The GENN Issue 156 by The Genn Newspaper

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Your voice in the community

PROUD TO BE SCOTTISH

Next Edition 19th June 2015

Glasgow East and North News

18-19

22-23

GENN CARTOONS Win a cartoon caricature

GLASGOW PRIVATE HIRE Eastends Biggest & Best

24-25

GENN TRAVEL Tips for your summer holiday

32-36

GENN SPORT Five pages of local sport

COMMUNITY PICTURES Local Pictures

£400 MILLION BOOST FOR CITY

ETAILS have been revealed of a range of projects which will result in £400million being spent in Glasgow over the next 10 years. The work will include a new bridge, cycle routes, improved roads and pavements and the creation of avenues of tree

That will result in 15,000 construction jobs and 28,000 permanent additional jobs once construction is complete and will unlock £3.3bn of private sector investment. Almost half the cash will go on six projects in the city. More than £115m will go to the City Centre which the coun-

cil says is the UK’s second most important centre for both shopping and finance. The cash will be spent on public realm work at Argyle Street, Cathedral Street, Central Station, King Street, North Hanover Street, Sauchiehall Street and West Nile Street. Almost £84m will be spent

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at Canal which is regarded as a gateway to the north of Glasgow. The report says the area offers great potential to capitalise on its assets include knowledge-based industries on the north side of the city centre, the planned transformation of Sighthill, a growing cluster of

cultural industries, new leisure and recreation facilities and a number of vacant development sites. “City Deal funding objectives for this project include the unlocking of the area’s development potential.” Cash will be spent improving access to High Street station, upgrading the streets linking

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Gallowgate and Duke Street, preparing for further developments at Collegelands to include a hotel, more offices and leisure facilities. Land at the former meat market/abbatoir site at Bellgrove will be cleaned to create an attractive development site close to the city centre.

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

The GENN Newspaper was launched because the team recognised the importance of connecting communities with the news. Your voice in the community The aim of THE GENN, is to encourage communities and groups to get more involved in the local news agenda and to collaborate on stories and content 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 Glasgow East and North News

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

LEGAL NOTICE Vishaal Sood intends to submit an Application to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with a proposal to provide the full range of NHS pharmaceutical services, including any additional services required under an NHS arrangement from premises at: 701-703 Balmore Road Glasgow G22 6QT The Proposed Opening Hours of the Pharmacy are: 9am – 6.30pm Monday – Friday & 9am-5pm Saturday Further details of this Application can be obtained by contacting: Vishaal Sood, 32 Ashburn Gardens, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7PE pharmacysubmission@gmail.com Members of the public are invited to respond to the above providing their views and comments regarding the proposal. As required under the Regulations this Public Consultation will be for a continuous period of not less than 20 working days from the date of this Advert, which will end on 3rd July 2015

GENN Glasgow East and North News

Editor editor@thegenn.co.uk

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor I write to share my thoughts. When our son was born he was smaller than average and was cold and jaundice, requiring a heated mattress and lamp to raise his temperature. Following the birth, she also required a procedure, again only available in a hospital. I could not imagine, nor would I ever wish the opportunity for anyone to experience the above at home. I would hate to think what would have happened with the inevitable delay in either midwives or ambulance staff arriving. This is the 21st Century and we all pay our taxes for the NHS when we need it. Why on earth would anyone want to dissuade, cloud the judgement of, or impress their own personal beliefs on worried parents-to-be? Home births, like everything else, should remain an option with pros and cons, not a default position to save money. Matt Dear Editor Throughout Scotland, churches, mosques and other places of worship have been running their own kitchens for quite some time. Where typical figures were nine or 10 people attending some

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years ago, those have grown to 90 to 100 arriving today. And because these blessed places of charity run entirely on donations, they are constantly short of money. In the Christian churches, both work and support run through all denominations helping each other. Some, for instance, need regular helpers from the Church of Scotland and other denominations such as the Unitarian Church. There are several atheists to enrich the mixture. When many of these wonderful organisations started, part of the “treatment” included talking to those who came along. Immigrants have had the help for some time of a Church of Scotland elder, who speaks fluent Polish and other languages, and has recently added helpers that speak Russian and Estonian. Every single helper reports that those who they encounter are in genuine need. They also record that many resent the appalling indignity they feel in having to go to such places because of their pressing situations. But because such are treated with both dignity and understanding, they are helped over these hurdles. Please add these facts to your letters page. Robin Graham Fraser Court,

Dear Editor I would like to think that the focus from government at both levels will be on maintaining, and perhaps sometimes developing, public services through remodelling and the merging of backup support services. The Scottish Government has created both the police and the fire service at national level.Will they now go further and remodel police, fire and ambulance as a national emergency service? At the very least is there not scope for further service sharing at local level, for example in premises, IT, finance and human resources? Will they also go further by remodelling both the health service and local authorities? Do we need all the health boards and national health agencies? Do we need 32 local authorities which range so vastly in terms of population? Do we not need significant rationalisation so that streamlined/merged back-up services support frontline delivery? Is it time to look again at city regions or other models? Finally, I would hope that at both UK and Scottish level governments will also address their own administration and support services to ensure that they are lean and mean

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when times are difficult. Perhaps they could start by reducing the number of special advisers and consultants that they employ! Henry Martin McClroy Dear Editor The appalling environmental damage to the land and nature from wind turbines, do not always stress sufficiently the harm to national finances, while transferring our money to already-rich landowners, developers, etc, all for nextto-no electricity or saving in CO2 output. No “new” money is created for us in Scotland. The community “bribes” reported circa £5 million pa, a miniscule proportion of the developers’ profits, are a virtually corrupt dividend to people adversely affected locally by the windmill installations, paid for by the fuel-poor in their electricity bills. The whole question of optimising electricity generation to replace equipment now going out of service, must be worked out by experts in commercial and engineering aspects of electric power generation and not by adulation and vote-seeking politicians. The whole wind turbine “scam” should be ended as soon as legally possible. Chris Jackson (Maryhill)

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CONTACT THE ELDERLY THANKS SUPPORTERS FOR PENSIONER BUS TRAGEDY THE PAST 50 YEARS DURING VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

THIS year during Volunteers’ Week Contact the Elderly wants to take the opportunity to thank its volunteers across Scotland, who have helped the charity reach its Golden Jubilee. Volunteers’ Week celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK and Contact the Elderly knows just how important these people are. Without volunteers the charity could not survive. Contact the Elderly has been described as a lifeline for friendship to those over 75 who live alone. A volunteer host welcomes a small local group of around six guests and four drivers at their home once or twice a year, and each group enjoys 12 tea parties a year. Caroline McGinlay, Scotland Volunteer Support Officer for the charity said:

DALMARNOCK STATION ATTACK POLICE are hunting the thugs who targeted Dalmarnock station in an overnight attack. Witnesses have been urged to come forward. A BTP spokesman said: “The damage occurred sometime between 6.00pm on Sunday May 31 and 6.00am on Monday June 1. “Anyone who was in the vicinity of the station between the times and noticed anything suspicious, or has information regarding who may be responsible, is asked to contact British Transport Police.”

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“It is because of our volunteers that we have reached this milestone. “This year we are celebrating 50 years with Big FifTEA parties across Scotland and as always our volunteers have been terrific. That’s why Volunteers’ Week is so important. It gives the charity a chance to truly thank each and every individual who makes a difference in these older people’s lives.

“Here’s to our volunteers and another fifty years!” Across Scotland, Contact the Elderly supports 764 people aged 75 and over through its network of 1,035 volunteers and is always looking for more volunteer drivers and hosts for groups. Contact the Elderly is always in need of new volunteers and on the lookout for more guests to join their local groups.

ORANGEFEST SET FOR GEORGE SQUARE AN event organised by the Orange Order is set to bring thousands of people to Glasgow’s George Square on Saturday 6th June. The Cultural and Heritage Day, dubbed OrangeFest, will take place, from 9.30am to 4.30pm. A range of activities are due to take place with a separate banner parade planned for later in the afternoon. Organisers have been keen to allay any fears the event will cause trouble. The County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow, said: “Most people’s only experience of the Order is if they happen upon a street parade. “They know little or nothing about the Order’s purpose, the huge contribution we have made and still make to the life of our wonderful city, nor the amazing extent of our charity work. “Hopefully our Heritage Day will demolish a few

myths and give people a better understanding of who we are and what we stand for The event beginning with the “Lambeg drums” before a series of praise and worship with a banner parade, expected to include 400 people marching, will leave from Holland Street at 3.30pm before arriving at George Square. No other road closures are planned during the day. More than 17,000 people have to date signed a petition against the OrangeFest going ahead. A spokesman for Glasgow City Council added: “People use George Square and other public spaces around Glasgow for a wide range of events and activities. “Providing events are properly planned and do not encourage unlawful behaviour, the council is not permitted to simply ban them on the grounds that someone dislikes, opposes or holds contrary views to the organiser.”

A 76-year-old man and his wife, 72, had been enjoying a pensioners’ bus holiday when tragedy struck last Friday afternoon. The pair were trapped under a double decker bus while crossing busy Queen Street. Police are still unsure what caused the crash, but a number of lines of inquiry are under investigation. It is understood officers are looking into the theory that the visitors were confused by the part-pedestrianised layout of Argyle Street in the moments before the accident. Firefighters had to use special air bags to raise the bus to free the couple, who were then taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. They are both said to be “improving” and family

members are understood to be at their bedsides. Emergency services were summoned to Queen Street, near to the corner that joins Argyle Street. Around 25 firefighters were deployed to help with the rescue operation. The front half of the bus was cordoned off with a fabric screen to spare shoppers seeing the couple’s injuries. The crash happened a few hundred metres from the scene of the bin lorry crash which claimed the lives of six people in December last year. Officers said the bus driver was uninjured but extremely shaken by the incident. Police have asked witnesses they have not already spoken to to get in touch.

Tribunal hears Mears Group cheat Social housing landlords

ALAN Strong, a former regional manager, claimed executives were secretly overpaid by corrupt individuals working for their clients, these include a number of councils and housing associations across the UK. The whistleblower claims he was victimised after raising concerns over the alleged corruption with his superiors at Mears Group. He is suied the company for constructive dismissal. Mr Strong claimed the alleged malpractice surfaced at Morrison Facilities Services (MFS), which was bought by Mears Group in 2012. However, he claimed both companies covered-up the alleged fraud and says he has since been placed on a construction “blacklist” for blowing the whistle. Mr Strong’s most serious allegations at the tribunal centred on bribes said to have been paid by clients to MFS directors Paul Ryder and Nemendra Singh who deny the

allegations. In his witness statement, the former MFS commercial manager claims he was told that One Housing Group – which manages 15,000 homes for 26 councils – had “requested the removal of Nemendra Singh” from its contracts as the organisation “had a problem with … his integrity”. Mr Strong said in his witness statement: “Cyclical work, which predominately involved the redecorating on a cyclical basis of housing association properties was being allocated by One Housing Group to MFS at illegally enhanced rates. “The agreed percentage for overheads and profit on the cyclical contract was 18 per cent, but One Housing Group was paying MFS 30 per cent. In addition, there were allegations of money exchanging hands for the allocation of works … enhanced payments being made to the subcontractor were being paid out to the employees involved at One Housing

Group and MFS. Mr Strong, who is represented by the employment law firm Compromise Agreements, told the tribunal that an employee at the Michael Page recruitment agency has told him: “You have no chance of getting any further work because you are on a blacklist.” Mr Strong said he asked them to put that in writing, but claimed the person at the other end of the line laughed, saying: “Do you think I am stupid?” Alan Long, executive director of Mears Group, said: “Any organisation that has had to deal with a disgruntled former employee can have their reputation put at the mercy of ‘no win, no fee’-type arrangements, where mud flinging is designed to pressurise businesses into settling spurious claims, we are unable to respond to the specifics of this case. We do, however, strongly refute all of the allegations raised by Mr Strong and remain committed to defending this case.”

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GLASGOW MELA TO CELEBRATE ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNIQUE COLLABORATION THE Glasgow Mela will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month with a specially commissioned collaboration between The Dhol Foundation and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Both have appeared at the Glasgow Mela in previous years but for this year’s celebrations they are joining forces for a special one-off performance at Kelvingrove Park on Sunday June 14th. The Glasgow Mela has already staged two events in local communities in Barmulloch and at Tramway and the Hidden Gardens in Glasgow as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. These Mela on Your Doorstep events attracted hundreds of people and some of the local performers who took part have been invited to appear at the Glasgow Mela. The Glasgow Mela is held in Kelvingrove Park on Sunday, 14 June, running from 12 noon until 8pm. Joining the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Dhol Foundation are Abhinaya, Sacred Paws, Dance Ihayami, Sain Tanveer Brothers, Celtic Belles, Asian Deaf Club and Jamaican Dub poet Yasus Afari alongside many more. Sain Tanveer Brothers performance at the Glasgow Mela has been supported by the Lord Provost’s office recognising Glasgow’s twin city of Lahore in Pakistan. Councillor Soryia Siddique, Glasgow Life Board member and Chair of the Glasgow Mela steering group, said: “The Glasgow Mela has grown and flourished beyond the wildest

dreams of everyone who organised, performed and attended that first edition at Tramway 25 years ago. It remains a celebration of the city’s incredibly rich and diverse communities and provides an outstanding opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate our shared cultures. Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen many positive changes in our

great city and the Glasgow Mela reflects, through art and culture, our city’s incredible friendliness and inclusion.” Glasgow Mela is supported as part of Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, delivered by VisitScotland and EventScotland. The Mela has a history of attracting sponsors interested in targeting the event’s diverse audi-

TODAY’S CLINICAL TRIALS ARE TOMORROW’S CURES Did you know? • All prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs are tested in clinical trials before they are made available to you. • Clinical trials have to go through very strict ethical and regulatory checks before they get anywhere near a patient, and the UK has one of the best records world-wide for patient safety. Why do we need clinical trials? • Clinical trials involve people like you and are necessary to help identify new treatments making sure that medicines are safe by testing how well they work. • New treatments are needed for all diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, heartburn, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. All of our medicines have been developed through clinical trials to help improve the health of people all over the world. Why do patients volunteer to take part in clinical trials? • There are lots of reasons. Some people like you volunteer hoping to improve their own personal health, whilst others wish to help other patients in the future. Advantages in taking part in a clinical trial: • You may receive new treatments that are not yet available to the general public. • You will receive additional health checks. • You will be closely monitored. • You are contributing to medical research that may result in helping others. If you would like to know more about clinical trials please visit our website www.cpsresearch.scot

ence, which has helped support the event’s growth over the last 25 years. Long-time sponsor of the Mela Rubicon will be offering free samples of their exotic fruit juices at their Beach Hut and will be sponsoring the Bandstand stage. Lebara Mobile will be the events telecom-sponsor, supporting the Maharaja stage for the first time and offering event attendees prizes

including the chance to win an ipad Air. Sky are also first-time sponsors of the event, and are offering an exciting experience on site with music and vox pops for revellers. Incredible India and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations have also provided support to help bring performers to the Mela. Glasgow’s first Mela was in 1990 as part of the European City of Culture and was an indoor celebration at the then newly opened Tramway. It has also been held in Queens Park, at Glasgow Green and in more recent years at Kelvingrove Park. It has grown to a massive outdoor event which attracts tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists and performers from all over the world. Coming from the Sanskrit word “to meet”, the Mela reflects the many cultures of Glasgow and has become an eagerly anticipated fixture on the cultural calendar of the city. Performances will be on throughout the day and visitors will also be able to enjoy dozens of stalls selling a huge and diverse range of food as part of Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. Some of the stars who have performed at the Mela in the last 25 years include Sukhshinder Shinda, Jas Dhami, the Dhol Foundation, Tigerstyle, Sona Walia, Malkit Singh, Aamir Shukat Ali Khan and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. For more information about the Glasgow Mela please visit http:// www.glasgowmela.com

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Urban Green Cranhill

THE community led initiative, Urban Green, is funded by the Climate Challenge Fund, and has three strands all aimed at reducing carbon emissions: food, energy efficiency and awareness raising. The project will take place in the Cranhill area in the East End of Glasgow until March 2016. Impact Arts will be running two eighteen week programmes, working with fifteen unemployed young people aged 16-24, that will teach them valuable growing skills. The young people will be based at Crahill Development Trust, and will gain an Arts Awards, through taking part, along with a host of new skills. In addition to this, Impact Arts will offer community growing workshops for locals, health cooking classes at Sugarolly Fountain Café, and will create a composting site to reduced carbon emissions and landfill. The Urban Green programme will include creative workshops that will utilise a variety of recycled materials and environmental art and music workshops in local schools and with local community groups to engage people in climate change issues. A specially appointed Energy Efficiency Advisor will help local residents reduce their fuel use and carbon emissions and encourage community environmental improvements such as

energy saving, recycling and local growing. Forty local people will also be trained in energy awareness. A steering group of community organisations has been formed in Cranhill to oversee the Urban Green project and to ensure its longer term sustainability. Natalie McFadyen White, Programme Manager at Impact Arts said: “Impact Arts is delighted to be leading on community engagement in the Urban Green project in Cranhill. We’re looking to involve community members of all ages, from school children up to get them excited about their role in reducing carbon emissions and improving their local community. “We’ve got an exciting programme of workshops and events that we hope will empower the community to make changes that will leave a lasting legacy for Cranhill.” Established in 1994, Impact Arts is a forward-thinking community arts organisation which uses the arts and creativity to enable and empower social change. They consider the arts as a positive tool for change –helping people to build confidence, attain new skills, get back into work or education, source work in the creative arts, enjoy better health or simply improve quality of life. From dance to digital, their door is always open.

THE UK’S CHANGING LANGUAGE SOCIAL media, the Ebola epidemic, and World War I are just some of the things that have influenced British children’s creativity and use of language over the last year, says a report published by the Oxford University Press. Following OUP’s analysis of the 120,421 entries for the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show’s 500 WORDS short story competition, a wealth of fascinating insights into the lives of British children and the imaginative ways in which they use English have emerged. The OUP’s research also suggests that the proud literary tradition of Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Irvine Welsh is in safe hands with today’s generation of creative minds. In Yorkshire the most popular word was doughnut – here are the top 10 key words. • gran • phoned • wee • couch • loch • sheriff • jetpack • haggis • pandas • janitor

Delivering Excellence in Engineering

GLASGOW Kelvin College is set to become a key provider of engineering skills to school-age learners by introducing a brand new programme aimed at Glasgow pupils. The College is already delivering excellence in engineering skills at its Springburn campus and King’s Park Secondary pupil, Mary Kate Cleogh is a prime example of what already goes on in the current Engineering Scholarship programme. Excitingly, the model is being developed further and

a trailblazing new 2-year engineering programme will be available to Glasgow school pupils from next year which will provide skills and work experience to help young people into employment, apprenticeships or on to further study. For the first time, twelve S5 school pupils will have the chance to take part in a new 2-year Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering, being offered by Glasgow Kelvin College. This is the flagship Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship in the West of

Scotland. The work-based learning programme gives pupils a head start into an engineering career and is open to pupils across Glasgow schools. Throughout their 5th and 6th year, pupils will attend college 2 days a week and spend the other 3 days at school continuing to study their other subject choices. They will also benefit from industry visits in year 1 and work experience in year 2. The Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering is run in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland and Glasgow City Council. Commenting on the launch of the new programme, Glasgow Kelvin College Principal, Alan Sherry said, “This is a further outstanding opportunity for young people, from all communities, to enter into the world of engineering even before they have left school. They can gain valuable experience, industry recognised qualifications and at the same time they can develop the skills needed for success in the workplace.” An information session for parents, teachers and school pupils is being held at the College’s Springburn Campus on 4th June from 2-5pm.

DES CLARKE ISSUES ‘ONE MONTH TO GO’ REMINDER FOR STUDENT FUNDING APPLICATIONS SCOTTISH stand-up comedian and Capital Breakfast Show presenter Des Clarke has issued a ‘one month to go’ reminder on behalf of Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) - calling for all full-time students to complete and submit applications for the next academic year (20152016) to ensure their tuition fees and other funding is in place. With only one month to go until the 30 June 2015 guarantee date, SAAS estimate there are up to 100,000 students who may still have to apply for their funding. Des Clarke, Capital Breakfast Show radio presenter said: “Shout out to all students to log-on and submit their SAAS application now! I know paper work isn’t high on any student’s agenda – having been there myself, but being a student is one of the best times of your life and every penny counts, so take some time this week to submit your application. Come freshers’ week you don’t want to be worrying about money because you missed the guarantee date and you’re still waiting for your funding!” David Wallace, Chief Executive commented: “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 are waiting on exam results they can still submit their application. 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. To provide extra support we have extended our helpline hours this month and will be open 12:00-6:00pm on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June and 8:30-midnight on Tuesday 30th June.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning said “Now is the time to submit application forms for the next academic year, 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 in place by the start of their courses.” 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. Applications for 2015-2016 are now open – visit www.saas. gov.uk to complete applications online.

GENN MEN’S 10K ON FATHERS DAY TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING IN CITY THE Men’s 10K takes place in Glasgow on Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June 2015 starting at the spectacular setting of the Riverside Transport Museum. The route heads East along the River Clyde and takes in scenic views across the river. Iconic buildings to look out for include the Glasgow Science Centre, The Armadillo, The SECC and the SSE Hydro and all within the first 2KM. The route then heads around Finnieston and up and over the Kingston Bridge with views across the city. From the top of the bridge, those with a keen eye may be able to spot Celtic Park to their left, Hampden Park straight ahead / slightly left and Ibrox Stadium to their right. Once across the Clyde, the route swings east and then

back across the Clyde and on to Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and along the south side of George Square, by which point you are over the half way mark and enjoying city centre crowds cheering you on. The route continues down Saltmarket and across the Clyde for the third time and through the Gorbals at the 8KM mark, before crossing back over the Clyde for the final time. Runners enter Glasgow Green with just over a Kilometre to go, where cheering crowds await to help you in one last effort to cross the finish line where you’ll receive your well earned medal, water and goodybag. Get healthier, raise awareness for Men’s Health, and enjoy everything this fantastic city has to offer.

Celebrating Glasgow’s Volunteers

LAMBHILL Stables’ Volunteers were thanked for their incredible contribution at a ‘Certificate Presentation Lunch’ that took place in Lambhill Stables on Tuesday 2nd June 2015 to mark Volunteers’ Week 2015, which runs from 1-7 June. The charity’s Chairman Mr Jim McKechnie) was in attendance to celebrate Volunteer achievements and the presentation of a Volunteer Friendly Award to the organization. Lambhill Stables is a community-owned charity with a Volunteer Executive Board based in a refurbished B-listed building and community garden on the Forth & Clyde Canal in North Glasgow. They offer opportunities which promote employability, history, learning, health and eco-living for people of all ages. Their social enterprise provides employment and training in landscaping services. All income is re-invested in the community. Aileen Macdonald-Haak, Lambhill Stables’ Social Inclusion Officer (Volunteering) says,“In 2014, 106 volunteers gave us over 10,000 hours of their time. Lambhill Stables would look VERY different without the hard work of our volunteers. ” During Volunteers’ Week hundreds of events take place across the country to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers who give their time and energy throughout the year. The campaign, which was established in 1984, seeks to recognise the work that volunteers do and showcase the varied volunteering opportunities that exist. Lambhill Stables provides a wide range of volunteering opportunities such as gardening, front of house and kitchen duties in their Community Café, art classes, youth indoor and outdoor ac-

tivities, cycling maintenance, I.T. and administration tasks to name but a few. We have many tutors who volunteer their expertise in skills such as therapeutic massage, knitting, embroidery, personal development and community resilience with enquires coming every week from Universities and Colleges requiring professional placements. This year, as well as thank you events organised by charities, volunteers are being encouraged to share their own stories and motivations on social media using the hashtag #ivolunteer. Justin Davis Smith, director of volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations stated: “…Volunteers are the social glue keeping our communities together. This week of events across the country will, I hope, show people how much their contribution is valued.” Volunteering is a way to give something back, but it is also an opportunity to benefit from new experiences, make friends, gain skills and have fun. There has been a rise in recent years in flexible volunteering, so that even people without the time to commit to a regular activity can get involved.

We are looking for an enthusiastic cookery volunteer to prepare a delicious pot of soup for our Springburn allotment volunteers on Mondays between approximately 10am and 1pm. You will prepare the soup and clear up on site with our Springburn Food Coordinator for this first few sessions, hopefully then moving on to do this role independently. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a local food project and to help inspire health and wellbeing. Our allotment volunteers are a fantastic group of people and the allotment is a beautiful oasis away from the hustle and bustle from the city! You could also pick up some gardening skills yourself! You’ll even have the chance to take up some training such as REHIS Food and Health, Food Hygiene Certificate and First Aid. Ideally we would like a volunteer who has access to a car so that they can pick up the ingredients from our office and then head over to the allotment, although this is not essential. We’d also like the volunteer to have a Food Hygiene Certificate, or be willing to work towards one. For more information please contact: Eilidh McIvor, Volunteer Coordinator on 0141 558 2500 or email volunteer@ngcfi.org.uk

GENN

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL

SCIENTISTS doing stand-up, marine biologist-curated dinner parties, a giant outdoor screening of the Matrix and the science of mind-reading are just a few of the events in this year’s Glasgow Science Festival which returned Thursday (4th June) with the biggest and most diverse programme ever. This year’s Glasgow Science Festival features 80 events taking place in 30 venues across the city until Sunday 14th June. Many events are free and all are set to amaze and inspire people of all ages. They range from live experiments, tastings, film showings, talks, exhibitions and debates through to a panto, ceilidh and walking tour.

The Griffin. 2015 is the International Year of Light and many events will commemorate ‘Scotland’s forgotten Einstein’, physicist James Clerk Maxwell. One hundred and fifty years after he formulated his Electromagnetic Theory of Light, the Festival will shine a light on his life and science with talks, exhibitions, a laser show and even a specially choreographed ceilidh dance, ‘Maxwell’s Waves’, to be danced at Maxwell’s Birthday Ceilidh held at Partick Burgh Hall on Saturday 13th June. How does space exploration affect our mental health? As the controversial Mars One mission prepares to send people to the red planet, Glasgow Science Festival will explore the psychology and technology

Glasgow Science Festival is receiving support as part of the Year of Food and Drink, delivered by VisitScotland and EventScotland, to deliver new festival theme ‘Creel to Meal’. Something fishy went on at Glasgow’s much-loved Stravaigin 4th June and will again at the Drygate Brewery (11th June) when they host ‘Creel to Meal’, a dining experience and pop-up restaurant led by marine biologists who will take diners on a langoustine’s journey from West coast waters to our plate. Science ‘gin-iuses’ will love Gin-o-mics, an evening exploring the chemistry of gin with delicious cocktails and food pairing at a molecular level at

of space travel with a screening of sci-fi drama ‘Moon’ at the Glasgow Film Theatre followed by a Q&A with astronomers and a clinical psychologist. Elsewhere top scientists from Glasgow and beyond will attempt to answer other global questions such as: Where will the next pandemic virus emerge? Can eating insects save the world? What makes the perfect meal? How has light influenced religious thinking? How do social media and DJs influence our drinking? There’ll be more sci-fi fun in the West Quadrangle of the University of Glasgow with the Glasgow Science Festival’s first outdoor pop-up cinema. Blockbusters the Matrix and

District 9 are set to rock the campus. As always, Festival audiences will be invited to participate in riveting live experiments ranging from a journey into the paranormal to uncover the truth about dowsing, telepathy and psychic readings to a mock trial exploring whether a chimpanzee could ever be guilty of murder! Budding young scientists will be able to test their bushcraft survival skills with the RSPB in Kelvingrove Park, meet a real dinosaur hunter at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum’s science weekend and take a light-hearted look at how superpowers might work if our superheroes ever took to the streets of Glasgow. A world of cutting edge research will open up at the University of Glasgow’s Science Sunday. An exhibition of award-winning photographs from the Society of Biology and a look at the invention that changed the world – James Watt’s steam condenser, which was aptly conceived during a walk on Glasgow Green in 1765 - are just two of the events celebrating Glasgow’s Green Year. The Big Science Pub Quiz will return with a fresh batch of brain-busters and live experiments to test everyone’s grey matter. Scientists will also put themselves on the spot at the Stand Comedy Club and on the soapbox at Kelvingrove. Launching the programme, Dr Deborah McNeill, Director, Glasgow Science Festival, said: “Since 2007, Glasgow Science Festival has grown into a wonderful, city-wide festival in the widest sense of the word. Whether you want to be inspired and challenged by some of the amazing state-of-the-art research taking place in laboratories and quiet corners of our finest universities or laugh and immerse yourself with some more outrageous perspectives on our world, there genuinely is something for everyone and all ages. Pick up a programme today and join us on an amazing journey!”

NEW EQUIPMENT FOR ROYSTON YOUTH ACTION ROSEMOUNT Development Trust was delighted to support the purchase of Watersports equipment for Royston Youth Action. Royston Youth Action said: “Royston Youth Action is extremely grateful to Rosemount Development Trust for the very generous donation of £5,307 which was recently used to purchase wet suites, safety helmets, canoes so that children and young people can have the opportunity to use the fantastic facilities at Pinkston water sports venue. Children from local primary schools are already using the equipment. Royston Youth Action is commit-

ted to supporting water sport activities for the benefit of all of the residents in Royston” Heather Donald (aged 11) said: ” It is great to go to kayaking and my friends and I love it. Thanks for giving Royston Youth Action the funds to help children in the area”

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Living the High Life in North Glasgow

EVERY time we hear about multi storey flats in Glasgow it’s usually about them being demolished or being a blot on the landscape but that’s certainly not the case with the multi storey properties that are managed by ng homes in North Glasgow.

ng homes is responsible for 14 multi storeys in the area and 4 of those blocks are located at the highest point in the city at Balgrayhill overlooking Springburn Park. With two 26-storey blocks containing 200 flats and two 25-storey blocks containing 192 flats almost 400 families live in the striking tower blocks which were officially opened by the late Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1968. In 2011 the ownership of the multi storeys transferred to ng homes and they have invested £3M in the buildings in the four years since. That investment has seen the blocks transformed with the foyers which were exposed to the elements for over 40 years, now enclosed, community spaces have been created where residents can meet, and the entrance areas outside the buildings have been upgraded to a high standard as have the internal landings. As well as the improvements made to the common areas each flat has also benefitted from both external and internal wall insulation and work is also ongoing at the moment to renew the lifts in the blocks.

Mr Chambers loves the view of Springburn Park from his living room window.

Each flat has a controlled door-entry system and the flats are serviced by two lifts. There is also a drying area situated on each floor as well as chutes for the disposal of household waste and Fridays are designated as recycling days. Many residents in Balgrayhill have commented that when they walk into their buildings now they feel like an upmarket hotel or luxury tower apartment complex. Alec Chambers has lived in the flats at Balgrayhill since 1989 and he reckons there’s no better place to live, he said: “Its quiet up here which is great. I’m on the very top in my block and the views are fantastic.” Alec also praised the concierge service saying: “whenever I have needed them they have been very good.” Neighbours Pat Forsyth and Eleanor Baggley live at 42 Viewpoint Place and they have seen many changes to the buildings over the years. Eleanor was one of the first tenants who moved into the flats when they were built in 1967 with her family. She said: “We moved from a tenement with an outside loo so these flats were luxury – a house with a bath was just amazing to us back then. We have had new kitchens, new bathrooms, and rewiring, new windows, all as a result of the transfer

The new entrances to the blocks have proved a big hit with residents.

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

GENN to ng homes. We are in the process of getting new lifts so that will be another major improvement. I absolutely love my flat and I think these blocks in Balgrayhill are the best out of all the multi-storeys in the city.” Pat said: “I’ve lived here for about 30 years and it’s a great place to live. For me, one of the best things about living in the flats is the bus stop is right on your doorstep so you can go anywhere. The views are magnificent too, we can see as far as the Erskine Bridge and the Campsie Hills. We also feel safe living here with the concierge just a phone call away.”

property in the Carron area of Springburn said: “We are committed to the multi storey properties in North Glasgow and with our ongoing investment programme in technology to improve our services to tenants, residents and anyone who uses our Multi Storey Flats we continue to make them a great place to live.” Neighbourhood Manager Janice Ellison said: “Our Concierge team deliver a great service to our residents and we continue to listen to our residents so we can keep improving. The Concierge team are committed to providing the best possible service and they take great pride in how the multi storey flats are managed and maintained in North Glasgow”.

A 24Hr concierge service is provided to over 1,100 customers who live in ng homes’ multi storey and deck access properties. The main aim of the service is to make sure everyone feels safe and secure in their homes and are “I absolutely love my flat and I think these blocks in Balgrayhill With schooling both at primary and happy living in the North Glasgow community. secondary levels within the area, are the best out of all the multi-storeys in the city.” local amenities including Springburn The service is operational 24 hours each Leisure Centre and library and the 77 day, 7 days per week and 365 days each year from a newly expanded acre Springburn Park right on their doorstep there is a lot to be and refurbished control room equipped with the latest technology said for living in the multi storeys at Balgrayhill. Not to mention in the heart of the multi storey area at Lenzie Place. This is where the magnificent views across the city and stunning vistas of the highly trained staff operate state of the art CCTV cameras and other Campsie hills - there’s always something to see from the windows at technology to focus on the services that tenants say are important to Balgrayhill. them, namely to feel safe and secure in their homes and communities. The 28-strong concierge team work around the clock responding to Shops nearby include the St Rollox Superstores Costco, Tesco and residents’ needs and enquiries. Just some of their duties include Lidl with local shopping centre Park Gate also just a short stroll away. monitoring smoke alarms and responding to activations, fire alarm Public transport includes both bus and rail links to the city centre and testing, lift alerts, door entry control and intercom communications surrounding areas. with the residents and security patrols. Full janitorial services are also provided ensuring all blocks and surrounding areas are kept clean and If you would like more information on living in the multi tidy. storey flats at Balgrayhill please contact Housing Operations Chairperson of ng homes John Fury who also lives in a multi storey at ng homes on 0141 560 6000 or e-mail info@nghomes.net.

Pictured with John Fury Chairperson and Concierges Gordon Christie and Chris Layden are Mrs Owens, Mrs Obrien, Mrs Milligan and Mrs McTomminay.

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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PIPEFITTER LAURA TAKES MODERN APPRENTICE TITLE

TH – MA Laura Black: Laura with her winner’s trophy and certificate

THIRD year BAE Systems pipefitting apprentice, Laura Black (20), beat stiff competition from nine finalists to win the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards 2015, which celebrate a learning path established in medieval Scotland by the historic crafts that make up the organisation today. Her win was revealed last week at an awards ceremony in the Trades Hall, home to the Trades House and its 14 crafts. She was one of four colleagues from BAE Systems selected as finalists. The company’s sheet metal work apprentice, Ainsley Donoghue, took second place. Third place went to Reece Phimister, Junior Session Stylist at Napier Hair and Beauty in Paisley, who just days before scooped the Scottish Training

Federation Apprentice of the Year title. Finalists, their employers, family and guests attended the awards ceremony, which took place during Skills Development Scotland’s Scottish Apprenticeships Week. Bishop Idris Jones, Deacon Convenor of the Trades of Glasgow, presented the awards. “Our Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards showcase the commitment and capability of candidates who have chosen the apprenticeship route to further their career prospects, while promoting traditional trades alongside more modern skills,” said Bishop Idris Jones. “Judges were faced with a high calibre of entries, resulting in a line up of finalists who are testament to the exceptional apprenticeship schemes operated by each

of their employers. Our many congratulations go to Laura, Ainsley and Reece, and all the candidates who made it through to the hotly contested finals.” Mick Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: “We are all very proud that Laura has been named Glasgow’s Modern Apprentice of the Year. It’s an achievement she should be rightly proud of and shows the calibre of apprentices coming through our programmes. Many of our senior leaders started their careers as apprentices, which shows there is no limit to where an apprenticeship can take you. We recognise the importance of helping each and every one of our apprentices to reach their full potential. They are the lifeblood of our early careers programme and the future of our business, so I am delighted that four of our brightest have been honoured in the finals of the Trades House Modern Apprenticeship Awards.” Laura Black, who moved from her home in Campbeltown to take up her apprenticeship, now. She attended last night’s awards straight from an exam for her HNC, which she is studying as part of her apprenticeship with BAE Systems, the largest naval shipbuilder in the UK. Her apprenticeship has seen her work in all aspects of pipework from fabrication and welding to installation on the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

Speaking after winning the top gong, she said: “I am so surprised. It was so tense as they counted down the finalists until there was just Ainsley and I in the final two – for the both of us to be among the top three is amazing. I’m really proud and so are my family - my mum came over from Campbeltown with my dad and she shed a wee tear when I won. It’s good to know your hard work has paid off and someone recognises your achievements. “I love working for BAE Systems, everyone is so friendly, the training is really good and they give you lots of opportunities. It has helped give me confidence and grow as a person. I have met lots of senior people too, like our MD Mick Ord and Supply Chain Director Paul Brown and their door is always open so you can always go to them for help too.” Also in the finalists line up were BAE Systems – Chloe Kirk, Pipefitter/Plumber and David Manley, Fabricator/ Plater; City Building – Darah Michael, Painter & Decorator; Salon 1873 – Bernadette Blair, Salon Assistant; Traffcom/ Glasgow City Council – Kyle Ritchie, Technician; and University of Glasgow – Mohammad Ali Salik, Technician. Laura was presented with an inscribed trophy, which will remain on display in the Trades Hall in Glassford Street, Glasgow, home to the Trades House since 1794. She also received an

TH – MA Top Three: Winners (from left) Ainsley, Laura and Reece with Deacon Convener Bishop Idris Jones

TH – MA Finalists – Nine finalists line up with Deacon Convener Bishop Idris Jones, as Laura lifts the winner’s trophy

inscribed replica of the trophy, a cash prize of £500 towards further studies and a certificate. Along with certificates of commendation for all finalists, a second prize of £300 went to Ainsley and a third of £200 to

Reece for further studies. The Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprenticeship Award 2015 was open to people employed across Greater Glasgow and surrounding regions.

Scottish employers best BOWIE BREAKFAST SHOW DISHES UP 77,000 AUDIENCE RISE AS RADIO CLYDE ENJOYS STUNNING START TO 2015 at providing for staff health and wellbeing SCOTTISH employers have taken the UK top spot when it comes to providing for the health and wellbeing of their staff, recent research has revealed. The study by PMI Health Group discovered 47 per cent of Scottish employees claim their employers provide benefits targeted towards improving their overall health, an increase of 16 per cent on last year’s survey. “Although the boost in benefit provision is encouraging, companies in Scotland could still give greater consideration to employee health and wellbeing,” said PMI Health Group director Mike Blake. “With increasing restrictions in NHS provision, it is in the interests of businesses to minimise the costly impact of sickness absence. Corporate healthcare initiatives can help achieve this while helping to address health inequalities.” The results put Scotland ahead of companies in East Anglia (46 per cent), close-

ly followed by London businesses (45 per cent) who previously finished top in 2014. Those in the North West fared the worst (26 per cent). Mike added: “Scotland often suffers from a poor reputation for healthcare provision, given the statistics on obesity and heart disease, which compare unfavourably to the rest of the UK. “Our survey results show that Scottish employers are starting to take new responsibilities towards helping their staff stay fit and healthy very seriously.” The increase in health and wellbeing provision for Scottish workers has been reflected in burgeoning levels of satisfaction. The study found that 49 per cent of employees in the region are satisfied with the range of benefits they receive from their employers – up from 25 per cent in 2014. Workers in London were found to be the most content with 67 per cent happy with their benefits provision.

CLYDE 1 breakfast DJ George Bowie started 2015 in style, upping his show and station’s audience by 77,000, according to the latest industry figures for the TSA (total survey area) from industry body RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research).

Bowie at Breakfast – the leading commercial “wake-up” show in Glasgow and the west – saw its average audience jump from 296,000 in Q4 2014 to 373,000 in Q1 2015, helping Clyde 1 enjoy an overall increase in weekly listeners to 556,000. It was a hugely positive quarterly RAJAR report for Radio Clyde overall, with Clyde 1 achieving increased market share to 12.1% and cementing its position as the region’s market leader across every weekday programme slot from 6am to 8pm. In addition, sister station Clyde 2 reached 155,000 listeners a week, each tuning in for an average 6.5 hours, while new digital offering Clyde 3 – launched in January – enjoyed positive engagement with the 16-25 audience when it unveiled its fresh, online brand. Celebrating the success of both his show as well as the station overall, “King Of Breakfast” Bowie said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Bowie at Breakfast remains Glasgow’s number one commercial breakfast show and it’s all down to our awesome listeners. “Every day brings new laughs with our listeners and they seem to really love our wide variety of content like the £5k minute, Make Your Dad Mad, the Kool Ride To School and Topical Tune Test as well as big cash giveaways like Pay Your Bills. I’m really looking forward to more of the same for the rest of the year.”

Highlights of Radio Clyde’s opening quarter of 2015 included an exciting new brand unveil across all of Clyde’s stations, the launch of digital channel Clyde 3 and a £25,000 Pay Your Bills competition giveaway to help ease the January blues for listeners. The release of the latest figures from RAJAR for Q1 2015 also show that, for the TSA, across four weeks Radio Clyde stations reached a total of 911,000 adults (15+) in the region – an increase of 14.2% v Q4 2014. Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director for Bauer Media, said: “It has been a fantastic start to the year for all Radio Clyde stations and it’s no surprise that local audiences are continuing to choose Clyde 1 to kick off their day. “The Bowie at Breakfast Show has withstood the test of time by continually delivering the most exciting, engaging and entertaining local content and the figures say it all – George is the undisputed king of breakfast-time commercial radio in Glasgow and the West. “Our congratulations go to all of the incredibly talented teams across all of the Clyde stations and, just as importantly, we give a big thanks to all our listeners who truly bring our shows to life.” *Source: RAJAR / Ipsos - MORI / RSMB, period ending 5 April 2015. Some stations do not cover the whole of the TSA.

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TRADESMEN IN SCOTLAND UNSUNG HEROES OF THE HOME THEY often get a bad rep, but the majority (90%) of Scottish tradesmen will go above and beyond their actual duties when it comes to keeping their customers happy. A study into 500 tradesmen revealed that many go that extra mile for the people they work for. Almost one fifth of local builders said they have taken a customer to hospital when they’ve had an accident. One in ten have given first aid to a customer, one in 13 have taken a pregnant customer to the hospital when they’ve gone into labour; an impressive one in 20 have helped deliver a baby. Three quarters of UK tradesmen have taken time out of their busy schedules to spend one-to-one time with customers they think might be lonely or in need of some company, with one tradesperson saying he has cooked Christmas dinner for a customer before. The research found that many tradespeople are happy to do small things for customers that can make a big difference. Scottish tradesmen are the most likely to help homeowners with extra DIY jobs. In

fact, 65% of tradesmen help out with DIY that is not part of the job they are doing, the same number help customers by carrying shopping for them and heavy items. One in 13 have even taken dogs for walks. Tradesmen work in one of the most versatile environments, ever changing homes of the nation, and regularly get insight into the lives of people within their local communities. Over a quarter of Scottish tradesmen will help customers use their phone or computer and even help assemble furniture. One in eight has helped fix a broken down car or change a tyre. And it’s not just in the home that many help out, with a fifth even taking letters and parcels to the post office, one in four popping to the shop for customers and one in six running errands. The study also found that 70% of local tradesmen have observed an argument whilst at a customer’s house, and around one in six claim to have witnessed a ‘spooky event’ while working at a customer’s home. Nearly 40% have come

across old or dangerous work when carrying out a job, and fixed it without mentioning it to the customer. The study also revealed that 88% of UK tradesmen would be more willing to go that step further for a customer if they made their job easier when visiting the home. Top of the list was - ensuring the area was prepared for their visit, e.g. moving furniture; followed by the customer being honest about budget and, of course, offering the worker a cup of tea or coffee. Top Ten ways to get the best out of your tradesmen • Ensuring the environment is set up for their visit • Being honest about budget • Offering a cup of tea /coffee • Trusting the tradesmen’s advice • Making pleasant conversation • Keeping the pets out the way •Sorting parking before arrival •Offering a biscuit or snack on arrival •Allow them to play music •Providing them with a key to carry out the work

CONTRACTOR WORKSHOP EVENT Gardeen Housing Association is pleased to announce our contractor workshop event which we are hosting at our offices at 32 Garlieston Road, Glasgow, G33 4UD on Wednesday 24th June 2015 at 5.00pm. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the Association’s approved tendering strategy and to review aspects of the proposed contractual arrangements. We would appreciate if you could email us at info@gardeen.org.uk, which is a prerequisite for your attendance. We have planned for the workshop to last for approximately 1 hour from 5.00pm – 6.00pm.

FATFACE BRINGS ON THE WEEKEND AT GLASGOW FORT ONE of Britain’s best loved lifestyle clothing brands opens its biggest Scottish store at Glasgow Fort this weekend. FatFace will open the doors to its 6,500 sq ft store on Saturday, offering its entire range of lifestyle clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children. The brand, renowned for its relaxed vibe and quality designs, is expected to draw a raft of new and existing customers to the recently expanded Glasgow Fort shopping centre. The arrival of FatFace has created 15 jobs, and forms part of Glasgow Fort’s ‘phase two’ development, anchored by the new flagship Marks & Spencer store. FatFace will be joined by the new Wagamama and further yet-to-be-announced brands. In total, the development is expected to provide up to 500 jobs. Glasgow Fort is working with Jobs & Business Glasgow and the local JobCentre Plus in Easterhouse to fill positions. Simon Greene, Retail and Property Director at FatFace, commented: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our presence to

Glasgow Fort, where more customers than ever can now discover the FatFace range. FatFace has always been

about great clothes for enjoying life, and the fantastic site at Glasgow Fort makes accessing them more convenient

than ever.” Phil Goodman, Centre Manager at Glasgow Fort, said:

“We are delighted to welcome FatFace to Glasgow Fort. This leading quality brand has a fantastic follow-

ing and we are confident it will prove popular with our shoppers. “This is a pivotal year for Glasgow Fort, with the construction and arrival of phase two bringing a host of impressive new brands. We are extremely grateful to our customers who have been supportive throughout, and we are confident they will enjoy the reward of a more exciting shopping experience than ever.” FatFace was launched in 1988 in the French Alps by two British friends. Today it designs, produces and sells quality clothing and accessories for men, women and children and has more than 200 stores throughout the UK and Ireland. FatFace at Glasgow Fort will be open on Saturdays 9am - 8pm, Sundays 10am - 7pm and weekdays 9am - 10pm in keeping with most stores following the shopping centre’s extended opening hours. Glasgow Fort is home to leading stores such as Zara, Marks and Spencer, Swarovski, Smyths Toy Superstores and Topshop, as well as restaurants including TGI Friday, Nando’s and PizzaExpress and a Vue cinema.

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£4m to transform empty properties into affordable homes

CONTACT THE ELDERLY CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH TEA PARTY IN KINLOCHARD CONTACT the Elderly provides free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people aged 75 and over who are socially isolated, and has been described by some as a lifeline of friendship. Eleven local groups from in and around Glasgow, recently joined forces for a tea party to celebrate the charity’s fiftieth year. Ordinarily a volunteer host welcomes a small group of around six guests and four drivers at their home once or twice a year, and each group enjoys 12 tea parties a year. On this occasion however, the venue was Kinlochard Village Hall and more than 100 guests and volunteers attended. Tea parties have been held annually in Kinlochard for 43 years and the volunteer who arranged the first one, Saffrey Miller, is still involved today! Guests were piped into the hall by 11 year

EMPTY shops and properties which are an ever increasing ugly scene in Scotland’s town centres could now, be transformed into affordable housing thanks to a new £4 million fund. The Town Centre Empty Homes Fund will provide grant and loan funding to help increase the supply of housing in Scotland’s urban and rural towns. The Fund, which will open for bids shortly, will offer funding to regenerate both homes which have been lying empty for long periods of time, and to convert empty commercial spaces into residential accommodation. The properties will then be available for affordable rent or sale.

It comes on top of the work of the Shelter Scotland managed Empty Homes Partnership which recently had its funding doubled and received a three year extension, to help bring more private sector empty homes back into use. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced details of the new Fund at the Shelter Scotland Homelessness Conference yesterday. She said: “Making sure everyone has access to affordable homes where they can feel safe and warm, is a priority for the Scottish Government. But it’s not just about building new homes, we need to make better use of our existing housing stock and properties. “It makes absolutely no

sense for us to have more than 30,000 homes lying empty when homelessness still exists in Scotland. “Empty shops and flats can be an eyesore in our communities, devaluing our properties and even encouraging anti-social behaviour. “Bringing these empty properties back into use is a cost-effective way of increasing the supply of housing available to families across Scotland and it also aides community regeneration. “By transforming derelict shops and flats into new homes, we will be able to inject some life back into our town centres and make them attractive places to live and work.”

“Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves, guests and volunteers alike. The entertainment was superb and I could see how much work had gone into making it such a success.” Across Scotland, Contact the Elderly supports 764 people aged 75 and over through its network of 1,035 volunteers. To find out how to volunteer with Contact the Elderly, if you would like to become a guest, or know someone who could benefit from this unique charity please contact Caroline McGinlay, Scotland - Volunteer Support Officer on 0141 812 1555 or caroline.mcginlay@contact-the-elderly.org.uk

old Murray O’May, and enjoyed music from harpist Katherine Harrison and Care for a Ceilidh, a scheme which sees musicians providing short concerts to residents of care homes in and around Glasgow. Tunnocks also donated a beautiful cake for the Golden Jubilee tea party and Chief Executive Officer, Mary Rance travelled from London for the special tea party. Commenting on the day, she said: “For me, it was one of the most rewarding tea party events I have attended and so wonderful to see our work in action.

Glasgow-based Lovell achieves Investors in Young People accreditation

GLASGOW-BASED affordable housing developer Lovell has achieved the Investors in Young People Accreditation, the only people management standard which focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of people aged between 18 and 24. The achievement highlights Lovell’s successful work with apprentices and graduate trainees in Scotland and recognises the company as an employer of choice for young people. Lovell regional director Alan Taylor says: “Bringing a new generation into construction is crucial, not just for our own business, but for the industry as a whole. Our team takes huge satisfaction in recruiting talented young people and helping them fulfil their potential and we’re all thrilled to see our work acknowledged by this award.” The accreditation followed a rigorous assessment of the way Lovell – which is based at the Glasgow Business Park - re-

cruits young people, supports its young employees and helps them progress in their careers. Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, comments: “This is a fantastic achievement for Lovell, and I and the whole IIYP team would like to wholeheartedly congratulate them. The Investors in Young People framework not only recognises and supports organisations in the employment of young people, but marks them out as an employer of choice. I envisage that many more organisations will wish to follow in the footsteps of Lovell and demonstrate their commitment to young people by working with the Investors in Young People framework.” Based at the Glasgow Business Park, Lovell is a national affordable housing developer working with housing associations and local authorities on new affordable housing developments, major housing refurbishment schemes and regeneration programmes.

Creating apprenticeships and other training opportunities for young people is a key part of its work in communities. Young people currently working with the company in Glasgow include 22-year-old graduate trainee Kerrie Lee

and 18-year-old Peter Phinn who is working as a labourer on a new housing development in Shettleston in the city’s East End. Employees who have benefited from the company’s commitment to training include 27-year-old John Fitzsimmons

who began his career as an apprentice with Lovell and is now working with the company as a qualified joiner. Launched in July 2014, Investors in Young People originated through a key recommendation from the Com-

mission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood. The accreditation is offered to all businesses across Scotland and exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.

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ENABLE Scotland celebrates Volunteers’ Week DURING Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) ENABLE Scotland would like to say a huge thank you to all the remarkable volunteers who have helped them over the past 60 years. Paul O’Kane, ENABLE Scotland’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said, “Whether you have attended a one-off event or help out regularly, we want all our volunteers to know how much we appreciate your support. All of you together have made a real difference to the lives of people in Scotland who have a learning disability. “Now we are looking for more volunteers to join the ENABLE Scotland family. We have lots of different opportunities available from roles in our Head Office, to helping out at our local services or branches throughout Scotland. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how you can help in your area.” Bill Learmonth, from Baillieston, is an inspiration, having volunteered for ENABLE Scotland for more than 45 years. Bill’s daughter Lesley has Down’s syndrome and he has seen society’s changing attitude towards disability over the years. Bill believes ENABLE Scotland’s work has

helped to change people’s attitudes so they see the person and not just the disability. “There was a time when people with learning disabilities were quite definitely separated from the wider community. They were separated in all aspects of their lives; health, education and socially. But gradually people thought it was appropriate to bring them back into the community. I was one of the young parents who were saying it was time we closed the long stay hospitals. There was no way I was allowing my daughter to go into an institution,” said Bill. Bill has worked tirelessly to promote the work of ENABLE Scotland and to improve the lives of people who have learning disabilities. Volunteering with the organisation for over 45 years, in 2012 Bill was named Scotland’s Charity Champion by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Bill was instrumental in setting up the Baillieston branch of ENABLE and has been chairperson of ENABLE Scotland twice. He was also trustee of the organisation from 2005-2011, as well as devoting countless hours to many other initiatives and

committees. ENABLE Scotland has become like a second family to Bill. He is often the person others turn to when they need support and advice. When he ran his business, Bill often spent long hours on the road. It was during these journeys that he realised how many good friends he had made through his association with the charity. “I once thought about this – if I drove from John O Groats to Stranraer, I would never be more than 15 miles from somebody I knew. That was because of the people within the branches you got to know,” said Bill. The “people of ENABLE” as Bill calls them, are the most important aspect for Bill. “My real feeling around this organisation is that we’ve been so blessed with the people who have been involved in it. They have been the inspiration for me.” To find out more about volunteering with ENABLE Scotland please go to www.enable. org.uk/volunteer or contact Paul O’Kane by emailing paul. okane@enable.org.uk. You can also join us on social media using #ENABLEVolunteers.

SCOTTISH BILL LOSES WEAPON AND SHIELD THE Charity, Electrical Safety First, is worried that the Government’s proposed Scotland Bill, which will devolve further powers to the Scottish Parliament, has forgotten consumer protection - and a weapon to curb the tide of counterfeits entering the UK. Commenting on the Bill, Phil Buckle, Director-General of Electrical Safety First said: “There has been a huge increase in counterfeit and sub-standard electrical goods entering the UK – particularly Scotland. In the five years between 2008 and 2013, Glasgow enforcement agencies seized more fake electrical items than any other UK local authority. When you realise that around two thirds of all domestic fires in Scotland are caused by electricity and the vast majority of those arise from electrical products, you can put the situation in context. “We believe people would be best served by devolving consumer protection powers to the Scottish Government to deal with the issues ‘on the ground’ – and as recommended last month, by a cross-party committee of the Scottish Parliament.” In its current form, the Scotland Bill only allows consumer ad-

vocacy and advice to be devolved to Scotland, with control over the legal framework of consumer protection retained by Westminster. Electrical Safety First believes consumer protection should be transferred to the Scottish Parliament, which would then have the power to tackle the issues of electrical product safety and prevention of fires in Scottish homes. This would also allow a Scottish Government to respond to the need for changes to the product recall system – which research by Electrical Safety First shows is failing to protect consumers. “Recent tragic accidents, where individuals have died through electric shock or an electric fire

caused by a recalled product, have highlighted the need to improve the way such products are recalled by manufacturers”, adds Phil Buckle. “And with well over 200 electrical items recalled in the last four years - but with a recall success rate of only 10 -20% - it is clear the current system needs improvement. This is especially important for Scotland, where so many domestic fires are caused by electrical products.” For more information on Electrical Safety First and to view our Scottish Manifesto, please go to: http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/policies-and-research/ourkey-policies-in-scotland/

HOLIDAY FIRM HONOURS VETERANS IN CHARITY PARTNERSHIP

GLENTON which specialises in holiday’s for the over 50’s, has announced a charity partnership with Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland), the largest ex-services membership charity in Scotland. Legion Scotland members as well as their family and friends will receive a number of free places on group bookings, a 5% discount on individual holidays, and their own dedicated team to arrange their holidays. A further aspect of the partnership will see Glenton donate 2.5 per cent of the sales from this Affinity Programme back to Legion Scotland. Glenton customers will also be able to choose to donate £1 to Legion Scotland when booking their holidays online or in store. Harriet Boyle, managing director at Glenton said: “The importance of quality support for our ex-service men and women goes without saying and our staff are very proud to be able to support the great work done by Legion Scotland.

Through this new partnership we have the chance to provide funding for veterans’ ongoing support as well as help them and their families to take holidays and create new memories to treasure.” Glenton provides coach, cruise and air package holidays to over 44,000 passengers every year and a number of bespoke services for the mature traveller. The Glenton Good Companions holidays are tailored for solo travellers and include no single traveller supplement costs and the recently launched Glenton Active holidays which offer more adventurous trips such as walking tours and stylish London Theatre breaks. Legion Scotland helps ex-services men and women of all ages across Scotland to adapt to civilian life by providing community, friendship and practical advice. The national charity works with nearly 170 branches and more than 33,000 members supporting veterans whether they left military service yesterday or 50 plus years

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ago. Kevin Gray MM, chief executive officer added: “This new partnership with Glenton is a fantastic opportunity for Legion Scotland members and their families to spend some quality time travelling and experiencing the high level of service we know Glenton offers. “After leaving military service, where comradeship is key, some veterans can suffer from isolation. Legion Scotland therefore runs various sports and social programmes which encourage members of the ex-services community to get together, providing the opportunity to talk. Glenton holidays and day trips adds a new dimension to this. Funds raised through this partnership will also enable us to provide more support for all of the ex-service community across Scotland.” For more information on Glenton visit www.glentonholidays.com and for more information on Legion Scotland visit www.legionscotland.org.uk

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CSGN INVITES GLASGOW TO PUT GROWING SPACES ON THE MAP

GLASGOW locals and community groups are being encouraged to put their allotments, orchards and community gardens on the map, by taking part in an online survey. Europe’s largest greenspace initiative, the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), is conducting the research to map community growing spaces across the central belt. Participants will be able to trace the boundary and entrances of their growing spaces, as well as answering a few questions about the places they grow in, such as the numbers of trees or plots. The data will be used to identify the size and distribution of these vital resources and campaign for improvements for the benefit of local communities. Keith Geddes, Chair of the CSGN, said: “Encouraging community growing is central

to the CSGN vision of creating an environment which supports healthy lifestyles and good mental and physical well-being. “This groundbreaking research will support our work in increasing the area of land used by communities for growing plants, fruit and vegetables and I would encourage locals in Glasgow to take part in the survey.” The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace initiative which seeks to transform Central Scotland into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people’s lives are enriched by its quality. As one of the Scottish Government’s national developments for Scotland in the third National Planning Framework, the CSGN is changing the face of Central Scotland, by restoring, transforming and green-

ing the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east. The CSGN encompasses 19 local authorities across 10,000 sq km and has the potential to benefit 3.5million people, equating to 70 per cent of Scotland’s population. The survey runs until 30th June 2015. It takes a few minutes to complete and the information will be used to increase the number and quality of community growing spaces across the region. The findings will be collated into a report which will be made available on the CSGN website. To take part in the survey go to https://maptionnaire.com/ en/556/ For further information about the CSGN visit www. centralscotlandgreennetwork. org

Clydesdale Bank Staff Abseil off Finnieston Crane for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance A BAILLIESTON based employee from Clydesdale Bank has successfully abseiled off the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA). The fundraising challenge on 31st May 2015 is the latest phase of Clydesdale Bank’s partnership with the country’s only charity funded helicopter air ambulance. A group of seven staff members successfully completed the challenge which saw them abseil 175ft down the side of one of Glasgow’s most iconic structures and so far have raised more than £2,000. Henry Stevenson works as a

Branch Manager in Clydesdale Bank’s Baillieston branch. Henry said: “It was a challenging experience but also very rewarding and there were fantastic views across the Glasgow skyline. I am proud to have been part of the Clydesdale Bank team which has helped to continue to support Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.” Clydesdale Bank launched its partnership with SCAA in May 2014 to support the organisation in delivering its invaluable frontline life-saving service across the length and breadth of Scotland. SCAA has just marked its second anniversary having responded to around

600 emergency callouts across Scotland. Paul Mayer, Head of Retail Branches in Scotland, was one of the team who completed the abseil. He said: “Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance delivers a vital service to local communities and we are very proud to play our part in supporting the charity to deliver this essential service which provides rapid and often live-saving transport for people caught up in a wide range of incidents and emergencies.” For further information about Clydesdale Bank’s partnership with SCAA, please visit http://www.cbonline.co.uk/wecare-about-here/air-ambulance

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Photography Exhibition opens JOIN the Society of Biology for an exhibition of the award winning entries to the Society of Biology annual amateur photography competition. The exhibition opened at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Kibble Palace, Glasgow, on Saturday 23rd May and runs until Sunday 14th June, 10am – 6pm daily. It will then move to the Winter Gardens at the Peoples Palace, Glasgow, from Tuesday 16th June until Saturday 4th July, 10am – 5pm daily. The 2014 competition theme was Home, Habitat and Shelter and the exhibition features the winners of Photographer of the Year and Young Photographer of the Year awards plus all of the shortlisted entries. In 2014 the Society received nearly 800 entries from around the world. Billy Clapham 19, won Photographer of the Year 2014 for his image of a blackbird in his Lincolnshire back garden; ‘The Suburban Mum’. Nagarjun Ram, 17, won Young Photographer of the Year 2014 for his image of a Leopard looking at him from a tree in Karantaka, India; ‘Courage Doesn’t Always

ROAR’. Judge Tim Harris, from Nature Picture Library, said ‘Billy’s image of a female blackbird in a suburban garden captures a familiar subject in a bold and fresh way. Gardens provide valuable habitat for wildlife in an increasingly urbanised world, and this delightful image shows that it isn’t necessary to travel to remote and inaccessible places to photograph interesting animal behaviour.’ Billy said, ‘I was lying right behind my camera and only had to wait a relatively short amount of time to get this shot of a blackbird taking some meal worm feed for her chicks. This is testament to this mum’s ability to live harmoniously alongside humans and take advantage of our generosity!’ ‘I’m so happy my little back garden blackbird won against all the other photos of exotic animals. This is the first of many photography competitions that I hope to take part in.’ On the Young Photographer of the Year, Tim Harris said, ‘Nagarjun’s wonderful leopard image was the unanimous choice of the judges

as winner of the Young Photographer category. We felt it encapsulated in a very evocative way the home and habitat theme of this year’s competition.’ PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD 2015: COMPETITION OPENS THE theme for the 2015 competition, now in its fourth year, is ‘Conflict and Survival’ and entries will be accepted until 31st August. The Society hopes that this year’s theme will encourage people to think creatively about food chains, viruses, urbanisation and the battles that take place in the world of biology, from microscopic cellular warfare, to the conflict between species and populations. Entries may capture examples of aggressive encounters between animals in their natural environment, a plant’s struggle for resources within an arid environment or thriving bacteria in cell culture. The Society welcomes entries that explore this theme at the molecular or sub-cellular level; illustrating complex physiology or genetic factors that influence survival instinct and habitat conflict. These

could be biomedical images or examples of photomicrography using any type of light microscope techniques. There are two categories for entries, each with a cash prize: Photographer of the Year (18 and over) – top prize £1,000 Young Photographer of the Year (under 18) – top prize £500 The competition will be judged by: Catherine Draycott, head of Wellcome Images; Linda Pitkin, underwater photographer; Tim Harris, sales and marketing manager, Nature Picture Library and Bluegreen Pictures; Alex Hyde, natural history photographer and lecturer in biological photography; and Louise Murray, photographer and journalist. The competition is sponsored by life science company Eppendorf. Judging for the competition will take place in September and the winners will be announced at the Society’s annual award ceremony in October during Biology Week 2015. Further information on entering the competition is available on the Society’s website: www.societyofbiology.org/ photocomp

1 in 8 Scottish adults were victims of fraud last year A NEW study by insolvency trade body R3 has revealed that 1 in 8 Scottish adults were victims of fraud last year. This is higher than the national UK average of 1 in 9 people being hit by fraudsters, and second only to London where 1 in 6 people were hit. R3 had previously described the scale of fraud in the UK as “staggering”, announcing that the total losses seen by individuals last year was estimated to be over £9bn. The study also revealed that 22 per cent of adults surveyed were “extremely worried” about how this fraud would further impact on their debt. The single largest demographic hit was those between 25 and 34, where 1 in 6 people

suffered from fraud. People in this age bracket lost an average of £1,408 each – higher than the overall average of £1,016. R3 attributes this to the prevalence of online fraud, though it also warned that credit card fraud, phishing and door to door scams were also a big problem. It may be surprising that younger generations are the most likely victims of fraud, but online fraud does place younger age groups more at risk... E-commerce may be convenient, but convenience is not a substitute for due diligence. If things look too good to be true, they very often are. It’s saddening that the most financially precarious are also the most vulnerable to fraud.

SFHA: Apprentice Challenge highlights the importance of nurturing young talent A NATIONAL two-day challenge for housing apprentices kicked off this week. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) Apprentice Challenge will see 20 young people from housing associations and co-operatives across Scotland take on a two-day challenge during the SFHA’s annual conference (1). They will work in teams to devise a communications strategy which could be implemented by a social landlord to help tackle and raise awareness of problems such as social isolation, fuel poverty and mental health issues. This is the second year of the Federation’s award-winning challenge which aims to further consolidate the skills of the Modern Apprentices and highlight the important role that apprenticeships play as a vital first step on the career ladder. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess launched the challenge during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (May 18-22). Mrs Burgess will also deliver a ministerial address to the SFHA’s conference on Wednesday 3 June (3). She said: “The apprentices taking part in the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Apprentice Challenge are a small group of a much greater number who are being supported to create enthusiastic and skilled workers in the housing sector. “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting young people towards jobs and apprenticeships, with an aim to have 30,000 new opportunities by 2020. By employing Modern

ment for ng homes Tony Sweeney said: “We are delighted that our apprentices are taking part in the SFHA Apprentice Challenge for 2015. If last year is anything to go by, it will be a great experience for them and an opportunity to meet and work with other apprentices across Scotland. We wish them all the best of luck in the challenge and look forward to the results which will no doubt provide delegates with some fresh, innovative ideas and solutions.” Mary Taylor, Chief Executive of the SFHA, said: “Our Apprentice Challenge highlights the importance of apprenticeships in the social housing sector. Apprenticeships can give young people the vital skills and experience which they need to gain permanent employment, and nurturing young talent now will benefit the sector in the future.

Apprentices, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations’ members are helping create a dynamic and experienced workforce.” Iona Wilson and Juliette Duff are Commonwealth apprentices at ng homes which is based in North Glasgow. Iona, 18, said: “I chose to do this apprenticeship as

I felt it was a great opportunity. “During my apprenticeship I have enjoyed meeting new people and getting the chance to learn new things every day. “In the future, I hope to gain more qualifications in housing, and I hope to stay within this sector.” Juliette, 19, said: “I chose to do the apprenticeship

as I thought it was an opportunity I shouldn’t miss out on. “I have enjoyed meeting new people, learning new skills and gaining valuable experience in the workplace which will set me up for the future. “My plan for the future is to pursue a career in human resources, which will hopefully be in the housing sector.” Head of Organisational Develop-

“We decided to hold the challenge again this year, as it is an excellent way of consolidating the apprentices’ learning, and we must engage with young people in our sector, as they are a vital part of keeping it fresh and forward thinking.” The challenge is being supported by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). Katie Hutton, Depute Director of National Training Programmes at SDS, said: “This event from SFHA will allow the apprentices to showcase the skills they are developing through their training and demonstrates the benefits of the programme to employers.”

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THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR 175TH ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW The Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland’s most iconic and enduring annual events, is putting the finishing touches to its 175th Show, which runs from 18 -21 June 2015 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. Billed as the biggest and best celebration of farming, food and rural life, the ‘Royal Highland’ is one of Europe’s most impressive rural shop windows, showcasing handpicked livestock, the finest food & drink and rural living at its most vibrant. The Royal Bank of Scotland, partners of the Show since 1981, maintain their support for the four-day event, which attracted in excess of 178,000 people in 2014. Scotland’s Larder Live! This year sees the launch of Scotland’s Larder Live! at the Royal Highland Show. Showcasing the diverse range of quality Scottish farmed produce it will be a live, experiential food show, promoting and celebrating our Scottish food provenance, regionality and seasonality. The event will relaunch food at the Highland, build interactivity and visitor engagement and bring

to life the consumer message that ‘farming equals food’. Scotland’s Larder Live! will be lively, informative and interactive, full of the smells, sights and tastes of Scotland. The Cookery Theatre will have a theatrical element, with chefs being challenged to whip up a dish against the clock. Tastings and talks will feature some of our finest producers and plenty of audience engagement and participation. Follow the clues around the event and enter the Scotland’s Larder Live! competition to win a selection of goodies from some of Scotland’s top producers. 2015 will be the second year of the Show’s industry leading Food Charter, an initiative that sees on-site caterers and the show’s other food partners use, where possible, only ingredients that are locally produced and ethically sourced. Only a small number of companies from 2014 have not make the grade, demonstrating the show already serves to showgoers a huge number of responsibly sourced Scottish produce.

NEW DIVERSITY WINDOWS CELEBRATE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF GOVANHILL More than 40 Govanhill residents aged 12 - 64 have joined forces with Glasgow Life and Govanhill Youth Project to create five stunning stained-glass windows, designed to celebrate the area’s rich heritage and cultural diversity. The Diversity Windows project, to be unveiled on Tuesday, 2 June at Govanhill Library, tells an uplifting story of community and unity amongst cultures, taking local residents and visitors on a journey through the area’s migration history and heritage and will be on permanent display at the library. Bringing together intergenerational community groups, including the Asian Women’s Group, Irish Heritage Foundation, Govanhill Youth Project, AGAP Art Group and pupils from Hollybrook Academy, the innovative project has been designed to celebrate the journeys and identities of the different communities who reside in Govanhill. The nine-month programme also offered participants the opportunity to develop an array of transferable life-skills, including communication, problem solving and collaborative working. Each of the five windows illustrates a different theme chosen by the community groups themselves, in consultation with Govanhill organisations and residents. Councillor Archie Graham, the Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Govanhill Library sits at the very heart of this diverse community, and I’m delighted that local residents of all ages have come together to portray how they feel about the area in such a striking, positive way. “Not only do the Diversity Windows showcase the rich

cultural diversity of Govanhill, increasing a sense of identity for residents, it has also enabled participants to gain new skills, broadening their horizons and, in turn, opening up new pathways towards learning and employment. “I would urge everyone to visit Govanhill Library to enjoy the fantastic stories depicted by this stunning installation and everything else this great community asset has to offer.” All five groups were supported by local stained-glass artist Keira McLean, who helped to amalgamate their stories and ideas into a lasting community

masterpiece. Keira said: “Govanhill Library is a central hub for all members of the community; a place to share stories and learn about the heritage of different cultures, and as such, is the perfect home for the Diversity Windows. “I would like to thank all involved with the project for all of the hard work and dedication they put in to the creation of the window. Without the local groups, none of this would be possible.” Designs include the Irish Heritage Foundation’s emotive ‘Story of Irish Immigration’ window, taking the viewer on a

journey of adversity, hope and inspiration, created to pay tribute to the Irish community’s contribution to Glasgow, and the eye-catching ‘Cultural Fusion’ window, which uses the bold colours and patterns of saris, peppered with words of empowerment, to place women and girls at the heart of Govanhill’s Asian community. AGAP Art Group’s ‘Memories of Glasgow’ window takes a look back at the history of the area, inspired by the colours of Glasgow sunsets and the Dixon Blazes, whilst participants from Govanhill Youth Project have given their window a 2015

twist by creating a ‘Graffiti Wall’ of glass, with each glass brick tagged to reflect the groups own personalities and interests. The final window, developed by fourth year pupils from nearby Hollybrook Academy, is also designed to give younger residents a voice in the community. The ‘Exclusive Colours’ window shows how feelings and emotions can be depicted through the use of vivid colour, with the window complemented by inspirational phrases devised to offer support and guidance to young people as they embark on their journey to adulthood. The range of services offered

at Govanhill Library has grown considerably throughout its history. In recent years, Glasgow Libraries has transformed its services to allow people to participate in a vast array of activities and events, together with the more traditional services associated with a library. Customers have access to a full-range of exciting and up-todate books, including community language material - Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu - free internet access and computer courses. Younger guests enjoy Bounce and Rhyme and Storytime sessions, with adults regularly attending the fortnightly Classic Film Shows. The five stained-glass Diversity Windows, depicting the area’s rich culture and heritage, will be unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday 2 June at Govanhill Library, before going on display to the general public from Wednesday 3 June 2015. The Diversity Windows project has been enabled thanks to funding received by Govanhill Youth Group via the Celebrate programme, a National Lottery grant set up to enable community groups to create a meaningful lasting legacy for their community, following the success of the Commonwealth Games. The Celebrate programme brought together communities from across Scotland to celebrate the Commonwealth Games and was developed by the Scottish Lottery Distributors Forum (SLDF) which is made up of all four Scottish Lottery Distributors, Big Lottery Fund, Creative Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and sportscotland. For more information on Govanhill Library, please visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries

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DRIVERS LOSE OUT IN TAX DISC CHANGES DRIVERS are losing out to the tune of well over £40 million year as a result of changes to the way road tax is collected. This is according to new figures from the AA, which highlight how much the government stands to gain from the recent overhaul of the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) system. ‘Death of the tax disc’ The reforms that came into effect last autumn were heralded as the “death of the tax disc”since motorists are no longer obliged to carry proof of taxation on their windscreens. But it is the DVLA’s new policy of automatically cancelling any remaining VED when a car is registered to a new owner that is proving to be the most significant change.

Under the old system, when a vehicle changed hands the new owner would be allowed to benefit from any outstanding tax. Cars were often sold second-hand on the basis they were “taxed until October”, for example, adding to their value. No more tax transfers Since 1 October 2014, however, sellers automatically have any full months’ tax refunded by the DVLA. Meanwhile, buyers are obliged to tax the vehicle from the start of the month in which it is purchased. And it is this system which is resulting in millions of motorists paying what the AA calls “ghost tax”. For example, if a car is sold on the 10th of the month in which

its tax is due to run out, the seller gets no refund – and they will have lost around 20 days’ worth of VED. The buyer, on the other hand, will be forced to pay for 10 days of VED they do not need On the basis that around 4 million used cars are sold through dealers every year and 2.7 million privately, the total annual loss to UK motorists will run at just under £39 million, the AA says. This is based on an estimate of 30% of cars sold through dealers and 50% of those sold privately having tax outstanding, with an average monthly VED rate of £15. But this calculation does not take into account the fact that buyers will have to pay tax from the start of the month.

‘Slinky’ slimmer is set to shine!

Alana Hume is looking forward to this holiday season more than most after losing 5st 5lbs and being named Easterhouse’s ‘Miss Slinky’ 2014. The 28-year-old has dropped a whopping 5 dress sizes since joining the Easterhouse Slimming World group in 4th April 2013, and now her stunning transformation has seen her fellow slimmers vote for her as their group’s representative in the national weight loss competition. Alana says: “I was already really looking forward to this summer and finally feeling glamorous enough to wear the outfits I always dreamed of on holiday. Winning the title of Miss Slinky means I have even more to celebrate and I know this holiday season will be even more special.’ Alana, who weighed 18 st 1.5 lbs and wore a dress size 22 at her heaviest and is now a ‘slinky’ 13 st 7lbs and a dress size 12/14, says she was surprised as well as delighted when she was announced as the Easterhouse Slimming World group’s winner. She adds: “When I was bigger I was

really unhappy. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror, I hated shopping for clothes and I felt self-conscious most of the time. Things are completely different now and I feel much more confident than I used to, I never thought anyone would ever describe me as ‘slinky’ so it’s just incredible to be Miss Slinky 2014. “Being voted for by the other people in the group is lovely because it’s thanks to them that I’ve been able to lose the weight that I have. I was very nervous when I first walked through the doors of the group because I expected everyone to judge me, but I needn’t have worried because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made friends and I love swapping recipes and ideas every week. My Consultant Carrina has been so supportive too, she’s positive and enthusiastic and is always at the end of the phone if I need her.’ After joining Slimming World, Alana began following the club’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and was amazed to discover that she didn’t have to give up her favourite meals: “I actually eat the same things now as before - curries, roast dinners, pasta dishes but they’re all made from scratch and I make healthier choices like having pasta with a tomato and vegetable sauce instead of something creamy or buttery.’ Alana has also become more active and regularly enjoys going to fitness classes and swimming. And she’ll be putting her newfound fitness to good use on the dance floor on this year’s holiday: “Summer is a time of year for getting dressed up and having a good time. Before I lost weight I would dread it though, because I could never find anything to wear on nights out and I would feel uncomfortable and out of place, that’s if I didn’t make an excuse to avoid socialising completely. This year I’ll be accepting every invitation I receive and instead of hiding in baggy or black clothes, I’ll be showing off my new figure. I can’t wait!” Carrina McGovern, who runs the Easterhouse group which Ala-

na attends, hopes she will demonstrate to other people what’s possible with Slimming World. She says: “As Alana shows whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence. “People might put off joining a slimming group just before Summer, but taking that first step if you’re unhappy about your weight could be the best gift you give yourself. Our eating plan is so generous that you won’t have to miss out on any of your summer favourites and there’s lots going on in the Easterhouse group so it’ll be lots of fun too ñ at Slimming World we know how to make Summer extra special! “Everyone’s welcome to join us at the Masonic Hall on Lochdochart Road, every Thursday at 5.30 and 7.30pm, they can just pop along or if they’d like more information they can call me on 07585708637.’ For further information please contact Carrina McGovern on 07585708637 or email carrinamcgovern7@googlemail.com. Carrina also has hold two other classes in the Easterhouse area, which meet every Monday night in Saint Benedicts Chapel at 5.30 and 7.30pm and every Tuesday morning at 9.30am at Saint George and Saint Peters Church.

Any transactions which take place after the 1st will make some financial loss to buyers inevitable But it is a very harsh lesson for those who may not be aware a tax disc is now automatically cancelled when a vehicle changes ownership.” One of the main sources of confusion is that cars which were taxed before October last year may still be displaying what appears to be a valid tax disc. But if the registered keeper has changed since then, the tax will have been automatically cancelled The DVLA argued that the new system “simplifies” the process of buying and selling secondhand vehicles. Now all new keepers must

tax the vehicle before they use it rather than having to find out

if it’s taxed or whether the seller has had the tax refunded.

SPRINGBURN FOOD HUB EVENT SPRINGBURN food hub will be hosting a refugee week event on Tuesday 9th June. This will be held at St Rollox Church from 1pm -3pm. This is an open event which anyone attend so would be great to see you there. Also if

you let your service users and volunteers know that would be grand The Food Initiative are also starting a Grow Your Own vegetables course at our Springburn Allotment G21 IUU, on Mondays from 15th June.

The course will bring many benefits, including learning to grow salads at home, meeting new friends, and some light physical activity. To book a place call Martin on 07784 713 313 www.ngcfi.org.uk

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Put names to faces and enter our prize draw to win a personalised caricature!

FIZZERS® are caricatures of “well-kent faces” by the team at the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio. Previously exhibited at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the People’s

Palace & Winter Gardens as well as several cartoon festivals in Europe, the collection has been growing for over a decade. A small selection of carica-

tures are currently on show at Mount Vernon Community Hall as the Studio continues to lend its support to the regeneration of this important community centre.

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Can you put names to these famous faces? If so you can enter a prize draw with the opportunity to visit the Studio for a personalised caricature sketch of your own, absolutely free. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Email fizzers@scottishcartoons.com with the subject line: The Genn 2. Include the names of all nine persons portrayed in the caricatures published in today’s issue of The Genn, no 156 3. Include your name, email address and a contact telephone number 4. Competition closes at 17:00 on Thursday 18th June 2015 5. One correct entry will be selected at random shortly thereafter 6. The winner will be invited to sit for a caricature sketched by one of the artists at the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio

For more Fizzers® visit the Studio’s website: scottishcartoons.com Find them on Facebook /ScottishCartoonArtStudio and Twitter @ScottishCartoon

20 How grandparents are helping to keep Scotland blooming THE nation’s gardening knowhow is not in danger from being lost as Scottish grandparents are passing on their skills and knowledge to future generations. But the survey, which questioned people about their gardening knowledge to discover who is teaching the younger generation basic gardening skills, suggests that grandparents could be the secret-weapon in helping maintain our reputation as a nation of gardeners. And Scotland grandparents are leading the way. The research showed that grandparents in Scotland are the best in the UK at passing gardening knowledge on with over half (57 per cent) passing some gardening knowledge on to their grandchildren, with nearly 20 per cent saying they do so because don’t think they are learning it in school or from other family members. The survey follows research by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) that showed that only one per cent of today’s parents were taught how to garden compared to 55 per cent of grandparents. Gardening has long been at the heart of our way of life but this lack of green-fingered knowledge amongst today’s parents means it may be in jeopardy, highlighting the crucial role of grandparents in educating future generations. Graham Heald, at Homebase, said: “For many people their first experience of gardening comes from spending time in the garden with their grandparents. Over a quarter of Scots (26 per cent) who responded said they had fond memories of this, from planting flowers and seeds, to growing vegetables and picking

fruit. “We know first-hand – an initiative we set up to help unearth Britain’s next generation of gardening talent – just how important grandparents can be in passing on valuable gardening knowledge. Many of our students say it was their grandparents who gave them their love of gardening and inspired them to pursue it as a career.” “Wherever their love of gardening comes from we want to help develop that passion into real horticultural knowledge. Who knows, we might even uncover the next generation of Chelsea medal winners” One of the students from this year’s Academy, said: “My granddad was my inspiration to join the

Homebase Garden Academy, as I helped him in the family gardening business since I was little. Now I’m following in his footsteps by training to be a gardener. “I have really loved being a part of the Garden Academy and I have learnt so much about all aspects of gardening. It was an amazing experience to support Adam in building The Homebase Urban Retreat Garden in partnership with Macmillan Society at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower show. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and really has reinforced that Gardening is the industry I want to be in.” Award winning garden designer Adam Frost said: “Some of my earliest memories of gardening are of working on my Grandfa-

ther’s allotment and I suppose it’s that that really inspired me to want to learn more and turn it in to a full-time job.” “The Garden Academy is all about encouraging the next generation to carry on that mantel. For a lot of the students, and many other gardeners out there, it’s their grandparents that gave them their first taste of it. If my Grandad could see me now standing on my seventh Show Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show he’d be bowled over. It just goes to show what the smallest seed can grow in to.” For more information or to apply for one of 40 places on this year’s Homebase Garden Academy visit www.homebase.co.uk/ garden-academy .

GENN FOOD POISONING BUG YET ANOTHER REASON TO GO VEGAN

THERE are many reasons to go vegan, and news that almost three-quarters of shopbought chickens tested positive for the food poisoning bug Campylobacter highlights yet another one. A year-long study by the Food Standards Agency found that 73% of chicken bought from UK retailers were infected, up from 65% in its last study in 2009. “Time and again a study shows animal products to be rife with diseases that can be passed from farmed animals to humans, causing serious long-term health problems. If it’s not Campylobacter then it’s salmonella or E. coli,” said Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of The Vegan Society. “The type of bacteria does not matter, nor does the fact it arises from miserable conditions endured by animals farmed using intensive, cost-saving methods. All that matters is that these diseases come from eating animal products, which we do not need to be healthy.” “The health benefits of a

vegan diet are now well established, with more and more studies suggesting that vegans may be less likely to suffer from common diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure,” de Boo added. Found in red meat and milk as well as poultry, Campylobacter affects around 280,000 people each year with symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fevers. It is the most common foodborne illness in the UK, which can so easily be avoided. You can try going vegan in 30 days with The Vegan Society’s 30-Day Vegan Pledge www.vegansociety.com/pledge to receive emails of advice, information and delicious recipes to try out. The Vegan Society is a registered educational charity (no. 279228) that provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism, including to new and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and the media.

Petitioning West of Scotland Housing Association To listen to the resident’s concerns about the safety of the new park on the old busy park site that opened earlier this month. These issues have been raised by the newly formed community council but we need more tenants to confirm they too are concerned.

CHEWITS REACH 50 WHAT a Chew-mendous Achievement! For 50 funpacked years, Chewits has taken the nation on a taste adventure with their fantastic sweets. This year marks Chewits’ 50th anniversary! It all started in 1963 when J Arthur Holland invented ‘Chewzits’, a softer version of the chew many love today. Just two years and a quick name change later Chewits was born in its original flavour - Orange. In addition to the core original flavours of Blackcurrant and Orange, over the years more exotic flavours such as Ice Cream, Rhubarb and Custard, and Blue Mint were introduced as limited edition flavours. What better reason to celebrate than with some of the nation’s best loved chew sweets. Take a trip down memory lane with your grandparents, parents or friends and remember Chewits. Each memory is different, you may remember the ‘Monster Muncher’ in one of his most iconic adverts as he

munched through the Taj Mahal, the leaning tower of Pisa and the Empire State Building. Not one of these buildings could match Chewits delicious flavour and texture, after all Chewits are chewier than Barrow in Furness Bus Depot. The Chewits brand conjures up many nostalgic memories particularly for 90’s kids bopping along to ‘I like to Chew it Chew It.’ The iconic dinosaur rolling around

on his bus roller skates and chewing his way through town, always evokes positive and fun memories. Chewiethe Chewitsaurus holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. 50 years later Chewits are still a success story, with 8 flavour variants with much loved favourites such as Fruit Salad and Xtreme Sour Pineapple expanding the product portfolio. With over 480,000 fans on Facebook and over 11.3K followers on

Twitter, Chewits has made a mark with its digital consumers, leveraging the nostalgia of the brand. To celebrate the 50th anniversary Chewits have launched some special edition retro products. Get your groove on with Chewits limited edition Blackcurrant Stick pack and retro multipack! The groovy retro packaging looks like it has just come straight from the psychedelic 60’s.The Chewits exclusive Retro Multipack is like a flavour party that Strawberry, Blackcurrant and Fruit Salad are all invited to. The special edition packs will be available in retailers across the UK from late May. To celebrate 50 years Chewits have also launched their very own Facebook app ‘Chewie on the Loose’ which allows users to take Chewie on a rampage. Later in the year Chewits will be continuing the fun with huge giveaways and competitions to celebrate the 50th.

WE want to bring it to the attention of WSHA (West of Scotland Housing Association) that residents in the area (and surrounding areas) are concerned about the safety of the new park on the old bus park site that opened earlier this month. It is important that WSHA know that the community as a collective are concerned and would like action to be taken. Community Council members have raised issues at previous meetings but would like the support of the community to let WSHA know that the entire community are concerned for the safety of the children using the park. The “swale” in the park that is for drainage is uncovered meaning when there is not water in it – it is exposed and due to its depth this is concerning, especially with younger children. When it rains it is full of water, as it is uncovered children can get to it posing a threat that the water may become deep in cases of heavy rainfall. It will be dirty when

wet so should be covered to avoid children playing in dirty rain water. The mound in the park was initially safe, to our belief. However, now that kids have had access, the top layer of dirt has been removed exposing brick, concrete and metal rods at the surface. Children are sliding down the side and could potentially cause themselves serious injury. Please sign and share the petition with local residents of Barrowfield (and the surrounding areas) and it will be took to WSHA where they will be given a reasonable time to respond. Signing the petition doesn’t mean you have to take any further action, it is simply to support our concerns so we can speak to the housing on the tenant’s who sign this petitions behalf. However if there is anything else you want to add feel free to email camlachiecc@yahoo.co.uk for further info or to get details of any Community Council upcoming meetings.

GENN

ARCTIC OIL RUSH DANGERS A NEW Arctic oil rush has begun. Reckless companies like Shell, Gazprom, Statoil, and Exxon want to invade the fragile Arctic, risking a devastating oil spill for only three years worth of oil. If oil companies are allowed to drill in one of the world’s most extreme, isolated, and unpredictable environments, a deadly oil spill is not a question of if - but when. Toxic oil could leak unchecked beneath the ice for years, polluting the lands and livelihoods of people who have called the Arctic home for millennia. An oil spill would have a catastrophic, longterm impact on the entire Arctic ecosystem The Arctic is home to incredible wildlife, from majestic polar bears to blubbery walruses and mysterious narwhals. But all Arctic species depend on sea ice to survive, and the ice is vanishing with terrifying speed. Without sea ice to hunt, rest, and breed, the very survival of polar bears and other wildlife is under threat. Mother polar bears, weak and starving, have trouble reproducing. Their cubs

must fight the odds to survive into adulthood. Unless we take action soon, experts warn that polar bears could disappear completely from the Arctic in the next 100 years.

Scots spend longer researching their phone than car finance

PEOPLE in Scotland take longer to research finance options for phone contracts than they do to find the best car finance or mortgage, a new survey from BMW Group Financial Services has found. Around two thirds (67%) of those questioned admitted to taking up to two months to research finance options for their phones, compared with a third (33%) who spent the same time looking for their mortgage. The survey also showed that 65% of people in the country spend up to two months exploring different finance options when buying a car, slightly higher than the UK average of 60%. Men spent slightly longer on their car finance search, with almost two thirds (62%) researching for up to two months, compared to 57% of women.

The findings highlight that people are spending a disproportionate length of time trying to achieve savings on smaller spends, compared to large purchases. Suzanne Gray, General Manager, Group Customer Strategy, BMW Group Financial Services, says: “With most of us looking after the pennies and doing what we can to make the pound in our pocket go as far as possible, our findings suggest that we aren’t prioritising the time we spend on research to get the finance options that can work best for us. “As a nation now focused on purchasing items as a monthly spend – be this phone contracts, gym memberships, mortgages or car finance – we need to make sure we’re armed with all the facts before signing on the dotted line and committing to additional finance.”

The importance of thoroughly researching finance is evident when looking at purchasing a car. Over a third (76.8%) of new car sales are now made on dealer-sourced finance*. However, with new car sales increasing at a record rate and wages on the rise, this figure could well increase further. So, there has never been a more important time for the UK to research finance options fully and for drivers to ensure they understand all payment schemes and options available to them. Suzanne Gray continues: “Researching finance options for any purchase – large or small – can be a daunting task. Providers have an important role to play in making their terms clear and simple so the customer knows exactly what their obligations are. My top tip for securing motor finance is to seek simplicity. If you have to dig around to find those all important details then the offer isn’t transparent enough.” BMW Group Financial Services offers a range of finance options for both private and business customers on new and used BMW and MINIs, as well as a suite of insurance products. To find out more, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/ en_GB/topics/financial-services and http://www.mini.co.uk/ offers-and-finance/ *Figure from the Finance & Leasing Association (08.05.15)

SFHA celebrates 40 years as national body for Scottish housing associations and co-operatives

TO mark its 40th anniversary year, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is kicking off the celebrations at its annual conference . As well as looking to the future, the Federation is also reflecting on lessons from the past. Mary Taylor, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “The SFHA, and the housing associations and co-operatives across Scotland, has had a very eventful 40 years, mostly supported by governments and political parties across the spectrum. There have been incredibly challenging events such as the Right to Buy and, more recently, welfare reform – but the Federation and the sector have remained resilient. “Our members have a vital role to play in housing and providing services to some of the country’s most vulnerable people, and the SFHA will continue to support our members through this next period of change. “Although there are more challenges ahead with the roll-out of Universal Credit, further devolution will also bring new opportunities for social landlords, and we look forward to representing their interests to both governments and aiming to ensure the best possible outcome for our members and their tenants in the years to come.” The SFHA originally started as ‘the Scottish Committee’, a sub-committee of the National Housing Federation, and in November 1975, it became a separate organisation. Since 1975, the Federation has been the national representative body for housing associations and co-operatives

in Scotland, providing policy advice and lobbying governments in order to try and bring about positive change for its members and their tenants. Throughout the past 40 years, the SFHA has supported its members through many changes. The late ‘70s and early ‘80s saw events which would bring lasting change to the sector and still affect it today. After the Conservatives won the 1979 General Election, they launched the Right to Buy policy in 1980 and, although the Federation assiduously lobbied against it from the start, the policy remained in place until Scottish Government announced its demise in July 2013. The General Election in 1997 returned New Labour to power, and the government announced plans to hold a referendum on devolution to Scotland. Housing was considered one of the five pillars of devolution, and the SFHA threw itself behind the case for the Parliament, believing it would give Scottish housing a higher political profile and allow greater access to the parliamentary processes. On 11 September 1997, the Scottish electorate voted for devolution of powers to Scotland, and on 12 May 1999, the first meeting of the new Scottish Parliament took place. The new millennium saw political pressure for cuts, efficiencies, mergers and sharing of services. Stock transfers from councils to housing associations took place in Glasgow, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in 2003. In 2008, the UK entered recession and Scottish Government capital investment was cut by

29% between 2008/09 and 2011/12. While the private market struggled, housing associations and co-operatives propped up the rate of house building and created constructions jobs. After the 2010 General Election, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition focused on deficit reduction and cut capital investment. After the Government announced plans to address Housing Benefit spending, the SFHA launched a campaign against the proposals. In 2011, the UK Government introduced the Welfare Reform Bill which proposed several changes, including a simplified system of benefits – welcomed in principle by SFHA. SFHA heavily criticised many of the proposals, including the removal of Housing Benefit payment to landlords and a proposed penalty to people deemed to be ‘under occupying’. Following extensive lobbying by SFHA and others, the House of Lords voted against the penalty, but it was overruled by the House of Commons, and the ‘bedroom tax’ was introduced in April 2013. SFHA launched its ‘Keeping Our Homes Affordable’ campaign in 2013 and called on the Scottish Government to return subsidy to sustainable levels, taking the case to party conferences and through participation on the Short Life Working Group on Affordability, Financial Capacity and Subsidy Rates. The Scottish Government accepted the group’s recommendations, and additional social subsidy of £16,000 per unit was agreed, taking grant levels from an average of £40,000 to £56,000 for housing associations. After the 2014 Scottish independence referen-

dum, the Prime Minister announced a commission to consider further devolution of powers. SFHA took a significant and active part in lobbying for further powers related to working age benefits (including support for housing costs) and energy matters. After the commission released its report, the SFHA stated that, although the recommendations of the Smith Commission did not go as far as the Federation had called for in its submission; it represented some progress on housing, energy and the SFHA’s concerns about the impact of Universal Credit on tenants and social landlords. SFHA was subsequently asked to join the Scotland Office Stakeholder Group to support the preparation of draft legislation following the publication of the Smith Commission’s report. In January 2015, with Universal Credit implementation due to start weeks later, the SFHA led a call across civic Scotland for roll-out to be suspended pending clarity around further powers after the General Election. After the UK Government revealed its Command Paper, Scotland in the United Kingdom: An Enduring Settlement, on additional powers, SFHA repeated its call to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit until further powers were devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The SFHA is continuing to talk to the Scottish Government, Scotland Office and the DWP about the implementation of further powers and will support and represent its members through all of the changes that extra devolution with bring to the social housing sector.

GENN TRAVEL

Taking your kids to festivals WHILE some of us may have attended a paper cup strewn festival in the pre-children days, armed with little more than a sunhat and a crate of cider, planning to brave the British elements with the family in tow is quite a different matter. Some hardy souls may feel unfazed at the idea of bringing their little ones to a festival with a minimum of prep What to bring • Loads of babywipes to cover all bases: bodies/bums/faces/ gross festival toilets. Plus a potty for night-time. • A decent pushchair is a must for small children. They can sit in it, sleep in it, and when they’re out of it you can put all your stuff in it. • Do not take a buggy to a festival unless it is of the threewheeled mountain variety; if you don’t own one of these and cannot borrow one, take a sling instead. Or a wheelbarrow. Otherwise you and your umbrella fold will be providing entertainment to others as the wheels become stuck in the mud and you are reduced to carrying your toddler aloft like a badly-designed sedan chair. • Waterproof ponchos are really useful - buy cheap ones in a pound shop and use them to sit on, as rain covers for the

pushchair, or to keep your bags dry. Also bring one more layer of clothing/bedding than you think you’ll need. • Take a giant flag or tie a feather boa or giant inflatable toy to an extended tent pole. That way, in a crowd, your party can always be spotted. “We take a giant giraffe with us and at 40ft he’s dead easy to spot!” • Bright clothes. Lots of pound coins. Suncream. • Crayons and colouring books, bubbles, a favourite toy (though not an irreplaceable one), bottles of water, nibbles/ snacks. For evenings, a big pushchair/carriage with cushion, blanket and waterproof cover allows them to snooze while you boogie. • Take double the quantity of cash you originally thought you’d need. • Take some food/drink treats which your DC like but don’t have very often; makes it easier to say no to the food stalls and avoid the queues. • A small, purse-size first aid kit with Calpol, plasters, etc. What to wear • “Layers, layers, layers!” • Keep the kids covered with hats/long sleeves/suncream, because being outdoors and not under cover for most of day is a long time.”

• Let your children dress up as fairies and they’ll get lots of attention. • “Take high-topped sturdy boots, eg DMs. Take them off and they make an ideal stand for pints of lager in flimsy cups on bumpy ground. Otherwise your booze will get kicked over by a marauding three-year-old and you will watch, helpless, as the liquid soaks into the parched earth.” Keep the kids covered with hats/long sleeves/suncream, because being outdoors and not under cover for most of day is a long time.” Let your children dress up as fairies and they’ll get lots of attention. Take high-topped sturdy boots. Take them off and they make an ideal stand for pints of lager in flimsy cups on bumpy ground. Otherwise your booze will get kicked over by a marauding three-year-old and you will watch, helpless, as the liquid soaks into the parched earth. Accept that this will be a totally different experience to the one you may have had without children. We spent more time in the family and circus type fields than watching the bands and changed our expectations and we were fine! In fact, we had a good time

AVOID BEING CONNED IN light of the report on Good Morning Britain recently, Snaptrip, the largest site for UK holiday rentals says that they make sure that there is no way for customers to be conned this summer by phoning all holiday makers to confirm their booking. Snaptrip launched 12 months ago and has over 28,000 properties available to rent in the UK and Ireland. CEO Matt Fox ensured that they implemented failsafe measures to ensure that their customers are never put at risk and says that by simply phoning the property owner and confirming a booking this way rather than by email removes

the risk when combined with other security measures. “We’ve taken the measure to only list properties that have been personally vetted and verified by a property management company - therefore we partner with trusted brands such as Cottages4you and Blue Chip Holidays. In addition to this, we contact all renters by phone once they’ve made an enquiry through the site. All payments are taken by phone so a customer never parts with any money until they’ve spoken to someone” says Matt Fox. An important part of their site functionality is to ensure that email communications

could not be intercepted and fake listings couldn’t be posted - the two main ways that holidaymakers are duped into parting with cash which goes to fraudsters. By manually listing all properties on the site (which are from the portfolios of partners such as Cottages4you) and not allowing access to the site for third parties, risks are removed. By contacting each holidaymaker who enquires about a trip by phone, the customer has peace of mind and only pays for their rental having spoken to Snaptrip personally. In addition, the owner has reassurance that none of their income is lost to criminals.

GENN

HOLIDAY MONEY TIPS

WHAT is the best way to take money abroad for holidays? Is cash always best? We suggest that travellers take enough local currency to pay for drinks, ice lollies, tips, taxis and so on, then consider putting the rest of their holiday spending money on a prepaid currency card or use a credit card but be aware of exchange rates applied and charges for overseas use. By taking a mixture of payment methods you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket and will have greater security than carrying cash alone. Getting a good deal on currency should be a top priority for travellers wherever they go and by combining a number of options from pre-ordered travel money cash, loading currency onto prepaid cards, or using a credit card that’s free of overseas charges, travellers can take advantage of convenient payment options and competitive rates of exchange. Is there a safer way than cash? A PIN-protected prepaid currency card can offer greater security than carrying cash, allowing cardholders to travel light along with some coins and notes just for tips and small transactions. Not only will it help safeguard against fraud, but also assists holidaymakers with budgeting as you can only spend what’s on the card. An additional benefit of a prepaid currency card is that the rate of exchange will stay fixed at the time you loaded money to the card. Some providers such as ICE offer a free backup card in case the first card is lost or stolen. Also look out for cashback offers. Where is the best place to get the best deal for my money? A bit of planning both in terms of ordering travel money and methods of payment overseas can help make budgets go that bit further. Online rates tend to be more competitive than the high street but shop around and compare. Remember to factor in postage costs if you are having money delivered to home. Some travel money providers offer special Click & Collect deals from their branches, so it

is worth checking these out too. If it’s advertised that there’s “no commission”, do customers pay for it on a poor exchange rate, especially when changing money back on return from holidays? The exchange rate market is highly competitive and travellers now have a whole host of ways to access travel money at great rates. Generally commission charges don’t apply to travel money orders online but may apply in some locations such as airports due to higher operating costs. The best idea is for travellers to shop around and plan ahead. Changing money back at the end of the holiday can be a source of frustration for holidaymakers. Many have recognised this and offer a free 7 day same rate buy-back guarantee on the Cashcard– funds can be converted back to sterling at the same exchange rate as the last load (as stipulated by the Terms and Conditions). How can I get the most out of a pre-paid card? When you apply for a prepaid currency card, be careful to check the Terms and Conditions. Many prepaid cards have charges that apply for their use and savings made on the rate of exchange could be lost through unexpected fees. It might be an idea to keep an eye on exchange rate movements and load the card to take advantage of favourable rates. It’s also worth thinking about loading money to the card on a regular basis rather than wait and load all in one go if you are worried about how exchange rates will move. Generally, wherever the MasterCard® logo appears, a prepaid currency card will be accepted. It is useful for everyday spending in shops, restaurants and bars and for withdrawing cash at ATMs. It’s just like using a credit card but you can only spend up to the amount that’s on the card. Are there restrictions on where a prepaid currency card can be used? In most instances you can use a prepaid card where you might have used a debit or credit card

– but there are a couple of exceptions that travellers should be aware of. Hotels and car hire companies usually create a pre-authorisation which might ‘ring-fence’ a large amount of cash on the card for security against damage to the room or car etc. This would prevent the card holder from accessing those funds for the duration of the stay – and beyond – as pre-authorisation is removed when the bill is settled, but can take 72 hours. It may therefore be preferable to use a credit or debit card for the pre-authorisation and pay the final bill with the prepaid currency card. Some Motorway toll booths will not take prepaid cards as payment – try first but have cash as back up. Also some Train Ticket Machines won’t accept prepaid cards, so have cash at the ready if necessary. If you fancy doing some gambling, don’t rely 100% on a prepaid card as some are not accepted as payment within gambling institutions. What are the pitfalls of just using your debit/credit card in a cash machine? Be aware of any charges for using ATMs imposed by the card provider or the ATM operator. Also consider the exchange rate that applies. If you pay by debit or credit card, ensure the transaction is conducted in the local currency rather than sterling otherwise you could be paying more for goods/services. And finally, are there new ways to safely and inexpensively take money abroad that our readers should know about? Those heading to the Eurozone this year, will find their money going further than at any time in almost 7 years so it makes sense to take advantage of the rates on offer. No one can predict how rates will move, but a good way to hedge your bets is to load money to a prepaid card in the lead-up to a holiday. That means if the Euro starts to strengthen closer to the departure date, the rate on the card will average out at a better rate than if you had put all your eggs in one basket and bought currency just before your holiday.

GENN

Zero Tolerance Stance LEADING leisure airline, Jet2. com has pledged to take a harsh line against any disruptive and inappropriate behaviour onboard its flights, following a rise in incidents industry-wide. The zero tolerance policy is driven by Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com to protect families and holidaymakers, ensuring every customer has a safe, enjoyable and comfortable flight without the worry of disruptive behaviour onboard. The stance, put in place on all flights to over 55 destinations across Europe, reassures passengers that their welfare is the airline’s key priority. As appropriate, the following actions will be set in motion for unacceptable behaviour onboard including racist behaviour, threatening conduct towards passengers and staff, and excessive consumption of alcohol; • Police prosecution • Refusal to board • Flight diversion • Flight ban for life Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com said: “Jet2.com is a holiday airline. We will not allow our customers’ holidays to be upset by an individuals’ obnoxious behaviour. Passenger welfare is and always will be our number one priority which is why we have brought in these measures to take action against anyone who causes offence and disruption to our passengers and crew. We will not hesitate to prosecute individuals where necessary.” Friday 29th May, Jet2.com has given a lifetime ban to a male, Grant Marshall on a flight to Alicante from Leeds Bradford Airport. The individual was on one of a party of 14 who was asked on numerous times to stop consuming illicit alcohol, using intimidating language and threatening behaviour. “Due to his unacceptable behaviour onboard, the pilot diverted the flight to Toulouse where the disruptive passenger was handed over to the police authorities and the remaining travelers continued onto Alicante. As well as Grant Marshall delaying holidaymakers, he could now be facing prosecution for his behaviour and could be found liable for the costs of the divert, which will run into thousands of pounds.” Following this incident, Jet2. com has already received a number of calls from passengers on-board the flight thanking and congratulating the airline on taking this stance.

GENN TRAVEL

Planning a camping holiday

CAMPING holidays get the holiday-family-choice thumbs-up because they’re cheap and informal and kind to the environment. Crucially, camping holidays also provide lots of ready-made playmates for your children, so you can sit in your picnic chair and enjoy a drink. Plus, if your children are of an age where they regard 5.30am as normal getting-up time, then at least camping chimes in with their body-clocks: it’s light; you get up (not exactly a joyous prospect, admittedly, but better than having to shush them frantically in some cramped hotel room). Potential thumbs-down scenarios? Uncomfortable, sleeping-bag-hampered nights. Prolonged bad weather (particularly if you’re in the UK). Camping is suck it and see: some people go once and swear never to repeat the torture; others love it and rarely holiday sans tents-and-sleeping-bags again. Before you go camping If you can, do a test weekend some-

where local with borrowed gear. Or, even simpler, have a “trial camp” in your back garden first: Once you know the area you’d like to visit, just search to see which campsites are tourist board recommend. Decide whether you want a site with lots of facilities - and probably lots of other families - or something less organised. How gregarious/misanthropic you are will determine your attitude to other campers who are within earshot at all times (remember: nylon is not soundproof). But bear in mind that the upside of all those other people (rowdy or not) is the potential for holiday playmates. Campers fall into different, well, camps. Hardy souls regard anything beyond a tent, a sleeping bag, a penknife and a box of matches as somehow not ‘proper’ camping. But, if you’re camping with children and don’t want to forsake all home comforts, you’ll quickly amass a dizzying

amount of gear. A roof rack will become an indispensable purchase - or maybe a trailer. Cooking on a camping stove can be a culinary challenge. One mum sug-

gests taking a picnic for the first night so “you don’t have to get the cooker out before you can eat”. Food such as tinned curry and tinned sweet and sour chicken only need warming up and can be served with boiled rice or bread. Anything that can be skewered on a kebab is a good camping standby. And you could always pack a few tupperware boxes with skewer-sized ingredients Barbecues are also popular, particularly the small disposable sort Shivering from dusk till dawn does not a pleasant holiday make, so take lots of bedding, fleeces, warm PJs and hot water bottles. “Once you get cold of a night you, will not get warm again,” warns one experienced camper. “Hats, socks and fleeces should go on as soon as the sun goes down - then you can stay up warmly much later. The combination of bored children, particularly young ones, and rain is a whole new type of holiday misery. So good waterproofs are an essential - even if it isn’t raining, they’re useful for early mornings when the grass around your tent is still wet with dew. Most seasoned campers impose a no-shoes-in-tent rule to prevent living quarters getting covered in muddy bits of grass. And you need to assume the worst and take plenty of dry clothes and lots of plastic bags for wet and muddy clothing.

How to save money when booking a family holiday It’s JUNE - and while you may be quavering at the thought of getting out of that onesie with our current weather and into a bikini, for those yet to book the summer holiday the time for thinking about booking your holiday is over and its now time to act. Read on for our top travel booking tips - from the cheapest day to travel, to cunning ways to grab the lowest online offer.

When you think you’ve found your perfect holiday, it’s WELL worth bobbing on to another device before you hit the ‘buy’ button. Sometimes a ‘new’ customer gets a lower price - so if you’ve researched on your phone/tablet, login via a desktop to make the final purchase, or vice versa. As tempting as it is, if you have a specific date you want to travel on, need a specific room

set-up, or if only a certain cottage will do, don’t mess around. Book flights as soon as they go on sale - especially for low cost carriers, as these only ever go up in price. On the other hand, if you don’t need to fly after lunch on a Sunday and are happy with whatever room is available, then hold your nerve and leave it a little longer. Not too late, mind - you want to be looking

about three months in advance, just as travel companies start to panic about all the stuff they still have to sell. For weekend travel, business hotels are where it’s at. You won’t necessarily be in the heart of the action, but you’re often just a short metro/cab ride away. Standards can be high – and savings can be significant. A quick nosey at ferry cross-

ings to France reveals that midweek fares in August almost 50% cheaper than weekend departures. Flights, too, are typically cheaper between Tuesday and Thursday, with the earliest flights in the day achieving peak bargain price. It might seem a faff if you work Monday to Friday - but travelling mid-week can save you loads, if you can arrange your accommodation/ annual leave to suit.

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GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

CSGNT ANNOUNCE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION WINNERS

Rosie Jake Photography

TWO talented photographers from Glasgow have been announced as winners in the Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) photography competition. Alisdair Woodburn’s distinctive image of the River Clyde has taken the top prize in the Urban Greenspace in Action category of the contest while Emma McBride (16) has won the My Greenspace (for ages 16 and under) category of the competition for her image of Linn Park. The images were selected from over 150 entries and Alisdair and Emma each received £250 for taking the top award in their respective sections. Ewan McGill, Communica-

tions Manager at CSGNT, said: “Central Scotland has so much to offer and this was captured by the high level of entries which showcased so many of the different attractions in the area. “Alisdair’s image captured the River Clyde and showed how greenspace and bluespace work in the heart of the city while Emma’s winning entry highlighted the appeal of Linn Park for a wide range of people from dog walkers through to nature lovers.” “CSGNT is focused on driving forward the delivery of Europe’s largest greenspace initiative and the stunning imagery will help to showcase the quality and diversity

of Central Scotland and the many healthy and attractive places for people to live and visit.” As one of the Scottish Government’s national developments for Scotland in the third National Planning Framework, the CSGN is changing the face of Central Scotland, by restoring, transforming and greening the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east. For further information about the CSGN visit www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org Winners shown below and the winning photographs are on the page opposite

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Your Horoscope Predictions By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Over the coming days Uranus in your sign, forms a fortunate aspect to Jupiter and also to the Sun, while Mars links in with this configuration later, making a connection that lasts throughout most of next week. A number of the upheavals you’ve faced over the past few years have been unwelcome, but change in itself is not a bad thing and can prove both necessary and essential. Only this week much depends on keeping your cool and not acting prematurely or impulsively.

Taurus

(21 April - 21 May)

As Venus joins with Jupiter at the base of your chart, it is hard to ignore the presence of such fortunate trends or their impact on your domestic affairs. This is the perfect moment to move house and you should aim high, since a bigger home in a better location, is well within your grasp now. Where additional finance is required, others will be quite hard-headed, but you can confidently stretch your own resources to the maximum just to prove you’re a great proposition.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

With Mercury and Mars in your sign, as the Sun builds towards a conjunction with the latter, it would be wise to ensure you are in full possession of the facts, before saying something you’ll probably regret later. Neptune is forming a challenging connection to these three planets collectively, meaning the more you attempt to promote your own cause the more likely you are to see the opposite. Your advance depends on putting others first, but Mars is opinionated and strident, when certain relationships are already stretched to breaking point.

Cancer

(22 June - 23 July)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

The arrival of Venus in the constellation of Leo is good news, as the focus shifts from your professional and career affairs, towards a more individual agenda. This is a week during which you would be justified in taking some time out from your regular responsibilities, to look at life from a different angle and with a new slant on stubborn and recalcitrant concerns. The company of friends and other kindred spirits, proves both reinforcing and illuminating, while it is important to remember that once you return to the grindstone, your advancement depends to a significant degree on what you are able to visualise yourself achieving…

Scorpio

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Slowly but surely, Saturn creeps back towards your sign. It’ll only return for some three months and after that, won’t be darkening your hypothetical doorstep for almost the same number of decades. You may dread this planet’s arrival, but it shouldn’t be so bad, providing you are willing to accept there are still changes you need to make, to put life on a more solid footing heading forwards. The precise nature of these will vary according to your individual circumstances, but you’ll be aware of certain factors across a broad spectrum that just are not working out, no matter the resources you’ve dedicated to tackling them…

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Clearly, you have loathed and hated, the six months Saturn has spent in your sign. Depending on your situation, concepts like getting older or what you can actually afford, have never been your favourite. As a period of remission approaches, with this planet set to duck out of your constellation until September, you cannot help but acknowledge the urge to celebrate, maybe with an exotic holiday or by chasing up friends on the other side of the world. By all means enjoy yourself, but remember those same familiar issues will still be waiting for you in a few months

Capricorn

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

The departure of Venus from your sign is bittersweet. Bitter, because the planet of love won’t return for another year, yet also sweet because it will now boost your income and prospects. These matters have been looking extremely rosy, ever since Jupiter arrived in Leo last July. Maybe it’s unlikely you will have more spare cash to stash away, but you will enjoy an extra helping of whatever proves most valuable to you. It could be wisdom, knowledge, experience or even freedom, with your property interests and fiscal concerns, providing the scope for further expansion.

The entry of Venus into your zone of joint finances, marks the start of a stay lasting over four months, bar two weeks in the second half of July. This is an unusually lengthy visit for a planet where a month or so would have been more usual, but even more exceptionally until the middle of August, this same area is also occupied by Jupiter, another auspicious augury. In addition to looking spectacular in the evening sky, the influence of these two planets provides a great boost to your economic affairs.

Leo

Aquarius

(24 July - 23 Aug)

Venus joins Jupiter in your opposite sign, just in time for the weekend. You can spot this pair after sunset by looking in the direction of the setting Sun. As darkness falls, these two planets will be the first celestial objects you’ll see, since they’ll be looking like the two brightest stars. Although the abundance of Jupiter can sometimes prove incompatible with the concept of a monogamous relationship, Venus tempers its extravagance and leads to good feelings all over. Interacting with others proves successful and rewarding on every level, while a further three planets highlight fun and romance, to create a striking convergence…

Virgo

Pisces

It is important to remember it is not just you. Everyone goes through tough patches and because the outer planets move so slowly, sometimes these can last an unbearably long time. When you are struggling through one of these periods the last thing you want to hear, is that more of the same lies ahead. But isn’t this preferable to meaningless platitudes, raising your hopes in the shorter term only to see them dashed again just as surely? Truth is, better does lie ahead for you, with a resurgence of hope and a rebirth of optimism.

RESEARCH suggests that “managing” one’s personal expectations is easier said than done and could even be counterproductive. Consider the conventional wisdom that “the secret to happiness is low expectations.” The logic goes like this: If we don’t expect to be successful or happy than we will not be disappointed when things don’t work out, and pleasantly surprised when things do—right? There is a problem with the notion that people should lower expectations to increase wellbeing. It may work in theory, but it does not hold when tested empirically. It turns out that people with high expectations are generally happier, whether they succeed or fail. This startling finding appears to be the result of three cognitive processes. First, what matters for our wellbeing is how we interpret the events we encounter. Two psychologists, asked students to guess the grade they were going to get on a midterm exam. Yes, people who expected an A but got a C were surprised. But did they feel worse than those who expected a C all along? No, because the students who believed they would not do well took that as a confirmation of their lesser ability. In contrast, students who expected an A but got a C concluded that next time they would put in more effort and were hopeful that they would eventually get that A. The few students with low expectations

that did get an A attributed this to luck, while when people with high expectations succeed they believe it is because of their personal traits—I got an A because I am clever.Most lessons in controlling expectations you learn the hard way. That moment when you realize you’re going to miss the deadline or you get the angry ‘you didn’t listen to me’ email from the customer; that’s when you understand that these heartaches could have been avoided. Just about every role played from sales to project management has required commitment to set, control and achieve expectations. In digital marketing and advertising, the product can be vague at the onset, so half the battle is educating the customer and ensuring they fully understand the project outcome. Even if you’re servicing trucks, you need to articulate the job, delivery date and cost. Controlling your own fate others expectations are completely yours to control, and if you can’t, you’re probably going to have a bad time. A person bases expectation on experience and environment. Previous projects (whether with you or not, whether good or bad) influence how people think about future ones. Stresses in their life like management pressure, sales or too many decision makers will all impact what they expect. Regardless, you need to see where their mind is at.

The Genn Crossword

“Have you worked on a project like this before?” “Do you have a schedule in mind?” “Who else is going to be making decisions on this?” Simple questions like these let you know what you’re up against, and you can suck out unrealistic expectations really fast. Most of the time you’ll be working with a coordinator who answers to someone else, so learn who is making decisions and what they expect. Nothing will irk people faster than assumptions. Overbook them and screw yourself out of time, and before you know it you’re bumping people and asking them believe weak excuses. Sorry, but who likes being pushed to the back of the line?. Fewer things will crush peoples confidence in you faster than failing to keep your promises. It pisses off people that will never forgive you, but it also corrupts your whole culture. As I had said, most lessons of this variety are a matter of experience. Take it from me, regardless what it is, you can live or die off of public opinion, expectation control and keeping your promises. Second, when tweaking people’s expectations upward they actually do better. Cognitive neuroscientist (link is external) recently showed that it was enough to prime people with the word “clever” to make them score higher on a rule-learning task. Why? Individuals that have been made

to think that they will do well are more inclined to learn from their mistakes and subsequently do better. On the other hand, if someone is made to believe that they are unlikely to succeed than they are less inclined to learn from errors and so they become more likely to fail. Setting subjective expectations high or low has objective consequences. Finally, having high expectations about the future makes us happier at present. In fact, we enjoy anticipating good stuff so much that we are even willing to pay for it. The behavioral economist George Loewenstein asked students at his university to imagine they could get a kiss from their favorite celebrity. He then asked how much they would be willing to pay to get a kiss from that celebrity now or at some later stage. The students were willing to pay the most, not to get the kiss immediately, but to receive it in in three days. They were willing to pay extra for the opportunity to wait. The intuition here is that expecting something good to happen results in anticipatory pleasure. Optimists expect more kisses in their future and those expectations enhance their wellbeing today.The key to our wellbeing is not low expectations. It is the ability to interpret unexpected negative outcomes in a positive way. We should look at failure as an opportunity to learn and do better, and bask in our high expectations.

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

Across (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Everyone looks forward to the visit of Jupiter to their sign. Travelling through the zodiac every twelve years, each sign gets to host this planet for twelve months, during which they can enjoy all the luck, success and broadened horizons with which Jupiter is associated. Opportunities to travel, for education and to deal constructively with people from other walks of life are often noted, along with a compelling sense of optimism, that attracts opportunities and happiness in return. You might expect that eleven months in, this influence would diminish.

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Just a Thought EXPECTATIONS AND CONTROLLING OUR FATE

(20 Feb - 20 Mar)

The focus this week is on your domestic affairs: where you are living and the atmosphere within your family. After turning retrograde on May 19 and gradually coming back to meet the Sun, you have been drawn to consider a range of issues pertaining to your immediate environment, including how well you feel this reflects your needs and expectations, along with any updates it would be wise to instigate. You might even go so far as moving house, although it’s more likely you will be making changes where you are living already.

1. Large American feline (6) 5. Freshwater carnivorous mammal (5) 8. Snakelike fish (3) 9. Edible marine crustacean (7) 10. Lepidopterous insects (5) 11. Adult insect after metamorphosis (5) 12. Sweet liquid attractive to bees (6) 14. Carnivorous marine predators (6) 17. Large group of insects (5) 18. Dromedary (5) 20. Large anthropoid ape (7) 21. Star sign represented by a lion (3) 22. Low animal sound (5) 23. Bloodsucking African fly (6)

Down 2. Young nocturnal bird (5) 3. Aquatic birds (5) 4. Leporid mammal (6) 5. African flightless bird (7) 6. Massive odd-toed ungulate, in short (5) 7. Animal or insect pests (6) 13. Butterfly, Red ___ (7) 15. Large food and game fish (6) 16. Nocturnal wildcat of Central America and South America (6) 17. Insect bite (5) 18. Large long-necked wading bird (5) 19. Hybrid offspring of male donkeys and female horses (5)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

0141 552 9977

CHARITY BAG PACKING FOR CRAIGEND COMMUNITY YOUTH GROUP

CRAIGEND Community Youth Group had a bag packing fundariser at Morrisons, Easterhouse to provide youth provisions in an area that has lacked youth

provisions for several years. The bag packing allows the charity most of their funds to keep their clubs running. This year on the 30th May

they raised £634 which will go a long way to their target. Michael McDevitt, Chairperson of Craigend Community Youth Group said “The Glasgow Fort, GHA and

Youth Scotland are great supporters of Craigend Community Youth Group. Morrisons staff have a great approach to community projects such as ours and

our young club members are always ready to support and help us when we raise funds for provisions that are provided for them to have a safe, fun environment to ac-

cess in an area that would not normally have these provisions if it where not for Craigend Community Youth Group and it’s volunteers.”

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

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PREPARING FOR SUMMER Jen C’s Makeup SUN, Sea, Sand & Natural Beauty – How we Scots prep for a Summer Holiday • 68% of women do not want to emulate a celebrity on the beach • 28% of women undergo a full body makeover before heading on a Summer holiday • Twice as many men as women admit to having cosmetic surgery before a summer holiday • Excess hair, turning pink on the first day and see-through swimwear amongst the Britain’s biggest beach nightmares According to research released, it appears that women of Scotland are becoming happier in their own skin, shunning the heavily made up looks we see in celebrity selfies and being papped on red carpets. In the survey, commissioned by leading beauty retailer to celebrate June Beauty Month, 68% of women stated they would not want to emulate a

celebrity beach look at all. In fact, in the lead up to a summer holiday only 1.2% of women use their favourite celebrity as inspiration showing they are happy with their own look. When pushed the celebrities whose looks are favoured are the more natural looks of Michelle Keegan and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as opposed to TOWIE’S Sam Faiers. However, women do want to feel their best to boost their confidence on the beach, with just over a quarter (28%) undergoing a full body make over – including manicures, pedicures, facials and applying fake tan. Research demonstrates that we are a time poor nation, so it is important to get the right advice in choosing holiday essentials. This survey shows that a quarter of the population will surprisingly spend only half a day prepping for their summer holiday, which includes

pre-holiday beauty treatments, packing and styling a holiday wardrobe. With such little packing time, 1 in 20 Brits claim they would be happy to pay extra for a bigger luggage allowance so they can take all of their necessary beauty items when jetting off to a beach holiday. When it comes to preparing for a summer holiday men are surprisingly willing to go that extra mile to look like their idols – David Beckham, Johnny Depp and Tom Hardy. Shockingly twice as many men than women admit to having cosmetic surgery before a summer holiday. Findings have shown that women in the North are twice as likely to spend more than GBP 200 on pre-holiday beauty treatments with applying fake tan a number one priority. In contrast those in the South spend only GBP 80 on pre-holiday beauty treatments

choosing manicures and pedicures as their main indulgence. Once on holiday, women in the North spend up to 3 hours preparing for a day at the beach, whereas women in the south spend under half an hour prepping for a day in the sun. Research shows that whilst 70% of the population buy sunscreen before their holiday only 34% actually apply it. Astonishingly only 8% of under 35’s even took sunscreen with them, with twice as many women using sunscreen during the summer compared to men. Ironically, when asked what would be their worst beach or pool nightmare, men were more concerned about getting burnt on the first day than women. Britain’s top 3 Holiday Nightmares: • Having excess hair – 23% • Getting sunburnt on the first day – 18% • Swimwear turning see through – 15%

5 Ways to Beat Summer Weight Gain WHEN we think summer, most of us think outdoor fun. So it seems like we should naturally lose weight over the summer — not gain it. In reality, though, summer isn’t all beach volleyball and water sports. Lots of summer activities can work against our efforts to stay at a healthy weight. The good news is it’s easy to avoid problems if we know what to look out for. Here are 5 ways to beat summer weight gain: Get going with goals. When we don’t have a plan, it’s easy to spend summer moving from couch to computer, with regular stops at the fridge. Avoid this by aiming for a specific goal, like

volunteering, mastering a new skill, or working at a job. Just be sure to plan for some downtime so you can relax a little! Stick to a schedule. With school out, we lose our daily routines. If you don’t have a specific job or activity to get up for, it’s easy to sleep late, watch too much TV, and snack more than usual. Make sure your summer days have some structure — like getting up at the same time each day and eating meals at set times. Plan activities for specific times, like exercising before breakfast, for example. If you have time on your hands, offer to make dinner a couple of nights a week so your family can enjoy a sit-

down meal together. Stay busy. When we’re bored, it’s easy to fall into a trap of doing nothing and then feeling low on energy. In addition to helping you avoid the cookie jar, filling your days with stuff to do can give you a sense of accomplishment. That’s especially true if a dream summer job or planned activity fell through. Limit your screen time — including TV, computer, and video games — to no more than 2 hours a day (write it in that schedule you put together!). Beat the heat. Don’t let summer heat put your exercise plans on hold. Move your workout indoors. If a gym isn’t your scene, try bowling or an indoor

climbing wall. If you love being outdoors, try joining a local pool or move a regular run or soccer game to early morning or evening. Think about what (and how) you eat. Summer means picnics and barbecues — activities that revolve around an unlimited spread of food. Pace yourself. Don’t overload your plate. Avoid going back for seconds and thirds. Choose seasonal, healthy foods like fresh fruit instead of high-sugar, high-fat desserts. Make catching up with family and friends your focus, not the food. Another good tip for summer eating is to limit frozen treats like ice cream to no more than once a week.

Face Sun Blocks So we have been promised that sunshine is due any week now! Let’s hope so! And if you are lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere hot then you will definitely need to pack your SPF. I always use a SPF that is designed for the face along with a separate one for the body as they have so many more benefits for the skin, so this week we will look at face SPFs and why they are worth investing in. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 PA+++ RRP £28-£29 If the thought of lying at the pool make up free is your idea of a nightmare and not a holiday then this is the one for you, an oil free but dewey finish will have you glowing but at the same time making sure no excess oil is being applied to the T-Zone. The formula will help to even out the skin tone while working on any existing age spots to help lighten them if used over a 4 week period. PA+++ is a rating adopted from Japan, this helps to fight off the UVA rays, to me and you this is the ageing rays! These can penetrate through the clouds when you think the sun isn’t getting to you and even when you are inside through the

window, Nars tinted moisturiser has the maximum protection against these rays so it’s a winner in my books! I have a good friend who always uses high SPF facial moisturisers even in December, his favourite after many years of trying to find the perfect one...Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ Wet Force RRP £30 this full block face cream is perfect for those

who suffer from dry skin but yet it is still lightweight and non greasy. What makes it different to others is the wet technology, it claims to work even better when the skin has been wet for more than 15mins, so pool lovers, this one is for you! Great for young kids also so you know they will be fully protected against the sun when splashing about at the pool. We can’t forget the men when it comes to SPF, men’s skin is extremely different from women’s so a product designed specifically for men is a good buy. Neutrogena SPF20 Triple Protect Face Lotion for men not only protects against the sun it soothes razor burn, heals dry skin and protects the skin against the daily harmful elements. It’s non greasy and light weight so drys in quick when applied to the face. It’s always worth pinching ladies when you have shaved your legs as it will help reduce any redness! I’m sure it for many readers it will no doubt be you who buys it for your other half so no need to feel bad about it. Enjoy the sunshine!

For wedding make-up enquiries call 07974343968 or visit www.jencmakeup.com

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Music

With Mark Johnson

TBREAK ACTS ANNOUNCED

TENNENT’S have revealed the sixteen acts that will take to the legendary T Break Stage on T Break’s landmark 20th year at T in the Park across the weekend from 10th – 12th July. T Break’s judging panel of music industry experts have listened to every demo submitted and, after much deliberation, have narrowed it down to 16 acts who will play the T Break Stage this summer. This week we look at the sixteen acts who will be playing the TBreak stage. AmatrArt A Glasgow based five piece with guitars, bass drums and synth, they create electronic, alternative soundscapes. Sonically somewhere around Radiohead and Krautrock they have a smooth, clean sound. Apache Darling A Glasgow synthpop male/ female duo they occupy similar territory to Chvrches, though darker and more moody with added guitars. Their big choruses should be well suited to festivals. Catholic Action The Glasgow four piece are a classic glam punk pop outfit. Utilising melodic guitars they have been gaining a solid live reputation Be Charlotte The Dundee based solo artist sings,raps, plays guitar and is a producer in her own right. Her hooky melodic tunes have gained her a reputation for live performance and is

definitely one to catch. Crash Club The Glasgow/Kilwinning electro rock band have gained a reputation as a heavy live act. Mixing guitars and synth they are like a less hardcore XTRMNTR era Primal Scream with more stadium pop melodies. Dead Man Fall The Glasgow indie four piece take inspiration from New Order and MGMT and

have big singalong chorus along with exciting live shows. Ded Rabbit The Edinburgh indie/rock four piece come with a solid live reputation and a sound similar to The Strokes or Maximo Park. Consisting of four brothers originally from Yorkshire, they moved to Edinburgh via the Highlands. Divides A female fronted rock five piece from Glasgow they have

received plays on BBC Radio 1 Introducing, XFM, BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio, Rocksound, Kerrang! and Scuzz TV. Their big choruses and riffs will definitely appeal to rock fans. Gerry Cinnamon The Castlemilk singer songwriter has been gaining a reputation for his Bob Dylan influenced songwriting. His first record release “Hope Over Fear” charted at

number 5 for 2 weeks in the iTunes chart and seen him close the show at a rally in George Square attended by almost 15,000 people. Other Humans An indie three piece from Glasgow, their big chorus indie anthems sit somewhere between Joy Division and The Killers with plenty of synths and big drums. Our Future Glory The Dundee based synth pop three piece have big rave

arpeggios and are heavily influenced by techno an d have a reputation for great live shows. Schnarff Schnarff Inverness five piece who describe themselves as staccato grunge pop are a five piece somewhere between metal and pop with soaring vocals and half time breakdowns. Having played on STV Glasgow and at Go North they have a reputation as a solid live band. Spring Break A folk funk hip hop outfit from the Highlands add a bit of chilled out vibes to the stage along with colourful live shows. The Claramassa A rock/electro crossover six piece bring chilled out synths and male/female vocal melodies alongside guitar melodies and riffs. Equal parts progressive metal and electro they are an usual mix worth checking out. The Van T’s A Glasgow based punk/ shoe-gaze duo, they have singalong choruses and make big guitar noise soundscapes. They have recently appeared on STV Glasgow and have supported Honeyblood. Tijuana Bibles The Glasgow four piece describe themselves as Neo-Psychedelic rock n roll. They are all leather jackets, Velvet Underground attitude Ozzy Osbourne melodies and 50s rock n roll chic. They have gained a reputation for wild live shows.

Level B: Meet Donovan + Gift: £ 500 First row centre stalls – 6 Seats, Meet Donovan and

Gift For VIP Tickets contact support@donovan.ie The VIP income supports

teaching students to meditate in Scotland. Donovan plays Pavilion Theatre on October 3rd

THE HOMECOMING OF THE SUNSHINE SUPERMAN MARYHILL born Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Donovan is arguable the most influential musician of the 1960s and he’s celebrating 50 years in the industry with a new compilation album called “Retrospective.” From the start of his career with the likes of the Ivor NOvello award winning “Catch the Wind” Donovan invented psychedelic pop and introduced the world to flower power in 1966 with “Sunshine Superman” Having spent time in India teaching The Beatles fingerstyle guitar influencing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts

Club Band and The White Album and getting together the nucleus of Led Zeppelin there are few people as influential in popular music. With a back catalogue of hits such as “Colours”, “Universal Soldier”, “Sunshine Superman”, “Season of the Witch” “Mellow Yellow”, “Hurdy Gurdy Man”, “Barabajagal (Love Is Hot)” and “Atlantis” there is no doubt he’s one of Glasgow’s most successful musicians. He was the first solo musician to sell out Madison Square Gardens in New York City Not only is the album re-

leased on June 8th, but is accompanied by a UK tour. Donovan said “I am delighted to be celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of my work. It has always been my wish to offer as many as possible an alternative. See you in a concert soon!” Donovan comes to Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre on October 3rd with normal ticket packages or special VIP packages. Level A: Lunch with Donovan: £ 2500 First row centre stalls – 4 Seats, Lunch with Donovan on day of the concert in city of the concert

30 Police Scotland

GENN Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Local Police News ROAD SAFETY & ROAD CRIME STRATEGY LAUNCHED

POLICE Scotland has launched its Road Safety & Road Crime Strategy for 2015 – 2018. It has been developed to support the operational focus on keeping people safe, whilst working towards the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty targets. The public has told us road safety is a key local priority across the country. As such, the new strategy has five key elements: • effective patrolling of the roads • improve road user behaviour • detect and deter road crime tackle anti-social use of the ro• ads • combat the threat of terrorism. The strategy reinforces the efforts of officers across Scotland to reduce casualties and fatalities on our roads by influencing driver behaviour. Further, Police Scotland is vowing to make the country’s road network a hostile environment for criminals, with the launch of the strategy, which spans the next three years. It focuses on the use of a range of tactics to target and reduce the criminal use of our road network, such as the transportation of drugs, counterfeit goods, and weapons, ensuring the country’s roads are inhospitable to unlawful behaviour. Police Scotland works with a range of partner agencies to ensure the nation’s roads are as safe as possible, including the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland , Road Safety Scotland, the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service, as well as the country’s local authorities.

POSTAL SCAM WARNING

POLICE Scotland is reminding the public to be vigilant against

fraud following a recent postal scam reported in Scotland. A number of residents across the country have received letters purporting to be from the ‘FIFA Euromillions International Postcode Lottery’. The recipients are informed they have won a large amount of money and should telephone a number on the letter quoting a reference number. The individual they speak to asks them to confirm their bank details so that the money can be transferred, but money is actually taken out of their account. PC Kev Marron, from Police Scotland’s Crime Reduction Unit, said: “We are grateful to the people in our communities who have brought this latest scam to our attention. It is great to see that more and more people are realising if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. These types of scams often target the most vulnerable people in our communities and the despicable criminals simply do not care. “I would urge people to simply ignore these letters and throw them away. Above all, do not contact these people and certainly never give your personal or financial details over the telephone to anyone.”

SHOOTING INCIDENT – ROYSTON ROAD, GLASGOW

POLICE Scotland Officers are continuing their investigation and re-appealing for information after a shooting incident in the north of Glasgow earlier last month. Around 1830 hours on Thursday 7 May 2015, police were called to a report of a 29 year-old man found seriously injured in Royston Road, Glasgow. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he is still detained. Staff describe his condition as serious but stable. The 29 year-old man had just got out of his blue Audi in Royston Road, near to its junction with Mull Street, when he was deliberately driven at and knocked to the ground by the occupants of a white Mitsubishi Outlander. After driving a short distance, the car returned and a passenger in the car got out and shot the man whilst he was lying on the ground. The Misubishi Out-

lander was recovered a short time later in Langmuirhead Road, Robroyston. It had previously been reported missing from the Coatbridge area. The suspect is described as white, late teens to early twenties, approximately 5ft 9” in height and of slim build with dark hair. He had a scarf covering his face and was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit top. Detective Inspector Ogilvie Ross of Greater Glasgow CID said today: “Extensive police enquiries have been undertaken and are still ongoing to identify those responsible for this attempted murder. “The inquiry team are anxious to speak to anyone who was in Royston Road where the incident took place, or Langmuirhead Road where the car was found between 1830 and 1930 hours on Thursday 7 May 2015, as they may have unwittingly witnessed something vital to this investigation. “We believe this was a targeted attack and as a result people with information may be reluctant to contact to police. I am sure there are people out there with vital information on this crime, who have yet to come forward to police. I would like to assure them that any information provided will be treated in confidence. Those with concerns can contact CRIMESTOPPERS where you don’t have to provide your name. “Please don’t assume we have all the information or know what you know – contact us and let us decide how relevant your information is. It could prove to be crucial and move this investigation forward. “Officers dedicated to this inquiry are continuing to examine CCTV footage from in and around the local area, and are working towards identifying people and vehicles seen around the time in question.” Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

DRINK DRIVING SUMMER CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

THE Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) have launched their 2015 Summer Drink Drive campaign in support of Police Scotland’s Summer Safety Campaign. A driver will be stopped and breath tested every two minutes this summer. Using the strapline ‘Don’t spoil summer’, the campaign reminds drivers that getting behind the wheel after even one drink isn’t worth the risk or the consequences. New data released today shows that in Scotland there has been a 17% reduction in drink driving offences from January – March 2015 (997) compared to the same period in 2014 (1,209). This follows the introduction of Scotland’s new lower drink drive limit on 5 December, which means that even just one drink could put a driver over the limit. Police stop a driver approximately every two minutes in Scotland, and have the powers to breath-test many of them. Police Scotland enforcement activity is running alongside Road Safety Scotland’s social marketing campaign, which highlights the often spontaneous nature of summer socialising. Following the success of the legislation change in Scotland, the Police Federation of England & Wales last week issued a call for the legal limit in England and Wales to be in line with Scotland.

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, said: “Since the introduction of the new lower drink drive limit six months ago, Scotland is starting to see a real change in behaviour. The 17% reduction in drink driving offences indicates that Scottish drivers are avoiding alcohol when they are driving. “Fewer drink driving offences is a positive story for Scotland and shows that we’re leading social and legislative change in the UK. We’re urging Scots to take care this summer and to remember it’s safer to avoid driving if you’ve consumed alcohol.” Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “Summer can be a time for getting together with friends and family, and many people go for a drink with colleagues after work on a sunny evening. Because this drinking is often unplanned, people may not have thought about the journey home. “And many people don’t realise that just one drink can put them over the legal limit. “Evidence shows that even one alcoholic drink before driving makes you three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. “It is estimated that one in eight deaths on Scottish roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit and, despite what many people think, eating food or a perceived alcohol tolerance don’t reduce its

effects. “Even a small amount impairs your judgement and reactions so, the best advice is just don’t risk it.” Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, Head of Road Policing at Police , said: “Our message is simple – don’t spoil summer for you and your family or another family by drinking and driving. Police stop more than 20,000 Scottish drivers a month. “That’s one vehicle every two minutes. If you have committed an offence, or if we have reasonable cause to suspect that you have been drinking, you may be subjected to a breath test. “Even if you’re just over the limit, you’re still a drunk driver in the eyes of the law – there is no grey area. This may affect your current and future employment and can have wider implications for other areas of your life including overseas travel, even just for family holidays. “If you drink and drive, you won’t just spoil summer.”

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Political Forum your Member of the Scottish Parliament

Dr Don’s View

Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

The column which cuts though the garnish IT’S over, the losers are contemplating their futures and the winners of Scotland and England have met at Bute House to share the spoils. The political pundits, journalists and politicians are filling column inches with “I told you so” hindsight revelations of how they were aware of Miliband and the Labour party’s shortcomings all along. How no one thought to tell Ed at the time escapes me, but as usual, the pundits were keeping their powder dry in case he sneaked a win so that their earlier comments could be vindicated. So, what are we left with? Four aspiring candidates, lining up to lead the UK Labour Party, and a petulant Scottish Labour leader attacking the unions on his way out. Jim Murphy’s fate come from jumping the rails from a ’New Labour’ disciple to ‘unionist better together cheerleader’ ‘to a born-again ‘socialist’ in the space of three months. Believing that, despite the demise of his party, and the rejection of his own constituents, he could rise above it all, beggars belief. Thinking he could stay on as leader of the Scottish Labour Party propelled by his self publicised charisma is a valid measure of his arrogance. I was impressed by Nicola’s public summation of her meeting with David Cameron. No threats, no demands, just veiled hints against her proposals being ignored. David’s agreement to meet with Nicola so soon, and to meet her on her own ground, was an astute move aimed at reducing the bogey man image of the SNP he had successfully created for his own political ends. However, I am more than a little suspicious about the speed in which he wants to implement the Smith Commission recommendations. The delay in publishing the Smith Commission report to the House of Commons has been no accident. Cameron knew full well that the paper which was presented to Parliament in the Queen’s speech would be a watered down shadow of its former self, and it was. This was not the Smith recommendations that was drafted on 25thJanuary, this was the bashed-around committee version I warned you about with sufficient Westminster vetoes to make the whole paper meaningless. To say that the Scottish Bill does not meet the ‘spirit

and substance of the Smith report’ is putting it mildly. This is another condescending ‘pat on the heid, and a wee biscuit to the Scottie terrier’. In political parlance, we are being offered the responsibility without the authority. This is going to incense the tartan team at Westminster no end, so look out for some heated exchanges on this one. I foresee other problems on the SNP horizon if Alex Salmond is not kept on a short leash. Nicola has gone to great lengths to keep the prospect of a second referendum off the agenda for the moment, but Alex’s ill-timed statements to the contrary have been undermining Nicola’s strategy. The First Minister has been patient with him so far, and has avoided a public reprimand, but it’s coming if he doesn’t wind his neck in on this subject. I know it’s early days, but the Scottish Parliamentary elections are due in May next year, and in political terms, that’s just around the corner. Although there will be ample support for the SNP, they will not sweep the boards this time. The Scottish electorate will want to see an effective opposition at Holyrood and, despite Scottish Labour candidates looking like post war walking wounded, they will still attract votes if only to provide that balance in the Chamber. However, Nicola better be prepared to fend off extensive sniping criticism on domestic issues, and both candidates and election foot soldiers will have to be fully briefed on how to counter questions on these areas on the doorstep. The most vulnerable issues will be on the economy, education and the welfare cuts forced on them by Westminster. The electorate will also want to know the ramifications of implementing the Smith Commission recommendations, and the knock-on effects of full fiscal autonomy. Despite David Cameron’s patriotic intentions to save the union, he appears to be undermining his own policies by advocating English votes for English MPs. I may be missing something, but I would have thought that by excluding Scottish MPs from voting in the UK Parliament it would be the first step towards federalism. Not that Federalism is a bad thing, as it has the possibility of uniting both the No and Yes camps

in Scotland. It works perfectly well in Germany and the USA, so why not here? I see and read of ‘Federalism’ gathering support from the likes of Boris Johnson - architect of the Ajockalypse, Lord Lexden and Sir Malcolm Rifkin. At the very least there will have to be a radical constitutional reform to cater for the rising demands from the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Northern Irish. The other fly in the ointment will be Cameron’s intention to bring forward the In-Out referendum to 2016. Both Plaid Cymru and the SNP don’t want to withdraw from the EU and are insisting on separate referenda. Forcing a withdrawal from the EU on the SNP would trigger another Scottish referendum for independence. However it’s going to get a rough passage in the commons not just from the opposition, but from his own back benchers. It all hinges on what success, if any, Cameron extracts from the other EU members. Always on the lookout for some humour in the dreich corridors of power, it was provided by the SNP leader when he rose to say to Mr Cameron, “Congratulations on winning the election- in England.” Another quip emulated from when an English MP queried why the SNP MPs were wearing a white rose on the first day of parliament. “That’s the emblem of Yorkshire, isn’t it?” he asked. “Don’t worry,” the SNP member reassuringly replied, “we aren’t interested in Yorkshire- yet!” However, the bad news is that we are going to have to brace ourselves to the prospect of savage welfare and public service cuts once Mr Osborne gets up to speed, and it’s going to be painful. Osborne and Cameron now feel they have a mandate to impose these as soon as possible. The only hope the SNP MPs and others in the opposition benches will have, will be to argue and challenge every proposed cut and to try and impose amendments. Fortunately, here in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament will have a measure of discretion as to where and how these cuts will be implemented, but until the Smith Commission recommendations are introduced, we will have to grin and bear it. Watch this space Dr Don

Contact Bob Doris MSP

Constituency office: 3rd Floor, Empire House 131 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2RX THIS is my first column in The Genn since the historic SNP victory in Scotland at the UK General Election. Taking every constituency in Glasgow was a humbling privilege for our party. The Labour party were left with one solitary seat in Scotland as traditional Labour voters saw their values best represented by the Scottish National Party. For too long, Labour have taken working class communities for granted and pushed their patience to breaking point by getting in bed with the Tories to campaign against Scotland gaining independence just last year. The scale of the Labour defeat in England meant that even if every single Scottish MP was Labour, that Scotland would still have had a Tory majority Government inflicted upon us. The message has never been clearer, the only way for Scotland to get the Government Scotland chooses is with Independence. It was with good grace that the SNP campaigned at the UK General Election making it clear we accepted the result of the Independence Referendum, and, as Nicola Sturgeon has stressed, a vote for the SNP at the UK General Election was about making Scotland’s voice heard, not Independence. I am minded that in this area 57% of voters said Yes to Independence, but many of those that voted No repeated-

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

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ly tell me they would now consider a Yes vote. Expect that to become a growing trend as the Labour Party shift further to the right in order to chase Tory votes south of the border. Even Andy Burnham – the favourite to be the next Labour leader- now calls progressive policies such as the Mansion Tax “the politics of envy”. Only four weeks ago Labour were trumpeting the mansion tax as a vital part of a fairer society. It’s all ditched though in favour of chasing those Tory votes in England. Meanwhile the people of Glasgow and Scotland will see cuts and austerity bite ever deeper. Hardly any wonder then that Glasgow’s Labour Council are trying to axe both breakfast clubs for our children in the mornings before classes start, as well as ditch a free school bus service which would lead to many parents having to send their children on return trips to school of 2 hours plus, and, not necessarily on a safe walking route. I

had parents from Milton – whose children attend All Saints- at my surgery recently. They are deeply worried and did not even get the courtesy of a letter from Glasgow City Council to inform them of the planned axe in service. I will be fighting these changes and defending our communities against the Glasgow Labour Council. They must prioritise our children more than they are currently doing. No doubt Labour will blame the Scottish Government for not giving them enough cash. And that brings us back full circle to cuts and austerity- and of course Labour hypocrisy. Labour is wed to a cuts and austerity agenda set by a UK Tory Government that are slashing Scotland’s budget. That’s the reality of service cuts. Pointing fingers at Holyrood whilst ignoring (at best) and being cheerleaders (at worst) UK Tory cuts is the reason why Labour now only have one MP in Scotland. Bob Doris MSP for Glasgow (SNP)

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TIGERS’ GET RICH NICK SCHEME BOWLS EXTRA – GLASGOW HIGH-flying Glasgow duo Nick Morris and Richard Lawson can inspire their teammates to glory. That’s according to Tigers team boss Stewart Dickson who’s preparing for a mammoth month of speedway. The Ashfield side will hit the road six times and host three home meetings in a four-week spell that could make or break their Premier League title bid. The hectic schedule started at Sheffield on Thursday and they move onto Plymouth on Friday, before Scunthorpe visit Glasgow on Sunday. Then, the Tigers face Edinburgh away and at home in potentially the most important Scottish derbies for years. No 1 Morris and No 5 Lawson have started to hit top form in the Premier League and for their respective sides in the Elite League - and Dickson

PEASY WINNERS PETERSHILL Juniors have confirmed the following list of their end-of-season player awards. Player of the Year - Jordan Kennedy. Players’ Player of the Year Jordan Chisholm. Supporters’ Player of the Year - Mark Lamont. Top Scorer - Kieran Daw.

MARSHALL BALL BOYS FINNART Under-15 team provided all the Ball Boys for the recent Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League’s Tommy Marshall Cup Final at James McGrory Park (home of St Roch Juniors) - Kalvin Rooney, Martin Scanlan, Julien Kouame, and Persley Sojila. Jack McIlveen and Jordan Wright, who have been on the Finnart injury list, went along to watch, and ended up helping out. Finnart players Stephen Devlin, Dexter Morrison, Paul Monaghan and Piotr Lenkiewicz, also gave up their time and filled the Ball Boy roles during the Walker Gas Services Strathclyde Cup - won on penalties by Dennistoun Vale - last Friday night.

wants them to lead from the front. He said: “I still think there’s more to come from Nick and Richard, but I’m pleased that they’re starting to hit a bit of form now. It took a wee bit longer than what we thought but they’re coming onto it. Hopefully some of the other boys will get a wee bit of a lift from seeing them do that, and we can all push on. “We win as a team and lose as a team – it’s a team event and it’s all eight of us. We’re all in it together.” Morris goes into battle for Australia next week in the World Cup, and Dickson added: “I think Nick will be a Grand Prix rider by the time he’s 25. Last year was a season where he didn’t really progress, but I think he’s more than making up for that now.” The Tigers will have the

INVITATION BOWLS FOURS HOULDSWORTH Bowling Club won the Tennents Invitation Fours event held at Shettleston Bowling Club, Culrain Street. Meanwhile, the Mixed Rinks Trophy competition was won by Robert, Sharon, and Dot Melrose, together with Andy Cairns. Runners-Up were Eddie and June Liddle, and Sandra and Peter Gill.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

SHETTLESTON Juniors Football Club are seeking volunteer committee members following their promotion to the Stagecoach Super Premier Division next season. If interested, telephone 0141 778 6415.

TITLE JOY FINNART Under-16 team have won the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Boys’ League B Division championship. Dermot Maguire netted the all-important 28th minute winner with a superb strike from 30 yards at Steins.

services of key reserve James Sarjeant in all but one of the matches. However, the Englishman could move into the main body of the team later this month, switching places with Dimitri Berge. Sunday’s match at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium starts at 3pm. Meanwhile, Glasgow’s other reserve - the Swede Victor Palovaara - has qualified for the final of the World Under-21 Championship, which takes place later this year over three rounds. Tigers asset Anders Thomsen, of Denmark - who rode for Glasgow in each of the last two seasons - is also through. Glasgow have also now qualified for the League Cup semi-finals after results elsewhere went in their favour. They will face either Sheffield or Ipswich.

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AWARDS NIGHT BROOMHOUSE F.C. will host a Player of the Year awards night at Fullarton Park Suite on Friday, June 12.

WHYTE K.O. POSSIL YMCA lost their Robert Whyte Trophy Semi-Final against Steins Thistle on penalty kicks following a 5-5 draw after extra-time.

VALE ARE A GAS!

DENNISTOUN VALE A.F.C. Rounded off the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League season with silverware. Vale defeated Hutchesontown 3-1 on penalty kicks in the Walker Gas Services Strathclyde Cup Final at Thorniewood United’s ground. The match had finished 3-3 at the end of extra-time.

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NORTH EASTERN LEAGUE HALF-WAY through the tenweek programme in the Glasgow North Eastern Bowling League - and both divisions are really taking shape, writes JACK HIGH. Four clubs are involved in the Division 1 title race, while a trio have emerged as serious contenders for Division 2 honours. Friday evening games since our last issue have produced some exciting pairings. My thanks goes to Secretary Alex Morrison for his co-operation in collating results and compiling up-to-date placings. Three clubs are promoted from Division 2 and the bottom three Division 1 clubs relegat-

ed. Week 4. Division 1 - Rutherglen 5, Baillieston 7; Mount Vernon 7, North British 2; Blackhill 7, Shettleston 2; Whitevale 7, Foxley 2; Carmyle 5, Garrowhill 5. Division 2 - Tollcross 9, Parkhead 1; Chryston 3, Riddrie 9; Kirkhill 3, St Rollox 8; Sandyhills 4, Springburn 7; Belvedere 5, Springboig 5. Week 5. Division 1 - Mount Vernon 5, Garrowhill 5; Whitevale 7, Rutherglen 2; North British 5, Shettleston 5; Baillieston 5, Blackhill 5; Carmyle 6, Foxley 6.

Division 2 - Kirkhill 0, Tollcross 10; Chryston 4, Parkhead 6; Riddrie 0, Sandyhills 10, Belvedere 9, Springburn 1; St Rollox 10, Springboig 0. TOP-FOUR PLACINGS: Division 1. 31 points - Carmyle. 30 – Mount Vernon, Whitevale. 28 - Garrowhill. Division 2. 41 points - St Rollox. 35 - Tollcross. 34 – Sandyhills. 23 - Belvedere, Parkhead. * Bowls stickers and badges sponsored by Bill’s Tool Store, Bain Street. New League Shield – Divisional Play-Off taking place at Shettleston Bowling Club on July 5 - sponsored by the GENN Newspaper.

WEST CUP FINAL

TOLLCROSS CRACKER

FUND-RAISER

GREENFIELD PARK, Shettleston, will host the last Under-21 Final of the season on Saturday. Bonnyton Thistle meet Scottish Cup holders, Harmony Row, in the sponsored LSK Supplies West of Scotland Cup showdown. Kick-off is 2pm, and the match will be played to a finish.

NEW SPONSOR SHETTLESTON Bowling Club Treasurer Ian Colligan last night revealed a new sponsor to replace the former Cairns and Noble Invitation Triples due on Sunday, August 2 (10.30am). Stepping in are the local Co-Operative Funeral Services, and Mr Colligan told GENN Sport: “We would like to thank them for their sponsorship.”

VALE OF CLYDE and Cumbernauld United will contest the Quarter-Finals of the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup this Saturday (2pm). United boss John Queen, a former Tin Pail player, led United to the Final last season where they were defeated 3-0 by Clydebank. Bankies were knocked out by Vale earlier in this year’s tourney, while Cumbernauld ended the hopes of Petershill on penalties at Guys Meadow. The cup-tie will go straight to spot-kicks in the event of a draw after 90 minutes.

CHARITY DAY SHETTLESTON Bowling Club Ladies Section raised £1590 from their Charity Day at Culrain Street - a fantastic effort by everyone who attended.

SHETTLESTON Juniors Community Kids Football and Coaching Academy held a successful fund-raiser at the Social Club last Friday. Some of the proceeds will go towards events being planned for the youngsters over the summer.

SUN SHINES FOR CITY

REPUBLIC of Ireland striker Clare Shine (20) has signed for Glasgow City F.C. following an impressive trial stint. Meanwhile, City maintained their position at the top of the SWPL with a 6-1 victory over Hearts at windy Sir Alex Ferguson Park, Braehead, on Sunday. Scorers were Abbi Grant (2), Susan Fairlie (2), Denise O’Sullivan and Kerry Montgomery. Amy Harrison hit a first-half Hearts equaliser.

CANDY ROCK CHIEF DELIVERS TRIBUTE TO WINGER LEGENDS

ST ROCH Juniors historian Jim Friel last night led tributes to club legends Tommy Flynn and Ernie Hannigan. The pair, both products of St Roch Juveniles in an old-style outside-right role, sadly died last month. Flynn, born and raised in Germiston, had a six-year association with the junior club between 1953 and 1959. He also played for St Mirren and English Non-League outfit Bedford Town. Jim Friel told the GENN: “Tommy was a great character, and helped the club in many ways over the years. “A couple of seasons ago, we were drawn away to Wilson’s Athletic in the Scottish Junior Cup, and he helped us with travel costs via a very generous

donation.” Mr Friel was also able to reveal a very amusing story involving Tommy, who ran riot in one game against Blantyre Vics, and scored a hat-trick playing as a centre forward. He said “I remember he was up against a centre-half who went on to become very famous! “His father, having watched the Blantyre Vics No 5 get the run-around, turned to us and said: “That big lad will never make a player.” The Vics defender was none other than Billy McNeill - and we all know what he went on to achieve in football! Ernie Hannigan was 72 years of age when he passed away in Perth, Australia. Jim Friel admitted: “Ernie

was a very colourful character. “He was born in the Old Fruit Market and played with the Roch in season 1960-1961. Ernie also had two stints at Queen of the South, played in England with Preston North End, Torquay United, and Coventry City, had a wee spell with New York Cosmos (1971), and ended a great career in the colours of Raith Rovers.” Meanwhile, Mr Friel is optimistic his book on the history of St Roch Juniors will soon see the light of day. Having completed a second full season as Club President, Jim has tried to ensure the publication won’t just focus on facts and figures, but will instead highlight a historical background of the local area and its many characters.

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BELLGROVE LAND SPONSOR HAGHILL SECURE TREBLE

DONE DEAL - Bellgrove A.F.C. have secured team sponsorship for next season with the Duchess Pub, Duke Street, Dennistoun. Left to right, Stevie McCallum jnr, Duchess Manager Stuart Cree, and Steven McCallum snr.

BELLGROVE A.F.C. have secured a sponsorship deal

with the Duchess Pub in Duke Street’s Dennistoun,

writes TOM SCOTT. Coach Stevie McCallum has confirmed the East End club will use the Duchess as a pre-match meeting point and also for after-match hospitality. Said Stevie: “We are also looking to start an under 19s, and under 21 team, which we will be advertising soon for players. “There is also the exciting prospect of Bellgrove A.F.C. placing an over 35s team within the Sunday Central A.F.L. (Overs). This would see some original founder members, Mr William Shankly, Mr John Docherty , Mr David Blair, Mr John Hunter, Mr Christopher McGhee and myself pulling the boots out of the museum , and gracing the pitch to proudly wear the club’s jersey. “The club would like to say a big thanks to Stuart and Dario at the Duchess for their support. The club are excited at having a base within the Bellgrove area.”

GLASGOW CHAMPIONS READY TO BUILD ON SUCCESSFUL SEASON

BSC Glasgow are looking to build on a hugely successful year in which they established themselves in the Scottish Lowland League, won the SFA Challenge Cup and their Under-14 age group secured the club’s first-ever Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth Cup at Airdrie, writes TOM SCOTT. Beating Civil Service Strollers 2-0 in the Challenge Cup Final and defeating Rangers SABC Under-14s 2-1 has only increased their determination to advance and recruit Scotland’s best youngsters. Club Chairman and Founder Steve Prince revealed: “We are looking to become the best Club we can. “We want to get a reputation for developing talented players such as you see with teams

like Dundee United, Crewe Alexandria, Ajax or Barcelona. We also want to win promotion from the Lowland League into League Two of the SPFL within the next 3 seasons” Prince was keen to emphasise “This can only be achieved if our youth teams provide players for our success in the future. My message to any young players out there is: “Playing for BSC is a real opportunity to become a professional football player. It’s as simple as that really.” Director of Football Kenny Moyes agrees and said: “ We want quality players to come to this Club. We want to educate them and push them on. “There is a new player registration system that allows our youth players registered with the SYFA to play for our profes-

sional youth development teams without any registration complications. This lets our 16,17 and 18 year-olds enjoy playing at both youth and professional level at the same time. “ Players can be playing a team like Celtic in the Scottish Youth Cup one week and representing the Club in a local league the next. I like this system because it not an all or nothing situation. Players can get the benefits of being a youth player, while at the same time being tested at the higher level” Moyes added: “It is not a new system. It’s what we used to do in Scotland before the Pro youth initiative and we welcome its return.” If you think you have what it takes contact mail@bscglasgow. co.uk or call 0141 280 1234

HAGHILL A.F.C. captain Derek Cairns with the League Cup following their 4-1 victory against Lochgreen A.F.C.

HAGHILL A.F.C. secured their third domestic trophy of the season with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Lochgreen A.F.C. in the League Cup Final at Airdrie, writes TOM SCOTT. The East End club, sponsored by Milnbank Housing Association, made a superb start when Gareth May scored after 6 minutes. Defender David Graham was forced to leave the pitch with an injury.

David Bell was the replacement, but a reshuffled Haghill outfit continued to dominate and Martin Fox headed home a corner kick just before the interval. Second half, James Smith replaced Richard Perriss up front, and he made the scoreline 3-1 from another corner. Lochgreen hit back and after being awarded a soft penalty kick, Liam Gallagher scored. However, Haghill countered that with a fourth goal from

Calvin Scolin. A delighted Haghill captain, Derek Cairns, held aloft the cup in front of team-mates, backroom staff, supporters and Mr William Harkness from the Aidrie and Coatbridge Amataur Football League. Haghill Line Up: R Davis, Cairns, Fox, Eaglesham, D Graham, Stewart, Simpson, Murphy, C Davis, Perriss, and May. Subs: McDougal, Mallon, Hannah, Bell, Scolin, and Smith.

FIRST-LEG TIGERS POLISH OFF TYNESIDE DIAMONDS

GLASGOW Tigers maintained their perfect start to their Premier League campaign with a 52-41 victory against Newcastle Diamonds on Sunday, May 24. Tigers team boss Stewart Dickson was delighted with the team’s performance. The fixture was the first of

two back-to-back matches against Newcastle. Dickson said: “We started the match well and built up a healthy lead, but we let them re-take the initiative in midmatch. However, we finished the match strongly and really never looked in any trouble”. “There were one or two ex-

cellent performance from the team, most notably from James Sarjeant and Richard Lawson, but I still believe that as a unit we have still to hit top form”. FIXTURE NOTE: Tigers are back in action against the Scunthorpe Scorpions on Sunday, 7th June, with a 3pm start.

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FOCUS - GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL KEEPER SECURES UNI TREBLE

WELCOME to another round-up from clubs involved at grassroots level. We continue to feature general team news, non-competitive action and small-sided games, writes TOM SCOTT. FINNART 2007 Coach Jamie Marr and 2000 Coach Jamie McGowan are doing a great job helping to promote our Grassroots Feature, and the GENN publication. Every issue is linked into the club’s various facebook pages, and the pair constantly urge their followers to “make sure you pickup the latest copy of the GENN.” Jamie Marr told me: “ Everyone of my kids’ parents have been loving the reports in the grassroots coverage, and the snaps (photographs) make it all better. “Showing the GENN on facebook is just a small appreciation of the work you do. Many thanks again.” Jamie’s 2007 squad are our latest photographic feature. We thank him for obtaining permission and supplying the following names: Back Row - Andrew Adams, David Faulds, Dylan Haining, Calum Blair, Aiden Sinclair, Aiden Coll, Jack Strachan, and Luke O’Neill. Front Row- Zak Robinson, Robbie Kenney, Mason McCausland, Zach Fenwick, Jack Marr, Kyle Ahern, Aiden Gallagher, and Shaun Fredrickson. FINNART were represented at a recent 11 v 11 Player Pathway Course by Conor McGuire, William Murray, David Sutherland and John Foy. SHETTLESTON Juniors Kids Football Coaching Academy are seeking coaches.

Donate a couple of hours a week to coach kids on how to play the game. Hours flexible, training given although experience is preferred. Outfield players and goalkeepers required ages 4 to 12 years for coaching and teams. Call 0141 778 6415. BUDHILL Football Academy Orange 2009s had a successful pre-holiday weekend with four wins on the bounce. lots of step-overs and fine passing from all the boys. RESULTS ROUND-UP. FINNART B.C. PROGRAMME ONE: 2003. Game 1. Lost 5-0. Man of the Match Liam McLaughlin. Game 2. Lost 6-4. Murray, Avery, Scott (2). Man of the Match Lucas Chalmers. 2004. Game 1. Won 4-0. Lee Miller (2), Marshall O’Hara, Jamie Riordon. Game 2. a 3-3 draw. Thomas Reid, Jamie Riordon, Gary Watson. This age group are still seeking a reliable and experienced goalkeeper. Contact them please. 2005. Game 1. Lost 5-0. Game 2. Lost 3-0. 2006. Game 1. Won 8-2. Cole Jackson, Jay-R Brown, Preston Power (2), Robbie McArthur (2), Leon Power, Corey Kennedy. Man of the Match David Maharg. Game 2. Won 4-3. An own goal, Robbie McArthur (2), Liam McCaffrey. Man of the Match Robbie McArthur. 2007. Game 1. Won 2-1. Star Player Zach Fenwick, Jack Marr. Game 2. Won 4-1. Star Player Kaden McKechnie (3), Jack Marr. Game 3. Won 4-0. Mason McCausland, Riley Milliken, Aiden

Sinclair, and Star Player Dylan Haining. Game 4. Won 11-1. Aiden Gallagher (3), Aiden Sinclair (3), Riley Milliken (2), Dylan Haining (2), Mason McCausland. Star Players were Aiden Gallagher and Aiden Sinclair. Mini Kickers. Played Four. Won two and lost two. Unfortunately, no full names of goalscorers were released to Finnart Match Compiler Jamie McGowan for publication. PROGRAMME TWO: 2007. Game 1. a 3-3 draw. Calum Blair (2), Star Player Aiden Coll. Game 2. Won 5-1. Jack Marr (3), Zach Fenwick, Star Player Calum Blair. Game 3. Won 10-0. Star Player Aiden Gallagher (4), Riley Milliken (3), Aiden Sinclair (2), Mason McCausland. Game 4. Lost 9-8. Star Player Mason McCausland (3), Aiden Sinclair (2), Riley Milliken, Dylan Haining, Aiden Gallagher. 2008. Game 1. A 0-0 draw. Star Player Leon Paton. Game 2. Star Player Millan Kerr (2). Game 3. Lost 2-0. Star Player Taylor Gibson. Game 4. Lost 4-3. Star Player Leon Paton (2), Millan Kerr, Lewis Lindsay. 2004. Game 1. Lost 4-2.Jamie Riordon, Thomas Reid. Game 2. Lost 5-1. Gary Watson. 2003. Team played in a tournament at Southport during the Bank Holiday. More details to follow. 2006. Looked great in new strips! Preston Power was in superb form and won two Man of the Match awards. Well done! Game 1. Lost 1-0. Game 2. a 1-1 draw. Goal from Leon Power. 2005. Game 1. Lost 2-1. Jay Anderson. Game 2. Lost 3-0. 2008. Game 1. A 0-0 draw. Star Player Leon Paton. Game 2. Lost 3-2. Star Player Millan Kerr (2). Game 3. Lost 2-0. Star Player Taylor Gibson. Game 4. Won 4-3. Star Player Leon Paton (2), Millan Kerr, Lewis Lindsay. Player of the Day Leon Paton.

PETERSHILL striker/midfielder Liam Cusack, who arrived at Springburn on loan from Albion Rovers, has been released by the Coatbridge club.

Michael Daly features on the list of Clyde frees. GOALKEEPER Anton Nugent, who has been on the books of both Celtic and the old Glasgow Rangers set-up, is

seeking a return to the junior ranks following a spell away from football. Anton has recently gained match-fitness over six games at Ashfield Juniors.

Dear Tom, Once again very proud to see our club in the GENN (issue 155). Keeps our fans up to date with everyday matters. Junior Buddy’s Tollcross is becoming a great success thanks to you

letting local mums and dads see that there are things to do at the ages of 2 and 3. Re the mention of Lisa-Marie Jamieson (formerly working at Active East), again some great words from you regarding a

great person. Good luck, Lisa. Looking forward to working with you and Fuse Cafe. Regards, Billy McNaught, Chairman/ Head Coach, Budhill Football Academy.

GENN SPORT INSIDE TRACK GENN SPORT FEEDBACK

GOALKEEPER Joseph Wilton has quickly established himself in University football - by securing a treble at the first time of asking. Joe, who attends the local Shot Stoppers Goalkeeping Coaching Academy on a weekly basis, won the League championship, League Cup and Scottish National Cup. An outstanding clean-sheet record was further extended when Strathclyde defeated Dundee

University at the Riverside Drive Sports Ground. Two-goal Brandon Longcake, who also missed a penalty-kick, and Hne Wilson rounded off their campaign in style. Youth Football Scotland covered the Scottish Cup Final, and Joe’s father, Mr Owen Wilton, told GENN Sport: “Their reporter described most of his involvement along the lines of “goalkeeper easi-

ly gathers the shot.” “Little does he know the quality of the coaching and dedication that went into making things look easy. “As a family, we really appreciate the work that Shot Stoppers does, and the absolutely crucial contributions the coaching staff make to the trophy and medal success Joe is enjoying.” Prior to his latest success story, Joseph was capped by Scottish Independent Schools against England, captained Drumchapel Amateurs (aged 17) to a Glasgow and District Youth Football League championship, and earlier was voted Managers Player of the Year at Milngavie Boys’ Club. Meanwhile, Group Three Coach Chris Todd has also overseen the progress of another three goalkeepers chasing league and cup success - Graham Black, James Connell and Under-17 star Graeme Milne, who just failed to land back-to-back Scottish Youth Cup Finals wins. His club, Rossvale Thistle, were defeated 2-1 by Lewis United Youth at Airdrie. Last season, Graeme brilliantly saved two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out against Tynecastle F.C.

COACHES at Scotland’s longest-running development goalkeeping academy have praised the backing received at their recent fund-raising evening. Now into their 21st season, Group Coach Stephen Bryceland revealed: “The aim here has always been about development – no matter your age and not money generated from working with over 40 goalkeepers at any given time, and being out at least four nights a week! That is not for us. The English call it conveyor-belt coaching. “Our structure has stood the test of time. You have to keep evolving to meet new demands and maintain very high standards, but the length of our existence (1994) illustrates what Shot Stoppers is all about. “We only hold one fund-raiser a year, and the support from sponsors and partners this

season has been absolutely fantasic. The likes of Technical Progress Ltd (Cumbernauld), Ian Marshall Upholstery (Bearsden), Park Lane-Group Property Company (Glasgow), Coronet Clean Team (Glasgow), Stevie Cameron Event Logistics (East Kilbride), and The Wedding Store (Newhouse Industrial Estate, near Motherwell) have been on board with us in previous years, which is brilliant. “New people/companies have been generous in their support, We want to thank Coach Jamie McGowan and the Finnart Boys’ Club 2000 age group, Bobby Ramsay at Livingston Juniors, BoltonGate (Bellshill), Director John Higgins, J.H. Civil Engineering, Broadlees Industrial Eastate, Carlisle Road, Airdrie, and Director/Partner David Wheeler at Drummond Laurie

Chartered Accountants, Gateway Business Park, Beancross Road, Grangemouth, through your sports pages. “DHL Livingston Operations Manager John McKinstray, is also due our thanks for donating a substantial amount of spirits (boxed), which went into a major raffle. “Three parents of boys with us, Mr Owen Wilton, Mr Ian Marshall and Mr Scott Wylie, all put forward their own company as a sponsor at our nightout. That again indicates the good feeling they have for Shot Stoppers. “To each and everyone of those people, Finnart Boys’ Club, firms and major companies I have highlighted, we really can’t thank them enough for their generous support.” For more information on how your goalkeeper (any grade of football) can enroll, please call 07403452960.

BACKERS HELP ACADEMY TALENT

SPOTLIGHT - AMATEUR FOOTBALL

BELLGROVE will celebrate the memory of Founder Member Robert Baird in a Charity Game/Tournament. Cambuslang Rangers’ Somervell Park will host what should be an excellent event on Saturday, MARYHILL Black Star A.F.C. have added the Strathclyde Saturday Morning

League Division 1 title to the Challenge Cup. Star have been part of the SSML set-up since their formation in 2011, and secured promotion the following season (2012-2013). BARGEDDIE A.F.C. are looking for friendlies on June 13, 20, and 27, plus July 4, 11 and 18. POSSIL YMCA lost 3-0

against East Kilbride in the M&M Trophy Final at Cumbernauld. They had previously beaten Harestanes 3-2 in their Semi-Final. HARESTANES A.F.C. are the new Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup holders, and Fosters Central Scottish Premier Division champions.

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL... CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

AROUND THE GREENS MATCH ACTION REPORTS

SANDYHILLS Bowling Club Match Secretary Colin Anderson has confirmed their Office Bearers for 2015, writes JACK HIGH. President - J McDonald. Vice-President - G Reid. Past-President - G McNeillie. Secretary - J Miller. Treasurer - D Chesney. Bar Convener - W Syme. Green Convener - J Harding. Directors - P Sloway, D Maitland, J Campbell, H Driver, H Henderson, S Robertson. Match Secretary - C Anderson. Green and Match Committee - S Robertson, G Reid, J Collings, J Littlejohn, H Driver. Life Members - C Anderson, J Littlejohn, J Fullerton, W Syme. MOUNT VERNON Bowling Club will host the Glasgow East v Ayrshire South game, and Glasgow West v Lanarkshire West is bound for CHRYSTON. Both on June 6. SHETTLESTON Bowling Club are holding a Race Night to raise money for Sandyhills res-

ident, young Nicola McAneny, who needs an upgraded wheelchair. Give the Culrain Street club your full support! FOXLEY will continue their Community Days - involving locals who wish to take up the sport - on June 7, July 14, August 2, and September 5. GENN SPORT BOWLERS DIARY... SHETTLESTON: JUNE 5- GBA Under-45. JUNE 6 - McKinnon Wood Cup (2pm). JUNE 7 -Charity and Centenary Cup (2pm). JUNE 13 - SWBA District Semi-Finals on East and West Greens (2pm). JUNE 14 - Cairns and Scott Nominated Triples (10.30am). JUNE 21 - Nominated Triples Competition (1 Day). JUNE 23 - Lanarkshire District Semi-Finals (6.30pm). JUNE 26 - Lanarkshire League Division 4 v Whitemoss (6.30pm), Lanarkshire League Division 13 v Wishaw South

(6.30pm). JUNE 28 - Pat Fannan Invitation Fours (10.30am). JUNE 30 - WOS Ladies District Finals (1.30-2pm). GARROWHILL: JUNE 5 - Monklands Cup (6.30pm). JUNE 6 - McKinnon Wood Cup (2pm). JUNE 13 - Two-Bowl Pairs (10 am). JUNE 20 -Cabaret/Dance with David John. JUNE 27 - Ladies v Gents (2.30pm). MOUNT VERNON: JUNE 6 -County Game: Glasgow v Ayr (12 noon). JUNE 7 - Taywood Trophy Ladies (10am). JUNE 13 - Ladies Day (2pm). JUNE 20 - Presidents Day Gents (1.30pm). JUNE 27 - Nominated 4 Bowls Pairs - Ladies (10am). SANDYHILLS: JUNE 6 McKinnon Wood Cup. JUNE 20 - Gents Open. JUNE 27 – Tollcross Friendly.

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS National Lady Darling Cup, Final – Rutherglen Glencairn 2, Musselburgh Windsor 1. Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, Semi-Finals - Rutherglen Glencairn 3, Kirkie Rob Roy 21’s 1;Steins Thistle 1,Goldenhill 3. Final - Rutherglen Glencairn 0, Goldenhill 3. Birdston Kennels Glasgow Cup, Final - Maryhill Juniors 3,Bishopton 1. Birdston Kennels League Cup, Final - Tower Hearts 2, Bonnyton Thistle 1. Only Sport League Cup, Final - West Park United 3, Calderhill 1. LSK Supplies West of Scotland Cup - Semi-Finals - Port Glasgow 2, Bonnyton 3; Goldenhill 1, Harmony Row 2. Final - Bonnyton v Harmony

Row. GOLDENHILL have been confirmed as Premier Division champions. Other title holders are SAUCHIE (First), ST MIRREN (Second) and HOLYTOWN COLTS (Third). MIDWEEK:Premier Division - Bonnyton 1, St Peters G.N. 2; Rossvale 3, Campsie 0; Harmony Row 5, Tower Hearts 3; Harmony Row 2, Campsie 0; St Peters G.N. 2, Johnstone Burgh 1; Goldenhill 3, Bonnyton 3; Tower Hearts 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 3. SATURDAY: Premier Division - Tower Hearts 5, Steins 2; Baillieston Juniors 1, E.K. Rolls Royce 4; St Peters G.N. 1, Antonine 1; Campsie 1, Bonnyton 6; Baillieston Juniors 1, Johnstone Burgh 6; Tower Hearts 3, E.K.Rolls

Royce 0; St Peters G.N. 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 2; Rossvale 1, Harmony Row 2. First Division - EKFC 2, Claremont 1; Vale of Leven 0, Port Glasgow 6; Glasgow Uni 1, Pollok Juveniles 6; Wishaw W Wands 2, Kirkie Rob Roy 21s, 3; Kirkie Rob Roy 7, EKFC 2; Pollok Juvs 6, Eastwood Juvs 0; Wishaw W Wands 5, Victoria F.C. 1; Sauchie 2, Glasgow University 1. Second Division - Bishopton 1, St Mirren 3; Gleniffer 2, Castlemilk 1; Barrhad Arthurlie 1, Calderhill 6; West Park 3, Maryhill Juniors 4; Calderhill 0, St Mirren 5. Third Division – Renfrewshire Thistle 6, Crookston 6; Milngavie 1, Holytown 3; Rosebank 2, Giffnock S.C. 0;Holytown Colts 8, Giffnock S.C. 3.

TRANS WORLD SCOTTISH CUP

Scottish Youth Football Association. FINALS-sponsored by Trans World Soccer. Under-13 -Tynecastle F.C. 1,Banks O’Dee. Albion 4. Under-14 -Rangers SABC

1,Broomhill 2. Under-15 -Renfrew Vics 3, Crosshouse Thistle 4. Under-16 - Spartans Reds 2,Hutchison Vale 0. Under-17 -Lewis United 2,

Rossvale Thistle 1. Under-19 -East End 4, Broxburn Ath Colts 3 after extra-time. Under-21 -Harmony Row 1,St Peters Giffnock North 0.

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FINNART AMATEURS 1, EAGLESHAM 1. TYPICAL end of season league game. Not much at stake to play for, but neverthless some decent football at times. Eaglesham took a first half lead when their striker knocked the ball into the net with his arm. The referee never spotted the offence! Finnart had the better of the second half exchanges, and were rewarded in the last 5 minutes. Man of the Match Connor McGuire was denied a goalscoring opportunity as he attempted to score with a header. Penalty to Finnart, but only a yellow card was displayed to the offender! McGuire took the resultant spotkick himself, only for the goalkeeper to save, but he knocked home the rebound. BARGEDDIE AMS 5, PORT GLASGOW OBU 4. CRACKING friendly. Man of the Match Stefan McKechnie (2), Billy McKee, Dylan Knox and Tony Gray. BARGEDDIE AMS 6, KELVINBRIDGE 0. HAT- trick from Man of the Match Billy McKee was the highlight in another friendly outing. Chris Dunne (2) and Declan McIlduff also netted. Bargeddie are looking for a goalkeeper and defenders with next season’s campaign in the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League starting in August. AIKENHEAD THISTLE 5, WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 3. STUNNING midweek defeat for ‘House, who conceded early goals, and trailed 4-0 at half-time. Wellhouse goals from Chris Hopkins, Tony Griffiths and Lewis Stewart. RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN 2, MUSSELBURGH WINDSOR 1. TEN-man Glens dservedly won the National Lady Darling Under-21 Cup at Somervell Park, Cambuslang. Connor McGuiness opened the scoring in 17 minutes. Steve Kean levelled 14 minutes later, but captain and Man of the Match Ryan Burnett shot the winner under ‘keeper Daniel Laing after 55 minutes. Glens went down to ten men, when defender Anthony Dempster picked up a second yellow card five minutes from time. CUMBERNAULD UNITED 0, SHETTLESTON 2. TOWN maintained their promotion bid with and excellent result at Guys Meadow. First half goals from McCormack (14mins) and P Martin (40 mins). ROYAL ALBERT 2,ST ROCH 2. CANDY Rock ended a tremendous run of results to finish third in the Central Second Division – and snatch promotion. Baboucarr Mussa gave them a first half lead. Chris McFadyen netted No 2. Albert hit back, but the visitors held out. JOHNSTONE BURGH 3,GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 1. PRE-MATCH, Burgh had already clinched Second Division promotion behind champions Rossvale. This result killed ‘Shire’s last-game opportunity to join the

pair. Tait cancelled out Burgh’s opener before half-time. ‘Shire ended the game with ten men. POSTAL UNITED A.F.C. 2, BANNOCKBURN 4. DEFEAT confirmed United’s relegation from the CSAFL Premier Division. Douglas and and McMenemy netted for Postal. Darren Walker (3) and Steven Bell bagged the visitors’ goals. MARYHILL BLACK STAR 2, DENNISTOUN VALE 1 after extra-time. CHALLENGE Cup Final at Thorniewood United’s ground. Full-time 1-1. Alex Docherty and Colin Dougherty were the Star marksmen. Star Player Gerard Broadley. CAMPSIE MINERVA 7, WELLHOUSE A. F.C. 1. ANOTHER disaster for Wellhouse. Goalscorer Brian Hughes. Said Secretary Robert Noble:”We will come back.” RANGERS LADIES 2, CELTIC 1. TWO stunning second half free kicks from defender Chelsea Watson won the match. Fulton netted the Celtic goal at Springburn Synthetic Park. BUCHAN LADIES 1, GLASGOW GIRLS F.C. 3. SWF Senior Scottish Cup. ONE of the day’s top results thanks to Megan Logan, Nicola Hardie and Lauren Evans. MARYHILL JUNIORS 5, LARKHALL 5. FANS got their monies’ worth at Lochburn Park - while the respective managements were tearing their hair out over defensive weaknesses! Maryhill trailed 4-1 and 5-3. Scorers: Maryhill - Fraser (2, 1 pen), Banks and Calender (2). Larkhall - Reid, Innes (3), and Gracie. RANGERS SABC 1, BROOMHILL 2. CAPTAIN Gio Vezza was the Broomhill hero with two brilliant free kicks in the Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth Cup Under-14 Final at Airdrie. Dillon Brown put Gers ahead after 15 minutes. Vezza drilled an equaliser past Robbie Walker before half-time, and hit an even better deadball for the winner after 72 minutes. GLASGOW CITY F.C. 3HIBERNIAN LADIES 3. HIBS were twice behind in brilliant top-of-the-table Premier League encounter at K-Park, East Kilbride. Hayley Lauder scored from 20 yards on 22 minutes. Richards equalised four minutes later, and Arnot blasted the visitors ahead before the break. On the resumption, Fiona Brown curled home City’s equaliser, and the same player finished off a Fairlie cross (32). Four minutes from time, Arnot earned the Edinburgh club a share of the points. CONDORRAT 3, FINNART 0. SETBACK for the 1999 age group in the GADYFL championship race, but they remained top with 2 games left. WEST PARK 3, MARYHILL JUNIORS 4. UNDER-21 League. COUN-

prohibits the use of editorial content to promote a product when the trader has paid for the promotion without stating that it is an advertisement. Claims that a trader is ceasing

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TERS from Thomas Clark (2), Phil Duffy and Ross Fleming. MARYHILL JUNIORS 3, BISHOPTON 1. GLASGOW Cup Final at Shettleston. Thomas Clark gave the Under-21s a first half advantage. Michael MacKay and Phil Duffy had Bishopton under the cosh before the scoreline was reduced. CUMBERNAULD UNITED 1, PETERSHILL 1 (United won 5-3 on pens). UNITED continued their amazing penalty-kick shoot-out record with another success against Peasy in the Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup Third Round. Kieran Daw missed a 17th minute spot-kick before United’s Danny Boyle put through his own goal (47 mins). The same player equalised three minutes from time. THORNIEWOOD UNITED 3, ST ROCH 1. UNITED raced into a 3-0 lead in the same tourney (Quarter-Finals) after 16 minutes. Scorers: Brendan Smith, Brian Johnston and James O’Hara. Candy replied with a Baboucarr Mussa goal in the 66th minute. SHETTLESTON JUNIORS 1, YOKER ATHLETIC 0. TOWN completed their Super First Division programme with a win against Yoker. Chris McCormack goal in 14 minutes. ROB ROY lost 2-1 against Yoker in the next match - meaning SHETTLESTON are promoted (back-toback campaigns) alongside champions POLLOK JUNIORS into next season’s Stagecoach Super Premier Division. Well done to everyone involved at Greenfield Park. SC OLHANESE 1, PARTICK THISTLE 3. PORTUGAL has been the location for a young Jags squad consisting of Under- 19/20 players. Browns Sports Complex, Vilamoura, staged their friendly against the local professional team. Cassells opened the scoring after 37 minutes. Olhanese equalised with a 20 yarder but Cassells headed home an Irvine cross (53 mins). Leyden looped home a header 13 minutes from time, and two minutes later Marc Waters saved a penalty kick. WHIFFLET 0, MARYHILL BLACK STAR 2. NICE touch from the Coatbridge hosts, who pre-match organised a guard of honour and applauded SSMAFL Division One champions Star onto the park. Man of the Match John Coll. STIRLING UNIVERSITY 0,GLASGOW CITY F.C. 3. FIRST half goals from Denise O’Sullivan and Kerry Montgomery - both after great work by Fiona Brown - settled the Premier champions. Abbi Grant made it 3-0 with a curling shot. VALE OF CLYDE v BENBURB. Euroscot Engineering Central League Cup Third Round clash on Bank Holiday Monday called off after Bens could not field a team due to injuries.Tin Pail awarded the tie and drawn against Quarter-Final opponents Cumbernauld United.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

GENN

James Hardie Funeral Services

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS GLASGOW

Basic Funeral £2095 Shettleston Branch 1157-1159 Shettleston Road Glasgow, G32 7NB

Springburn Branch 333 Edgefauld Road Glasgow, G21 4XB

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HISTORY-MAKERS SET FOR CUP CLASH GLASGOW City F.C. will attempt to extend their history-making record in the SWF Scottish Cup on June 21. Last season’s 5-0 final hammering of Spartans Womens F.C. earned them a third successive domestic treble,but more importantly ensured they racked up three years in the national tourney without conceding a goal. Fiona Brown curled home the opening counter after 26 minutes. Denise O’Sullivan picked her spot to fire a second past Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison following fine play by Abbi Grant just before the interval. Brown made it 3-0 after Harrison could only parry a Susan Fairlie shot, and Jo Love crashed in the first of a double from the edge of the area before lobbing Harrison late on to complete their five-star display. Ironically, the recent Second Round draw made at Hampden Park for the 2015 campaign paired Spartans against the cup holders.

Given that Manager Debbi McCulloch’s squad suffered a 4-0 midweek Premier Division defeat on April 29. It is clear the East of Scotland club will have to come up with something special at Ainslie Park in just over

GOALKEEPERS to register for specialist summer coaching courses. Age Groups 12-17 years. Will include Boys’ Club, and senior ProYouth (signed or released). Contact 07403452960. BELLGROVE Amateur Football Club have organised pre-season sessions and trials for Adult-Aged players (all positions), Under-21 and Under-19 next season. Call 07821478779. BUDHILL Football Academy, an excellent S.F.A. Quality Mark set-up in the East End, are expanding their Girls’ set-up to cater for the following age groups. Under-15 – 07876128464. Under-13 - 07554232193. Under-11 – 07960344563. Under-9 07734919930. SHETTLESTON Juniors Kids Coaching Academy are looking for a goalkeeper born 2006. Interested parties should speak with them at the Social Club Reception Desk, Greenfield Park. BUDHILL Football Academy have a number of talented grassroots teams playing a variety of small-sided, non-competitive games, leading up to full 11-a-side football. Saturday morn-

ing and Sunday involvement. Born 2009 - 07515888624. Born 2008 - 07534522141. Born 2007 - 07412964163. Born 2005 07765538006. RANGERS SABC 2004 are poised to make the transition from 7-a-sde football to 11-a-sides next season, and want to sign players who have experience at that level. Training sessions take place at Townhead, and games are played at Toryglen Regional Football Centre. For more information, contact Gordon Andrews on 07715546236. FINNART B.C. seek a goalkeeper born 2004, who should have experienced 7-a-side football at club level. Trial periods will be extended to each applicant. Call Coach Gary Watson on 07570072426. JIMMY JOHNSTONE ACADEMY are preparing their squads for next season, and want to hear from players born 2002, 2003 and 2004. Training sessions are Monday and Thursday evenings, and will continue throughout the summer alongside trial outings and coaching. For more information, call Coach Kenny Butler on 07503876289.

Glasgow City F.C. have not conceded a goal in the SWF Scottish Cup over the past three years. Picture credit: Andy Buist. a fortnight’s time. Elsewhere in the competition, Glasgow City (SWFL) face the prospect of a third cup outing following Preliminary Round and First Round wins against Dunfermline Develop-

ment (6-0) and Westerlands (62) respectively. They have a tougher prospect looming at Hibernian. Partick Thistle, boosted by a double-figure victory at Stranraer, are off on their travels

again to Aberdeen Development. Talking of bus journeys, spare a thought for Glasgow Girls. They won 4-3 at Preliminary Round hosts Spartans Reserves, and followed that dis-

play by returning from Buchan Ladies with a well-deserved 3-1 victory. The second round ballot has pitched them on the road to Stonehaven There are 16 cup-ties scheduled for June 21. Other dates for the diary are: Third Round - August 9. Quarter-Finals - September 13, and Semi-Finals - October 11. Meanwhile, the draw for three other SWF Scottish Cup competitions will involve local clubs as follows. Under-17 Second Round Celtic 17s v Jeanfield Swifts; Boroughmuir Thistle v Glasgow City; Stonehaven v Rangers 17s. To be played August 15-16. Under-15 Third Round - Westdyke 14s v Glasgow Girls 14s; Rangers 15s v Boroughmuir Thistle; Celtic 15s v Hearts 15s; Westdyke Thistle v Glasgow City. Under-13 Third Round – Glasgow City Blacks v Cumbernauld Colts; Hutchison Vale v Glasgow Girls; Stenhousemuir v Glasgow City Orange.

PLAYERS WANTED ANNUAL MEETING BADMINTON BOOST

2 pairs of glasses for £49

ST ROCH Juniors are reminding members of their Annual General Meeting at James McGrory Park on Monday, June 8 (7pm).

Season tickets will also be on sale before and afterwards – full adult membership (£30), nonwage (£15), and free for anyone aged 16 and under.

REFEREES WANTED SUNDAY CENTRAL Amateur Football League are accepting entries from new and existing

clubs for season 2015-2016. Contact them at SundayCentral@live.co.uk

REGIONAL FINALS PETERSHILL Park will host the SYFA West Regional Cup

Finals on Saturday and Sunday (June 13/14).

HAMPDEN DATE SYFA West Region Annual General Meeting is booked for

FREE HOME EYE TESTS AVAILABLE

Hampden Park on Monday, June 15 at 7.15pm.

Duke Street

NEW adult Badminton Pay and Play sessions have started at Tollcross International Swimming Centre on a Tues-

day evening (6pm-9pm). With no requirement to book the coach-led stints, call 0141 276 8200 for more information.

PFA Scotland are drawing up a Player Availability List to help those released by the seniors find a new club in time for next season.

The list will feature goalkeepers, defenders, midfield players and strikers, according to Communications Officer Michelle Evans.

GLASGOW City F.C. will participate in the Holytown Colts Under-9 Festival on Sunday, June 14. Other competing clubs

are Holytown Colts Y.C., Bayside F.C., Bedley Community F.C. (2 teams), Hamilton Accies and EKFC.

AVAILABILITY LIST COLTS FESTIVAL

PRESENTATIONS

FINNART have confirmed two different age-group Player of the Year presentations. The Under-16s will be

Tollcross

465 Duke St G31 1RD

1014 Tollcross Road G32 8UW

0141 554 8886

0141 778 5662

(Next to Coia’s Cafe)

at Bridgeton Community Learning Centre on Saturday, June 6, and the same venue is hosting their Under-15 team on Sunday, June 14.

(Next to Greggs)

FREE EYE TESTS AVAILABLE SIMPLY CALL NEAREST BRANCH FOR APPOINTMENT

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