The GENN Issue 153

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Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community 3

Election Guide Your local Candidates

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GENN Cartoons Election Special

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Dr Don’s View Election Roundup

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Local Sport With Tom Scott

HAVE YOUR SAY ON 7TH MAY

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For info and newspaper queries Email: info@thegenn.co.uk VERIFIED DISTRIBUTION 20000 COPIES PRINTED BI-WEEKLY

LEGAL NOTICE THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2013 Planning Pre-application Community Consultation Event.

Notice of Public Event Related to Proposed Residential Development at Carstairs Street, Dalmarnock, Glasgow, G40 4JD Spectrum Properties (Scotland) Ltd. are proposing to carry out a residential development with related works, on land accessed from Carstairs Street, Dalmarnock for the residential conversion of two buildings and a new build, for approximately 114 No. flats. We hereby invite all interested parties to attend a public meeting to be held at 103–109 French Street, Dalmarnock, G40 4EH on 11th May 2015 between the hours of 12PM and 7PM, with an informal presentation between 5PM and 7PM. Further information may be obtained from Jewitt & Wilkie Architects, 38 New City Road, Glasgow, G4 9JT, 0141 352 6929, info@jawarchitects. co.uk. Persons wishing to make comment on the proposal should do so by 18th May 2015 to Jewitt & Wilkie Architects by post or email to the address above.

This notice does not relate to a planning application. Comments should not be made to Glasgow City Council. Any comments made to the prospective applicant are not representations to the planning authority. If a planning application is subsequently submitted to Glasgow City Council, normal neighbour notification and publicity will be undertaken at that time and you will have the opportunity to make formal representations regarding the proposal at that time.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

Editor editor@thegenn.co.uk

The GENN Newspaper was launched because the team recognised the importance of connecting communities with the news.

The aim of THE GENN, is to encourage communities Glasgow East and North News and groups to get more involved in the local news agenda and to collaborate on stories and content Your voice in the community ideas. It is about working in association with you, our readers.

“We have always tried to go out into the community, understand what is going on around us and make our own contacts. But, now, we are looking to change the dynamics by giving community groups and organisations access to a low cost events promotion service which we hope will help to encourage people to get more involved with the local news agenda.”

We have a need to identify different communities, and avoid the trap that other news organisations have fallen into of assuming an ‘audience’ of consumers can be described as a community.

Although a target market might be geographically close, have a combined desire or be striving for a similar objective, the key to defining them is whether or not they are communicating with one another.

The premise behind the GENN is to identify, engage, and then work with communities rather than treat them as mute consumers or sources.

We provide the tools, the platforms, and the inspiration to bring the community’s stories to light, but then not get in the way of that story being told. This is your newspaper delivering your news help support and promote The GENN your voice in the community, all enquires to info@thegenn.co.uk

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor I want to be able to understand opposing views even if I find them unpersuasive, so I have contemplated the issue of threats to school financing from a point of view more conservative than my own. t is difficult to understand when it seems so clear to me that future cuts to our education budgets will not benefit our children and will further disparage and bring hardship to the teachers who are pouring their hearts and long hours of work into our children.

But I want to understand.

It seems the argument goes something like this: The tax cuts that have brought about our current revenue shortage will eventually improve our economy tremendously and are therefore worth our current hardships for the sake of future benefit.

Even if I thought this was a likely possibility and referred to this as an experiment.

One might venture to call it a gamble since there is no way to be certain such an economic upswing will occur.

So, here is what I want to say to those who are supporting such a gamble: It is not your money with which to gamble. This money, which you would cut from the budget of education to support your economic agenda, belongs to

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our children.

It is their education, their future, with which you are gambling.

Investing in education affects everything from the economy to crime to health care and beyond.

Furthermore, consider that many of us will grow older.

Eventually, today’s students will be our doctors, architects and bankers.

When you get cancer or build a house, invest money or drive across a bridge, their education will have crucial relevance to you.

So, to my fellow voters: Please think it through, and if you come to disagree with the way our legislators are handling school financing, let them know.

I am a liberal.

They don’t care what I have to say.

Maybe they will listen to you.

I cannot be the only voter who is increasingly repelled by the argument which both Labour and the Conservatives are putting forward, namely “The only person who can become Prime Minister after 7 May is Ed Miliband or David Cameron, so to keep David Cameron/Ed Miliband out you have to vote Labour/Conservative.”

This is an arrogant and lazy

argument. The arrogance lies in the assumption that voters should really have no choice except between the two parties who have an interest in preserving our moribund and unrepresentative political system as it is.

The argument is intellectually lazy because it is simply not true that only Miliband or Cameron can become PM. It may be overwhelmingly likely, but it is not a certainty.

And it’s a politically lazy argument because it boils down to saying, “You have to vote for us not because we actually have policies which you like, but because we’re marginally less rubbish than the other lot Name and Address Supplied Dear Editor While the over-population of this country is being blamed on the elderly, perhaps it should be borne in mind that it has been established that 25% of those giving birth are immigrants, with maternity wards being stretched to the limit, along with housing, schools, etc.

What do inept governments think will happen in 10 or 20 years, other than a population explosion?

Millions of pounds are being handed out to immigrants who have contributed zilch

Dear Editor Nicola Sturgeon thinks the onus is on Ed Miliband to make a deal with her or else he will be responsible for letting David Cameron back into Downing Street The onus is in fact on the SNP. The SNP can either vote with Labour in the House of Commons or against Labour and with the Conservatives.

Ed Miliband will either be Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition. Nicola Sturgeon can choose whether she supports Mr Miliband or not, but I doubt her supporters in Scotland or the rest of the UK will forgive her if she fails to do so after all her anti-Tory rhetoric.

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yet the majority of the elderly in this country have paid into the system all their lives and are being swept aside.

Human rights baloney! No doubt the next step from the Government will be compulsory euthanasia.

Stop blaming the NHS for missed targets. They are completely overloaded and deserve our compassion, not derogatory comments.

The problem is the over-population of immigrants Name and Address Supplied

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MAKE THE CHOICE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY ON MAY 7TH The GENN Newspaper is a politically neutral organisation. We are here to represent the communites of North and East Glasgow. We want you to participate in the election so that your voice is heard in Parliament.

Here is our guide to your local MPs and who is standing against them so you can make the decision on who you want to represent you in Parliament

CURRENT MP

Margaret Curran, Labour Party

CURRENT MP

GLASGOW EAST CONSTITUENCY PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES Kim Long, Scottish Green Party Natalie McGarry, Scottish National Party (SNP) Liam McLaughlan, Scottish Socialist Party Gary McLelland, Scottish Liberal Democrats Andy Morrison, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Arthur Misty Thackeray, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

GLASGOW NORTH CONSTITUENCY PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES Martin Bartos, Scottish Green Party Russell Benson, Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol Patrick Grady, Scottish National Party (SNP) Lauren Anne Hankinson, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Angela McCormick, Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Jade Elizabeth O’Neil, Scottish Liberal Democrats Jamie Robertson, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Ann McKechin, Labour Party

CURRENT MP

GLASGOW NORTH EAST CONSTITUENCY PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES Eileen Janet Gladys Baxendale, Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Cocozza, Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Geoff Johnson, Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol Zara Kitson, Scottish Green Party Anne McLaughlin, Scottish National Party (SNP) Annie Wells, Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Willie Bain, Labour Party

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LOCAL WINNERS IN GLASGOW AWARDS

THE Crowne Plaza hotel played host to the inaugural Glasgow Award on Monday evening, celebrating the achievements of the community, people and businesses that have been making a difference and contributing to the development of the city.

Filled with a colourful array of outstanding people, services, businesses and organisations, by far Glasgow has got to be one of the most welcoming and accommodating cities there is.

Over two hundred attendees gathered at the black tie ceremony, hosted by award winning radio personality Gina McKie, with anticipation of being crowned the winners.

The Glasgow Awards also partnered up with The Well Foundation as the official charity and raised xxx for the Feed our community project.

Twenty seven accolades were given out and the winners are:

Best Cultural Venue goes to Centre of Contemporary Arts (City Centre).

Best Community Initiative goes to South Seeds (South Glasgow).

Best Sporting Initiative goes to Glasgow Eagles (Drumchapel).

Charity of the Year goes to Cash for Kids.

Best Media Outlet goes to Radio Clyde (Clydebank).

Best Live Music Venue goes to Oran-Mor (West End).

Best Nightclub goes Kushion (City Centre).

Best Independent Hotel/ Bed & Breakfast goes to The Art House Hotel (City Centre).

Festival of the Year goes to Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Best Fitness Venue goes to Nuffield Health Glasgow Central (Finnieston).

Family Friendly Venue of the Year goes to Scottish Football Museum (Hampden).

Hair & Beauty Salon of the Year goes to Rainbow Room International (City Centre).

Best Shopping Complex goes to The Forge Shopping Centre (Parkhead).

Bar/Pub of the Year goes to The Real McCoy (Parkhead).

Café of the Year goes to North Star Café (West End) Family Friendly Restaurant of the Year goes to The Cricklewood (Bothwell).

Takeaway of the Year goes to Café Zecchino (Dennistoun).

Best Italian Establishment goes to La Vita Spuntini (West End).

Best Oriental Establishment goes to Lychee Oriental (City Centre).

Best Indian Establishment goes to Akbar’s Restaurant (City Centre).

Restaurant of the Year goes to Guy’s Restaurant & Bar (City Centre).

Young Achiever of the Year goes to Rebecca Torres (Rebec-

Cash challenge for students Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneurial Scotland last year, placing him in the company of business legends such as Sir Tom Hunter, Jim McColl and Sir Willie Haughey.

He said: “This project will provide the students with an opportunity to get a further insight into the world of retail. The retail environment is always changing, and at a rapid pace, and the same is true in the motor retail sector.”

Professor Alan Wilson, of the Strathclyde Business School marketing department, said: “We’re delighted Peter Vardy has decided to support the University in this way and provide our students with such a hands-on assignment.

The students will gain valuable experience and will learn about working together.”

The importance of digital

house Fitness, Clydebank).

Businesswoman of the Year goes to Dr. Rabinder Buttar (ClinTec International, Finnieston).

Power Business of the Year goes to Arnold Clark (Pollokshields).

Business of the Year goes to PRG (City Centre).

The Real McCoy (Parkhead) won Pub/Bar of the Year: L-R: Adam Stevenson, Benedict Hughes, Alex Hannah, Daniel Syme, Jim Mackay

Café Zecchino (Dennistoun) won Takeaway of the Year L-R: Partick Stensland, Aimee Waddell, Yvonne Brown, Adamo Zecchino, Lynne Cunningham, Piotr Papvouki, Clare Burlingame

The Forge Shopping Centre (Parkhead) won Best Shopping Complex: L-R: Imran Shehzad, Jade Wilkie

SCOTLAND’S Entrepreneur of the Year Peter Vardy has thrown down a cash challenge to marketing students at the University of Strathclyde Business School, the campus where he first learned his marketing skills.

He has tasked teams of second year students to come up with innovative ideas which will use digital technology to enhance sales at the Scotland-wide Peter Vardy Limited car dealerships and further improve the customer experience.

The winning team will take a cash prize of £2000, with awards of £1000 and £500 to the two runners-up.

They will have to produce detailed reports about how their recommendations can be implemented.

Peter Vardy was named

ca Torres Ltd, West End).

Employer of the Year goes to City Building (Springburn).

Businessman of the Year goes to David Webster (Power-

to automotive retailing has been illustrated by the record numbers of consumers visiting the Peter Vardy Limited website after a series of digital developments has completely changed the experience of searching for a car online.

Year-on-year web visit figures are up by 128%, reaching nearly 12,500 potential buyers a day.

Due to recent digital developments, customers can now enjoy detailed, high quality photography and personalised videos of more than 1700 cars.

The remarkable surge in online interest has been driven by Peter Vardy’s continual optimisation efforts, and a recognition of the fact that the online experience is every bit as important as their award-winning showroom sales journey

LAUNCH PLAN FOR FRIENDS OF SPRINGBURN WINTER GARDENS SPRINGBURN ACADEMY pupils will deliver a presentation next midweek (April 29) as part of an event to launch Friends of Springburn Winter Gardens.

Lacking local facilities and the loss of the Grade A-listed Springburn Public Halls in December, 2012, a community-led social media campaign has since been established.

With a Trust now in place founded July, 2014 - an agreement has been reached with Glasgow City Council to co-operate and ensure the Winter Gardens are saved for future generations.

The Trust has ambitious plans for a full restoration of the facility through community-owned

and managed social enterprise.

For the past nine months, research has been taking place on how best to proceed, and the GENN understands an overwhelming level of interest and support is in place.

Next midweek’s agenda, which starts at 7pm, will include the following: • A presentation by Springburn Academy pupils on their recent project linked to the Winter Gardens.

• A presentation by Jamie Mallan, Chairperson of the Trust, on their Community Consultation exercise.

• An opportunity for those present to discuss the way forward, and how they can become involved.

COMMUNITY VACANCY DENNISTOUN Community Council are hoping to fill a vacancy before their next monthly meeting.

Deadline for nominations is noon on Friday, May 1.

If there is more than one eligible candidate, a vote will take place at the meeting - venue to be confirmed - on Tuesday, May 12.

Community Councils have a clear role in bridging the gap between local authorities and communities, and attempt to highlight the opinions, needs and preferences of local people.

A vacancy application form can be obtained and downloaded via the very informative Dennistoun Community Council website.

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New Venue Boosts Naturist Swim

GLASGOW’S historic Arlington Baths is the venue for new weekly swim night with a difference, there are no trunks required at Glasgow Continental – Scotland’s Weekly Skinny Swim.

Surveys show that over 50% of Scots have been skinny dipping or enjoyed visiting a nude beach whilst on holiday. It’s not surprising then, that many people who attended last Sunday’s launch wouldn’t necessarily describe themselves as “naturists”.

Swim regular Ishbel Macfarlane sums it up by saying ”swimming is really good exercise and for me my Sunday naturist swim is the best swim of the week”.

It was spending time in Germany and Scandinavia where no one would wear a

swimming costume in a sauna, that brought Nick Sims to the naturist swim 9 years ago.

“After experiencing really hot, good quality facilities abroad, where nude use was obligatory, I increasingly found wearing a damp swimming costume in a tepid sauna back in the UK, more like one of those Japanese endurance games than a pleasurable experience.

I came along to the Swim and have been a regular attender ever since.”

The Victorian Turkish suite at the Arlington is outstanding and there are also two saunas and steam room.

Glasgow Continental is great for all the family and don’t worry if it’s bath night, as one parent commented “if you bring your kids here on

a Sunday evening, they are as clean as gold pants for Monday”.

Doug Beveridge, chair of the Scottish Outdoor Club, who organise the swim said “it was great that we had such a strong turnout for the launch with some people coming along for the very first time”.

The folk at Glasgow Continental are keen to ensure the Swim is open to everyone who is interested in attending.

There is an optional separate Women’s changing and reading room available if desired. Juliette Gill says “some women can be little reluctant to come along on their own, so we are arranging a series of Welcoming Women events where they can meet up with like-minded women over a cup of tea before attending the Swim together”. The first Welcoming Women event is 5.15pm on 26 April in the Arlington Baths Lounge.

Glasgow Continental is every Sunday 6 – 9 PM at the Arlington Baths, Arlington Street, G3 6DT. Prospective new members are welcome but must bring photo ID and proof of address. http://is.gd/scotskinnyswim swimto@scotnaturist.freeservers.com https://www.facebook.com/ scotskinnyswim @scotskinnyswim

FINNART COACHES BENEFIT FROM EQUITY WORKSHOP

FINNART advanced to the next stage of their S.F.A. Quality Mark status by running an Equity Workshop for over 20 coaches at Bridgeton Community Learning Centre, writes TOM SCOTT. The event was taken by Hala Ousta and James Docherty, who are Equity Officers within the Scottish Football Association West

Region.

Finnart are only the 7th Club to have staged this Workshop, and the Bridgeton-based set-up took great pride in that achievement.

Under-15 Coach Jamie McGowan told the GENN: “We feel it was an important factor to cover this workshop, which raised awareness and understanding of other reli-

gions/ beliefs, and it was very well received by all the Finnart coaches who attended.

“It was very informative, and certainly gave us a clearer understanding of others’ beliefs, and things we need to consider. Although a serious course, it was presented very well and made enjoyable by both Hala and James.”

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SCOTLAND’S FIRST NUDIST CAMP LAUNCHED SCOTLAND’s first official nudist camp is going to be held in a Dumfriesshire forest this summer.

The skin only,clothes-free gathering is being organised by the Scottish branch of British Naturism.

The organisation hopes the weekend of luxury camping – featuring hot tubs, tipis and a hog roast – will help to transform its image and dispel images of leaky chalets and rainlashed volleyball courts.

Anyone going nude outdoors in Scotland runs the risk of being arrested, but the private Marthrown of Mabie campsite will be screened

off to provide priv­acy and to spare the blushes of ramblers and cyclists.

Ivan Gill, who has organised the event – which will take place between 21 and 23 August – is confident it will attract younger and more aspirational nudists.

He explained: “We are looking to offer something fresh, different and exciting. That’s why we looked for a venue which would appeal to more people – and younger people in particular.

“This will be our first summer camp in Scotland, but we are keen to establish it as an annual event.

BIG LUNCH BOOST FOR SENSE SCOTLAND THE Trades House of Glasgow is hosting a fun filled fundraising BIG Lunch in aid of Sense Scotland on Friday 15 May in the city’s Marriot Hotel.

Fundraising is an essential part of the many benevolent activities undertaken by the Trades House, which is itself a charity. A different charity is selected as the annual beneficiary by each new Deacon Convener, who takes up post in October to lead the Trades House for a year, along with the Chain Gang, the heads of each of its 14 incorporated crafts.

“We hold a variety of events throughout our year in office to raise funds for a carefully selected charity,” said 2014-15 Deacon Convener Bishop Idris Jones. “This year our choice is Sense Scotland, a charity that offers support to people with deafblindness, allowing them to live an active and independent life. The charity provides the individual help they need, whether it is for a few hours a day, letting them meet up with friends in the evening, taking on a new challenge or being able to live in their own home.

“Our BIG Lunch at the Glasgow Marriot Hotel is the main fundraiser of the year. We are inviting people to get involved by buying tickets for the event and donating to our raffle and auction. We are looking for-

Scottish Sports Futures Glasgow 2015 Kiltwalk experience

ward to a successful event with speakers Duncan Tannahill and Roy Cox, Chairman of Sense Scotland, who was awarded an OBE in recognition of his work with the charity since its inception. Roy has deep personal knowledge of the great need for the support provided by the charity and his own story is the most compelling reason to come and support the BIG Lunch.”

Roy, also a member of the Master Court of the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers, one of the Trades House’s 14 Incorporated Crafts, will be joined in the speaker line up by Duncan Tannahill, an executive coach and business growth specialist who is a trustee of Sense Scotland. Duncan, a committed man, will celebrate his 60th birthday in May by walking 60 miles deprived of both hearing and sight. This is a sponsored event to raise funds for Sense Scotland.

“If anyone would like to see what Duncan’s commitment to the charity looks like, please come and meet him and hear his inspirational story at our BIG Lunch on 15 May,” said Idris.

Tickets for the BIG lunch priced at £49.99 with tables of ten available, can be ordered online at www.tradeshouse. org.uk

WITH the tagline of ‘Walking for Scotland’s Children’ it seemed an automatic match for Scottish Sports Futures when the Kiltwalk crossed paths.

All SSF programmes are all focussed in areas and communities in need, are about sport as a tool to break down barriers; to provide inspiration and hav-

they gave. They are committed to sharing the work and ensuring access to SSF programmes; they wanted a challenge to push themselves and to raise money, they also wanted to demonstrate what can be achieved by being active. True role models.

In the run up to the event SSF young people got out training

ing young people at the heart of everything we do, it just made sense to get involved with such a fantastic charity to raise money for Scottish Charities supporting children.

Initially, as there are so many young volunteers engaged in our programmes the feeling was that becoming Kilties and volunteering to support the walk would be the obvious choice. However when given the opportunity of walking, supporting the pitstop of volunteering for the event the young people chose either walking, performing or running the pitstop. What is especially amazing is the reasons

with families and friends round the North East of Glasgow and asked them for sponsorship but they didn’t stop there; they got involved in a sponsored Aerobathon to raise money and awareness, they went out on Easter Sunday to collect money at a Glasgow Rocks game at the Emirates Arena and during the Easter break entertained shoppers with basketball challenges on a hot and busy day at Braehead to support fundraising.

Nicole McCurry Active Champion with Tollcross YMCA who brought her dancers to perform at our SSF pitstop said: “Can I just say a massive thank

Tel: 0141 551 8387

Email: parkheadcredit@btconnect.com

you to all my girls for turning up yesterday an all the supportive parents we had there as well!

Having my own dance class has been my dream job since I was old enough to know what a job was and without a lot of you guys this would not be possible”.

Daryl Campbell, self-confessed King of the Selfie, 18 from Wellhouse in East Glasgow, got to Hampden and realised he had left his phone in the taxi. After the walk he stated: “I felt a bit sad that I lost my phone but then I remembered what I was doing to change lives and after the walk I felt emotional. After hours on end I feel that I have walked 500 miles but only walked 26, thanks to the kilt walk and active east we are raising money for Scotland’s children” Jacqueline Anderson, became an Active Champion after being part of the closing ceremony at the Commonwealth Games, she said: “The kilt walk was a great experience and doing it for such a good cause was really brilliant, everyone was so encouraging as a team and being able to share it with such a great group of active champs and mentors was amazing, would definitely do it again” Eddie Fitzpatrick said about the Kiltwalk: “This was a struggle walking 26 miles straight but after completing this there was a big sense of achievement

and in my opinion this was only possible with people around me supporting me on everyone encouraged one another throughout the whole walk, and this will be a life time achievement and hopefully the start of many achievements like this”!

The tagline for legacy for the Commonwealth games was legacy does not happen to you. In the same breath these special young people, who raised thousands of pounds for Scotland’s children and who are already signing up for walks in other cities say this. “Be the change” Be the change that you want to see, together we can help tackle health inequalities, tackle poverty, provide opportunities and make a real difference. We look forward to continuing work with the Kiltwalk and supporting our young people to help shape this relationship.

Web: www.parkheadcreditunion.co.uk

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS FOR STUDENT FUNDING APPLICATIONS THE Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is open for business now ahead of the new student year - calling for all students to complete and submit applications for the next academic year (2015-16) to ensure their needs for funding, including tuition fees, are met.

SAAS is responsible for giving financial support to over 160,000 Scottish students

studying in higher education throughout the UK. Students must visit www.saas.gov.uk and complete their online application or call the helpline on 0300 555 0505 if they have any questions or are having difficulties filling out their form.

David Wallace, Chief Executive commented: “From April 2015, all new and returning students can apply to SAAS

to receive financial support for the next academic year, including payment of their tuition fees. Even if students don’t yet know where they will be studying they can still apply. I urge all students to take some time now to complete their applications accurately to ensure their funding package is agreed.

We recommend students visit our website and complete their online applications or call our helpline for further support.”

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning said “Now is the time to get application forms for the next academic year submitted and I would encourage students to complete them as a matter of priority so they can rest assured their fees and living support will be approved by the start of their courses.”

Applications for 2015/16 are now open – visit www.saas.gov. uk to complete applications online.

JOIN THE WHISKY BOND DENIM GREAT RUN JOIN thousands of women to walk, jog or run this popular 10k around the south side of Glasgow.

Join thousands of women to walk, jog or run this popular 10k around the south side of Glasgow. Scotland’s largest city welcomes women of all ages and abilities as they take on and conquer a course that weaves its way around the city and through the scenic Pollok Park before a grandstand finish on Mosspark Boulevard in Bellahouston Park.

With an electric atmosphere, drummers and pipers providing musical motivation, it is sure to be a great day of fun, exercise and achievement Find out more and enter at www.greatrun.org/womens10k

GENN Glasgow East and North News

A DENIM designer whose jeans have been worn by Kevin Bridges and stars of Manchester United and Barcelona has become the latest tenant at The Whisky Bond, a hub for firms in the creative industries in the north of Glasgow.

Robert Watson, the Glaswegian tailor behind label Rabbie Denim, has moved into a 700 square foot workshop at the Speirs Lock site.

The jeans are all hand-made from English indigo raw denim, with each pair weighing 14 ounces.

Prices for the denims, which can be ordered from his website or the Rabbie Denim Facebook page, start at £180 per pair for Rabbie Denim “originals”.

Mr Watson, who trained at Cardonald College, will design and manufacture all of his jeans in Glasgow, having had “sleepless nights” over the thought of producing them at greatly reduced cost in China or India. Production starts next week.

He said: “I want to make an

example for all the other designers, that you can actually do it in Glasgow.”

The designer is currently training 12 interns at the new premises, whom he hopes will become designers in his own right or find full-time work with him. Finding fame on the back of the Manchester United commission, he withdrew from the spotlight aged 27. But after a couple of years he returned to the fray. Now he is being backed by a friend who has become silent investor, who “lets me go with the flow in my own time”. He insists he has no interest in being famous for what he does.

Mr Watson said: “I’ve never chased the money. I’ve always just been happy doing what I’m doing. Rabbie joins a collection of small firms and start-ups which operate at the £5 million Whisky Bond, where tenants also range from Scottish Opera and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to Network Five Architects, Flux Laser Studios, IC Mobile Lab and The Distillery.

Why the NHS needs agency staff

RECENT reports that the NHS spends up to £2.5bn a year on agency staff have sparked outrage throughout the media and amongst the general public.

However, while the complex circumstances which have led to this headline figure are often simplified in mainstream media, the benefits of contract staff to public sector are often overlooked.

Putting political agendas aside, these are the top five reasons why the NHS needs agency staff: 1. Fluctuations in requirements – Agency staff plug gaps across the NHS so that it is able to provide optimum levels of care, irrespective of peaks in demand surrounding viral epidemics or seasonal admissions.

2. Global market – Professionals from overseas make an important contribution to the NHS and help to redress the balance of UK trained professionals travelling abroad for work.

3. Avoidance of permanent headcount costs – Investing in agency staff sporadically is an efficient way for Trusts to ensure front line services are consistently maintained, without the overheads associated with permanent recruitment. Agency staff can be drafted in to cover staff absences on short notice, freeing the NHS from unnecessary permanent headcount costs.

4. No room for error – Quality of service is absolutely vital, and contract staff are subject to the same strin-

gent criteria that permanent staff must adhere to. Agency and locum staff remove the risk of reduced care quality and patient safety issues. The availability of contractors ensures that nurse to patient ratios need never be compromised.

5. Necessity – Agencies offer a valuable service that much of the NHS would struggle without. According to the Royal College of Nursing, over a third of district nurses are over 50, yet cuts to nurse degree training places in the UK mean we are not pipelining sufficient home grown talent. Until these issues are resolved, there are simply not enough permanent staff. It’s a simple case of supply and demand.

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8

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Celebrating North Glasgow’s Green Legacy Programme THREE years ago ng homes was awarded funding through Keep Scotland Beautiful, Climate Challenge, to work with the community to look at raising awareness of Climate Challenge issues. The project had a focus on Energy Saving, Recycling and Growing spaces.

Our overall aim was to reduce carbon emissions in North Glasgow by 223 tonnes of C02e and we exceeded that by saving 308 tonnes C02e.

How did we do it? We worked alongside the community and focus groups to look at ways that we could make changes in this area. We supported local people to become ‘Green Champions’ and had ‘Schools Green Champions’.

There were many community events including pop up cafes, Generation Knit and clean up campaigns.

Grow Your Own workshops and allotment spaces have been popular with all age groups and this is something that people want to continue. Entire families and the community helped out at environmental clean-ups and enjoyed and supported recycling workshops, swap shops and table top sales.

Housing and Concierge staff also supported the project and a big success has been the chute recycling at the Balgrayhill and Viewpoint multi-storey flats.

Over 200 residents have received great support through our Home Energy Check service where they have been given advice on how to make changes – save money and save the environment too with carbon savings. The total C02 savings from this alone was 72.55 tonnes.

A celebration event was held recently at Saracen House to review the programme and congratulate community members who have taken part in the variety of activities and will continue to make changes in climate.

Attending the event was ng homes Board member Richard Porter who said: “I was delighted to present our Green Champions with their certificates and the message coming across from the community; that is even the smallest of changes we make as individuals can make a difference – so North Glasgow will continue to be GREEN CHAMPIONS.”

Table Top Sales Kick Off Across North Glasgow THE first of a series of table top sales aimed at helping local groups to fundraise and provide information in North Glasgow took place last week at Possilpoint Community Centre in Possilpark.

Volunteers were on hand from a range of community groups and local organisations including Spirit of Ruchill/Possilpark Thriving Places who were there to let people know about their activities and looking for people who live in Ruchill/Possilpark to get involved especially in terms of forming a local decision making group to distribute funds in line with what the wider community needs.

Also at the event raising funds were Possobilities (formerly The Disability Community), Lambhill Stables and ng homes.

Food for the event was provided by the ng homes Food for Thought volunteers. Proceeds raised from the Table Top Sales will be going to the Alive and Kicking Project and will also help towards a community bus trip to the seaside.

The next event is scheduled to take place around the first week in June so watch this space for details.

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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Appeal Launched for Lasting Tribute to Ronnie Rodden AN APPEAL has been launched by members of Possobilities (formerly The Disability Community) to create a lasting memorial to one of its founder members Ronnie Rodden.

Ronnie, who passed away in 2014 worked tirelessly for people in her community and she became an incredibly active voluntary community worker involved at board level with the Community Planning Partnership, ng homes and ng2 but it’s disabled people in North Glasgow that she devoted most of her time too.

Now an appeal has been launched by members of Possobilities to install a memorial bench in Ronnie’s honour in their community garden.

Melanie Fyfe of Possobilities said: “Ronnie was such an important person in our history and she was typical of our members who come together to make a difference for the benefit of all disabled people. She was a champion of change and we all miss her terribly so we wanted to do something to remember her.”

There is a justgiving page for anyone wishing to make a donation to the appeal: http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/charityweb/charity/finalCharityHomepage. action?charityId=1000840 Donations can also be made in person at the Centre at 74 Closeburn Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5ST.

ng2 Continue to Improve the Environment in North Glasgow SOCIAL Enterprise company ng2 carry out a range of environmental improvements across North Glasgow and the latest beneficiaries of their hard work are St Joseph’s Nursing and Care Home in Robroyston.

Matthew Duffy and Phil McKenna have been jet washing all of the monoblocked and paved areas around the home and have used over 2 tons of sand to keep the grounds looking as good as new.

Sister Evelyn, originally from Dublin, has been at St Joseph’s for five years and is delighted with the work of ng2 singling out Phil McKenna for high praise: “ Phil is a terrific worker, he works extremely hard and is doing a great job. Our residents will feel the benefit of the work ng2 have done when the warmer weather comes and they can go outside more.”

Before

Chairperson of ng2 Margaret Thomson said: “We are delighted that everyone at St Joseph’s is pleased with the quality of our work and it’s always pleasing to hear from others that our staff are doing a great job.”

After

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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LOSING AN HOUR A DAY

NURSERY FUNDING BOOST DENNISTOUN Early Years Centre has received a welcome funding boost from the Ross and Liddell Community Bursery.

The nursery outdoor learning space will benefit as part

of a vision which supports Nurture through Nature, and help children play and learn in a safe environment.

The charity offer financial support to local organisations.

@gennnewspaper

NEW research reveals more than half of us think we waste up to an hour a day Recent research found that we in Glasgow rate the following the worst time wasting: 43% voted traffic and road works the time wasting activities that annoy them most.

• Delays on Public Transport 37% • Resetting Passwords 35% • Waiting for deliveries 33% • Waiting for internet connection 2• 58% of Brits waste up to an hour a day.

When asked what they do to save time on a daily basis, three quarters admitted to at least one time-saving habit for the start of the day. Over half (56%) choose their clothes the night before and a third (33%) skip breakfast, despite the fact that it’s the most important meal of the day.

If they were given back an extra hour in the day, one in five would spend it in bed with 18% using the time to exercise. Perhaps surprisingly 21% would spend the ‘gift’ hour tidying their homes.

NEW RAPE CENTRE AND HOTLINE A NEW national centre to help women affected by crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence has been launched 22nd april here in Glasgow .

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) aims to offer legal advice and information to women who have experienced, or are suffering from, gender based violence.

Campaigners said the Glasgow-based centre, which will operate a weekly helpline, will make a “significant difference” to the lives of affected women.

The centre is a partnership project between Rape Crisis Scotland, the University of Strathclyde and the Legal Services Agency, with the helpline to be staffed by volunteers from the university’s law clinic.

Rape Crisis Scotland spokeswoman Sandy Brindley said: “Women in Scotland who have experienced rape, domestic abuse or any other form of violence against women need access to free, specialist legal advice and support.

“This could be to help make them aware of their rights to protective orders in cases of domestic abuse and/or stalking, advice on housing and welfare issues, or responding to queries about their role as a witness following the report of a rape or sexual assault.

“We are delighted to be involved

in the development of this exciting new service, which we believe will make a significant difference to the lives of women in Scotland”.

Now, women will be able to call the new centre’s helpline for legal information and advice on any aspect of gender based violence.

The SWRC also plans to develop a network of pro-bono solicitors to offer drop in services in rape crisis centres across Scotland.

Funding from the Scottish Legal Aid Board will cover the costs of a full-time solicitor for the centre, who will be based within the Legal Services Agency and will provide free legal advice and representation. The centre also receives some funding from Foundation Scotland.

Community Safety Minister Paul Wheelhouse is launching the base.

He said: “Tackling the scourge of domestic abuse and sexual violence is a huge priority for the Scottish Government. The helpline being introduced today, backed by £215,000 of Scottish Government funding and administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, will provide vital access to advice and high quality legal assistance for those affected by these horrendous crimes.”

The SWRC helpline (08088 010 789) will run every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

JOHN MUIR WAY CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY THE John Muir Way thsi week celebrated the first anniversary of the official opening of the 134 mile coast to coast route.

The aim of the route was to boost participation in the outdoors and it is estimated that 9,000 end to end walkers and cyclists will complete the lowland trail every year.

Minister for Environment Dr Aileen McLeod said: “It’s really encouraging to see the success of the John Muir Way in its first year. It has already proved a big hit with people of all ages, inspiring us to get out and about to explore central Scotland and reconnecting people with nature. It also improves the environment for local communities and benefits businesses along the route.

“I’ve no doubt the John Muir Way will continue to develop over the coming years and that more and more people will enjoy and benefit from it in the future.”

The route runs between Dunbar and Helensburgh and Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network, was the inspiration behind the trail.

He said: “The John Muir Way was designed to be a route accessible to all regardless of ability and experience. It’s been great to hear the feedback from walkers and cyclists about their own particular

journey and adventure.

“The key aim in developing the route was to use Muir’s life as an inspiration for young people to take an interest in nature and in the challenges the world faces in dealing with climate change. It has been

heartening to see local schools and local communities being inspired by Muir’s legacy and taking ownership of the route in their own area.

“A further benefit has been a boost to local economies. Dunbar traders, for example, are

delighted at the noticeable upturn in business while the John Muir Birthplace Trust Museum has seen a 23% increase in footfall and a 45% increase in sales. Over the coming year we intend to do more to ensure that local businesses right

along the route benefit directly.”

The route is a flagship project for CSGN and work has been continuing over the past 12 months to further increase the attraction for both end-toend and local users. Improve-

ments have included a new upland path near Gowk Hill on the Helensburgh to Balloch section and a crumbling shore path between Bo’ness and Blackness has also been replaced with new coastal defences and a multi-use path.

A further upland path is being created through the Kilpatrick Hills between Carbeth and Balloch.

The route was developed

by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Ron McCraw, said: The John Muir Way is not just a long distance route, it is a valuable asset for the local community with huge potential to enhance the town and the lives of those who live in it with social, economic and environmental benefits.

“The trail is also well placed to promote the benefits of joined up action along the route and in the long term to showcase positive environmental management and landscape improvements.”

For further information about the John Muir Way, please visit www.johnmuirway. org – a dedicated website on the 134 mile route with key information to help people plan their trip. Features include an interactive map and section descriptions, nearby attractions, accommodation and food and drink providers, and details on accessibility.

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PUDSEY MEETS THE TOFFEE CLUB

PUDSEY arrived at St Mungo’s 17th April with big shiny smiles and big shiny cheques.

In aid of Geeza Break’s TOFFEE Club, the Children in Need mascot is presented a cheque with a big chunk of funding for kinship children.

The TOFFEE (Time Out For Families East End) Club aims to be a safe haven for children aged between 5 and 12 years old throughout school holidays and is run

by Geeza Break with day-to day activities carried out by the Jobs & Business Glasgow Mobile Play Team with kids arriving at St. Mungo’s Academy to enjoy a wide range of activities such as team sports (basketball, football, badminton, etc.) board games, arts and crafts, a reading corner, dress up and video games.

The TOFFEE Club banner also incorporates the vari-

Is providing an exciting service funded by Big Lottery Fund ous Out of Schools, Glasgow city-wide, especially for kinship children.

On top of the centre-based activities, the kids are given the chance for field trips, which can be anything between the local park or the beach on a nice day to the

Glasgow Science Centre or the cinema on a rainy day.

The TOFFEE Club encourages creative, educational and fitness advancement with their wide range of stations and trips allowing children to flex a wide range of muscles and find their calling. Their work is considered a treasure to the local community and they can only keep it up with funding and donations.

To add to the cheery festivities, The TOFFEE Club also received a large donation of Easter eggs for the families to feast on, courtesy of Cash for Kids who donated 70 eggs, Tesco Bank who donated 80 eggs and Springburn Social Work who donated 60 orbs of chocolate bound to cause a sugar high. Geeza Break, the parents and children of The TOFFEE Club sincerely thank you.

Do you need a respite service, a family support service and/or TOFFEE Club?

We would like to help families with the following:Confidence and self esteem Parenting skills Budgeting skills Health and well being Family routine Personal support

‘Making Connections for Families In Need’ is offered through a selfreferral process to parents living within the North East & East End of Glasgow and who have a child /children under the age of sixteen years If you feel you would like more information on ‘Making Connections For Families In Need’ and the ways we can help you

Tel: Cathy or Ed on 0141 573 2900

email: info@geezabreak.org.uk 1450-1456 Gallowgate, Parkhead, Glasgow G31 4ST

12 A challenge to the internet as half of Scots prefer to get information over the phone CONSUMERS in Scotland looking for basic information about companies are just as likely to use the phone as go online, new research has revealed.

The study of 1,000 consumers, conducted by a global research consultancy, discovered that 50 per cent of Scots would still rather have enquiries like opening times answered quickly over the phone than look online.

This puts them slightly behind those in London (52 per cent) where people were more likely to pick up the phone when it comes to gathering company information.

Although Scottish companies are putting more and more effort into the way their websites look, these stats show they are missing a trick if they don’t do the same with their phone line. The phone remains a key method of communication and a core component of brand image..

This trend is particularly strong among the young, with 39 per cent of 16 to 24-yearolds and 41 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds in the UK preferring on-hold messaging to a customer service adviser this in contrast to only 15 per cent of 54 to 64-year-olds.

Given younger people are more inclined to get information from an on-hold message than a customer service adviser, businesses should be looking carefully at how information is communicated on the phone.

The research also shows that there may be many touchpoints with potential customers without them even speaking to an adviser. Each call represents a significant opportunity to keep customers engaged, informed and entertained when placed on hold.

People in the North , meanwhile, were the least receptive with only 33 per cent preferring to use the phone for basic enquiries rather than the internet.

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Litter: What Scots Really Think

WHAT people in Scotland really think about litter in their communities, and their attitude to how it should be tackled, is revealed in a new report published 13th April 2015 by Zero Waste Scotland.

The study, Public Perceptions and Concerns around Litter, will be used by Zero Waste Scotland to develop ideas to prevent littering behaviour, rather than spending time and money cleaning it up as it appears in our communities.

The direct cost of litter and flytipping is £53 million a year, on clean-up as well as education and prevention measures.

This new research confirms that littering is a social taboo, but reveals that more people are litterers than they might admit – and many people see littering behaviour on a sliding scale of acceptability, and are prepared to justify it in certain circumstances, for example if there aren’t ‘enough’ bins or if it’s ‘accidental’.

It reveals the people who took part expect to see litter in their area being quickly cleaned up – however, when litter is left ‘on their doorstep’ or is spoiling their local area, or leisure time, people are far more likely to get upset by it.

Key findings: • Most people considered “deliberate” littering a lot worse than “accidental” littering. “Accidental” littering was excused by a perceived lack of, or full

bins, being a small amount, or people not paying attention.

• People didn’t see themselves as “deliberate” litterers – and are very reluctant to admit to littering.

• There were strongly-held assumptions about why the litter had been dropped – this was as important to them as the items themselves. For example, litter seen as “deliberate” or tied to other anti-social behaviour (such as flytipping, or late-night eating and drinking) was heavily criticised.

• They expected residential areas to be clean, and expected more litter in city centres (due to fast food and eating on-the-go outlets) and grass verg-

es. Spoiling enjoyment of leisure areas such as parks and beaches also annoyed people.

Environment Secretary said: “There can be no excuse for littering, which is a blight on our communities and costs Scotland’s public purse millions each year to clean up – money that could be better spent on other things.

“The Scottish Government is already taking action to reduce littering, and this research will help inform efforts to put an end to what is unacceptable behaviour.”

Zero Waste Scotland, said: This is a fascinating report which reveals what people really think about

litter- including some attitudes which they might not always admit to others!

This report shows people expect litter to be cleaned up – but it would be much better, socially and economically, if it wasn’t dropped in the first place. In our view, litter is waste in the wrong place – littered items such as plastic bottles and aluminium cans could be worth £1.2 million when recycled, while leading delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitious litter strategy, Towards a Litter-Free Scotland, which brings together key stakeholders to deliver measures on enforcement, innovation and infrastructure, including increasing fines and funding innovative local prevention projects.

Working to shift the emphasis of anti-litter initiatives from cleaning up what’s dropped or discarded in our public areas, to preventing people from dropping litter in the first place, and this means changing behaviour. So the attitudes revealed in the survey provide a very useful basis for understanding people’s behaviour and shaping how we communicate with people and communities in future anti-litter initiatives.

120 people in different parts of Scotland, both urban and rural, comprising a range of ages and occupations, took part in discussion groups and surveys to gauge their opinions about how litter affects them.

ALLERGIES: GET READY FOR SUMMER

SUMMER is approaching and with it comes raising pollen counts, that are in turn set to cause havoc to hayfever and allergy sufferers in the forth-coming weeks.

Eczema may be affected if you are Atopic, this refers to a family tendency to develop certain allergic conditions including eczema, asthma and hay fever.

In Atopy your body produces a certain type of antibody, called immunoglobulin E (Ig E), in response to harmless allergens, such as pollen and dust mites.

The good news is that there are some things you can do to help.

Dust is another major cause of misery as it spreads more havoc to sufferers who have difficulty with the mites spread. It is not the mite itself but proteins in their droppings which is associated with asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.

Another classic to remember is that beg bugs don’t biteYour bed is one of the worst places for dust mite exposure so make sure you wash bedding regularly.

This needs to be at 60 de-

grees centigrade or above to kill mites. Another tip is always to buy allergen-proof bed covers.

When undertaking the spring clean hoover the mattress and all soft furnishing and floors often.

Use a high-filtration vacuum

cleaner with filters capable of retaining a high proportion of the smallest particles.

Remember dust all surfaces at least once each week or more often if you can!

Wash washable toys at 60 degrees or if only lower temperatures are possible place

the toy in a plastic bag in the freezer first for 12 hours.

Reduce humidity by increasing ventilation, opening windows regularly.

Extractor fans can help too.

Avoid drying your washing on the radiator!

Another problems stem

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from something know as Topical irritants, which are often used indoors.

Topical irritants can be found in the form of detergents and surfactants such as household cleaning agents, washing up liquids, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, furniture polish, and air fresheners etc.

Topical irritants may also be in the products we use on our skin; shower gels, body washes, soaps, cleansing wipes, exfoliants, body sprays, deodorants and talcs.

With this in mind always pick natural, unperfumed, uncoloured products and those that are soap-free or specifically tailored for sensitive skin or eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Typical culprits include sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES).

These are found in many body washes and shampoos as a cheap foaming agent and can strip the skin of natural oils.

Since we only have one skin it is in our best interest to always try to choose the best natural products which look after the skin you have,as currently there is no alternative.

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MARYHILL CLEANUP

A COMMUNITY clean up to pave the way for allotments in North Glasgow is off to a flying start – thanks to a group of volunteers.

A major clean up organised

by Maryhill Housing Association in partnership with Community Safety Glasgow took place on recently, turning a rubbish-strewn area of land into a freshly cleaned grassy space.

Basic preparation work on the ground is being done now

to get local people working together and show funders the commitment to transform a former school site on Bilsland Drive into allotments.

Allotments remain an ever-popular way of growing your own fruit and veg and the initiative is expected to be hugely-popular once they are in place.

Spokesperson from Maryhill Housing Association said: “This was a great opportunity

for local people to get involved.

We are hoping to secure funding to get the allotments created over the coming year and this was an opportunity to start preparing the ground for this exciting community initiative.

“Ruchill – like neighbouring Maryhill – has a strong sense of community and we are very grateful indeed to those who came along on a sunny and hot Saturday to do their bit for the area.

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M&S SET TO OPEN ITS DOORS AT GLASGOW FORT THIS MAY THE brand new M&S Glasgow Fort is set to open its doors to customers at 10am on Thursday 21st May, bringing around 250 new jobs to the area.

A large proportion of the various positions on offer, from section management, operations staff to customer assistants, will be filled by people living in the local community.

The 80,000 sq. ft. store will give customers a wide range of choice across fashion and food, as well as an in-store bakery. Shoppers will also be able to relax at the 200-seat M&S Café and enjoy hot and cold seasonal dishes, tempting desserts, sandwiches and an extensive selection of drinks and Fairtrade tea and coffee.

As part of the recruitment process, M&S has been working closely with its charity partners, including The Princes Trust, Gingerbread and Remploy, to provide job opportunities to local people.

Store Manager, Kirsty Warwick, said: “It will be fantastic to finally welcome our customers into the store next month to show them what we have been working on for the past few months.

“We have been inundated with applications and we are delighted to have been able to

recruit such a large number of people from the surrounding area. Our new staff members are already in training and it’s safe to say that we can’t wait until launch.

“It’s going to be an exciting day for everyone at M&S and we’re looking forward to opening our doors for business. We hope that lots of people can join us on Thursday 21st May to celebrate!”

Phil Goodman, Centre Manager at Glasgow Fort, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the launch of this flagship M&S store is now just weeks away. There is a great deal of excitement about its opening and we are confident the store will prove very popular with our customers.

“At Glasgow Fort, we are committed to supporting the local community and economy wherever possible so wholeheartedly welcome M&S’s efforts with partner agencies to supply significant employment to those living in and around Easterhouse.

“This has been a much-anticipated development for the centre and we are looking forward to seeing the efforts come to fruition.”

The new store will provide shoppers with free car parking, a food ordering service and the popular Shop Your Way service, giving customers the choice to order from the M&S catalogue in-store or online, with free next day in-store delivery and collection.

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GLASGOW BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO GET GOOD VIBES

GLASGOW’S businesses are invited to pick up ideas from environmental champions at a special event to celebrate the launch of the 2015 Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards.

Held at The Lighthouse, the free event on the 7th May will provide businesses with the opportunity to hear directly from previous winner, BAE Systems Naval Ships. The Glasgow based maritime engineering company won the management (large) award last year after impressing judges with its environmental practices.

Now in its 16th year, VIBES is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme and aims to encourage efficient use of resources, improvement of environmental performance, enhancement of business competitiveness and support for wider sustainable development.

Open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, VIBES recognises and rewards organisations employing environmental best practice in their day-to-day activity.

The event is the first in a series of free events across the

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country designed to offer local businesses the opportunity to gain insight and experience from previous VIBES winners. As well as hearing from BAE Systems, attendees at the launch event will also hear from Glasgow’s Green Year 2015, Zero Waste Scotland, The Lighthouse and from the team at VIBES before embarking on a tour of the venue.

Gillian Bruce, chair of VIBES Awards, said: “We held the 2014 Awards ceremony in Glasgow last year so it is great to kick-off the 2015 Awards in the city. Each year we receive interest from businesses throughout Scotland, so it is fantastic to be able to host free events regionally where local organisations can hear directly from previous local winners and businesses. The events provide a great way for businesses to find out more information on the awards and the opportunities they present without feeling obliged to commit to anything.

“As well as hearing from a number of previous winners, each event also provides great networking opportunities for

like-minded businesses. In addition to these events, we will also help businesses with their application forms with sessions specifically designed around this.”

VIBES is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group.

The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.

Applications for this year’s awards will open on Thursday 7th of May 2015 and will close at 5pm on Monday 13th of July.

The event on the 7th of May will take place from 4-7pm at The Lighthouse – 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU. For more information on VIBES, please visit www. vibes.org.uk. To attend the event, please register through Eventbrite www.vibesawards. eventbrite.co.uk or email: vibes@sepa.org.uk

ZECCHINO SCOOPS BEST TAKEAWAY AWARD AT GLASGOW AWARDS CAFÉ ZECCHINO has been crowned Takeaway of the Year 2015 in the recent Glasgow awards.

Recognised for its commitment to excellent food and high standard of service in a city such as Glasgow, which is one of the most competitive city in the world for take away food, makes this recognition even more special.

The owners and staff would like to give thanks to their customers for their continued support and nominations.

Although crowned for their take away food that is not all that Café Zecchino offers - for during the daytime its hugely popular café bar, has also consistently maintained a reputation of its own as the place to meet up with friends for a chat over coffee or to enjoy an early breakfast or an informal appetising lunch again with that promise of fine service, excellent food all of which is

enhanced by speciality coffees as well as other beverages.

The Secret Ingredient...

One other important ingredient which has enhanced Café Zecchino recipe for success is the impeccable service and friendly atmosphere contained within its chic continental ristorante. Although many consider it to be an eating-house for all seasons, it is certainly one for all occasions.

These include providing the subtle setting for romantic candlelit dinners for two as well as for all those other important family anniversaries.

There is little doubt this family run venture has more than captured the hearts and satisfied the taste buds of those who seek the flavour of hearty, home cooked food in a fully licensed ristorante where everything is freshly prepared and made on the premises alongside our simply delicious ice creams.

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LAST CHANCE TO ENTER RACE FOR LIFE IN GLASGOW WOMEN in Glasgow are being urged to grab their last chance to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Glasgow Green as there are just two weeks left until registration closes.

Entry closes on May 8 and organisers are encouraging mums, daughters, grannies, sisters, friends and workmates who want to take part in the 5k women-only event to sign up as soon as possible at raceforlife.org.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only

series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner.

Simon Burley, local Event Manager for Glasgow, said: “We are very grateful to the women who have already entered Race for Life in Glasgow, but we still have places left so we are urging women to sign up as soon as possible.”

In 2014, 14,611 women took part in Race for Life in Glasgow and helped raise an incredible £928,602 for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. This year,

the charity hopes those who have entered will hit a fundraising target of £930,000.

By raising money through Race for Life, people in Glasgow are helping Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists make advances in research which will help more men, women and children survive.

Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life but they are united by their absolute determination

to take on the disease and beat it.

Simon continued: “Race for Life is not competitive and it’s not about being fit or fast. It’s about thousands of women coming together to show cancer who’s boss.

Women can boost their contribution to Cancer Research UK’s work by doing a ‘wardrobe workout’ before their event. The charity is encouraging them to sort out and bag up hidden treasures such as quality clothes, books

and accessories they no longer use and take them to the Donation Station at Race for Life.

Each bag of goods could help raise up to £30 for groundbreaking research.

Every participant receives a donation bag, along with a Gift Aid form, as part of their Race for Life entry pack. Just by completing the form and popping it in their bag, women can boost the value of their donation by an extra 25 per cent.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. Cancer Research UK spends around £34 million on life saving research in Scotland every year.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

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Glasgow’s unique street art named as one of the world’s top sights not to be missed GLASGOW’S unique collection of street art has been named in a compilation of the world’s most breath taking sights.

The inspirational list, created by serviced apartment booking agents, Citybase Apartments, came as a result from a recent customer survey, which noted ‘sightseeing’ as being the most popular city break activity.

Stuart Parker, managing director, explains more about the list and how the Glasgow’s street art made the cut: “When we saw that 69% of our customers said they enjoy sight-seeing as part of their city break activities, we wanted to give them, and other prospective ‘city breakers’, something of value that would hopefully inspire and entertain them as much as it has us. We wanted to find sights that not only are incredible to realise and witness for yourself, but that give an idea about the feel of each city overall.”

“We know Glasgow is a city oozing with arts and culture and a great example of this can be seen on the streets itself with the great pieces of detailed street art that are dotted around the city. It’s a sight that we believe should be up there on many people’s bucket lists.”

Only one other UK city was included in the line-up which was London, for its illuminated cityscape. Sunsets and nighttime cityscapes feature heavily, with Paris, Miami and Singa-

pore City also noted.

A collection of the world’s most interesting architecture, as recognised by Citybase, also makes the list including Montreal’s Notre-Dame Bascilia, the famous painted ceiling of Rome’s Sistine Chapel and Milan’s oldest shopping mall.

Just one city festival made it into Citybases’ top 39 City Sights, which was the Ganesh Festival celebrations that take place annually in Mumbai, where giant idols are paraded through the streets and are a way for local artists to showcase their skills.

Mr Parker had this to say about the final line-up: “It was incredibly difficult to choose just a few of the world’s breath taking sights, as we know that every single city has so many wonderful contenders.

But we felt that the ones that made the list were particularly spectacular and encompassing of the citys’ main characteristics. For example, a romantic sunset in Paris reflects the warm, romantic nature of the city itself; creative street art in Glasgow sums up the city’s bursting culture and arts scene.

We hope that the list helps to inspire memorable city breaks all over the world.”

The full list of 39 city sights that will take your breath away can be found on the Citybase Apartments blog: https:// www.citybaseapartments.com/ blog/39-city-sights-that-willtake-your-breath-away/

Hungry for Justice

ON Wednesday the 15th of April a large crowd gathered outside a McDonald’s restaurant on Argyll Street as part of the Global Fast Food Rights Day of Action.

The protest, organized by the Bakers’

Food and Allied Workers’ Union joined the country wide campaign aimed at raising the wages of the workers to £10 an hour as well as abolishing zero hour contracts.

While the protesters gathered the attention of bemused passers by, the projects overall lack of organisation was evident from the beginning. Fearing arrests, the unionists in charge cleared out as soon as Strathclyde Police made an appearance.

The remaining activist persisted, chanting, singing and talking to people on the streets but the lack of leadership meant that despite best efforts this was carried out in a rather chaotic manner.

It is hard to judge the success of the campaign at this early stage. While the initiative continues to grow in all over the world, and the group gathered was impressive, it is not clear whether many fast food workers will join its ranks. The current economic climate forces many people to accept working for minimal wage. Fears of unemployment are likely to prevent workers from taking any action. Global corporations such as McDonald’s have the power to simply sack any unhappy employees, replacing them with workers willing to work for the wage offered.

Suggesting what could be done to make a change in the industry is tough. An idealist might say that a boycott of the chains which treat their workers unfairly might be a solution but for many convenient fast food is more important than the fate of the folk serving it. The involvement of political figures could yield results but again, taking on a giant like McDonald’s is a daunting prospect for most. Some might suggest that it isn’t just the large corporations that are to blame. The general attitude towards unskilled employment, minimal wage and zero hour contracts needs to change. While the issue gains publicity it is clear that this is a problem that will have to be addressed by all political parties counting on working class votes in the upcoming General Election.

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MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL RETURNS THE Merchant City Festival will cover nine days at the end of July and the start of August as Glasgow celebrates the first anniversary of the best ever Commonwealth Games.

The 2015 festival starts on July 25 and concludes on August 2, filling the streets and venues of the Merchant City with performances and music as it so memorably did during the Commonwealth Games.

Already confirmed is the World Premiere of a new work

by Motionhouse, Conflux, The Merchant City Festival and Gulbenkian, University of Kent calledFragile which will involve performers interacting with three JCBs. Fragile is a brand new, largescale street performance involving world-class performers from Motionhouse, one of the UK’s foremost dance theatre companies, as well as up to 25 local emerging performers, and will be directed by Kevin Finnan MBE, who was Choreographer and Movement Director for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games The Brunswick Street Stage will incorporate a screen and licenced area in a large marquee and the ever popular Blackfri-

ars Stage and emerging talent stages will feature a whole host of live music. The festival will also be home to fashion and design events, dance, comedy, street theatre and a family zone which will run across five days from July 27 in Merchant Square.

The hugely popular SURGE festival, a highlight of the Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme, returns for its sixth incarnation in 2015 and the Merchant City Festival Club is also back with Conflux programming the sessions. As always some of the finest popup food stands, craft stalls and street entertainment will prove to be a huge draw across the whole nine days of the festival.

Other highlights will include Glasgow Eats & Beats, a new music based walking tour created and led by Fiona Walker, the Scotsman’s music editor and music journalist and From Steam to Green, a structured walk from Glasgow Green to Science Centre marking the 250thAnniversary of James Watt’s invention of the steam engine. This year will host a dedicated children’s zone which will add a further dimension to the already huge interest in what is a unique festival.

City Building helps adult apprentices flourish

LEADING Scottish construction firm, City Building, is helping two adult apprentices carve out successful careers in the construction industry through its renowned apprenticeship programme.

Kevin McCarron and Adam Gibbs, both from Glasgow have additional support needs and were initially employed at the company’s Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) facility after leaving school and subsequently secured apprenticeships in joinery and carpentry with City Building which commenced in August 2014.

The company initially placed Kevin and Adam on its six-week pre-apprenticeship programme and have gone on to provide them with the resources they need to progress through their apprenticeships. This included help from a dedicated learning support worker and apprentice training officer.

Kevin said; “I never thought when attending an additional support school I would ever have the opportunity to be an apprentice joiner. This will change my life forever, after my apprenticeship I will have more choices in life.”

Adam added, “I have had a great experience so far working

with City Building and attending the learning centre. The support I’ve received has really helped motivate me to succeed.”

Kevin is now actively working as a joiner on the investment and refurbishment side of the business, while Adam has been working on carpentry projects on the

company’s new house building site at Croftfoot Road in Glasgow for Lowther Group and is currently involved in constructing the new care home in Toryglen for Glasgow City Council.

Graham Paterson, Executive Director of City Building, said: “We are dedicated to training

and supporting the next generation of tradespeople through our extensive apprenticeship programme.

“It’s great to see how far Kevin and Adam have developed and to watch their drive and determination turn into great achievements.”

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City centre gallery takes satirical view of General Election

LEIPER Fine Art gallery, West George Street is showing a selection of pieces by cartoonists working in the Scottish and UK press in the days leading up to the General Election.

Terry Anderson is one of the contributors: “Leiper exhibited an international collection of cartoons about the independence referendum last year and they’re a joy to work with. The space itself is great, with a fascinating history that puts it right at the heart of Glasgow’s visual arts heritage. From my own point of view it’s encouraging that they’ve been so welcoming of cartoons. Some galleries are guilty of snobbery in that department.”

“Looking at the cartoons published in the last couple of months I think we’re seeing something of a sequel to last year’s independence referendum. Before the campaign many predicted the big story would be UKIP making inroads but the SNP, Salmond and Sturgeon are getting attention south of the border in a way they never managed even at the height of the referendum campaign.”

“Some cartoons by colleagues elsewhere in the UK have been quite harsh but no more so than the treatment that gets dished out to other figures, at least not in my opinion. I think the SNP, still relatively new to power, are a bit thin-skinned when it comes to this aspect of politics.”

Ewan Kennedy is in charge at the gallery. “We’re showing some of the best cartoons to emerge from the general

election. It’s a great chance to see and even acquire a little piece of Scottish history at this exciting time.”

The selection includes cartoons from such names as: Gary Barker (The Guardian), Steve Bright (The Sun),

Chris Cairns (Wings Over Scotland), Steven Camley (The Herald), Iain Green (Holyrood Magazine), Lorna Miller (Morning Star) and Greg Moodie (The National).

Original artwork and fine quality prints are available for sale. The gallery is open

every afternoon except on Mondays and the cartoons will be shown right through to the weekend after the election, so those hedging their bets can make a selection based on who emerges as winners and losers.

For more information visit: leiperfineart.com

19

GENN Anne McLaughlin is the SNP candidate in the May 7th general elections for the Glasgow North East constituency. McLaughlin has been a campaigner since the 1980s, joining the SNP around the same time as her close friend Nicola Sturgeon, when Margaret Thatcher’s government was causing chaos throughout central Scotland. She describes that time as ‘the time when Thatcher made me political’ and explains ‘I was a drama student, I wanted to act, I really don’t think I would’ve been all that interested in politics if Thatcher hadn’t tried to decimate our industries.

Her attacks on working class communities left me with no choice, I had to join the fight back’.

The ‘fight back’ meant McLaughlin became one of the most active SNP campaigners and candidates over more than two decades. But it was in 2009 when she was elected as an MSP for Glasgow that she really came to the forefront and gained a significant track record of fighting injustice.

Alongside her SNP colleagues she championed the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. She was noted for her work with refugees, with people experiencing mental health problems and addictions but also supported local campaigns like the one fighting to reopen the station in Millerston.

Practical help McLaughlin gained a reputation for finding ways to give practical help to those who needed it most, noteably

convincing First Bus to pilot a scheme for jobseekers to get discounted bus fares to enable them to look for work. It is this practical approach that she wants to bring to Glasgow North East.

She told us “I want to fight for a real jobs focus on this area.

However, I also want to support those who can’t, for a number of reasons, earn a wage. I am horrified by some of the stories I hear about benefit sanctions and disability benefits being withdrawn.”

So McLaughlin tells us if she is elected she will ensure that at least one person in her office is expert in welfare rights.

“There have been a lot of cuts to welfare rights services in recent years so when folk think they’re being treated unfairly, they have very few places to turn.”

Down to earth It’s McLaughlin’s down to earth, practical approach to politics that supporters believe make her stand out from the MPs of the past. One story that does the rounds is that during the referendum, the local Yes team wanted to open a second campaign hub but couldn’t find a suitable shop. So McLaughlin impatient to get on with it and determined to reach everyone, hired a former ice cream van, filled it up with information packs and posters and drove it round the constituency. Rumour has it that the ice cream van will put in an appearance in the final ten days of McLaughlin’s campaign to get elected.

People our greatest assets One of the hallmarks of

Anne’s campaign so far has been her determination to make use of the assets we currently have here. She has spoken out against the many disused buildings, eyesores that local people have to wake up to every day, buildings that could be used for the good of the community or demolished to make way for new ones.

“They managed to demolish the beautiful Springburn Burgh Halls which everyone wanted to keep so how can they not get rid of the ones none of us want?”

But McLaughlin firmly believes that the greatest resource Glasgow has is not its buildings but its people. ‘A lot of folk underestimate Glasgow North East. I’m tired of the fact that a lot of the time when we hear about this area it’s about the problems, as if they were caused by local people. The problems were caused largely by the neglect of politicians and in fact it’s local people in many cases who are working the hardest to overcome those problems.’

Anne intends to use her position, if elected, to highlight the great work being undertaken across Glasgow North East to make this a better place to live.

National Picture Turning to national politics, McLaughlin said she is against fracking, in favour of redistribution of wealth, opposed to zero hours contracts, in favour of bankers’ bonus tax and of course, in favour of Independence. She points out that this election, Independence is not on the agenda but about giving

Backed by the First Minister

Anne’s campaign was given an extra boost recently when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon came to Royston Garngad to publicly endorse her candidacy: Referring to Anne as “one of my best friends in life” Sturgeon said she was “one of those people we need many, many more of in politics”. The First Minister revealed to a gathering of 250 supporters that there were “few things that will make me happier in the early hours of 8 May than hearing the Presiding Officer for Glasgow declare Anne McLaughlin as MP for Glasgow North East.”

“I have not known many people who work harder than Anne for those they represent.” Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland a strong voice to Scotland.

McLaughlin is certain that electing a big group of SNP MPs is what will make the difference to Scotland. ‘It’s simple arithmetic for me. If you elect an SNP MP they are as anti Tory as any Labour MP’. She then muses that SNP MPs have ruled out supporting the Tories (‘we’d all rather give up than support the Tories’) but Labour MPs have not yet! ‘If the number of anti Tory MPs (Labour and SNP) is greater than the number of Tory MPs, we can work together to stop the Tories getting in again.’

Labour voted for Tory cuts But the added benefit to Scotland she claims, is that SNP MPs will fight further cuts whereas Labour want to implement the cuts that are having such an impact on people’s lives. McLaughlin said she can’t find the words to express how angry she is that the Labour

candidate in Glasgow North East voted for the Tory cuts in Westminster earlier this year.

And she literally could not find the words.

Back to SNP plans. ‘We are not saying don’t pay off the deficit, we’re saying take a little longer to pay it off and invest money to grow the economy.

Otherwise it’s the people with the least who will pay the price and we don’t accept that is right. So we’ll support a Labour government but they will have to make some concessions and I don’t see how they can argue against conceding on the cuts.’

SNP riding high in polls – sub heading The polls are looking good for the SNP and commentators have said that an SNP victory in Glasgow North East, once thought to be Labour’s safest seat, would be phenomenal.

That phenomenon is looking

likelier by the day. Anne herself is remaining tight lipped on what their own canvassing tells them but we detected a smile emerging as she got up to go and knock on doors in Petershill.

“All I’ll say is this. People are telling me that their values haven’t changed at all, that they’re voting for me because they have had enough of other parties ignoring them. They know I won’t let them down. But I have to get elected first or I won’t be able to help anyone. I am working dawn to dusk for every single vote, I’m taking nothing for granted.”

And with that she was off, lifting a big pile of SNP posters ‘we keep running out’ as she head to Petershill with her team of local campaigners. If hard work alone won elections, Anne McLaughlin would already be our MP.

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TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR KIDS

IF you are like most people, you take a lot of photos. when you have your first child .

You may, or may not, print them out, but you certainly record their every move,every smile and every milestone in their life.

In fact they start to roll their eyes at you every time you pull out the camera.

If you decide to have more than one child, by the time you get to your third or fourth child you can’t even find your camera, let alone take any photos of your offspring. It’s just the way it is. Life gets busy and before you know it they’re borrowing your car and choosing your “old folks” home.

If you keep your camera in a drawer somewhere, and have to think about the times that you are going to bring it out, such as for a special event, then you are going to end up with a lot of posed photos and months of missed growth spurts and changes in your kids.

The key to taking photos of your kids is to always keep your camera handy.

With the convenience of digital cameras nowadays it doesn’t matter if you take lots of photos, you won’t be wasting any film, you can just hit delete.

You don’t need anything fancy either.

The smaller compact cameras work just as well, and even smartphones can take great quality shots.

Leave your camera somewhere, where it is easy to grab at a minutes notice; you never know when the perfect photo-

graphic opportunity might happen along..

When taking photos of children patience is important.

If you’re aiming for a natural shot of your kids you should give them something to do that makes them happy, whether it be drawing or painting or playing with toys because a focused child is a great shot.

Instantly you have some dynamic, natural photos with real smiles, real personality and your kids will have a great time.

There can however be times that we really do want a posed shot. One where we dress them up in all sorts and have them all smiling at the camera. These shots are fine, although keep in mind that with younger children they can be really difficult to get.

Kids have virtually no patience and will have trouble sitting still, there’s no two ways about it.

My advice is to get in fast and take the photos as quickly as you can.

The best idea is to get as many shots as possible while you can because without a doubt you are going to look through those photos later and find that only two out of the 20 you took have “character” look you achieve when the child is focused and busy Think about what is behind your kids before you take the shot. Is it really busy? Is there a rubbish bin? Does the wall clash with the pattern in their shirt?

These might seem like little things but thinking about the whole picture, instead of just

the subject of your shot, can help you take a better photo.

Golden rules of photography, don’t shoot into the sun. Rule number two, sometimes you can break rule number one.

What I’m trying to say is be mindful of your lighting. To avoid sun glare don’t take a photo of someone with the light directly behind him or her.

You can, however, take some fantastic photos of your child’s silhouette, or the light shining through their hair if you do have the light behind them, so think creatively.

The best lighting is either early morning or early evening, so if possible go out and take your photos during what photographers often call the ‘magic hour’.

The light is warmer in tone and is infinitely more flattering.

If you do shoot during the middle of the day when the light is harsher have your child stand/ sit/lie in the shade.

Make sure that you drop down to your knees, squat or even lie down on your stomach to take photos of your kids. You don’t want to have a great collection of photos where your camera angle is always looking down on them.

You will miss all sorts of great moments, like facial expressions as they are concentrating on their game, and a photo taken seeing life from their point of view will open up a whole new world of beautiful moments.

So Mums Dads and Grandparents dust off the camera and take some wonderful photos of your kids.

Keep your dog safe from the farmer’s gun

FARMERS have the right to shoot a dog if they threaten the safety of livestock.

The timely reminder, comes as the fields fill with the bleating sound of pregnant ewes and newborn lambs.

But the nature of sheep is such that even if a dog thinks it is ‘playing’, it can wreak havoc according to Vets “Sheep are flight animals, and will flee at full speed when around an unpredictable dog, Dogs running amuck amongst a flock of sheep can cause serious harm to expect-

ant ewes, who may miscarry.

It also affects the flock’s future lambing ability, damaging not just the animals but also the farmer’s livelihood.

The legal responsibility for destruction of the farmer’s property, including to expectant ewes and newborn lambs, lies with the dog owner: “Even some of the best trained dogs can retain a predatory instinct when presented with sheep in pasture, and our advice is simple: keep them on a lead at all times.”

Section nine of the Animals

Act, 1971 states when the safety of livestock is threatened, the farmer or landowner maintains the right to shoot a dog, provided the incident is reported to police within 48 hours.

No-one wants their dog to be shot at or injured, just as no farmer wants to euthanise a pregnant ewe or young lamb because of an avoidable attack.

“Farmers have often dedicated years into a breeding flock so it is heart-breaking when their hard work decimated within minutes by an out-of-control dog

Opportunity | Glasgow Mural funding

THIS scheme offers support towards the costs involved in creating and delivering new inspiring installations in prominent city centre locations.

Aimed at improving the image of buildings, gable ends or sites across Glasgow city centre, the work will help to enhance the look of the area and add to the experience of visitors to Glasgow while also contributing to local regeneration.

This opportunity exists for artists to bring their ideas to life and provide a platform for their talent to be showcased.

It will add to the growing reputation of Glasgow’s arts community and contribute to the City’s image as a cultural centre.

The chosen site for the mural image must be within the following City centre area, a boundary map can be found attached to the Guidance Note Application form and guidelines are available http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/

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CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU SCOTLAND 75TH ANNIVERSARY THE Citizens Advice Bureau service in Scotland is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

The first bureaux were set up in September 1939 as an emergency response to the outbreak of World War

Two – 75 years later they have evolved into an everyday part of community life.

However, they are as valued and as depended upon as much as ever.

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Citizens Ad-

your Member of the Scottish Parliament

Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

vice Bureau service, we have created a series of infographics charting major moments from the service in Scotland over the last 75 years, and we have also dusted off a film made by the Ministry of Information in 1942.

Contact Bob Doris MSP

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

SLEEP YOUR WAY TO THE TOP MARGARET Thatcher famously survived on four hours a night.

But Number 10 hopefuls campaigning in this general election would be well advised to think about managing their sleep effectively to optimise vote winning, according to The Sleep Council.

Just like everyone else, politicians and world leaders need their full quota of sleep a night - even if they might scrimp on this during the busy electioneering time. Dave needs his duvet and Ed his bed if they want to stay sharp and impress at the hustings.

Said Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council: “Most of us need a good seven to eight hours of solid sleep a night to perform at our best. Start scrimping on that and people are in danger of becoming too tired to be truly effective. Chronic sleep debt can have a seriously damaging effect on our mental and physical health and research shows that lack of sleep erodes concentration and problem-solv-

ing ability. Each hour of sleep lost per night is associated with a temporary loss of one IQ point.”

And while wannabe MPs are battling at the ballot box, getting a good night’s sleep should be at the heart of their own manifestos if they want to come out on top.

It’s a lesson some world leaders admit to having already learned. Bill Clinton, who apparently used to get just five hours of sleep a night, once said: “Every important mistake I’ve made in my life, I’ve made because I was too tired.”

Meanwhile Winston Churchill and John F Kennedy are among history’s famous nappers - Churchill promoted a sleep between lunch and dinner in order to accomplish more.

Here are the Sleep Council’s tips for sleeping for success whether or not you want to run the country!

Keep regular hours, where possible. Going to bed and

getting up at the same time, all the time, programmes your body to sleep better.

Spend time winding down before bedtime to aid relaxation - read a book or listen to calming music.

If your head is full of circulating thoughts and worries, try writing them down as a list of things to tackle the next day.

Consider your bedroom environment, keep it cool and minimise noise and light disturbance.

Banish the laptop and all electrical devices including phones and tablets from the bedroom. Not only do they stop you from falling asleep but may be disruptive at inopportune times and wake you.

Invest in buying a really good quality mattress. Spend as much as you can afford on a new bed - and buy as big a one as your bedroom allows. Sleep Council research shows that high flyers tend to recognise the importance of sleeping in a comfortable and supportive bed.

AS ELECTION day approaches, it seems the whole of the UK is gripped by the prospect of the SNP winning seats across Scotland, including right here in Glasgow.

Many across the UK see a real positive opportunity in having the SNP as a powerful, progressive political force in Westminster; one that will challenge austerity and champion for social justice. Here in Scotland, support for the SNP continues to remain strong within our communities.

On the doorsteps of north Glasgow, I am increasingly struck by the sheer volume of former Labour voters who will be voting SNP in this election.

Families are telling me that their Labour values are now best represented by the SNP and that the Scottish National Party are most trusted to deliver for Scotland.

The recently launched SNP manifesto makes clear our priorities; we will protect the most vulnerable in society, we will do all we can to defend services such as funding for our

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 NHS and we will take steps to lift the working poor out of poverty. Whether its increasing the minimum wage to £8.70 by 2020, rejecting the UK plans to cut funds to around 1 million disabled adults or ambitious targets to build more affordable homes in our communities, there are a series of commitments that can improve the lives of communities right here in Glasgow.

By having a modest rise in spending - of just 0.5% above inflation - we can spend an additional £140billion across the UK and STILL reduce the national debt as a share of GDP. That cash can make a real difference. For instance it can mean an additional £9.5billion (above inflation) to be spend on the NHS across the UK delivering another £2billion to Scotland’s NHS. However, the UK parties are involved in a damaging and unhealthy consensus on austerity. Both Labour and the Tories plan an additional £30billion in cuts as opposed to investment.

Indeed Labour has been

caught red handed pretending that initially there would be no further cuts. They now admit there would be cuts outside ‘protected areas’ but have not had the decency to say where the axe will fall. With no party likely to have an overall majority, SNP MPs can have real power at Westminster to the benefit of Scotland’s communities as well as offering a progressive alternative that can benefit the entire UK. Our MPs will use their votes on your behalf to block any possible Conservative Government and to challenge any future Labour Government on matters such as cuts and austerity.

Whoever forms the next UK Government will be in power for 5 years. Without a strong team of SNP MPs in London standing up for our interests, Scotland’s voice- and more importantly influence- at Westminster may quickly be forgotten once the General Election is over. Our communities in Glasgow and right across Scotland cannot afford to let that happen.

TRAVELLERS AT RISK IN RELYING ON EHIC

WITH the Spring holidays fast approaching, and the lure of the Piste or a half-term City Break uppermost in their minds, a third of all holidaymakers (32%) have admitted to previously travelling in Europe uninsured, despite the risks – and the potential expense – should they be involved in an accident or taken ill.

AllClear, the travel insurance provider that commissioned the research, says that some simply forget, others run out of time or consider the cost is too great, but one in five believe that they do not need insurance for travelling in the European Union (EU) at all!

Many are confused as to why they need insurance in addition to their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) according to Mike Rutherford, Chairman of AllClear Travel Insurance: “Holidaymakers think that an EHIC is effectively their ‘passport’ to

getting free or reduced medical treatment in an EU country,” he says. “It is not. The card only entitles the holder to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country, which is not the same as healthcare equivalent to the NHS.” Mike says that in some countries patients must contribute to the cost of their treatment and some state-run hospitals in Europe have privately-operated ambulance services that you would have to pay for: “Spain, in particular, can be confusing because the same healthcare centre could offer private and state-provided healthcare and it is up to the patient to understand and specify what they want.”

Mike says that there is one further misconception that should be corrected: “The UK Government will not cover bills in the event of something going wrong,” he says,

“although many mistakenly believe that they will. The nearest British Embassy or Consulate can contact family at home but it cannot arrange better medical transport and nor can it pay bills for British nationals.”

Mike says that in the worstcase scenarios, uninsured holidaymakers would be obliged to cover the cost of repatriation: “This could run into thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds when you account for a medical attendant, flights and accommodation,” he says. “There have been too many tragic stories where people have had to borrow money, or family members have had to take out a bank loan or even sell their house to get a loved one home.

“So when you book your next European holiday think about insurance; don’t leave it to the last minute and don’t leave anything to chance by relying on the EHIC.”

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420 CANNABIS PROTEST IN GEORGE SQUARE PRO-CANNABIS Protestors took over George Square for their 420 celebrations on 20th April.

The 20th of April has become a celebration day for cannabis users since the 1970s.

High profile demonstrations and celebrations take place in San Francisco, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver.

In recent years the celebrations have taken place in George Square, where the protestors campaign for legalisation of the controversial plant.

Protestors would prefer the plant to be legal and regulated and argue that prohibition creates criminals out of otherwise law abiding citizens.

FUNDING FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY LOCAL people in Glasgow could be at the heart of a grass roots circular economy revolution, under plans to recruit more than 1,000 zero waste volunteers across Scotland.

Zero Waste Scotland is calling for people across the country to join its mission to reduce food waste, boost recycling rates and promote re-use, repairing and sharing.

It is offering funding to organisations to help coordinate volunteer groups in their communities. Volunteers would be required to engage members of the public and pass on information and tips to help reduce waste. Activities could include zero waste cookery demonstrations, passing on skills for repairing or ‘upcycling’ items, helping people to recycle at major events, delivering talks, and organising swap-shops.

A wide range of organi-

sations can apply, including community groups, environmental networks, student organisations, local authorities and third sector organisations.

Projects need to be operational from July this year.

The new funding call builds on Zero Waste Scotland’s existing volunteer network, through which over 700 volunteers have engaged over 20,000 people in 50 local areas across Scotland, as well as playing a key role as Recycling Ambassadors during last year’s Commonwealth Games.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said: “We know that people all over Scotland care about the environment and that hundreds are willing to give their time freely to help spread the zero waste message.

This ‘army’ of volunteers can have a huge impact, from reducing

food waste, which can save the average family hundreds of pounds a year, to passing on and learning skills that mean people can repair and re-use more everyday items.

“We want to build on the success of our existing volunteers and get even more behind this grass-roots initiative, so we’re calling on organisations in Glasgow to bid in now to help us with our mission.”

The deadline for applications is Monday 18th May 2015. Zero Waste Scotland will be hosting an Applicant Workshop on Thurs 7th May 2015 for potential applicants to find out more.

Further details on this process are provided from the following funding page: www. zerowastescotland.org.uk/ content/volunteer-and-community-advocate-programme-0

MOVIE LEGEND COMES TO GLASGOW AN EVENING WITH AL PACINO marks a welcome return to the UK following the sold out event at the London Palladium, 2013. Featuring Pacino himself in an intimate theatre setting, the evening is a celebration of his career and an insight into his passion for acting and directing.

Al Pacino, said: “I’m looking forward to being in Scotland for the first time, meeting the people and seeing some of Scotland’s legendary scenery - it’s a breath-taking country.”

“Coming to Glasgow will be one of the highlights of the tour for me and I’m looking forward to experiencing a warm Scottish welcome and sharing an evening of engaging conversation and laughter with my Scottish fans.”

The evening will explore his time Off-Broadway in the ‘60s right up to the present day, and will include some personal stories and unseen clips. There will also be the rare chance to speak directly with Pacino.

Al Pacino has created some of the most indelible character portrayals in cinema history, starring in over forty films including; The Godfather Trilogy, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, Scent of a Woman, Sea of Love, Dick Tracy, Heat, Scarface, Any Given Sunday, Donnie Brasco, Angels in America and most recently You Don’t Know Jack and Phil Spector for HBO. He is an eight-time Academy Award nominee and an Oscar Award winner for his performance in Scent of a Woman. His performances for HBO have garnered Golden Globe and Emmy awards for Angels in America and You Don’t Know Jack. He is one

of the rare winners of the triple crown of acting: the Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award. He is also the winner of the 2012 National Medal of Arts, AFI Life Achievement Award and American Cinematheque Award.

With an enduring devotion to acting, Pacino has become one of film and theatre’s most honoured players and one of the most famous and loved actors in the world. AN EVENING WITH PACINO is, undoubtedly, an exceptional opportunity to catch an icon in the flesh.

An evening with Al Pacino is at Clyde Auditorium Tuesday 19th May, Tickets £65-£150

New website gives homeowners insight into rot issues HOMEOWNERS in Glasgow can get the inside track on property issues, including timber preservation, with a new website from national trade body the Property Care Association.

Offering insight into the causes and effects of wet and dry rot, the guidance at www. property-care.org/homeowners/timber-treatment comes at a key time in the year, as reported cases can increase after winter, mainly due to increased rainfall.

Dry rot and wet rot can affect buildings of all ages and if decay is discovered it should be identified and remedial action taken without delay.

Once the existence and extent of a timber problem has been established, the main priority must be to focus on its cause. In cases of wet and dry rot, the source of the problem is excess moisture.

Damaged roof tiles, blocked gutters, cracked water pipes and poor ventilation can all create excess moisture and basic property maintenance is often all that is needed to dry out the affected timber.

Wet rot is caused by wood being in contact with damp masonry. Exposure to high levels of water over long periods leads to a natural breakdown process, seen in all natural organic materials.

“Commonly seen on untreated wood exposed to the elements, such as window frames, wet rot will not spread beyond the area of dampness.

Dry rot however can be more challenging. People are often surprised to find that, despite its name, a moisture content in excess of 20 per cent is needed before dry rot fungus develops.

Filaments are capable of spreading some considerable

distance, over and through masonry, to affect timber away from its original source. However, they can only do this if the masonry or covering plasterwork is damp.

“Therefore reducing the moisture content of timber – and surrounding masonry – is vital to treat dry rot.

Once timber has been dried out, a reassessment should then be made to determine whether the problem has been eradicated and whether the structural qualities of the wood have been affected.

“In some cases drying out may be all that is needed, with no treatment necessary. However, where further attention

is needed, it should be highly targeted and specific to the affected area only.

“If householders think they may have a problem, it is important that the two types of decay are correctly distinguished since they require different treatment. If in doubt, contact a member of the PCA, to get the problem accurately diagnosed.

The PCA is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by government to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.

To find out more about the PCA, log on to www.property-care.org

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GENN

ANDREW GRAYDON - THE MAN BEHIND THE FITNESS COLUMN

By Laura Maxwell THE GENN’s own fitness instructor, Andy Graydon, regularly gives health and exercise tips in his column every issue. He is your informant to keeping the blood pressure and muffin top down, but is there more behind the guidance?

Since college, Graydon has had an uninterrupted career encouraging, motivating and pushing the local people into healthier, more glorious specimens.

“I’ve known that I’ve wanted to do it for ages.”

After a few years in Perth, training in weights, cardio and swimming, Graydon moved down to Glasgow to spread the wealth and start working for himself.

“Once I finished college I kept doing that and I just sort of thought ‘Why is somebody else paying me not very much to do something that I can do myself and make good money with?’ and so I moved down here and set up myself which was quite a big decision but I always knew that I wanted to do personal training. I was at college for quite a while doing it so I just decided to do it myself.”

In case any of you whizz off to his website to decide whether you want to work under Graydon’s thumb, you should be warned of what kind of personal trainer he is…

“It really depends on the client. I mean, you’ll get some clients in that love you to go hard on them. It tends to - not to be sexist – but it tends to more be the males that like to get worked out really hard and then some people come in and it’ll be more relaxed and chatty.

But don’t get me wrong if someone’s slacking, then I’ll make sure they work hard.”

So not Satan in gym shorts then, but won’t let you waste your money, time or energy.

On top of his fortnightly input to The GENN, Graydon also has his own informative blog covering every corner of health, fitness and sports you can imagine.

“When I started the business I was just doing loads of promoting stuff so I emailed all the local papers and asked if anybody wanted to come in and try something

and Greig was the only one that wrote back. I’ve already got a blog on my website anyway so I thought I might as well get advertising for myself from them. It’s turned out to be quite useful.”

Although a column of tips and pointers don’t over-complicate the golden rule of life. When asked what he would say to make a client lose weight in one sentence he said, “Train well and eat right.”

There are no magic beans to take that will turn you into Keira Knightly overnight, except possibly determination.

“When you actually think about it it’s pretty simple.

It’s not easy but it’s simple.

All you do is work out and make sure that you’re eating right. The media if anything over-complicates it with their low-cal diets and all the ‘Be scared of carbs, be scared of fats’ all that. Just do a fair bit of weights and a little bit of cardio and make sure your diet’s right as well.

It’s just pretty simple.”

It’s got to be easier when you spend half your life in the gym, though.

“My own fitness regime is mainly free-weights. I’m spending a very little amount of time on the left hand side of the gym because to be honest I hate cardio and stuff. [I’m here] pretty much six days a week. If I’m in here then I’ll train anyway so it depends how often I’m in here, but if I’m off for two days then I’ll probably come in to train anyway because I like to.”

But everyone has a guilty pleasure, even Graydon.

“Haribo Tangfastics.

Honestly, if I wasn’t in the fitness industry I would be massive because I just love food so much. Definitely Haribo Tangfastics… and steak.”

Andy Graydon’s blog can be found at agfitnesstraining.co.uk along with links to his price list and classes, but if you like face to face negotiations Andy can be found at Edenfit Health Studios across the road from Charing Cross Station. He can be contacted at 07961085921 and his column is a part of every GENN issue.

Andrew Graydon - Training for muscle gain In recent issues I have looked a lot at fat loss and nutrition for fat loss but have only briefly touched on how to gain some muscle. Today I’ll look to share with you the basics of training to add some muscle to your frame.

When we are trying to add some muscle we should always be looking towards the resistance training side of things, however this doesn’t always have to be big, heavy weights. Resistance training covers loads of different training methods, including bodyweight training, free weights and fixed weights.

Often you’ll see people in the gym throwing around big, heavy weights with poor technique. This is definitely not the most effective way to put on muscle mass, despite what you may have been told!

Firstly, you want to ensure that you are executing the movement correctly, if you are not then you will not be placing tension on to the correct muscle groups that you are trying to work, therefore not getting the full benefit of the exercise. Not performing exercises correctly may also put the participant at risk of injury. Start off with a light weight until you have got the technique perfect, then you can begin to add some weight.

Our muscles respond to time under tension (TUT), this is the amount of time that our muscles spend under tension. There are different ways that we can apply this tension, the most obvious being to add more weight but there are other methods as well. When trying to gain muscle you don’t want to pick a heavy weight that you

will then have to rush through your set and will finish with 10 seconds. You will get much better results if you pick a lighter weight and control the weight and slow down the movement.

Ideally when training for muscle gain you will look to execute 8-12 repetitions of the exercise per set. Keeping the movements slow and controlled and aiming to make the set last around 45 seconds (that’s 45 seconds of TUT!).

When looking to gain muscle you should aim to progressively overload the muscles, you can do this by slowly increasing your training and making it more difficult as your body begins to adapt and get used to the stimulus. You can do this by increasing: the weight, the number of sets or reps, TUT, intensity or other aspects of training.

To recap, training for muscle gain you should aim to pick a weight that is heavy enough to make the exercise difficult but no so difficult that it affects your technique. Sets should last 8-12 reps for around 45 seconds and should be slow and controlled. Training should be progressively overloaded, making the exercises harder as you become stronger.

For more info on muscle gain visit – www. agfitnesstraining.co.uk

MARCH FOR THE HOMELESS AS Glasgow homeless numbers grow an international protest hopes to raise awareness of the issue, aiming to make people concious of the cuts that the council are making to social services, as these seem to be directly related to the dramatic

rise in the homeless community.

The demonstration gathered a large crowd outside Glasgow’s City Chambers, including social workers, numerous social activists as well as members of the homeless community.

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BAILLIESTON CHURCHES TOGETHER EASTER 2015

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EASTERN WINTER CARPET BOWLS LEAGUE WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP 2014/2015

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GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

This can be a memorable week, as Uranus in your sign forms a link to Jupiter and simultaneously to Venus as well. These two are the brightest of the visible planets and traditionally the luckiest, so they’ll help to ensure a pleasant atmosphere across the board, affecting everyone in a slightly different way. Relationships go well, while if you are single and looking for your soulmate, there is a good chance of bumping in to them somewhere close to home you’d never have expected.

They never were a lifelong influence, but some of the outer planets are so distant, they can take what seems like an eternity, to shift the emphasis from one part of the zodiac to the next. Uranus and Pluto have influenced your personal affairs for so long, they have created a situation where on the one hand you’ve grown accustomed to pleasing yourself, unfettered by the constraints of other’s expectations and free from outside influences. Yet a more possessive part of you still misses the details of what is happening where, along with the certainty that comes with knowing what those you care about are doing.

Taurus

Scorpio

(21 April - 21 May)

The Sun’s arrival in your sign fills you with enthusiasm. You were born around this time of year and there is something about the prevailing ambience that always leaves you feeling more hopeful and positive.

In addition Mars offers a boost to your energy levels and vitality, helping you to leave behind a sense of sluggishness and inertia, while giving the impression that you have really turned a corner. Plus there is just so much to do; whether this means beautifying your home and garden, making plans for the future, putting your financial affairs on the best footing possible, or simply spending time out with your friends…

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

Venus in your sign makes you inclined to take it easy. It also helps your love life and other relationships to proceed more harmoniously and with less drama than of late, as you reach an agreement and a compromise where previously there was discord and stress. Some associations have not made it through this period, so try as you might what held you together no longer seems sufficient, to compensate for the lack of mutual empathy. Other connections have been severely tested and yet have emerged from this experience the stronger for it.

Cancer

(22 June - 23 July)

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

As the planets gather in your opposite sign, the focus is on your relationships.

This intensifies the more closely you are involved with another person and means partnerships of an intimate nature, are the most obviously emphasised. In some respects, whether you’re attached presently or are currently single with one eye on the future, you are looking for an equally determined individual, to match your own sense of purpose. You need someone who is prepared to persevere and talk through a number of complicated issues, but who is also prepared to lay down the law when the noise to signal ratio, looks out of balance.

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

There is much to be done this week, so you are better throwing your heart and soul into these activities, rather than attempting to dodge the issue and then feeling resentful about how much time and effort you have needed to devote to them. There is a focus on tangible achievement and the sustained effort you’ll have to make, to ensure your continued progress in the material world. This contrasts with your natural inclination to turn your back on such mundane concerns, while buying your ticket and booking a holiday instead.

Maybe your lesson is learning to deal with the headaches, while not feeling somehow worse off…

Capricorn

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

The planets congregate in a sector of the sky, linked with your social activities and the company of friends.

You are not the type to sustain dozens of acquaintances, but a few close compatriots with shared interests, provide a sense of camaraderie and confirm your place within a wider cohort. You are ruled by the Moon and your moods wax and wane, so sometimes you are extremely sociable and at others far more solitary.

The best people to be around will understand these complexities and not pass judgement.

Every constellation is linked with either fire, earth, air or water according to certain traits they share. Three signs belong to each element, so with a number of planets in Taurus this week, you are quite literally in yours. Your love of basic practicalities, respect for the material universe and fondness for the tried and tested place you firmly in the earthy camp, so with the focus on the down-to-earth sign of the Bull, you feel safe and in familiar company for a change.

Leo

Aquarius

(24 July - 23 Aug)

Sometimes it is right to pursue your ambitions in the outside world and with regard to your professional interests especially. At other points, the cosmic climate is not so conducive to the furtherance of these aspirations, no matter what you do. Concentrating on your domestic concerns is recommended at times like these and not simply as the default alternative, either. When matters on the home front come to the fore, it suggests a need to focus on your emotional happiness, since maybe you’ve been neglecting it lately.

Virgo

Pisces

Saturn’s transit of Sagittarius continues to upset the domestic applecart. Some, who have previously spent time ensuring any minor problems were swiftly ironed out, should simply see how right they were, although such far-sighted folk are in the minority and have already taken some courageous decisions in the past. Others though, have only noticed a number of niggles; that seemed in such sharp contrast to events elsewhere, it was easy to shuffle them away into the background where they could be ignored.

How to Handle Negative Influences ALL of us have at a time lived with negatively or are still living with negatively.

There is a lot of negativity within us where people are afraid to express themselves, they are afraid of a negative response. Everything that we as human beings do is for ourselves and you can’t make anyone happy if you are not happy yourself. It has to start with you first and what you want in your life nobody can take away from you.

Today even watching the news can be hazardous to your health.

It’s a fact, especially when you’re watching events related to terrorism, kidnapping, murder, accidents, or calamities.

These incidents make you worry and leave you feeling weak and insecure. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling of becoming a victim someday. This will have a negative effect on your outlook on life.

Your surroundings have a big impact on you. How can you think and grow rich if you’re bombarded with messages that relate “how difficult life has become” or “how poor most of us have turned out to be?”

You can’t change your environment, but you certainly can control your mind. This is where visualization comes into play. Use your imagination, just as you would when you’re still a little child. Imagine your home as a palace, your simple meal as fine dining gourmet, and your nearby park as your favorite vacation spot. Just imagine. Unconsciously, your

thoughts will transform the images into their physical components.

If the media can indirectly influence you just by reporting what’s happening around you, imagine what impact everyday people have on you.

These are the people that you see and meet everyday. These are also the same people who are expressing their own views of what is right and what is wrong.

When we grow up in a negative environment, we tend to acquire the traits and characteristics of people around us.

Many gangsters have been brought up by folks who have either misguided them or have taught them the wrong things in life. Through the years, they have instilled within

themselves the vices of people around them.

Here’s another case.

Pick a nice person, throw him in a group of bad-mouthed individuals who incorporates swear words in their everyday language.

Sooner or later, you’ll notice that nice person speaking in the same manner as the group.

This just goes to say that anyone who joins in the company of a like-minded group will have a big chance of being influenced by the personality of that group. So what can you do if you’re surrounded by people who deviate from your way of thinking?

You can’t just avoid them.

They’ll think of you as a snob.

Don’t change the way you treat them, but simply learn how

to shield out pessimistic comments or suggestions.

Sometimes, they will dictate you to do what you are against.

Be firm in what you believe in.

Do not let them affect your decisions. You know that you can do what they think is impossible. If you have to suffer the ridicule, so be it. You will have the last laugh anyway.

Moreover, you should be with people who have the same principles and ideologies as you do. You will be more encouraged to continue your dreams if you have a support group or mentor who will prod you to pursue your goals despite the setbacks.

You have the power to make your dreams a reality. Now show the world what stuff you are made of.

Clearing the wood to see the trees

The Genn Crossword

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

Across (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

In spite of the material advantages with which it is associated, the real payload of Jupiter’s visit to your sign is the message of spiritual growth. Beyond the bonuses that prove obvious to any observer, the intrinsic message of the time this planet spends with you, implies broadening your horizons and life experience, adding to your knowledge and ultimately wisdom in the end. Your understanding can be deepened in a number of ways that are not always what you’d expect. This week for instance, you will learn plenty from your friends and those you know socially, even if they are only casual acquaintances…

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Just a Thought

(20 Feb - 20 Mar)

For the next few months, Jupiter highlights an area of the sky that means plenty of hard work. It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the benefits of what is considered to be the luckiest planet of all, when it only appears to be multiplying your chores and expanding your obligations exponentially. But although you are unlikely to see much reward for this in the shorter term, try where you can to take a long-term view. Your efforts will never go unnoticed and while the extra responsibility might seem unwelcome, it is only by increasing the scope of the issues you tackle personally that true independence can be achieved.

1. Gallantry (7) 5. Subsequently (5) 8. Extreme happiness (5) 9. Considered unlikely (7) 10. Pills (7) 11. Paragon (5) 12. Gaped (6) 14. Concurs (6) 17. Proverb (5) 19. Recite (7) 22. Feed (7) 23. Water lily (5) 24. Frock (5) 25. Use again after processing (7)

Down 1. Established custom (5) 2. Arc of refracted light (7) 3. Publish (5) 4. Humble (6) 5. Risible (7) 6. Heading (5) 7. Conundrums (7) 12. Hankered (7) 13. Foes (7) 15. Flexible (7) 16. Fix firmly (6) 18. Angle less than 90 degrees (5) 20. Something that has survived the past (5) 21. Follow (5)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

27

0141 552 9977

LOCAL MAN TO HELP FIJIANS CHANGE THEIR LIVES GLASGOW-BASED youth coach, Scott Hay (42), is within touching distance of becoming one of six entrepreneurs that will take part in a life changing social experiment on a remote Fijian island, set to be aired as a reality TV show.

If successful, Scott will be flown all expenses paid to Vorovoro to spend 2 weeks on the island going through a complete life transformation with a Life Change Catalyst, Personal Trainer and Business Coach.

They will put the successful six through a mind, body and business bootcamp and work with each applicant on a ‘secret dream’ that when they return home will make a positive difference and change lives in their communities – it could be a business, product or charity.

Scott’s dream is to help transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people around the world!

Having transformed his own life from a 9-5 office worker on the brink of burnout to a life coach for adults and young people, Scott now wants to help young people to transform their own lives. Scott’s secret dream is to positively impact 10M young peoples’ lives worldwide, particularly those from a vulnerable or disadvantaged background. He wants to empower young people to believe in themselves and help them to achieve their own secret dreams. Building on that Scott has exciting plans to develop a youth leader programme and work with them to create ‘empowering our young people’ communities locally and nationally.

Out of 3,500 applicants Scott was informed on 1st April that he was one of the 50 semi-finalists and is the only Scot left in the competition. 6 lucky winners will then be chosen from the 50 semi-finalists with 3 being selected by the creator of this initiative, Mark Bowness, and the other 3 applicants will be chosen by public vote.

So now, it’s over to Scott to convince Mark and the general public that he should be chosen to go through this life changing experience.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be

a step closer to helping young people to transform their lives.

To be selected as one of the 50 semi-finalists out of over 3,500 applications worldwide is amazing in itself and shows how much my ‘secret dream’ resonates with people. However, being in the last 50 isn’t enough, I’m really focused on being selected as one of the final 6 who will go to Fiji – that will be truly life changing not only for me but on the back of that experience I’ll be ready to make a huge difference to the young people that I want to support”.

The brainchild of the competition, known as This Is Your Life Change, is Mark Bowness. A former cleaner from Merseyside, Mark overcame personal problems when his marriage ended and life hit rock bottom when he attempted to take his own life. At that time, he undertook his own life transformation and now wants to help others do the same.

Mr Bowness said: “You could be a teenage mum in New York, a corporate lawyer in London or an unemployed graduate in Melbourne. You could literally be anyone, from anywhere in the world. “Whoever you are and wherever you are from you will all have one thing in common – a deep down belief that the life that you are living now is a life that is standing in the shadows of the one that you know that you were created to live and an undeterred passion to make that change.”

Scott previously spent 15 years working in financial services and latterly started to find life harder and harder. Commuting 4 hours per day and the busy demands of office life took it’s toll on his health and wellbeing and left little time to do anything other than eat and sleep. Having been made redundant in 2013, he used that as a catalyst to transform his life. Scott decided to follow his passion for coaching and set up his own business as a life coach for adults and young people and hasn’t looked back since!

Scott will now be working hard to convince Mark and the general public vote to choose him. He has until the 31st May

to show how much he wants to be one of the successful six applicants and as the only Scot left in the competition he is hopeful that he can call

upon the support of the public in Scotland by voting for him on the This Is Your Life Change website. “I’m passionate about wanting to

positively impact the lives of our vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. This life changing experience will be a fantastic platform to build

on and I would ask the public to please support me by voting”. You can vote for Scott at http://thisisyourlifechange. com/vote-for-scott-hay/

Send in your news story and pics to share to editor@thegenn.co.uk

28 Police Scotland

GENN

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Local Police News Police Scotland launches National Child Abuse Investigation Unit

POLICE Scotland launched the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit (NCAIU), a specialist unit to support the investigation of complex child abuse and neglect across Scotland this week.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance, today met with police officers, police staff and partners at the national base of the unit in Livingston to discuss the work of the unit.

The NCAIU is a unit of specially trained officers located across the country. They provide local policing teams with consistent, high quality support for robust investigations into reports of complex child abuse and neglect, including child sexual exploitation and on-line child abuse.

Launching the unit, Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, said: “Child abuse, including child sexual exploitation, is a complex, challenging area of policing and we owe it to all those affected, whether now or in the past, to thoroughly investigate each and every report we receive.

“The NCAIU is about providing specialist investigative support. However, part of our success in delivering child protection is local officers working with their partners in communities throughout Scotland.

“To be clear, the abuse and neglect of children is an issue for all of our communities. This is unacceptable. Children and young people should be allowed to live their lives without the fear of abuse or exploitation.

We will proactively target those who pose a risk to children and work with our partners to ensure that support is available for victims.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance, said: “The safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is a key priority for the Government and an issue we take extremely seriously. It’s why we work continuously with Police

Scotland, children’s charities, Parliament and others to protect children from abuse and keep them safe. The launch of this new police unit should enable more to be done to target, and bring to justice, those who seek to harm children and is a welcome development.

“We will continue to take measures to ensure the protection of our children and young people, including developing our wide ranging National Action Plan on Child Sexual Exploitation, refreshing our National Guidance to better support those who work with young people and working closely with key partners across children’s services. The Scottish Government is committed to doing all it can with partners to ensure we have appropriate people and procedures in place so more children get the best possible start in life and grow up free from the fear of abuse and violence in their lives.”

The NCAIU began a phased implementation in January this year with the creation of a national hub in Livingston and investigation teams in Aberdeen, Inverness and Dalmarnock.

The unit now comprises more than 40 officers nationwide.

As well as assisting local policing teams, the unit has worked with other national specialist investigatory units such as the National Rape Task Force and Major Investigation Teams.

Since January, NCAIU has provided more than 8700 hours of assistance to every division across Scotland, investigating incidents including infant deaths, recent and non-recent sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, institutional abuse, child sexual exploitation and online child abuse and grooming.

CANNABIS SEIZURE

AROUND 6pm on Tuesday 14 April 2015, Police Scotland officers searched a property under warrant on Argyle Street in the Finnieston area of Glasgow, and seized a quantity of cannabis with an estimated approximate street value of £127,000.

Four men aged, 30, 28, 25 and 34 have been arrested in connection with alleged drug offences.

Detective Inspector Alasdair Anderson said today:

“We will continue to detect and disrupt the activities of those who engage in serious and organised crime.

“Police will always act on intelligence received to crack down on drugs in our communities. This seizure demonstrates that commitment.

“We would ask that anyone who has any information regarding drug dealing in their local area should contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road crash in Glasgow on Saturday 11 April 2015.

At around 2.25pm, emergency services responded to reports of a man being struck by a Honda CRV car as he was crossing the A8 Edinburgh Road.

The vehicle was travelling eastbound in the third lane of Edinburgh Road adjacent to Gantock Crescent at the time.

The man was taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where hospital staff describe his condition as critical.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.

BEWARE BURGLAR SYMBOLS

POLICE are warning householders to be on their guard .

Crooks are using a series of markings at properties, indicating details about the house, including whether the home is alarmed or a good target.

One chilling sign, in the shape of an open book, means a vulnerable female lives in the property alone.

The signs are daubed on walls, pavements or kerbs.

Police have warned householders to be aware of the ‘code’ and report any signs in their area.

Officers said they were aware of the markings being used in or near Glasgow “Please report all sightings.”

Sources believe gangs are using the markings to help identify targets and fear they may spread out to all areas across Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

Signs are used by wouldbe thieves to indicate wealth, vulnerability and a simple ‘X’ means a property is a good target.

The code has been previously been spotted in other parts of the UK..

The nationwide roll-out of Operation RAC has helped incidents of the crime reduce faster than almost any other offence.

Operation RAC - which stands for Recovery and Capture - sees teams of specialist officers investigate break-ins to homes, businesses and other buildings.

The police aim is to increase high visibility patrols, as a deterrent to thieves as well as providing reassurance for the public.

Police also believe the easy availability of cheap electronic goods and better security systems have helped with the drop in crime.

For years after the financial crash, police had been bracing themselves for a rise in thefts - but it increase has never materialised.

GEORGE SQUARE ARRESTS

TWO men have been arrested and six others reported to prosecutors following a pro-cannabis rally in Glasgow’s George Square on Monday.

Police said a 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with an alleged breach of the peace and a 24-year-old man held for an alleged breach of bail.

Two men aged 24, and others aged 22, 25, 26 and 28, were reported for alleged drugs offences.

The event was organised by Glasgow Cannabis Social Club.

It was part of worldwide 420 Day, which campaigns for the legalisation of cannabis.

AIRCRAFT LASER ATTACKS

A TEENAGER has been arrested in connection with alleged laser pen attacks on aircraft and a police van in Glasgow.

The 17-year-old male appeared from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday 21st April.

Police Scotland, said: “These types of incidents are extremely dangerous and will simply not be tolerated.”

“The effect of a laser attack within an aircraft can dazzle and distract the crew - it can even cause temporary blindness.

“Luckily on these occasions no harm was caused and the pilot was able to land the aircraft safely, however the potential for catastrophe should not be underestimated.

“People need to realise the dangers of this reckless behaviour and I would urge anyone to think twice before doing so as this is an offence we take extremely seriously.”

GARTCOSH VANDALS

VANDALS caused havoc on board a bus parked outside Gartcosh Parish Church last week.

They slashed and ripped a number of seats on the upper deck of the No 41 Firstbus service.

The incident happened around 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 15. Police are checking CCTV cameras in the area and anyone with any information should call them on 101.

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Music

With Mark Johnson

THE Scottish Album of the Year awards has released it’s longlist nominations for 2015.

The awards were established in 2013 to reward and promote the diversity and creativity of music and art in Scotland.

With a first prize of £20,000, nine runners-up prizes of £1,000 and a Graduate Design Commission val-

ued at £2,500, the SAY Awards are Scotland’s biggest music prize.

The longlist of 20 albums will be cut down to a shortlist of 10 through a process of a public vote between Monday 25th and Wednesday 27th May. This year’s nominations show the huge range of music in Scotland, with established acts such as clas-

DELTA DAVE PLAYS KING TUTS FRESH from a triumphant USA tour and showcases at the renowned SxSW (South by South West) festival Scottish bluesman Dave Arcari is back in the UK and is taking his own unique style of delta blues on the road.

The festival veteran has played at Glastonbury, Moulin Blues Festival in the Netherlands, Belgium’s Peer Festival (alongside Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Winwood) and BluesAlive in the Czech Republic and Poland.

Viewers of STV Glasgow’s The Riverside Show will be no stranger to Dave, following various performances on the show and his SxSW video diary.

Dave makes his return to Glasgow to play at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on Saturday 25 April. Dixie Fried and Proud Honey will fill the support slots at the Glasgow show.

In between getting back to Scotland and the forthcoming live shows Arcari has been busy at Chem19 studios with engineer/produced Paul Savage (Delgados) recording tracks for a new album scheduled for release in the Autumn. More Scottish shows, festival & club dates across the UK continue through May, June and July.

For more information on Dave Arcari visit davearcari. com Dave Arcari Plays King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on Saturday 25th April, Tickets £9

sic rock band Idlewild, post rockers Mogwai and West End popsters Belle and Sebastian and house legends Slam, alongside newcomers like the hauntingly beautiful Kathryn Joseph and the huge choruses of Fatherson.

The shortlist will be announced on Thursday 28th May and the award ceremony will be held on June 17th.

FULL NOMINATION LIST Belle & Sebastian - Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance Blue Rose Code - The Ballads Of Peckham Rye Errors - Lease Of Life Fatherson - I Am An Island Happy Meals - Apéro Honeyblood - Honeyblood Idlewild - Everything Ever Written Kathryn Joseph - Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I've Spilled King Creosote - From Scotland With Love Mike Vass - In The Wake Of Neil Gunn Mogwai - Rave Tapes Paolo Nutini - Caustic Love PAWS - Youth Culture Forever Slam - Reverse Proceed The Amazing Snakeheads - Amphetamine Ballads The Phantom Band - Strange Friend The Twilight Sad - Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave Treacherous Orchestra - Grind Withered Hand - New Gods Young Fathers - DEAD

MUSIC EXCHANGE MUSIC for Youth and Education Scotland are hosting an event designed to give people aged under 21 the chance to perform their chosen genre of music on one of three live music stages and receive feedback from industry gurus.

As well as performances, the event includes talks from inspirational speakers such as Stevie Wonder’s manager Keith Harris, music industry panels, a careers marketplace and performance workshops.

Exploring the breadth of career options within the music industry in Scotland and further afield, it will highlight progression pathways between school and employment through the sharing of professionals from the music industry’s own journeys. The event will also support teachers and those working with young people to be better informed about career options and pathways for young people. The event will highlight the need for developing key skills essential for a career in the

Creative Industries for Music.

Those wishing to perform at the event must register and submit their application along with two tracks they can upload online at www.mfy.org.uk/ exchange by 29 April 2015. Event registrations for other attendees closes on 20th May 2015.

The event is open to young people, those who work with them including teachers, and parents and carers.

For more information about the event and to register to perform or attend, visit: www.mfy.org.uk/exchange.

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Do You Know Your Tenants Rights?

IT seems people are still surprised by the trials and tribulations of living in a rented home.

According to Shelter Scotland, 630,000 of us rent rather than buy and knowing the rules before receiving the keys can save you a lot of bother and money The Basics: “If you rent your home from the council, a housing association or a housing co-operative, then you will probably have a Scottish secure tenancy.” – Shelter Scotland With a secure tenancy your rights are: Privacy – your landlord is not entitled to enter your home whenever they wish, however he is entitled to entry with just cause (such as repairs), but he must give reasonable notice determined by the tenant (usually 24hr).

Repairs – all tenants have the right to a wind and watertight home that is free from disrepair.

“Any fixtures, fittings or appliances provided by the landlord (such as carpets, light fittings, white goods and household equipment) must be in a reasonable state of repair and in good working order.” – Shelter Scotland Selling your home – “If your landlord decides to sell the property you’re renting, they may want to end your tenancy first. However, they will need to follow the correct procedure in order to do this.” – Shelter Scotland Selling Your Home If your landlord sells your home without evicting you, your rights as a tenant are still

By Laura Maxwell upheld. That is to say, that the new owners cannot evict you without just cause (failing to pay rent, for example) and they cannot evict you before your lease is up without just cause.

They also cannot raise the rent without going through the proper procedure.

If your landlord breaks the terms of your tenancy – You have the right to move out, withhold rent, complain to the council or housing association or take legal action.

But did you know…?

Although secure tenants generally have lower rent, a landlord has the right to raise your rent whenever he wishes. The landlord also has no limit on what s/he can request to raise your rent by.

As the process of any negotiation goes, a landlord will run raising your rent to some ridiculous amount by the council/ housing association/etc. and will likely not get it, but get a smaller raise in rent nonetheless.

He must, however, give you at least 4 weeks notice of this raise.

If your tenancy began before 1989, this, smaller raise, is determined by a rent officer who may or may not inspect your home to determine a “fair rent”.

Fair Rent The rent officer can enter your home (unfortunately only during business hours) and determine your “fair rent” based on… the age, character, locality

and state of repair of the property the quantity, quality and condition of any furniture provided any service charges that are included any disrepair other factors, such as inadequate lighting and heating, poor natural light, nearby disruptive businesses, number of local amenities, heavy traffic, and the size of rooms.

The new rate of rent should come into effect on the date set by the rent officer’s registration and cannot be reconsidered for three years.

However, should you or your landlord disagree with the rent set out by the officer, you can appeal to the rent officer to object. You will then be referred to the PRHP (Private Rented Housing Panel) for a rehearing. But know that this could result in a raise in your rent as well as a lowering.

Your rights in this situation: A tenant has the right to object to the landlord being present during the rent officer’s inspection.

A tenant’s views must be taken into account in this situation.

A tenant has the right to appeal this raise and of course reject it.

Regardless of whether a tenancy begins, a tenant has the right to go to the private rented housing panel to determine if the proposed increase is fair if they disagree with the raise.

Knowing your rights can help you avoid money troubles and landlord tiffs, plus they can always give you a plan if your rent prices suddenly soar.

Call Shelter Scotland 08088004444

NORTH GLASGOW COMMUNITY CLEANUP A COMMUNITY clean up to pave the way for allotments in North Glasgow is off to a flying start – thanks to a group of volunteers.

A major clean up organised

by Maryhill Housing Association in partnership with Community Safety Glasgow took place recently, turning a rubbish-strewn area of land into a freshly cleaned grassy space.

Basic preparation work on the ground is being done now

to get local people working together and show funders the commitment to transform a former school site on Bilsland Drive into allotments.

Allotments remain an ever-popular way of growing your own fruit and veg and the initiative is expected to be hugely-popular once they are in place.

Spokesperson for Maryhill Housing Association said: “This was a great opportunity

for local people to get involved.

We are hoping to secure funding to get the allotments created over the coming year and this was an opportunity to start preparing the ground for this exciting community initiative.

“Ruchill – like neighbouring Maryhill – has a strong sense of community and we are very grateful indeed to those who came along on a sunny and hot Saturday to do their bit for the area.”

SCOTTISH HOUSING BOOST

A PROCUREMENT consortium of nearly 50 Scottish housing organisations has launched a large-scale housing materials framework specifically designed to support the Scottish housing sector.

PfH Scotland has appointed 17 suppliers to deliver the framework which consists of ten lots, allowing housing providers to buy tens of thousands of aids and adaptations, building, heating, electrical and renewable products for repairs and maintenance and new build developments.

For a large proportion of Scottish social landlords, buying materials for new build or repairs and maintenance projects accounts for over half their total spend.

The new framework has been designed to ensure strong local and national coverage.

Appointed merchants have branches right across the country, ensuring that housing providers from all over Scotland can access materials easily.

The new deal will also guarantee stock supply, meaning that Scottish landlords are not exposed to the regional shortages and price increases that

many have recently experienced. Member housing organisations will be prioritised by merchants and stock sourced from across the UK to meet deadlines and demand.

The new materials framework enables Scottish housing associations, co-operatives and local authority housing departments to have more control over the price of materials, something that is notoriously difficult due to both fluctuating markets and the wide range of products that landlords buy from different merchants.

Prices on the new housing materials deal are set either quarterly or annually and if suppliers increase prices then PfH Scotland will help landlords to obtain justification and manage the impact. All prices are checked monthly to ensure they are in line with the tendered price list.

A number of the merchants who supplied products on PfH Scotland’s previous materials contract have bid for this tender at a highly competitive rate as a result of the value generated from the previous deal, leading to significantly reduced prices across all ten lots.

PfH Scotland is also working directly with manufacturers to ensure they support supply chain prices and they keep landlords up to date on market innovations that could create further savings. The framework isn’t limited to the use of certain manufacturers, meaning that landlords can continue using manufacturers they have existing relationships with.

Olivia Crookes, procurement manager at PfH Scotland, said: “The average cost to a social housing organisation of running an EU compliant materials tender is around £50,000 and the process can often take 6-9 months. Materials spend is so important for social landlords and we’re hoping to help them increase value for money in this area so they can improve the service they give to tenants.

“We’ll do this not just by providing a framework that is fully compliant with EU procurement directives and ready for landlords to trade on but also through regular benchmarking, tracking trends in materials spend, identifying inefficiencies and also opportunities to realise further savings.

NEW BANKRUPTCY LEGISLATION

NEW legislation has recently come into force in Scotland, which will see the introduction of one of the most modern debt management systems in the world.

The new Bankruptcy and Debt (Scotland) Advice Act introduces a number of different measures in order to alleviate the pressures of debt on vulnerable Scottish families. New processes such as the Minimal Asset Process will offer debt relief quickly and at less than half the cost of an application for bankruptcy. This is more than half of the cost of an application for bankruptcy under the previous equivalent scheme for those on

low incomes.

The new law has been designed in order to balance the rights of those in debt with the needs of creditors and businesses. The law is also the latest implementation of the Scottish Government’s vision for a Financial Health Service for Scotland. Other measures as part of the new legislation include mandatory money advice, compulsory financial education and a Common Financial Tool.

Business minister Fergus Ewing has stated that the new law will place Scotland at the forefront of efforts on how to help some of the most financially vulnerable in society.

Telephone: 0141 763 0511 www.shettleston.co.uk

He stated: “These measures have been developed following years of consultation with experts across the financial advice community and from studying how other nations deal with issues of personal debt. It is only proper that we seek to do everything we can to help financially rehabilitate families and individuals on low incomes and with little by way of assets who are struggling with debt, while still offering a fair deal for those owed money. Taken as a whole, this pioneering legislation seeks to bring dignity to those people in Scotland to break the cycle of debt once and for all.

Helen McGregor House, 65 Pettigrew Street, Shettleston, Glasgow G32 7XR.

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Political Forum

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

IT’S voting time a week on Thursday. Already we are being inundated with what the leading parties are going to give us for our vote, and what the minority parties are going to negotiate for when they get in.

What I find gut wrenching is the insincerity of the party leaders trying to convince us they are all good guys by stage managing a catalogue of baby patting and dog kissing antics and visiting factories, workshops and supermarkets they have never been in during the past 5 years.

It’s turning out to be two general elections.

One in Scotland where we are trying to shake off 40 years of neglect by a national party based in Westminster, and one in England where, apart from UKIP, they can’t make up their minds between Cameron and Miliband.

Neither can be trusted as the last 5 years has had more policy twists and turns than a corkscrew.

There are three issues on the minds of the electorate: uncontrolled immigration, the EU and the NHS. Do we see any measures to address these?

Promises yes, but measures no.

It’s as if we are on two differ-

From our readers Dear Sir Just wanted to let you know that this is one of the best political columns I have read enlightening, clever, and also entertaining.

Aileen Thomson, Victoria, B.C., Canada Dear Editor, This week we entered the

ent planets.

The Conservatives tried to use the budget as their big vote winner, but as none of it will see the light of day before 20016, it has turned out to be a damp squib.

Add to that Cameron’s faux pas in stating that he will only serve one term, has us looking for a replacement before we even start.

Ed’s ill fated trip to Clydebank had the audience waiting whilst his team rewrote his speech, one which was later described by Hamish MacDonall of The Times as “saying two things, whilst meaning both, and neither”.

In England, I have lost count of the number of candidates who have defected, been suspended, unfrocked, disciplined, banned or resigned.

I think the English are beginning to agree with Jay Leno when he said, “If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.”

However, despite the irresponsible headlines of a ‘landslide’ for the SNP, I am concerned about the outbursts from Alex Salmond of late.

I am an admirer of Alex as a politician and an orator par excellence, and no one can doubt his loyalty to Scotland, but it’s becoming loyalty to a fault.

His latest comments about voting against the Queen’s Walter Mitty world of the Party Political Manifestos.

Do they really believe the general public are idiots and will fall for any nonsense they print.

For example the LibDem’s today offered us pledges on Education this comes after their debacle over their student fee pledge at the last election.

It is all unbelievable no wonder the public have no faith in Politicians!

John W Shaw , Glasgow North.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across 1. Heroism 5. After 8. Bliss 9. Doubted 10. Tablets 11. Ideal 12. Yawned 14. Agrees 17. Adage 19. Narate 22. Nourish 23. Lotus 24. Dress 25. Recycle

Down 1. Habit 2. Rainbow 3. Issue 4. Modest 5. Amusing 6. Title 7. Riddles 12. Yearned 13. Enemies 15. Elastic 16. Anchor 18. Acute 20. Relic 21. Ensue

speech, bringing down a minority Tory Government etc, are not doing the SNP any favours, and are undermining Nicola’s message of a strong SNP presence at Westminster being a force for good and for all of the UK. Alex, maybe you should haud yer wheest till if and when you are elected in Gordon, then support Nicola’s initiatives as opposed to laying out your own agenda. You are starting to sound like that other unelected MP Jim Murphy.

It’s causing discomfort among would be SNP voters, let alone your natural enemies south the border.

Looking and listening to the Conservatives, who are betting the house on their achievements in dealing with the economy and reducing the deficit, they don’t appear to appreciate that the man in the street is not an economist and this economic jargon means absolutely nothing to him or her.

When did man in the street last see a substantial pay rise?

When did he/ she last enjoy a tax cut?

When did anyone last see a drop in the cost of living?

Even though the price of oil has been reduced to $55 per barrel, the cost at the pumps has crept up to £1.11.

How can either party continue to ring fence foreign aid, giving millions to developing countries with despot rulers and corrupt officials when UK citizens are having to accept the degradation of food banks

to feed their families?

How can either party continue to allow unabated immigration of EU citizens who will accept any job at any wage thus effectively blocking off employment to UK job seekers?

This is what Mr/ Mrs Voter sees around them every day, and economic figures do not translate into meaningful benefits.

Only one party in England is talking about these problems, and being ridiculed for it, UKIP. The Labour party are telling us they are going to deal with these problems, but we have seen the state Ed Miliband gets into when he is asked how he is going to pay for it.

He is asking us to vote him into No 10 on a string of promises of which he appears to have no idea of solving except by taxation and borrowing.

For assurance, all we have to do is to read back to the Brown/ Darling era when Ed was advisor to Gordon and to when the country was left almost bankrupt.

That was the cost of the last Labour administration.

I have a feeling in my water, that in England, the grey vote, the over 60s, the silent majority, who are being dealt fear-factor dosages of cartoons depicting Miliband’s face under Alex Salmond’s kilt and Miliband being led on a leash by a Scottish Terrier, will rise up in their millions at the last moment and vote Conservative thus providing a slim working

majority for David Cameron.

However, that’s the English problem.

This time there is hope for Scotland. If the polls are right, we will see a resurgence of the SNP sweep away 40 years of Scottish neglect and betrayal by the Labour party, replacing it with a substantial tartan team who will be able to act as a moderate voice for balanced governance, thus ensuring that the two main parties toe the line.

Always alert to that lighter moment in the political maelstrom, not an easy task, I notice that Jim Murphy has, on his election leaflet, omitted to state that he is standing for the Labour Party.

Could this be an oversight, or could he be planning another ‘temporary re-alignment’ as he did in the referendum when he sided with Cameron, Clegg and Mililband to support the ‘No’ vote?

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to the rescue? In Blair’s case it could also be viewed as the kiss of death. Here we have the most reviled, divisive and least trusted ex PM suddenly coming out of the woodwork to support Ed Miliband.

Is it because he suddenly believes in Ed, or is he just missing the TV cameras?Having had his offer to fund Labour Party candidates rejected, his Judas kiss is, to say the least, suspicious. Compounding the mystery, we have Ed Miliband, who has been telling us he is going to be ‘his own man’ and has been pushing Blair’s New

Labour away with a barge pole, now allowing Tony on the platform.

Could this be a clutching of straws?

Now we have Gordon Brown, the worst PM in decades being courted to ride to the rescue of Scottish Labour.

How bad can it get?

My political antennae is twitching to the hardening of the SNP’s intention to shore up Ed Miliband in the case of a hung parliament.

I was hoping the Tartan Team would keep themselves at arm’s length from whoever found themselves capable of forming a Government and to not only vote on an issue by issue basis, but to support those issues which would be in Scotland’s best interest.

Nicola’s statement that she was “ offering to help Ed Miliband to be Prime Minister” was particularly disturbing. There are many would be SNP voters out there who do not want Ed Miliband to be Prime Minister.

How these voters will reconcile these two opposing factors could cost the SNP a large block of votes in marginal constituencies.

No one wants to see the SNP as the Scottish arm of the Labour Party.

The SNP have the opportunity to rid Scotland of the Labour party and to see we are never betrayed again.

Voting starts on next Thursday. Make sure you are counted. Scotland ‘s future depends on you.

Watch this space Dr Don

WE WANT YOU!!!!

Your newspaper Your community We need your input Send us your news, stories and pictures Volunteer writers, reporters and photographers wanted to contribute on a regular basis email: info@thegenn.co.uk WHY SPEND £65 ON 5000 LEAFLETS? THE GENN OFFERS 18000 DISTRIBUTION, 35000 READERS FROM £50, LET THE PUBLIC KNOW YOUR SERVICES

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DIMITRI DAZZLES WORKINGTON’S COMETS

Glasgow Tigers 53-38 Workington Comets Sunday, League Cup, Peugeot Ashfield Stadium DIMITRI Berge was hailed as the match-winner for Glasgow Tigers as they romped to their third win from three in the League Cup. The 19-year-old Frenchman failed to finish outside the top two in his four rides to score 10 points at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium - his highest total since this time last year.

Reserve James Sarjeant also scored 10 while heatleaders Richard Lawson and Aaron Summers’ “textbook” 5-1 in heat 13 made sure both entered double figures.

Team manager Stewart Dickson said Berge’s move from No 2 to No 4 in the side had paid dividends.

He said: “It was a good win today. We moved the pairings about and Dimitri Berge responded excellently with 10 points. I’m really pleased for him.

“Nick Morris was a wee bit off-key - he just didn’t have any power, he said. But all in all, pretty good. James Sarjeant and Dimitri are beginning to come to the party now.

“Nick and Victor Palovaara had off-days, but it’s a team event, and once they’re all firing on all cylinders we’ll be something else to watch.

“Richard had a couple of good passes today so I’m really pleased - him and Aaron in heat 13 was textbook stuff.”

It took the Allied Vehicles Tigers until heat four to land the first blow on their visitors - Summers passing Kyle Howarth on the opening lap to get his first win, and Sarjeant coming third for a 4-2.

Ricky Wells then took heat five to give Workington four of the first five heat winners.

But when Lawson flew from the gate in heat six for his first win, the home side started to take command with Summers, Sarjeant and Berge heading home the next three races, and Kozza Smith and Morris chipping in to help Glasgow go 10 points ahead.

Smith was then involved in some heat 10 drama as he collided with the Comets’ Rene Bach while trying to pass him, leading to his exclusion and the visitor’s withdrawal from the match with a shoulder injury.

In the re-run, Lawson did to Rusty Harrison what Harrison had done so often to opponents when donning Tigers colours last year - lining him up for four laps before going round him on the last bend of the race.

Workington sent Wells out on a tactical double in heat 11 but he could only finish third, although that gave them a 5-2 to claw back some of the deficit.

But Glasgow got two 5-1s and a 4-2 to make sure the Comets never found a way back into it, and despite a last-heat 4-2 for the Cumbrians, the Tigers ended the day 15 points ahead with another three League Cup points in the bag and to remain unbeaten in the competition.

Tigers scorers: Richard Lawson 12, Aaron Summers 11, Dimitri Berge 10, James Sarjeant 10, Nick Morris 5, Kozza Smith 4, Victor Palovaara 1.

GARROWHILL CARPET BOWLS PRESENTATION EVENING

AROUND 90 members attended and enjoyed three great finals at the Garrowhill Bowling Club Carpet Bowls Presentation Evening, writes JACK HIGH. Winners were: Singles - Alex Whitelaw. Nominated Pairs Robert Smith and John Tinney.

Balloted Pairs - Willie Vallance and Chris Trainor.

Also presented on the night was the winner of the Carpet Bowls Aggregate, and this went to Neil Muldoon. Runner-Up was Bob McKnight. * Many thanks again to Mr Phil Porter, of Garrowhill Bowling Club, for taking and supplying the photographs to the GENN.

SUMMERS SMOKES ‘EM! A SMOKIN’ hot Summers kick-started the speedway season in Glasgow as the Tigers romped to a big win over their Scottish rivals.

Captain Aaron brought the house down when he lined up a sensational last-bend swoop on Edinburgh’s Kevin Wolbert to win heat seven.

Bike billowing white smoke and fist clenched in the air, Summers saluted the fans as he crossed the finish line having helped keep his side five points ahead of the visitors.

And there were more heroics from the Aussie later on as he beat in-form Craig Cook and Sam Masters in heat 13 to take the Tigers over the line for their biggest win against the Monarchs in several seasons.

Even a last-heat 5-1 from the same Monarchs pairing couldn’t spoil the party as Glasgow laid down a marker for their Premier League opponents by winning 51-42 in the League Cup at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium.

Speaking about his win over Wolbert, Summers said: “I was sort of working at him and working at him.

“There are four laps in a race - you don’t have to do it all in the first few - and on that last corner, he wasn’t really expecting where I was. It was good to get round and get the win.

“The rocker cover came loose so there was a bit of oil dropping on the exhaust to create the smoke - it was nothing major.

It’s going in for a service after today anyway to get it all cleaned out.

“All the boys chipped in and pushed hard. We dropped a few little points from

mistakes but we had the win, so it was good.

“We’re a solid team right the way through. Even the boys below us top two or three are digging deep which is great.”

Glasgow had made their intentions clear from the off when they raced to two 5-1s and a 4-2 in the opening three heats.

Masters led the Monarchs back into things slightly with a 4-2 with Robert Branford in heat four, and then a 7-2 with Max Clegg when on a tactical double in heat six.

After Summers’ brilliant heat seven, James Sarjeant and Kozza Smith produced a fine display of team riding for a 5-1 following a tight first lap.

Nick Morris did brilliantly to shield Sarjeant from the hard-charging Wolbert in heat 12 for another 5-1, to take the Tigers to the brink of winning the meeting, before Summers did the job in heat 13.

The result gives Glasgow three points and takes them back to the top of their League Cup group ahead of their visit to Edinburgh on Friday.

On Saturday night, the Tigers had gained a further League Cup point in a 4842 defeat at Workington.

Tigers scorers: Aaron Summers 10, Nick Morris 9+1, James Sarjeant 8+1, Richard Lawson 7, Dimitri Berge 6+2, Kozza Smith 6+1, Victor Palovaara 5+2.

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CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

DAW DOUBLE FLOORS ‘LOK FIRST-SEASON junior football midfielder Kieran Daw hit a second half double as Petershill defeated former holders Pollok 2-0 in the Second Round of the Euro Engineering Central League Cup at Newlandsfield Park, writes TOM SCOTT. Not many people had heard of the ex-East Kilbride F.C. player, who plied his trade in the Lowland League last season.

His arrival in the summer - alongside 13 other new signings – was quickly followed by a loan spell at Glasgow Perthshire, where he picked up much-needed experience of the junior ranks.

Since returning and scoring during a 3-1 victory over Kilbirnie Ladeside on December 20, Daw has been outstanding.

He was the best player on the park at Newlandsfield by a country mile, and that double took his goals tally onto 10 – making him top scorer in the Peasy dressing room.

The Springburn club went into their cup clash off the back of a disappointing league defeat (4-3) at Arthurlie, while Pollok

CITY BASKETBALL CAMP GLASGOW City Basketball Club are planning a weeklong James (Mick) McKechnie Memorial Camp at Eastbank Academy, writes TOM SCOTT. Boys and Girls, aged 8-12 years, will be involved on June 29 and 30, from 10am until 3pm each day.

Over-12 Boys and Girls will enjoy coaching over three days - July 1-3 - in the same time format.

The cost is just £5 per day, and to register go to: glasgowcitybasketballclub@ gmail.com Glasgow City Basketball Club have built up a tremendous reputation and success record over the years.

Club Training Times at Eastbank Academy, 26 Academy Street, Shettleston, are Tuesday and Thursday (5pm7pm) for Boys and Girls aged 8-16 years.

Cost £2 per session.

Mixed Sessions 16 plus are held on a Friday from 7pm to 9pm, and cost £4 per session.

boss Tony McInally surprisingly opted for a change in his usual formation, which saw David Winters isolated up front and strike partner Allan MacKenzie left on the substitute’s bench.

Petershill had the better of the opening first half exchanges without creating an end product.

That changed when Daw struck in some style after 61 minutes.

Full back Graham Girvan deserves great credit for a lung-bursting run from well inside his own half of the park before cutting back a precise pass to his team-mate, who never broke stride as he drilled a brilliant right foot shot past Longmuir from outside the area.

Pollok’s response was to send on MacKenzie and McBeth in place of Barclay and former Peasy defender Gary Wild four minutes later.

This offered them a more direct approach, plus long throwins from midfielder Sweeney, but Petershill ‘keeper Daniel McLeay and his outstanding back four stood firm.

The pace of Stephen

McGladrigan had once again troubled Pollok all night, and the homesters were lucky to survive a penalty claim five minutes from time.

They were not so fortunate in 88 minutes, when McAleenan clipped the striker as he went on another run.

To be honest, the earlier claim looked more of a “stonewaller”, but young Daw didn’t complain as he lashed the spot kick high past Longmuir.

Elsewhere in the cup, MARYHILL beat Neilston 3-2 on penalties (2-2) in a First Round clash, but the shock of the Second Round came at Keppoch Park.

Visitors Benburb had agreed to a switch while awaiting their new ground, but still handed GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE an 8-1 thrashing!

In the domestic campaigns, SHETTLESTON hit a late goal to beat hosts Kilsyth Rangers 2-1, ASHFIELD suffered another heavy defeat - going down 7-0 against Wishaw at James McGrory Park, Garngad - and ST ROCH came away from Port Glasgow with a great 1-0 win.

BROOMHOUSE DEFEAT

LADIES CHOICE

THREE first half goals helped Craigshill Thistle to a comfortable victory over Broomhouse F.C. in the Semi-Final of the Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir, on Monday evening.

David Swan gave Thistle a 12th minute lead.

Two further goals in the space of a minute from Frazer Roy and Swan left the East End club with a mountain to climb, and they could not find the net after half-time.

HOLDERS CRUSH VALE

SWPL League Cup holders GLASGOW CITY F.C. cruised into the Semi-Finals after crushing Hutchison Vale 11-0 on Sunday.

City, who led 7-0 at halftime, scored through Fiona Brown (3), Jo Love (2), Hayley Lauder, Abbi Grant, Denise O’Sullivan, Leanne Ross, Erin Cuthbert, Alyshia Walker.

In the SWF Scottish Cup Preliminary Round, Glasgow City (SWFL) beat Dunfermline Development 6-0.

SHETTLESTON Bowling Club Ladies Section have voted on their new Office Bearers prior to the start of the outdoor season, writes JACK HIGH. President - Mary McPhail.

Vice-President - Catrine Cochrane.

Secretary - Eileen Beattie.

Assistant Secretary - Sharon Melrose.

Treasurer - Corrie Melrose.

Committee - Past President May Eastwood, May Brown, Mary Murphy and Francis Adair.

The ladies’ opening ceremony took place in warm sunshine on Friday, April 17.

CENTENARY FINAL FINNART A.F.C. lost 4-2 against Goldenhill (Clydebank) in the Centenary Cup Final at Fullarton Park, Tollcross.

NEW COIN HOLDINGS FAN RYAN SIGNS ON..

WEST CUP CRACKERS

PETERSHILL are heading for a repeat of last season’s Third Round clash in the sponsored New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup, writes TOM SCOTT. Cumbernauld United are hosts once again and they will be confident of knocking out their Super Premier Division visitors after winning 5-3 on penalties (1-1 draw over 90 minutes) at Guys Meadow a year ago.

There should be no shortage of excitement and goals when SHETTLESTON welcome Pollok to Greenfield Park.

The pair have met twice this season on league business one win apiece - and scored 12 goals between them.

FULL DRAW: Shettleston v Pollok; Irvine Meadow v Shotts; Greenock v Benburb; Wishaw v Blantyre; Auchinleck Talbot v Ardrossan; Cumbernauld v Petershill; Beith v Kilwinning; Kilsyth v Arthurlie.

QUARTER-FINALS: Beith or Kilwinning v Greenock or Benburb; Kilsyth or Arthurlie v Cumbernauld or Petershill; Wishaw or Blantyre v Shettleston or Pollok; Auchinleck or Ardrossan v Irvine Meadow or Shotts.

HEARTS FINAL

GLASGOW TIGERS have signed local lad Ryan McDonald as their number 8, writes TOM SCOTT. The speedway giants have a keen eye on developing Scottish talent, and 19-yearold Ryan has supported them since being brought to Ashfield aged just six.

Inspired by the exploits of fellow Scot James Grieves, Ryan rode for Scunthorpe Saints last season, which allowed him regular competitive track time.

He and his father, Gordon, clocked up 16,000 miles around the third tier circuits of the U.K. This season, Ryan will turn out for Stoke Potters in the National League, in addition to being on Glasgow’s books.

He revealed: “I am over the moon about being part of Glasgow Speedway this year.

“There is a real good feel about the club, and the stadium looks outstanding.

“It is good being a local lad, and hopefully one day I can make my way into the 1-7.”

Glasgow Co-Promoter Colin Hamilton claims this signing is significant.

He said: “We have to keep an eye on the future, given our geographic location, so bringing through talented young riders must be worth pursuing.

“Ryan has not been riding speedway all that long and he has lots of development yet to come.”

GENN

BUDHILL BACKING

TOWER Hearts Under-21 and Bonnyton Thistle will meet in the Final of the sponsored Birdston Kennels League Cup at New McKenna Park - home of St Anthony Juniors - this Sunday.

Kick-off 2pm.

BUDHILL Football Academy will officially reveal details of a sponsorship deal with Shettleston Road-based Optometrist, Black and Lizars, on Saturday afternoon.

PARTICK THISTLE look certain to be involved in a Club/Charity Day being organised by Rossvale at Allan Glen’s Parks on Sunday, May 31 Organiser Frank Brady tells me ex-Hibs striker Tam McManus is putting together a team consisting of current and ex-professionals.

More details as they emerge.

McMillan Cancer U.K. will benefit.

GLASGOW City F.C. have been paired away against

Spartans Under-17 in the opening round of the SF Scottish Youth Cup. In the First Round of the Under-13 Scottish Youth Cup, Glasgow City Blacks entertain Central Girls, while City Orange travel to Farmington Falcons.

Second Round of the Cup will take place on 16/17 May. A date has still to be confirmed for the Third Round, but other listings are as follows: Fourth Round - 15/16 August.

TOWN FIXTURE SHETTLESTON Juniors have a crucial Super First Division fixture against promotion-chasing rivals, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, at Greenfield Park on Monday.

Kick-off 7pm.

GENN SPORT - INSIDE TRACK Quarter- Finals - 5/6 September.

Semi-Finals - 3/4 October, and Final on 15/16 November.

LIAM CUSACK, on-loan from Albion Rovers, scored his first goal for Petershill in their 2-1 home defeat against Troon Juniors.

Dale Keenan and Adam Forsyth netted either side of Cusack’s equaliser.

ST ROCH boss Andy Cameron has taken over the role of Match Secretary in the short term.

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

34

GENN

FOCUS:GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL KEEPER COACHING IS NUMBER ONE!

WELCOME to another roundup from clubs involved at grassroots level.

We continue to feature general team news, non-competitive action and 7-a-side games.

TEN coaches from BUDHILL Football Academy passed their SYFA First Air Course, while Mandi Brown and James White completed their Conflict Resolution Course.

The 2009 Orange team held a sponsored walk around Drumpelier Park to raise much-needed funds.

James White received ten tickets for the Scotland v Gibraltar game at Hampden Park.

Eight players and two coaches had a great time (and the result wasn’t bad either!).

The kids were given scarves and a treat at McDonalds.

SCOREBOARD: 2009 Orange. played and won four.

Star Player Luke Moore.

2009 White. played and won four. Star Player Aiden McAllister.

2009 Yellow. lost four close games. Star Player Luke Smillie.

2008 Orange. played and won four. Star Player Carson Lyon.

2008 White. won two, lost two. Star Player Ceolan Dobbs.

2003. lost 5-1. 2004 Orange.

Lost 5-4. Star Player Max

Cantrell.

2004 White. a 2-2 draw. Star Player Kyle Campbell.

2005 Orange. won 5-2. Star Kai Mitchell.

2005 White. lost close game.

Star Player Jamie Allingham.

2006. lost close game.

2007 Orange. won four and lost one. Star Player Joey Quinn.

2007 White. lost four. Star Player Anton Gallagher.

2007 Yellow. one win, one draw and one defeat. Star Player Aiden Wilson (on his 8th birthday!).

My thanks to FINNART who provided this round-up.

2003. Game 1. lost 9-2. Luke Devlin, Harvey Mullen. Game 2. lost 6-4. Liam Hagan, Jay Murray, Cody Kerr, and an own goal.

2004. Game 1. won 2-1.

Thomas Reid, Jamie Riordon.

Game 2. won 4-2. Ryan Smith (2), Jay Gordon, Dylan Bird.

Player of the Day – Goalkeeper Ty Flynn.

2005. Game 1. won 5-2.

Scott McEwan (2), Cruz Wilson (2), Matthew Brannigan.

Game 2. won 3-1. Matthew Brannigan, Cameron Clark, Jay Anderson.

2006. Game 1. a 2-2 draw.

Robbie McArthur, Jay R Brown. Man of the Match - Goalkeeper Kris Watson.

Game 2. a 3-3 draw. Corey

Kennedy, Leon Power, Jay R Brown. Leon Power and Cole Jackson shared the Man of the Match vote.

2007. Team A. Game 1. won 6-3. Calum Blair (2), Star Player Aiden Coll, Zach Fenwick, Shaun Fredrickson, Jack Marr.

Game 2. won 7-3. Star Player Jack Marr (5), Zach Fenwick, Calm Blair.

Team B. Game 1. won 5-4.

Riley Milliken (2), Aiden Gallagher, Aiden Sinclair, Dylan Haining. Star Player Mason McCausland. Game 2. won 3-1. Star Player Mason McCausland (2), Aiden Sinclair.

Mini Kickers. Game 1. won 3-1. Millan Kerr (3). Star Player Taylor Gibson.

Game 2. won 2-0. Star Player Millan Kerr (2).

Game 3. a 2-2 draw. Taylor Gibson and Star Player Cole Smith. Game 4. won 8-3. Star Player Millan Kerr (5), Lewis Lindsay, Cole Smith, Taylor Gibson.

FINNART recently hosted a Equity Workshop at Bridgeton Community Centre.

Over 20 coaches attended a very informative evening, which will hopefully take the club another stage further within the S.F.A. Quality Mark status. * FOLLOW local clubs in our Grassroots Football section every fortnight.

GENN SPORTS FEEDBACK

Thanks Tom and the GENN for allowing our club to open the first edition of the Grassroots Football.

Budhill Football Academy are getting more and more excited with every issue, and to be covered in every issue. It keeps everyone in Budhill up-to-date with the best Football Academy in Budhill.

Massive thanks again, William McNaught, Chairman/ Head Coach.

Hello Tom, I am writing on behalf of Broomhouse F.C. to thank you for the excellent article you wrote in issue 150 reflecting on the club’s 20 years. Needless to say, it was very well received by the players, coaches and friends of the club.

The club would like to thank you for all the regular match coverage and features you have ran over the seasons gone by. It’s very much part of the players’ routine to read about their games in your section of the GENN. We hope for many more successful years - for us as a club- and for your continued success as Editor of the Sports Section.

With thanks of behalf of Broomhouse F.C. Stuart Rae, Website Manager.

Hi Tom,

Paper (issue 151) was bang-on again. Paul McLean and James McArthur (Crystal Palace) loved the article. Shared the story and told people to make sure they get their copies of the GENN. The new Grassroots Section is absolutely brilliant. I am sure it will go down well. We, as a club, will most certainly be making a weekly contribution via the various age groups with detailed information.

Keep up the tremendous work, Tom. Kind Regards, Jamie McGowan, Coach, Finnart B.C. 2000 age group.

Hello Tom, I love the grassroots. It’s where it all begins and brings so much enjoyment to little lives, and I am happy to say my own. My son, Jack Marr, loves nothing more than picking up the GENN and seeing his name. It is brilliant for the kids. You are always going to get the minority (Public Response Story issue 151) who try this, but as you know most folk appreciate the work you do so much. A massive thank-you from myself and other coaches for your continued support.

Thanks Tom. Jamie Marr, Coach, Finnart

B.C. 2007 age group.

Hello Tom, Saw the paper (issue 151). Brilliant. Thanks for doing the piece on the club. Seriously mate, well written. I sent the page link to my family back home. I will be keeping in touch with you regarding more achievements and competitions at the club.

Regards, Edward Tyrrell, 5th Dan black belt, Little Egypt Tollcross Taekwondo Club.

Hi Tom, I loved the newspaper article (issue 151). I went over to Tesco and brought a copy for each parent. Thanks so much. I will forward you the fantastic news that 4 of our gymnasts qualified for the British Championships after winning two gold and two silver at the Scottish Championships. I really appreciate all you have done for us.

Speak soon, Catriona Lessani, Sapphire Gymnastics Club, Lochburn Road, Maryhill.

Great stuff again in the paper (issue 152).

Photographs were brilliant quality.

EAST and North Glasgow goalkeepers have finished five months of specialist weekly sessions at Glasgow Club Petershill.

For the third consecutive winter, coaches from Shot Stoppers Goalkeeping Coaching Academy have worked with a variety of age group goalkeepers.

The 20-week programme attracted over 70 goalkeepers, ranging from young Boys’ Club teams, through to the Amateur and Junior Football ranks.

Head Coach Stephen Bryceland admitted: “They have certainly responded to what has been asked of them.

“We have been astonished by the response.

“Our staff have worked right across each weekly programme and since January these have

included 13-16 year-olds, and a few local senior Pro-Youths.

“The sessions have attracted boys from clubs who have attained an S.F.A. Quality Mark status. They include Finnart, Rossvale, and West Park United, so to have them on board has been an added bonus.”

Alasdair Holmes (Central), plus the West trio of Blair Stewart, Aaron McKissock and Scott Watson, have all gained representative honours, which makes the progression of the coaching sessions all the more creditable.

In fact, McKissock is now destined to play in this season’s Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth Under-15 Cup final with his club, Renfrew Victoria, against Crosshouse (Ayrshire) at Airdrie.

Stephen Bryceland added: “

I have had parents and coaches from numerous clubs asking if places will be available next season, and the answer is yes.

“We have already prepared a completely new format for season 2015-2016, and a full list will be finalised nearer the time.

“Before that comes up, weh ave already taken some of the goalies who attended this winter into our weekly Saturday morning sessions, and really extended their overall development. It will do them the world of good - more so when the season ends and we can coach them through better summer weather.”

For more information on how to enrol, check out: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/ shotstoppersgoalkeeping

SPOTLIGHT:AMATEUR FOOTBALL

CRANHILL United A.F.C. will attempt to stop holders Harvester A.F.C. retaining the Fosters Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy, when the pair clash in the final at Livingston on Sunday, May 3.

United, sponsored by D. Millen Quality Butchers, Carntynehall Road, lost 1-0 against Harvester at the same venue last year. Good luck to the East End club.

THREE Quarter-Final replays were required to set-up the Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup Semi-Final draw.

Results: Broomhouse F.C. 1, Gartcosh United 0; Southside A.F.C. 1, Craigshill Thistle 2; Glenburn Miners 2, Harestanes 3.

St Patrick’s F.P. edged out Campsie Minerva 3-2 at the first time of asking.

DRAW: Broomhouse F.C. v Craigshill Thistle and Harestanes v St Patrick’s F. P. SUNDAY Central Amateur Football League Cup Quarter-Finals - Brunswick Ams 1, Hazelwood 3; Castlemilk Dynamo 7, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 0; Northend 5, Drum-

chapel Thistle 1; Strathclyde Ams 1, Newton Vale 3.

HAGHILL A.F.C. have won the Airdrie and Coatbridge A.F.L. Premier Division championship. Congratulations to Manager Paul Hughes, his backroom staff and players.

GLASS-Co Cup results.

Round 2 - Brunswick 5, Cranhill 2. Quarter-Finals - Fernhill United 2, Castlemilk Dynamo 3; Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1, Haldane United 4.

MARYHILL Black Star made a Quarter-Final exit from the Strathclyde Cup on penalties (5-4) against Hutchesontown after the pair had produced a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Man of the Match Colin Graham (2), Chris Dougherty and David Carson.

Star had better luck in the League Challenge Cup Semi-Finals.

Trailing 2-0 against Tynecastle A.F.C. at half-time, they stormed back through top player Scott Gibson, Jamie Docherty and Colin Graham, who was making his last-ever appearance for Maryhill.

MARYHILL Black Star Player of the Year night is booked for Friday, June 26.

Tickets, first come/ first served, cost £5.

BAILLIESTON Thistle came through Round 3 of the Bobby Thomson Challenge Cup 7-6 on spot- kicks against Claremont following a 1-1 draw.

GARROWHILL Thistle defeated Gourock Athletic 3-2 in the Robert Whyte Trophy (Round 2).

MILLBEG Villa crashed out of the Coronation Cup Round 1 (3-0 on penalties) at Strathaven Dynamo after the pair had shared four goals.

FULLARTON Park, Tollcross, will host another amateur football clash on Friday, May 8. Bridgewater A.F.C. meet Dumbarton Wanderers in the Hall Cup Final at 7pm.

STRATHCLYDE Saturday Morning Amateur Football League 3rd Annual Presentation Dinner will go ahead at St Columbkilles Church Hall, Kirkwood Street, Rutherglen, on Saturday, June 6. Tickets cost £20.

EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT ISSUE 154

FOSTERS Scottish Amateur Cup Round-Up... AROUND the Greens bowling latest... MATCH Action Reports...GRASSROOTS Football Feature...

GLASGOW TIGERS... SPOTLIGHT on local Amateur clubs... and much more.

Make sure you pick-up your copy of issue 154, due out on May 8.

We even had the paper down at Friday night training.

Can’t wait for the next one featuring Match Reports from the Blackpool Cup. Speak to you soon.

Regards, Jamie McGowan, Coach, Finnart B.C. 2000 age group.

Re issue 152 - it was fantastic.

I shared your on-line page and copied all my parents into it on Facebook. At training last night, I also advised them to grab a hard copy. I can’t thank you enough. It was great to see the coverage over a few pages.

Thank you again,

Jamie Marr, Coach, Finnart B.C. 2007 age group. **Sports Editor Replies. “Can I thank everyone who has taken the time to give myself and the GENN newspaper such positive and stimulating feedback.

Your comments are greatly appreciated.”

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...

CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

35

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

AROUND THE GREENS MATCH ACTION REPORTS

NORTH BRITISH Bowling Club Ladies Section have a new Secretary, writes JACK HIGH. Previous incumbent, Jean McConnell, was forced to stand down due to ill health, and all members wish her a speedy and successful recovery. Also a massive “thankyou” for the superb work carried out previously on behalf of the bowling club.

Stepping into the post is Ann Arbuckle, and GENN Sport hopes she continues the good work at North British.

Meanwhile, North British Secretary Drew Wilson has been kind enough to supply me with the full list of office bearers from the Ladies Annual General Meeting.

President - Rena Sharkey.

Vice-President - Helen Lamb.

Secretary - Ann Arbuckle.

Treasurer - Jean McGillvray.

Match Secretary - Sadie Haldane.

With the new bowling season now underway, I am very interested in receiving a copy

of YOUR club’s fixture- booklet.

Garrowhill and Shettleston are right on the ball, as always, and have been in touch with me.

They have been joined by Mount Vernon Secretary Jim McVeigh, who has contacted me with several items of news.

The following officials have been appointed: President - Stuart Cullen.

Vice-President - Michael Murphy. Immediate Past President - Dougie Semple. Treasurer Archie MacIntyre. Secretary - Jim McVeigh. Match Convenor - Graeme MacDougall.

Members -J Duff, K Stewart, D Wilson, I Hyslop, A Semple.

Gents’ Match Committee G MacDougall, A Semple, D Wilson, J Scotland, A Cameron. Senior Match ConvenorDougie Semple.

Gents’ Champion - Brian Bowers.

Mount Vernon have a Balloted Pairs (Gents) on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3. Both start at 1.30pm.

CUP DRAWS: LSK Supplies West of Scotland Under-21 Cup, Quarter-Finals - Baillieston Juniors v Harmony Row; Campsie Black Watch v Port Glasgow; Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Johnstone Burgh v Goldenhill; Gleniffer Thistle v Bonnyton.

Third Round - Bonnyton 4, Bishopton 0.

Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, Quarter-Finals - Rutherglen Glencairn v Antonine; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 2, Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs 0; Steins Thistle v Pollok Juvs; Goldenhill 2, Baillieston Juniors 0.

Second Round - Rossvale 2, Pollok 3.

Birdston Kennels Glasgow Cup, Semi-Finals - Giffnock Soccer Centre 0, Maryhill Juniors 5; Bishopton v Rosebank United.

Birdston Kennels League Cup, Semi-Final - Goldenhill 0, Tower Hearts 1; Wishaw 0, Bonnyton 4.

Only Sport League Cup, Semi-Finals - West Park 3, St Mirren 2; Calderhill 5, Renfrewshire Thistle 4.

Final - West Park 3, Calderhill Thistle 1.

Premier Division - Ruth-

Other fixtures on their list are: May 9 – Lauder Friendly (away) at 10am, May 10 - LBA Singles (home) at 6.30pm, May 16 - Ryder Cup for Gents (home) at 11am and May 17 Nominated 2 Bowl Pairs – Ladies (home) at 1pm.

FOXLEY are holding a Community Day when locals can come along and try the sport.

Coaching will be provided on Saturday, May 2.

Mount Vernon will stage 10 ties in the Lanarkshire Champion of Champions tourney on May 10.

SHETTLESTON Ladies, who opened their season on April 17, have a Charity Day on Monday, May 4. We wish them well. The Culrain Street club have a home friendly against Milton of Campsie on April 25, and entertain Carluke in the Lanarkshire League Cup (First Round) on May 10.

The Invitation Fours (Tennents) goes ahead on May 17 at 10am. ** KEEP your bowling news coming in to JACK HIGH.

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS

erglen Glencairn 7, Steins 0; St Peters Giffnock North 4, Campsie Black Watch 1; E.K. Rolls Royce 3, Antonine 3.

First Division - Kirkie Rob Roys 21s 3, Pollok Juvs 3; Claremont 0, EKFC 0; Victoria F.C. 1, Wishaw W Wands 1; Eastwood 2, Claremont 2.

Second Division -Bishopton 4, Calderhill 2; St Mirren 4, Erskine 0.

Third Division - Dumbarton 0, Holytown 10; Crookston 3, Giffnock S.C. 3; Rosebank 2, Broomhill 0; Bridgend 2, St Andrews 0.

TRANS WORLD SCOTTISH CUP

Scottish Youth Football Association.

SEMI-FINALS: Under-13 Jerviston0, Tynecastle1 AET; Banks O’Dee 12, Mill United 0.

Under-14 - Tynecastle0, Rangers SABC 0 3-4 on pens); Newcraighall Leith 2, Broomhill 2 (3-4 on pens),

Under-15 – Crosshouse 1, Banks O’Dee 0; Hamilton Accies 0, Renfrew Vics 1.

Under-16 - Hillwood BC1, Spartans Reds 3; Hutchison Vale 4, Knightswood Boys’ Club 0.

Under-17 - Rossvale Thistle v Leith Athletic; Lewis United3,

Syngenta 1.

Under-19 - East End United4, Clydebank 3 AET; TynecastleF.C. 1, Broxburn Athletic Colts 2.

Under-21 - Harmony Row2, Antonine 1; West Park United 1, St Peters G.N. 3.

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FINNART coaches and players celebrate winning the Under-15 Blackpool Cup.

BLACKPOOL CUP: 2000 Age Group.

FINNART 2, BROXBURN 0.

NERVY opening from both teams. Birthday boy Jack McIlveen rounded the ‘keeper for No 1, and captain Kenneth Crampsie headed home a second. Man of the Match – Persley Sojila.

FINNART 1, FOXHALL 1.

A battling display against what amounted to an Under-16 team, who were later eliminated for fielding over-age players.

Paul McGroarty scored from a Jamie McGowan corner.

The English team equalised, and were denied by two fine Bailey McGuire saves under pressure.

Foxhall had a player sent off following a rugby tackle on McGroarty.

Man of the Match - captain Kenneth Crampsie.

FINNART 1, GLENROTHES STROLLERS 0.

THE pair would meet again in the final.

Great individual goal from Man of the Match Jakub Dwomski.

FINNART 4, CAMELON 0.

GREAT football from the Bridgeton team, who netted through Jordan Wright, Connor McKenzie, Jack McIlveen and John McEwan.

Man of the Match - Persley Sojila.

FINNART 1, EAST END 0.

CHANGED line-up from Finnart, who won with a Jakub Dwomski goal.

Man of the Match - Julien Kouame.

FINAL: FINNART 0, GLENROTHES STROLLERS 0 (Finnart won 4-2 on pens).

Strollers, who reached the Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals before losing on penalties against Rossvale, were out for revenge, but chances were limited.

Onto penalties, with Martin Scanlan, Jordan Wright,and Kalvin Rooney all on target.

Finnart ‘keeper Paul Monaghan saved two Glenrothes spot-kicks, before captain Kenneth Crampsie stepped forward and made no mistake.

The result means Finnart have won the main tourney twice in three years.

In 2014, they claimed the Blackpool Plate.

BLACKPOOL CUP: 1999 Age Group. Semi-Finals - FINNART 3, MENAL BRIDGE 0.

Scorers: David Fraser, Jay Wallace and an own goal.

FINAL: FINNART 0, BARRHEAD YELLOW 1.

BLACKPOOL CUP: 2004 Age Group. FINNART finished third out of eight clubs.

A very respectable achievement in their first-ever tournament.

PETERSHILL 1, TROON JUNIORS 2.

SUPER Premier Division points headed for Portland Park.

Liam Cusack (37 mins) cancelled out a 15th minute Dale Keenan free kick.

Adam Forsyth scored the winner after 47 minutes.

SHETTLESTON 1, CUMBERNAULD UNITED 1.

BOTH goals came in the second half.

Scott Murphy put United ahead, and Ricky McIntosh equalised as Cumbernauld claimed offside.

FORTH 1, GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 3.

FIRST half home pressure paid off when Christie netted (41 mins).

‘Shire had a better second half and after Hazlett hit the bar, the visitors won at a canter with goals from Tait, Barr and Gibb (pen).

POSTAL UNITED 0, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 3.

FIRST midweek league fixture. United were denied by two great Darren Logan first half saves.

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Jim Dalzell scored the opening and third Wellhouse goals, with a second coming from Brian Hughes.

ARTHURLIE 4, PETERSHILL 3.

‘LIE scorers were McGregor, McTernan, and Smith (2) before half-time.

Daw converted two Peasy penalties (21, 37), and Daly hit their third after 53 minutes.

Super First Division - Shettleston 0, Greenock 1.

District First Division - Ashfield 1, Larkhall 6; Benburb 0, Vale of Clyde 2 (Hepburn, McGeechan).

Second Division - Vale of Leven (Cowan), Glasgow Perthshire 1 (J.P. Craig). St Roch 3 (Naismith, Baboucarr 2) Forth 0 CAMPSIE 1, FINNART 2.

MASSIVE result for the 1999 team, who trailed against one of nearest title challengers, but hit back through Ryan Martin and Shaun McCourt.

EASTFIELD 0, POSTAL UNITED 3.

PREMIER Division points left with United. P Petrucci, Murdoch and N Petrucci.

LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE 1, SAFA 1 (4-5 on pens).

Clancy (32) and J.P Grant (26).

Our Amateurs won the Graham Harkness Memorial Trophy at Leah Victoria Park.

ABERDEEN 1, GLASGOW CITY F.C. 2.

FIRST half goals from Lauren McMurchie and Hayley Lauder at Sunnybank Juniors ground.

HAGHILL A.F.C. 4, LOCHGREEN 0.

AIRDRIE and Coatbridge A.F.L. Premier Division title in the bag for Haghill after rivals Cellar Bar lost 2-0 against Rolling Barrel.

Counters from James Simpson, Richard Perriss, Craig Davis and Stephen Hannah.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

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James Hardie Funeral Services

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BOWLERS TARGET NEW GENN SHIELD

TWO divisions in the Glasgow North Eastern Bowling League will have a new target to aim for when the season opens on Friday, May 1, writes JACK HIGH. We can exclusively reveal ten weeks of top-quality outdoor action -featuring bowling clubs in East and North Glasgow - will finish with a Play-Off and Presentation at Shettleston’s Culrain Street greens on Sunday, July 5 (2pm).

League Secretary Alex Morrison was delighted his approach to this newspaper for backing resulted in our first-ever sporting involvement.

He said:”Bill’s Tool Store help us with bowling stickers and badges, but the arrival of a brand new Shield for the overall Play-Off winners is a fantastic boost.

“Genn Sport provides an excellent coverage of local bowling throughout the winter and outdoor seasons, so to have them coming on board with this type of much-needed sponsorship will help raise the profile of our game even more. We look forward to a long association with the GENN. Champions MOUNT VERNON start the defence of their title against

BOWLING ALONG...The GENN Newspaper is poised to sponsor the new Glasgow North Eastern Bowling League season with a brand new winners Shield, which will be presented following the Division(1 and 2) Play- Of fat Shettleston Bowling Club on Sunday, July 5.

FOXLEY. Ironically, this is a repeat of last year’s Play-Off at Chryston.

On a very competitive afternoon, which saw both teams record tworink wins, Division 1 champions Mount Vernon’s superior shots tally (59-48) won them win silverware at

PLAYERS WANTED

GOALKEEPERS at Boys’ Club, Amateur or Junior Football level for specialist summer coaching sessions, 12-17 years. 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 seek an experienced goalkeeper. Call 07453306788.

Special coaching sessions now form part of the Academy.

BUDHILL Football Academy are in a position to offer specialist goalkeeping coaching on a weekly basis, and would like to hear from any parent/guardian who has a boy seeking a club - from born 2003 and younger (see other groups below). Call Academy

2 pairs of glasses for £49

Head Coach on 07453306788.

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.

FINNART B.C. seek a goalkeeper born 2004. Call Gary Watson on 07570072426.

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.

BELLGROVE A.F.C. are now looking for experienced amateur (adult) players, Under-19 and Under-21s for next season.

Pre-season training sessions, and trial outings have been organised

by Steven McCallum. Call him 07821478779.

the expense of Division 2 table-toppers and newly promoted Foxley.

BAILLIESTON and NORTH BRITISH, who also step-up intothe top flight, will be hoping for a good start against GARROWHILL and SPRINGBURN respectively.

Dropping into Division 2 are relegated trio BELVIDERE, CHRYSTON and SANDYHILLS. FIXTURES GUIDE:DIVISION 1. May 1- Whitevale v Blackhill, Garrowhill v Baillieston, Carmyle v Shettleston, North British v Ruther-

INTER-COUNTIES

TRIAL match to finalise teams for the Glasgow East and Glasgow West (Glasgow Bowling Association) is being held at

Garrowhill on Saturday, May 2.

The Inter-Counties Championship will play for the Andrew Hamilton Trophy.

COUNTY GAME

FIRST of the County Gamesbetween Glasgow East and Dunbartonshire

East, is heading for Garrowhill Bowling Club on Saturday, May 9.

RACE BACKERS

SHOT STOPPERS Goalkeeping Coaching Academy are compiling a list of Race Night backers for their May fund-raiser.

Help has already been promised by Technical Progress Ltd (Cumbernauld), Bobby

Ramsay (Livingston Juniors), BoltonGate (Bellshill), Marshall Upholstery (Bearsden), The Wedding Store (near Motherwell), and Coronet Clean Team (Glasgow).

Coaches are still seeking more.

REFEREES WANTED

FOSTERS Central Scottish A.F.L. are on the look-out for referees next season.

FREE HOME EYE TESTS AVAILABLE

Contact Match Secretary Chris Wilson on 07887853119.

Duke Street

GOALIE SEARCH

RECENTLY-founded Bargeddie A.F.C. urgently need an experienced adult goalkeeper to join

them in the Strathclyde Saturday Morning League next season.

Call 07854032058.

COLVILLE DATE

BILLY DAVIDSON (Garrowhill Champion) will attempt to beat his Larkhall opponent at Colville Park, Motherwell, on Sunday, May 3.

A week later (May 10), Halfway, Cambuslang, is the venue for these pairings: Baillieston v Thankerton, Mount Vernon v Motherwell and Shettleston v Coalburn.

SEMI-FINALS

CULRAIN STREET, Shettleston,has been chosen to host the

Lanarkshire Bowling Association Semi-Finals on Tuesday, June 23.

QUALIFICATION

SYFA West Region have qualified for the Under-15 Inter Region Final on Sunday.

West, who previously beat South West, defeated hosts Cen-

tral Region 4-2.

SYFA Under-16 lost their second match 7-4 against Central Region, but the South West had already qualified from their group.

Tollcross

465 Duke St G31 1RD

1014 Tollcross Road G32 8UW

0141 554 8886

0141 778 5662

(Next to Coia’s Cafe)

glen, Foxley v Mount Vernon.

May 8 - Carmyle v North British, Mount Vernon v Blackhill, Garrowhill v Rutherglen, Foxley v Shettleston, Baillieston v Whitevale.

May 15 - Whitevale v Mount Vernon, Carmyle v Rutherglen, Garrowhill v Blackhill, Baillieston v Shettleston, Foxley v North British.

May 22 - Rutherglen v Baillieston, Mount Vernon v North British, Blackhill v Shettleston, Whitevale v Foxley, Garrowhill v Carmyle.

DIVISION 2. May 1 - Kirkhill v Chryston, St Rollox v Springburn, Belvidere v Parkhead, Sandyhills v Tollcross, Springboig v Riddrie.

May 8 - Parkhead v Springboig, Sandyhills v Kirkhill, St Rollox v Belvidere, Tollcross v Riddrie, Springburn v Chryston.

May 15 - Riddrie v Kirkhill, Springboig v Tollcross, St Rollox v Chryston, Parkhead v Springburn, Belvidere v Sandyhills.

May 22 -Tollcross v Parkhead, Chryston v Riddrie, Kirkhill v St Rollox, Sandyhills v Springburn, Belvidere v Springboig.

RESULTS must be telephoned to Mr Alex Morrison immediately after every Friday night game.

(Next to Greggs)

FREE EYE TESTS AVAILABLE SIMPLY CALL NEAREST BRANCH FOR APPOINTMENT

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