capacity marquee so people don’t need to bring their brolly.” I also spoke to Bobby Cleaver from Numbers who is looking forward to the event, saying: “The opportunity to be involved in the Commonwealth Games Culture Programme is massive for us, Glasgow being our hometown it really means a lot. We’ve been working with Optimo more and more in recent years and are stoked on the line up we’ve put together - as it pulls from both of our collective’s influences and has a distinctly Glasgow flavour. For me I’m most excited about seeing Golden Teacher who I haven’t caught live yet, the atmosphere is always next level when Hudson Mohawke comes back to play his hometown and Jeff Mills never disappoints.” For tickets and more information visit eastendsocial.com
32
GENN
Your Horoscope Predictions By Eris
Aries
(21 March - 20 April)
You are apt to want to get lost in a movie at present, like a science fiction or fantasy film. You can become so involved in the story that you forget where you are. You are likely to feel vital and full of life. Your energy stores should be released, and you could feel full to overflowing with joy and ready to meet the world on your own terms When it comes to the little details that make the world go round, you can really excel. You have a way of seeing the big picture, and putting it all together in a perfect way.
Taurus
(21 April - 21 May)
You’ll run into trouble if you wear your heart on your sleeve. But this is remedied when you stick with those you trust. Watch out for those eager to go off on a power trip at your expense You are likely to feel connected to someone who has a high aptitude for analysis and is willing to show off their sharp and powerful mind. You sure can learn from this friend of yours. If children now play an important role in your life, this is a good time for communication and personal involvements.
Gemini
(22 May - 21 June)
Libra
(24 Sep - 23 Oct)
A special event you’re about to attend feels more like a command performance than a pleasure, but, decide instead that you can benefit from all the sparkling people you’ll mingle with. Your social life is likely to pick up now and you may have to set aside some time for romance as well. You tend to express a more jovial attitude and others will delight in your company. Catch up on your writing, studies and phone calls, and keep appointments.
Scorpio
(24 Oct - 22 Nov)
You could be a bit obsessed with your appearance just now. You could find yourself thinking more specifically about the way you put yourself together. People can notice your effort. It’s all right to change your mind. A friend will understand when you explain why you can’t do something that you’d previously offered to do particularly if you have a good reason. You are likely to see more responsibility coming from relatives, friends, neighbours and associates today. period.
Sagittarius
(23 Nov - 21 Dec)
A well-organized and creative companion can be just what you need during this period. Call up a friend and enlist them to help you out with your chores. Everything can go faster if you share. Matters of the heart will affect your emotions and energy levels. Be cautious around machinery, sharp objects, electrical things, heat and when driving. Slow down and take your time.
You can be a master at dealing with financial matters right now, so taking care of bills and balancing your bank account are good activities for this month. Take advantage of the good timing. You are probably experiencing a significant increase in your social life and interactions with others now. This is a good time for making friends and getting involved in new, unique and innovative projects.
Cancer
Capricorn
(22 June - 23 July)
(22 Dec - 20 Jan)
You should be the star of the show during this period. It will be very hard for you not to get noticed right now, as your sparkle is so bright that it lights up the street. Folks may need sunglasses. Your dreams are likely to be colourful and vivid at this time. This is a good time for visiting an ill friend or relative or for dealing with institutions of all kinds. Much can be gained now.
You can be quite a sales person just now, so if there’s anything that you need to get rid of, now is the time to go for it! You can talk anyone into anything, because you’re full of charm. Don’t take things too personally when someone in your life seems perpetually to be on your case. It could be that this individual has personal problems that are being deflected at you.
Leo
(24 July - 23 Aug)
Aquarius
Virgo
(24 Aug - 23 Sep)
You can find yourself concerned with your self-image. You are apt to focus on your style of dress, and you’ll probably put some extra effort into looking immaculate and fresh. Your sense of responsibility is all it should be now. You won’t miss anything going on around you, and you may have a better grasp on reality than many of those around you. Do you feel socially inept for some reason? Is there some task or personal confrontation you are avoiding? I feel that your self- confidence could use some bolstering now. Work on your self-image
Your words should be just beautiful, no matter what the subject. You can be a creative and brilliant teacher of complex concept. If someone you know is struggling with something that they don’t understand, your wisdom can help them out. You could be talking about the silliest of ideas, but still, you can get your ideas across in a lovely way. You may have to deal with impatience today, either in yourself or in others. It may be impossible to control a particular situation on the emotional level.
(21 Jan - 19 Feb)
You might find that all you want to do is engage in conversation with someone that you care for. Just the sound of their voice can transport you to a place where life is made of bliss. Your excitement and enthusiasm will be catching today and others will want to take part in your happiness. An optimistic outlook helps you achieve much at this time. You may appear fearless. If you’ve been feeling moody or out of sorts, remember that you contribute to the atmosphere of your own environment.
Pisces
Just a Thought ACCEPT CHANGE AND FIND GREATNESS ONE of my favourite lines from the Disney film The Lion King is when the exiled Simba speaks with the spirit of his dead father, Mufasa. The fallen king tells his son, “Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become.” Simba was supposed to take his place as king, but after the death of his father, his selfdoubt crushed him, and he wandered for years outside of the pride land. I don’t care what your lot in life is. You have something great inside of you. Your present circumstances don’t matter. Your level of income doesn’t matter, and it’s besides the point that you might be a single mother of three children. You have greatness that’s begging to come out – What is greatness? It’s manifesting more than what you have so far. It tapping and harvesting the ability and passion that abides just under your own self-doubt—the unrealized potential that you’ve carried all your life. – Maybe that’s you. Maybe you’re wandering outside of the place where you’re supposed to be ruling. Maybe your spirit is so crushed that you’re only living a zombie-like existence halfway between death and life. It’s time for you to cast off the deadness of yesterday and start releasing the personal power that lies within. It’s Time to Take Inventory of Who You Are Where do you begin? You start by taking invento-
ry. What are your strongest interests, passions, and abilities? Write those down. Then, start digging. Get out your mental shovel and start learning everything you can about those things you wrote down. Soon, your list will become refined as you narrow down your talents and interests into a concentrated few that you’ll spend your time on. Take this revised list and dig some more. Read what you can on those subjects. Listen to podcasts, or watch videos, on those areas of interest. See if you need higher education in order to fulfill them. If not, look for examples of what someone else is doing that has your same interest or skill and follow their steps. The point is that you have to focus on the resources you have and really dig deep to get underneath the core of what you can do. The ancient book of Proverbs says that wisdom must be pursued as a hidden treasure, and that means with a determined pursuit. You are digging for something valuable, so if you truly understood the worth of your own resources, you would take the time to work with them. Only one thing will stop you and that is yourself. Your children are not a hindrance. Your friends and family aren’t stopping you. Your present job situation is not holding you back. The change that’s needed is not in the circumstances of your life but in the attitude of
The Genn Crossword
your heart. You have to believe in the way you are made, and honor the greatness that’s in you by making it more. How about taking a few moments right now to sit back and think about what you might have residing in you. It won’t be a mystery to you. I’m not suggesting you’re going to unearth something you didn’t know was there. By now, if you’re able to read this article, you have at least an idea of what you love, what interests you, what angers you, and what you can do. You just need to have a council meeting with yourself There’s an old saying that goes, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy man.” That’s because a busy man is in motion, and it’s a hell of a lot easier to steer someone that’s moving then someone that has parked their asses with nothing to do. We live in a society driven too much by leisure. Everybody’s looking’ for vacation time, or the upcoming weekend. It’s rare you hear someone say, “I’m looking forward to the weekend because I’m gonna work on the business I want to start.” Nope. Most people are headed for the lake, or the bar. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do any of those things, but every weekend? And what about quitting’ time? There is valuable time in the evenings, weekends, or early morning that you could be improving your skills, getting some more education, or start-
CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 35
Across
1. European short-winged hawk (7) 5. Type of duck (5) 7. Young male horses (5) 8. Middle East riding horse (4) 9. Porcupine (8) 11. Nocturnal wildcat (6) 13. Dog house (6) 16. Snake (8) 17. Crustacean (4) 20. Viper (5) 21. Aquatic predator (5) 22. Adult male chicken (7)
Down (20 Feb - 20 Mar)
Acting too rashly could cause you some personal problems later on. Try to stay focused this period, and don’t let others push your buttons. Disagreements can be worked through and denials can be reversed. If you reach deep into the centre of your soul, you are apt to find a vast wealth of creative resources stored there. Try to dip into this incredible ocean of possibility now. If you feel some aspect of your economic status or family security has gotten out of your control, this is a good time for confronting yourself.
ing a home business. God forbid you should ever say, “I’m bored.” How can anyone be bored when they live in world filled with opportunity? Only those who settle for what they are can be content with periods of boredom. But I refuse to believe that’s you. In your case, you know you haven’t come close to maximizing your potential. In your case, the best is yet to come! People often think of the great things they’ll do once they get some time off. Well, guess what? That time off isn’t coming, so you better figure out a way to fit your goals for something greater into your present schedule. You’d be shocked to find out how much time is already being wasted. - Don’t let this be you. With as much resources as you have, and as much opportunity as exists in this world, you should exploiting every free moment you get to move your ass into where you truly want to be. Metal up! – My aim is to help equip people to maximize their resources for a purpose greater than themselves. That’s what my own mentors and teachers have done for me, and I’m paying it forward. Life can be merciless, and the world can be a messed up place, so what’s needed is a stronger people that can both endure and overcome in life. My motto is, “In whatever you do, don’t suck! Accept change
1. Bison (7) 2. African equine (5) 3. Simians (4) 4. Burro (6) 6. Mahimahi (7) 7. Young swan (6) 10. Large flying bird (6) 12. Anteater (7) 14. Shellfish (7) 15. Musteline mammal (6) 18. Bird shelter (5) 19. Extinct bird (4)
GENN
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editor@thegenn.co.uk
33
0141 552 9977
BAILLIESTON CARE HOME GARDEN PARTY BAILLIESTON Care Home, Four Seasons Health Care, held a Garden party for staff and residents on the 7th July. This was arranged by management to award staff with over 10 years service and who have shown dedication and commitment over the years. These staff were presented with vouchers for their long service. There was also a staff award presented by Miss Audrey Cope. A staff member was chosen by residents, staff and loved ones who thought that this member of staff has shown dedication, loyalty, commitment and enthusiasm within the home, Eric O’Hare Home
Manager was chosen for this award. The day was finished off by a buffet and entertainment which was enjoyed by all. Councillor Marie Garrity was kind enough to attend, presented staff awards and spent time talking to staff and residents. Eric O’Hare Manager of the care home commented ‘I would like to thank Audrey, Marie and Victor Dewson (Four Seasons Regional Manager) for attending our garden party, it was a great success. I would also like to thank all staff for the dedication they have shown consistently to Baillieston Care Home’.
EAST END GIRL IN GLOBAL COMPETITION 12 YEAR old St. Mungo’s Academy pupil Rachel Lofton is making a name for herself in the world of beauty pageants. Rachel competed in her first ever beauty pageant, Face Of The Globe, on 9th August and placed 2nd in her age division! She also won Miss Publicity and Miss Charity for her fundraising efforts on behalf of The Rainbow Child Foundation. As a result of this Rachel has been invited to compete in the Grand Final in Disneyland Paris in October. For a young girl growing up in the East End of Glasgow, being chosen to represent her country in an international beauty pageant, is a huge thing! In order for Rachel to compete she must raise the funds to pay for her trip to Paris. For enquiries on helping Rachel fundraise contact Marion on 07748544774
Send in your news story and pics to share to editor@thegenn.co.uk
34 UNIVERSAL CREDIT SCHEME PUTTING PRESSURE ON BENEFIT SUPPORT GROUPS THE government’s Universal Credit scheme is putting a lot of pressure on both benefit recipients and their supporting institutions, like credit unions and housing associations Credit union members who either live or work in the City of Glasgow are experiencing enormous change to their financial stability through the constraints of benefit cuts and adjustments that, with the introduction of Welfare Reform, is putting pressure on all those who live in Social Rented Housing or private lets. Registered Social Landlords are nervous about the introduction of Universal Credit and the fear is that benefit recipients will struggle to adjust, resulting in rental arrears, unpaid bills and financial turmoil. The newly introduced credEcard, which has been purpose-designed for credit unions, to help combat this. Designed to receive members’ benefit payments, manage their bills and then deposit the remaining funds in their respective credEcard accounts; enabling them to have comfort in knowing their finances are in safe hands and that they can access their balances conveniently through the point of sale or ATMs, alleviating financial pressure. The partners in Housing Associations have confidence in dealing with Credit Unions to help prepare them for the onset of Universal Credit.
GENN Welfare and Housing ng homes ACHIEVES INVESTORS IN PEOPLE GOLD ACCREDITATION ng homes has achieved the prestigious Investors in People Gold Accreditation, the UK’s most successful framework for business improvement through people. This accreditation shows ng homes as a truly cutting-edge organisation that is operating at the very highest levels of people management practice using Investors in People to drive their business forward. Commenting on the achievement, Tony Sweeney, Head of Organisational Development at ng homes, said: “This demonstrates the high value we place on having positive people management practices in place and developing our people to ensure that we
are able to harness the skills and talents of all our staff.” Housing Officer Lesley McConnochie said: Its great to work for an organisation that supports its staff to develop their skills and abilities. This has helped me in my career at ng homes and it makes a real difference to the service we provide for our tenants, residents and other customers.” Professor James Sommerville, ng homes Board member and Chair of its Staffing Sub Committee said: “This gold level accreditation reflects the hard work and dedication of both the staff and Committee at the Association. This award recognises our focus on continuous improvement as we strive
to achieve our vision of a New North Glasgow, a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest.” Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland, said “This is a fantastic achievement for ng homes. I would like to congratulate the organisation and its staff and committee on their commitment to continuous improvement. “Investors in People offers a flexible, practical and easy to use business improvement tool designed to help organisations and their people achieve their objectives. I hope that more organisations in the area will be encouraged to sharpen their competitive edge by choosing to work with us.”
IN June 2012 the Wheatley Housing group, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, rolled out their Housing Options (HO) pilot scheme in the North West of Glasgow. Project manager, Catherine Wilke, in charge of the phase one pilot, hoped to reduce the number of homeless applications. This involved cross agency coordination between Glasgow City Council’s North casework team, GHA Milton, and Queens Cross Housing Association. Phase two of the pilot got underway in February 2013 and added several more agencies to the scheme, including Cube Housing Association, Ng Homes, Summerston Acre GHA, Lambhill GHA, and Barlinnie Prison. The problem with the current handling of homeless applications, according to Wilke, is the sheer size of the system and the culture of staff only working within their own agency and not speaking to each other. The HO model aims to change that culture. Project Manager Wilke stated that ‘we
developed a-consent to share information process, normally a stopping block for health, housing and homelessness.’ According to Project Officer, Bridget Curran, ‘the pilot scheme, when faced with a blockage can identify a way around it.’ A Housing Options style model has been in place in England for the last ten years and according to Wilke’s report has seen a marked reduction in homelessness. The HO model aims to prevent homelessness by identifying potentially vulnerable people, preparing them for tenancy, offer counselling and help with alcohol and drug abuse. This involved staff training and up-skilling to ensure that HO intervention happened as early as possible to prevent people from falling through the cracks. The model hoped to recognise and meet the needs of a person before they become homeless. The success of the pilot was outlined in a presentation to the North East Sector Community Planning Partnership on Thursday, August 14.
In attendance were representatives of the community, the Police, and housing associations. According to the statistics of the scheme, in 2011/2012 48% of housing applications came from homeless people. In the first year of the pilot 2012/2013 this number was reduced to 27% meaning that there was a 31% reduction in the amount of applications from the homeless. Both Wilke and Curran attribute this to the effectiveness of the HO model. The next phase of the scheme is to expand to the North East of Glasgow and maintain the 31% reduction in homeless applications. Curran and Wilke are also looking to bring on board social letting agencies and private landlords to increase access to affordable housing for vulnerable people. If the model is as successful in the North East as is claimed it was in the North West, then it could be expanded to all areas of Glasgow. This is a developing story which will be followed up in future editions.
NEW HOUSING BENEFIT HELP SCHEME MANY low-income households will qualify for some help through the housing benefit scheme. It is important that claims are made as soon as possible as benefit can only be backdated if there is a good reason for not claiming sooner. Being unaware of entitlement to benefit will not be considered a good reason for not claiming earlier. From April 2013 working age people renting a property from the Council or a Housing Association may find their housing benefit is reduced if they are deemed to have an extra bedroom
Your welfare and housing information page
If you are claiming Housing Benefit in the privately rented sector, you will usually only be able to claim a set maximum level of Housing Benefit towards your rent, called the Local Housing Allowance. How much you are entitled to depends upon your household make-up and your age If you are unhappy with a decision regarding your housing benefit you may be able to challenge the decision. For more information call the GAIN Helpline on 0808 801 1011 Mon- Fri 10am-8pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Calls are free from land-lines and most mobile numbers.
35
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Bob Doris MSP
your Member of the Scottish Parliament
VOTE YES TO DEFEND OUR NHS AS deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, I know very well the pressures faced by staff in our NHS. There are more doctors and nurses than before but with an ageing population pressure continue to grow despite the Scottish Government ensuring a real term budget increase and rejecting plans for privatisation of NHS services unlike England. Whilst prescriptions are free in Scotland, the ill in England are taxed over £8 each and every time they need medicine. However Scotland’s NHS is not immune from Westminster’s privatisation agenda. The way Scotland is funded under devolution puts our NHS directly in the firing line. The new UK Health Act is estimated to ‘save’ the English NHS £1billion a year as it opens their NHS to privatisation (UK Government figures, not my own). That means between now and 2020, £600m will be cut
from Scotland’s budget. That’s the problem. Every time a right wing UK Government decides to cut cash south of the border, the Barnett Formula dictates that Scotland’s budget gets slashed. As the English NHS is ripped apart to accomodate private interests, less money comes to Scotland. That puts Scotland’s NHS directly at risk if we remain tied to Westminster with its unhealthy obsession to cut public expenditure and extend privatisation. Don’t just take my word for it- Andy Burnham Labour’s UK health spokesperson agrees. He said ‘(English) NHS privatisation is now proceeding at pace and scale as commissioners are forced to put services out to the market’. Labour’s Welsh Assembly Health Minister Mark Drakeford who said ‘The fundamental issue…is the impact on public services in Wales of the cuts being made by administration in
Westminster, and passed down to Wales’. Indeed Scottish Labour in 2010 agreed as they argued that the tory agenda would ‘slash funding for schools and hospitals’. Yet today Labour are campaigning in Scotland joined at the hip with the Tories as part of the NO campaign. English and Welsh Labour don’t believe the NHS is safe, and Scottish Labour didn’t at the last UK election. To claim that devolution can protect Scotland’s NHS from Westminster cuts is fundementally deceitful and is to ignore the limitations of devolution. Contrast the looming threat to Scotland’s NHS with a NO vote with the positive outlook of an Independent Scotland. The Scottish Government has pledged to increase public expenditure by 3% after independence to protect public services, help the most vulnerable and boost our economy. We are in a strong financial
Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]
Contact Bob Doris MSP
Constituency office: 3rd Floor, Empire House 131 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2RX position to do so with Scotland contributing £8.3billion more to the UK than we got back in the last 5 years. We can use Scotland’s resources to meet Scotland’s priorities. Its not just £600million cuts heading to the NHS with a No vote.
land. And he has allowed the costs of social care to soar. He also misses the other point. Private medicine is more expensive than the NHS. Increasing private contractors pushes costs up. So if anything, Scotland would get more cash out of the spending formula for public services. I have to say I have seen some desperate tactics in my time in politics. But I think Alex Salmond’s attempts to play on the fears of the old, the sick and the vulnerable is beneath contempt. He is not trying to lead Scotland to independence - he is trying to mislead Scotland. The truth is Alex Salmond’s plans to separate Scotland from the United Kingdom is the greatest threat to the NHS in Scotland. He has a black hole of more than £6 billion. That will mean cuts to public services and tax rises. And it will disrupt long-standing arrangements where Scotland is part of the system of finding donor organs throughout the UK, of access to specialist treatment in the rest of the country and getting millions of pounds worth of funding for medical research. If you really want to keep the NHS in public hands, free at the point of need, then you need to vote no. A yes vote is a vote for cuts to the NHS and an uncertain future for the health services we all need and prize so much.”
All UK parties have signed up to an additional £25billion cuts. They have agreed that Scotland should be disproportionately targeted. The UK All Party Group on Tax demanded a ‘hefty cull’ of Scotland’s budget and suggested that could be £4billion.
It is increasingly clear that if we want Scotland’s Parliament to be able to continue to fully support good quality, publically funded services, only a Yes vote can secure that. When voters go to the polls on September 18th I firmly believe that one reason to vote Yes is to defend our NHS.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ASK FOR
LABOUR SAY SNP “MISLEADING” ON NHS LABOUR’S Shadow Secretary for Health, Andy Burnham, outlines why the SNP are misleading Scotland on the NHS and independence: “The only person who can privatise the NHS in Scotland is Alex Salmond. That is the stark fact which in desperation the First Minister seems to want to hide. But as the referendum approaches and he seems to be facing defeat he wants to talk about anything other than independence. That must be why he is resorting to these scare tactics. If Salmond seriously cared about the NHS he would be explaining how he could possibly afford to fund it properly after a yes vote - with the £6 billion cuts to public services which the independent Institute of Fiscal Studies say would come over and above what George Osborne is planning. That is the equivalent of half of all that Scotland spends on the NHS. And there is another point he misses. I will fight any attempt by the Tories to privatise the NHS but so will the vast majority of people in England. We love the NHS just as much as people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is one of the United Kingdom’s proudest achievements. Salmond could join us in the fight with the Tories. But then again he is increasing the use of private contractors in the NHS just as the Tories are in Eng-
0141 353 0784 bob.doris.msp@scottish.parliament.uk www.bobdoris.org twitter.com/GlasgowMSP facebook.com/bob.doris.msp
The role of an elected member within Parliament is one of great importance within the local community. It is therefore also of great importance that each member, whether Councillor or MSP, is able to provide a constant train of information demonstrating their leadership abilities and their plans for the community. At the Genn, we want to provide them with a platform which can be used to convey that information to your constituents and the public at large. The Political Representation Forum is open to all elected members and allows you to connect with all parts of the community ensuring that everyone is represented fairly and equally. This will also allow them to address local concerns in a public manner and provide information on the political demands currently facing their ward. By taking part in our monthly forum they can be part of the Genn’s voice in the community, encouraging wider communication and engagement with their constituency and creating an open discussion regarding the betterment of the community and plans for the future. This is a no cost forum designed to run alongside the Surgery Adverts
HAVE you ever wondered how much money your council spent on that new building in town? Or perhaps you’ve read a news story and wondered about the facts behind it: for example, just how many passport applications are made every month? Maybe you have an interest in a piece of land near your house, or you’re trying to uncover facts about something that happened many years ago. These are just a few examples of when the Freedom of Information Act could come in handy. Here in the UK, anyone has the right to ask for information from any public body. You can ask central and local government departments, the NHS, the armed forces, state-funded schools and the regulators of bodies such as charities, businesses and other organisations for information – and if they hold it, in most cas-
es, they must respond. Not everyone is aware that they have this right, and if they do, they might not know where to begin. That’s why, back in 2008 WhatDoTheyKnow, a site to promote the Freedom of Information process and make it as easy as possible to send requests was launched. Note the word ‘information’ in ‘Freedom of Information’ – this act strictly covers your right to request facts and figures, data and, well… recorded information. It’s not for asking for data about yourself, and it’s not the place for woolly, indirect queries or requests for opinions. Plus, there’s no point in asking for stuff that the organisation doesn’t hold, or which is already publicly available on their website. There are lots more details about this, and links to good sources of advice, on WhatDoTheyKnow’s Help pages.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across
1. Buzzard 5. Eider 7. Colts 8. Arab 9. Hedgehog 11. Ocelot 13. Kennel 16. Ophidian 17. Crab 20. Adder 21. Shark 22. Rooster
Down
1. Buffalo 2. Zebra 3. Apes 4. Donkey 6. Dolphin 7. Cygnet 10. Condor 12. Echidna 14. Lobster 15. Badger 18. Roost 19. Dodo
36 Police Scotland
GENN Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Local Police News Genn “when using a cash machine you should be alert and put your personal safety first. If there is anything unusual about the cash machine or signs of tampering, do not it and report is as soon as possible. “Look out for persons acting suspiciously near to the machine and don’t get distracted by strangers when you are using the machine. Shield your PIN to prevent persons seeing it or hidden cameras recording your PIN”. Inspector Gormlie went on to say “when you have completed the transaction put your card and cash away before leaving the cash machine. It’s important to report incidents promptly and store your bank’s phone number in your mobile phone. If your card is retained in the machine or money not dispensed, report the incident to your bank immediately, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still by the machine”.
Local Police Team Make Significant Arrests
Off Road Trail Bikes in the Milton Area
FOLLOWING a number of reports from local residents concerning off road trail bikes being used on public roads and causing disturbance to local residents, Police Scotland together with GHA housing have launched a campaign to tackle this issue. An initial information gathering operation has been undertaken to get the full picture of the issue, this included the police helicopter using its powerful camera equipment to identify trail paths used around
off road areas. The helicopter also scoured for concealed locations whereby offenders were taking shelter, stashing trail bikes and engaging in further anti social behaviour. On locations being identified highly trained specialist police officers equipped with marked police trail bikes have been sent into the area to deter offenders and to provide public reassurance to local residents. While doing this these officers have been sending information to local community officers who are on daily deployments in the Milton carrying out a variety of duties. Area Commander for Maryhill, Chief Inspector Joe McKerns said; “this joint approach to tackling a developing problem has already led to results in its first 24 hours with no reported incidents and officers
on the front line reporting no sightings of these illegal trail bikes. GHA has been providing reassurance feedback to residents some of whom have reported seeing police on trail bikes and one even reporting the police helicopter flying “unusually low” over the Milton area, all of which displays the level of intent laid down by Police Scotland!” “Police Scotland will be monitoring the issue on a daily basis and are fully committed to deploying all necessary resources into the local area in order to prevent further disruption to the community while ensuring that local residents can go about their day unhindered by individuals who have shown no consideration for other people living in their local community.”
Police Warn To Be Vigilant When Using ATMs
USING a cash machine is a very safe way of withdrawing cash but they are sometimes the focus of criminal activity. In recent months in the Shettleston & Baillieston Areas there have been incidents where criminals have used devices on cash machines to try and steal bank cards and cash. Inspector John Gormlie of Easterhouse Police Office raised the issue to highlight this type of criminality and give some helpful tips to help prevent cash machine users from becoming victims of this crime. Inspector Gormlie told the
THE local community police officers from Baillieston & Shettleston have arrested a 20 year old and 16 year old for a number of break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Greenfield and Springboig areas in recent weeks. Some excellent police work in relation to these crimes lead a to the recovery of a large amount of suspected stolen property from a house in the Tollcross area. A 45 year old was also arrested at this address. Inspector Alan MacIntyre told the Genn “ 3 men were arrested
and held in custody for numerous offences. This was the result of a thorough police investigation. Enquiries are on-going to identify the property recovered which we hope will lead to further charges. The police will give additional patrols where possible but residents should ensure they lock doors and close windows at night. Ensure no valuables or car keys are left in open view” At a separate incident the local police team arrested 4 adult males who were seen acting suspiciously within a building site in the Broomhouse Area. The local police team responded quickly to reports of these males and the police quickly located their whereabouts. With the assistance of the Police Scotland helicopter all males were arrested and charged despite their efforts to try and get away. Communities Inspector John Gormlie commented “ the Broomhouse Community Council and residents associations in Broomhouse work very closely with the local police team to help tackle crimes of dishonesty in the area. It is this community vigilance and partnership working that helps the police to arrest and deter such criminals who target the property of others”.
37
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SCOTTISH SPORTS FUTURES RECEIVES £1.5M FUNDING TO BUILD ON GAMES LEGACY THE Scottish Government today announced that £1.5million of CashBack for Communities funding is being awarded to Scottish Sports Futures (SSF). The funding will be used to build on the legacy of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and create life changing opportunities through sport for young people across Scotland. Cashback for Communities takes money from criminals and reinvests it in schemes and projects to benefit communities throughout Scotland and allow them to flourish. Since its inception in 2007, The CashBack for Communities Programme has provided over 1.5 million activities and opportunities for young people The money is the latest award from the third phase of CashBack funding, which has so far seen an overall commitment of £74m to projects and initiatives across Scotland. Scottish Sports Futures works with young people most at risk from neighbourhoods which suffer from acute youth disorder and anti-social behaviour. Today’s funding award will enable SSF to continue and expand the delivery of their “Education through Sport” programmes such as Active East, Education Through CashBack, Jump2it and Shell Twilight Basketball for 30,000 young people across Scotland over the next three years. Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill made the announcement while meeting Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures and Eddie Fitzpatrick, an active mem-
ber of SSF’s Active East programme since February 2013 at the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre in Glasgow’s East End. Mr MacAskill said: “The curtain may have come down on the best ever Commonwealth Games, but Cashback for Communities will help ensure the legacy of the Commonwealth Games lives on. “Scottish Sports Futures will bring many benefits to these young people, offering enjoyable and healthy alternatives to crime and anti-social behaviour. “What is most satisfying for me is that this excellent initiative is being supported by cash seized from the very criminals who seek to bring misery to these young people and their communities. “I am sure that both Scottish Sports Futures and the memories of the Commonwealth Games will bring hours of enjoyment to communities across Scotland, and may even help create stars of the future.” In the East End of Glasgow, the award winning Active East programme has recruited 33 local partners and 54 Active Champions to date. This latest phase of CashBack funding is also expected to generate 18,000 volunteer hours over the next three years. Alongside the Education through CashBack training programme this initiative will create the potential for all 32 local authority areas to offer life changing opportunities for more than 17,000 young people across Scotland. SSF’s Jump2it health and citizenship programme involved over 350 schools and
25,000 pupils over the last three years. The programme educated children from every primary school in the East End of Glasgow on the dangers of alcohol abuse and smoking whilst also promoting the benefits of physical activity and healthy living. The next phase of CashBack for Communities funding will ensure the continuation of this programme as well as helping Shell Twilight Basketball expand to include 15 locations across nine authorities in year one. In consultation with Community Safety partnerships, over 1,400 participants will benefit per annum. Ian Reid OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures, said: “Scottish Sports Futures’ legacy programmes were in place years before Glasgow 2014 and will continue for years after. However, the Games were a critical catalyst for us and the opportunities they have provided will not be wasted. All of our Active Champions were involved in Games activities which have provided life changing opportunities. “Continued CashBack funding will help everyone at Scottish Sports Futures in our efforts to build a safer, healthier and stronger Scotland for all.” One of the many young people across Scotland who has benefited from SSF’s CashBack for Communities funding is Eddie Fitzpatrick, 17, from Dennistoun. Since becoming involved in the Active East programme, Eddie has completed a variety of training and volunteering
opportunities and most recently received funding for his own legacy project over the duration of the Commonwealth Games. Eddie bought cameras for his local youth project and gave them out to peers to capture their own experiences of the games and their local area. This new funding will offer the opportunity for more young people like Eddie to complete personal development plans as they use sport as a tool to move on to positive destinations. He said: “The opportunities I’ve had as a young person to lead and volunteer before and during the commonwealth games will stay with me forever. I got to meet Chris Hoy, be interviewed in front of him, go to see events and be part of the closing ceremony. “I was so nervous to meet the inspirational Chris Hoy so much so I didn’t know what I was saying but he told me to keep up the good work! All because of Active East I was able to meet someone who I’m in awe of. “The legacy of the games starts here. Other young people can get involved to be inspired to get healthy and active, and Active East can help them realise their own aspirations. They will be inspired to try new things and may even get to meet people they are in awe of as there will still be big sporting events in Glasgow as well as local opportunities. You need people locally to support young people to get further and become a success in their own life.”
GENN YOUR NEW 4 PAGE SPORTS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUCTION WITH
SUPPORTING SPORT IN EAST AND NORTH GLASGOW
CLUB NEWS... FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL... CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk
38
GENN
PRE-SEASON RESULTS
MARTIN STRIKES - AT THE DOUBLE
EAST KILBRIDE Y.M.A.F.C Tournament. Pre-season tournament final at Lochinch. Man of the match Joe McGowan Broomhouse F.C.
CRANHILL UNITED A.F.C. Won the eight-team amateur football tournament, which was sponsored by the Anderson McMillan Club.
AMATEUR and Junior Football clubs were active during July and early August playing a host of pre-season friendlies. Where possible, GENN Sport has been busy locating results. More in-depth details can be found in our Match Action Reports section. SATURDAY, JULY 12 Wishaw HSFP 1, Finnart 1. WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 Castlemilk 1, Wellhouse A.F.C. 10. SATURDAY. JULY 19 - Petershill 3, Greenock Juniors 1; St Roch Juniors 2, Dunipace Juniors 3; Shettleston 4, Broxburn 1; Wellhouse A.F.C. 3, Tower Hearts 1; Postal United 0, St Josephs 2; Darvel 7, Glasgow Perthshire 2; Jamestown 3, Tynecastle A.F.C. 6; Uddingston Anvil 1, Garrowhill Thistle A.F.C. 0. WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 - Petershill 2, Larkhall 1; Falkirk JFC 2, St Roch 1; Ashfield 1, Clyde Under-20s 2. THURSDAY, JULY 24 Drumchapel F.P. 3, Postal United 2. SATURDAY, JULY 26 - Kelty
Hearts 2, Petershill 3; St Roch 3, Queens Park Under-20s 2; Troon Juniors 2, Shettleston Juniors 1; Maryhill Black Star 3, Blairdardie United 2. Dunipace Tournament. Semi-Finals - Dunipace 2, Falkirk JFC 1; Sauchie 2, Maryhill 2 (Maryhill won on pens); Maryhill Juniors Under-21s 1, Rutherglen Glencairn Under-21s 1. Nia-Roo 1 Day Tournament, Group A - Nia-Roo 0, Glasgow Deaf 1; Wellhouse A.F.C. 2, Hurlford 1; Nia-Roo 2, Hurlford 0; Wellhouse A.F.C. 3, Glasgow Deaf 1; Hurlford 4, Glasgow Deaf 0; Nia-Roo 2, Wellhouse A.F.C. 0. Group B - Motherwell Miners 1, Rannoch 0; Muirend 0, Rannoch 1; Motherwell Miners 1, Muirend 0; Rannoch 3, Abercorn 1; Motherwell Miners 3, Abercorn 1; Abercorn 2, Muirend 1. Semi-Finals - Wellhouse A.F.C. 1, Motherwell Miners 0; Nia-Roo 2, Rannoch 0. Final - Nia-Roo 2, Wellhouse A.F.C. 1. SUNDAY, JULY 27 - Dunipace Juniors Tournament. Final - Maryhill 2, Dunipace
1. 3rd/4th Place Play-Off - Sauchie 2, Falkirk JFC 1. MONDAY, JULY 28 - Ashfield Juniors 1, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 3; Shettleston 2, Shotts Bon Accord 1; Wellhouse A.F.C. 4, Kings Park Rangers 1; St Roch 2, Tynecastle A.F.C. 4. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 - Ashfield 1, Largs Thistle 5; Auchinleck Talbot 1, Shettleston 2; Pollok Juniors 2, Vale of Clyde 0; Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 0, Petershill 1. THURSDAY, JULY 31 - St Roch 4, St Anthony 3. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 Newtongrange Star 2, Petershill 0; Shettleston 3, Clydebank 3; Livingston 2, St Roch 5, Ardrossan 6, Ashfield 1; Glasgow Perthshire 1, Muirkirk 0; Glenafton 1, Maryhill 1. MONDAY, AUGUST 4 Wellhouse A.F.C. 7, Easthall 1. TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 - Kilbirnie Ladeside 5, St Roch 2; St David’s 2, Dennistoun Vale 2. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 Kilbirnie Ladeside 5, St Roch 2; Wellhouse A.F.C. 2, Rutherglen Glencairn Under-21s 0; Vale of Clyde 9, Campsie Minerva 2.
2014 GLASGOW CITY CUP
ORGANISERS were forced to change the venue for the 13th Annual Glasgow City Cup this month. Instead of Glasgow Green still out of bounds due to the Commonwealth Games - six age groups competed for silverware at a venue in Renfrew.
The mixed bag of weather over three days did not stop some outstanding football, plenty of goals and excellent finals. RESULTS as follows: AGE GROUPS: 1996 - Bonnyton Thistle 1, Arsenal B.C. 0. 1998 - E. K. Gold 1, Tynecas-
tle F.C. 0. 1999 - Spartans 1, St Peters 0. 2000 - Hamilton Accies beat Tynecastle F.C. 5-4 on penalties. 2001 - The Celtic Boys’ Club 4, St Mirren YFC 1. 2000 - Park Villa 2, Wolves B.C. 0.
£1000 FOR GLASGOW CLUBS
A GLASGOW-BASED company is calling on the city’s sports clubs to nominate themselves for a chance to win £1000. Staff at maintenance and refurbishment specialist Novus Property Solutions, which has an office in Roystonhill, were so inspired by the Commonwealth Games that the company wants to make a significant donation to one of the city’s sports clubs. Strategic operations manager in Scotland for Novus,
Derek Ferguson, said: “As a business with a robust presence in Glasgow, we couldn’t have been prouder of how successfully the city hosted the Commonwealth Games and the stunning performance by Team Scotland. “To see many of the world’s best athletes competing at the highest level was inspiring to us as a business and we want to contribute to the legacy of the games by donating £1000 to a sports club in the city.” The deadline for submis-
sions is Monday 1st September 2014, when a panel of Novus employees will decide which sports club will benefit most from the money. To enter, either email csr@ novussolutions.co.uk or call Novus’ Bathgate office on 01506 657512 and explain in no fewer than 100 words why you feel your sports club would benefit from the contribution. For more information about Novus Property Solutions please visit www.novussolutions.co.uk
Meanwhile, GLASGOW ROVERS won United’s Invitation Consolation Plate. In the final at Toryglen, Rovers defeated Springhall Spartans 2-0, with goals coming from Alan Murphy and Thomas McCall. RESULTS: WEEK ONE - Cranhill 4, Glasgow Rangers 2; Easthall 3, Northend 0; Westercommon 4 Glasgow Rovers 0; Eastend Ath 6, Springhall Spartans 2. WEEK TWO - Cranhill 4, Easthall 2; Northend 6. Glasgow Rangers 2; Westercommon 3, Eastend Ath 3. Glasgow Rovers 3, Springhall Spartans 2. WEEK THREE - Northend 3, Cranhill 3; Glasgow Rangers 1, Easthall 5; Westercommon 4, Springhall Spartans 1; Eastend Ath 6, Glasgow Rovers 3. Cranhill and Westercommon served up a high-scoring semi-final. Five goals came in the first half, with United taking a 3-2 lead through Chris Hopkins (9 mins) and Paul Martin’s double (27, 39). Despite the brilliance of Cranhill goalkeeper Don Scott, Westercom-
CRANHILL United A.F.C. won their own Invitation Tournament - sponsored by the Anderson McMillan Club - following a Friday evening final at Greenfield. United opened slowly against Glasgow Rovers, who proved right from the start they would provide excellent opposition. Gary Rae and Paul Martin carved out the opening goal scored by Stuart McNally. Just before half-time, Paul Martin made it 2-0. Thomas McCall reduced the leeway following a goalkeeping mistake, but Paul Martin broke away and after being pulled down inside the area converted the resultant penalty kick. To their credit, Rovers were far from finish, and Lee Cairney made it 3-2 with 15 minutes remaining. Cranhill’s Christopher O’Connor, who had moved into midfield, went on a run to net their fourth and decisive goal. Referee John Quinn was excellent with his decision-making duties.
mon levelled with a free kick in 50 minutes. Gary Rae curled Cranhill back into the lead with a composed finish, while Paul Martin and Rae were instrumental in carving out the chance which allowed Andy Dorrans in for their 76th minute goal. Westercommon scored three minutes later (5-4), but from another Chris O’Connor cross, a Chris Hopkins volley clinched their final place. Unfortunately, Easthall could not commit to playing in that match due to unforseen circumstances Semi-Finals - Cranhill 6, Westercommon 4; Easthall 1, Eastend Ath 0. Plate Semi-Finals - Glasgow Rangers 0, Glasgow Rovers 3; Springhall Spartans 4, Northend 1. Final - Glasgow Rovers 2, Springhall Spartans 0. CRANHILL UNITED A.F.C. Won the eight-team amateur football tournament, which was sponsored by the Anderson McMillan Club.
GROUP A
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GROUP B
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
Cranhill
3
2
1
0
11
7
7
Eastend
3
2
1
0
15
8
7
Easthall
3
2
0
1
10
5
6
Westercommon
3
2
1
0
11
4
7
Northend
3
1
1
1
9
8
4
Glasgow Rovers
3
1
0
2
6
12
3
Glasgow Rangers
3
0
0
3
5
15
0
Springhall Spartans
3
0
0
3
5
13
0
INSIDE FOOTBALL ROUND-UP WELLHOUSE Amateurs completed an excellent pre-season programme with two wins in the space of 48 hours. Goals from Hughes (3), Turner (2), Ross and Bristow - this one coming from fully 30 yards - earned ‘House their 7-1 win against Easthall. A very good young Rutherglen Glencairn Under-21 team pushed Wellhouse all the way midweek before losing 2-0. Brian Hughes and Marc McGeough were on target. BSC GLASGOW made their debut in the Lowland League with a 1-1 drw against Edinburgh University at Lochburn Park, Maryhill. The Uni lads went ahead with a spot-kick in 79 minutes. BSC captain Brophy set-up the equaliser, which was finished off by Holmes.
HAGHILL A.F.C. introduced several new signings, and were encouraged by their displays, despite losing two goals inside the final 20 minutes of a friendly against topnotch opponents Castlemilk Dynamo. SHETTLESTON Juniors have sold striker Steven “Dunga” McClung to Rutherglen Glencairn, and former Petershill goalkeeper Mikey White has signed for Arthurlie. Peasy have released goalkeeper Bruno Maltoni, but signed one-time Hamilton Accies midfielder Tony Stevenson (Sauchie) and ex-Dumbarton winger Mark Lamont. PETERSHILL are second favourites for relegation this season, according to William Hill Bookmakers. SHETTLESTON are rated
12/1 to win the Super First Division, while ASHFIELD (10/1), VALEOF CLYDE (16/1), and MARYHILL (20/1) will target 11/2 favourites Bellshill in the Central District First Division title race. FOSTERS Scottish Amateur Cup has attracted 619 teams, while 295 clubs have entered the Fosters Sunday Trophy. First Rounds are played on September 6 and 7. COLVILLE Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup First Round has produced several byes for local clubs. Among those not so lucky are Aikenhead Thistle v Largs; Broomhouse v Fullarton Irvine; Cadzow Welfare v Blochairn Star “A”; Finnart v Winlinton Wolves; Tynecastle A.F.C. v Bellgrove A.F.C.; and Whitehill F.P. v United Churches of Ayr.
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AROUND THE GREENS MATCH ACTION REPORTS
SHETTLESTON Bowling Club have set aside Saturday, August 23, for their first Finals Day (2pm), writes JACK HIGH. The second batch of Finals have been scheduled for Saturday, August 30 (same start time). On Sunday, August 24, bowlers should take note of a Govan Game (away), which starts at 2pm and will involve four rinks. I understand a SYBA National Team Trial is taking place at Culrain Street, Shettleston, on Sunday, August 24 (2pm).
East Green will stage the Ladies Finals (Monday, August 25). Next month, there will be a 2x2 Competition on Sunday, September 7, starting at 10.30am. The Ladies’ 2-Bowl Singles is sure to be very competitive from 1.30pm on Tuesday, September 9, while the Ladies’ 2-Bowl Triples event has a 1pm start on Tuesday, September 16. The Bobby Young Memorial Game is listed for Sunday, September 14 (10.30am), while their Auchinairn Friendly (away) takes centre stage on
Saturday, September 20. GARROWHILL Bowling Club have organised an Open Competition on Saturday, August 23 (from 10am), and their Finals Day has been organised for Saturday, August 30 (2pm). The Ladies’ Finals are due on Wednesday, August 27 (2pm). Looking further ahead into next month, watch out for the Senior Ballotted Pairs (September 1), Ladies Millenium Pairs (September 2), and the Ozzy Pairs (September 7). The Ladies Closing Day is Thursday, October 2, followed by the Mens two days later.
LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS
MORE changes have taken place in the L.S.K. Supplies-sponsored West of Scotland Under-21 Youth League. Match Secretary Robert Toohill told GENN Sport: “Following our Annual General Meeting, another eight clubs approached us about joining. In addition, since the AGM some teams have withdrawn! “Hopefully, we are there now, and I am delighted to confirm we have a Premier, First, Second and Third Division format in place. I have been asking all clubs to contact me with details of their home park lets in order that I can assemble fixture lists.” Mr Toohill has also revealed that L.S.K. Supplies, Birdston Kennels and Only Sport will continue to sponsor ,in total, six competitions this season. That is tremendous news. Well done Robert, and a big thank-you to all the sponsors. FULL Club list is as follows: Premier Division - Antonine, Arthurlie, Baillieston Juniors, Bonnyton, Campsie Black
Watch, East Kilbride Rolls Royce, Goldenhill, Harmony Row Y.C., Johnstone Burgh, Rossvale, Rutherglen Glencairn, Steins Thistle, St Peters Giffnock North, and Tower Hearts. First Division - Arsenal, Claremont, Clydebank F.C., East Kilbride F.C., Eastwood, Glasgow University, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Under-21, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Juveniles, Pollok Juveniles, Port Glasgow, Sauchie Juniors, Vale of Leven, Victoria F.C. and Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers. Second Division - Albion Rovers, Barrhead Arthurlie, Bishopton, Castlemilk B.C., Calderhill Th, Dunipace, Juniors, Gleniffer Th, Erskine YFC, Maryhill Juniors, West Park United, Westfield Colts and St Mirren YFC. Third Division - Bridgend B.C. Broomhill S.C., Crookston United, Dumbarton United, Giffnock S.C., Holyton Colts, Milngavie B.C., Renfrewshire Th, Rosebank United and St Andrews. The First Round draw for all domestic cup competitions will
take place at their league meeting early next month. First Round of the Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth F.A. Cup, involving Under-21 clubs, will be played on 6th/7th September, with a Second Round due on 4th/5th October. FIXTURES: Saturday, August 23: Premier Division Baillieston Juniors v St Peters Giffnock North; Johnstone Burgh v Campsie; E.K. Rolls Royce v Bonnyton; Tower Hearts v Harmony Row; Rossvale v Rutherglen Glencairn. First Division - Clydebank v Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Claremont v Sauhie; Port Glasgow v East Kilbride; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s v Arsenal; Pollok v Wishaw W. Wands. Second Division - Erskine v Dunipace; Maryhill v Bishopton; Albion Rovers v Castlemilk; St Mirren v Calderhill; West Park v Westfield Colts; Gleniffer v Barrhead Arthurlie. Third Division - Rosebank v St Andrews; Renfrewshire Th v Giffnock S.C.; Broomhill v Holytown Colts; Milngavie v Crookston; Dumbarton Utd v Bridgend.
LEAGUE FOOTBALL FIXTURES
SPARTANS 2, GLASGOW CITY F.C. 4. CITY opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier Division prior to the start of their Champions League campaign. Fiona Brown set-up Abbi Grant for the opener, and two quickfire goals in as many minutes from Julie Nelson and Eilish McSorley left Spartans struggling. Sarah Ewens reduced the leeway, but Leanne Ross made it 4-1 from a free kick before Ewens struck again with another deadball strike. CASTLEMILK 1, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 10. FIVE-goal Brian Hughes, Robert Welsh (4) and Chris Lyons launched the Wellhouse pre-season campaign. SHETTLESTON 4, BROXBURN 1. TOWN played some fine football, and scored goals through Ross McIntosh, Jamie McArthur, Reece McGillion and Scott Anson. ST ROCH 2, DUNIPACE 3. LATE winner from the Denny club. Chris McFadyen and Gary Stewart scored for the Candy Rock. WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 3, TOWER HEARTS 1. AN excellent work-out for both teams, with Tower pushing their more experienced opponents all the way. Hughes (2) and Welsh on target. THORN ATH 2, MARYHILL BLACK STAR 2. GOALS from new signing Scott Gibson and Gerry Broadley for Star. MARYHILL BLACK STAR 3, BLAIRDARDIE 2. STAR moved into their new home base at Lorretto - and celebrated with a victory. TROON 2, SHETTLESTON 1. TOWN pushed last season’s Super First Division champions all the way at Portland Park. David Gillies and Stevie Wilson (pen) before half-time. McIntosh replied for the visitors. NIA-ROO 2, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 1.
ACCORDING to Wellhouse secretary Robert Noble, the Nia-Roo tournament was “very good and very hard, especially at the start of their pre-season.” Nia-Roo beat Wellhouse in the final, with Marc McGeough scoring. See our third sports page for a full rundown of Group A and Group B results. Wellhouse opened with goals from Brian Caldwell and Paul Ross against Hurlford (2-1), John Hughes and Paul Ross (2) beat Glasgow Deaf 3-1 and following a Group A defeat against their hosts, Wellhouse beat Motherwell Miners 1-0 in the semi-final thanks to Brian Hughes. WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 4, KINGS PARK RANGERS 1. MONDAY friendly at Greenfield. Goals from Lewis Stewart, Chris Hopkins and Ryan Clifford (2). BANNOCKBURN A.F.C. 2, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 3. GOALS from Brian Hughes, Thomas Sinclair (pen), and Kevin Turner had the visitors’ 3-0 up at half-time. Bannockburn fought back, but ‘House held on to claim the Premier Division points. ASHFIELD 1, ROB ROY 3. RABS led through Team at half-time. Brogan (48 mins) and Morton (50) made it 3-0, before Barbour scored five minutes later. ASHFIELD 1, LARGS THISTLE 5. GOALS from Pierce (2, Frizzell,Struthers, and Stanton in this midweek match at Saracen Park. AUCHINLECK TALBOT 1, SHETTLESTON 2. TOWN came back from conceding a goal by Gormley, with a stunning result at Beechwood Park. At 1-1, Gary Stewart grabbed the winner against the Super Premier Division champions. POLLOK 2, VALE OF CLYDE 0. MANY people are tipping Pollok for an immediate return to the Premier Division following their relegation last season.
On this showing, they will have to improve as the Tin Pail team more than matched them before conceding second half goals to Howie and substitute Barclay. Dean Currie and Thomas Buckley were outstanding for Vale, while Joel Kasubandi was always a livewire up front. FINNART A.F.C. 4, RUTHERGLEN A.F.C. 3. GREAT fightback from Finnart in the second match of the East Kilbride Y.M. Tournament. Trailing 3-1, they scored through Gareth May, Jason McArthur - his first goal for the Amateurs since moving up from the Under-19s - Danny Simpson and a Thomas Quinn free kick. FINNART A.F.C. 3, DUNCANRIG 0. FINAL group game. Goals from Brian Blair, Danny Simpson and Ben Mills. Fitness levels were great. ROB ROY 0, PETERSHILL 1. WINNER from trialist Danny Fitzpatrick. ASHVALE VICS 1, FINNART A.F.C. 2. VICS scored after 40 seconds and could have added more before Finnart hit back through Danny Simpson. Young John Jack hit the winner. Manager Phil Blair was delighted with the comeback and his players’ fitness. ST ROCH 4, ST ANTHONY 3. GOALS galore from this Thursday friendly. Naismith, Stewart, Simpson and McFadyen. Ants replied through Conway, Stevenson and Woods. LIVINGSTON 2, ST ROCH 5. CANDY romped into a 3-1 interval lead. Scorers: Logan (2), Simpson (2), and Martin. NEWTONGRANGE STAR 2, PETERSHILL 0. TRIALIST Matti King came off the bench to hit a late double - and give Peasy their only pre-season defeat. KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 5, ST ROCH 2. SCORES for Candy Rock, who led 2-0, were McEwan and Logan.
tember 13 - St Roch (home). September 20 - Port Glasgow (away). ST ROCH. Central District Second Division. August 30 - Forth Wanderers (away). September 6 East Kilbride Thistle (home). September 13 - Glasgow Perthshire (away).. September 20 - Vale of Leven (home).
SHETTLESTON and VALE OF CLYDE will start their respective league campaigns on Saturday week after both clinched promotion last season. Town are away to Irvine Vics, who gave themselves a massive boost with a pre-season tournament win (4-1) against visitors Cambuslang Rangers – strongly tipped for promotion after suffering a second relegation campaign in three years last term. Talking of relegation, the
Tin Pail await Ashfield, who have dropped from the Super Premier Division into the Central District First Division in consecutive seasons. Here is a guide to the opening four weeks of league action. PETERSHILL. Stagecoach Super Premier Division. August 30 - Shotts B.A. (home). September 6 - Kilbirnie Ladeside (away), September 13 – Glenafton (home). September 20 - Clydebank (home).
SHETTLESTON. Stagecoach Super First Division. August 30 - Irvine Vics (away). September 6 - Largs Thistle (home). September 13 - Pollok (home). September 20 - Yoker Athletic (away). ASHFIELD JUNIORS. Central District First Division. August 30 - Vale of Clyde (away). September 6 - Lesmahagow (home). September 13 – Renfrew (away at Keanie Park, Johnstone). September 20 - Blantyre Vics
(home). MARYHILL JUNIORS. Central District First Division. August 30 - Bellshill Athletic (home). September 6- Dunipace (away). September 13 - Carluke Rovers (home). September 20 Larkhall Thistle (away). VALE OF CLYDE. Central District First Division. Au-
gust 30 - Ashfield (home), September 6 - Lanark United (away), September 13 – Dunipace (home). September 20 - Bellshill (away). GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE. Central District Second Division. August 30 - Johnstone Burgh (home). September 6 - Newmains (away). Sep-
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‘HOUSE RETAIN INVITATION TROPHY
BROOMHOUSE F.C. beat farfrom-perfect weather conditions to retain the East Kilbride Y.M. A.F.C. Annual Invitation Tournament Trophy at Lochinch Playing Fields, Pollok Country Park. Four qualifying groups were launched in the middle of July – they also featured Finnart and Blochairn - before Busby, East Kilbride Y.M. Caley, Broomhouse and Shawlands A.F.C. reached the knock-out stages. Broomhouse made a positive group start when Kevin Kilday, Craig Scott and David Omozik helped them to a 3-0 win against Giffnock Amateurs. Having gone behind first half to next opponents, Castlemilk A.F.C. in a repeat of last year’s final, the East End team stormed back through Ryan McMillan, Gary Rae and new signing Dylan Porter. That result set-up a winnertake-all clash with Dynamo East Kilbride, who more than matched them up to half-time before eventually crumbling 8-2. ‘House goalscorers were: First
Half - Gary Rae, Ryan McMillan and Daryl McKernan (penalty). Second Half - Joe McGowan, David Omozik and a Joe Carlin hat-trick. Some shocking referee decisions dominated the semi-final clash I watched between Broomhouse and Shawlands, who held off the holders until Gary Rae converted a 50th minute spotkick. Sean Cairney (62), Ryan McGregor (70), and Dylan Porter (83) hit additional goals in their 4-0 win, while East Kilbride Y.M. Caley edged out Busby 2-1 in the other semi. Lochinch boasts a brand new, large state-of-the-art all-weather playing surface and floodlights, which fortunately were not required at a rain-driven Sunday afternoon final. Sean Cairney headed home a first half free kick, and added a second goal within a minute. Goalkeeper Don Scott had been largely untroubled until he pulled off a great one-handed save in 54 minutes.
PLAYERS WANTED
MARYHILL Black Star A.F.C., who play in the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League, are holding trials for new players next season. Team trains on a Tuesday evening at John Paul Academy, Summerston.. BUDHILL Football Academy require players born 2002. Contact 07774327119. BROOMHILL Sports Club are keen to bring on players for their youth development initiative programme, plus hard-working coaches. Give them a call on 0141 339 3606. MUIRTON A.F.C. need an experienced goalkeeper. Telephone 07940761875. GARROWHILL Thistle A.F.C. are seeking adult players for next season in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League (Saturday football). Team trains on a Monday
and Wednesday (7.30pm-9pm) at Bannerman High School, and plays their home games at Lochend. Contact Zak McIlhargey at 07817162441. POSTAL United A.F.C. want committed and talented players (all positions). Call 07808295854 or 07766421784. WHITEHILL A.F.C. (Dennistoun) require new players. Telephone 07950333480. BAILLIESTON Thistle A.F.C., from the Greater Glasgow Premier A.F.L. Division One, have started a search for new signings. Phone 07761444961. PETERSHILL B.C. 2001 require players (all positions). Call 07595947196. GOALKEEPING Coaching Sessions starting soon at Petershill Park. Boys’ Club age groups 12-16 years. Pre-register by calling 07814269198.
Broomhouse broke downfield following the Caley corner, and Joe McGowan ran over 50 yards before unleashing a shot which was superbly turned aside by the East Kilbride custodian. However, six minutes later it was curtains for Caley. Craig Scott slipped a delightful pass through to David Omozik, who supplied the perfect left-foot finish. The big striker had a frustrating time throughout the Shawlands match, but was outstanding in the final with his hold-up play, all-round strength and an eye for goal. He would have had a second counter, but his excellent first touch control and shot on the turn was superbly touched over the bar. Broomhouse had stepped up a couple of gears with pace and movement from the middle to last-third of the park - a credit to their pre-season sessions. Daryl McKernan made it 4-0 after 70 minutes, and when Chris Campbell’s free kick was not saved, in stepped Dylan Porter to
BROOMHOUSE F.C. Striker David Omozik led from the front, and scored their third goal as the East End club retained the East Kilbride Y.M. A.F.C. Annual Invitation Tournament Trophy with a slick 5-0 victory at Lochinch Playings Fields. knock home the rebound. Time 83 minutes. The rain eased slightly for the after-match presentation of medals. Captain Kevin Kilday held aloft the winners’ trophy, but the day’s loudest round of applause was reserved for Joe McGowan, who was deservedly named Man of the Match. * Broomhouse F.C. have moved into the Caledonian
SPEAKERS NIGHT
FINNART A.F.C. have confirmed the date for their Speakers Night at the Shettleston Juniors Club - Saturday, October 11. Tickets, priced £25, will include a three-course meal. The event marks 35 years for the Bridgeton club.
Former Grade One referee Willie Young and ex-Dunfermline Athletic manager Jim Leishman will be the speakers. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or making donations should contact Phil Blair on 07904524401 or through the Finnart Facebook page.
GLASGOW Baseball Association are looking for new adult talent (aged 16 plus) to join them in sessions at Tollcross Park, Anstruther Street. Coaches welcome players of all experiences - including newcomers - as their ambition is to raise the game’s profile at local and national level.
They proudly boast “training sessions will get you up to speed in no time at all!” GBA operate on a Thursday evening (from 6.30pm) at Tollcross during the summer months, before switching indoors throughout the winter. Call 07856693936 or follow them on facebook.com/Glasgowbaseball.
BASEBALL SEARCH
MINI FOURS
GLASGOW and District Youth Football Mini Fours is set to re-start following the
summer break at Toryglen Regional Football Centre (indoors) on Sunday, August 24.
League following back-to-back championship wins in the Greater Glasgow Premier A.F.L. (Divisions 3 and 4). Domestic opposition will come
from Balmore, Cambusbarron, Cumbernauld Colts, Drumchapel F.P., East Kilbride Y.M.,Overtoun Thistle, Rannoch and Symington Tinto.
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FOSTERS DATES
SCOTTISH Amateur Football Association chiefs have confirmed dates for their national tournaments - both Saturday and Sunday. Fosters Scottish Amateur Trophy. First Round (all regions) - September 6. Second Round (all regions) - October 4. Third Round – November 1. Fourth Round - December 6. Fifth Round - January 10. 2015.
Sixth Round - February 7, 2015. Seventh Round - March 7, 2015. Quarter-Finals - March 28. Fosters Sunday Trophy. First Round (all regions) - September 7. Second Round (all regions) - October 5. Third Round – November 2. Fourth Round - December 7. Fifth Round - January 11, 2015. Sixth Round - February 8, 2015. Quarter-Finals - March 8, 2015.
SHETTLESTON were shocked by hosts St Roch (2-1) in the opening game of the Sectional League Cup. Darren Simpson and Gary Stewart scored for the Candy, while a Craig Palmer own goal handed Bellshill Athletic a 1-0
win at Petershill. Clydebank’s Stephen Gardiner edged out Group 6 hosts Maryhill, while Michael Rodgers hit the Yoker winner against Glasgow Perthshire. Vale of Clyde beat Group 4 visitors East Kilbride Thistle 4-0.
GOALKEEPING coaching sessions throughout the winter months are being setup at Petershill Park. Boys’ Club, Junior and
Amateur football goalkeepers should apply to 07814269198. The sessions will be held outdoors under floodlights.
TOWN SHOCKED
WINTER COACHING
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