The Genn issue 147

FREE - Issue 147

GENN

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Your voice in the community

PROUD TO BE SCOTTISH

Glasgow East and North News

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Care Homes Accommodation for the elderly

17-19

Valentine’s Day Gift ideas for your love

Next Edition 13th February 2015

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Dr Don’s View The column which cuts through the garnish

32-36

Local Sport With Tom Scott

IF YOU DON’T PAY YOUR BILLS, YOU COULD BE BANNED FROM LEAVING GLASGOW

POLICE ARE STOPPING HOLIDAYMAKERS WHO HAVE NOT PAID THEIR TV LICENCE FEE OR COUNCIL TAX FROM LEAVING THE COUNTRY - FULL STORY PAGE 16

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GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

The GENN says...

We are politically neutral. We have no affilliation or loyalty to to any political party or organisation.

We pride ourselves on our neutrality and have no loyalty to any individual or organisation.

It is our duty to the people of East and North Glasgow to raise awareness of issues in their local communities and to report them fairly and accurately to let the people make up their own mind.

Our only loyalty is to the communities of East and North Glasgow

THE FUTURE IS UP TO YOU

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WE’VE heard many excuses for people not voting, the chief being “There’s no party about that represents my views so why should I bother?”

Even if that were true (and I doubt it is - there are over 200 registered parties in the UK) you have the right to form your own party.

If you can’t find anyone that represents your views, there is a way to represent yourself.

You also have the right to spoil your ballot paper and state that there is no party to represent your position.

The real reason people moan about the way things are is that they cannot be bothered

WORKING FAMILIES IN POVERTY IN UK RESEARCH recently published confirms that poverty in working households is a current problem.

More than half of children living in poverty in Scotland are growing up in households where at least one person is in employment.

It is unacceptable that work is no longer the straight forward route out of poverty.

Results indicate that the proportion of those in in-work poverty is gradually increasing and that for many, moving into work doesn’t necessarily mean moving out of poverty.

It cannot be right that the majority of working age adults in poverty in Scotland are in ‘in-work’ poverty.

Well-rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty, for those who are able to work, and one of the best ways to tackle inequality.

The Scottish Government is developing a Scottish Business pledge to invite companies to commit to extending the living wage, involve their local communities and invest in youth training and employment.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

In return businesses will be offered a package of tailored support on skills, innovation and exports to help them grow and prosper.

New research looking at inwork poverty summaries the evidence about the extent and impact of in-work poverty in Scotland.

It identifies three key factors that influence in-work poverty – hourly rate of pay; number of hours worked by members of the household; income gained and lost through the welfare and tax systems.

The main findings of the research include: • The majority of working age adults in poverty, 52 per cent, are in in-work poverty and that number is increasing • For children in pover-

Editor editor@thegenn.co.uk

ty, 59 per cent are living in households with someone in employment which can have a profound and lasting impact on children’s outcomes • In work poverty is costly to society via payment of tax credits and other in work benefits which top up low income • Having one earner in the household means families may be more at risk of poverty at a time when the average living standard, and hence the relative poverty threshold, is increasingly determined by the living standard of double-earner households • Low-wage work is a ‘dead end’ for many. Workers who are low paid at any one time are more likely to remain in low pay later in life.

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to make the effort to try and change them.

What do you believe in?

Voting is easy.

However when you do vote, people often fail to think properly about what they are voting for.

This is demonstrated at every election when the same parties win.

Instead of voting to keep the worst party out, how about voting for what you believe in yourself?

Instead of voting for a party that promises change but fails to actually tell you what that change is, why not study the policies of each party and see

which ones fit your beliefs the most?

Whilst I admit that the current first past the post electoral system tends to favour the Conservative and Labour parties, it does so only because they know that people panic and vote for the familiar.

If we vote differently in May, if we actually vote for the policies we believe in rather than for the familiar, we might get a government that respects our views.

There’s a survey on social media called Vote for Policy, Not Personality.

It confronts you with a list of party policies but it doesn’t

tell you which party they’re from.

It will tell you what party you should vote for based on the policies you agree with.

If that doesn’t make you think and vote for the right reasons based on history and facts, then I don’t know what will.

The future is up to you If continue to do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten. stop the safe tactical vote, and be bothered to vote or shut up in future as you will have no right to complain about the way things are. make a difference: think and vote.

Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Awards The Family Friendly Working Scotland programme is proud to introduce the Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Awards designed to promote a Family Friendly Scotland in the field of employment.

They wish to: • Enable more employers in Scotland to benefit from the business gains which come from employees being able to balance their work and home responsibilities • Recognise and enhance employers’ family friendly working practices • Create a more sustainable and profitable culture of working in Scotland For 2015 the Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Award categories are: • Best large public sector employer • Best large private sector employer • Best small employer • The Fathers Network Scotland best for all stages of fatherhood award • The Parenting Across Scotland best for childcare award •The Carers Scotland best for carers and eldercare award The Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Awards These awards seek to identify progressive employers who recognise and leverage the powerful links between flexibility and agile working, emotional engagement, wellbeing, and high-performance.

They are your chance to tell us about what you do to develop and support flexible and family-friendly working in your organisation. The Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Award winners will be chosen by our panel of expert judges and winning an award is recognition of best practice, innovation and sustainability in each of the six categories, and marks your organisation out as a leader in the field.

It’s free to enter the Scottish Top Employers for Working Families Awards and the winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony in Scotland in March 2015.

What is a Scottish Employer: eligibility criteria • You must have a workforce in Scotland • The policies and initiatives you put forward must apply to your workforce in Scotland • The definition of whether you are a large or small employer will be based on your total workforce. If you are a UK wide employer we will use your total workforce to determine your size, not just the size of your Scottish workforce.

Definitions of size: a small employer employs fewer than 250 people. A large employer employs 250 people or more.

If you have any questions about the Scottish Awards, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.Contact: shelagh.young@workingfamilies.org.uk

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REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU’RE VOTING IN MAY FOR the second time in two weeks - Labour have voted to support the Tories.

This time on spending £100 billion on nuclear weapons.

The SNP, together with a progressive alliance of the Greens and Plaid Cymru led the calls to have these weapons cancelled.

The decision by Labour comes after a poll conducted

by Survation and published in the Daily Record shows that of those who expressed an opin-

ion a clear majority of 60% say they are opposed to the next generation of Trident being based on the Clyde. Westminster plans to renew Trident and continue to dump the deadly weapons system on the River Clyde for the next fifty years.

The Scottish Labour party decided yet again to support the Tories and vote to consign Scotland to having nuclear weapons dumped in west scotland at vast expense for the next fifty years.

The SNP debate has highlighted Scottish Labour’s acute embarrassment and utter confusion over nuclear weapons.

For Scottish Labour with glasgows own Margaret Curran and Willie Bain again showing their support for the Tories on this morally repugnant and financially stupid weapons programme, that the majority of scots didn’t want, just beggars belief, especially as 28 Scottish Labour MPs turned up last week and trooped in to vote to

push through more Tory cuts but today most couldn’t even be bothered to debate whether or not it is worth spending £100 billion on weapons of mass destruction.

That Scottish Labour MPs support wasting another £100bn while food bank use is rocketing, and more and more children are being pushed into poverty, is simply indefensible – and with their refusal to debate it’s clear that they know it too.

HOW GLASGOW’S MPS VOTED Glasgow Central

Anas Sarwar

Labour

not present

Glasgow East

Margaret Curran

Labour

for Trident renewal

Glasgow North

Ann McKechin

Labour

not present

Glasgow North East

Willie Bain

Labour

for Trident renewal

Glasgow North West

John Robertson

Labour

not present

Glasgow South

Tom Harris

Labour

not present

Glasgow South West

Ian Davidson

Labour

against Trident renewal

Here’s your government representatives debating whether to spend £100,000,000,000 of our money on a weapon that can only be used as the last throw of the dice, at the end of civilisation as we know it.

RECORD SCOTTISH EXPORTS A RECORD £27.9bn worth of Scottish goods and services were exported across the world in 2013, according to official data.

The figure represented a rise of £1.9bn, or 7.2%, on the previous year.

The largest sectors were food and drink and refined petroleum.

America remained the largest single market for Scottish exports, with an estimated £3.9bn of goods, followed by the Netherlands (£2bn), Germany (£1.9bn) and France (£1.8bn).

The Global Connections Survey figures showed £16.8bn - or just over 60% - of all international exports were attributable to manufacturing sector companies.

The service sector accounted for £9.2bn, or 33.1%, of the

BARLANARK DENTAL PRACTICE

total.

Oil and gas figures were excluded from the statistics.

Meanwhile, exports from Scotland to the rest of the UK also rose, up by £1.2bn to £46.2bn.

Top sectors in Scotland for international exports: • Food and drink - £5bn (18% of all exports) • Refined petroleum £3.5bn (12.6%)

• Legal, accounting and business - £1.9bn (6.7%) • Machinery and equipment - £1.7bn (6.3%) • Electronic products - £1.6 billion (5.7%) These excellent figures show that we are on course to meet our stretching target to increase exports by 50% by 2017.

The strong and reputable Scottish brand is driving up demand as our exporters continue to seize on the opportunities that exist in new and existing markets in their respective fields.

Scotland’s economic recovery is now well established: our economy has grown continuously for two years, GDP is above pre-recession levels and the economic outlook is the strongest it has been for many years.

Trade promotion agency Scottish Development International welcomed the findings.

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ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERY MARYHILL GLASGOW

POLICE Scotland Detectives at Pollok Police station are appealing for witnesses following a robbery .

Around 1920 hours on Friday 23 January 2015 a 73 year-old man was walking on the footpath running between Maryhill Road and Queen Margaret Drive, at the rear of Belhaven Nursery School on Kelvinside Avenue, when he was approached by a man who demanded his wallet.

When the 73 year-old refused to hand over his wallet the suspect punched the victim causing him to fall to the ground.

The suspect made no further attempt to take the wallet and then made off in the direction of Queen Margaret Drive.

The 73 year-old man was left injured and shaken as a result of this incident.

He was assisted by his wife to hospital where he received treatment for a broken nose.

The suspect is described as a white Scottish man, approximately 18-25 years old with a medium build.

The suspect is around 5ft8 in height.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a dark colour-

FAKE POUND COIN WARNING

IN March last year, Dutch police found a mint in Amsterdam, which was capable of producing hundreds of convincing fake pound coins every minute.

At the time, reports claimed the operation had been going for at least eight years, during which time they had produced around £4 million worth of coins each year.

As a result of this discovery the Treasury decided to replace the £1 coin with something that’s harder to fake.

The coin will have 12 sides and be made of two different metals - which will make it far harder to copy.

The Treasury is claiming that it will be the most secure coin in the world.

The Treasury is doing its best to crack down on the fakes, and has removed 9 million from circulation in the past five years but it’s a losing battle.

A recent report warns that one in thirty pound coins are fakes, so there’s every chance you have been handed one in your change, and you could be carrying one now so it is worth taking a bit of time to understand how to spot a fake.

Spot a fake The Royal Mint says there are some common issues with fakes.

The design on the back of the coin is changed every year, the inscription on the side

is changed at regular intervals, and the Queen’s head is changed too.

On some fakes, the date and the design don’t match.

The Royal Mint has a list of the correct combinations, so check yours are right.

There are also some quality issues with the designs on some of the fakes, so the ridges on the edge of the coin are not clearly defined, the lettering may be uneven in depth or spaced oddly.

The designs may not be as sharp as the real thing either.

The front and reverse may not match up: if the Queen is facing directly downwards, you should be able to spin the coin and see the design on the reverse is facing in exactly the same direction.

If it doesn’t, it’s a fake.

There are problems with the metal of some fakes too.

In some cases it’s simply the wrong colour; in others the date of the coin will show it has been in circulation for some time, but the coin will show no signs of age.

If you think you have a fake, you should hand it into a local police station so it can be withdrawn from circulation - simply spending it and passing the problem to someone else is illegal.

The problem, of course, is that you won’t get any money back after handing your coin in, so it may put some people off doing the right thing.

It means the most sensible approach is to check your change carefully, so you don’t end up accepting any fakes in the first place.

ed hooded top with the hood up and a distinctive white or light coloured scarf or snood over his lower face to conceal his identity.

Detective Constable Adam Richardson from the Community Investigation Unit said today: “This was a particularly callous incident involving a vulnerable elderly victim.

The victim was struck with enough force to leave him with a broken nose that required hospital treatment.”

“Our enquiries are continuing.

We are analysing available CCTV in the area.

We are now seeking the assistance of the public to trace the man responsible “The victim was wearing an orange high-visibility jacket.

If you were in the area of Queen Margaret Drive around the time of the incident, we ask that you get in contact if you have any information which may assist our enquiry.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pollok Police Office on the 101 number. Alternatively, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

SNP CONDEMNS SCOTTISH LABOUR’S SUPPORT FOR TRIDENT

THE House of Commons last week voted down a motion brought forward by the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens proposing that the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system be cancelled.

Labour had previously described the debate as “a silly stunt” and hinted they would shun it, and indeed fewer than half turned up.

Of them, 12 voted to retain Trident, 7 for abolition. Among those who voted for nuclear weapons was Glasgow North East MP Willie Bain.

Scottish MPs were evenly divided in the vote – 14 voting for renewal, 14 for abolition.

However, overwhelming support for Trident from MPs outside of Scotland meant that the motion fell, 364 votes to 37.

In addition, a number of the 21 Labour members who did not turn up have previously claimed to be opposed to Trident, such as Kilmarnock MP Cathy Jamieson.

“Willie Bain infamously said that Labour had a policy of never supporting any motion brought forward by the SNP, regardless of its content.

So it’s unsurprising that he’s voted in support of nuclear weapons.

“But Scottish Labour as a whole are completely confused about what their stance on this issue actually is.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay recently said that Scottish Labour policy was to oppose the renewal of Trident.

So it’s a bit strange that their MPs have just voted against their own alleged policy – and even stranger that their leader, Jim Murphy, said at the weekend that abolishing Trident would be ‘wrong’.

“Two weeks ago, Labour supported the UK Government’s plans for £30 billion of additional cuts over the next three years to vital services and welfare, ostensibly to address the UK’s deficit.

Now they’ve voted against the opportunity to save £100 billion by cutting weapons of mass destruction – over £20 billion of which would be saved immediately by scrapping the replacement programme.

“Trident is just about the only area of spending which Labour, the Tories and Liberal Democrats consistently regard as sacrosanct.

It could not be any clearer that the only plausible vote in Scotland to remove weapons of mass destruction from the Clyde is a vote for the SNP.”

GENN CHANGES TO CREDIT RATING BASED ON CHILD MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS Parents who default on child maintenance payments face being turned down for mortgages and credit cards under new government plans.

From March 2015, information from parents’ payment records in England, Scotland and Wales could be shared with credit reference agencies.

Financial organisations would then use this data to decide whether or not they want to offer someone credit.

Single parent charity Gingerbread said the announcement was “very welcome”.

The new powers would affect a minority of cases where “liability orders” had been granted, because parents had fallen so far in arrears the courts had had to intervene to legally recognise the debt.

But ministers hope the measures will have a deterrent effect.

For too long, a minority of absent parents have got away with failing to pay maintenance, leaving families without that financial support.

I would hope that we see this power used very little, because the deterrent effect of a possible negative mark on a person’s credit rating will convince those who have previously failed to pay towards their children’s upbringing to do the right thing.

The new powers, which will need to be approved in parliament, will also mean that parents with a good payment record can ask that this information is shared if they feel that it could boost their ability to get credit.

Gingerbread, said children lost out when child maintenance stopped and said it was “vital” to collect what was unpaid.

More than £1bn is currently owed in unpaid child maintenance, and barely one in five of those who owe money for their children are paying it back. The Child Maintenance Service was introduced in 2012 and it will eventually replace the Child Support Agency (CSA), which is gradually closing its cases over the next three years.

The CSA, set up in 1993, attracted thousands of complaints for delays and incompetence in processing child maintenance payments.

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GENN Glaswegians set for re-use revolution as council teams up with National re-use phone line HOUSEHOLDERS in Glasgow are being offered a greener way to dispose of large items, thanks to a new partnership between Glasgow City Council and Zero Waste Scotland, which will see any re-usable bulky furniture and white goods reported to the council’s bulky waste service diverted to local organisations to be used again.

The partnership will mean there is now a free and easy way for people to dispose of things they no longer need and make sure they go on to another good home.

The council is to divert bulky reusable furniture and white goods to the National re-use phone line, which was set up by Zero Waste Scotland to capture unwanted items in good condition and provide an easy way for people to pass them on rather than send them to landfill.

Glasgow City Council collects over 450,000 items each year through its bulky uplift service, of which a large proportion could have been used again,

and it is hoped that by diverting re-usable items through the phone line the amount of items sent to landfill in the city can be significantly reduced.

Householders with items that are in good condition and could be used again by someone else should call the National re-use phone line directly on 0800 0665 820, rather than phoning the council’s bulky waste service.

Zero Waste Scotland working in partnership with Glasgow City Council to give people in the city an easy way to pass things on for re-use.

Re-using items reduces waste to landfill, helps reduce our impact on the environment, generates income and jobs for the local economy and stops things needlessly going to waste.

Working in partnership with the council’s waste team will help reach many more people and the hope is, this will result in a significant increase in items being donated for re-use.

Residents who phone the council to request a bulk up-

lift will hear a recorded message, before they speak to a call handler, advising them that if their household goods are in a re-usable condition, and if they wish to, they could phone the national re-use line to arrange for a local furniture group to collect the items for re-use.

This is an easy way for Glasgow residents to pass on items they no longer need but can still be used.

The types of items commonly collected by the phone line include sofas, chairs, tables, wardrobes, white goods and beds that are still in good condition.

To ensure your item can be collected, Zero Waste Scotland does advise householders to check that sofas and armchairs have their fire tags still in place to comply with regulations around re-sale, and to ensure items are not broken or damaged as they would not be able to be collected.

Items should not be left outside and exposed to the weather as this will damage them.

Who do you think you are!

AS any dog lover will tell you their dog is much more than just a pet, they are the heart and soul of every family.

And what better way to cement their place than by giving them their very own family Coat of Arms to wear.

Coats of Arms were originally used by medieval knights to protect and identify the wearer.

Luckily we have no such need for that today but it allows your dog to declare loud and proud that they are part of your kingdom.

The clever software, on www.urbanpup.com selects the Coat of Arms that corresponds to your name.

All that is left for you to do is select the colour and choose a t-shirt, hoodie or harness t-shirt from the range.

Urban Pup’s modern apparel gives a age old symbol a new lease of life that allows dog’s to stand out from the fashion pack.

The Coat of Arms range are all made from high quality, fine knit gauge, 100% cotton Dog T-Shirt printed in full colour.

Everyone is proud of their name so here is a unique way to show yours off!

UrbanPup.com is an online retailer special-

izing in high fashion outfits and accessories for dogs. UrbanPup.com provides the fashion conscious with stylish unrivalled couture for pets.

The range provides all the clothing and accessories that a dog would ever need from City chic to Country cool.

Each piece of clothing personally selected based on its design and overall fashion appeal.

Meal Makers, the project that connects local communities through food

MEAL Makers, the project that connects local communities through food, has ran a successful pilot project in Dundee and is now taking the project nationwide.

It encourages people to cook an extra meal that can be given to an older person living on their own.

The project, which was launched in an official ceremony at the Dundee City Chambers by the Minister of Public Health Maureen Watt last December, has been brought to Scotland by the award winning Charity Food Train and is proudly sponsored by the Scottish Government and The Rank Foundation.

The Project encourages people to cook an extra meal which can be given to isolated older people living in their communities.

It is aimed at reducing food poverty, improving food access and breaking down the barriers that lead to loneliness.

Meal makers uses an online

web platform to connect volunteers with older people who might benefit from a nutrious home cooked meal.

Once a ‘cook’ and ‘diner’ have been matched the cook will prepare an extra portion of food when cooking in their own home and deliver it to their diner at a time agreed by both parties.

Meal shares can occur as often as the cook and diner would like - weekly, fortnightly or just occasionally.

Recipients of the meals (diners) will be identified by agencies who are in contact with older people, or will be able to register themselves.

Meal Makers project leader Emma Black said it is an “exciting and rewarding project” that brings together people from different ages, backgrounds and cultures.

She added: “We are delighted with the number of volunteers who have signed up to cook so far in Glasgow.

The project is already prov-

ing to be a great success in Dundee, with cooks and diners regularly sharing meals so we are really looking forward to bringing it to Glasgow.”

Meal Makers is now being rolled out in Glasgow, initially in the East end, although cooks and diners can sign up across the city.

The Meal Makers team are working closely with local networks , stakeholders and communities to spread the word about the project.

To sign up as a cook please register on www.mealmakers. org.uk or contact 0800 783 7770 /hello@mealmakers. co.uk.

If you would like to sign up as a Diner or know someone who would really appreciate some home cooked food, then you should call Meal Makers on 0800 783 7770.

You can also follow Meal Makers on Facebook at www. facebook.com/MealMakersScot and Twitter @MealMakersScot.

Staff Present Cheque to Marie Curie STAFF from ng homes and ng2 raised £375 from a non-uniform day held before their Christmas break. Also contributing to the funds raised were Arka Design who are based in the business centre at Saracen House where ng homes Possilpark staff are located.

Susan Cuthbertson, Com-

munity Fundraiser at Marie Curie in Glasgow was delighted to receive the cheque from ng homes Head of Organisational Development Tony Sweeney and Commonwealth Trainee Jennifer Paton.

Susan said: “The Marie Curie Hospice and ng homes are on each other’s doorstep, we are absolutely delighted that

McLean’s

such a local organisation like ng homes continue to support the charity” Tony Sweeney said: ““All of our staff were keen to participate knowing that it was for a worthwhile cause and it was great that Arka Design made a donation too. We were delighted to present our cheque to the staff at the local hospice.”

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6

GENN

Remaking the future

New research hub to drive ‘circular’ economy in Scotland.

A FUTURE where products are made over and over again – and nothing is wasted – is one step closer thanks to a major new research institute which opened 22nd Jan. The Scottish Institute for Remanufacture, based at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, has been backed by more than £2 million from Scottish Government and private sector businesses and is the first of its kind in Europe.

Its mission will be to help grow remanufacturing businesses in Scotland and to develop an international research institute.

Remanufacturing describes a range of activities, whereby used products or components are rebuilt and returned to at least ‘as new’ quality and specification and are given the same or similar guarantees as equivalent new products.

Estimated to be worth £2.4 billion to the UK economy, remanufacturing is already common in various industrial products including engines, pumps and gearboxes in the aerospace, automotive and energy sectors.

However, experts claim it could be much more widespread as part of a drive to create a more ‘circular’ economy, which tries to eradicate waste.

Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead said: “We want to move away from the current situation where valuable materials often go to waste, to a circular economy where things are designed to be used over and over again.

“This approach can create jobs and stimulate growth, and I am keen to hear ideas about how best to make the most of the opportunities that a circular economy can offer Scotland.

Remanufacturing – which will be driven forward in Scotland thanks to this fantastic new institute – will be at the heart of this agenda.

“Scotland is already recognised as a leader on the circular economy internationally and this new centre will further support our progressive ambitions.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “I am delighted that the University of Strathclyde is hosting this new centre of excellence for remanufacturing. This is the latest in a succession of partnerships we have created between industry and academia to drive innovation and growth for Scotland’s economy by building on world-class research capability and skills.

“As home to the UK’s largest remanufacturing research group, the University - with its partners - is ideally placed to ensure Scotland is positioned at the forefront of this key engineering and technology theme”.

Zero Waste Scotland is excited to be investing in and putting its weight behind the new Scottish Institute for Remanufacture, which can play a vital role in developing opportunities for circular economy businesses to thrive in Scotland.

Remanufacturing presents tremendous opportunities for creating jobs, businesses and a sustainable economy in Scotland built on a circular model, where we keep increasingly scarce resources in productive use as long as possible.

The Scottish Institute for Remanufacture will be hosted by the University of Strathclyde but in keeping with its Pan-Scotland ethos it will draw capabilities from major Scottish research institutions to build capacity and innovation.

A steering committee will be appointed composing of industry experts, as well as experts from major Scottish research institutions – including Heriot Watt University - one of the Institutes original backers.

It is funded by £1.3m over three years from the Scottish Funding Council and Zero Waste Scotland. In addition, Scottish companies have already pledged over £800k of funding, or in-kind support, for potential research projects for the Institute. It is one of only four centres of excellence for remanufacturing globally, joining others in Singapore, New York and Beijing.

The new institute will be headed up by Dr Winifred Ijomah, of the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management. Head of the Strathclyde Remanufacturing Research Group, Dr Ijomah is one of the UK’s leading remanufacturing researchers, and has been instrumental in developing research in the field.

Dr Ijomah added: “A key opportunity for the Institute is to capitalise on the growing low carbon market.

Remanufacturing is complex and multifaceted so requires interdisciplinary projects involving academia, industry and other stakeholders. The centre is an essential mechanism that will support such complex collaborations. It will further reduce the barriers to wider adoption of remanufacturing by pulling the expertise embedded within Scottish universities to develop the essential new knowledge, expertise, tools and techniques.”

Spotlight on: Welfare benefits

CAS believes that aspects of UK welfare changes will be damaging to Scotland’s people, services, and economy.

Welfare reform, public service cuts, and the economic climate are combining to place enormous pressure on public services and advice services.

On top of this, reductions in benefit levels and eligibility will inevitably drive demand for advice provision at the same time as cuts are being felt across the public and voluntary sectors.

Local government and voluntary services may have to pick up the pieces for those affected by welfare reform – all on a shrinking budget.

As client issues with welfare also create problems in many other areas of life including

debt, housing, consumer and relationship issues, we expect welfare reform changes to put exceptional pressure on advice services and other areas of the third sector across the country.

Early intervention, such as good advice, ultimately saves money – debt and welfare advice is significantly cheaper than homelessness and bankruptcy, and the social outcomes for clients are far better.

Local authorities, the Scottish CAB Service and other organisations across the third and public sectors have a shared agenda in helping local people avoid crisis point and are increasingly working in partnership to achieve positive outcomes for the people and communities of Scotland.

GENN

Glasgow East and North News

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Veto over welfare leaves vulnerable at mercy of UK ministers OUTRAGE at the UK Government’s “feeble” draft legislation on the devolution of welfare.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, published a Command Paper 22nd Jan on the recommendations arising from the Smith Commission.

However, the legislation is weaker than what was originally proposed in a number of key areas.

In several of these, the draft bill says the Scottish Government must ‘consult’ the UK Government before acting, and in some explicitly requires the ‘permission’ of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Also last week, a poll found that more than twice as many people have become more supportive of independence as a result of the Commission’s proposals than have become more opposed – 27% to 12%.

With “don’t knows” excluded, the figures are 69% to 31%.

Bob Doris said: “The Smith Commission’s recommendations already struggled to meet the description of ‘extensive new powers’ outlined in the UK parties’ pre-referendum ‘Vow’, and fell well short of Gordon Brown’s promise of ‘Home Rule for Scotland within the UK’.

But the UK Government has diluted this even further.

“I am especially concerned by the changes to Smith’s proposals for welfare.

They require the Scottish Government to seek approval from the UK Government before varying Universal Credit, which is due to replace various benefits including Housing Benefit.

This means, for example, that the Scottish Government will be unable to abolish the Bedroom Tax without Whitehall approval.

The UK Government say that this does not constitute a veto.

But how else can you describe a requirement to get ‘permission’ before implementing a policy change?

“Worryingly, Jim Murphy described the draft bill as ‘the Vow delivered’.

This shows how far Labour have sunk, to the point that they are now completely out of touch with the people of Scotland.

He made his comments at a food bank – an irony which will not be lost on voters, as he does his best to prevent the devolution of powers which would help those in food need.

“A poll last week found that the Smith recommendations – even before they were watered down – have increased support for independence.

This will only accelerate unless the UK Government starts to trust Scotland with control of its affairs, and drops its instinctive need for any ‘devolved’ power to come with strings attached.”

DON’T IGNORE HEARTBURN

A HEALTH campaign is urging people not to ignore heartburn, because it could be a sign of stomach or oesophageal cancer.

According to Public Health, people should go to their doctor if they have persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing food for three weeks or more.

But it said most people were not aware of the symptoms.

Stomach and oesophageal cancers are the fifth most common cancers.

PHE figures show that around 12,900 people are diagnosed with these cancers each year and approximately 10,000 people die from the diseases annually.

Yet, around 950 lives could be saved each year if survival rates for oesophago-gastric cancers matched the best in Europe, it says.

Spotting the signs At present, the UK has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer in men and women in the EU, which may be due to smoking, rising obesity levels, a lack of fruit and vegetables in our diet and regular alcohol

consumption.

The earlier the cancers are diagnosed, the more likely the treatment is to be successful.

This is why “Be Clear on Cancer” campaign is focusing on how to spot the signs of oesophageal or stomach cancer.

These can include: •indigestion on and off for three weeks or more • feeling food sticking in your throat when you swallow • losing weight for no obvious reason •trapped wind and frequent burping • feeling full very quickly when eating • nausea or vomiting • pain or discomfort in top of stomach Patients with possible early signs and symptoms should visit their GP so where necessary they can be referred for tests, and treatment can start quickly.”

“You won’t be wasting your doctor’s time - you will either get reassurance that it isn’t cancer, or if it is, you will have a better chance of successful treatment.

Jeely Jars and Seeing Stars: Glasgow’s Love Affair with the Movies, Mitchell Library, February 12 to 28 TAKE a trip back in time to the heyday of Cinema City at this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

80 years of audience memories have been trawled to produce Jeely Jars and Seeing Stars: Glasgow’s Love Affair with the Movies.

The free event is on at the Mitchell Library from February 12 to 28.

The centrepiece of the Cinema City strand at this year’s GFF, it shines a spotlight on the golden years of movie-going in Glasgow, from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Built as a Paramount in the early 1930s, The Odeon cinema in Renfield Street, was where all projectionists wanted to work.

A big 3,000-seater cinema, beautifully equipped, with a large stage, an orchestra pit that went up and down in front of the stage and a cinema organ that turned around.

It was a beautiful place.

With the arrival of the 1960s the Odeon became a theatre for live music acts in between cinema screenings, hosting big names from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Ella Fitzger-

ald, Dusty Springfield and Roy Orbison.

The first time the Beatles came to the Odeon they didn’t top the bill, they were a support act Other events related to the exhibition include an Early Cinema Talk on February 21 in the Blythswood Room at the Mitchell Library, and Exploring Glasgow’s Cinema History on February 25, looking at the library’s unique material on the world of all things film.

The idea of the initiative is to gather the memories of a generation that saw films from the 1930s to the 1960s.

The themes that have emerged are the shared experience - people would meet up to go to the cinema, family would go together then split up, they’d go and see family films and then go with their friends and see something else.

People put a lot of emphasis on Pathe news, sometimes they would go along to watch the news because that was how you found out about not only world events but what was happening in the country, especially during the Second World War.”

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JOBS AND SOCIAL BREAKDOWN ARE CAUSES OF EARLY MORTALITY RATE, NOT LIFESTYLE JOB loss and social breakdown, not smoking and bad diet, lie at the roots of Scotland’s infamously high rate of premature death, says a public health expert.

Last year, just before the Commonwealth Games, figures came out showing that Glasgow, has the lowest average life expectancy of any UK city.

A boy born between 2010 and 2012 can expect to live just 72.6 years, against a national average of nearly 79.

For many years, parts of Glasgow have had the UK’s highest premature mortality rate.

The popular belief is that this is because of diet, smoking and drinking.

In fact, most preconceived notions about the bad health of Scots are wrong.

Research into its real causes has implications for health policy internationally.

There is nothing inherently unhealthy about Scots.

The Glasgow Centre for Population Health has charted life expectancy in several Western European countries for the past 160 years.

For most of that time, Scotland’s was about average.

Only in recent decades have other countries overtaken it.

This slowing of the rise in Scotland’s life expectancy has been most marked in the poorest 20 per cent of the population, mainly because of increases in deaths due to drugs, violence, alcohol and suicide.

From 1950 to 1970, Scotland had one of the lowest rates of death from alcoholic liver disease, for example.

By 2005, it had the highest.

Widening health inequality in Glasgow is due to the recent emergence of socially determined causes of early death.

During most of the 20th century traditional industries, such as shipbuilding and steel, provided secure, meaningful employment for Glasgow.

These industries declined in the 1970s as companies shifted production abroad.

Skilled people left and those who remained struggled to find jobs.

At the same time, communities changed as inner-city tenements were replaced by peripheral housing estates

which lacked the same social cohesion.

From this emerged a society with a deep sense of alienation.

Research tells us that this is not something we have to accept.

It is clear societies have the capacity to create well-being.

We have become used to relying on healthcare to prevent and treat illness.

There are many theories of well-being, but they share common features.

Healthy, successful lives tend to be lived by people with a sense of purpose and meaning.

They feel that they are masters of their own fate rather than being at the mercy of events, have a positive outlook and see problems as challenges to be overcome.

It turns out that individuals who lack these attributes experience significant consequences.

People who don’t feel in control of their life are stressed by it.

Many studies have shown that the lower down a social hierarchy an individual is, the

higher the levels of stress hormones in their blood.

It appears that early childhood experiences can also produce lifelong abnormalities in the stress response.

Young animals exposed to chaotic, inconsistent parenting have high levels of stress hormones.

Stress is also associated with abnormal patterns of brain development in key areas, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala.

These are important for learning, decision-making, memory, stress regulation and emotional arousal.

These developmental patterns are also seen in humans.

So young animals – and young humans – who grow up in dangerous, chaotic environments are likely to be less able to suppress inappropriate behaviour, less able to learn and more likely to be anxious and aggressive.

These observations are not specific to Scotland. Studies elsewhere find the same relationship between turbulent early years and adult outcomes.

What we are seeing in Scotland is the consequence of

austerity in the 1970s and 80s, when social change and joblessness led to a breakdown in family life and a cycle of alienation.

Young people with no meaning and purpose tend to sit at home, watch TV, drink and have a couple of kids – and the cycle continues.

Plenty of other societies are experiencing the same kind of problems.

Can we fix it?

Yes, but it will take time.

The importance of investment in early childhood cannot be overstated.

Breaking the cycle of alienation in young families is a first step.

But it won’t happen overnight.

We need a revolution of a sort. A more consistent application of science to policy can radically improve quality of life and the opportunities for young people to realise their potential for health, happiness and attainment in life.

There is no reason why, in a few decades, life expectancy in Glasgow should not match the best in the UK.

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

THIRTEEN secondary schools are taking part in a science and technology programme which could transform Glasgow into one of the most sustainable in Europe.

The Go4SET project is linked to recycling and renewable company Viridor, and partners Glasgow City Council.

Teams of second-year pupils will link-up with companies and universities during the 10week long course.

Teaching pupils life and work skills will provide longterm benefits, and allow them to make informed choices for their future careers.

Among those taking part are John Paul Academy and Lochend Community High School. *The Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre (GRREC) is expected to open next year.

RACE FOR LIFE ENTRIES are being accepted for this summer’s Race for Life in Glasgow.

The annual Cancer fund-raiser is set to go ahead at Bellahouston Park on June 20.

Last year, over £928,000 was successfully raised.

Race for Life is a great idea for anyone looking to get more physically active in 2015.

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ng2 Jet into Backcourts and Clean Up BACKCOURTS across North Glasgow have been receiving a major clean up thanks to ng2 and their Jet Washing Team.

Its clear from our pictures the difference the team is making in the area not just with the jet washing but also with graffiti removal techniques.

The team have jet washed all slabs, bin rooms, common areas and brick work in Lenzie Terrace in Springburn. The cobbles, stairs, slabs and brick walls at the multi-storey flats at Edgefauld Road, Croftbank Street and Balgrayhill Road have also been cleaned.

In Balornock all tarmac, slabs, drains and communal paths were cleaned at the tenement properties in Drumbottie Road. Slabs, bin areas and communal paths in the backcourts at Saint Monance Street have also been freshened up.

In Possilpark, tenement properties in Killearn Street, Saracen Street, Hamiltonhill Road, Closeburn Street and Denmark Street have all had back court slabs, front paths, communal paths and internal boundary walls cleaned.

In Springburn, backcourts and paths have been fully jetwashed and cleaned in Barmulloch Road, Petershill Road, Laverockhall Street and Midton Street.

Next up for the team is the backcourts in Mansel Street in Balornock then its onto Balmore Square in Possilpark and Elmvale Street in Springburn. ng2 Supervisor David McIntyre said: “The team are receiving a lot of positive feedback from tenants as we make our way across the community. It’s important that the local environment looks clean and tidy and that is what the jetwashing programme of work aims to achieve.”

GLASGOW SCHOOLS RISE TOGETHER ABOVE SECTARIANISM AND RACISM OVER 200 children from 8 primary schools in the North and South of Glasgow have been taking part in the RISE Together Programme delivered in association with ng homes, Xchange Scotland and the Rangers Study Support Centre.

The project, introduced in August 2014, explores the topic of sectarianism and other community issues – such as racism, immigration and equality – through discussion, play and creative activities.

Funded by the Scottish Government the programme supports and complements the excellent work Sense Over Sectarianism is delivering in schools.

Julia Rodriguez Nieto of Xchange Scotland said: “Bringing together the young people from the North and South of the city is a great way of widening their safe space and empowering them to think about and challenge negativity and unfairness. It provides them with a baseline for the deeper work they’ll undertake at school in following years and it allows us to explore difficult issues in a creative and fun approach”.

Further opportunities will arise for more primary schools to take part in this worthwhile programme in the coming months.

The project brings together P6 classes from the north and south of Glasgow to the Rangers Study Support Centre for three weeks. The sessions provide participants with a better understanding of the issues and aims to positively change the attitudes and behaviour of those involved.

The learning gained from these sessions is captured by the young people through postermaking and writing with the aim of instigating positive change in their communities in and around Glasgow.

John Fury, Chairperson of ng homes said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working. The programme is proving to be a huge success amongst the schools and schoolchildren.”

Robert Docherty, Football Development Partnership Manager at ng homes said: “Important messages are conveyed in a creative and fun way and this approach supports the learning outcomes of the programme.”

The primary schools taking part from North Glasgow were St Monica’s, St Roch’s, St Teresa’s and Saracen Primary.

Dominic Sharkey of Rangers Education added: “It is important that friendships are formed across denominations throughout the city. ‘Rise Together’ has been an extremely positive project allowing the young people from the North and South of the city to work together to discuss how they can make a difference with regards to sectarianism and racism in their city. The project gives pupils the opportunity to voice their own thoughts and opinions in an unbiased climate and it provides a platform where pupils feel safe and confident enough to share their experiences.

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

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

Website: www.nghomes.net @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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High Rise Living in North Glasgow is on the Up In recent years there seems to be a trend towards demolishing multi-storey flats rather than investing in them as we have seen many tower blocks in the city stripped back to their original structures before being demolished in dramatic fashion.

In North Glasgow where local landlord ng homes operates, their view is to invest in the properties and the buildings, where possible, rather than go down the demolition route. The social landlord owns and manages 14 multi-storey blocks in the Springburn, Balgrayhill, Carron and Parkhouse areas. All the blocks have benefitted from investment and at Balgrayhill the work has included external cladding, upgrades to foyers and landings and new lighting. Internally each property has also received wall insulation as part of a community energy saving programme.

A popular enhancement has been at the base of the blocks where they have been enclosed with community rooms added for use by the residents. With the entrances now no longer at the mercy of the elements residents are pleased with the results with many saying they feel like they are walking into the foyer of a hotel or a city apartment block. The blocks also benefit from a 24hr concierge service operated by professional ng homes staff from a nearby state of the art control centre.

Investment Manager Carmen Baird said: “Its clear to see from these images which were taken of the flats in Balgrayhill at night that the improvements we have made make a real difference to the area and make the multi storey flats in North Glasgow a great place to live.”

Parents and Toddlers Group In Possilpark

resources and provided a member of staff who supports the sessions. Children remain the responsibility of their parents at all times however the volunteers are there to support the development of the children and enable parents to take a bit of time out. As the group develops, the aim is for the parents involved to take on some of the responsibilities with support from the Link Up Co-ordinator.

The group has a wide variety of toys and arts and crafts materials to suit all children aged 5 and under. Some of these resources have been kindly donated by community members and organisations and the group are always happy to receive donations of toys or books. In the near future there will also be books available for parents to borrow, read and share either during the session or to take home.

Breakfast is available if you’ve found yourself short of time in the morning and there’s plenty of tea, coffee, juice and snacks too.

Possilpark Parent and Toddlers group began in October last year after a consultation with local parents highlighted the need for provision within the area. The aim of the group is to provide a safe environment where children and adults can spend time together. Children have the opportunity to mix and share with other children whilst playing and learning and the adults can socialise, share experiences and skills and meet new people. Most importantly, the aim is for everyone to have fun!

The group is supported by ng 2’s Link Up Co-Ordinator, local volunteers and also Possilpark based youth project Young Peoples Futures who have shared

ng2 400 Petershill Road, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4AA Tel: 0141 630 4252

Email: info@ng2works.com

Mum Emma Desson said: “I started coming to the group so that my son Francis could socialise with other children. It’s been great, he really enjoys it and loves playing with the toys and meeting new children. It’s been great for me too as it gets me out the house and gives me the chance to meet other parents. It’s lovely to be able to sometimes just sit and have a cup of tea and a chat whilst watching my son playing with Link Up Co-Ordinanator Gillian Halliday, the volunteers and the other children.”

The group meet on Mondays between 9.30am and 11.30am in Possilpoint Community Centre. If you are the parent/carer or guardian of a pre-school aged child we’d love to see you there! There’s no need to pre-register, just pop along and try it out.

For more information please contact Gillian Halliday on 07557369599 or ghalliday@ng2works.com or just come along on the day

Website: www.ng2works.com

ng2 is a subsidiary of ng homes

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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NEW JOBS AT Local girls required for UKs Number 1 Beauty Pageant FORT

ASIAN-INSPIRED eatery Wagamama is set to open a new restaurant at Glasgow Fort this spring.

As part of major development work at the park, Wagamama will be sited alongside a new flagship Marks & Spencer store.

The restaurant will bring 40 jobs to the area.

Paul Wilson, Area Manager for Wagamama, said: “We are very excited about bringing the Wagamama experience to Glasgow Fort.

This brand new unit will incorporate our latest designs and styles, bringing our delicious much-loved Asian-style menu to the park’s customers.

This will be a brilliant addition to our two existing restaurants in Glasgow city centre and Silverburn.”

The restaurant, which is due to be completed around May, will sit 179 people.

Phil Goodman, Centre Manager at Glasgow Fort, said: “Wagamama is a very popular brand and we are confident it will be a welcome addition to our already strong food offering at Glasgow Fort.

“This much-anticipated development will make 2015 a really exciting year at Glasgow Fort.”

Other leading names for the four units joining Marks & Spencer at the new development are yet to be announced.

The development is expected to deliver up to 500 jobs in total and Glasgow Fort is working with Jobs & Business Glasgow and the local JobCentre Plus to fill these positions locally.

COMMUNITY AWARDS

GLASGOW-based Community Groups are being urged to enter an awards programme aimed at improving their local area.

Clydesdale Bank’s Sprit of the Community Awards has a £75,000 fund, which will consider applications from registered charities and not-forprofit organisations.

Anyone seeking more information should go to: www. cbonline.co.uk/foundation

FACE Of The Globe are looking for local girls to compete for a place in an exciting beauty pageant being held in Disneyland Paris!

In 2014, Face Of The Globe was voted the UKs Best Pageant at the UK Pageant Awards.

Classed as a natural pageant, the youngest competitors are asked not to wear make up and other beauty enhancements normally associated the stereotype of pageants.

The contest has four age categories ranging from 5 years

with no upper age limit! Unlike many pageants, it is also open to mothers and married women too and has no height or size restrictions.

Face Of The Globe are hosting the Scotland National selection at Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport on Saturday 2nd May (Bank Holiday Weekend).

As well as being more focused on having fun and on personality, Face Of The Globe also awards the highest fundraisers with the title of Miss Charity.

In the 2 years the contest has been running, it has raised over £100,000 for various charities, mainly being their primary charity of Rainbow Child Foundation, a charity founded by X Factor and Dancing On Ice star, Chico Slimani, who often attends the regional heats across the UK and of course the World finals.

The contest is divided in to 4 age categories; Minis (ages 5-8) Juniors (ages 9-13) Teens (ages 14-17) Adults (18+) The overall winner from each age category will WIN a trip to Disneyland Paris to represent England against finalists from all over the World.

Over 125 girls are expected to attend the international final

in April 2016.

The international crown has come home to Scotland twice, with Fern Maxwell from Glasgow winning the adult category in 2013 and Chloe Gaffney cur-

rently holding the Teen Face Of The Globe title. Can Scotland score the hatrick?!

For further comments the Face Of The Globe office at info@facoeftheglobe.com

Banish the January Blues with Scots’ Top Ten Things to Make Wee Ones Laugh

PLAYTALKREAD, the Scottish Government campaign which encourages parents and carers to interact more with their young children, has unveiled Scotland’s top ten things to make wee ones laugh.

January is traditionally the time of year when people need a little cheering up and that’s why PlayTalkRead are banishing the January blues with their top ten list to encourage parents and carers to have laugh with their wee one, now and in the future.

Blowing raspberries on wee ones’ tummies scooped the top spot for guaranteed giggles, followed closely by chasing them and playing peek-a-boo.

1. Blowing raspberries on their tummy 2. Chasing them 3. Playing peek-a-boo 4. Tickling their feet 5. Making funny noises

6. Bouncing on your knee 7. Someone else laughing 8. Reading or talking to them in a silly voice 9. Making funny faces at each other 10. (Joint) Someone sneezing or blowing their nose / Being given butterfly kisses Acting Minister for Children and Young People, Fiona McLeod commented: “The top ten list really does show the simplest things, such as making funny noises, playing peek-a-boo or pulling funny faces, are all that it takes.

Having a giggle together is so good for parents and children alike - it boosts the immune system and helps with quality of sleep.

I hope this list inspires parents and carers to have a laugh together with their wee ones.”

Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, co-founder of

Scotland’s Big Laugh and director of Connected Baby, commented: “Laughter is good for us, it has a physiological impact on our body, signalling that it can relax.

If parents want to put in place a skill that will last children a lifetime, and even extend it, then help your kids to develop the habit of laughing — by doing it with them, as much as possible!

“Encouraging laughter is all about engaging little ones in a comforting way – being close and having physical contact with children, like many of the activities on the list, helps builds bonds and means you are connecting over something.

Ultimately, laughter is about sharing.

It’s also a great reminder that some of the most valuable things in life actually do come for free.”

Learning what makes your little one laugh can be useful when they’ve be-

come frustrated, which means fewer tantrums, tears and stress.

Laughter is also proven to prevent illness, boost energy levels and helps build a closer bond between you and your child.

The Scottish Government’s PlayTalkRead campaign highlights easy, fun ways to give little ones the best start in life through simple, free activities which will help make a positive difference to their health and happiness – and yours too.

PlayTalkRead has lots of ideas to help make your little one(s) laugh, visit www.playtalkread.org to download the ‘30 things to laugh at before you’re three’ list.

What makes your little one(s) giggle? Why not capture and share with PlayTalkRead on Facebook Facebook. com/PlayTalkRead and Twitter @PlayTalkRead?

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Women urged to attend their cervical screening appointments WOMEN across the Greater Glasgow & Clyde area are being urged to protect themselves against cancer by having regular cervical screening.

Following on from 2014’s successful ‘Smear’ campaign, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding women of the importance of regular testing.

All women aged between 20 and 60 years of age are invited to attend potentially life-saving cervical screening every three years.

To further reinforce the campaign’s message, an advert outlining the importance of cervical screening was previewed to an invited audience at the Vue Glasgow Fort.

The advert, which will be shown before all screenings at the cinema for a month, will be followed by a talk from Councillor Maureen Burke and a prize-giving for people who took part in the ‘Don’t Get Scared, Get Screened’ breast cancer screening initiative.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine Emilia Crighton at NHSGGC said: “On the back of last year’s campaign it’s reassuring that the majority of women invited for a smear test do attend.

“However, it’s extremely worrying that in some areas

approximately one in three women is not having their regular cervical screening.

“Research shows the main barriers stopping women from attending cervical screening

are fear, embarrassment and pain.

“We’re working on developing different ways of encouraging women to attend their appointment.

BREATHING SPACE URGE SCOTS TO ‘STAY CONNECTED’ FOR GOOD MENTAL WELLBEING HAVING good relationships with friends, family or the wider community is important for mental wellbeing.

The message to ‘stay connected’ with friends and loved ones will mark national Breathing Space Day on 1st February 2015.

The annual awareness day is promoted by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phoneline, and is supported by Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP and a number of national organisations.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, explained: “Social connections can improve feelings of self-worth, happiness and self-confidence.

Relationships and friendships can have a huge positive impact on a person’s sense of wellbeing.

Go for that coffee, phone that relative you’ve been meaning to catch up with – talking things through and making that connection can help relieve worries

and stresses in your life.

Even doing something like volunteering in your local area can improve your sense of connectedness.”

The campaign is being promoted with a touring van featuring prominent messaging supporting the ‘stay connected’ theme.

The week-long tour kicks off at Aberdeen International Airport and will tour Aberdeen, followed by visits to venues across Aberdeenshire and Moray, ending in Elgin on Breathing Space Day. Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP, said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial.

Making space and time for the people that make us happy is one of the best ways of looking after our own mental wellbeing.

“The Breathing Space telephone advice line provides an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety.

It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer a sympathetic ear.

I’d like to thank the Breathing Space call handlers for the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”

Coffee mornings, conversations cafes, walks, yoga sessions, football tournaments and relaxation classes are just some of the activities taking place for Breathing Space Day. Neil Murray, Choose Life Coordinator for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire said: “We are delighted to support the launch of Breathing Space Day in the northeast.

It is really important people are aware of the help available through organisations such as Breathing Space and Samaritans.

Local events are being supported by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council, together with Moray Council and other organisations such as Silver City Surfers, Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) and NHS Grampian’s healthpoint.”

Regular cervical screening is the best way for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer and the test takes less than five minutes.

“I would strongly urge

everyone who receives their invitation to take up the offer.

It may save your life.”

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and regular screening prevents eight out

of 10 cancers developing.

All women in Scotland aged 20 to 60 are offered cervical screening tests every three years and screening saves around 5,000 lives each year.

The screening itself tests for any early changes in the cells caused by a strain of virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common virus – more than 100 strains have been identified so far – and they can affect different parts of the body.

However, the high-risk HPV types can, in some cases, cause the development of cervical cancer.

The HPV infection can cause changes to the cells of the cervix creating abnormalities that can over the years develop into cancer.

Regular screening is so important as any changes in the cervixcan be spotted quickly and any potential problems dealt with.

It is estimated that around 80 per cent of people of reproductive age will be infected with a HPV virus at some point in their lives.

These are transmitted through skin to skin contact.

It means that it’s possible for anyone to contract HPV through contact with someone who already has the virus.

ZIP SLIDE THE CLYDE THE Ronald McDonald House at Yorkhill provides free accommodation to families from all over Scotland whilst their child undergoes treatment at Yorkhill Hospital.

Next year sees a huge change for the House as Yorkhill Children’s Hospital closes and re-locates to the Southern Gen-

eral Hospital site. We are on the move as well so our families will always be staying close to their children and are building a new House on the grounds of the Hospital Campus, so fundraising is key for us this year.

The iconic Zip Slide over the River Clyde is back, fly across the wire all while raising funds

for the House.

Minimum Sponsorship to take part: £120 For more information call Asiyah on the House on 0141 201 0782 or email asiyah.ahmad@ronaldmcdonaldhouse. co.uk Or visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.co.uk

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Care Homes and Dignity

ELDERLY CARE HOMES GRADED THE Care Inspectorate examined the performance of private and care homes for the year to September 2014.

It gave six grades ranging from unsatisfactory to excellent covering care and support, the quality of the environment and the quality of staff, management and leadership.

There are presently 66 private and voluntary care homes in the city registered with the Care Inspectorate.

A total of 52 are operated by the private sector, 14 by the voluntary sector and 13 by the city council.

They have a total of 4054 place with 3467 in the private and voluntary sector and 587 in council run homes.

Staff from the Care Inspectorate found 70% were rated either adequate or good for care and support when is 13% down on the previous year.

Five homes were grated as week and 16 were graded at very good or excellent.

A report to councillors says: “Whilst older people care homes in Scotland received the same percentage of

low grades, they also received a higher percentage of high grades.

“Therefore Glasgow is below the national average for care homes with the highest grades.”

In the city, the voluntary sector homes had the highest number of very good of excellent grades which the independent sector had the highest number of homes at the bottom end of the scale.

The report states: “Although the majority of the care homes in Glasgow continue to provide high standards of care, some have performed poorly.

“A further five care homes have not been taking admissions as a result of care issues.

“One care home went into administration due to lack of financial viability.

This was despite the home having been awarded good Care Inspectorate grades and having full occupancy.

“The home has recently been sold to a provider whose existing care homes are outwith Glasgow and have high Care Inspectorate grade

PREPARING FOR A MOVE TO A CARE HOME: ADVICE, SUGGESTIONS AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT MOVING to a care home can be an emotional time for both residents and their families.

However, if you follow these simple suggestions it can be a very positive experience for everyone involved.

The move will be less stressful if your loved one has familiar objects around them. So, spend some time deciding what personal items your loved one wishes to take with them.

Prepare in advance and fill your loved one’s room with personal items, which will make it feel more like home.

Consider decorating a loved one’s room in a favourite colour scheme and complement with matching soft furnishings.

Have shelves put up so that ornaments and personal items can be displayed.

Fill the walls with treasured pictures or paintings.

The care home’s maintenance team will be more than happy to hang them for you.

Add a favourite chair, foot stool or small pieces of furniture from home.

Glasgow East end Community Carers was formed by a group of local people who had experience of having to care for someone and they recognised that many individual carers needed support, advice and information to allow them to continue in their caring role. The carers centre was opened in 1992 to provide information, support and services to carers living in the east end of Glasgow Caring for someone can be very rewarding but can also be very demanding and stressful at times. As a result of this Carers can often feel lonely and isolated from others. There is so many different opportunities carers can receive from the carers centre to help boost their awareness and confidence to progress and learn from different situations.

What we offer from the Carers Centre Information, Advice, Benefit Checks, Help with forms, a listening ear, Training, Short Breaks/Respite, Stress Management, Support Groups, Support for Young Carers.

Our home support department offers a flexible 24 hours service and operates an open referral directly to the project. Our home care service is designed to provide support with specific task for service users.

Tasks may include • Washing or bathing • Help with personal hygiene • Dressing or helping out of bed • Preparing meal to clients • Household duties such as cleaning, ironing or laundry Our service provides important respite to allow family carers to go out for a few hours each week.

This service provides the support to allow the care recipients to stay in their own home at their own comfort needs.

Other services homecare offer: • Escorting • Befriending • Respite to Carers • Tuck In • Personal Care • Preparation of Meal • Bathing • Sleepovers • Medication Management We are situated in: Academy House, 1346 Shettleston Road, Shettleston, Glasgow, G32 9AT We are opened Monday – Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm and Friday – 9.30am – 3.30pm If you would like any more information regarding our services please contact us by phone on 0141 764 0550 or by email on centre@eastend-carers.co.uk

Ask the care home’s chef in advance to prepare a favourite family meal, which can be enjoyed by you all when the hard work of moving in is finished.

FAQs Q. What and how much should we pack?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but we advise you to bring enough changes of clothes and toiletries for two weeks. Try to pack toiletries that your loved one regularly uses because familiar smells will help with the settling in process.

Q. How long should we leave it before we visit a loved one after they move in?

This is a frequently asked question and one that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer.

Everyone is different and some people settle in quicker than others.

No-one knows your loved one better than you, but we want you to talk openly with us about any concerns you may have.

It may be useful to begin with a short visit, but this

can be discussed with the care team at the early stages of the admission process.

Getting to know your loved one Something that all colleagues in a care home find useful in advance of an admission is details about their new resident’s life.

We often ask families to assist us with preparing a life history book.

This can take some time, however if you areable to prepare a short story our colleagues can use this information to develop relationships with new residents through conversation.

Residents will feel more at home if the care home team are able to have conversations with them about special events in their lives.

They will treat this information with the up-most care and respect.

Photograph albums are a great tool to use when starting a conversation with a resident so if you have copies of pictures that you can put in an album for us then that would also be useful.

Important things to remember There will be many peopel and organistaions that you will need to contact whena loved one moves into a care hom.

Banks, utility companies, the council, GPs, Dentists, and opticians are just a few, but there will be many more.

On the day On admission day, give yourself enough time to do whatever comes up, and be prepared to stay for the day.

To help make the day run as smooth as possible, try to fill out forms and carry out important tasks beforehand.

Find out from the home what the day will be like, and what you need to do.

Experience tells us that residents settle in more quickly and loved ones feel more assured if they spend some time at the care home before moving in.

Getting to know members of the care team, making friends with other residents and seeing what happens on a daily basis will make all involved much happier.

ABOUT THE DIGNITY IN CARE NETWORK The campaign’s core values are about having dignity in our hearts minds and actions, changing the culture of care services and placing a greater emphasis on improving the quality of care and the experience of citizens using services including NHS hospitals, community services, care homes and home support services.

Before the Dignity in Care campaign launched, numerous focus groups took place around he country to find out what Dignity in Care meant to people. The issues raised at these events resulted in the development of the 10 Point Dignity Challenge (now the 10 Dignity Do’s). The challenge describes values and actions that high quality services that respect people’s dignity should: 1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse 2. Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family 3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service 4. Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control 5. Listen and support people to express their needs and wants 6. Respect people’s right to privacy 7. Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution 8. Engage with family members and carers as care partners 9. Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem 10. Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation

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Kieran Fallon’s Healthy Mouth Column

Your Breath Stinks!

Halitosis, or bad breath, affects all of us occasionally but around one person in five is affected longer term, and many more people imagine or fear they have smelly breath when in fact they don’t.

A simple way of testing yourself for halitosis is to try the “lick-wrist test” which is performed just as it sounds; press the back of your tongue against your wrist then let the saliva dry for 30 seconds. Smell your wrist to see if you detect a foul odour.

This is much more reliable than cupping your hand over your mouth and nose.

There are a number of possible causes of halitosis including dry mouth (especially during a cold), smoking, eating spicy or garlicky foods, or drinking alcohol.

However the commonest cause is certain types of bacteria in the mouth coming from decayed teeth or infected gums.

These bacteria often gather on the surface of the tongue and may cause yellow or brownish ‘furring’ - hence the lick-wrist test.

Whist TV adverts proclaim that mouthwashes help, by far the best way of dealing with these bacteria is good oral hygiene.

Thorough and careful tooth-brushing (teeth, gums AND tongue) and gentle use of dental floss or small interdental brushes to clean between the teeth.

At first the gums

may bleed, but careful cleaning is the only way to restore gum health.

Sometimes brushing the tongue is not enough and you need to use a plastic tongue-scraper or a teaspoon to carefully scrape the ‘fur’ from the tongue.

Halitosis can result from general health issues e.g. diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In addition many types of medication can cause bad taste or breath or a dry mouth.

Certain fad diets are also implicated, especially the rapid weightloss, protein-only ‘Atkins’ style diets.

If you suspect (or have been told) that you have bad breath your first point of contact should be a dentist who may be able to help you resolve the issue with advice and treatment.

Failing that, the dentist could recommend that you seek medical care which may require nothing more than adjusting your diet or medication.

If you have a friend or acquaintance who has halitosis, it can be a difficult and embarrassing subject to raise, but you could begin by discussing this article with them.

People often suspect they have bad breath so if you mention that you tried this ‘new’ lick-wrist test they might be encouraged to give it a go too!

Most cases of halitosis can be corrected very simply and easily, so don’t be shy or embarrassed.

If in doubt – check it out!

Andrew Graydon - The Importance of Fitness The importance of fitness or at the very least to be active is increasing as we begin to lead more and more sedentary lifestyles.

Long hours sat behind desks watching computers to then come home and sit on the sofa watching TV means many people lead fairly inactive lives.

Add to that the growing availability of fast food, ready meals and excessive binge drinking and you’ve found the reasons why Scotland is heading towards having one of the highest obesity levels in the world.

The cost of treating illnesses due to obesity is only growing as obesity is related to a large number of health problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease

and many more.

A recent report by the UK Government office for science (2007) stated that obesity could cost the NHS up to £6.4 Billion this year, this is up from just over £2 billion in 2001 and could reach as high as £9.7 billion per year by 2050.

Increases in fitness could help bring these numbers back down by decreasing risk of diseases and also by decreasing risk of injuries as physical activity strengthens bones, this especially important in the elderly and can help suffers of osteoporosis.

Having a good level of physical fitness improves all aspects of your life, you’re more able to do things, you can move easier and more freely, you’re strong-

er, you look better, the list goes on and on.

Opening a jar with a tight lid, reaching for an object on a high shelf, running for a bus; these are all examples of day to day tasks that can be made easier by an increase in fitness levels.

Fitness improves overall body composition, lowering body fat and gaining muscle mass.

This doesn’t just make us look good but also helps to increase the body’s basal metabolic rate; this is that rate at which calories are burnt when we are resting.

Fitness can improve your mental wellbeing as well as your physiological state, ever heard of the phrase healthy body healthy mind?

Well that’s not just an old wives tale.

When we exercise our bodies release natural chemicals called endorphins, this is what gives us that euphoric feeling after we have been for a jog.

Along with this ‘runners high’ is the feeling of self-confidence that you get when you’re in shape, if you look good then you’re likely to feel good and have less insecurities.

So dig your running gear out the bottom of the cupboard or dust of your bike helmet and let’s get out there!

References Government office for science. (2007). Modelling future trends in obesity and their impact on health. Tackling obesities. 2 (5.3), p31.

Darren Carnegie: Changing the conversation I WOULD like to start firstly of my monthly columns by giving a wee synopsis on Glasgow’s Needy the organisation I co-founded and how it came to be with a wee story thrown in here and there.

Glasgow’s Needy is an organisation that provides assistance such as food, clothes and household appliances to people living in poverty; at the same time campaigning for social justice and equality.

Equality so we can live in a Glasgow, Scotland and world without poverty, racism, fascism, bigotry, homophobia, antisemitism, wars and other vile practices.

Glasgow’s Needy all started with my Dad, Andrew.

For years my Dad would assist a handful of people whom he knew that where living in poverty with food hampers and presents at difficult times of year such as Christmas and Easter.

He would also buy selection boxes and Easter eggs which he would hand into homeless shelters at the relevant times of year as well as doing voluntary work with the wayside club and the Marian action group.

Spending part of his childhood growing up in South Africa and seeing not only the poverty there as a kid but also in Glasgow as an adult he decided to step up the effort by not only helping people but trying to target the root of the problem.

He did this by attending hundreds of rallies and marches over the years.

Some which I also attended with him and have some fond memories of.

In particular the G8 protest in Gleneagles 2005 where we spent 3 days.

But more recently the G8 protest in Enniskillen, Ireland June 2013 where my Dad helped organise the event and was also a speaker.

Up until this point I had attended hundreds of rallies with my Dad but for me this was, different gravy completely.

My Dad has always been a first

in, last out kind of guy and this was no different.

Driving to Troon then getting the ferry to Larne before driving through Belfast and eventually getting to Enniskillen we arrived at the camp my Dad had helped organise first. I put this down to the fact that the rally was not for another 5 days.

The G8 leaders weren’t even in town yet, let alone the security well so we had thought.

We set up our tent before going off to “see where everything was.”

By this it was where we could grab a bite to eat or in my case where I could get a cold pint which I so desperately needed after the long journey.

It was while we where out grabbing something to eat when it started raining.

Now I thought the rain in Glasgow was bad but this place really did take the biscuit.

Returning to our tent to put the head down for the night we realised that the new tent we had got to go away with probably wasn’t the best choice as it has been letting in as they say leaving the sleeping bags and the floor of the thing in a puddle of water.

I think it was at this point where I said jokingly “maybe we should just go home tomorrow.”

A night in the car for my Dad, me and Grace the dog lay ahead.

Now remember when I said about the security hadn’t even arrived yet, well this was when I realised how wrong I was when we got a chap at the car window during the night.

We opened our eyes to around 50 heavily armoured police and army officers.

By heavily armoured I mean like something out of a doomsday film.

More people came to camp.

A further 6 people to be precise - 5 men and a woman.

This may not seem particularly important but we got a laugh from it as the actual G8 leaders consisted of 7 men and a woman also.

We spent some nights around

the camp calling ourselves the ‘alternative G8’ describing how we would change the world for the better.

Eventually the main day came and with a bang bringing tens of thousands of people ready to march to the perimeters of the swanky hotel where the leaders wine and dined. I stood there shoulder to shoulder with the people I had met throughout the week, some of which I know class as friends and watched my Dad speak to the crowds about poverty and how it effects people in Glasgow and around the world.

For those who have met my Dad they will know that the passion rips from him especially when talking about poverty and this day it seemed to be no different, it seemed to be bursting through his pours.

That day and week in Enniskillen will go down as one of the proudest and best times of life and I know those ‘leaders’ could hear us - even if it was from the permitter fence over a mile away.

When we returned my Dad and I both decided that we wanted to do something for Glasgow to help ease those living in poverty.

Something bigger and more effective than what we had usually been doing at Christmas & Easter like I said earlier.

We remembered and spoke about how just before we had left to go to the G8 that we found a man and woman around our back garden savaging in the bins for food and it was then that we decided that we where going to create a food share.

We knew that there was a need for people to receive help and assistance with even the bare essentials such as food on an everyday basis. A lot of people brand these types of organisation with the title of ‘food bank.’

My Dad and I where both keen for this not to be the case with Glasgow’s Needy - the name my Dad came up with for the organisation.

We didn’t want to class our-

selves as a bank as we believe banks are part of the problem that help create such inequality in the first place.

It was here when my Dad coined the phrase that what we where doing “was not charity, it was humanity.”

Just as important for us at this point as we set out to launch Glasgow’s Needy was the fact that we wanted to maintain the campaigning and political side and to keep this as high up on the agenda as possible.

We didn’t think it would be right to get up everyday and run the food share as if it was a normal thing to do because simply, it is not.

There has always been people worse off than others when both my Dad and I grew up, but the fact that it was getting worse and there was now a need for such things as food shares in this day in age absolutely scunnered and sickened us both.

The scale of the poverty has grown and continues too - something I will talk about in future articles.

Make no mistake that poverty is not a shameful thing but a sad reality of the times we live in and for me it is man made creation as there is enough food to feed even hungry belly around not just Glasgow but the world twice over.

Yet we have families in Glasgow choosing between heating and eating.

There is a war going on just now.

It’s on our door steps and if not ours then ours neighbours.

The war is on poverty and it is a war that we believe can we won from the bottom up.

Feel free to get me on Facebook or Twitter if you would like to see more or have any questions regarding my article.

I will sign off with the Glasgow’s Needy motto - End poverty now. www.facebook.com/glasgowsneedy Twitter: @darrencarnegie

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TRUST DEEDS

A TRUST Deed is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to pay back what you can afford towards your debts.

Once Protected it is an extremely powerful legal tool to help you back on the road to financial stability.

A Trust Deed is designed for people who have taken out too much debt and are struggling to meet their monthly repayments.

The minimum repayment period for a Trust Deed is 48 months* (4 years) unless an alternative arrangement is agreed.

You will be required to pay a set amount per month for the 48 month (or longer) period.

At the end of term, provided that you have met your obligations and the Trust Deed is not extended, you will be discharged from any obligations and outstanding unsecured debts included in your trust deed. * The minimum period for a Scottish Trust Deed is 48 months, although depending on your circumstances the payment period could be longer.

GENN Credit Unions

FACING UP TO FESTIVE DEBTS

THE latest figures reveal that one in eight Scots face a struggle to make ends meet after over-spending in the festive period. As post-Christmas credit card and utility bills arrive.

“According to research, 12% of people are expecting their finances to slip dramatically this January.

This is because Christmas is a time for increased spending for many – with the early part of the New Year often when cost-cutting becomes priority to get budgets back on track.

Taking the opportunity to review your credit information can be valuable when planning your finances for the year ahead.”

“There are a number of 0% deals currently on the market which can provide a useful way to cut costs on existing debt.

But consumers should ensure they understand the terms, including details of any balance transfer fees, so that they are not simply exacerbating their debt problems.

They should budget to pay this credit off before the end of the 0% deal period and close old accounts to avoid the temptation to spend more than they can afford to repay.

Equally, if they do plan to use the card for new purchases it’s important to know whether the interest-free period applies to these too.”

As well as getting a copy of their credit report from Equifax, consumers concerned about their finances can also make use of the interactive free Equifax Budget Planner.

“By providing a quick and easy table for consumers to input all their household income and outgoings, the Equifax Budget Planner gives people a ready-

made tool for getting their finances in order to start the New Year on a positive note The Equifax Budget Planner is divided into categories including all forms of income from full time salary and any benefits to part-time jobs.

Outgoings are divided into sections, including household expenses, utilities,

health, transport and entertainment, helping consumers think about every aspect of their spending. Importantly, outgoings also includes a section for debt payments, such as loans and credit cards.

Once everything is filled in, the planner creates an expenses total, which is subtracted from income to create a ‘Net Income’

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GENN Credit Unions

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

IT’S never been tougher financially for families to get help with practical ideas, real help and support when they need it most.

Money saving ideas, support if in debt or need to borrow and make sure family are getting the right entitlements Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. Over this and future issues we will share some brilliant super tips.

There are small things you can do that all add up to big savings over the year.

One help available since its launch in April 2013 is Universal Credit, which is a system of working-age benefits, aimed to simplify people receiving help.

By Spring 2015, one in three job centres across the country will be taking claims for Universal Credit - this roll out has come earlier than expected.

The aim of this article is to

give you an overview of this system and its possible impact.

The aim of the system is to support those not working to get back into work (even if it is short term) and to smooth the transition into and out of work. Also to investigate fraudulent claims and reduce those who are working but still determined as living in poverty.

Estimates show that up to 350,000 children and 500,000 working age adults live in poverty.

Work is the best route out of poverty.

Improving work incentives and reduce the number of families where no-one in the household goes out to work and, in the long run, will end cycles of poverty and unemployment. Universal Credit one single payment for people who are looking for work, working but on a low income or are out of work:

It is anticipated that most people will apply online and can manage their claim through an individual on line account.

This will mean that each individual has responsibility for keeping their claim up to date.

If a person cannot use a computer or does not have access to one, help will be available on the phone or face to face.

‘Digital Champions’ are to be in each Job Centre and can help people learn to put their claim on line.

Universal Credit is made up of an age-related standard allowance.

Lower for under 25s and if you are a couple, you will be assessed as a unit. As all awards are based on a claimant’s personal circumstances, only the relevant elements will be added to the calculation.

They are: • Child element

• Child element: disabled child addition • Housing costs element • Limited capability for work element • Carer element • Childcare costs element Ordinarily a person can claim Universal Credit from age 18 until 65.

There are some exceptions for people aged 16 and 17 different rates depending on age for the following: • single claimants under age 25 • couples where one or both members of the couple are aged 25 or over • couples where both members of the couple are under age 25 • single claimants aged 25 or over The rates of Universal Credit are lower for those under 25 as the Government estimate that living costs are lower for those under 25.

Personal Debt is major Concern for 2015 THE reaction comes following an article in a consumer advice publication This is Money detailing a new study that suggests there are twice as many people in Britain who believe their finances are set to worsen through 2015 than there are people who believe theirs will improve.

In the context of the whole population, the study states that up to one in five people across the United Kingdom believe the financial forecast is set to be more difficult than 2014, whereas only one in ten think the opposite.

The report cites a major reason for this lack of confidence is the impact of inflation on the already-high cost of living in the country, with around 54% of those asked believing it to be a major reason why their finances may continue to decline over the next twelve months.

Similarly, 36% of people believe their monetary situation may be at risk due to a lack of a pay rise, despite the aforementioned cost of living set to increase for another year. Fearing a pay cut was felt by 17%

of those asked, compounding a grim report for Britons this year.

With the festive period well and truly behind us, it appears many people are waking up to the realities that face them in the coming twelve months.

“The figures from the study really help paint the picture of the general feeling of the average person in today’s society.

Pessimism regarding finances – and with that anxiety and, in some cases, depression – appears to be a staple of many people’s lives and it makes for troubling reading.

However, it is important people do not feel these are problems that leave them isolated from support.

We at The Genn are committed, through our advertisers to publish impartial advice and assistance helping those in need find solutions to personal debt problems.

The stigma regarding money trouble should not be something that continues to stand in the way of people getting back on their feet, and that is exactly why organisations that help are so important.

Concerns Voiced by Scottish Councils Regarding New Poll Tax Debt Law LEADING providers of debt support, Trust Deed Scotland, have reported on the recent news regarding the new law to end poll tax debt collections.

Councils are concerned that the plans to end the collection will encourage non-payment of outstanding council tax.

A debate is currently waging in Scotland between council bodies and Scottish government regarding historic poll tax debt.

The widely unpopular and controversial poll tax was introduced in the 1990s by the Tory government and abolished in 1993, leav-

ing around a £425m debt.

This debt was still being collected up until Scottish government argued that after two decades it is now time to stop chasing poll tax arrears.

However, council bodies are voicing concerns that those who are struggling financially may believe they can ‘walk away’ from their council tax if they are free to walk away from their poll tax.

This has led to some council’s to oppose the new legislation, while others remain supportive.

Councillor Kennan made the following statement to Holy-

rood’s finance committee: “There is a lot of reason that people are struggling (financially), and I think with that in itself, people may be of the opinion that [council tax] may be one they can walk away from.

On the other hand, the committee also heard from Dundee and Glasgow city councils, who have both chosen to focus their attention on collecting the current council tax arrears, and “breaking the cycle of debt”, rather than pursuing the historic community charge debts.

It was finalised that local coun-

cil are to share a “final once-andfor-all settlement” of £869,000 based in the amount of poll tax debt which they estimate should have been recovered from the existing recovery arrangements.

Some local authorities have already ceased debt recovery of the debts.

As experts in debt advice, Trust Deed Scotland takes a keen interest in debt related news.

A spokesperson from the company made the following statement: “For those who are already struggling with their finances, it can be difficult enough keeping

up with your current council tax, never mind concerning yourself over historic poll tax arrears.

“The new law to abolish poll tax debt will certainly be a welcome one for those who have a problem with debt.

However, it is still imperative that those living in council tax arrears in Scotland should not walk away from what they owe.

Dodging council tax payments can often come at a greater cost than simply paying what you owe.

You will also be in danger of losing your home and possessions.

If you are unsure about how to tackle council tax arrears in Scotland, you should contact a debt advisory service for support.”

Trust Deed Scotland Ltd is a leading debt advisory service for Scottish residents.

They are 100% owned and operated in Scotland, with a 98% trust-pilot rating owing to their free, qualified debt advice.

They are able to advise on the suitability of Trust Deeds and a number of alternatives, including The Debt Arrangement Scheme, Debt consolidation and Sequestration

922 SPRINGFIELD ROAD, GLASGOW, G31 4HE

Tel: 0141 551 8387

Email: parkheadcredit@btconnect.com Web: www.parkheadcreditunion.co.uk

GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 Westray Circus, Milton, Glasgow G22 7BE OPENING HOURS - Monday to Friday 9am - 3:30pm

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FEE-DODGERS GROUNDED

NEW legislation and tighter border controls are being used to identify fee-dodgers if they attempt to leave the UK. Sun-seekers passing through airports and sea ports are being warned they will be “inconvenienced” if they have outstanding fines to pay.

The UK Government’s E-Borders initiative and the Immigration Act 2014 allow a greater sharing of information between the police and third parties, facilitating more indepth checks.

Head of Border Policing Command, Detective Superintendent Alan Crawford, said: “There are information sharing protocols in place and we continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement.

“We will always take ac-

tion against those who have outstanding fines and/or warrants, and those who travel through our airports and seaports will undoubtedly interact with police and law enforcement as part of their journey.

“I would urge anyone who is currently subject to an outstanding fine or warrant and preparing to embark on a trip to address the matter urgently to ensure you are not inconvenienced and can fully enjoy your break.”

Police Scotland would not be drawn on the numbers of people being stopped at the country’s exit ports. More than 100 million passengers depart through the UK’s airports, sea ports and international rail terminals annually, while more

than 200,000 people were prosecuted for non-payment of their TV licences last year.

Anyone found guilty of evading the licence fee is given a criminal record and can be fined up to £1,000. People who fail to pay the fine can be jailed.

The Government’s E-Borders initiative was designed to monitor and snare extremists and criminals.

It allows passenger information to be checked against watch lists and security databases, alerting officials to people of interest.

However, its remit has been extended to flag up people who have not paid their TV licence.

But campaigners have questioned if it is an appropriate use of the new powers.

Freedom Association pres-

sure group, said: “To prevent people from leaving the UK in this way is a misuse of legislation that is supposed to target dangerous criminals.

This should stop now.

“The TV licence is a tax on watching live TV, irrespective of whether or not you watch the BBC. The Government should pass legislation to decriminalise non-payment of the fee and then move to scrap the fee altogether.”

With around 80% of trips currently being monitored, the peak summer 2015 holiday getaway period could prove worrying for people who have dodged the £145 a year colour licence fee, especially as the UK Government plans to introduce blanket exit checks

and wants this introduced by spring.

“The police and immigration officers are jointly working to ensure the law is carried out to the letter,” said a source.

“The Immigration Act 2014 requires transport carriers to collect passengers’ personal information and provide this to immigration and law enforcement authorities in advance of travel.

“Staff in the National Border Targeting Centre use this record of travellers passing through UK ports to conduct security checks on travellers, in order to identify persons of interest to the immigration authorities and police.”

Passengers who have repeatedly refused to pay their fines or turn up in court are being tackled at Scottish air-

ports and presented with their fines to be paid on exit.

If they refuse, they will be arrested.

“Glasgow Airport is already rolling out the initiative,” added the insider. “Police Scotland has detained a number of people who were planning to exit the country who have had warrants issued for non-payment of their TV licences and council tax. If a fine is outstanding, they are given an opportunity to pay it or they are arrested and prevented from leaving the country.”

E-Borders, devised by the Labour government, was designed to count everyone coming in and out of the UK. The system, which was expected to cost £536m from 2007 to 2015, has been dogged by problems.

WILLIE AND MARGARET SHOW YET AGAIN ITS NOT SCOTLAND THEY CONSIDER WHEN VOTING AT SCOTTISH LABOURS “SHAM” ON FRACKING THE vast majority of Scottish Labour MPs abstained on a key fracking vote in the House of Commons They abstained on the moratorium on fracking for 18-30 months in the Infrastructure Bill.

The SNP along with some English Labour MPs, Plaid Cymru and the Greens, supported the amendment calling for a UK moratorium on fracking.

“Scottish Labour have been found out.

“Scottish Labour have proven themselves to be a complete sham on fracking. After a weekend of posturing Jim Murphy’s MPs failed to back a fracking moratorium. Clearly they are now just announcing policies, any policies for publicity and political gain yet doing nothing to follow them through.

“The SNP support a UK moratorium to ensure that no more licences for fracking are

granted before full powers over licensing are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.

“Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has written to the UK Government asking them not to issue any more licences in Scotland, but today’s vote could have forced them to stop.

This would have ensured that the Tory days of gung-ho fracking policies come to an end in Scotland and we could develop our own system when powers are devolved.

“The Scottish Government has taken a cautious, considered and evidence based approach and this is a perfect illustration why all powers over fracking, both licensing and planning, should be transferred to the Scottish Parliament so it is able to take decisions in the interests of the people of Scotland.

Thankfully the Scottish government has announced a block on planned fracking

operations, pending further inquiries.

Ministers will carry out new work on the environmental and health implications of the controversial gas drilling technique.

Full control over fracking is due to be devolved to Scotland after May’s general election.

In the meantime, consent for unconventional oil and gas developments will be rejected on planning grounds.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said Holyrood ministers had taken a “cautious” approach to fracking, adding that the UK government had sought to develop it “quickly, at any cost”.

He said a public consultation on the issue would be carried out, along with work to assess the public health impact of fracking.

Further work on planning and environmental regulation surrounding the process will also be undertaken.

What is fracking?

Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside.

Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well.

The process is carried out vertically or, more commonly, by drilling horizontally to the rock layer.

The process can create new pathways to release gas or can be used to extend existing channels.

It is shorthand for hydraulic fracturing and refers to how the rock is fractured apart by the high pressure mixture.

Experts also refer to a “frac job” and a “frac unit”.

Why is it controversial?

The first is that fracking uses huge amounts of water that must be transported to the fracking site, at significant environmental cost.

The second is the worry that potentially carcinogenic chemicals used may escape and contaminate groundwater around the fracking site.

The industry suggests pollution incidents are the results of bad practice, rather than an inherently risky technique.

There are also worries that the fracking process can cause small earth tremors.

Two small earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitude hit the Blackpool area in 2011 following fracking.

“It’s always recognised as a potential hazard of the technique”, says Professor Ernie Rutter from the University of Manchester, “But they’re unlikely to be felt by many people and very unlikely to cause any damage.”

Finally, environmental campaigners say that fracking is simply distracting energy firms and governments from investing in renewable sources of energy, and encouraging continued reliance on fossil fuels.

“Shale gas is not the solution to the UK’s energy challenges,” said Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Tony Bosworth.

“We need a 21st century energy revolution based on efficiency and renewables, not more fossil fuels that will add to climate change.”

ENERGY MINISTER BLOCKS FRACKING

THE Scottish government has announced a block on planned fracking operations, pending further inquiries.

Ministers will carry out new work on the environmental and health implications of the controversial gas drilling technique.

Full control over fracking is due to be devolved to Scotland after May’s general election.

In the meantime, consent for unconventional oil and gas developments will be rejected

on planning grounds.

Scottish Labour called for stricter rules, but the Conservatives warned a bar on fracking could jeopardise jobs.

In the US, Extensive use of fracking, the process of extracting gas from rock, has revolutionised the energy industry.

But opponents of the technique claim it causes earthquakes, can pollute water supplies, and could lead to inappropriate development in the countryside.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said Holyrood ministers had taken a “cautious” approach to fracking, adding that the UK government had sought to develop it “quickly, at any cost”.

He said a public consultation on the issue would be carried out, along with work to assess the public health impact of fracking.

Further work on planning and environmental regulation surrounding the process will also be undertaken.

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Valentines Day Special Feature

Valentine’s Day History

THE history of Valentine’s Day is obscure, and further clouded by various fanciful legends.

The holiday’s roots are in the ancient Roman festival of

Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15.

Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring

February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day. Which St. Valentine this early pope intended to honor remains a mystery: according to the Catholic Encylopedia,

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there were at least three early Christian saints by that name.

One was a priest in Rome, another a bishop in Terni, and of a third St. Valentine almost nothing is known except that he met his end in Africa.

Rather astonishingly, all three Valentines were said to have been martyred on Feb. 14.

Most scholars believe that the St. Valentine of the holiday was a priest who attracted the disfavour of Roman emperor Claudius II around 270.

At this stage, the factual ends and the mythic begins.

According to one legend, Claudius II had prohibited marriage for young men, claiming that bachelors made better soldiers.

Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies but was eventually apprehended by the Romans and put to death.

Another legend has it that Valentine, imprisoned by Claudius, fell in love with the daughter of his jailer.

Before he was executed, he allegedly sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine.”

Probably the most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine is one not focused on Eros (passionate love) but on agape (Christian love): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion.

In 1969, the Catholic Church revised its liturgical calendar, removing the feast days of saints whose historical origins were questionable.

St. Valentine was one of the casualties.

In 1381, Chaucer composed a poem in honour of the engagement between England’s Richard II and Anne of Bohemia.

As was the poetic tradition, Chaucer associated the occasion with a feast day.

In “The Parliament of Fowls,” the royal engagement, the mating season of birds, and St. Valentine’s Day are linked: Over the centuries, the day evolved, and by the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine’s Day had become common in UK. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts eventually spread.

The tradition of Valentine’s cards then saw mass-production and today, has become a booming commercial success.

According to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are valentines

WITH love in the air, the most romantic day of the year can do a number on the nerves.

We think there are 1000s of romantics out there all over Glasgow, who behind closed doors are not so craving for more romance.

While we cannot assure a longterm- fix, we can however offer a short-term one.

Make the most out of upcoming Valentine’s Day, as it’s the perfect day to catch cupids and ignite romance in your relationship.

Everyone knows, however that men specifically break into a cold sweat, putting effort to figure out what will surprise their partner.

Let’s not overcomplicate things, just keep five simple rules, which will not only lead you to the most romantic Valentine’s Day, but will also help you build a strong romantic foundation in your relationship.

Don’t Downplay Valentines Day, Rejoice it Big Time!

If you don’t put effort to make Valentine’s Day a special day, then it won’t be.

Ditch your cranky belief that it’s a big hallmark scam, or a day to sale every commercial thing out there.

But, you cannot deny it that little things done on special occasions like this add up slowly fostering relationship in long run.

So, take advantage of this perfect day.

Buy or make Valentine Gifts If your partner says that he/ she doesn’t need anything or any gift, of course they are lying!

They don’t want to tell you directly that they need a gift on Valentine’s Day. Though at first they may tell you they don’t need any gift, but deep down their heart, they crave to get something, a token of love from you on the most romantic day of the year.

Either you can buy Valentine flowers for your partner or choose something out of the or-

dinary to knock their socks off.

The gift you choose needs not to be expensive, but thoughtful.

Place the pictures of some great times together in a personalised frame or buy just a box of chocolates for your sweetie.

The Expression of Love By doing something that your partner thinks isn’t a cup of coffee for you to do so; you tickle their heart with love.

So, instead of jumping on the first Valentine card you see in the store, take your time and pick a perfect card and write down something thoughtful yet romantic to express your feelings for him/her.

Or, pick several cards and make a collage out of them.

This will serve as a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day too.

If you’re a workaholic and hardly skip a day at work, surprise your sweetie by taking a leave on this day and telling you are all theirs even on a work day.

This will really make your sweetie feel special.

Know your Partner’s Likes/ Dislikes You may think you are aware of your partner’s likes and dislikes, but do you? One of the biggest mistakes couples make is they do thinks knowing that it’s according to their partner’s likes, but in reality, it’s what they like. This might linger on for years! So, here is our idea- sit down together and talk about your favourite romantic moments. Note down your partner’s favourites. If your partner likes to dine out, do take her out or if she likes shopping, of course you must take her to shopping!

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Valentines Day Special Feature FOR many years, children have used Love Hearts sweets finding some of the sweetest ways of saying “I love you.”

Every Valentine’s Day the company presents new messages on the tiny coloured hearts Some favourites among the more than one hundred Sweetheart sayings have been in circulation since the hearts were first factory-made.

These classics include “Kiss Me,” “Sweet Talk,” and “Be Mine.” Sometimes a motto is discontinued for a time and then makes a reappearance; others are gone for good.

Sayings considered outdated include the funky “Dig Me” and the cheerful “You Are Gay.” Any new sayings can’t be “offensive, distasteful, or too wordy.

Space is also an issue. Love Hearts come in two sizes—the standard 1/2 inch and the larger 3/4 inch model.

The small hearts generally can fit no more than two words with four letters each, while the large hearts may accommodate two words with six letters each.

Fortunately, creative phrasing can help fit longer sentiments

onto the tiny hearts, as in the case of “EZ 2 LOVE.” Say It Again, Sweetheart If you miss some of the old sayings, or would like to see some of your own, you can have them custom-made.

The catch is that you’ll have to buy a full production run, or about 1.7 million hearts.

But you’ll have plenty of time to eat them—they should stay fresh for at least five years.

Production of Love Hearts for Valentine’s Day produce about 100,000 pounds of the hearts every day in order to meet the Valentine demand, when about 8 million hearts are sold in six weeks.

The first hearts made had printed paper notes tucked inside. The lengthy, old-fashioned sayings included such wistful thoughts as “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail.

Valentine’s Day: Great Gifts ideas from Denni VALENTINE’S Day this year we think doing Valentine’s Day the right way should be made a little bit easier.

The biggest thing we worry about is making sure we get just the right gift, and getting something truly special takes time. So, to help you out, here is a gift guide that’ll help you find an amazing garment or accessory for that special someone.

Something From Yesterday You often hear that timeless is always better than something current and chic. Timeless items last forever but the stuff that’s in vogue today will go out of style and won’t be as exciting a few weeks from now.

With clothing, this is particularly true. The best choice for treating your loved one is always something that’s looked good before as well as now.

Take Tights for instance.

Tights and stockings are absolutely stunning and it’s a fantastic accessory to a tasteful evening outfit. There are some

beautiful things like floral patterns and decorative designs they look like something Marie Antoinette might wear.

A pair of stockings like this is exactly what you might be looking for when it comes to Valentine’s Day, but it’s also a tasteful gift as well as a sexy one.

Complex designs aren’t always the first thing people think of when they hear the word “timeless”, but timeless doesn’t always mean simple.

Something that’s ornate is fantastic if you wear it with the right outfit. But whilst we’re on the topic...

Keep It Simple Of course, there’s definitely something to be said for keeping it simple and there’s nothing simpler than a back-seam when it comes to patterns and motifs, but a back-seam is still one of the most stunning things a woman can wear.

A narrow, dark line that runs down the back of her leg, curving with the contours of her

own figure, is an alluring thing indeed. It’s because it’s simple that it’s so powerful, like red lipstick on porcelain skin.

A back seam is one of the best ways to bring something truly beautiful to an outfit and a classic choice for a Valentine’s Day gift.

One of the best designers of back seam items is Gio, a British designer that specialises in subtle and timeless seams.

Confidence Is The Sexiest Thing One thing that we should mentioned is making sure the underwear and hosiery you choose is sexy and feminine.

It’s definitely something you should consider when shopping around for something gorgeous for Valentine’s Day. A cosy cable knit is timeless too, but it’s not a Valentine’s favourite. But then again, a garment that leaves little to the imagination might not be the right thing either. The trick is choosing something that your

special someone will be comfortable wearing.

You may have your eye on something ornate and classic, but make sure it’s something that will make her feel sexier, not more self-conscious. If it’s a beautiful pair of stockings or hold ups to go with her little black dress, pick something she’ll be comfortable wearing and that’s her sort of thing.

If she doesn’t normally wear bright colours, for example, choose black rather than all the red and pink you find around Valentine’s.

Something that’s classically sexy like lace can be a good idea, but it’s a bold thing to wear and some ladies don’t like the roughness of a lace fabric. Some women can’t stand the idea of fishnets and prefer something more subtle.

Confidence is sexy, so at the end of the day, choosing something that your loved one will enjoy wearing is more important that what you think might look good.

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Valentines Day Special Feature

Weird Things You Didn’t Know About Valentine’s Day • The average Brit will spend £67.67 on Valentine’s Day this year..

• Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s Day as women do.

• More than one-third of men would prefer not receiving a gift. Less than 20% of women feel the same way.

• Around this season, a dozen long-stemmed roses cost on average much more, or about 30% more than the normal price.

• More than 200000 pet owners are expected to buy gifts for their pets this Valentine’s Day. • 15% women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. • According to the condom company Durex, condom sales are highest around Valentine’s Day, which are 20% to 30% higher than usual.

• More at-home pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month.

• Penicillin, a popular treatment for venereal diseases such as syphilis, was introduced to the world on February 14, 1929.

• Teachers receive the most valentines, followed by kids, mothers, wives and sweethearts.

• Over 50% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior.

• The oldest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

• One billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

• In a classic Simpsons episode, Lisa gives Ralph a valentine with a picture of a locomotive saying “I Choo Choo Choose You. • Hallmark produced its first valentine in 1913.

• In Japan, women are expected to give chocolate and other gifts to men on Valentine’s Day. This tradition was started as a marketing campaign by Japanese chocolate companies. Men are not off the hook, unfortunately.

They are expected to return the favour on March 14th, commonly known as White Day. • BBC reports that Shiv Sena, a nationalist political party in India, has spoken out against Valentine’s day, calling it “nothing but a Western onslaught on India’s culture to attract youth for commercial purposes.”

• The Ivory Coast is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate.

• “I love you” in German is “Ich liebe dich.”

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS THERE have been many researches showing the emotional meaning associated with receiving flowers.

Study after study, it’s been revealed that when someone sends flowers and someone receives flowers, they experience positive emotional boost instantly.

Flowers whether sending or receiving trigger emotions and take the feelings of joy, satisfaction and appreciation to pinnacle.

This reaction was, is and will be universal in all age groups.

The finding further concluded that colours of flowers one chooses to give to a significant other (be it lover, wife, husband, father, mother, etc.) have an important impact on the feelings that were encountered.

Colours are connected to our emotions that many people may realize, our brain links different hues to specific moods.

Choosing flower gifts and arrangements carefully with certain combinations can trigger specific feelings and emotions.

Here are 5 groups of colours and the feelings that they depict.

Pastel shades like yellow, green and pink The flowers of these colours create a feeling of nurturing and would make perfect floral gifts for anyone who is a new mother, sick, or a mourning friend.

Pink, purple, burgundy, peach, green, blue Flowers of aforesaid colours can trigger a feeling of love.

Making a floral arrangement of these hues is an ultimate way of expressing sentiments and appreciation to those who make your life special. The colours make perfect for various occasions as birthday flowers, Mother’s Day flowers, and Valentine’s Day flowers for lover to friend, mother and anyone

whom you find closer to your heart.

Burgundy, red and other rich colours Flowers of these colours stand for passion.

They can be uplifting. They make perfect choices for lavish dinner parties to convey your feelings to that someone special.

Cool shades like blue, green and purples create a sense of tranquility and peacefulness.

For loved ones who are going through stress, flowers of these colours make ideal gift.

You can send flowers online picking out of these shades to cheer up their dull and boring day.

Orange and yellow, being the bold contrasting colours bring out fun-loving, free spirited yet playful feelings.

These colours make perfect choices for flowers arrangements meant for birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations

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Open Day for Environmental Improvements Planned AN Open day is planned for Monday 2nd February from 10am – 1pm and from 3pm – 7pm by ng homes at the Ron Davey Enterprise Centre in Vulcan Street in Springburn to unveil plans for backcourt and environmental improvements at properties in Springburn and Balornock.

The open day displays are being setup for tenants and residents in the following properties to have their say on the proposals. Three displays will be set up (one for each project). The projects are as follows: 33 and 39; 85, 91, 97, 103, 109 Cockmuir Street This project will include the resurfacing of the back courts, an upgrade to bin stores and improved access to the back court areas. LED lighting upgrades will also take place.

11 and 21 Auchinloch Street; 131 Auchentoshan Terrace This project will include resurfacing of the back courts, an upgrade to bin stores and improved access to the back court areas. The drying area will be moved and enlarged, with improved stair access.

126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 156, 162 Elmvale Street; 630, 640, 660, 668, 680, 690, 700 Hawthorn Street; 151, 155 Fernbank; 150, 154, 158 Memel Street

This project will include resurfacing of the back courts, an upgrade to bin stores and improved access to the back court areas.

In attendance will be architects Murray Russell and/or Artan Sherifi, ng homes Housing Officers Catherine Mather. Sharon Brooks, Bola Akintoye and Andrea Campbell along with and John Watt from the ng homes Investment Team.

Tenants and residents from the above properties are invited to drop in during the times above to hear more about the plans, ask questions and comment on the proposals.

Activate continues to be a success in North Glasgow ng homes are once again delighted to work in partnership with Glasgow University in the delivery of the Activate (Community Development) programme with 13 people successfully completing their course of study bringing this up to a total of 77 over the past two years. The 10 week programme is open to anyone from age 16 with no upper age limit and explores the practices and principles of community work including anti-discrimination and exploring local and global issues.

Activate Tutor, Karen McNiven said: “It has been a pleasure to deliver the ACTIVATE course in North Glasgow. The diversity of the group with people from such varied backgrounds and ethnicity makes it an excellent opportunity for local people to learn more on discrimination and diversity. The group had such a wide variety of skills and knowledge to share with each other. This coupled with their own life experiences made it such a pleasure to work with the group. It was an excellent bunch of people who I am sure will go on to do more wonderful work in their communities” Those who completed the programme included local parents and volunteers, ng homes staff and members of a variety of organisations including, Scottish Association of Residents Association, Bridges programme and ng green Champions.

The course was a big hit with all who attended. Some of the comments from local people were: “It made me feel I could do something in my community and it was great working with people from different cultural backgrounds”.

Students will receive their certificates at an award ceremony at Glasgow University on 10th February.

We will soon be recruiting for another Activate course. If you are interested please contact Margaret Layden on 0141 560 6000 or mlayden@nghomes.net

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

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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RSPB BIRD COUNT

THOUSANDS of people across Scotland counted the birds and wildlife in their gardens over the weekend of 24 and 25 January as part of the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch. RSPB Scotland was also holding events at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on the weekend, to help you identify some of our commonest birds.

The populations of many of our much loved gardens birds have declined over recent years, and the results collected by the Birdwatch help to paint a picture of how they are faring in peoples’ gardens.

RSPB Scotland was particularly interested in the impact that the warmest year on record in 2014 and the mild winter may have on the birds people count.

Although colder weather has moved in over the last few days, the overall warmer temperatures could mean that people saw fewer birds in their gardens this year as they’ve been able to feed from wild berries and insects for longer into the winter.

Numbers of winter visitors from Scandinavia and Siberia such as waxwings, redwings, fieldfares and bramblings were lower than those counted in previous years as they have not needed to move to the UK thanks to plentiful food supplies in North Europe and Asia.

Last year almost 40,000 people in Scotland spent an hour

watching their gardens or local parks to record the birds they saw, including 2,284 in Glasgow.

House sparrows held onto the top spot as the most counted bird in 2014 and were also the most counted bird in Glasgow.

Begun as an activity for junior RSPB members in 1979, the Birdwatch is now something for everyone to take part in.

As with every year, this year’s results will be compared with those from all the previous surveys, building up a picture of bird numbers in gardens across the country, and giving an indication of potentially concerning trends.

Following on from the introduction of other wildlife to the annual count last year, RSPB Scotland also wanted to know about badgers, snakes, deer, squirrels, hedgehogs and slow worms people see in their local area.

Although some of these species will not be out and about during January, the charity is interested in sightings of these species in gardens at any time of the year.

Thanks to the warmer weather lasting longer into winter birds may well have a ready supply of insects and berries far longer than usual and so make less use of the bird feeders and food that many of us put out for them.

If your area is still experiencing this milder weather you

might find you counted fewer birds than previous years during your Birdwatch hour this year or that some of the migrant birds were missing.

However, the recent cold snap across much of the country means that your local birds now really need your help with getting food, water and shelter.

Last year’s Birdwatch showed some worrying results about three birds on the UK ‘red’ list. Starlings, whose stunning murmurations grace our skies in winter, have declined by 84 per cent since the first survey, whilst song thrushes have seen a 81 per cent drop in numbers.

House sparrows, despite topping the 2014 survey rankings, also remain a great concern having decreased by 62 per cent since 1979.

Grey squirrels were the most common non-bird species reported in 2014 with 72 per cent of people seeing them in their gardens at least once a month.

Red squirrels were only seen in 3 per cent of people’s gardens although this rose to 17 per cent in rural Scotland, indicating where their numbers are strongest.

For the non-bird species, participants are asked to let the RSPB know if they ever see this wildlife in their gardens or local outside space at any time of year, rather than only during the Birdwatch hour.

Schools can also get involved with helping to count our birds and wildlife. Each year around 75,000 children and teachers take part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

This year’s Birdwatch runs until 13 February and schools can pick any hour within this time to take part.

Find out more about this great way of getting young people to connect with the nature in and around their schoolgrounds at: www.rspb.org.uk/ schoolswatch.

The events at the Kelvingrove were run on 24 and 25 find out more on 07872 814912 or email sarah-jayne.forster@ rspb.org.uk

BUS BOOST FOR MANY HUMZA Yousaf MSP is today welcoming the Scottish Government’s continuing investment in concessionary travel – after new research showed that over 125 thousand Glaswegians are benefiting from the scheme.

The research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that 98608 people over the age of 60 and 26905 disabled people in Glasgow benefited from the policy.

Last week it was announced that a deal had been struck between Transport Scotland and the bus industry which will see £414m invested over the next two years to ensure the scheme continues to provide free bus travels for over 60s, injured service veterans and people with disabilities.

Commenting, Humza Yousaf MSP said: “The SNP Government’s deal to ensure that concessionary bus travel continues in

coming years is hugely significant – and this new research shows just how important this investment is to the thousands of older and disabled people in Glasgow who are benefiting from this scheme.

“The Scottish Government’s continued investment in this vital lifeline service is excellent news for everyone who benefits from this service – and I am delighted that people in Glasgow will continue to do so.”

SLIMMERS in Royston are cooking up a healthy storm to celebrate the launch of a month-long food festival.

Members of the Royston Slimming World group will create a delicious feast with the aim of showing people that you don’t have to go hungry or feel deprived in order to slim down.

The party signals the start of Slimming World’s Free Food February, which is being held in groups up and down the UK from 1st to 28th February to celebrate how the organisation’s members lose weight without hunger and

often discover (or rediscover) a love of cooking.

The festival also coincides with the publication of Slimming World’s latest recipe book Food Glorious Food*.

The slimmers from the Royston group, who have lost more than 80st between them since their group opened in July 2014, will be hosting the gastronomical event as part of their weekly weight-loss session, which is held every Tuesday at The Foundry Boys Church, Tharsis Street.

They will each bring along a dish that can be enjoyed without counting, weighing

or measuring when following the club’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan.

Sarah-Louise Flood, who runs the group, said: “Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan encourages members to eat a wide variety of healthy foods to satisfy their appetite, so they never need to suffer the hunger pangs that usually see people throwing in the towel on other weight-loss plans.

We call these foods ‘Free Foods’ because they can be enjoyed freely and this month at Slimming World we’re celebrating Free Food February.”

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60% increase in welfare fund claims in Glasgow underlines need for Scotland to gain welfare responsibilities THE urgency of Scotland gaining the ability to make its own welfare choices was underlined this week as new statistics show more people than ever are being provided help through the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The Scottish Welfare Fund is experiencing unprecedented demand in Glasgow. Whilst this shows people are far more aware of the support available to them, it highlights the scale of poverty in our most vulnerable communities.

The figures show that in July to September 2014, 7838 applications were made to the Scottish Welfare Fund in Glasgow, a 60 per cent increase on the same quarter the previous year.

During that period 2,280 Crisis Grants were awarded, with an average award of just over £92,

predominantly for food and heating costs. The figure was 18 per cent higher than in the same quarter in the previous year.

Meanwhile 2,085 Community Care Grants were awarded in July to September 2014, 59 per cent more than in the same quarter the previous year.

The Scottish Government has allocated £33 million a year to the Scottish Welfare Fund, which was set up to fill the gap left by Westminster’s decision to halt Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.

It is a scandal that in a country as wealthy as Scotland, there are still so many people living in poverty – with many hard working hard families as well as those on benefits having to resort to food banks.

• From April 2013, chang-

es to the DWP Social Fund scheme meant that Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants stopped. These have been replaced by the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF), delivered by councils. The fund provides two types of grant: • Crisis Grants to provide a safety net when someone experiences a disaster or emergency situation, such as a fire or flood and there is an immediate threat to health and safety.

• Community Care Grants to enable independent living or continued independent living and prevent the need to go into care. A CCG may also be able to help a family facing exceptional pressure.

• To apply for a Crisis Grant or a Community Care Grant you must be 16 or older and on a low income.

SFHA calls on Prime Minister to delay roll-out of Universal Credit at launch of Draft Clauses

AT the launch event for the Draft Clauses for further powers for Scotland, Mary Taylor, Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), asked the Prime Minister to seriously consider the call from civic Scotland to suspend the roll-out of Universal Credit to allow for the process of legislating for further powers for Scotland.

On the 11 of January a joint letter was sent to the Secretary of State from 57 civic organisations from across Scotland – ranging from business and finance to social care and food banks – and housing associations that are due to be part of the next stage of the roll-out of Universal Credit that is scheduled to start in February. (1) Speaking after the launch, Mary Taylor said: “The Draft Clauses make much of the importance of creating a system that is of ‘no detriment’ to either government, but we would argue that the process of bringing further powers to Scotland must also be of ‘no detriment’ to the vulnerable people who rely on services.”

“If Universal Credit is rolled out in Scotland imminently, more benefit recipients (including tenants of social landlords) will be caught up in a messy bureaucracy of rolling back the aspects of Universal Credit that may be devolved.

A rushed approach puts at risk the incomes of the poor-

est and most vulnerable in our society, especially if changes subsequently have to be unpicked.”

The SFHA is one of 19 members of the Stakeholder Group that was established by the Scotland Office to support the preparation of draft legislation following the publication of the Smith Commission’s report.

However, speaking after the launch event today, in reaction to the publication of the Draft Clauses Mary Taylor said: “We had first sight of the Draft Clauses this morning and will take care to analyse these in detail. Our comments are, therefore, very preliminary.

“In November, the SFHA offered a guarded welcome to the Smith Agreement, and two months later, with the publication of the Draft Clauses, we find ourselves in the same position.

Again, we see potential in what has been drafted to make some progress on housing, on energy and our urgent concerns about the impact of Universal Credit on tenants and social landlords.

“We had hoped that some of the administrative powers around housing costs in Universal Credit could be transferred more quickly and would not require primary legislation.

It appears from the two clauses relating to the housing costs element of Universal Credit that primary legislation may be envisaged for both ad-

ministrative and legislative powers.

“On the plus side, the clauses appear to confirm the transfer of the power to vary – to zero –what is commonly known as the ‘bedroom tax’.

The Clauses make clear the requirement for each government to consult the other.

A requirement to consult is better than no requirement to consult, but it is not guarantee of agreement by the UK Government to proposals from Scottish Ministers.

This presents challenges to improving intergovernmental working which both governments need to address.

But the Draft Clauses do not provide the detail to make it clear whether the powers for which we – and many in civic Scotland – argued to the Smith Commission, and again through the Stakeholder Group, will actually make it through the final legislation.

“While we welcome the news that the Draft Clauses include the devolution of a range of elements of Universal Credit, as recommended by the Smith Commission, this serves to underline calls from across Civic Scotland to suspend the rollout of Universal Credit to allow time for the legislation of further powers.

“So we await with interest the response from Iain Duncan Smith MP to the urgent call from civic Scotland, to suspend the roll-out of Universal Credit in Scotland.”

BOB DORIS MSP PARLIAMENTARY PATTER

IT has been very encouraging to see the high levels of support for the SNP in recent opinion polls.

I have spoken with many of you in our communities in recent weeks, and it is clear that Labour’s closeness to the Conservatives, as they try to bolster their support in the south-east of England, has angered many.

Many people were disgusted this month to see Scottish Labour MPs vote for the Tories’ plans for an additional £30bn cuts at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens.

There was anger when, the following week, they voted to spend up to £100 billion renewing Trident.

Spending money on a new generation of weapons of mass destruction that can never be used and do nothing to prevent terrorist attacks is crazy.

It’s also immoral to do so, particularly while also voting to take billions of pounds from our poorest.

Finally, despite promising to oppose fracking, Labour voted with the Tories to block a UKwide moratorium on fracking.

Many voters are bewildered, wondering what on earth the Labour party stand for these days.

On each occasion, SNP MPs voted in the best interests of the Scottish people (and, indeed, the people of the UK): they opposed the £30bn of austerity cuts, voted to scrap Trident, and opposed fracking. Unfortunately, local MPs Ann McKechin and Willie Bain failed to put their constituents’ interests first on these issues.

Labour leader Jim Murphy – live from a food bank – described the draft UK legislation on more powers for Scotland as “a modern form of Home Rule”.

The reality was somewhat different.

The infamous “Vow” has been significantly watered down.

Staggeringly, the proposals give the UK Government a power of veto over any attempts by the Scottish Government to unpick some of the harm the Tories have done on welfare, including the Bedroom Tax. Around 70% of tax and 85% of welfare powers will be reserved to London – hardly Home Rule.

Given the amount of control that remains at Westminster, it is vital that we have as many SNP MPs as possible elected in May to represent our interests.

The Labour party’s recent voting record has just underlined that they are not up to the job.

In contrast to Labour’s support for cuts, the Scottish Government this month announced an additional £100m over three years for social care services in order to tackle delayed discharge in the NHS. Glasgow’s share will be £23m.

This is welcome, given challenges in this area, which are likely to become more pronounced as the population ages and demands on the NHS increase.

Despite undeniable pressures on the system, it is worth noting delayed discharges have reduced by two thirds and the average period of delay has halved compared to when Labour were in charge.

That progress has been supported by a real-terms increase in NHS funding of 4.6% since 2009.

your Member of the Scottish Parliament

Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

Contact Bob Doris MSP

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

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

The cost of this advert has been met from parliamentary resources

GLASGOW GREEN MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR LORRY CRASH VICTIMS R.I.P Glasgow Lorry Crash Victims, Candlelit Vigil Music Festival is Non-profit fundraising or charity.

On the 22/12/2014 Glasgow shoppers screaming in terror when bin lorry careered out of control through the heart of Glasgow.

Six people had died in the horror accident and 7 others seriously injured.

The go-ahead has been granted by Glasgow City Council to hold The Candlelit

Vigil Festival.

Glasgow Green will play host to the music festival, organized in memory of the victims of the tragic Queen Street accident of December 2014.

The event will be held in Glasgow Green on 06 June 2015.

The event will play host to some of Scotland’s top musical performers.

The event entitled, “Candlelit Vigil Music Festival” will

feature a number of acts live on the main stage, a number of speakers and a memorial remembrance service in memory of the victims who lost their lives on 22nd December 2014.

They have small team of 4 behind the event are working closely together to ensure the event is run to it’s full success.

R.I.P Glasgow Lorry Crash Victims will be holding events in support and remembrance of the six victims and those who were injured.

23

GENN GENN YOUTH Addressing youth, teenage and parent issues across seven areas

· Apprenticeships and Employability · School leavers · Education · Families · Gangs · Justice · Social action

DEALING WITH BULLYING What is bullying?

• Being called names or teased.

• Being pushed, pulled, hit or attacked.

• Having your bag and other possessions taken and thrown about.

• Having rumours spread about you.

• Being forced to hand over money or possessions.

• Getting attacked because

of your religion, race, or sexuality.

• Being deliberately excluded by others from activities, or having friendships ruined.

• Sending nasty messages via e-mail.

• Making nasty comments and harassing people on any social media platform.

• Setting up a website or social media account to bully you, whether anonymously or no

If someone is bullying you at school or work...

Ignoring the problem simply doesn’t work. t’s hard to deal with bullying by yourself, so the best way to fight back is to tell someone you know and trust.

This could be a parent or guardian, a teacher, a friend or simply someone you can trust.

Write down what is happening and who is involved.

If you are at school, your parent/guardian should speak to your class teacher. Your teacher should then speak with the head teacher.

If it’s happening at your work tell your team leader or line manager.

If it’s a smaller workplace, speak to your boss.

If someone is bullying you online...

Again, make sure you keep a record of everything: emails, comments, messages.

If possible you could even take a screenshot of comments you have found to be hurtful.

Tell your internet service provider what has been happening if you have been getting bullying emails, or if someone has made a website about you, you should be able to find out what company is hosting the website and ask to have it shut down.

When using social media services like Facebook and Twitter, they allow you to block and report individuals and you should also be able to make your ac-

count private.

Statistics from the charity ChildLine saw a large increase in the number of children contacting them with problems relating to online bullying. In 2012-13 there was 4,507 cases of online bullying up from 2,410 in 2011-12. You can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111.

It’s in no way your fault!

Remember it’s not your fault that you are being bullied.

Bullies themselves often have their own hang-ups, which they are taking out on you (perhaps they were once victims of bullying).

That’s no excuse for their behaviour though.

Don’t be tempted to reply to emails, messages and comments, or to set up your own website or social media account to retaliate against the bullies.

This will only encourage them and let them see that they have got to you.

Building confidence Being bullied can sometimes mean your self-esteem gets a bit

of a knock.

Why not try some of these three tips from ChildLine on how to build your confidence after being bullied?

Helping others...

Here are somethings that you can do to help prevent bullying from happening, you could: • Speak to someone on their behalf, so that somebody knows and can monitor what’s going on.

• Promote an anti-bullying week.

• If your friend is being bullied, you can be supportive by trying to take their mind off of things and re-assuring them that they aren’t what bullies may make them out to be!

If you know of someone else being bullied - don’t keep quiet, help them.

Remember that even if the bullying happens outside school hours or away from the school, if it includes school pupils, it is up to the school to deal with it.

LEGAL RIGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND UNDER Scots law there are certain things which you can do legally without any age restriction.

However you have to have ‘sufficient understanding’ – that is a grasp of the consequences, a good understanding in the issues involved, and overall seem to be responsible – otherwise the authorities can take action.

Within reason you can do any of the following at any age.

Choose any religion to follow, but if your parent/guardian considers the religion harmful, the court may be asked to intervene.

Have a Bank/Building Society Savings Account in the name of the child’s parent/guardian as a trustee of the child, until the child is 7 or older.

Get access to personal information held on computer under the Data Protection Act 1998.

• Get access to your health records, or social work records which are held manually.

• Make a complaint under the Equality Act. • Donate your organs upon your death (if you have sufficient understanding then it is not always necessary to have parents’/guardian’s consent).

You can carry an organ donor card at any age.

• Hold premium bonds that were bought by a parent, guardian, grandparent or great-grandparent.

• Own property (usually held in trust until older).

• Have a passport (your parents/guardians apply until you are 16) but it’s yours in your own right.

• Receive advice about birth control and be prescribed contraception without the consent of your parents, although the doctor may try to persuade you

to talk to your parents if you are under 16.

• Choose your own legal representation so long as are capable of understanding what you’re doing.

• Be called as a witness though the court decides if you have sufficient understanding to give evidence.

• Be employed as a performer.

• See a PG or U film.

From age 2 you must: • Pay a child fare on most flights.

At 3 you can: • Start pre-school education.

At 5 you can: • Start full-time education at ‘school commencement date’ (usually in August) if 5 by ‘appropriate latest date’ (usually by end of following February).

At 7 you can: • Take money out of a National Savings account.

• Buy and sell National Savings certificates.

At 8 you can: • Be found guilty of a criminal offence.

Between the ages 8-12 you will be referred to the Children’s Reporter who will decide whether there are grounds for concern.

At 11 you can: • Get a free Young Scot NEC card.

At 12 you can: • Make a will.

• Consult a solicitor and take a case to court.

• Have the right to decide on your own adoption, i.e. the adoption cannot go ahead without your agreement.

• See a ‘12A’ rated film on your own and rent or buy a ‘12A’ rated video.

• Be the subject of an Anti-social Behaviour Order

(ASBO).

• Register as an organ donor without parental/guardian consent.

• Consent to your own adoption.

• Access personal records.

•Make a freedom of information request from a public authority.

At 13 you can: • Be employed occasionally by parents doing light gardening or farming work – subject to the local authority byelaws where you live.

• Be employed by other people doing light work specified in, and subject to, the local authority byelaws where you live (e.g. your local newspaper shop to do a paper round).

• Join a social networking site.

At 14 you can: • Get a job on a Saturday for up to 5 hours, and for no more than 2 hours on school days (not before 7am or after 7pm).

During school holidays you can work on weekdays (including Saturdays) for 5 hours, with an overall weekly limit of 25 hours.

You should not work for more than 4 hours in one day without a 1 hour break.

You must be allowed two work free weeks during school holidays.

• Drive an electronically assisted pedal bike.

• Vote and stand in an election for the Scottish Youth Parliament.

At 15 you can: • Go to a ‘15’ rated film.

• If you are under 16 and have a child it is your decision whether or not to give the child up for adoption.

Only your consent is required.

• Work up to eight hours per day, and 35 hours per week during holidays.

At 16 you can: • Get married.

• Enter into a civil partnership.

• Consent to lawful sexual intercourse.

• Leave home without your parents/guardians’ consent.

• Apply for your own home through your local council.

• Have access to many more banking facilities, including all adult services, except overdrafts and credit.

• Buy wine, beer, cider or perry (i.e. Babycham), to drink in a restaurant only with a meal, but cannot buy it in a bar, off-licence or supermarket.

• Join a trade union.

• Drive a moped, invalid carriage, small agricultural tractor, or mowing machine.

• Leave school. If you are 16 between 1 March and 30 September you can leave after 31 May of that year and if you are 16 between 1 October and the last day of February you can leave at the start of the Christmas holidays in that school year.

• Get a full-time job and pay National Insurance.

• Choose your own GP. • Change your name without the consent of your parent or guardian.

• Be sent to a young offenders’ institution.

• Be prosecuted in the Justice of the Peace, Sheriff or High Court • Buy a National Lottery ticket or scratch card (there is no age restriction on a private lottery ticket).

• Stand for election to become a member of a Community Council in certain areas.

• If adopted, get information about your natural parents.

• Join the armed forces, but not to train as an officer, you will also need parental consent if you are under the age of 18.

You can apply from the age of 15 years 9 months.

• Be legally responsible for babysitting.

• Apply for a 10 year passport without parental/guardian consent.

• Choose legal representation without parental involvement.

• Consent to medical treatment (if you are under 16 you can also consent to medical treatment if you are capable of understanding the nature and possible consequences of the procedure and treatment).

• Earn the National Minimum Wage for 16 and 17 year olds.

• Work as a waiter or waitress in a hotel or restaurant.

• Buy Premium Bonds.

• Get a piercing without parental/guardian consent.

• Buy a pet – you can own a pet before you’re 16 but you can’t buy one yourself without a parent present until you’re 16.

• You must pay full fare on buses and trains (unless you have a travel concession pass).

• Officially change your name without parental/guardian consent.

• Get a skin piercing without parental/guardian consent.

• Join a ScotWest credit union. For more information on Credit Unions visit our webpage.

At 17 you can: • Hold a license to drive a car, small motorcycle or tractor.

• Hold a private pilot’s licence.

• Give blood.

• Train to be an officer in the Armed Forces (Army from 17 years 9 months, Navy from 17 years, Air Force from 17 years 6 months).

• It is still possible for you to be adopted if you are under 18 and not married.

At 18 you can: • Vote in an election for your local councillor, MP (UK Parliament), MSP (Scottish Parliament), MEP (European Parliament).

• Stand for election as a local councillor, MP (UK Parliament) or MSP (Scottish Parliament).

• Earn the National Minimum Wage rate for 18-21 year olds.

• Become liable to register and pay the Council Tax. • Serve as a juror.

• Buy alcohol in licensed premises and consume alcohol in a bar.

•Buy cigarettes & tobacco.

• See any film/hire any video.

• Buy or possess fireworks.

•Place a bet.

• Hold a credit card.

•Work behind a bar.

• Be tattooed.

• Hire or buy a sunbed.

• Be licensed to serve alcohol.

•Hold a basic commercial pilot’s licence.

•Hold a licence to drive a medium-sized goods vehicle.

At 21 you can: • Stand in European parliamentary elections as an MEP. • Hold a license to drive any vehicle, including large goods and passenger-carrying vehicles.

• Supervise a learner driver (so long as you’ve had your licence for at least 3 years.)

• Be sent to an adult prison.

24

GENN Community Pictures

GENN Community Pictures

25

26 A new series of books by Stenlake publishing in tehir well-known series of photographic histories of Glasgow have been released.

This comprises one book on the East end and four on the Gorbals.

Below we have deatils of all the books in the series Glasgow’s East End in the 70s - from Gallowgate and London Road to Parkead and Camlachie

By Peter Mortimer and Duncan McCallum £13.95 : 80 pages : 107 photographs

GENN This is a collaboration between Glaswegian Peter Mortimer who has written the text and photographer Duncan McCallum, who took these wonderful but grim photos of a grimy, resigned and depressing 1970s Glasgow. As the subtitle suggests the book follows a route east along London Road, Gallowgate and Duke Street as far as Parkhead and Camlachie showing much in between these points.

These areas have seen much subsequent development but the book is largely a nostalgic wallow in a Glasgow we like to remember - but which most of us are happier is in the past.

The Gorbals and Oatlands - A New History Volume 1: The Gorbals of Old

By Ronald P.A. Smith £16 : 140 pages : 140 illustrations In four volumes this new history of the Gorbals and Oatlands covers the area’s development, redevelopments and regeneration. This well-written book is a serious history of growth, decline and regeneration that will appeal to academics and town planners but Ron has made it into a great readable book for anybody who loves Glasgow. Volume One, which could have been subtitled ‘The Rise of the Gorbals’, charts the 18th and 19th century transformation from small village to major suburb with 90,000 inhabitants, 140 pubs and 1,100 shops. We have packed 140 historic photos of the area into it.

The Gorbals and Oatlands - A New History Volume 2: Redevelopment and its Aftermath

By Ronald P.A. Smith £16 : 100 pages : 107 illustrations Volume 2 could be dubbed ‘The Fall of the Gorbals’ and covers the post-war period when the area was comprehensively ‘redeveloped’ by town planners (i.e. demolished) and then replaced with award-winning modern architecture much of which has since been demolished because although it won awards for looks it was hopeless to live in. The book describes Gorbals trajectory

through this unfortunate and unhappy period and again is rammed full of old photographs, many now being published for the first time.

The Gorbals and Oatlands - A New History Volume 3: An Example to be Followed

By Ronald P.A. Smith £16 : 112 pages : 146 illustrations Volume 3 has an evangelical feel to it and could be nicknamed ‘Born Again’ and takes the story into the 1990s.

Appropriately this volume has a chapter on the area’s ecclesiastic history and education. Mainly it describes Crown Street’s regeneration as well as the regeneration of Hutchesontown and Laurieston and the role public art played in all this. Again the book is generously illustrated with photos and plans. Indeed this is why we have four volumes about the Gorbals. The author wrote screeds, which was actually pretty good for the most part so we didn’t want to cut it too much. He also provided us with over 500 illustrations!

The Gorbals and Oatlands - A New History Volume 3: Oatlands and General Conclusions

By Ronald P.A. Smith £16 : 120 pages : 129 illustrations Volume 4 could be dubbed ‘Oatlands and Epilogue’ .

It is mainly about Oatlands, looking at the history of this often-overlooked area before again bringing the story up to date with more recent renewal. Ron Smith’s working life as a town planner was spent in Gorbals and Oatlands and in the conclusions he reflects on his experiences. Town planners sometimes compete in the public’s eye with the Luftwaffe for the amount of damage they are seen to have wrought, but these four volumes tell a story of sympathetic renewal from a planner who had an existing interest in the history of the area and thus a better understanding of its needs.

TASTY TIPS - HEALTHY EATING IDEAS Perfect for low carb, pair this with a salad and your have a great low carb meal!

Ingredients 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded (you can use up to 6 oz) 1 c frozen spinach, thawed and drained (you can also use fresh cooked spinach) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (I use Italian style) Sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Lots of toothpicks Directions Preheat oven to 180 (350 degrees f ).

Flatten the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness.

In a medium bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, spinach, salt and pepper.

Combine the Cajun seasoning and breadcrumbs together in a small bowl.

Spoon about 1/4 c of the spinach mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll each chicken breast tightly and fasten the seams with several toothpicks. This part requires a tiny bit of skill and I typically use about 8 toothpicks in each roll to ensure none of the filling seeps out. Be sure to count how many total toothpicks were used!

Brush each chicken breast with the olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over all. Sprinkle any remaining spinach and cheese on top of chicken (optional).

Place the chicken seam-side up onto a tin foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup).

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Count to make sure you have removed every last toothpick. Serve whole or slice into medallians

27

GENN

Music

With Mark Johnson

BOXED IN AT BROADCAST

BOXED In are an indie pop band who released their self titled debut album on 19th January.

Having already played a session on Lauren Laverne’s BBC 6 Music show Desert Island Disco their piano fuelled hook filled and catchy single “Mystery” released this week has been getting substantial radio airplay.

Their sound encompasses

house pianos, techno influenced drums, hyperactive melodic basslines and low key vocals, with a generally pop song form.

Described by singer/pianist Oli Bayston as “an exercise in emotional restraint” the album takes elements of dance, indie pop and Krautrock and fuses them together.

“Subtle Knife” blends rhythmic piano with heavy

percussion and Damo Suzuki style vocals along with acid house influenced basslines and heavy synth.

“All Your Love Is Gone” is a more upbeat number in the style of NEU! with a bass guitar hook and big screaming guitars with ambient synth sounds and rock n roll piano.

The trip hoppy “Sailing” has a more glitchy feel with electronic drum sounds and

cut up chorused bass guitar lines and rhythmic resonant synth pads and flourishes along with the signature piano.

The upbeat “No Joke” fuses housey synths with vocal hooks and is somewhere between Aphex Twin and Hot Chip.

Glitchy ballad “Bugs” adds emotive soaring vocals and atmospheric guitars and backing vocals to the signature hooky sound.

The more club influenced “False alarm” is all suspended piano chords and drama with big synths over a rhythm section going for it.

“Foot Of The Hill” is a punkier number, reminiscent of later Can albums with a relentless beat and bassline and piano and synth counter melodies and guitar riffs.

“Run Quicker” with its arpeggiated piano, pedal bassline synth textures and guitar riffs along with big backing vocals create a spacey sound, which to places it between Eno and Spiritulized.

The 8 bit Nintendo synth sounds of “Lo Life” with it’s

sixteen beat and vocal duet featuring CockNBull Kid focuses on relationship issues Closing track “Wild West” is a jazzier departure, with more swing on the drums a slower tempo and majestic chord changes and backing vocal harmonies.

Embarking on their first UK tour, Boxed In play Broadcast on Sunday 15h

February.

Speaking about the Glasgow date Oli told me “We’re really excited about coming to Glasgow.

This is the first time we’ve been there and we know the reputation of the crowds.

He hope it’s going to be a special night” Boxed In play Broadcast on Friday 15th February

GET READY FOR THE SHIFT LIVE REVIEW BOX 15th January XpoNorth is now receiving submissions for the 2015 Film and Music showcases at Scotland’s leading creative industries festival.

They are urging filmmakers and musicians to apply now to be part of a showcase which places emerging talent in front of key creative industries players from across the globe.

The window will close on Friday 3rd April so don’t delay - submit now!

The annual Inverness-based XpoNorth festival, which until last year was known as goNORTH, will take place this year on Wednesday 10th and

Thursday 11th June at venues across the Highland capital.

It is free for the public to attend and its aim is to boost creative careers in fashion, crafts and publishing, as well as screen, broadcast and music across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Festival Director, Amanda Millen said: “Since the festival re-branded as XpoNorth at the end of last year, there has been an added frisson of excitement about this year’s event.

“In 2014, more than 1300 people working in a wide cross-section of the creative industries attended the festival

in Inverness, compared to just 500 people in 2011.

It really is the ‘go-to’ creative

industries festival in Scotland.

There’s nothing else quite like it.

Siobhan Wilson and Tommy Reilly at last year’s event

THE Shift are a trip folk band hailing from Kintyre, Dumfries and Galloway and Renfrewshire.

The three piece opened with “Was Whydo” with it’s clever wordplay before playing a classic indie influenced “Stand Like a Mountain” which sounds like the lovechild of the Happy Mondays and early John Martyn with punchy picked bass from bassist Alan Steele.

The expansive “Skychild” shows the bands range with big Mogwai style guitar soundscapes from James Lee Brodie and a trip hop half time beat.

The poppy compound

time “Hit the Ground” is reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian indie pop.

The open guitar tuning of “Miss You” was complemented by the explosive drumming style of Nathan Moore.

Closing track “Nyzm” is an upbeat pop number, hook laden and catchy.

The Shift are a band finding their feet and developing into a solid live act.

If Indie-Pop-Folk with a psychedelic edge is your thing check them out live.

For more info check out https://www.facebook.com/pages/TheShift/804352379576467

28

GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

Your sign marks the beginning of the zodiac, since it commences with the March equinox and first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

This traditional position reflects in your character, since you have no problem with breaking new ground and ploughing your own furrow. Still, you’ll always keep one eye on those who are following your lead, since you relish an element of competition and feel this brings out the best in you.

There is work to be done and where money is involved, these are not obligations you can neglect. At times you feel quite unequal to the challenge, yet considering how greatly others depend on you, helps renew your motivation. Besides, outside of formal employment and the chores you cannot avoid, there is more fun to be had than usual and a hint of romance in the stars. Whether you are single and looking or already in a significant association, it is those who differ from the norm and challenge you in several respects, who play the biggest part when it comes to understanding where you’re holding yourself back…

Taurus

Scorpio

(21 April - 21 May)

You have devoted plenty of attention to your personal life lately, keeping family matters and your domestic interests to the forefront of your mind. With Jupiter approaching the halfway point of a stay in the bottommost sector of your horoscope lasting roughly thirteen months, the cosmos is behind your attempts to improve the circumstances in which you live and to calm any turbulence that exists between family members. This makes it a great moment to move house, or fix up where you’re living currently.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Home and family matters are in the spotlight: where you’re living and the structure of your home, your parents if they’re still a part of your life, your children if they feature too and any special pets. Bearing in mind how much you care for each of them and the unique place they maintain in your affections, it is possible you haven’t been giving them as much time lately as you might have done, since your attention has been drawn towards outside objectives.

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Jupiter has opened your eyes to a number of possibilities that previously you hadn’t considered fully. Maybe they fleetingly crossed your mind, but you have never seriously acknowledged that they might be a viable alternative, or an option you could seriously embrace one day. However, increasingly you have come to realise that your choices are more numerous than you thought and the way things have always been is not the only answer. To embrace the full extent of these broadened horizons requires a seismic shift in your attitude and preconceptions.

The enormity of Saturn’s presence in your sign finally strikes a chord. There are few who would actively welcome this planet’s arrival, but some are hit harder than others. Those who are struggling patiently, doing without and working hard for what they want, discover as they plod on through a more arduous schedule than usual, the results that are forthcoming prove more numerous and enduring than you might have expected otherwise.

Cancer

Capricorn

(22 June - 23 July)

Change unsettles most people, yet without it life would not be so rich or fulfilling. Consider a few of the amazing inventions and wonderful discoveries from which mankind has benefitted, enabling us to enjoy a standard of living that was unimaginable previously, for longer than before.

Similarly, when it comes to your own progress, it is tempting to hanker after the circumstances that permeate your memories, even though in retrospect your perceptions are tinted with a rosy glow that might not be so reliable.

Leo

(24 July - 23 Aug)

This week, the action takes place in your opposite sign. This puts the emphasis on other people and on those closest to you in particular, with your most intimate and meaningful liaisons accentuated especially. The universe encourages you to review the prevailing dynamic between you and those who matter most, considering how you might make this interaction more meaningful and authentic.

Certainly others could buck their ideas up and start showing you some of the appreciation you believe is due you.

Virgo

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Unfortunately, it is no good waiting for others to make the decisions you hoped they would and that you believe, will turn your situation around. It is beyond question that you feel let down and disillusioned by the behaviour of some from whom you had expected such a lot. But denying your own capabilities, passing all control over to those with their own priorities and failings, makes no sense and renders your ultimate goal that much harder to achieve. The anger you feel is real and your disillusionment is intense.

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

The financial axis of your horoscope is highlighted this week. While it is a requirement of your continuing prosperity that you bring your talents to bear, the progress you make in isolation is dwarfed by what is possible where your finances intersect with those of other people. This may mean pooling your resources within a marriage or similar partnership; working closely in a business scenario; or the likelihood of a legacy, tax refund or insurance payout either now or in the near future.

Aquarius

(21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Mercury has been in your sign since January 5 and remains until March 13.

At 67 days this is a longer visit, than the month or so you’d usually expect.

For some days you have noticed this planet’s energy, as the pace of life has accelerated and you’ve fielded more visitors, telephone calls and emails than before. Mercury is strongly placed in your region of the heavens and means a lively and stimulating atmosphere, although equally rather exhausting on occasion.

Pisces

Just a Thought

WHAT MAKES YOU YOU

DISCOVER who you truly are and fully give every aspect of your uniqueness to the world.

This is your path to an extraordinary life.

Imagine feeling trapped, wasting your precious time doing things that you really don’t want to be doing. Being afraid to express your uniqueness.

Having fun on the weekends then dreading the upcoming week.

Maybe you don’t have to imagine it; maybe your life is just a, few moments of satisfaction drowned out by a constant grind of work.

If you want to live an extraordinary life it is imperative that you know who you truly are, and to do so you must explore who you truly are.

Change your life forever by allowing, you to find your true self, and in doing so, discover why you’ve been born into this great world.

By answering these questions you will discover your unique passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations, which are all yearning for your expression.

Self-knowledge is the greatest knowledge that you will ever acquire.

Your unique internal drive will determine your ability to reach your potential, which in turn determines the quality of your life.

The questions below are designed to help to know yourself deeply and find what is truly important to you.

We all have an unexpressed potential; the exercises are specifically designed to help you find yours 1. What do I absolutely love in life?

Think about any activities that get you excited and enthusiastic and make you feel most alive.

This can be absolutely anything: music, sports, cooking, teaching others, learning, watching movies—anything.

Within your love for these things lies deep passion.

2. What are my greatest accomplishments in life so far?

List all of the moments that you are proud of as well as the times that you’ve succeeded.

To have accomplished these, you would have used some of your key strengths.

Also, list any activities, hobbies, or anything else that you do that you complete with ease. Within these lie greatest strengths.

3. What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?

List everything that you would do if you weren’t afraid, even your wildest dreams.

This will help you discover your greatest values.

4. If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all

and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?

Describe your ideal lifestyle.

List what you would do throughout the day if you knew that you were bound to be successful, what kind of person you would be, how much money you would earn, and where you would live.

This question allows you to realize who you would truly want to be if there were no limits.

By aligning with this you can begin working towards the life that you truly want to create.

Know that you wouldn’t have a desire if you didn’t also have the ability to fulfil it.

5. What would I do if I had one million pounds?

List everything that you would really love to do if you had all the money in the world and what would you do with your time?This question helps you to think without limitations.

When we are able to remove limitations and boundaries, we can discover what we really

Clearing the wood to see the trees

The Genn Crossword

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

Across

1. Bank employee, who can say (6) 4. Balance found in muesli bran (5) 9. Crumbling old places fell down (9) 10. Not as old as that confused Reno guy (7) 11. Plenty of land in tarmac resort (5) 12. Opposed to poetry (6) 14. Purloins duck between beginning and end of shifts (6) 17. Last letter in some game (5) 19. Tolerates some token duress (7) 21. Alter code when moved (9) 23. One of the Earps, sounds interrogative at first (5) 24. Shuffle a paper then come into view (6)

Down (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

Three planets emphasise your constellation at one point or another this week, where they join the diminutive planetoid Chiron, a long-term visitor for some five years now.

A planetary focus such as this places you in the spotlight, although the receptive nature of this stellium means you’re more concerned with the effect your surroundings and relationships have on you, rather than the impact and impression you can make, the other way around. Besides, there is a lot you need to work through in your own mind initially, before you are prepared to stick your neck out or to start saying that is how things ought to be…

want to do.

6. Who do I admire most in the world?

List your greatest inspirations and the qualities that you admire about these people.

Think about what really inspires you in this world.

What you admire about others is also a quality that is in you.

Taking the time to answer these question will change your life.

The more that you can implement your passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations into your days, the happier your life will become!

You can study to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or anything else, but this knowledge will only take you so far.

Meanwhile, discovering the deep wisdom of self-knowledge will ensure that your life is far more meaningful and fulfilling.

That is what Einstein meant when he said “Information is not knowledge.”

The most valuable knowledge that you will ever discover is, and always will be, within.

1. Sum up tall youth, essentially (5) 2. Let cure become a lesson (7) 3. Find a fish in a wee lake (3) 5. Begins tantrum in a moment (7) 6. Palindrome instrument (5) 7. Found in large scale drama crowd (5) 8. Hesitates to use spa turbulence (6) 12. Committee on a ship (6) 13. Evidence of injury, allow for redness (7) 15. Shorten a river crossing (7) 16. Serenity, sounds like part of something greater (5) 18. Nobleman with ponytail is before his time (5) 20. Grasp earnest weapon, essentially (5) 22. High point found in octopus (3)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

29

0141 552 9977

‘Wild about Scotland’ education bus visits Sunnyside Primary in Glasgow’s East End PUPILS at Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow were able to experience a series of interactive Scottish wildlife lessons this week thanks to a specially designed double-decker education bus currently touring Scotland.

The ‘Wild about Scotland’ bus* is visiting schools in the area as part of a wider campaign being brought to all of Scotland’s 32 local councils over the next year.

The programme has been developed by the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RZSS) and has been made possible through a partnership between Clydesdale Bank and the RZSS to support the charity in its conservation goals across Scotland.

P5 & P6 pupils from Sunnyside got to get their hands dirty in a variety of interactive and fun lessons which focused on Scottish native species, their habitats and environments.

Lessons were delivered by a dedicated education team from

RZSS. The customised double-decker has been transformed from a Stagecoach passenger bus into a fully functional and interactive mobile classroom with capacity to accommodate up to 26 children at once.

‘Wild about Scotland’ aims to engage a younger generation with Scotland’s wildlife – not just in forests or wild areas of Scotland, but also in their own back gardens.

In particular, the lessons covered the following topics: • ‘Minibeasts’ – Looking at the huge diversity of insects on earth and the variety which can be found in the local area.

• ‘Highland Tiger’ – Raising awareness of the Scottish wildcat plight and what pupils can do to help preserve the species.

• ‘Beavers’– Looking at whether the beaver should be reintroduced back in to Scotland and the effect reintroducing a species can have on an ecosystem

Sports School of the Year ST. Thomas’ Primary have been nominated for Sports School of the Year.

They are committed to ensuring that their whole school community has a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity and that staff, pupils and parents support sport being an integral part of our school.

They ensure that our pupils experience 2 hours of quality PE each week with one of these

hours being delivered by our DHTs, who are both qualified in Primary Physical Education from Glasgow University.

Both DHTs provide opportunities for staff to peer shadow them during their PE lessons and provide additional support and CPD training.

They have developed very strong links with a range of partners to enhance the provision of sport and physical activity in

our school and as a result we offer an average 22 afterschool, lunchtime and breakfast clubs per week.

All of their 14 classes receive at least one block of curricular input from an external partner with expertise in a given sport.

This not only enhances the experiences of our pupils but provides opportunity to enhance our teachers’ skills.

They have the highest per-

centage of girls in a Glasgow primary school voluntarily participating in sport.

They continue to make sporting links within our community so that our children can continue to access sports experienced in school in their local community.

They also look for new sporting opportunities in our local community such as kayaking at the Pinkston Basin at Sighthill.

Their school celebrated the Ryder Cup with 96 pupils participating in two-day Ryder Cup Challenge at Lethamhill Golf Course.

This was organised by the school and Glasgowlife Golf Development.

Two of their pupils also represented Glasgow at the Ryder Cup publicity shoot.

They also run a golf afterschool club at Lethamhill Golf

Club with many children now attending the community golf club.

They also embraced the Commonwealth Games and for our hard work and commitment to the games we were awarded with the Game On Scotland award and asked to present our sporting legacy at City Chambers.

They previously won Sports School of the Year in 2011-2012.

Send in your news story and pics to share to editor@thegenn.co.uk

30 Police Scotland

GENN

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Local Police News BOGUS CRIME ALERT

ON the afternoon of the 16/01/2015 there was a distraction crime, also known as a Bogus caller crime, in Inveresk Street, Greenfield, Glasgow.

At this time a male described as white, aged 35-40,slim build and approximately 5ft 7 in height attended at the home of a 86 year old stating that there was a problem with the water and that he would need to enter the flat to turn the water off.

The male was allowed entry to the flat and entered the kitchen area, whilst in the kitchen area he engaged the elderly householder with tasks within the kitchen to occupy them.

The male then stated he had other houses to check leaving the householder busy in the kitchen.

A short time later the householder became aware that money had been removed from her purse which was within another room of the flat.

Although the victim only saw the male he may have been in the company of another person who sneaked in and stole the money whilst he distracted the victim.

With the recent bad weather that we have suffered and the subsequent damage to some buildings there may be some unscrupulous persons using this as an opportunity to gain entry to houses on the pretence that there have been some problems with their property.

The best advice is that if you are not expecting a trades person or any work done to your house then REFUSE them entry.

If you are not aware of any problem then the chances are that it is not urgent and as such you can clarify the situation with your housing provider or call a friend or family member and ask them to attend and confirm this.

IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT. There are two main types: • Bogus callers try to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, including: • Council staff • Meter readers • Charity collectors

• Police officers In reality, they are criminals trying to steal cash and valuables.

• Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway.

In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.

We DO NOT recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and repairs to your home.

CAR CRIME CRACKDOWN

OFFICERS from Shettleston have mounted an operation targeting those who are responsible for car crime in the area.

Last week alone four individuals have been arrested and remanded in prison whilst awaiting trial.

Stevie Hazlett, Area Commander for Glasgow East said “The four individuals have been identified as responsible for multiple offences and their arrest will have a significant impact on the level of car crime in our area.”

“These criminals are opportunists and prey on easy targets I would urge members of the public to reduce their chance of becoming a victim and lining the pockets of these individuals by carrying out basic crime prevention measures, please visit the Police Scotland website for information on how to protect yourself and your property.”

INSURANCE FRAUD WARNING

THERE is an Insurance Fraud currently in operation regarding an advance fee scam that appears to be targeting Scottish households via letters.

It is from a company calling themselves ‘IER Insurance’ who state they are based in the Netherlands.

The letter states that the individual named in the letter is to receive £24,000 on a life insurance policy taken out in the 1990’s that is maturing.

The letter asks for a processing fee of £20-£40 to be sent to a PO BOX number.

This is not genuine and is an

advance fee fraud.

SATTELITE SCAMMER WARNING

THERE have been recent reports of scammers phoning pretending to be from Satellite Television and Broadband Companies.

The scammers attempt to appear authentic by asking for you by name and stating that “our information” shows you pay by direct debit.

The scam involves claiming that your viewing card is about to expire and that they need some information in order to send you a new one.

They then proceed to ask for your sort code before then asking for the last four digits of your account number.

Like many scammers they may get pushy when not given this information.

This call is then followed up by a second call where they claim you have overpaid and that they wish to refund you.

It is at this point that they ask for the rest of your bank details.

Companies never contact a customer to request payment over the phone for a replacement viewing card.

If you are due a credit on you’re the company will never as for bank details over the phone, if you are suspicious at all please hang up.

If you’ve received this scam call or a similar one and given over account details you should contact your bank immediately.

If you received such a call and didn’t give over details, it would be helpful if you could report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

The reason these scams work is that they contact thousands of people and so, purely by coincidence, a few of these people will not only have an account but may have recently completed a transaction with the company and so will be expecting such a call.

If you receive this or another suspicious phone call Remember, you do not have to get into discussions over the phone with anyone, and never give out any personal information, such as bank or credit card details. These could be used fraudulently.

Keep your business, your business. Just say “No thank you, I am not interested” and hang up straight away.

DRUGS RECOVERY

AROUND 1900 hours on Thursday 22 January 2015, Police Scotland Officers searched a house in the Saltmarket area of Glasgow and recovered a quantity of drugs and other substances to indicate the supply of Cocaine, with a potential street value of six hundred and forty thousand pounds (£640,000).

A 36 year-old man and a 45 year-old woman have been arrested and are presently detained in police custody in connection with the recovery.

A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

SERIOUS ASSAULT

DETECTIVES in Shettleston are continuing enquiries after a 16 year old youth was assaulted within his car on Wellhouse Road, Glasgow on Friday 16 January 2015.

Around 1945 hours, a woman was within her car when she noticed a blue car with a female driver come up behind her.

Two men from the blue car got out and approached her car trying to engage the woman in conversation.

She ignored the men and they left and got back into their car.

A short time later the same blue car drove up to another vehicle and threw an object at it.

Within this car were the 45 year old driver and his 16 year old son.

The 45 year old driver got out of the car to speak to the men.

He was then threatened by two men who chased him off.

They then returned to the car and tried to get into it where the man’s son was.

At this time they were joined by a third person, a boy aged around 10 or 11 – all tried to gain access to the car.

Eventually one of the men got in and stabbed the 16 year old boy in the arm.

Following the assault they all got back into the car where it drove over a grassy verge to get onto Langbar Crescent and drove off.

The victim was taken to

Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he currently remains.

His injury is not thought to be life threatening, however he has been left extremely distressed by the whole incident.

The suspect car is a described as a blue Peugeot 208, with distinctive yellow and blue wavy stripes.

The woman driving the car is white, in her 20s with blond dip-dyed hair.

The male suspect who carried out the serious assault is white, with short dark hair, an average build and was wearing a tracksuit.

The second male suspect is white and in his early 20s.

The third suspect is a young boy aged around 10 or 11.

Officers have been collecting CCTV images and are in the process of reviewing it to gain further detail on the suspects.

31

GENN

Political Forum

Dr Don’s View

The column which cuts though the garnish WELL, here we are, last day of January and despite my predictions to the contrary, we have a draft of the Scotland Bill, but don’t get excited, this is ‘just what it says on the tin’, a draft.

This has still to go through parliament, and not only are its opponents lining up to oppose it, Westminster is already being selective with what goes forward to debate.

The Work Programme and the Fracking Bill have already been dropped from the Smith Commission recommendations.

As predicted, the final bill will be a shadow of its former self and a long way short of Gordon Brown’s hysterical ‘Devo-Max’ and ‘Home Rule’ utterances.

The production of the draft devolution proposals at this time by the Conservatives has been motivated more by political expediency than by a willingness to devolve more powers.

They were hoping to secure some brownie points during the run up to the General Election, but the areas of the Smith report which have been omitted, the restrictions and the powers of veto detracts from its value.

The fact that the draft bill was delivered with a caveat that Cameron will now restrict Scottish MPs from voting on English affairs also detracts from the sincerity of it all.

The ‘VOW’ has become a millstone around Cameron and Miliband’s neck and will be caught up in the machinations of parliamentary debate by members who are so involved in self interest, they have no time to run the country, let alone comply with promises.

Both main parties are too busy thinking up new promises to be bothered delivering previous ones.

I don’t know about you, but I am having a hard time keeping up with the pledges of both main parties.

It ranges from full employment from the Tories to mental health from Labour, and changes almost daily.

There has been 21 U-turns in policy from Labour since last year not counting the

demise of Ed’s energy costs freeze.

The most condescending of them all is Ed Miliband’s pledge, backed by Jim Murphy, to allow Scottish national football matches to be seen on TV. Wow, that will solve a lot of problems.

In short, during the next few weeks, it may be prudent to discount them all, and to concentrate on which candidate is best for you.

In 8 weeks time they will all be out of a job anyway, and the future of Scotland will once again be back in your hands.

With regards to the two main parties, it boils down to two main issues.

The Conservatives want to concentrate on reducing the deficit left by Labour, but that will mean huge public sector cuts this year and next to achieve it.

The Labour party want to limit the public sector cuts by going back to borrowing and raising taxes.

The rest is just window dressing. Astutely, the SNP and UKIP are keeping their powder dry and staying clear of the early skirmishing.

My political quip of the week is credited to ‘The Times’ editorial when it describes the Labour Party’s recent pledges on the regulation of the labour market, youth unemployment, the minimum wage, etc., as resembling “a whiff of alchemy”.

Fortunately, the current Scottish Parliament is not beholding to either of the two main parties resulting in a fair amount of discretion as to where the cuts will have to be.

All the more reason to ensure we have a major amount of tartan bums on Westminster seats.

Both Cameron and Miliband are in denial with regards to a future coalition or working arrangements, but that in itself is a pointer to the unreality of the situation.

They both know there will be major support for the SNP and for UKIP, and although neither will be able to form a Government, they will be individually and collectively influential when the time comes.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across 1. Teller 4. Libra 9. Collapsed 10. Younger 11. Acres 12. Averse 14. Steals 17. Omega 19. Endures 21. Relocated 23. Wyatt 24. Appeal

Down 1. Tally 2. Lecture 3. Eel 5. Instant 6. Radar 7. Macro 8. Pauses 12. Aboard 13. Scarlet 15. Abridge 16. Peace 18. Early 20. Spear 22. Top

However, the Chancellor is now voicing his opinion with regards to restricting Scottish MPs from voting on ‘certain elements of the UK budget’ if Scottish members “hold the balance of power after May”.

He is also reverting back to the scaremongering tactics of the referendum by stating that if income tax is fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament “Scotland would have to live with the consequences.”

He also adds that no future Chancellor should be beholden to Scottish MPs for the budget. Could we be seeing the first signs of squirming?

Although I was entranced by the proposal to leave an empty chair for Cameron at the forthcoming TV debates, I see that the broadcasters are considering a seven way debate now which would include the Greens, Plaid Cymru, UKIP , the SNP and Ulster Unionists.

They might as well enter into the spirit of it all and include the Monster Raving Looney Party.

What a nonsense that will be, it will be a circus with only two members capable of forming a government.

The fact that the SNP, the third largest political party in the UK was not originally being considered, is yet another example of the myopic establishment we are supposed to be part of.

Another issue is the renewal of the Trident missile system, so dear to the SNP and the Greens, but not so dear to the Labour party in that only one Labour MP turned up for the debate on the 20th of Jan-

uary.

I think I am going to have to keep a diary of Jim Murphy’s press releases.

He appears to have either shares in The Times or is on buddy terms with the editor.

In last Wednesday’s edition he had utterances in two separate pages, two pictures, and was quoted in the editorial.

He has moved on from his much criticised employment of 1000 nurses from the proceeds of the mansion tax, to advocating for less women being sent to jail, wanting to nationalise the railways, and trying to convince ‘Yes’ voters that he isn’t really a unionist.

He explains his betrayal of his party roots and getting into bed with Cameron, Clegg and Miliband at the referendum as a “temporary alignment.”

I think we are seeing the creation of an even more devious barrow boy than Tony Blair.

I wonder if he has time to remember he is the MP for East Renfrewshire?

Maybe he should be telling us of his achievements for his constituency in preventing closures and creating jobs instead of presenting himself as First Minister of a country that hasn’t elected him yet.

It’s not good to repeat statements, but I feel I must emphasise that, in 8 weeks time, once again, the future of Scotland will be in your hands, and don’t fall for that old con trick of vote labour to keep the Tories out, it doesn’t work.

Watch this space Dr Don

ELECTION UNCERTAINTY INTERIM and contract opportunities fall over election uncertainty • Employment opportunities fall by 1% over election uncertainty • Digital and construction demand leads the way • Skills shortages push up contractor rates New analysis of the contract recruitment market reveals that there has been a marginal drop in vacancy levels (1%) when compared to the same time last year.

The recruitment specialist, which compiled the research, attributes this to a slowdown in recruitment activity in the latter months of 2014 as uncertainty surrounding the general election gained momentum.

This is in keeping with findings from The Association of Professional Staffing Companies which reveals that a potential Conservative victory, which would mean an in-out referendum vote on the UK’s membership of the EU, will only serve to create even more uncertainty around the job market.

Digital and construction sectors lead jobs growth Beneath this headline figure, analysis reveals that, despite the overall fall in vacancy levels, sectors such as construction and digital grew substantially throughout 2014.

The data reveals that within the construction arena there was an 11% increase in contract vacancies which can be attributed, in part, to wide spread development projects that have already created roles for thousands of contractors.

Elsewhere, there has been continued demand across the board for digital specialists illustrated in a 17% rise in contract vacancy levels.

Analysis attributes this large-

ly to the ongoing convergence of technology into business activity and the resulting demand for professionals who can assist in embedding and installing complex systems into pre-existing infrastructure.

Skills shortages push up contractor rates Analysis also reveals that several sectors are contending with acute skill shortages which is, in turn, prompting employers to turn to the contractor market to source the requisite skill sets to ensure work levels are maintained.

Across the digital arena, for example, the most highly sought after professionals – including infrastructure project consultants and service development managers - are able to secure rates in excess of £550 per day.

The analysis clearly demonstrates the critical role that contractors play in the success of UK businesses.

Despite the overall fall in vacancy levels as a result of caution surrounding the looming election, 2014 was an incredibly positive year for employers and contractors.

The only dark cloud on the horizon is the true extent to which the election result will have on the recruitment landscape.

While we know from conversations with clients that they will be focussing on hiring business critical staff in the lead up to the election, what we don’t know is how hiring could change if, for example, the UK is faced with the prospect of an in-out referendum vote on the UK’s membership of the EU, or worse still a hung parliament.

Consequently the coming months could be a real gamer changer for the recruitment landscape.

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32

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HOUSING OPTIONS REDUCE HOMELESS APPLICATIONS SCOTTISH local authorities providing housing options have reduced the number of homelessness applications, according to figures from Scotland’s chief statistician.

According to the first published statistics, half of households who contacted councils using the Housing Options Approach for assistance between April-September 2014 went on to make a homelessness application.

The Scottish Government-funded Housing Options Approach allows households to contact local authorities who will investigate alternatives to a homelessness assessment.

A quarter of people who contacted participating councils remained in their existing accommodation, while a further quarter found alternative accommodation.

Scottish Government housing minister said: “It is vital prevention activity, such as Housing Options, continues to result in many more people avoiding the misery of homelessness.

“The Scottish Government’s Housing Options Approach funding programme, already backed by investment of £950,000 and a commitment of a further £150,000 for 2015/16, has helped local authorities embrace prevention.

“Council staff are assisting households to consider their range of housing options to address their housing needs in order to help prevent homelessness before it occurs.

“Rather than only accepting a homelessness application council homelessness services will work with employability, mental health, money advice and family mediation services.”

Shelter Scotland released a statement saying it is “encouraging to see that around 50 percent of families and individuals were given assistance and avoided making a homelessness application”.

The housing charity added: “Hous-

ing options is a positive step forward and these figures show that for many, the scheme works.

“However, it is worrying to see that contact was lost with around 1 in 10 people who approached their local authorities for help and advice.

We need to know more about what is happening to these more than 2,500 families and individuals to see if more can be done to help them.

“For the scheme to work for everyone who needs help, local authorities need to have more social homes available to truly offer a full range of housing options.

We think the Scottish Government needs to ensure that 10,000 new homes for social rent are built each year for the foreseeable future in order to tackle the housing crisis and give homeless people a full range of housing options that has the person and their needs at the centre of the process.”

Empty shops and properties which are “blighting” Scotland’s town centres could be transformed into affordable housing thanks to a new £4 million fund.

The Town Centre Empty Homes Fund will provide grant and loan funding to help increase the supply of housing in Scotland’s urban and rural towns.

The Fund, which will open for bids shortly, will offer funding to regenerate both homes which have been lying empty for long periods of time, and to convert empty commercial spaces into residential accommodation.

The properties will then be available for affordable rent or sale.

It comes on top of the work of the Shelter Scotland managed Empty Homes Partnership which recently had its funding doubled and received a three year extension, to help bring more private sector empty homes back into use.

The Scottish Government’s am-

bition to give communities across Scotland greater access to purchase land for the benefit of local people is to be welcomed, but the “devil’s in the detail”, according to the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs, climate change and environment committee.

The committee’s comments came as it publishes a report on aspects of the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill.

One of the key aims of the proposed Bill is to simplify the rightto-buy process for urban and rural communities living in Scotland.

Convener of the committee said the land reform is “a continuing and complex process”.

He added: “The committee agrees that the government’s proposed changes have the potential to bring equality of opportunity for Scotland’s urban and rural communities, while balancing this with the need to protect the rights of land owners.

However it is vital that the government addresses the detailed issues which were highlighted in evidence so that Scotland’s communities can be properly supported in their ambitions to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to their areas and to future generations.”

“The devil’s in the detail and some fundamental issues are still to be addressed.

“For example, the government is yet to pin down an agreed definition of ‘eligible land’; which community bodies can apply to buy; and what kind of support will be in place to help communities fulfil their aspirations.

“The committee is also concerned that details on costs for communities and landowners, such as legal costs arising from appeals, costs to communities in preparing and developing proposals and bids and the costs to public bodies of providing support to communities remain unclear.”

The rural affairs, climate change and environment committee’s report highlights a range of issues, including: • Many stakeholders support the introduction of the new power extending the community right-to-buy where there is no willing seller, but the majority viewed it as a power of last resort, when other methods and negotiations had failed.

They considered that the existence of the power would, however, have an important role in incentivising negotiation.

• Agricultural land should be exempt from right to buy unless it fails to meet “good agricultural and environmental condition”.

• Land which is intended for recognised conservation or environmental purposes should also be exempt

from right to buy.

• The difficulties faced by communities seeking to exercise their right to buy and the importance that appropriate support and funding is available to all communities across Scotland.

• The Committee agrees with those stakeholders who consider that the mapping requirements for community right-to-buy are excessive and considers that there is a need to streamline the mapping process and simplify the information requirements.

• The provisions of the Bill could have gone further, but the Committee views the Bill as part of a wider process of land reform and the considers that, once amended as recommended by the Committee, should resolve many of the problems of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

Help to Adapt pilot scheme Link Group, working closely with its subsidiary Horizon, has been awarded a contract by Scottish Government to deliver its pilot Help to Adapt Scheme.

Help to Adapt is a Scottish Government scheme designed to make it easier and safer for older people to use the equity in their own homes to pay for adaptations and to encourage older people to be proactive in adapting their home to enable their long term independence.

SFHA gives evidence to Devolution Committee THE Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) 15 January gave evidence to the Devolution Committee at the Scottish Parliament about further powers for Scotland, alongside SCVO, STUC Inclusion Scotland and the Poverty Alliance.

The SFHA focussed on housing cost elements in Universal Credit, fuel poverty and

intergovernmental working.

As part of its evidence, the federation referred to its call for the roll-out of Universal Credit to be suspended in Scotland until the process of legislating for new powers for the Scottish Parliament is complete.

The SFHA highlighted the open letter signed by 56 other organisations backing its call.

Commenting after giving evidence, Mary Taylor, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “While the Smith Agreement does not go as far as we - and many others - had proposed, it did recommend significant powers over elements of welfare, energy and fiscal powers that could have a significant impact on tenants and social landlords.

Responding to questions about administrative and other powers relating to housing costs, Dr Taylor commented: “We hope that administrative powers for the housing cost element of Universal Credit can be transferred reasonably quickly.

The timetable envisaged for power to vary, which almost certainly requires legislation,

www.milnbank.org.uk

means that we would not see changes before the autumn.”

In regards to fuel poverty and energy price regulation, Dr Taylor urged the committee to ensure that proposed powers to scrutinise the work of Ofgem were adequate to allow them to be effective.

The SFHA is on the Stakeholder Group which was set up by the Scotland Office to

advise the Draft Clauses bill team.

The federation is committed to engaging with the entire process that follows on from the Smith Agreement, to draft, pass and enact legislation giving new powers to Scotland.

In the meantime the SFHA is in dialogue with DWP on the call for roll-out.

Tollcross Housing Association 84 Braidfauld Street Tollcross Glasgow, G32 8PJ

Tel: 0141 763 1317

33

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

It’s showtime! ARENACROSS - The UK’s hottest new show races into the Glasgow SSE Hydro on Saturday 7th February 2015 GENN

SPORT IN BRIEF HAWKS COACH GLASGOW Hawks have confirmed the appointment of Jimmy Sinclair as their new Head Coach following the departure of Jamie Dempsey.

GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONS

TEES West of Scotland Table Tennis Grand Prix 2015 is heading for the Gorbals on Saturday/ Sunday, January 31 and February 1.

Glasgow Club Gorbals, in Ballater Street, will stage what should be a top-class tournament, and help anyone keen to take up the sport.

CHARITY NIGHT

GLASGOW Panthers Wheelchair Sports Club are holding a Charity Night at Shettleston Juniors Club on Friday, February 20.

Tickets are £6, on a first come, first served basis.

Any raffle donations would be greatly appreciated.

The evening will include a buffet, disco and raffles.

GIRLS’ RUGBY

GLASGOW East Rugby Club are aiming to start an S1 girls team this year.

Call 07717653726 for more information.

CHARITY GAME RE-ARRANGED

A TWICE-POSTPONED charity game to raise money for a local foodbank has been re-arranged for Easter Sunday.

Supporters of Celtic and Rangers were due to play each other at Glasgow Green Football Centre, but weather conditions of ice and snow forced organiser Joe Reid into coming up with a new date - proceeds from which will go the foodbank at Helenvale Street, Parkhead.

Said Joe: “This new arrangement will give us added time to plan other things.”

WEST EDGE CUP THRILLER

AN exhilarating night of live entertainment for the whole family headlined by some of the biggest action sports heroes in the world. ARENACROSS www.arenacrossuk. com is superfast motocross racing, lights, lasers, fireworks, music, freestyle motocross, crashes, pure grit and passion.

Recently voted the best new Arena show in the UK, 3,000 tonnes of earth will transform the arena into a dirt paradise, shaped into whoops, berms, table tops and set off with an eye wateringly huge freestyle ramp in the middle.

The unique mix of heady racing action from the top pro’s and youth racers in the UK and the rest of the world merges into a jaw-dropping freestyle show guaranteed to give you the thrill of a lifetime.

The racing sees a line-up

of pro’s from the UK, France, Italy, Australia, South Africa the USA and more, an intoxicating mix of British, European, World Champions, Grand Prix racers, supercross riders and outdoor motocross racing stars.

Expect a glittering show opener, breath-taking crazy Freestyle Motocross, pyrotechnics, lights and lasers.

The freestyle part of the evening or ‘FMX’ will be headlined by one of the biggest global action sports stars in world. Edgar Torronteras X-Games Gold medallist is a living legend who defies gravity on a 100kg motocross bike throwing the biggest whips, tricks and flips ever at an astonishing 45ft in the air across a mind blowing 75ft gap.

An original show man and master of entertainment, in

2014 he added beat boxing in front of the crowds to the lineup and this year he has something super special to wow the crowds with.

Edgar will headline alongside Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalists Dan Whitby and Samson Eaton, as well as Jamie Squibb and Dave ‘Disco’ Wiggins.

Jaws will drop, breath will be taken away, and hearts will race. The coolest, hardest sport on the planet and brings adulation and glory from millions of fans across the globe.

SYFA West Region endured a thrilling Under-15 clash before edging out South West 4-3 in the opening match of the Inter Region Cup at Sir Alex Ferguson Park, Braehead.

Several local Boys’ Club players were involved as the

holders raced into a 4-0 lead after 22 minutes.

Rowan Gibson opened the scoring after two minutes.

Six minutes later, Marc McBeth doubled their advantage. Captain Lewis Patterson and and Greg Murphy added

more goals prior to half-time.

Gavin Todd hit back for South West with goals in 63 and 64 minutes. Ben Bonner chipped home a third after 67 minutes, and the same player almost salvaged a draw when he hit the post late on

GENN SPORT FEEDBACK

To Tom Scott and the GENN staff Just received Issue 146. A big thanks to you and the East End GENN newspaper, who cover the best of East End Glasgow’s local footballnews.

You at the GENN done the full back page on our club’s accomplishment’s for 2014.

We feel that local news, sup-

porting local teams, is the best to get our club, Budhill Football Academy, the credit we deserve.

“We have 14 teams going into the Central Lanarkshire League.

We also have a great new coaching apprenticeship for 2015, providing coaches with the possibility of moving on to

SPL teams.

“Stay with the GENN and find all details over the next 3 weeks.

P.S. Active East have put it on their Facebook as well as us, and everyone I know.

Thanks again, Tom. Yours in Sport, Billy (McNaught) Budhill Football Academy.

GENN

NEW WRESTLING FACILITY FOLLOWING the BBC Documentary “Insane Fight Club” Glasgow has seen a massive increase in the popularity of wrestling.

The documentary recently shown on BBC has created a buzz throughout the British wrestling scene and no more so than Glasgow which has seen an explosion in interest and one training facility in Glasgow city centre “Glasgow Pro Wrestling Asylum” now offers a solution to aspiring young wrestlers.

Barry Young, a barman/ pro

wrestle wrote recently to tell us he was involved with wrestling.

The wrestling being in the same way that has been shown recently on the BBC Documentary “Insane Fight Club”. He told us the buzz at the moment is around one of their wrestlers, Grado.

Grado has become very popular recently which has helped out the British wrestling scene.

As a coach at the new wrestling training facility in Glasgow we offer training to aspiring young wrestlers and people who want to try something

new.

We are lucky enough to have reached a total of 30 trainees, all who are avid fans of the work Insane Championship Wrestling.

ICW were the focus of the BBC documentary and also where Grado shot to fame The facility recently had a brand new bunch of 15 trainees attending their first class tomorrow.

New members welcome to come meet the team. 84 Lister street, the old Tedesco Tiles.

Next to City of God.

SPONSOR YOUR LOCAL SPORTS PAGES advertising@thegenn.co.uk

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34

GENN

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

GLASGOW City F.C. celebrate beating FC Zurich 5-4 on aggregate to reach the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Photo kindly supplied by Andy Buist.

GLASGOW City F.C. have resumed pre-season training in preparation for the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

In just under two month’s time, last season’s Scottish domestic treble winners will meet French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who out knocked Olympique Lyon 2-1 on aggregate in the last 16 of Europe’s most elite club competition.

Few thought PSG would survive the two-leg test against Lyon, who have won the cup twice and been finalists in four out of the past five years.

German-born striker Fatmire Alushi is part of a cosmopolitan and high-profile squad selection, which includes Swedish duo Caroline Seger and Kosovare Asilani, plus American star Lindsey Horan.

Alushi certainly proved her worth in both last 16 games -

scoring a first-leg, second half equaliser against Lyon, and the winning goal 10 minutes from time when the pair met again at the Stade de Gerland.

Remarkably, Glasgow City, PSG and Bristol Academy WFC have never reached this level.

Only two former winners are in the Quarter-Finals.

FFC Frankfurt and title holders VFL Wolfsburg, who are aiming to lift the trophy for the third year in a row.

Last-eight fixtures are due on 21/22 March, and 28/29 March.

Semi-Finals will be played on 18/19 April, and 25/26 April.

I can also exclusively reveal Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark in Berlin will stage the Finalon Thursday, May 14.

CUP DRAWS:Quarter-Finals - FFC Frankfurt v Bristol

Academy WFC; VFL Wolfsburg (holders) v FC Rosengard;Glasgow City F.C. v Paris Saint-Germain; Linkopings FC v Brondby IF. Semi-Finals - VFL Wolfsburg (holders) or FC Rosengard v Glasgow City F.C. or Paris Saint Germain;FFC Frankfurt or Bristol Academy WFC v Linkopings FC or Brondby IF. Meanwhile, City have wasted no time in signing players during the winter recess.

Newcomers include Megan Cunningham(Hamilton Accies), Rhonda Jones (Celtic), Scotland Under-19 Youth internationalist Georgie Rafferty, Erin Cuthbert (Rangers), and Hayley Lauder, who has already played in the Champions League and was previously with Vittsjo GIK (Sweden).

Eilish McSorley has signed for Swedish club Mallbacken.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL MID SEASON REPORT

THE festive holidays have long since gone - now it is full steam ahead for teams chasing silverware, league title/promotion, and avoiding relegation.

Junior clubs in East and North Glasgow certainly have plenty to aim for until early June.

GENN Sport has been taking a close look at their respective Mid-Season Report Cards.

PETERSHILL: Tipped by many - including the bookies to be relegated alongside newly-promoted Shotts Bon Accord before a ball was kicked in the Super Premier Division.

Considering they brought in 14 new players last summer and suffered a shock Scottish Junior Cup First Round defeat at North Region hosts, Hermes, co-boss Willie Paterson and his backroom staff will be reasonably satisfied with the work in progress.

PRIORITY: Apart from a top-six finish, holding onto to tricky winger Mark Lamont, who has been outstanding.

SHETTLESTON: Stepped up to the Super First Division with District champions Neilston Juniors, who have struggled to find a consistent run of form.

In contrast, Town are firmly in the promotion pack.

Pollok look a shoe-in for the title, but for my money there was not much between the pair when the Glasgow South Side club won 4-3 at Newlandsfield Park earlier this month.

Should they secure back-toback promotions, more depth

will be required in the Greenfield Park squad.

PRIORITY: Having midfielder Brian McEwan back fit again following a long-term ankle injury would be like a new signing.

MARYHILL: Finished four points above the Central District First Division relegation zone last term, and must be looking at a mid-table berth this time.

BSC Glasgow are using Lochburn Park for their Lowland League fixtures and, given the winter weather, supporters may not see the best of ‘Hill until underfoot conditions firm-up again.

PRIORITY: Building on the platform of blending experience with young players coming through their Under-21 set-up.

VALE OF CLYDE: The Tollcross club won District Division promotion behind champions Blantyre Vics in 2014.

Losing prolific striker Scott McManus to Clyde was a hammer blow, but it again demonstrated that young talent will get a chance to shine at Fullarton Park.

PRIORITY: Avoiding an immediate return-journey back to the District Second Division.

ASHFIELD: Amazing to think the famous old Possilpark club could suffer a third successive relegation blow this term.

Former manager Stevie Rankin took them through the lower divisions and into the top-flight before moving to Irvine Meadow in 2012-2013.

That blow came after Ash-

field lost a two-leg play-off against Largs Thistle, who moved in the opposite direction.

With a much-changed squad since, it has been a frustrating time for all concerned.

PRIORITY: With their longterm future now guaranteed thanks to businessmen Gerry and Michael Facenna, a rebuilding job will be required on and the park.

GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE: Like Ashfield, the Keppoch Park club have dropped like a stone through the divisions in recent years.

Should have built on a great West of Scotland Cup victory against Super First Division visitors , Rutherglen Glencairn, earlier this season, but Rossvale are the surprise packets in the Central District Second Division, and the race to fill three available promotion places could go down to the wire.

PRIORITY: Putting a run of results together away from Keppoch Park.

ST ROCH: Only Newmains conceded more goals (80) last season as the Garngad finished third-bottom in the Second Division.

Improving their 16 points-tally from 20 games would be seen as genuine progression.

Now under new management, we mayneed to wait until next season for a tilt with promotion at James McGrory Park.

PRIORITY: Maintaining good links with the local community, and blooding further local amateur football talent.

GENN SPORT - INSIDE TRACK WINTER CARPET BOWLS WESTERCOMMON Star joined Cranhill United in reaching the Sixth Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy.

Star beat Westhill A.F.C. 5-2, and now travel to Cross Tavern, who defeated Shotts Y.M. A.F.C. 2-0.

Cranhill are away against Newtown East Calder after they crushed Brucefield A.F.C. 7-2.

In the Fosters Scottish Amateur (Saturday) Cup Fifth Round, South Camlachie Y.P. lost 7-1 at Woodside A.F.C. MARYHILL Black Star A.F.C. came through the Fifth Round of the Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Blantyre RGM.

The game was tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Scorers: Colin Graham, Gerard Divers and Sean Magee. Top Player award went to Alex Docherty.

Has there ever been a more open Scottish Under-21 Youth Cup? Only one former winner Harmony Row - has reached the Quarter-Finals, and the list features all eight clubs from the LSK Supplies-backed West of Scotland Youth League.

The national tournament is sponsored by Trans World Soccer, and the full draw is: Rossvale v St Peters Giffnock North, Antonine v Baillieston Juniors, Wishaw Wanderers v West Park United, and Harmony Row v St Mirren YFC.

Games are due on Saturday, January 31.

Scottish Cup 2002 age group Quarter- Final draw: Mill United v Gairdoch United, Wolves B.C. v Jerviston, Tynecastle F.C. v Lewis Y.C., and Banks ‘O Dee v Glenvale.

SYFA West Region Under-17s beat Arthurlie B.C. 3-2 in a friendly, while their Under-19 squad lost 3-1 against Strathaven Dynamo.

BARGEDDIE Amateurs are hoping to reform next season, and play in the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Football League.

I understand a number of bounce games and training sessions are being organised, so why not give them a call on 07854032058.

INDIVIDUAL Competitions have produced some tremendous indoor action, writes JACK HIGH. First Round. NORTH BRITISH venue.

SINGLES Whitevale 5,Springboig 12.

PAIRS - Shettleston 1,Garrowhill 13 .

TRIPLES - Garrowhill 10 Mount Vernon 0.

RINK - Mount Vernon 8, Garrowhill 6 after extra end.

First Round. SPRINGBOIG venue.

SINGLES - Shettleston 11, Mount Vernon 2.

PAIRS - North British 4,Whitevale 5.

TRIPLES - North British 5, Shettleston 7after extra end.

RINK - North British

7,Whitevale 6.

First Round. MOUNT VERNON venue.

SINGLES - Garrowhill 3, North British 11.

PAIRS -Sandyhills 4,Springboig 10.

TRIPLES – Springboig 2, Sandyhills 5 after extra end.

RINK – Sandyhills 4, Springboig 6.

Venue 4 Byes SINGLES - Sandyhills.

PAIRS- Mount Vernon.

TRIPLES - Whitevale.

RINK - Shettleston.

Semi-Finals.

SHETTLESTON venue.

SINGLES - North British 6,Shettleston 1.

PAIRS Springboig 6,Whitevale 5 after extra end.

TRIPLES - Sandyhills 4,Shettleston 7.

RINK - Springboig 6, North British 11.

Semi-Finals.SANDYHILLS venue.

SINGLES - Springboig 5, Sandyhills 4.

PAIRS - Garrowhill 9,Mount Vernon 3.

TRIPLES - Garrowhill 12, Whitevale 4.

RINK - Mount Vernon 1, Shettleston 8..

Finals. Garrowhill venue.

SINGLES - North British 1, Springboig 7.

PAIRS - Springboig4, Garrowhill 12.

TRIPLES - Garrowhill12, Shettleston 1.

RINK - North British 7, Shettleston 4.

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...

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35

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS MATCH ACTION REPORTS

LSK West of Scotland Cup, Round Two - Wishaw W Wands 0 Goldenhill 4; Bonnyton v Rossvale; Maryhill Juniors v Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Johnstone Burgh 3, Broomhill 0; Holytown Colts 0, Antonine 1; Pollok Juvs 1, St Peters G.N 1 (4-3 on pens); Dumbarton or Tower Hearts v Port Glasgow.

Round Three - Gleniffer v Giffnock; Campsie Black Watch v Antonine; Baillieston Juniors v Pollok Juvs; Crookston v Harmony Row; Bonnyton or Rossvale v Bishopton; E.K. Rolls Royce v Goldenhill; Tower Hearts or Port Glasgow v Maryhill Juniors or Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Johnstone Burgh v Vale of Leven.

Birdston Kennels League Cup, Quarter finals - Rossvale v Bonnyton; Goldenhill v Harmony Row; Arsenal or Antonine or Wishaw W Wands v Rutherglen Glencairn; Tower Hearts or E.K. Rolls Royce v Pollok or Baillieston Juniors.

Birdston Kennels Glasgow

Cup, Quarter-Finals - Rosebank v Renfrewshire Thistle; Barrhead Arthurlie v Giffnock S.C. Or Westfield Colts; Maryhill Juniors or West Park v Albion Rovers; St Mirren v Bishopton or Crookston.

Round One - Maryhill 2, Calderhill 1.

Only Sport League Cup, Quarter-Finals - St Mirren v Bishopton; Renfrewshire Thistle v Castlemilk B.C. ; Holytown Colts v Calderhill; Erskine v West Park.

Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, First Round - St Peters Giffnock North 0, Eastwood 2; Rossvale 3, Sauchie 2; E.K.Rolls Royce 3, Harmony Row 2; Arsenal 0, Glasgow University 2; Wishaw W Wands 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 4; Bonnyton 2, Steins 2 (2-4 on pens); Tower Hearts v Campsie Black Watch; Port Glasgow0, Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs 1; EKFC v Claremont; Vale of Leven v KirkieRob Roy 21s. Six Byes.

Second Round - Eastwood v Glencairn; Rossvale v Pollok; Antonine bye; Steins v Glasgow University; Port Glasgow or Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs v EKFC or Claremont; Baillieston Juniors v Johnstone Burgh; Goldenhill v Tower Hearts or Campsie; E.K. Rolls Royce v Vale of Leven or Kirkie Rob Roy 21s.

Premier Division -Johnstone Burgh 2, Steins 3; Rutherglen Glencairn 1, Rossvale 1.

First Division - Sauchie 4, Eastwood 3; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 2, Victoria F.C. 6; Sauchie 3, Wishaw W Wands 7.

Second Division - Gleniffer Thistle 4, Albion Rovers 0.

Third Division - Giffnock S.C. 1, Bridgend 6.

National Lady Darling Cup Draw, Quarter finals - : Penicuik v Bishopton; Giffnock Soccer Centre v Victoria F.C.; Rutherglen Glencairn v Johnstone Burgh; Musselburgh Windsor v Gleniffer Thistle.

Games to be played on Saturday, February 7.

GLASGOW North East Bowling League will hold their Annual General Meeting at Garrowhill on Friday, March 13 (7.30pm), writes JACK HIGH. Lengthy agenda on the cards, and clubs must be represented.

Next season’s campaign will feature 10 clubs in both First and Second Divisions, with promotion and relegation.

FOXLEY Annual General Meeting is due on Tuesday, February 10, at 7.30pm.

SHETTLESTON have confirmed their AGM is going ahead at Culrain Street on Tuesday, March 10 (7.30pm).

A good turn-out of members is requested.

TUESDAY, April 7, is the date set aside for the annual Winter Carpet Bowls League star-studded Presentation Evening at Garrowhill.

SPRINGBOIG Bowling Club have a new delegate dealing with the Winter League business - Gavin Paterson, who replaces Andrew Lindsay.

GARROWHILL players - 33 in total - enjoyed their yearly Festive Cup competition at West of Scotland Indoor Arena, Shawfield.

Winners were John Johnstone, Billy Kay and Alex Whitelaw. Team with the “Highest Number of Points” featured John Thomson, Steven Boyle and James Gardiner.

FOXLEY in-coming President Andrew Shea has revealed the East End club received a warm welcome from Bailie John McLaughlin and his wife, Anne, when Glasgow City Council organised a Civic Reception to mark their Centenary Season.

Invited guests from Bowls Scotland and the Lanarkshire Bowling Association also attended.

Bailie McLaughlin offered his congratulations, and President Ian Duff, having been newly crowned Club Champion, replied on behalf of Foxley.

Said Andrew: “We are about to begin planning for the new

season, and plan to run Community Days over the summer to allow the local community to try out Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth Games sport in a fun and friendly environment.”

OPENING DAYS: Clubs throughout our circulation area will stage their individual Opening Days on either the second or third Saturday in April.

GENN Sport would like to cover as many as possible.

I am also seeking a copy of Club Handbooks, which detail all newly appointed Officials, and a list of competitions, friendlies and charity days, right through to closing time in early October.

Men’s and Ladies’ Sections will feature on these pages.

Contact me via the GENN Sports Desk with YOUR club’s details.

Please provide a landline or mobile number where I can speak with the club representative/secretary.

CRANHILL UNITED A.F.C. ...through to the Sixth Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy, and sponsored

by David Millen Quality Butcher, 427 Carntynehall Road.

GLASGOW Speedway Tigers will open their 2015 season with the traditional Spring Trophy double-header against rivals Edinburgh Monarchs.

The home leg, on March 29, will provide fans and riders with the first opportunity to test out upgraded facilities at Ashfield Stadium, where a ma-

jor refurbishment programme is underway after new owners, brothers Gerry and Michael Facenna, of Allied Vehicles, guaranteed Tigers and the junior club a brighter future.

GST, led by No 1 Richard Lawson, head to Armadale the following Friday (April 3) for the second leg of the Spring Trophy.

The League Cup starts off on April 4, with a first-leg visit to Berwick Bandits (7pm).

The all important league ties against Edinburgh Monarchs are scheduled for June 12 and June 14. * Stay with GENN Sport and follow the fortunes of Glasgow Speedway Tigers throughout next season.

CRANHILL UNITED 5, DUNDEE SOCIAL 1.

UNITED led 2-0 at half-time in the Fifth Round of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy.

Chris Boyce made the breakthrough and Andy Dorrans added a second.

Paul Ross hit a superb 30 yarder, Dorrans added his own second, and substitute Gary Rae made it 5-0 before the Tayside visitors netted their consolation.

In the previous round, Craig Halliday’s magnificent free kick and a Paul Martin double helped Cranhill defeat Roslin Da Vinci 3-2.

Callum Skene and Craig Donaldson scored for the Lothian team.

Cranhill United Team Sponsor/After- Match Food Supplier - David Millen Quality Butcher, 427 Carntynehall Road.

LESMAHAGOW 4, VALE OF CLYDE 0.

GOW produced a powerful second half display to claim the points at Craighead Park.

Man of the Match James Coffey converted a Ross Hastie cross for their opening goal.

After the interval Coffey was left unmarked to net from six yards.

A Jonny McStay run and cross found Jamie Hamilton, who lashed home No 3.

Gow could have went further ahead when John Logan was upended for a penalty.

However,’keeper Jon Connolly saved Hamilton’s 12 yard spot kick.

The homesters did increase their lead.

Logan sent over over from the right, and Jonny McStay made no mistake.

POLLOK UNITED 3, FINNART 4.

UNDER-16 friendly.

United led three times (3-2 at half-time), but Finnart hit back through Ryan Martin, David

It is a condition of acceptance of advertisement orders that the proprietors of this newspaper do not guarantee the insertion of any particular specified dates or at all,

although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers. The proprietors reserve the right to alter or reclassify any advertisement to conform with the policy of the

paper.

These regulations expressly prohibit advertising which claims that a trader has been endorsed or authorised by a body when they have not and

prohibits the use of editorial content to promote a product when the trader has paid for the promotion without stating that it is an advertisement.

Claims that a trader is ceasing

AROUND THE GREENS

SPEEDWAY DOUBLE-HEADER

Fraser, Kian O’Neil, and an own goal.

EAST KILBRIDE THISTLE 3, ST ROCH 2.

CANDY Rock will reckon they should have taken at least taken a point from Show Park.

Maguire converted a Shiels free kick, but Jags levelled through Johnstone.

O’Hanlon hit a double (3-1) before Maguire netted again late on.

ROSSVALE 4, ST ROCH 3.

VALE romped into a 4-0 lead (3-0 half-time).

Candy finished with eight players, but reduced the leeway through Chris McFadyen (2 pens), and loan signing Jamie Johnstone at Petershill Park.

SHETTLESTON 2, ARDEER 1.

TOWN regained second-top place thanks to a 91st minute winner from Paul Martin.

Ardeer had gone ahead through Marty McGregor after 50 minutes. Town missed a penalty, but Kenny Marshall equalised before the Greenfield Park club struck in time added on.

ST ANTHONY 0, VALE OF CLYDE 5.

IN keeping with the weather, Ants were blown away by the Tin Pail, whose goals came from Hepburn (2), Longridge, Stevenson and Kasabundi.

David McKay made a successful comeback following a long term injury.

BEITH v PETERSHILL. LATE call-off after a morning inspection passed the pitch.

Lanark v Ashfield, Wishaw v Maryhill (storm damage), and Johnstone Burgh v Glasgow Perthshire was also ruled out on January 10.

The weather was even worse a week later.

Following Friday snow, a host of cup and league fixtures were postponed, and every match in the West Region was called off. trading or moving when that is not the case and false claims (or creating the impression) the trader is not acting in the course of a business are also prohibited.

MARYHILL BLACK STAR 5, ROBSLEE 3 (AET) In the Colville Park West of Scotland Amateur Cup. Jamie Docherty (2), Alex Docherty, Colin Graham and Scott Gibson.

Top player vote - Robert Lawson.

VICTORIA CROFTFOOT 1, MARYHILL BLACK STAR 2.

GOALS from Alex Docherty and David Carson in the Strathclyde Cup Second Round.

Top player - Brian Brown.

MARYHILL BLACK STAR 6, SOUTH LANARKSHIRE 1.

LEAGUE game.

Scorers: Man of the Match Jamie Docherty (2), Alex Docherty (2), David Carson and Mark Carlin.

HOUSTON 2, MARYHILL BLACK STAR 4.

WEST Cup Fourth Round.

Counters from Alex Docherty, Mark Carlin, Scott Gibson and Sean Magee. Top Player - Robert Lawson.

HAGHILL A.F.C. 5, ROLLING BARREL 2.

MAN of the Match James Simpson inspired ‘Hill to a great League Cup win.

Scorers: William McArthur (2), Richard Perriss, Calvin Scolin, and James Smith.

The Quarter-Final result gave Haghill revenge after they lost against Rolling Barrel in last year’s final.

Haghill Team Sponsor - Milnbank Housing Association.

PETERSHILL 3, ST ROCH 0.

CANDY Rock fielded a handful of trialists in their Wednesday evening friendly, which took place in far from ideal weather conditions.

WHIFFLET 1, TYNECASTLE A.F.C. 1 (4-5 on pens).

STRATHCLYDE Cup Second Round, eventually decided on penalties. Deary scored for Tynie.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

GENN

YOUR SPORT WITH TOM SCOTT

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ACADEMY RAISES BREAST CANCER CASH

KIND-HEARTED goalkeepers and parents at Scotland’s longest-running coaching structure have raised a substantial cash sum for Breast Cancer Care.

Shot Stoppers, who celebrated their 20th anniversary last season, organised a special “pink” Group Three coaching session at Petershill Park.

The most experienced and successful goalkeepers in their set-up - including one ex-senior signing, Scottish Cup and club Player of the Year winners - all wore a variety of colourful kits whilst raising £800.

Pre-session, sponsored sheets were distributed and completed, while donations were accepted from parents and younger Academy goalkeepers - some of whom donated their pocket money to the cause!

Specialist Group Three Coach Chris Todd revealed: “The idea behind this came from hearing that one of my goalkeepers had been informed his mother was di-

agnosed with breast cancer, and would require hospital surgery.

“We were all completely stunned to such an extent East End-based Cameron Sinclair, a valued member of Group Three and one of the many talented goalkeepers to advance through our development system, suggested doing a pink stint at Petershill Park.

“Due to the nature of this situation, we decided to keep everything low key in the planning process, and only reveal all on the day itself. The response that followed has been absolutely fantastic.

“On behalf of the whole coaching staff, I want to thank everyone for their kindness and support.

Raising £800 has been superb, and it has been decided that every year from now onwards we will do a charity coaching session, whereby everyone can dress up in a nominated colour.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeping success stories have seldom

PLAYERS WANTED

GOALKEEPERS at Boys’ Club, Amateur or Junior Football level for specialist winter coaching sessions under floodlights at New Petershill Park.

To pre-register, please call 07403452960.

BUDHILL Football Academy (East End) are offering Football For Girls in four new age group teams.

Call them as follows: Under-15 - 07876128464, Under-13 - 07554232193, Under-11 – 07960344563, and Under-9 07734919930.

BUDHILL Football Academy 2003 team are moving up from 7-a-side to 11-a-side football, and will be signing new players. Call 074553306788.

BUDHILL Football Football have spaces in other age groups for new talent.

Contact numbers are listed.

Boys born 2009 – 07515888624.

Boys born 2008- 07534522141.

Boys born 2007 - 07412964163.

Boys born 2005 - 07765538006.

Boys born 2004 - 07867507009.

BUDHILL Football Academy are S.F.A. Approved, have First Aid certificates, and Child Protection clearance.

Additional coaches are always welcome.

FINNART need goalkeepers born 2003 (one), 2006 (one), and 2007 (two).

Call Jamie Marr on 07903886708.

SHETTLESTON Juniors Football Coaching Academy require players in a variety of different age groups.

Youngsters will be coached three times a week at Greenfield Football Centre, Duror Street, and a Sunday afternoon (1pm2pm) on the Juniors’ Greenfield Park.

Email: tracy@shettlestonjuniorsfootballclub.co.uk.

Coaches also welcome.

SOUTH CAMLACHIE under-19s seek a goalkeeper.

Telephone 07886910913.

been far away from Shot Stoppers since 1994 - and the trend looks set to continue!

Two Development/ Kit Awards have been won by Dylan Porter and George Marshall.

Group Two Coach Jonny Fyfe admitted: “Both of these lads have reaped the benefit of our twice-weekly sessions.

Given the high standard of goalkeepers on board just now, Dylan and George should be congratulated on their success.”

A recent Shot Stoppers newcomer, Airdrie Pro-Youth signing Callum Kinvig, has immediately made a big impression on staff.

He represented Scotland at the recent International Children’s Games in Australia and won silver after final opponents Poland secured victory following a penalty-kick shoot-out.

Callum told GENN Sport: “We should have won a gold medal, and missed several

BOOTYFUL... talented Shot Stoppers goalkeepers (left to right)... Dylan Porter, Callum Kinvig, and George Marshall.

chances in a 1-1 draw before losing on penalties.

“Their goalkeeper was outstanding.

Even the Polish coach admitted we should have won

QUALITY BUDDY’S BUDHILL Football Academy have been successful in attaining

the Scottish Football Association Quality Mark.

HIBS SWOOP

HIBS Ladies have signed 21-year-old defender Emma Brownlie and 17-year- old striker Abigail Harrison from Celtic

- just a few weeks after former team-mates Chloe Arthur and Heather Richards also joined the East of Scotland club.

TITLE ODDS

BOOKMAKERS William Hill have placed Pollok at 7/2 on to

win the Super First Division title.

Shettleston are 11/2.

BLACKPOOL FUNDS FINNART have announced two functions aimed at raising money and help offset costs for participation at the Easter Blackpool Cup. A disco, for the 14-15 yearolds, will be held at Bridgeton

Simply Creative Design Ltd

Community Centre, on Saturday, February 21. Tickets are £3.

The same venue is hosting an over-21 evening - usual top-class buffet and raffle prizes - on Saturday, March 7.

Tickets are £5.

the final.

“It is great to be back at Shot Stoppers. I have worked with three of their coaches.

The variety of sessions is top-class, and I can’t speak

highly enough about the setup.”

For more information about available sessions, go to: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/shotstoppersgoalkeeping

NEW COIN DRAW

PETERSHILL are already through to the Third Round of the sponsored New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup after defeating Rossvale 6-1 at Springburn.

Three other clubs will be out to join them shortly.

Remaining cup pair-

ings are as follows: Second Round - Shettleston v Maybole Juniors, Cumbernauld United v Glasgow Perthshire, and Shotts Bon Accord v Vale of Clyde.

All will be played to a finish, with penalties straight after 90 minutes in the event of a draw.

RECRUITMENT

FOSTERS Central Scottish Amateur Football Association have started the recruitment process for new clubs applying new season.

Any team keen to be con-

sidered should, in the first instance, contact Registration Secretary Gordon Forbes by email for an information/application pack at: csaflreg@gmail. com

SPEAKERS NIGHT

BROOMHOUSE F. will host a Speakers Night as part of their 20th birthday at the Shettleston Juniors Club on Saturday, February 7.

Guest speakers are Donald Findlay and Frank McAvennie.

A few tickets remain available, and donations are welcome.

Call 07557406190.

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