The GENN issue 160

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Glasgow East and North News

Next Edition 14th August 2015 PROUD TO BE SCOTTISH

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NAMED PERSON New child Legislation

GLASGOW PRIVATE HIRE Eastends Biggest & Best

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GENN Travel Holiday Ideas

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Local Sport Tom Scott with the latest news

GENN Music With Mark Johnson

Will GCC be next as North Lanarkshire Council called upon to give full disclosure on Mears deal?

ALAN Beveridge, a former SNP member who now sits as an independent in North Lanarkshire, called for “full disclosure” from local politicians who have family members who have found work with Mears or enjoyed hospitality from its executives.

His call comes after the council rewrote its contract with Mears Scotland to repair council homes in a move that cost at least £25m to the public purse.

The leader of North Lanarkshire Council, Labour’s Jim McCabe, has admitted he is a friend of the managing director of Mears Scotland, Willie Docherty, the husband of Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty. However, Mr McCabe has said his relationship with Mr Docherty, formerly head of Glasgow’s arm’s-length construction firm City Building, had no bearing on his views on the Mears contract.

However, Mr McCabe’s decision not to formally declare this friendship with both Mr Docherty HE Scottish Parliament and Mears executive Steve Kelly, has passed legislation to is now the subject of two formal appoint a ‘Named Person’ complaints to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public for every child in Scotland.

Do you understand what this Life. One is from Alan O’Brien, a means to YOU and YOUR CHILformer SNP councillor.

DREN/GRAND CHILDREN/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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NEICE/NEPHEW This means that there is a state official tasked with looking after a child’s “wellbeing”, that is, their “happiness.”

This state guardian will be put in place regardless of whether or

not children or parents wish to have one and regardless of whether there is any need for state intervention.

Confusingly, there are already Named Person pilot schemes in operation across Scotland, but the

legislation does not actually come into force until August 2016.

Named Persons are given some of the duties of parents. A Government leaflet says this includes having to check if children get a say in how their room is decorat-

ed and what they watch on TV. A Named Person will have the power to speak to a child, including about very personal issues, and provide information or advice – all without requiring parental consent.

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

The aim of THE GENN, is to encourage communities 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.”

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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.

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Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

Letters to the editor Dear Editor I have managed to get issue 159 and saw the front page and was pleased and relieved that my potential suspicions, on Glasgow City Council and their counsellors, was highlighted. I have long suspected that GCC was corrupt, dishonest and unreliable and most certainly not acting on behalf of the people they represent, so I do hope they are investigated as I would like to see a new non-Labour run council when the next elections come around.

Thank you for highlighting this subject and I hope you continue to keep us up to date with any developments.

Regards Ms C Robertson Dear Editor I would like to thank you for highlighting the probably corruption in Glasgow City Council. I have long suspected that GCC was corrupted, dishonest and unreliable and they certainly do not represent the people the way they should. I do hope they are investigated thoroughly like the Edinburgh council.

I look forward to seeing a new council in place next year at the local elections - for far too long now we have had a shockingly bad Labour run council and it is time for a change.

Please keep us updated on this issue.

Regards CR

Dear Editor, I am writing to ask you and your readers to join me in supporting the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Schools events.

You can take part in physical activity that is fun, rewarding and heart healthy. The activities will raise money for your school, as well as contribute to lifesaving research into heart disease.

I am urging schools in the Scotland to take part in a sponsored Skipathon or game of Ultimate Dodgeball in aid of the fight against heart disease.

These events promote the importance of maintaining a healthy heart through regular exercise whilst raising funds for the BHF’s lifesaving work into the fight against heart disease.

The scheme also allows schools and youth groups to keep 20% of the money they have raised, which they can put towards new equipment and resources to benefit their children.

Last year, BHF’s school events raised over an amazing £711,221. This year, we want to top this total and with your help we can.

Heart and circulatory conditions are responsible for nearly 15,000 deaths in the Scotland each year, that’s over 40 people every single day. We are asking people of the Scotland to sign up today and help the BHF to continue to save lives.

To find out more and to signup, visit bhf.org.uk/schoolsevent Yours faithfully, Beth Tweddle, Olympic gymnast Dear Editor You have always kept us upto date with the courses available at Kelvin Colege? Why do you no longer advertise these courses to the community and keep us informed as you used to do, I think it is unfair on those of us who don’t use computers to be discriminated against when wanting to keep abreast of possibilities in our area. We need the GENN to tell us these things and ask you once again advertise learning opportunities in our education system.

Faithfully yours Mary Jayne Murphy Dear Editor I write because I want to say what a great writer Doctor Don is his political column is both interesting and informative and is written in such a way that it is easy for the refer to understand and follow. Keep up the good work Grace Adams Springboig Dear Editor I write regarding your front page editorial in issue 159.

The accusations you make are baseless and presented with

no evidence whatsoever.

If you have any evidence to support the very serious allegations you make you should present it to Police Scotland.

In the absence of that evidence I have to insist that you retract the accusations you have made and that you print this retraction.

If you do not retract these allegations I will refer this matter to the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

Yours Faithfully Colin Edgar Head of Communication and Service Development Glasgow City Council The Editor replies I see now what you are referring to, it would be inappropriate to print or name names as we say in the article it is heavily rumoured, we have in the past 12months received allegations against the same councillors and the same companies from a good numbered sources. It is not our intention to make direct allegations, we allow our volunteers to write articles, such as the one we discuss, which have been reported by readers and deserve the public to consider.

I am sure that like Lanark council Glasgow council has nothing to hide and can accept that people see various situations and or people, put 2 and 2 together and make 5.

I will print your mail and re-

tract any implications towards any individuals either business or council Regards Greig Dear Editor Thanks for taking the time to consider my emails. I do understand that, like any big organisation, people will sometimes make unsubstantiated claims about the council. I completely accept that. My concern is that for many people, the fact that you have published those claims will lead them to believe they are true regardless.

As I say, thanks for taking the time to consider this.

Colin Edgar Head of Communication and Service Development Glasgow City Council Dear editor I would like to give my opinionon Mr McGarry.

My husband was under his care for four years and in all

that time was shown and treated with care and utmost respect by the professor and his staff.

They could not have done enough for him. They give their patience all the time that they need making sure they have all their needs in hospital and at home.

I do know where Mr Maclachlan is coming from but all I can say is let Mr McGarry get on with what he does best.

When you met other people under Mr McGarry’s care they all have nothing but praise for him and his staff.

Get on with your life Mr McLachlan and give thanks that you wake up in the morning and instead of trying to blacken someone’s good name do some good with your time.

Mr McGarry and his team are one of the best the NHS have and we’ve got to make sure we keep them.

Mrs H Brown Glasgow

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GENN CRAIGEND COMMUNITY Full disclosure on Mears deal YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Another is from a serving SNP councillor, Julie McAnulty. Mr McCabe has always denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Beveridge said the SNP had been “conspicuous in their silence” on the Mears contract.

Opposition leader David Stocks denied this. He said: “The SNP group has nothing to hide.

We are concerned with this contract but we are also concerned about the jobs of 600 workers and apprentices at Mears.”

Labour is divided over the contract. Tommy Morgan, a veteran councillor, is suing the party after being sacked from his post as internal watchdog after raising concerns over Mears. A source in Glasgow City council said the hope was that there was nothing untoward in Glasgow City Councils dealings with Mears. The issue, we at The GENN understand, flared up at other Labour group meetings last week, this coming after the party suffer other by-election setbacks The Commissioner’s office does not comment on ongoing investigations. We understand enquiries in to Mr McCabe’s conduct are at a very early stage.

News of its work emerged as council officials and other parties were contacted by investigators a source in the City reported this us.

CRAIGEND Community Youth Group held a fundraiser at Garthamlock/Craigend Gala day run by FARE and supported by GHA. They would like to thank both for the opportunity to take part in this local community event.

Their volunteers gave up their time to run a stall and sell the wares that the young people and volunteer who attend our

youth clubs and the volunteer youth workers they help to provide, made.

The volunteers who gave up their time on the Gala day were Jacqueline McDevitt ­(coordinator), Linda Cowan, Julie and Rachel McCallum, Stephen Bradley (transporter) young volunteers Kieran, Ben, Morgan, Erin. They raised a fantastic £150.00 for Craigend Community Youth Group.

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Come and try Cuningar Loop FOREST Enterprise Scotland’s £5.7 million Cuningar Loop project that is transforming 15 hectares of derelict land on the banks of the River Clyde into an attractive woodland park is holding a series of special events ahead of its grand opening in 2016.

Sitting opposite to the new residential development, The Village, previously the Athlete’s Village, Cuningar Loop is just off Downiebrae Road by Dalmarnock Bridge and close to Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Farme Cross.

When finished, Cuningar

Forge Market Village undergoing refurbishment and still open for business.

Phase 1 now complete Hair City, Candy Skullz Tattooist, Charlie’s Butchers, Daughters Cafe, Sharon’s hairdressers and Benson’s Cafe all newly refurbished. We are looking to have new phases complete and released by 10th August too. Units available for rent just now, all enquiries welcome.

Loop will feature an extensive path network, an Activity Zone, a boardwalk that runs along the River Clyde along with picnic areas, a large meadow and outdoor classroom.

Three events will take place throughout August and September to give visitors the chance to come and try the Activity Zone which features a bike skills park, bouldering park, adventure play and woodland workout.

The bike skills park has been designed for mountain biking, BMX and dirt jump bikes and

will accommodate entry level cyclists and skilled users. It features four tracks: a balance track, beginners track, improvers track and pump track for advanced cyclists.

Set to be Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park, there are nine boulders with various technical features including slabs, vertical walls, overhangs, shallow grooves, arêtes, corners and flakes to suit absolute beginners right up to experienced climbers.

The adventure play has a central design and range of smaller play items to create

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0141 778 7188 815 SHETTLESTON ROAD 0141 778 0578 challenging play activities for children and young people. It is suitable for a range of ages and abilities with the purpose of encouraging children to get involved in self led play, testing their own boundaries.

The main areas of the site have been completed, including the major ground works, the boulevard and boardwalk, the path network, planting and outdoor classroom. The next big piece of work to take place is the design and build of Cuningar footbridge.

Event information: Come and Try Bike - Sunday 23rd August, 12pm – 4pm Come and Try Climb - Sunday 30th August, 12pm – 4pm Come and Try Adventure

Play and Arts - Sunday 20th September, 12pm – 4pm Joneen continues: “If you have a bike or climbing shoes, please bring them along. If

you don’t have a bike don’t worry, there will be some bikes for you to use. Come dressed to play and if it’s raining on the day, we’ll still be there.”

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Boost in Glasgow Apprenticeships MODERN Apprenticeships, a great opportunity for young people aged between 16 and 24 to build their skills whilst earning money; have witnessed a 45% increase in Glasgow since 2007.

Modern Apprenticeships give young people the chance to take on responsibility and gain experience with the prospect of a fulltime job afterwards. Every year the number of young people on Modern Apprenticeships is continuing to increase, giving thousands more young people the skills they need to enter the workforce.

SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris said: “The increasing number of Modern Apprenticeships both locally and across Scotland is brilliant news for young people.

This increase also highlights how effective the Scottish Government has been since 2007, in ensuring the next generation of workers are ready for the world of work. We have a Scottish Government that is committed to up skilling and empowering our youth.”

Nationally the number of Modern Apprenticeships has increased from around 15,000 to over 25,000. This means that the SNP Government actually exceed their original target of 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships per year, every single year since 2011. In total the SNP have delivered more than 170,800 Modern Apprenticeships since 2007.

Modern Apprenticeships have also been successful in getting

more women into traditionally male dominated careers.

In 2008 there were less than 3,000 women starting Modern Apprenticeships but since then the number of women starting Modern Apprenticeships has risen to over 10,000.

Bob Doris added: “When Scotland receives powers, Scotland uses them effectively. The Success that the Scottish Government has had in increasing the number of young people on Modern Apprenticeships, suggests that more powers, such as powers over minimum wage and tax credits should also be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The SNP would like powers over minimum wage to be devolved to Scotland, which would see the minimum wage for apprenticeships rise from £2.73 per hour, to £6.86 by 2020. This potential pay rise would encourage even more young people into Modern Apprenticeships.

More Modern Apprenticeships mean more young people will be given the chance to get into fulltime work, gain skills and secure better futures. The Scottish Government has increased its target to 30,000 by the year 2020, and provided a further £3.8 million of funding to make that a reality.

“I’d urge any young person who would be interested in doing a modern apprenticeship or would like other careers advice to get in contact with Skills Development Scotland by calling 0800 917 8000 or visit their site Apprenticeships.scot”

TEA DANCES SUMMER FUN GREATER Easterhouse Supporting Hands (GESH) are looking for people to participate in tea dances every Wednesday.

The senior citizens’ lunch club takes place between 12 noon and 3pm, followed by a tea dance.

More information is available by calling 0141 774 7261.

HEALTHY LIVING NORTH Glasgow Healthy Living Community are organising a parent/young child programme called, “Summer on a Budget” every Wednesday.

Help is given on saving money, cooking healthy food and providing affordable family meals.

Email: lorraine@healthynortglasgow.co.uk or phone 0141 336 7000.

BARMULLOCH Community Centre has been busy hosting a programme of summer fun activities.

The centre, based at Wallacewell Quadrant, is encouraging local people to join their Wednesday and Thursday sessions through to July 30.

Book in advance by contacting them on 0141 276 0875.

DONATIONS THANK-YOU ST ROCH Juniors would like to thank everyone who donated items of clothing and helped raise over £200 at at the game before Saturday’s home friendly against Port Glasgow Juniors.

All proceeds have gone to See The Invisibles, an independent group committed to helping homeless charities in Glasgow.

STI provide sleeping bags, clothing and toiletries for rough sleepers.

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON SHETTLESTON INCIDENT EMERGENCY services were called to a disturbance at Budhill Avenue in Shettleston around 6.45pm on Tuesday 28th July after A 40-year-old man had an attempt made on his life in Glasgow’s east end.

The 40yr old found with serious injuries was taken to hospital and is currently in a

Love Food Hate Waste cooking clubs to help Glasgow families save up to £470 per year

stable condition. Medical staff describe his condition as stable. The incident is being treated as attempted murder and significant police inquiries are continuing.”Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information is asked to contact police on 101.”

21 NEW community cooking clubs in Glasgow are getting ready to launch their first sessions to help families slash the amount of food they throw away.

Cookery club classes based in Govan, Baillieston, Springburn, Govanhill, Partick and other areas across the city will teach people how to cook healthy meals from scratch, make the most of left-overs, how to portion and store food efficiently and to shop more smartly.

With food waste costing the average family in Scotland £39 every month, skills such as meal planning, understanding date labels , food storage, being savvy with portion sizes and using leftovers all play a big part in keeping food bills down.

The clubs are part of Love Food Hate Waste’s 10 Cities campaign to encourage Glasgow residents to do one thing differently to reduce food waste. Each club, trained by

the Children’s Food Trust, will show more than 100 adults and children in how to cook more and waste less.

Ylva Haglund from Love Food Hate Waste Scotland says; “No-one sets out to waste food. Busy lifestyles and changing plans mean good food sometimes ends up going to waste. When left with a few odd items in the back of the fridge, it takes a bit of skill and confidence to be able to make them into something tasty. These free cookery classes offer practical hints and tips to help us all to waste less food and save more money.”

Maggie Sims, Head of Cookery for the Children’s Food Trust, says: “One of the best things about learning to cook is feeling able to make simple ingredients go much further, use up leftovers and get creative.”

Glasgow is one of the 10 UK Cities launching cooking sessions for families, with up to 5,000 people expected to take part in classes across the country between now and March 2016.

Anyone wanting to join a local club session should email LFHW@childrensfoodtrust.org.uk, stating the name of the city in which they’d like to find a club.

Ice creams and summer dreams for Quarriers’ kids as they hit Prestwick beach QUARRIERS, one of Scotland’s largest social care charities, treated children and families from its Family Centre in Ruchazie to a day of seaside fun at Prestwick beach.

The outing was the latest in a jampacked summer of terrific trips organised by the charity ranging from roller discos and trampoline parks, to picnics on the beach. Thanks to Quarriers and the donations pledged from generous individuals, almost 900 vulnerable children have been given the chance to enjoy happy summer memories.

Quarriers’ 2015 Summer Appeal was launched in May with the aim of giving as many children as possible positive experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Those who have benefitted from the campaign have included young carers, children living in poverty, young people who require residential support and youngsters with disabilities. A number of Quarriers’ services across Scotland are enjoying the Appeal this summer including those in Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Ayrshire, Falkirk, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Fiona Nicolson, Head of Children and Young People Services, Quarriers said: “These trips are a highlight not only for the children but also for the staff at Quarriers themselves. It’s fan-

tastic to see so many smiling faces in one place!

“Being able to take young people on these excursions really is brilliant.

Without the generous contributions made, children and families supported

by Quarriers wouldn’t have the opportunity to create these lasting memories as even a simple trip to the beach can be beyond their means.

“What’s more important than fun filled outings in your holidays? The children go back to school with great stories to tell their friends and memories to reminisce on when the darker nights draw in.

“This year we’ve reached a real milestone with Quarriers giving its largest ever number of children and families a day away. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this possible, we couldn’t have done this without you and your generous contributions.”

As well as days out, Quarriers offers young people long-term guidance and support, helping to transform their lives.

The charity provides mentoring and life coaching, support groups, activities and befriending services. This helps children to build their confidence, keep up their education, and make friends who understand what they are going through, paving the way for a better future.

5

GENN ONCE IN A BLUE MOON ON July 31st, there will be a “blue moon,” visible from anywhere on Earth where the sun goes down.

You’ve probably heard the saying “once in a blue moon” more times than you can count and it might bring to mind images of a night sky with a shiny blue moon, or the enticing flavor of Blue Moon beer. What is less commonly known is where this saying comes from and what a blue moon actually is.

What is a Blue Moon?

Contrary to its name, a blue moon is not actually blue. Occasionally the moon appears to have a blue hint to it, which only occurs when there are certain types of dust particles scattered throughout the atmosphere that create blue light. Generally, volcanic activity causes this, which explains why people reported seeing a blue colored moon after El Chichón’s eruption in Mexico in 1983.

Blue moons are actually defined in the Gregorian calendar as being the second full moon in a month. Normally there is one full moon a month

because a lunation(time it takes for one lunar cycle to be complete) is 29.53 days.

However, with 365.24 days in a year, the number of lunations per year averages to 12.37, which means that every two or three years there is a month with a second moon, called a blue moon.

Because the moon was also full on July 1, July 31’s full moon will be a blue moon.

Origin of the Expression The saying “once in a blue moon” originated in Britain around the 16th century to describe something absurd that would most likely never happen, since the thought of the moon being the color blue seemed ridiculous to most people. Slowly the expression evolved into meaning a rare event.

Snakes alive! Care staff are bringing some special therapy to residents IT’S not every day you get to take your pet to work – particularly if it’s a Royal Python.

But that’s exactly what the staff at Loretto Care’s Fullarton Service in Glasgow’s Tollcross did.

And it was all to provide the 20 residents, who are recovering from alcohol-related brain damage, with the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

Research has shown animal-assisted therapy can improve mood, lower blood pressure and increase physical activity.

Joining Buddy the Royal Python at the Fullarton animal therapy day this week were a number of other friendly animals including Freddy the pug, a pair of Hungarian Viszlas and a Labrador cross called Marley.

It’s the second animal therapy event the staff have held this summer.

Fullarton Manager Marshal McDowall, who brought his Hungarian Viszlas ‘AnneCa’ and ‘Willow’, said: “Some residents are totally different when the dogs are around. One told me they prefer dogs to humans because they’re uncomplicated and give unconditional love. The im-

pact these pet therapy days have is astonishing.”

Staff Nurse Jane Cook said: “It’s easy to see the impact the animals are having on the people here at Fullarton.

“They’re all coming together, socialising, smiling and getting involved. We are gathering evidence showing how the animals are improving the quality of their lives.”

“Research has shown that having a pet improves your mood, keeps you active and makes you more sociable.”

The animal therapy events are proving so successful that two staff are now training in ‘Assisted Animal Intervention’ so they can share the benefits with other Loretto Care facilities.

Jane and Support Assistant Carlyn Kelly, who owns Buddy the Royal Python, start training in October. Their course in Animal Assisted Intervention will teach them the principles of animal assisted therapy, how to choose the right animal for the client and animal welfare.

Jane hopes her training will allow her to help residents pick a pet when they leave the Fullarton Service to live independently in their own home.

Resident Lynn Bremner enjoying pet therapy with Buddy the Royal Python.

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Macmillan Cycletta Pedals Past Palace on Route to Cycling Success AROUND 450 female cyclists crossed the start line for Macmillan Cycletta Scotland Sunday 19th July, embracing Scotland’s slightly unseasonal Summer weather and setting off on a variety of courses ranging from 20km - 150km from the inspirational grounds of Scone Palace in Perthshire. The event was formally opened by Liz Grant, Provost of Perth & Kinross.

For one participant, Melanie Hurley, what started as an activity to take her mind off things while undergoing radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer, this weekend’s Macmillan Cycletta Scotland marked the half way point in her half megametre challenge which will see her take part in all six Macmillan Cycletta events across the UK. Over the course of the events she will cycle a distance of 500km (half a megametre), using her mighty pedal power to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support who supported her during her gruelling treatment. Her half way bid, which also marked her first ever visit to Scotland, was supported by Scottish cycling business Wheels Cycling Centre in Callander, who lent her a road bike for her Scottish leg of the challenge.

Melanie commented: “Cycling helped build my confidence back up and I really enjoyed taking my mind off the treatment. Then I decided to sign up for a 25 mile charity bike ride that was exactly 25 days after I finished treatment.

I think I was hooked after that! I wanted a challenge that made people think, oh

my God, she’s crazy! More importantly, I wanted to encourage people to donate to Macmillan because what would I have done if they hadn’t been there for me?”

Commenting on the event, Liz Grant said: “This is the third year that Macmillan Cycletta has returned to the stun-

ning surroundings of Scone Palace and, despite the inclement Summer weather, there was a real buzz amongst the participants. Proving us Scotswomen are a hardy bunch! It was a real honour to mark the start of the third event and watch everyone spin off into the Perth-

shire and Angus countryside on two wheels.”

Following the success of this event which saw more than 500 participants cross the start line, ladies can check out www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling for details of next year’s event.

Gillian Daly from event organisers Human Race, said: “We are absolutely delighted with how well the event went this weekend. Everyone was in good spirits in the grounds of Scone Palace and it was fantastic to see so many ladies crossing the finish line with proud smiles. Feedback has been extremely positive with everyone commenting on the stunning scenery on the route and the glorious atmosphere.”

“We’d like to extend our thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support, Perth & Kinross Council, and the many sponsors involved in the event who contribute to ensuring it is a fantastic experience for cyclists.”

Official charity partner of the Macmillan Cycletta Series, Macmillan Cancer Support, had a few hundred cyclists raising funds at Sunday’s event. Macmillan Cycletta is supported by the leading women’s bike brand Liv. Liv were also on hand at the event offering mechanical support on the course to help get participants to the finish line as well as rewarding all finishers with a bumper Liv goodie bag to celebrate their achievement.

Shirlie Geddes from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We have loved being a part of this amazing event and seeing all the cyclists cross the finish line. We’re especially proud of all the cyclists who have completed today’s challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

For more information visit: www.humanrace.co.uk/cycletta

FAMILIES INVITED TO STEP UP FOR CHARITY AT ST. ENOCH CENTRE’S TODDLE WADDLE FAMILIES are being invited to take a step towards building a new hospice for Glasgow by joining St. Enoch Centre’s annual Toddle Waddle.

The Glasgow shopping destination is hosting the funfilled sponsored walk, aimed at under 5s, on Sunday 30th August to raise funds for The

Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

The Toddle Waddle is open to all toddlers and under 5’s and will take place in the comfort of the shopping centre. Hamley’s famous Hatty Bear will lead the way and toddlers can dress up as their favourite character, superhero or princess to add to the

excitement of the day.

Every child who takes part will receive fantastic funfilled goody bag and certificate for participating and raising funds for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice provides palliative care and support for patients and families with life

limiting illnesses in Glasgow.

Anne Ledgerwood, General Manager at St. Enoch Centre, said: “We are proud to support The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and the Toddle Waddle is a fun way for our younger shoppers and their families to help this very worthwhile charity.”

Rhona Bailie, Chief Exec-

utive for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice said: “We’re are thrilled that St. Enoch Centre is supporting our Foundations Appeal.

Each tiny step taken by the children who participate in Toddle Waddle will help us to become a step closer to laying the foundations of care for the next generation of

patients and their families in Glasgow.”

To register for the Toddle Waddle and receive a free fundraising and information pack, simply email enquiries@st-enoch.co.uk, visit www.st-enoch.com, or collect a registration form from the Customer Information Desk on the ground floor.

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Active East Legacy in action 1 year on from XX 2014 Commonwealth Games

WHILE celebrating 1 year since the Commonwealth Games came to Glasgow team Active East have been reflecting back and taking stock of all that has been achieved. Since the award winning Legacy programme launched in February 2013 Active Champions have given 14,500 volunteer hours, volunteering across 39 partner youth and sport organisations based in the North East of Glasgow.

The enthusiasm of each of the 84 Active Champions and mentors has known no bounds.

They are absolutely committed to providing great quality physical activity opportunities for other young people and have each embarked upon a fantastic journey of personal develop-

ment, supported by Rohanna Irvine, Active East’s incredible youth development coordinator.

They all complete individualised programmes of training and awards which differs depending on their age, experience, ability and interests.

Jacqueline Anderson was recruited to Active East during the games as she took part in the closing ceremony with friends who were already Active Champions. Since joining she has taken every opportunity offered to her, is volunteering weekly at a girls only Judo project in South Camlachie as well as with Shettleston Harriers and has recently been accepted to Glasgow Kelvin College to study sports coaching, something she had never

dreamed of. Talking about the impact of the games she said: “I feel the games has had such a lasting legacy in our city and really changed the way people see sport and physical activity, for me personally it has made a huge impact as I feel through the inspiration and opportunities throughout the times of the games it’s really helped me decide what Industry I would like to work in” She went to talk about Rohanna saying: “Rohanna is an absolute star! She does her very best every time to offer us so many amazing opportunities and she’s a definite role model to us all.”

The games coming to the East End was the catalyst for Active East being created and supported by The Robertson Trust, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery. In the run up to the games young people were consulted by the legacy and engagement team from the 2014 organising committee, during the games they all had tickets to events as well as carrying the baton as part of the relay, media interviews and getting to meet stars. Immediately post games a selection of Active Champions took part in an exchange visit to North Tyneside and volunteered at the Great North Run, they then organised a multi-sport event at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow for young people to come and try out sports avail-

able to them locally. This momentum has continued, Active Champions have been involved in each small grant funded activity supported by Active East and since the programme kicked off over £150,000 has been distributed to groups in the North East for new physical activity or staff training. 1 year on from the games Active East are working with local organisation PEEK and will be delivering a fun pop up sports day in the athlete’s village on 5th August, fun free and promoting activity available locally. There will also be another October multi-sport event happening during the school holidays at Wellhouse Sports Hub for children and young people to come and have a day of sport and activity, all facilitated by Active Champions and local organisations.

Ian Reid OBE Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures said: “The huge success of the Active East programme has been ensuring the process is truly young person led. The significant motivation of the games coupled with the support network of the Active East team and partners has created a community of young goal setters. Young people in Glasgow’s East End who understand the meaning of legacy and have the ability to think beyond the here and now and look forward to the future. The 2014 Games

has played no small part in encouraging this young community to fulfil their potential and we are delighted to have been and continue to be a part of that journey”.

Keep up to date with all Active East activity on www.active-east.co.uk. Chris Hoy said during games time to a group of Active Champions during

an audience with him at BBC at the Quay “keep up the hard work, it’s you guys who will be creating the legacy”. It is the aim of the programme to continue working in partnership to ensure young people in the North East fulfil their potential through the power of sport. It’s already evident they are doing Sir Hoy proud.

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Springburn Park Festival Fun for All the Family

It has been fantastic for our daughter to have something to do during the summer holiday period as we are a working family and it can be difficult to keep her amused.

It also encouraged her to socialise with others.

SPRINGBURN Park was the setting last Sunday for a Festival Day out for all the family with almost 2,000 people in attendance taking part in all the activities on offer.

There was much to see and do on the day from handling wild owls, bungee jumping, face painting, arts and crafts, smoothie bike, carnival games and inflatables. There was also a whole host of stalls, providing information about community groups and others offering goods creating a market style atmosphere. The day also featured local talent who performed on the main stage. The event ran from 12-4pm and the weather held up for most of the afternoon.

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

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

The Festival was organised by Platform and supported by a number of organisations including ng homes who delivered, with their partners, free sports activities, information about the housing association and gave people the chance to make their own smoothie on the smoothie bike.

Board member of ng homes Richard Porter was excited to be a part of the day and said: “It was a great day and events like the festival day in Springburn and the upcoming gala day in Possilpark are a brilliant example of community spirit and make North Glasgow a great place to live and work�.

Website: www.nghomes.net @ng_homes

ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association

Possilpark (West) Saracen House, 139 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5AZ Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005

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Summer Camp 2015 Keppoch Campus FOR the third year running ng homes organised a summer activity programme for over 70 local children at Keppoch Campus this Summer over a period of five weeks during the school holidays.

With the support of Young Peoples Futures, Active Schools, Partick Thistle Football club and ng homes community regeneration projects children took part in a wide range of activities such as football, dance, sports, art and community clean ups.

Their parents were quick to offer their views on the activity programme saying: “This year’s camp has been excellent. My daughter has taken part in many activities she would otherwise not have been able to do. Kayaking, skateboarding and lots more. Many thanks. Keep up the great work.”

Likewise, the children had lots to say including “I liked the rollerskating and making new friends” and “we enjoyed the dancing and artwork – it was great”.

Sports Legacy Co-ordinator, Greg Cann, heavily supported the programme and was a big hit with the children.

On the final day of the programme the children celebrated with a party and received certificates from ng homes Chairperson, John Fury.

He also presented a number of volunteers and Youth Leaders with awards for helping out over the past five weeks.

He said: “It’s great that we were able run this event for a third year supported by our partners and Keppoch Campus. I was delighted to share in the fun of the summer camp and meet all the children, they thoroughly deserve their certificates. “ Regeneration Manager for ng homes Margaret Layden said: “We would like to thank all of those who helped out over the past five weeks, our staff and volunteers and staff from other organisations and to Keppoch Campus for being such great hosts.”

Now summer camp is over for another year what else is there to do?

Well, this coming Wednesday 5th August a FREE event is being held at Keppoch Campus to celebrate National Play Day. Its on from 11 – 3 p.m. and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. There will be a variety of activities for all the family.

Well, this is my kids third year at Summer Camp and they still really love all the activities and all the staff are great. Gold stars all round.

I think Summer Camp has helped my child a lot with meeting friends, doing things for himself

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL NG STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS.

This year’s camp has been excellent. My daughter has taken part in many activities she would otherwise not have been able to do. Kayaking, skateboarding and lots more. She has really enjoyed herself and the staff have been amazing.

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

I think the summer camp is a great programme for kids as there isn’t a lot of kids to play with in my area.

I think though, it could be longer than two days.

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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DVLA extends driving licence code to 21 days GOOD news for those planning to hire a car on their holidays: the DVLA has extended the window for the new driving licence code from just three days to three weeks.

The government scrapped the paper counterpart last month in a bid to save money, meaning most of your information is now stored online.

Of course, the counterpart was required by many car hire firms, so you now have to download a code to hand over instead (note some firms are happy to just accept your photo licence, so make sure you check with your specific company first).

Given that the code was only valid for 72 hours, you had to make sure it was one of the last things you did before flying off or risk having it expire. By extending this period to 21 days, it’ll hopefully make the process far less rushed.

A welcome move “The abolition of the paper counterpart of the British driving licence has caused the chaos we predicted, particular-

ly for drivers hiring cars overseas.

“The announcement is wonderful news and should help resolve some of the teething problems. This means that travellers generating the code before they leave the UK will not have to complete the same process again if they don’t hire a car immediately.

“However, the second issue that the DVLA still hasn’t addressed is the fact that drivers need to use their National Insurance number to generate the code. This is a piece of information that many people do not have to hand, particularly when they travel.

“To truly simplify this service, the DVLA should rethink the information required to generate the code without compromising security. There’s definitely an argument that going forward more research and testing should be done before a major policy change is implemented.”

If you cannot get a code online then you can call DVLA on 0300 083 0013.

Aspiring fashion designer PETROL from Baillieston hopes to be PRICE WAR the next Vera Wang

THE prospect of a price war on the forecourts of Glasgow filling stations has increased after Morrisons cut diesel prices for the second time in a fortnight.

The move comes just days after criticism from the AA that fuel retailers had been “plundering” diesel car drivers by up to 6p a litre.

Wholesale diesel prices have been 2p below petrol for the last six weeks, so it will be of great relief to motorists that forecourt prices are starting to reflect the difference.

The Morrisons price makes diesel cheaper than petrol for the first time in 14 years.

Since January 2014 wholesale diesel prices have fallen by 44% to around $535 (£343) per tonne. But over the same period, prices at the pump are down just 14%.

The fall in wholesale prices can be attributed to weak demand across Europe twinned with an increase in diesel refining capacity.

The days after George Osborne’s summer budget, in which he announced the freezing of fuel duty, the big four supermarkets on average trimmed 2p per litre off the price of diesel across their combined 1,400 filling stations.

According to the website PetrolPrices.com, the average cost of a litre of diesel at a UK filling station on Thursday 16th July was 118.21p, while the lowest available price was 112.9p. The highest price offered was 134.9p per litre.

Although diesel cars only comprise 37% of all cars in UK, half of all new cars sold in cities are diesel.

“This is a milestone in motoring and many younger drivers won’t remember the last time that diesel prices were lower than unleaded.

A small number of Morrison’s 336 petrol stations will still see diesel prices higher than petrol ones as a result of “local competitive factors”.

Anne McTaggart MSP - Rising Rents Must Be Tackled SCOTTISH Labour MSP for Glasgow Anne McTaggart has called for rising private sector rents to be tackled by new laws.

Information released by letting agents Your Move this week show the average rent in Glasgow and Clyde standing at a new high of £570.

National figures from the research also show a spike in landlord returns, and more tenants struggling to pay their rent on time.

Glasgow MSP backs banning rip off rent rises, and supported Scottish Labour proposals to the Housing (Scotland) Act last year to deliver them, only to see them blocked by the SNP Government.

With over 36,000 renters in Glasgow city Anne McTaggart has said that the SNP Government should admit they got it wrong and revisit Labour’s plans.

Scottish Labour MSP for Glasgow Anne McTaggart said: “These new figures show Landlords making more whilst more tenants struggle, the SNP Government in Edinburgh cannot continue to turn a blind eye to rent reform. The 36,000 private renters in Glasgow deserve better than that.

“We need to reform the private rental sector to make it work for everyone, rather than simply act as a cash cow for landlords it needs to serve families unable to get a foot on the property ladder or access to social housing.

“I back Scottish Labour plans to ban rip off rent rises.

This is about making the system fit for purpose. When the SNP opposed our plans last year they sided with Tories and bad landlords, rather than with tenants in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

AN aspiring fashion designer from Baillieston is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Vera Wang, Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs after showcasing a stylish wedding dress she designed at a fashion show.

Emma Hendrie, who studies HND Fashion Technology at Glasgow Clyde College, has spoken of her pride at showing off her design to industry experts and members of the public at the event, which took place the Barras Art and Design Centre in Glasgow.

The 19-year-old former Bannerman High School pupil, who opted to model the

dress on the catwalk herself, said: “I’d love to work for a big designer but my main goal is to actually own my own fashion business and become one of them myself. I’d love to be as successful as Karl Lagerfeld or Marc Jacobs as I really admire them.

“Having never made a formal dress before, I was very nervous and slightly overwhelmed when my lecturers first told us about the project. However, I absolutely loved making my dress and would definitely do it again. I wanted to design an elegant, timeless dress so I decided to

make one without any lace or beading on it. I took a lot of my inspiration from Vera Wang as she is, in my eyes, the most renowned bridal wear designer.”

Emma continued: “The modelling part of the show was very nerve-wracking for me – I think I’ll stick to designing in the future!”

Jacqueline Farrell, Head of School of Fashion, Textiles and Jewellery at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “Emma and her fellow students put so much effort into the fashion shows and they ran like clockwork as a result.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ gennnews

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The Nature of Paedophilia THREE years on from the murder of their daughter April Jones by paedophile Mark Bridger, her parents Coral and Paul are calling for help to be given to paedophiles to stop them offending. Perhaps surprising views given their loss, but should we be giving this idea a lot more thought?

And how can we stop child abuse by paedophiles when we understand very little about them?

BBC health correspondent Matthew Hill looks at the subject from a scientific point of view and examines what we do know about paedophilia.

Matthew considers whether our collective revulsion of paedophiles is getting in the way of preventing child sexual abuse. If they were less vilified, would they be more willing to seek help and would this prevent offences being committed? With exclusive access to two paedophiles, Matthew finds out what it is like to be seen by society as a monster and what support is available in the UK. And if paedophilia is a medical condition that needs our understanding, should we not be investing more in preventa-

tive treatment? The NSPCC and police service think so and believe we need to adopt a public health approach. The programme also speaks to “Don’t Offend”, a unique prevention project taking place in Germany.

Stop it Now! UK and Ireland works to protect children and prevent child sexual abuse. Their helpline offers confidential advice, information and support to anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and helps callers take the action that is in the best interests of children.

The helpline is available to any adult who has concerns relat-

ing to child sexual abuse. This includes those who are concerned that an adult or child they know is sexually abusing a child, or is at risk of doing so; is concerned about their own thoughts or behaviour towards children, including an interest in child pornography; or is a parent or carer of a child whose sexual behaviour or interests they find worrying.

Freephone Helpline: 0808 1000 900 Email: help@stopitnow. org.uk (emails received are anonymised to preserve confidentiality and they aim to respond within 3-5 days) www.stopitnow.org.uk

Doune The Rabbit Hole to showcase an array of festival food and drink

DOUNE The Rabbit Hole, one of Scotland’s most intimate music and arts festivals, is celebrating Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink in style by inviting some of the country’s most unique and diverse food and drink companies to showcase their produce at this year’s three day event.

The festival, which runs from August 21st-23rd, is hosting an array of local food and drink vendors celebrating cuisines from all over the world including authentic Japanese food from Edinburgh-based Harajuku Kitchen and handmade sour dough traditional pizzas from Kingussie’s street food vendor, Woodburns Espresso Pizza. Drink will be supplied

by Thistly Cross, the award winning Scottish Farmhouse Cider from Dunbar and Glaswegian craft beer makers, Williams Bros Brewing Co. who brew the popular ‘Fraoch’ Heather Ale. Other food vendors include Haggis Haggis, Wild Rover Food, Colin’s Coffee and Tchai-Ovna - a speciality tea house in Glasgow. Musical acts performing at the festival include a host of both Scottish and International talent including San Francisco indie band Deerhoof and Shooglenifty, an Edinburgh Celtic Fusion band.

With an event capacity of only 1000, Doune The Rabbit Hole organisers pride themselves on being one of the country’s smallest festivals,

giving the event a uniquely intimate and friendly atmosphere.

Jamie Murray, Director of Doune The Rabbit Hole community Interest Group said: “This festival provides an opportunity to showcase Scottish music and arts talent, but is also a brilliant opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible food and drink produced on our doorstep. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever with a fantastic line up of musical talent, arts and crafts stalls and classes to experience and lots of family friendly activities for the kids to enjoy too. The sense of community-spirit is what makes Doune The Rabbit Hole so special and seeing so many amazing examples of Scottish culture in one place is very exciting.”

Additional funding from EventScotland, a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, has enabled Doune The Rabbit Hole to extend their offering this year.

Liz Buchanan, Regional Director at VisitScotland said: “We are delighted to be supporting this unique festival again, especially during this Year of Food & Drink when visitors can sample more Scottish culinary delights as part of the experience.

“VisitScotland is working hard with partners in Stirling to grow the area’s £400m tourism industry by making the area a destination of choice for a high-quality, value-for-money and authentic visitor experience. Doune the Rabbit Hole makes a great contribution to that effort, and I’d urge everyone to head ‘Doune’!”

For ticket information and to find out more about Doune The Rabbit Hole 2015, visit www.dounetherabbithole. co.uk

CALLING THE BAKERS OF NORTH and EAST GLASGOW! You still have a month left to enter Tiptree World Bread Awards, the overall winner will receive £1000, plus fabulous KitchenAid goodies worth £1200. Finalists’ will be invited to attend the harvest supper-style awards ceremony at St John’s Hyde Park, London in October.

So, what are you waiting for, visit www.worldbreadawards.com, for further information and an entry form. The closing date is Monday, 31 August 2015 Launched in 2013, the awards are open to professional bakers and home-bakers, old and young, and seek to celebrate the rise and rise of the British passion for bread. We buy an astonishing 12 million loaves every day, and more than half the population baked their own bread last year.

Judges for 2015 include Frances Quinn, Luis Troyano and Kimberley Wilson, all of Great British Bake Off fame, as well as a host of bread industry experts, including Chairman of the Judges, Stephen Hallam, Master Baker, and Managing Director of Dickinson & Morris.

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THE NAMED PERSON SCHEME 2016, State participation in EVERY Family in Scotland THE Named Person Scheme will come into being in the year 2016.

This development, part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act passed in Holyrood last year, will force every parent in Scotland to nominate a named person, a representative of the State who will have powers over your child and powers of access to your child.

This has led to a massive outcry from the apparently few parents who are in fact aware of the measure which is to be blanketed over EVERY child in Scotland next year.

Government has sought to calm concerned members of the public.

From Government’s own website: “The Getting it right approach includes making a Named Person available for every child, from birth until their 18th birthday (or beyond, if they are still in school).

Most children and young people get all the help and support they need from their families, from teachers and health practitioners, and from their wider communities – the Named Person does not change these roles.

However, some families may need extra help and that’s where the Named Person comes in.

Once a concern has been brought to their attention, the Named Person – who will be the first point of contact for the child and their family – needs to take action, help, or arrange for the right help in order to promote, support, and safeguard the child’s development and wellbeing.”

Aileen Campbell, Scotland’s Minister for Children and Young People, has attempted to calm concerned parents by presenting the scheme as a “boost” for children’s “wellbeing”.

She emphasised in the Scottish Herald in March of this year that “nothing in the legislation changes parental rights and responsibilities”.

“I’ve been consistently clear that parents and carers, with a very few exceptions, are the best people to

By Andy McGovern raise their children,” she said.

She played down concerns that named persons would be expected to instigate investigations into a child or family based on “mere concerns”.

However, there is the obvious concern that the ‘wellbeing’ of a child is a subjective judgment made by the Named Person on behalf of the State.

From the Government website: “Referring to the eight wellbeing indicators, they will need to ask these five questions: What is getting in the way of this child or young person’s wellbeing?

Do I have all the information I need to help this child or young person?

What can I do now to help this child or young person?

What can my agency do to help this child or young person?

What additional help – if any – may be needed from others?”

The above measures “will ensure that the child or young person’s views are listened to and that the family (where appropriate) is kept informed” (my emphasis in bold) Should the named person not be happy with any of the answers given by a child during their mandatory interview, The Named Person will be obligated to inform the state, who will have unprecedented control over information relating to children and their ‘wellbeing’ and will be able to implement the emasures required to ‘help’ this child.

The potential for subjective interpretation of a family’s life and conduct which gives the State the opportunity and right to interfere in the family unit has been cited by many concerned citizens.

Religious liberty expert Elizabeth Kendal says, “It can be imagined readily how this law could become a

weapon in the hands of state guardians with agendas and of all manner of social engineers”.

“This law will turn state employees into informants to enforce state ideology and parents will be powerless to prevent it. The law is wide open for abuse”.

The Christian Institute, CARE and the Scottish Parent Teacher Council among others, launched a new campaign, NO2NP (No to Named Person) in order to oppose the named person scheme.

The campaign is concerned about the rights of the named person to raise concerns with authorities and “advise” or “inform” the child concerned directly. They see the State as breaching the family unit and imposing it’s power over children in the name of protecting them.

In fact, the NO2NP group is mounting a legal challenge costing £30,000 “in defence of family life against state intrusion”.

They cite the fact that the scheme contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 8 guaranteeing the right to “respect private and family life”.

There is the very real concern that the blanket nature of the Scheme which will include EVERY child in Scotland will take stretched resources away from the very children and families who in fact require such aid.

Written legal advice from top human rights expert Aidan O’Neill QC questions whether the Named Person scheme is lawful. He comments that the proposal “appears to be predicated on the idea that the proper primary relationship that children will have for their well-being and development, nurturing and education is with the State rather than within their families and with their parents”.

Incidentally, The European Convention on Human Rights is due to be revised in the form of British Bill of Rights by the Tory government.

There is a great concern that the introduction of the Scheme will take care away from the children who actually need it. As resources in the Social Work sector are extremely stretched already, the children who do in fact require such help will be lost in a system which seeks to throw a blanket over EVERY child in Scotland.

This is the opinion of The Scottish Association of Social Workers (SASW) who have said it remains “unconvinced that the named person provision will make the difference intended”.

Trisha Hall, SASW manager, raised concerns about the cost of the Named Person scheme, particularly at a time when social work resources are already stretched.

She highlighted that social workers were concerned about lowering the threshold for intervening in a child’s life. She said: “We are concerned about what we perceive as an esca-

lation; we are effectively raising the threshold from “significant harm” to “concerns about welfare”.

In a meeting with an SNP Councilor two weeks ago, I expressed my own concern regarding this scheme and was surprised to hear that the politician in question was in favour of it. However, he added that I or anyone need not be concerned because “the Government will not have the resources to actually implement the policy”.

I then voiced the concern that once the Scheme is in place, what is to stop the Government creating a new profession, a full time ‘Named Person’, paid for by the State?

He shared the opinion with me that Teachers and Health officials will be inevitably swamped by the requirements of such a large Scheme.

If the funds are not there, then surely if the Government is committed to the venture, it will develop.

Where will it stop?

The Councilor in question admitted that politicians and the public will have to be “vigilant” once the Scheme is in play, but that it should not disrupt family life too much.

I voiced my opinion that The Named Person Scheme positions the State as the friend of the family, a body who seeks only to help, an extra pair of hands, an expert advisor.

However, the very policies that are being put in place by government are putting a massive strain on families throughout Britain; policies such as Austerity which reduces the amount of funds available to the many services which help families; tensions are being created in the family home from having to go down to food banks. 1 in 5 mothers choose between a warm home and food in your child’s belly due to the crippling effect of Fuel Poverty. Is Government and Industry not increasing the tensions in family life through their very policies, and THEN providing a ‘solution’ in the form of support, should there be such problems?

The Councilor’s reply was that “times of extreme poverty can bring families closer together”.

The NO2NP group gathered signatures on the streets of Kirkintilloch and Dundee and are campaigning throughout Scotland, increasing the mounting opposition to the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act, passed at Holyrood last year. The petition reads: “I oppose the Scottish Government’s plan to assign a ‘Named Person’ to every child in Scotland because it undermines families and diverts resources from children who need them.”

A spokesperson for NO2NP said: “We remain deeply concerned about the threats to the human rights of families to their privacy in their own homes as well as the breaches of data protection laws as the state passes confidential family information to

and from different public bodies.

“It is anti-democratic, breaches the privacy of families and is an unwelcome intrusion into the lives of ordinary mums and dads trying to do their best to bring up their children.”

“The state thinks the named person - a health visitor, a teacher or other professional - fulfill the role better than mums and dads which is ridiculous.”

The lack of participation by the general public and the lack of knowledge that this is even happening is alarming to say the least. Government is trying to convince us that people are informed.

Indeed, the Government has been accused of misleading the public regarding how well they have informed people.

Those attempting to push through the Scheme have been accused of bribery, after an event last month at Hampden Park. Any parents who showed up to hear about the Scheme were given free child care for the evening at the stadium, travel paid for (there and back) and £50 vouchers to high street stores.

The Government’s analysis of its consultation on guidance to the Named Person scheme at this event at Hampden Stadium suggested that a majority (55%) agreed the guidance was clear on how to the plans would be implemented. However this information was selective. The 55% figure referred to just organisational responses. Out of the individual responses 98% disagreed!

We had a general election just past.

This Named Person Scheme was not a focal point, although it is a scheme which revises the relationship between the State and family of EVERY family in Scotland. Similarly with the issue of Smart Meters, devices which will monitor every action in your own home, also discussed and implemented out-with the sphere of public debate, with the public ignorant of the true capacity of these devices.

The spaces within our society within which the individual and family can withdraw into privacy are being eradicated, from the living room of your own home, to the family unit itself.

In order to familiarise yourself with the legislation which will affect you and your family in 2016, please see the Government website: http:// www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx For more information regarding the Named Person Scheme and to familiarise yourself with the arguments against please see: http://no2np.org/ We must ask ourselves as a community: Does this law respect Human Freedom? Is this law necessary and in the best interests of my own freedom and that of my children, and their children? Do I feel that my child’s wellbeing is my own responsibility? Do I wish to give that responsibly away?

Looking at the above information will provide you with the material and knowledge whereby you can make this decision.

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Spirit of Calton

SPIRIT of Calton is a new funding programme for the Calton.

But it’s a funding programme with a difference. Because the decisions about the where the money goes are being made by a Community Panel comprising of local people who either live, work or volunteer in the area.

This group of 17 have been identified through an open call for expressions of interest.

The Panel has been established to oversee the distribution of the Spirit of Calton resource budget, informed by the ideas and aspirations of community groups and local people. This resource budget will be up to £250K over the next three years.

It will be made available in different ways over the course of the programme - for example through specific grant making programmes that groups can apply to, through commissioning particular activity or projects or

even at special Spirit of Calton events.

A Youth Panel, which is working alongside the Community Panel, has also been developed with young people aged between 12 and 17 years old. The young

people are currently developing their own small grants programme which will seek to support projects and activities that are of benefit to young people in the area. Local organisations, PEEK and ActiveEast have been supporting the young people to develop their plans for distributing their small grants which we hope to launch in early August.

More information on this to follow shortly!!

Our inaugural Panel members are: Jennifer Payne; Rosemary Robertson; Paul Donachy; Sarah Barnes; Jane McCann; Mary Hanratty; Betty Cosgrove; Cathie Martin; Mary McPherson; Claire Parkes; Derek Quinn; Stacey Bradley; Myke Hall; James Steele; Kirsty Forsyth; Colin Graham and Marc Cairns.

Hard at work during out introductory Panel meetings!

Bob Doris Selected To Contest Glasgow’s Maryhill and Springburn Constituency At Holyrood Next Year SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, was recently selected to contest the Maryhill and Springburn Scottish Parliamentary seat at next year’s Scottish elections.

The endorsement meeting, held in Maryhill’s Burgh Halls, unanimously backed Bob to win the seat from Labour who currently hold the constituency. Bob, who stays in Maryhill, has served as a Regional MSP for Glasgow since 2007. The meeting was chaired by the new MP for Glasgow North, Patrick Grady, who is also the SNP’s National Secretary.

Commenting on becoming the candidate Bob Doris said “It is both an honour and a privilege to be selected to contest the 2016 Scottish Parliamentary elections for the SNP. It is also a great responsibility but one that I am ready for. It has been humbling to see the growth in SNP support across Maryhill and Springburn which has led to SNP MP’s Anne McLaughlin and Patrick Grady now representing our local communities at Westminster.

It has been humbling to see so many former Labour voters switch to the SNP. Unlike Labour, the SNP will not take

their support for granted.

“Voters in this constituency were appalled to see the cosy Tory / Labour alliance during the No campaign in last year’s Independence referendum. Just this May in the UK elections, voters locally and across Scotland rejected the austerity cuts now being inflicted upon Scotland by the Tories, cuts which the Labour Party shamefully refused to oppose. I pledge to campaign to boost local job creation and regeneration in our communities, as well as protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Labour have shown themselves totally incapable of doing this.

“I look forward to the challenges ahead and will do all I can to stand up for our communities across Maryhill and Springburn constituency” Patrick Grady MP for Glasgow North added: “I have known Bob for many years and have witnessed the excellent job he has done as a Glasgow MSP since 2007. I know just how much more he could do as our constituency MSP if elected. We now have a strong team of 56 MP’s at Westminster. It is vital that we build on that success by returning as many SNP MSP’s as

possible at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections. Anything other than an SNP victory will be seized upon by the Tories to inflict even deeper cuts to our communities. Maryhill and Springburn needs the strong local voice, an SNP voice, to stand up to the Tories, not get into bed with them as Labour have done.”

SNP MP for Glasgow North East Anne McLaughlin commented “I’ve worked with Bob Doris over many years and he has a track record as a strong campaigner. Whether it is fighting Labour’s primary school closures or opposing the axing of our school bus services, Bob will lead from the front in defending our communities. It has been wonderful to see so many local families join the SNP in recent months and it is important that we build on that momentum and secure a local SNP victory at Holyrood. Bob will be a first class local MSP and I look forward to working in partnership with him across communities such as Royston, Sighthill and Springburn. It is by having a strong SNP team that we can best help such communities”.

STILL OPEN DURING REFURBISHMENT! EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF OPEN SEVEN DAYS We now have 2 phases of the refurb completed with Hair City, Candy Skullz Tattoo Studio, Charlie’s Butchers, Sharon’s Hairdressers and Daughter’s Cafe all open and trading.

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14

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COST OF STUDENT LIVING THIS year’s RBS Student Living Index highlights the most affordable cities for students to live and study in across the UK. They interviewed just shy of 2,500 students to discover what they’re spending their cash and time on, and the results have provided a really detailed picture of student life across the UK, with a top table of most affordable cities.

Some of the headlines beneath, as well as a link to the full findings highlight report http://personal.rbs.co.uk/content/dam/rbs_co_uk/currentaccounts/downloads/student/ RBS%20-%20Student%20Living%20Index%202015.pdf.

The highlights doc breaks down the most affordable cities, as well as providing detail by 4 categories: - Essentials (groceries, rent and travel), - Socialising, - Sports and Fitness, and

- Hobbies and Interests. .Headlines: - Belfast the most economical city for students to live and study in, closely followed by Southampton, Nottingham and Edinburgh - Portsmouth is the most cost- effective city for students to socialise, Newcastle’s students spend the most hours socialising (and on alcohol).

- Students are spending less on groceries, but can afford more money eating out every week - The majority of time is spend studying (27.5 per week), compared with 12.5 socialising, and 4.5 in part-time work.

- Student loans remain the main source of income for students ahead of money from parents, the additional expense of being a student is the main motivation for students to take a part time job.

- Students at Cambridge and

Oxford spend most of their time studying while those at Southampton work the longest hours and receive the most term-time income.

Dan Jones, RBS’s Head of Student Accounts said: “Studying at university can be one of the most exciting experiences of people’s lives, but as The RBS Student Living Index shows it can also be a very expensive time. It’s important for us to understand the financial strains of students starting out in higher education, and this index helps to show the different experiences of those studying across the UK. While the results from the 2015 index provide a handy snapshot of Uni life, we’d always recommend that students get in touch to speak with our trained advisors, or use our website for useful budget and money management tips to help have fun without overspending.”

BEWARE DATING FRAUD

The cherry on top

THE British cherry season is well and truly underway with a record breaking 4,500 tonnes of the sumptuous fruit predicted to be produced in 2015. And it seems that the younger generation of savvy farmers are tapping into this ever-growing industry.

The stone fruit has enjoyed record-breaking sales and this summer is predicted to reach in excess of £32 million whilst demand continues to grow. In 2014 4,000 tonnes of cherries were produced, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.

Making the most of the fruits ever-growing popularity an increasing number of younger farmers are beginning to harvest the fruit. An audit conducted by the British cherry industry body found that the average age of farmers in the UK is 57 whilst cherry growers are nearly a decade younger at 47.5.

Cherry farmers are now at the forefront of farming innovation and more and more work is being done to extend the short British season. This can be seen in the move from towering cherry trees to smaller trees with dwarfing rootstock, often grown in polytunnels, which has made a huge difference to the industry’s fortunes.

To date, less than 10% (over 300 tonnes) of the predicted 4,500 tonnes has been picked and this week is tipped to be the

biggest for cherry production.

The juicy fruit will be adorning supermarket shelves up and down the country until early September for consumers to enjoy.

In the 1960s, however, the industry was in a very different state. Traditional Kent cherry orchards were phased out because low yields made production uneconomic. Supermarkets increasingly imported cherries from Turkey, Spain and the US whilst British varieties became scarce.

One of the young British farmers helping to turn around the fortune of the stone fruit is Tom Hulme, 37, who is now growing world-class cherries well beyond the traditional season.

Tom says: “Cherries were a totally new crop for the family at that time and we were very apprehensive. We decided to give it a go and I’m so glad we did; it’s now become a hugely popular fruit – we just can’t keep up with demand which is encouraging as you know nothing is going to waste. ” “The tunnels protect the cherries from the worst of the British summer and the dwarf trees make the fruits easier to pick, manage and protect from birds.”

Jake, 34 and Rupert, 32, Simpson’s father already harvested cherries but on their return the brothers took it upon themselves to invest in the fruit. Jake says:

“Cherries are the most moreish fruit that you can get. If you open a punnet and start eating, you only stop when they run out so it made sense to start to grow more.”

He continues: “The Holy Grail for the stone fruit market in the UK would be for people to pick up British cherries during their weekly shop to support the fruit grown on home soil. We grow some amazing varieties in the UK and there’s no better feeling than seeing the fruit that you have worked for years to produce being picked up by the consumer.

I always feel proud of that.”

Becoming a cherry farmer is a big investment due to the high planting costs of Gisela dwarfing rootstocks, high tunnels to protect the crops, drip irrigation and two years wait for first fruits, with trees unlikely to reach full cropping for five to six years.

An industry spokesperson, Nicholas Marston, says: “It seems to be the farmer’s sons and daughters who are branching out in to the cherry market as they’re keen to do something different and as they’re just starting out they’re not concerned about making a long term investment.

He continues: These young farmers are full of youthful enthusiasm which is resulting in larger crops that are in turn boosting the UK economy.”

Cherry fans can get their hands on a number of varieties that ripen at different times in the season. ‘Merchant’ cherries are available now and can be distinguished by their dark red skin and large size, followed by others including exclusive English variety ‘Penny’, alongside ‘Kordia’ and ‘Sweetheart’, which ripens towards the end of the season.

Celebrity chefs like Natalie Coleman, winner of Masterchef 2013, are certainly getting to grips with this new ingredient.

A RUSE involving tricksters luring daters into romance or financial stings affecting increasing numbers of those looking for love online showed that significant numbers suspect they’ve been catfished or subject to dating scams or fraud.

The results show that a third think they have been lied to at some point since starting internet dating, with one in five claiming they have been chatting to a suitor online who was trying to gather financial information from them for fraudulent purposes.

The research, which explored the perils of internet dating, also revealed that 15 per cent of those quizzed said they have been a victim of a dating scam.

Worryingly more than one in five have shared their bank details with someone they met on a date and nearly a quarter said they had to fork out for everything unexpectedly.

Of those surveyed, 10 per cent had been asked to lend a date money and they gave them some. But a more savvy 22 per cent said they refused to hand over money and subsequently never saw them again.

While online dating is an increasingly popular trend and can be a very successful platform on which to meet like-minded people, it can also potentially open you up to identity fraud if you’re not aware of the dangers.

“It’s very difficult to get the balance right between being friendly and engaging with new people and giving too much away.

“If anyone is asking for too much personal information soon after striking up conversation, then alarm bells should start ringing.

“If something feels wrong then hold back.”

The study also revealed the typical adult chats to four individuals a week and will disclose personal information that could compromise their security after exchanging just five instant messages.

Confidential details such as home address, surname and phone numbers are shared within minutes of meeting a stranger on the web for the majority of people looking for love.

Three in ten daters give out their phone number after just a few messages, claiming it’s easier to chat via text or other messaging application.

The survey revealed three quarters of those studied were in agreement that there is a very fine line between being friendly and chatty on dating sites and giving out too much information.

In fact, 16 per cent claim that in order to get to know someone you have to give out certain details like where you live, where you work and family information as it’s impossible to kick-start conversations without covering these topics.

One in five say that if someone seems harmless they are happy to confide in them – but three quarters of internet daters admit the etiquette and rules regarding online safety are a minefield.

A third said they worry they are not meeting ‘the one’ because they are paranoid about giving out information about themselves and are coming across as cold.

A wise 46 per cent of people say they will immediately stop messaging someone if something feels off.

But a keen 10 per cent said they would always meet them

in person before ruling someone out.

More than a third (35 per cent) said you have to give the benefit of the doubt to people you meet online as building a rapport over the internet is so tricky.

Four in ten internet daters say they often speak to people via dating sites and apps who are reluctant to meet up in person.

And more than a quarter of those polled said they had been on a date where they got the impression that the person was trying to establish their financial status.

Subjects they were quizzed on included ‘What does your dad do for a living?’ ‘What car do you drive?’ and ‘What do you spend your money on?’

The poll found 45 per cent of adults who are looking for love said they often stumble across potential suitors that seem suspicious or just too good to be true. And yet half of those would still be willing to meet up regardless.

The old saying “if something seems too good to be true it usually is” can unfortunately be applied to online dating in many cases.

“Scammers do exist on dating sites and it’s important to be aware of the tricks that they use to try and entice people to share too much.

“Though it’s important not to be too paranoid about who you might be talking to, it’s also important to be aware that these scams exist, and to stay vigilant about who you meet and how much you give away.”

The study showed the most popular dating sites or apps currently in the UK are Plentyoffish.com, Match.com and Tinder.

15

GENN A GENERATION of children are missing out on traditional outdoor activities like building a den, climbing trees and flying kites according to a new study released today, which reveals that children in Scotland will spend a staggering 88 hours and 6 minutes of the summer holidays staring at a screen*.

The study of 2,000 British parents, by outdoors adventure brand Go Ape who conducted the research to mark the launch of their new website www.ShareAdventure. co.uk, designed to inspire people of all ages to share adventures with one another, found that the average child in Scotland will spend at least 2 hours 6 minutes every day staring at a screen during the summer break in comparison to the British average of 2 hours 4 minutes every day.

Gawking at tablet devices, smart phones, playing computer games and watching television mean the vast majority of British children will be spending much of their summer holidays indoors. In fact, they’ll be totting up the equivalent of over 3.5 days solid in front of a screen.

The research also reveals

THE ‘CLOSETED GENERATION’

that traditional outdoor activities such as picking fruit, playing conkers and making daisy chains could soon become a

thing of the past as children spend their spare time playing computer games and watching TV instead.

The top ten activities which British children are missing out on: 1.

Traditional outdoor ac-

Here are 3 of the WORST Foods to Eat in the Morning

By Kevin Richards 1. Muffins Most store-bought muffins are giant, which means they can sometimes contain over 600-700 calories that have absolutely NO protein or healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

2. Bagels Would you sit down and knowingly eat FOUR slices of bread?

Well, MOST bagels have the equivalent of four servings of bread, which will quickly convert into sugar making you store fat and feel lethargic in no time.

3. Cereals Over-the-counter cereals are, by far, one of the worst foods for your waistline and your health.

The majority of over-the-counter cereals are empty calories, simple carbs and sugar, cleverly disguised as a “healthy” breakfast.

There are a few rare exceptions, like some of the cereals in the Ezekiel 4:9 line from Food for Life, but I NEVER eat cereal when I’m trying to get leaner.

If you wake up and eat ANY of the above 3 foods to start your day it’s like being stung by a bee.

Seriously, they’ll make you literally swell up, while making you feel fat and bloated

the entire day.

They also FORCE your body to depend on sugar all day - instead of burning fat.

tivities such as playing conkers, making daisy chains and playing pooh sticks (49%) 2.

Building a den (42%)

3.

Flying kites (41%) 4.

Climbing trees (37%) 5.

Fruit picking (33%) 6.

Skimming stones on a lake (29%) 7.

Planting their own seeds (26%) 8.

Playing in open space and woodland (25%) 9.

Searching for insects (25%) 10. Pond dipping/paddling (23%) Over half of parents (51%) surveyed admitted to feeling worried that their children are having less traditional playtime experiences and 8 out of 10 British parents (82%) believe that the current generation are having less physical adventures outside than they did when they were children.

Other facts from the survey: · One in ten parents do not think it is safe for their child to play outside · 1 in 2 parents nowadays would only let their child play outside if supervised by an adult · The average child will use screen devices at least 14 hours 28 minutes every week throughout July and August, 45 minutes more than they will on weekly physical activity.

LANDS END TO JOHN O’GROATS CHARITY CYCLE

DELOITTE Ride Across Britain is the UK’s largest Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride.

Now in its sixth year, the Ride is widely recognised as the UK’s premier long distance cycling event and takes in some of the country’s most breath-taking landscapes. Riders set off from Land’s End and pass via Dartmoor, the Lakes, the Scottish Highlands and much more in between before finishing at John O’Groats. This year will see another 800 cyclists set off on 5th September to ride an average of 108 miles a day for 9 days in order to reach their goal of the Northernmost tip of Great Britain.

They will ride through Scot-

land from Thursday 10th September to Sunday 13th September. The schedule is as follows: Thursday 10th September: Dumfries and Galloway, South Lanarkshire Friday 11th September: Glasgow, Stirling, Argyll and Bute, Fort William Saturday 12th September: Fort William, Highlands, Inverness Sunday 13th September: Highlands, John O’Groats One of the UK’s top cycling fundraisers Deloitte Ride Across Britain has raised over £1.5 million for the British Paralympic Association and over £750,000 for other charity riders taking part in the 2010 to 2014 events.

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16

GENN

Credit cards spent on image even though money is tight

Sexting is UK Parents Biggest Concern A NEW study has found that 65% of parents are concerned about the rise of sexting, the worrying trend that is becoming the ‘norm’ leaving youngsters vulnerable to exploitation and blackmail.

The survey, quizzed 3750 parents with children aged between 12-16 years who own a smartphone. Key findings revealed that: • 65% of parents revealed they had concerns about the possibility of their children sexting (sending & receiving) • However, as far as talking to their children about their behaviours and risks associated with owning a smartphone, a surprising 58% admitted they have not done so.

• Other concerns include cyberbullying (45%), accessing inappropriate content (62%) and racking up bills through apps and other micro-purchases (24%) • 35% of parents said they occasionally monitor their child’s smartphone activity with their child’s knowledge.

Compared to 23% who said they do so without their child’s

knowledge.

• 19% of parents had made use of location tracking to track their child’s location • 43% of parents also expressed a significant dissatisfaction with sex education at school citing irrelevance to their real experiences, lack of relationship advice and lack of discussion of sex issues as problems.

The survey comes after the Agency of Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) revealed it receives reports of young people sending self-generated nude or nearly nude visuals on a daily basis.

Parents concerns are justified due to “growing smartphone ownership amongst children, together with fast moving technology which has helped create a perfect storm.”

With technology moving at such a fast pace even the cheapest mobiles now have cameras that children can easily take pictures of themselves and distribute them online.

Practically all modern phones have a connection to the internet meaning “sexts” can

instantly be posted on social networking sites which are accessible by millions of people.

Parents need to be aware that when a child uses a mobile device to access the web they are using the same internet as on a computer and unfortunately there is a knowledge gap whereby parents don’t think smartphones and tablets need the same level of protection as a PC or Laptop. This way of thinking needs to change.

Sexting has become extremely popular amongst this generation and the pressure placed on younger kids to participate is growing. That means that sext prevention messaging and explaining the risks to a child is critically important.” : ‘If you discover your child has sexted, don’t shame them, which can drive the behaviour underground.

Explain the risks and let your child see past there their naivety surrounding the implications of sending sexual messages. Let them know they can assert their right to not be constantly badgered to send sexual content or images.”

SCOTRAIL OVER 50S OFFER

SCOTRAIL has come up with TEN excellent reasons to sign up for its new, members-only club for people aged 50 or over.

Everyone who registers for Club 50 online before 31 August will be able to book a £10 return flat fare for Off Peak travel on ScotRail services.

They can opt to take another member with them, or book two return solo journeys for £10 each time.

Annual membership is free to those who sign up by 31 August. It will cost £15 a year from then on.

Club 50 launches on 14 September. From that date members will have access to year-round savings in return for travelling at quieter times: • 10% off ‘walk up’ Off

Peak or Advance fares (purchased at stations or by telephone) • 20% off tickets booked online • Free tea/coffee on ScotRail services that have on-board catering trolleys (normally express services between cities) • Exclusive rail offers from time to time • Special deals each month for a great day out, including dining, hotel or short break offers with selected partners.

This includes 2for1 entry to National Trust properties.

Nesta Gilliland, ScotRail’s Head of Marketing said, “The £10 deal shows we are serious about providing excellent value to Club 50 members right from the off. And we’ll have more one-off deals from time to time, on top of year-round discounts and partner promotions.”

Some 17,000 people have already noted interest in Club 50 and they too will be able to take advantage of the £10 deal.

“We are contacting

everyone who has registered to make sure they know about this offer,” said Ms Gilliland.

Among the first to sign up included: Betty Hazelton (58) from Glasgow, “I visit my daughter in Aberdeen up to eight times a year, so a year-round discount really appeals to me, The free refreshments are a nice touch too. I am looking forward to hearing about other member-only deals.”

Aberdeen-based Graham Payne (70) said: “Club 50 will suit me perfectly as it means I can get buy discounted tickets to visit my children and grandchildren in the Central belt at any time of the year. The free sign up and £10 flat fare for the launch is a great way to start.”

Members will be issued with a ScotRail Club 50 Smartcard when they sign up. Plans are in place to load tickets onto Smartcards from 2016, which will remove the need for members to carry separate tickets.

More details and to sign up: scotrail.co.uk

10% of City men say Botox is an essential purchase • Fake tan is vital for 22% of Scottish males • Celebs influence 24% of women’s appearances • Kate Middleton is the most popular female celebrity icon (21%), with Cheryl Cole in second place (18%) • A third (35%) of adults are spending more than they can afford Forty per cent of Brits use their credit card to make themselves look good by buying beauty and grooming products, according to new research*.

When it comes to looking good, more than one in ten (11%) Scots women regard fake tan as an essential expense.

Surprisingly, many men see image-enhancing purchases as something they can’t live without. For instance, 14% of men say waxing is an essential part of their grooming regime.

Across the country, 10% of men surveyed from Cities say Botox treatment is a vital part of looking good.

Meanwhile, 22% of men believe a fake tan is a crucial

part of sprucing themselves up - 23% of men surveyed say eyebrow shaping is an essential part of their grooming regime.

From the findings it appears image is everything for adults - 60% have bought clothing using their credit card, the most popular credit card purchase, while 28% have bought jewellery.

When it comes to who influences their appearance, almost a fifth (18%) of adults say celebrities affect the way they choose their look.

But it is not just superstars that have a sway over people’s image. More than one in ten (12%) people say reality TV personalities from programmes such as Made in Chelsea or The Only Way is Essex influence their appearance.

Overall, Kate Middleton is the most popular celebri-

ty icon for women - 21% of females say they would like to look like her. Cheryl Cole came in second place (18%), while Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton received 5% of the vote.

As well as using a credit card to obtain the perfect look, 28% polled spend on credit cards to treat themselves. Shockingly, more than one in ten (11%) believe spending on a credit card is easy money.

“A third (35%) of adults say they are spending more than they can afford this year, and it seems many are turning to credit when they haven’t got the cash or just fancy indulging themselves..

“People should ensure they have a solid plan in place for paying back any debt, and if anyone is struggling, they can speak to a specialist debt advice organisation such as Citizens Advice

RUBIK’S CUBE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT Colégio Etapa, a school in the centre of São Paulo, Feliks Zemdegs of Australia retained his crown with an average time of 7.56 seconds, winning the championship trophy and a selection of Rubik’s Cube prizes. Feliks also performed the fastest Single Solve of the competition: 5.60 seconds.

As ever, the event was incredibly tight and Feliks won by a margin of one second, narrowly beating Mats Valk of the Netherlands who finished with an average time of 8.56 seconds.

The UK was well represented in the 3 x 3 Cube, with Glasgows Breandan Vallance of Scotland finishing strongly against a competitive field with a time of 10.70 seconds.

Top five in 3 x 3 Rubik’s Cube final: Feliks Zemdegs, Australia 7.56 Mats Valk, Netherlands 8.56 Jakub Kipa, Poland 8.63 Michal Pleskowicz, Poland

8.82 Sayed Mohammad Hossein, Israel 8.82 Other notable results were: • Kabyani Talukdar of India who won the 3 x 3 blindfolded category with a time of 24.86 seconds • Feliks Zemdegs of Australia who won the 3 x 3 one-handed category with a time of 11.85 seconds • Gabriel Pereira Campanha of Brazil who won the 3 x 3 with feet category with a time of 32.51 seconds There were 18 different events at the 2015 Rubik’s Cube World Championship including: • 2x2 Rubik’s Cube • 3x3 Rubik’s Cube • 4x4 Rubik’s Cube • 5x5 Rubik’s Cube • One-handed 3x3 Rubik’s Cube • Blindfolded 3x3 Rubik’s Cube • 3x3 Rubik’s Cube (fewest moves) • 3x3 Rubik’s Cube with feet

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• 4x4 Rubik’s Cube blindfolded • 5x5 Rubik’s Cube blindfolded • 3x3 Rubik’s Cube multiple blindfolded The Rubik’s Cube World Championship was first held in Budapest in 1982 and was won by American Minh Thai with a time of 22.95 seconds.

Since then, huge improvements in technique, lubrication and participation have pushed the sport further than ever before.

In total, over 423 people from 41 countries competed in the 2015 Rubik’s Cube World Championship.

To see a full list of results, please go to the official website at http://www.cuber.com. br/worlds/live.php

17

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2.48PM REVEALED AS TIME WHEN KIDS ARE MOST ‘HANGRY’ CHILDREN are most likely to become angry at 2.48pm - because it is time they are the most hungry, a new study reveals.

Almost half of youngsters (43 per cent) become ‘irritable’ when they haven’t eaten and 22 per cent are ‘starving’ by the late afternoon.

A tenth of parents (10 per cent) admit feeling stressed when they don’t have snacks available for their children, while 20 per cent feel worried or apprehensive.

The study also found boys aged between four and eight suffer the most from feeling hungry and angry (22 per cent) - what experts are describing as ‘hangry’.

The study, which quizzed 1,000 parents with children between the age of four and 12, reveals 2.48pm is the time when they should anticipate their child being the hungriest.

It also found more than half (52 per cent) of parents are affected by their child’s behavioural changes because of hunger.

When feeling hungry and angry, parents say their kids are argumentative (30 per cent), irritable (22 per cent) and short fused (18 per cent).

The study also found that GLASGOW is brimming with Chinese takeaways but which one is worthy of your custom?

Transport your mouth to the orient with what we think is the best Chinese takeaway in East Glasgow Noodle King 807 Shettleston Road G32 7NR 0141 763 0808 Their creative mantra is evident- this takeaway’s menu is a mix of Chinese and Cantonese cuisine - but most meals are served with a contemporary twist, all prepared by a chef with 15 years experience. Just try the Salt & Chilli Chicken Balls, Breast of Chicken Curry, the Salt and Chilli Chicken or the Special Chow Mein to see what they are on about. If you’re not in the mood for meat or fish there’s plenty of vegeterian options available, including tofu and vegetable-based dishes try the Tofu with Oyster sauce. Each dish is painstakingly prepared and presented, with impressively fast service and friendly staff. The chefs have honed each dish to near perfection so you won’t be disappointed with your selection and with 10% off until the end of Aug there has never been better excuse to enjoy a meal at home.

SET MEAL FOR 2 PEOPLE £12.00 SET MEAL FOR 3 PEOPLE £18.00 KIDS MEALS £4.80 Open 6 Days Sunday-Thursday 4.30pm-11pm. Friday-Saturday 4.30pm-11.30pm Telephone 0141 763 0808 for Home Delivery…charged at £1.30

parents rely on fatty snacks to solve the problem.

And four in ten parents (38 per cent) often rely on sugary and fatty treats, which offer little nutritional value.

Despite lots of healthy alternatives available, chocolates (nine per cent), sweets (five per cent) and crisps (20 per cent) are popular choices amongst parents.

If they forget an afternoon snack, parents admit to feeling worried (12 per cent), stressed (10 per cent) and apprehensive (12 per cent).

A quarter of parents (25 per cent) feel they have to give their child more than one treat to make sure they are satisfied.

Mary Lynch, a registered Nutritionist, discussed the importance of parents being prepared with low fat treats to keep kids calmer, happier and more cooperative whilst keeping hunger at bay.

She said: “It’s great to have snacks as part of a healthy balanced diet that are easy to pop in your handbag whilst on a family day out.

“These can include apple slices, raisins or malt loaf that contains far less sugar than sweets and chocolate.”

Managing Director of Soreen, Paul Tripp, said: “During

the summer holidays parents can help to prevent their children having a melt down by distracting them and giving them a snack of substance that will keep them going until their next meal.”

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WITH A ‘HANGRY’ CHILD • Get into a traffic jam with no snacks to hand – you don’t want an angry child in the back seat so check the roads before setting off anywhere • Go food shopping – you’ll be forever removing unwanted items from your trolley Take them around people who are eating – their low sugar level blood will boil over • Get them to start work on their holiday project – they will be distracted and irritable • Take them for a play date – tears before bedtime are guaranteed!

PROJECTSCOTLAND RECEIVES INVESTORS IN YOUNG PEOPLE AWARD

PROJECTSCOTLAND, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has been awarded the Investors in Young People accreditation, a new award created by Investors in People Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government.

The accolade recognises employers for their recruitment and retention of young people in the work place.

With a quarter of ProjectScotland staff under 25 the award further cements ProjectScotland’s ethos and commitment to developing young people.

Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing congratulated the charity on their award, commenting: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on achieving the new Investors in Young People accreditation. ProjectScotland recognise the benefits of recruiting and developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

“Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting youth employment in Scotland and the new Investors in Young People framework and accolade offers help and recognition which will encourage more employers to do that.”

Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “We are

very proud of our Investors in Young People award. As a charity we offer 16 – 30 year olds a three month volunteering opportunity, allowing them to learn new skills and gain valuable experience while giving back to society as we believe that young people have the talent to transform their lives and the communities around them. That’s why here at ProjectScotland young people are a big part of our work force and we aim for this to not only continue but grow.

“This award acknowledges that we are investing in young people and it’s great to see the Scottish Government and Investors in People recognising our achievements.”

People management specialists, Investors in People selected a sample of employees from

ProjectScotland to discuss various aspects of their role, the organisation and training as well as reviewing how the charity attracts, recruits and retains young people.

Ewan Hunter, Investor in People Specialist said: “ProjectScotland has a great ethos and are very well connected to the whole ‘Young People’ agenda. They have a clear understanding of the importance of employing and developing young people and the enormous benefits to both the employer and the young person. I would like to commend them and congratulate them on their award and achievements.

We look forward to working with ProjectScotland as they continue the excellent work they do in this vital part of Scotland’s economy.”

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18

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ROSEMOUNT Development Trust own and manage Roystonhill Spire which is the only remaining part of the Townhead - Blochairn Parish Church, first opened in 1865 on Roystonhill (then known as Garngadhill).

When the church was still in use, it was adorned with carved stone heads sculpted by John Mossman and decorative stained glass windows designed by William Morris and Co. Some of the stone heads now lie within the Spire Park next to Royston Spire and the stained glass windows are now in the care of Glasgow Museums.

The Trust was instrumental, along with other members of the Royston and wider community, in a campaign to save the Spire from demolition in the 1990’s. In 2001, the Trust agreed to take on ownership of the Spire and set up a wholly owned subsidiary called Roystonhill Spire and Park Ltd to maintain and preserve the structure for community benefit.

In the last edition of the Genn we reported on our plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the A listed Spire and this is moving forward.

Funding of £21,000 has been secured to date, with contributions from GHA, Rosemount (Workspace) Ltd and Spire View Housing Association. However, the Trust still require to secure an additional £30,000.00.

As well as the lighting project, the Trust plan to bring the clocks back into operation.

The Trust is also in the latter stages of its oral history project on Royston and the Spire which is funded by the BIG Lottery’s Awards for All Fund.

Spire Maintenance Recently following an inspection of the Spire, a number of repairs and maintenance defects were identified. A number of the defects are currently being addressed with the steeplejacks currently on site.

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Jackie Kerr Social Enterprise Board Member of the Year ROSEMOUNT Development Trust congratulates its Chairperson Jackie Kerr on winning Jobs and Business Glasgow’s Social Enterprise Board Member of the Year Award for 2015.

Jackie has been a voluntary Director/Trustee of Rosemount Development Trust for 25 years.

Jackie is also Chairperson of Rosemount (Workspace) Ltd and Roystonhill Spire & Park Ltd (both wholly owned subsidiary companies of the Rosemount Development Trust) and is ac-

tively involved in all organisations.

In her 25 years with the Trust, Jackie has given up her time voluntarily to improving employment and training opportunities for residents of Royston and surrounding communities.

She was instrumental in ensuring the former Rosemount Primary School (now the Millburn Centre) continued to benefit the local community by providing premises for many voluntary sector organisations to deliver a

number of beneficial services to local people.

Jackie also played a very active role in the development of Rosemount Business Park in Charles Street, increasing employment and training opportunities to local people.

She was also influential in saving Royston’s key landmark known as Roystonhill Spire. The Spire is an A-Listed Structure that has towered over Royston and the City of Glasgow for 150 years.

Rosemount Business Park is a high quality business space development, offering a wide range of unit sizes.

We value our clients and believe that they deserve the Rosemount standard of service.

We guarantee meeting your requirements for office space and industrial property to rent

For further information contact Kirsty or Maureen on 0141 552 1199 or email info@rosemountworks.co.uk Website www.rosemounttrust.co.uk Rosemount (Workspace) Limited, Unit W6, 141 Charles Street, Glasgow G21 2QA

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THE CHERRY ON TOP

THE British cherry season is well and truly underway with a record breaking 4,500 tonnes of the sumptuous fruit predicted to be produced in 2015.

And it seems that the younger generation of savvy farmers are tapping into this ever-growing industry.

The stone fruit has enjoyed record-breaking sales and this summer is predicted to reach in excess of £32 million whilst demand continues to grow. In 2014 4,000 tonnes of cherries were produced, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.

Making the most of the fruits ever-growing popularity an increasing number of younger farmers are beginning to harvest the fruit.

An audit conducted by the British cherry industry body found that the average age of farmers in the UK is 57 whilst cherry growers are nearly a decade younger at 47.5.

Cherry farmers are now at the forefront of farming innovation and more and more work is being done to extend the short British season.

This can be seen in the move from towering cherry trees to smaller trees with dwarfing rootstock, often grown in polytunnels, which has made a huge difference to the industry’s fortunes.

To date, less than 10%

(over 300 tonnes) of the predicted 4,500 tonnes has been picked and this week is tipped to be the biggest for cherry production. The juicy fruit will be adorning supermarket shelves up and down the country until early September for consumers to enjoy.

In the 1960s, however, the industry was in a very different state. Traditional Kent cherry orchards were phased out because low yields made production uneconomic. Supermarkets increasingly imported cherries from Turkey, Spain and the US whilst British varieties became scarce.

The Holy Grail for the stone fruit market in the UK would be for people to pick up British cherries during their weekly shop to support the fruit grown on home soil.

We grow some amazing varieties in the UK Cherry fans can get their hands on a number of varieties that ripen at different times in the season. ‘Merchant’ cherries are available now and can be distinguished by their dark red skin and large size, followed by others including exclusive English variety ‘Penny’, alongside ‘Kordia’ and ‘Sweetheart’, which ripens towards the end of the season.

Celebrity chefs like Natalie Coleman, winner of Masterchef 2013, are certainly getting to grips with this new ingredient.

Health: • 100g of cherries provide 25% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin C • Cherries are a rich food source of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin promotes healthy sleep patterns • Including cherries in the diet reduces risk of gout by 35% , according to research

by Boston University • Powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins are found abundantly in cherries. Cherries are the richest source of anthocyanins 1 and 2, which give them their ruby colour History: • It is believed cultivated cherries were introduced to Britain in the first century AD. Legend has it that you can trace the route of old Roman Roads in Britain by looking out for wild cherry trees. It has been suggested that Roman legions spat the

stones from the fruit as they marched through Britain • The Latin name for the sweet cherry is Prunus avium meaning ‘plum and bird’; possibly due to the fact birds have a particular taste for cherries, as farmers will testify.

Varieties grown in Britain that will be in stores over the next few weeks include:

• Merchant is one of the earliest cherries to ripen.

The fruit is large, sweet, and dark-red, with a good flavour.

• Sunburst has large dark fruit, with a rich cherry flavour.

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10 Steps to Bake Your Best Cake Yet WITH tips from Alice Medrich, baking expert extraordinaire, you—and your cake—are in good hands. From the recipe you choose to the time you allow your cake to cool before digging into it, Alice’s 10-step program will help ensure your cake (and your ego) remain intact.

Here’s what to do: 1. Pick a reliable recipe from a book, website, or author you trust, and make sure you’re using that book—its front matter, its headnotes, and its ingredient list—as its meant to be.

2. Before you get started, adjust your recipe to fit your pan size if necessary. You don’t want to bake a 10-inch round cake in an 8-inch round pan.

3. Figure out what you need to do to prepare the pan: Depending on the recipe, you may leave the pan bare, line the bottom with parchment and grease the sides, or grease and flour the whole pan.

4. Properly position your oven racks. If you’re baking one cake, position the rack in the lower third of the oven. If baking two cakes on multiple racks, position one rack in the upper third and another in the lower third. Rotate the pans from upper to lower and from back to front a little over halfway through baking time.

5. Make sure your leaveners are fresh. It’s more important to be vigilant with your baking

powder than your baking soda.

6. Make sure your ingredients are at the temperature specified in the recipe. Cold butter and eggs and no time to wait for them to warm up?

No problem. There are fast and safe ways to bring these ingredients up to room temperature 7. Use a scale to measure your ingredients—especially non-wheat flours. (And make sure that scale is accurate!)

If you’re not using a scale to weigh flour, it’s especially important that you’re measuring the flour the right way: Never shake or tap the measuring cup to settle the flour, or you may end with a dense, heavy cake.

8. Check to make sure your cake is finished before you take it out of the oven. Alice recommends a toothpick rather than a metal cake tester.

9. It will be hard to wait, but

you’ll need to cool your cake according to the recipe’s instructions. Most cakes baked in parchment-lined pans can be cooled entirely in their pans on cooling racks. Don’t cool the cake on the stove—it doesn’t make sense to cool a cake in the warmest place in your kitchen.

10. You’re so close to victory!

Don’t ruin your cake when you remove it from the pan. Detach from the sides of the pan using a knife or spatula, then cover the pan with a rack, hold the rack and pan together, and flip the everything over. Remove the pan and peel off the parchment liner. To turn the cake right side up again, place another cooling rack on the cake, hold the two racks together gently, without squeezing the cake, and repeat the flip.

Result your perfect cake….

THE FRIDGE ISN’T ALWAYS BEST

• Stella is medium sized so good for smaller members of the family. The dark-red fruit is very sweet and juicy.

• Skeena produces very large fruit with a good flavour.

• Regina has large dark fruit that has a firm texture.

• Kordia is a mid-season cherry that is medium-large in size, has firm flesh and a good flavour.

• Lapins starts the second half of the season and has large dark-red/black juicy fruits with dark flesh.

• Sweetheart as its name suggests, produces cherries that are predominantly sweet but they are not sugary to taste. Sweetheart ripens towards the end of the British cherry season.

• Penny has outstanding quality and is the latest cherry to ripen. Penny is a black cherry that is large, firm and very sweet to eat.

THE refrigerator is seen as a safe haven for food. That’s not always the case.

Some ingredients are actually worse off in the fridge, foods like.

TOMATOES The refrigerator can transform a ruby red, juicy tomato in a mealy, flavorless mess.

They’re happiest on the kitchen counter. If you slice into one and have some leftover, it can be wrapped in plastic and left on the counter if you’re planning to use it that same day.

Otherwise, feel free to put leftover tomato in the fridge, but use as quickly as possible.

ONIONS Moisture from the fridge can actually make whole onions moldy and mushy—store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place like your pantry instead.

Once cut, it’s OK to keep the remainder in the fridge, just wrap it well in plastic wrap or in an airtight bag and keep it in the crisper drawer.

UNRIPE FRUIT Fruit isn’t going to ripen in the cold confines on the fridge—leave it out at room temperature for it to fully ripen.

Then eat immediately, or keep it in the fridge for day or two so it doesn’t get overripe and moldy.

GARLIC Cloves can start to sprout if kept in the refrigerator—they can also become rubbery and moldy. Instead, store garlic in a cool, dark place that is well-ventilated.

BREAD It may seem counterintuitive, but bread actually dries out faster when stored in the fridge.

If you’re planning to use it within a day or two, it OK to keep it on the counter. Otherwise, wrap it well and toss it in the freezer, where it will keep for a few months.

POTATOES Cold temperature causes the starch in potatoes to rapidly transform into sugar, which results in gritty, off-flavored

tubers. Instead, keep them in a paper bag (which helps with air circulation) in a cool, dark place.

HONEY If kept in the refrigerator, honey can begin to crystalize and turn in a thick mess that’s nearly impossible to drizzle over your yogurt. It’s most happy tucked away in your cupboard COFFEE Take those beans out of the fridge if you want to keep them fresh. If refrigerated, they can not only lose flavor but will actually absorb odors from other foods in your fridge. Go for a small bag that you stash in your pantry and use within a couple of weeks.

HERB LEAVES leaves wilt, losing their aroma and flavour when kept in the fridge. The better way to store your herbs is to treat them like cut flowers: just keep in a glass of fresh water on your counter.

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DRIVING DROWSY: NEARLY 8 MILLION DRIVERS HIT THE ROADS DESPITE SUFFERING SIDE EFFECTS OF HAY FEVER MEDICATION • Drivers reluctant to reduce their mileage despite common side effects such as drowsiness and impaired thinking • Recent research also suggests that the average hay fever sufferer loses 72 minutes sleep a night due to the symptoms Most common side effects suffered by hay fever sufferers on medication

Drowsiness

49%

Dry mouth

34%

Impaired thinking

18%

Dizziness

13%

Blurred vision

11%

As hay fever season begins in earnest, new research reveals that the high pollen count could also have a worrying effect on UK road users. During the summer months many will turn to medication to combat hay fever symptoms and still drive despite suffering potentially dangerous side effects.

Over two fifths (42%) of UK adults suffer from allergies and a quarter of UK adults (26%) will use medication for hay fever. Of those who suffer from hay fever and take medication, half (49%) have admitted to feeling drowsy as a side effect of the drugs they use. Worryingly, despite this admission, half (49%) of all hay fever sufferers who take medication make no reduction in the amount of driving they do when using the remedies.

A fifth (22%) of those who drive whilst using these medications have experienced side effects whilst driving that directly led to an incident involving an-

other car. A further 16% have felt side effects behind the wheel but have so far avoided any incidents as a result.

Drowsiness tops the list of side effects experienced when using hay fever medication whilst driving with three quarters (73%) admitting to feeling sleepy behind the wheel. This potential for danger on the road could be exacerbated with recent research by Boots stating that, on average, hay fever sufferers lose 72 minutes of sleep a night during the summer.

Jason Banwell, Managing Director at Kwik Fit Insurance Service said: “These findings are worrying as we enter the summer months and it seems that some drivers still do not recognise the dangers of driving whilst feeling the side effects of common, over the counter

medication. A hot summer can mean a high pollen count and potentially people taking more than the prescribed dose to combat hay fever which brings with it a multitude of dangers including driving impairment.”

“As with all medication it is important to read all labels and make sure it is properly used. Also if people are prone to side effects, try to cut out as many non-essential car journeys as possible.

Recently updated drug driving laws mean that some over the counter medicine can put people over certain limits and our survey found that 71% of UK adults had no idea about these changes.

Drivers need to educate themselves and err on the side of caution to stay safe on the roads.”

RAINBOW TROUT TO VANISH FROM BRITISH TABLES WITHIN A GENERATION

BRITISH rainbow trout could disappear from the nation’s tables within a generation, Morrisons fishmongers are warning.

Sales of the fish have been in decline for the last decade.

They have dropped by nearly 10 per cent within the last five years. Should this trend continue the nation will have stopped eating the fish completely within 17 years[i].

Morrisons is trying to stem this decline by stocking only British rainbow trout on its counters. Either whole fish or filleted portions can be prepared by its trained fishmongers to make home cooking easier for customers. The retailer is also offering new ideas on cooking the fish, including bake-in-the-bag options with rubs and butters.

Rainbow trout is one of Britain’s two commonly sold freshwater fish, the other being salmon. It has been widely available from UK supermarkets since the 1960s. During the 1970s rainbow trout was one of the nation’s most popu-

lar fish dishes.

Huw Thomas, Fisheries & Aquaculture Manager at Morrisons said: “The last few years has seen a rise in imports of international freshwater fish species, such as Tilapia and Pangasius. Many customers have also switched to either

white fish such as cod or salmon. This has left rainbow trout out in the cold.

“But trout is a beautiful fish.

It’s got a delicate flavour which is slightly nutty and earthy. It’s much more subtle than Salmon.

Its flesh is also soft and tender in texture and has a small flake.

There are a huge range of classic trout dishes, but personally I prefer rubbing spicy flavours on to the fish skin such as paprika and cumin, then baking them.” [i] Based on <1% of the population eating the fish once a year

GIANT HOGWEED WARNING

THE public are urged to take care when out and about this summer and to treat Giant Hogweed with caution.

In recent weeks the invasive weed has been in the media spotlight, with incidents of injuries being reported, including to children.

The numbers of injuries could be set to increase as children roam affected areas in the summer holidays. There’s also a risk of injury to those tasked with removing the plant, unless correct safety measures are introduced.

Giant Hogweed sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a serious and significant danger to public health.

Contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, the latter possibly recurring over a number of years.

History and identification, the impact of Giant Hogweed, and details of control methods are can be viewed at http://www.property-care.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ Guidance-Note-Giant-Hogweed.pdf – and further guidance is also offered on the health risks associated with the invasive weed.

“Children in particular are going to come across it and the general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant need to be aware of the risks.

“Giant Hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally.”

Giant Hogweed, along with the more widely known Japa-

nese Knotweed, is increasingly coming under the spotlight of land and property professionals.

This is due in part to the reformed Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and associated Community Protection Notices, which could be issued to necessitate landowners to deal with Japanese Knotweed.

This could see fines of up to £20,000 imposed for companies failing to tackle the problem. Individuals would also be forced to comply too, or face a fine of up to £2,500.

Furthermore, as well as the ASBO legislation, new EU regulations have been introduced which could result in fines of thousands of pounds and prosecution if invasive plants such as these are not managed appropriately and in a timely fashion.

The regulations, which came into effect in January, will empower government agencies to issue Control Orders that necessitate the removal of high risk invasive weed species from specified areas, which could potentially include derelict sites, public land, construction sites and neighbouring properties.

The guidance note is one of seven new documents being produced this year by the PCA, which tackle a wide-range of issues relating to the invasive weed control sector.

They support a range of initiatives already in place, including a code of practice and an industry-recognised training programme for its professional members and those interested in the biology and control of the plant.

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Full travel health risk assessments and vaccinations IF you’re travelling to a tropical destination this summer, off on an adventure or returning home to visits friends and relatives, leading health and beauty retailer Superdrug offers a convenient, in-store holiday health consultation and immunisation service against travel related illnesses.

Superdrug customers now have access to individual, extensive health consultations with expert in-store nurses or pharmacists. During the consultation, if necessary, the nurse or pharmacist is able to speak to the Superdrug Online Doctor who can provide extra support for customers with needs outside the ‘norm’.Unlike other high street pharmacies, this means that more people can get the vaccinations they need to travel abroad there and then rather than be referred on to their GP or doctor.

The extensive travel health consultations are available in 48 Superdrug stores throughout the UK and are held in private consultation rooms.

Appointments can be booked online, over the phone, instore or alternatively, if the nurse or pharmacist is free, walk in appointments are also available.

Speaking about the new service, Dr Pixie McKenna said: “Superdrug helps people travel abroad by ensuring customers make informed decisions about their health before travelling. Offering a face to face risk assessment service rather than one from an automatic machine or online form helps offer travel vaccinations to customers who may otherwise have been told they’re ineligi-

ble.”

The following single vaccinations are currently available at Superdrug Travel Clinics, ranging from £30.00- £80.00: Cholera Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Japanese Encephalitis Meningitis Polio, Tetanus and Diphtheria Rabies Tick Bone Encephalitis Typhoid Yellow fever (select locations only) Certain jabs are available free from a GP on the NHS including diphtheria, polio and tetanus, hepatitis A and Cholera, however it can sometimes be difficult to get in to see your GP for these vaccinations. Superdrug makes health on the high street accessible, offering a private drop in service for its customers, and flexible appointment hours.

Superdrug is also able to offer the following helpful information for customers both instore and online: A country travel guide, giving local travel advice and health risk information First aid information, including useful hints and tips as well as recommending what products should be taken on holiday The do’s and don’t for travelling when pregnant How to avoid insect bites, including product recommendations Travel consultation appointments can be booked online, and there is a search option for customers to find there nearest Superdrug travel clinic. Visit onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/ travel to find out more.

STEAM SERVICES ON THE BORDERS RAILWAY

TICKETS are now on sale for the much-anticipated steam train journeys on the new Borders Railway line. They will begin on 10 September.

Following the success of the Inverness and Carlisle steam train specials in June, ScotRail is offering passengers the chance to travel on the brand new line from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank and back, all in the comfort of a beautifully refurbished vintage carriage.

The services will be hauled by the popular 60009 Union of South Africa, one of six remaining LNER Class A4 steam locomotives in the UK, built in Doncaster in 1937.

ScotRail’s steam train journeys are offered in partnership with Steam Dreams, and will be available every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 September for six weeks.

Tickets will be priced at £75 for first class tickets, £40 for standard class, and £20 for a standard class child’s ticket (under 16). A family ticket (two adults and two children, standard class) is priced at £100. All tickets include train travel on ScotRail services to get to and from the steam train on the same day.

Tickets for the steam journeys – and to book a visit to Abbotsford House and Melrose Abbey - can be purchased by calling Steam Dreams on 01483

Drowning Prevention Charity issues pool safety advice THE UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), has issued vital safety advice following the funeral of Martin Winfield, who lost his life with his partner Alan Green in their swimming pool.

Martin Winfield, aged 59, and Alan Green, aged 75, drowned in their swimming pool at their home on July 3. Martin’s funeral took place today (Friday) at which friends and family were asked to make donations to RLSS UK instead of taking flowers.

And, as the tragedy high-

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lights the possible dangers of residential swimming pools, the charity, which is also the leader in lifeguard training in the UK, with more than 95 per cent of lifeguards holding an RLSS UK qualification, has warned of the dangers but also how to enjoy pools as safely as possible.

“We encourage people to enjoy the water but as safely as possible and would urge anyone who has a swimming pool in their garden to take note of our simple advice, advice that could save lives and prevent another tragedy such

as this happening to anyone else.”

RLSS UK’s water safety guidance for residential pools • Children and weak swimmers should be closely supervised by an adult at all times and weak swimmers should stay within the pool’s recommended safety depths • Never swim alone • Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of pools • Control access to the pool by using suitable fencing, secure doors/gates and pool and/or gate alarms to moni-

209888.

These steam journeys will give people a chance to appreciate the new Borders Railway from the wonderful setting of a vintage steam train. This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the country’s newest railway line, and in such a romantic style.

It’s fantastic to see these iconic trains back in operation, allowing so many people the opportunity to appreciate Scotland’s countryside and railways from a unique and very special point of view, and to see them running on the long-awaited Borders Railway will be a real jewel in the crown both for Scotland’s tourism and rail industries.

There can be few railway journeys which match the outstanding scenery on this new route, and I look forward to it being extremely successful. Steam services running on the reopened Borders Railway really will recapture the golden age of Scottish rail travel.

“The magical Scottish Borders is one of Scottish tourism’s greatest assets and I’m convinced the addition of steam trains will make our new railway one of Scotland’s most sought-after attractions. I for one cannot wait to enjoy this amazing experience.”

For more information on ScotRail’s steam services, please visit: scotrail.co.uk/ steam-trains tor access to swimming pools where possible • Never enter the water after drinking alcohol • Have easy access to suitable rescue aids such as a torpedo buoy, rope or reach pole (all available from www. lifesaversdirect.org.uk) • Know what to do in an emergency – learn First Aid and CPR •Always advise guests to your pool of key safety advice •Always follow manufacturers advice of the pool for maintenance and safety checks Clare, Steve and P For more water safety advice or information on the RLSS UK and it’s drowning prevention work or lifesaving programmes Visit website at www.rlss. org.uk

Mind your manners on holiday

IN a survey of 1000 travellers by leading travel money provider PL; International Currency Exchange , 44% confessed to committing a cultural faux pas on holiday and 49% have seen someone else make a cringe-worthy slip up abroad.

The most common is using the wrong word/phrase (18%) but 1 in 10 has used the loo of the opposite sex by mistake and around the same has used the wrong language when speaking to a local person. Furthermore 16% have seen others cause offence by wearing inappropriate clothing for a formal or religious occasion.

“Getting the etiquette right for the country you are visiting can be the difference to a warm welcome or a cold shoulder.

Pleasurable pass times such as eating and drinking can be a minefield, not finishing your meal in France implies the food is poor, or the serving is incorrectly balanced whereas in Russia leaving a small amount on your plate suggests enough food has been provided to fill you up”.

“It’s not just food and drink that can catch out holiday makers, taking care when greeting locals, and watching those hand gestures are important to remember as interpretations vary depending on the country you’re visiting. A little research beforehand can go a long way to ensuring a smooth trip”.

“Paying for goods and services can also be fraught with uncertainty in some countries.

For example in Thailand and India, the custom is to haggle rather than have a set price which can catch UK travellers’ unawares. In the US, you may be chased down the street if you forget to tip between 15% and 20% after a meal and in France and Italy an extra tip on top of the service charge is often expected.

However, savvy travellers planning their break to Europe can take advantage of the current strength of the Pound by loading up a PIN-protected prepaid currency card from ICE – the ICE Travellers Cashcard

in Euros. With rates fixed at the time the money is loaded, the ITC cash card enables holidaymakers to withdraw the local currency they need at ATMs and the flexibility to pay for larger purchases in shops and for meals out as they would with a debit or credit card. The ITC adds some certainty for travellers tackling local customs.

Common Cultural faux pas to avoid in Europe • Waving your hand in front of someone’s face in Germany & Austria, is regarded as an offensive gesture • Don’t start eating unless everyone at the table is seated and ready to start their meal in France • Take shoes off when entering somebody’s home in Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic & Poland • In Bulgaria, if asked if you like something, make sure you shake your head for yes. The gesture is reversed the other way, so remember to nod for no • Displaying too much flesh could see you ejected from churches in Italy and Greece, so dress modestly if you intend to visit.

• Flashing the thumbs up sign in parts of Italy and France is regarded as an insult • Showing your palm of your hand to a Greek is regarded as highly offensive • Don’t sit down at a dinner table until you’re asked to in Austria, as you may be met with disapproving looks • Putting a piece of bread on one’s plate in France is poor etiquette. Leave it on the table beside the plate as bread is not considered part of a meal • Failing to make eye contact while clinking glasses with Germans is considered bad luck • In some parts of Italy and France tips are expected even when service has been added to the bill Cross cultural faux pas to avoid in USA • Urinating in public is not socially acceptable anywhere, but in the USA it could land you with a fine • Asking where the toilet is in the USA is likely to result in a frown; call it a restroom or bathroom to avoid appearing rude.

• Don’t steal another’s cab whilst in the Big Apple • Try and ensure you have change or a metro card ready when stepping up to get on a bus or approaching a turnstile for the metro in New York • Not to tip in the USA is considered rude, and tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis

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SPAIN REMAINS NUMBER 1 HOLIDAY DESTINATION SPAIN remains the number one destination for the UK holiday market, with the Canary and Balearic Islands continuing to be popular. Other Eurozone destinations, including Cyprus, France and Greece are also proving particularly popular this summer with holidaymakers attracted by the strong exchange rate.

The pound is currently at an eight year high against the Euro.

For those heading further afield the Dominican Republic and Mexico have sold well, with Florida remaining the number one long haul choice for families.

Domestic bookings are healthy with travel agents and tour operators reporting strong demand. As well as city and country breaks in the UK, shorter holidays to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin and New York also feature as some of the top picks for summer 2015.

Airports are experiencing very busy weekends with 450,000 passengers departing from Heathrow, 310,000 from Gatwick, 160,000 from Stansted and 90,000 from Luton.

Over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone each weekend . 171,000 are due to depart from Manchester, 73,000 from Birmingham and 50,000 from Bristol.

Other regional airports, ports and the channel tunnel will also be extremely busy over the weekends with hundreds of thousands leaving the country. 71,000 holidaymakers will be heading off to Paris and the South of France on the Eurostar each summer weekend. , Florida and Dubai are very popular this year, with families benefitting from the cut in child air taxes that was introduced in May. Holidaymakers will also see their spending money going further with the pound having increased in value against a wide range of currencies, particularly the Euro, over the last twelve months

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GENN TRAVEL

Hiring a car abroad? The small print can often allow car hire firms to bill your credit card for extra charge

CAR hire small print often allows firms to bill your credit card for extra charges, here’s some savvy ways to protect yourself.

With some companies, you simply get shown round your hire vehicle and asked to inspect it for damage.

With others you’re just given the keys and told where to find it.

The beach may be beckoning but take time to check over the car.

Point out any marks, scratches or damage to the car hire representative if they’re with you, and make sure they’re logged on the rental agreement.

If you’re picking up the car by yourself, this is where your mobile phone comes in handy.

I always take photos of each side of the hire car, and a video of the outside on my phone. My phone automatically dates any pictures taken.

This way there’s proof of damage that’s already there, as some unscrupulous companies have been known to try and bill for the same dents and scratches time after time.

Take an airport tour Why? Well, when you return your car one, or even two weeks later, it’s easy to forget how to get back to the same spot or which car park entrance to use.

And if you don’t park in the designated parking area you can get billed for car park charges, as I did, or worse still you run the risk of incurring clamping fees in unauthorised parking areas.

Even small airports can be confusing, and if you’re late returning the vehicle you risk a late delivery charge.

So jot down any landmarks and signs on arrival to help you get back easily.

Keep petrol receipts

Some companies charge upfront for a full tank, along with a surcharge. Others expect the car back with the same level you started with.

If refuelling is down to you then keep those receipts.

This way if the company claims the fuel level is lower than when you started and tries to charge you a penalty fees, you can produce receipts showing how much you put in and when.

I’ve even gone as far as taking photos of the petrol gauge before driving off, making a note of the mileage, and doing the same again on my return.

Before you jump in your car and head out onto the open road, it helps to know the local rules of the road.

Are you spending part of your holiday behind the wheel? A little knowledge may spare you some unpleasant surprises.

If your idea of driving in Europe is racing down a quiet autobahn or autoroute at 100 mph, perhaps you should think again.

It is true that some roads on the continent have no fixed speed limit. And, for the next two years at least, any penalties imposed will not have any impact on your UK driving licence in terms of points or future car insurance-premium rises.

But don’t kid yourself that breaking the laws of the road in countries such as France, Germany and Spain wont matter.

No points… but no car either At the moment, any transgressions you make while on the road outside of Britain will almost certainly not be translated back into penalty points on your UK licence: there is at present no Eu-

rope-wide scheme of endorsements.

But that does not mean the risks of speeding or otherwise failing to observe local motoring laws are minimal.

If you’re stopped by police, they will generally have the power to impose onthe-spot fines – even if this means escorting you to the nearest cash machine.

Arguing that you weren’t aware of the speed limit or that you have a ferry to catch are unlikely to get you off the hook, and you face paying hundreds of euros depending on the severity of your offence.

Worse still you could lose your car: police in France, for example, now have the right to impound your vehicle if you are travelling more than 50 km/h (roughly 30 mph) above the limit. Exceed the permitted rate by 40 km/h (25 mph) and your licence could be confiscated.

In Germany, your car can be taken if you are unwilling or unable to pay any instant fines.

What are the limits?

Broadly speaking, speed limits on the continent are similar to those in the UK. In built-up areas, a limit of 50 km/h applies in France, Germany and among other countries; on motorways, the maximum is normally 130 km/h (around 80 mph).

On much of Germany’s autobahn, 130 km/h is a guideline rather than a strict limit, so in theory you can travel more quickly. Some sections do enforce lower limits however, and these are marked with red signs Although overseas police forces may be keener to impose on-the-spot fines on foreign drivers, that does not mean you can’t be issued with a speeding or parking ticket after you have returned to the

‘Breaking Down’…the biggest worry on long trips

‘BREAKING Down’ is the biggest worry on long trips, say 44% of motorists driving cars older than six years The survey highlights the reliability concerns for drivers of older vehicles as the Summer get-away gets into full swing.

The latest research shows 56% of motorists driving cars aged six years or older pack a picnic before taking a long journey. But only 12% get their car serviced ahead of a big trip. And, with only one in five drivers of cars aged 6 years or older saying they are covered by roadside assistance, breaking down is the second biggest worry (44%) on long car journeys, after traffic congestion at 59%.

With the average age of cars on Britain’s roads now over seven years, Europcar is highlighting the advantages of car hire as a safe, reliable and flexible alternative for UK families this Summer get-away. It seems that many take long trips in older vehicles without doing some of the basic car maintenance checks, research revealed that the top three car checks before a long journey are fuel (82%), tyres (65%) and windscreen wash (64%). Interestingly checking the engine oil is topped up (63%) came lower than checking the windscreen wash – and checking the water coolant came even further down the list with only just over half (56%) of respondents saying they do this before embarking on a long journey.

We were also interested to find that only just over a third (37%) said they check all the light bulbs are working, despite this being a legal re-

quirement on UK roads.

The other challenge when planning to use the family car for long Summer trips is finding room for all the baggage and passengers. Only 30% of motorists check the car has been safely loaded before heading off.

Key Survey Findings Top 10 Car Checks 1. Top up the Fuel 2. Check Tyre Pressure 3. Check windscreen wash 4. Check oil 5. Top up water coolant 6. Check light bulbs 7. Check the car is safely loaded 8. Set Sat Nav for all the key locations 9. Make sure the car has been recently serviced 10. Check the air con and heating Top 10 Travel worries 1. Traffic and congestion 2. Breaking down 3. Having an accident 4. Getting lost 5. Driving in bad weather 6. Driving when tired 7. Arriving on time 8. Keeping the kids occupied 9. Running out of fuel 10. Getting back pain

UK. The DVLA has reciprocal agreements with fellow motoring agencies around Europe, which means that you can be identified and contacted by any police force which has a record of your registration plate, for example from a speed camera.

If you do receive such a fine in the post, you will be entitled to challenge it in the same way you would a UK charge, but clearly this is likely to be a more complicated process.

Legally speaking, however, a fine such as this can not be enforced in Britain in the same way as a UK-issued fine: foreign authorities can not ask the British judiciary to help them get their money.

“The long and the short of it is that, a foreign speeding ticket alone is probably not recognised in the UK at the moment.”

In 2011, an EU agreement was reached to allow motoring offences committed in other member states to be chased up by the driver’s own country.

But the UK, along with Denmark and Ireland, opted out of this legislation.

However, a new EU ruling this year means that this opt-out will only run until May 2017.

From then, motoring offences committed by Brits in other EU member states will be enforceable here.

While the opt-out remains in force, “If you don’t pay up, you might nonetheless be stopped at the border if you attempt to re-enter the country at a later date.”

For unpaid parking fines and tolls, cases may be passed to a British firm called Euro Parking Collection, which uses the civil courts to recover payment, in a similar way to a debt collector.

DON’T BE DULL – YOUR SKIN CAN BURN ON CLOUDY DAYS DON’T let the clouds catch you out!

The summer weather doesn’t have to reach heatwave proportions for you to start slapping on the sunscreen, warns a Glasgow skin expert.

Dr Robert Herd, a consultant dermatologist at BMI Ross Hall Hospital, in Crookston Road, says he regularly has to deal with skin cancer cases brought about because people still don’t know how to look after themselves in the sunshine.

And his message is: “There may well be clouds in the sky but it doesn’t mean your skin is safe!”

“When the sun is blasting down everyone should now know the drill,” said Dr Herd. “But the danger is when there is cloud cover or a breeze that is making everything appear cooler. Clouds reduce the amount of ultraviolet A and B radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface but don’t stop the damaging rays. Clouds block more visible light than ultraviolet radiation,” he explained.

“Okay, if it is pouring it down with rain and clouds are so thick

it seems like a winter’s day then your umbrella and raincoat should all the cover you need,” he joked. “But basically, if the sun is shining then your skin is in danger.

“It is on a typical Scottish summer’s day when people get caught out. For example, a sea breeze often fools people into thinking it isn’t particularly hot and they actually stay on the beach longer because they are comfortable with the temperature” Dr Herd added: “This is especially the case for young children.

If it is warm enough for them to be playing out in shorts and tee shirts then the sun is usually strong enough to merit covering them in a protective cream or lotion – particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun rays are at their strongest.

“It is always better to be safe than sorry and my advice would be that if you are outdoors during late July and August then take care. Just because you can’t feel the burn doesn’t mean you aren’t burning!”

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GENN

THE Scottish Cartoon Art Studio’s team of caricaturists are set to entertain visitors to a number of events around the north and east of Glasgow over the next few weeks.

The schedule for August looks like this: 02/08/15, 12.30-15.30 North East Festival Day, Auchinlea Park 07/08/15, 12.30-15.30 FARE Fun Day, Croftcroighn Park 09/08/15, 12.30-15.30 FARE Fun Day, Cranhill Park 16/08/15, 11.00-14.00 Urban Fox Fun Day, Helenslea Community Hall 23/08/15, 12.00-17.00 Pride Weekend, Glasgow Green Please note all information is correct at the time of going to press, for the latest updates visit the Studio’s website: scottishcartoons.com Find them on Facebook/ScottishCartoonArtStudio and Twitter @ScottishCartoon

Illustrations by Sarune Savickaite

GENN Community Pictures

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Photograph kindly supplied to the GENN Newspaper by Mr Billy McNaught.

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GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

Last week, Venus commenced a retrograde cycle that will take it back to meet the Sun. So far as you are concerned, its return to Leo is a welcome event, as this adds to a sense of adventure and takes the emphasis off more serious issues like your work.

Similarly, any health concerns that have flared since the middle of July, now calm down significantly. Only most likely, they haven’t entirely gone away and some thought regarding how to address their ramifications, would be prudent in the circumstances.

Recently, you’ve been happier spending time in your own company. You have been through a lot and appreciate the peace and solitude, while mulling over all that has occurred. There is much to learn from these experiences and the way matters have panned out, yet this won’t necessarily be obvious, without a degree of introspection and enlightened insight into the course of events. The full moon in Aquarius on the final day of July harks back to the first two months of 2015, along with the decisions that you made then.

Taurus

Scorpio

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

(21 March - 20 April)

(21 April - 21 May)

Saturn resumes forward motion in your opposite sign, having turned retrograde around the middle of March.

It now gains the momentum that will take it out of Scorpio and return it to Sagittarius during September. Some will decry such developments, but for you they feel like part of a natural process, as close friendships and other more intimate associations are put under the microscope and considered, from a practical and pragmatic point of view.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

It seems a long while, you have been working towards certain objectives. In truth, it has probably been about three years, but looking back it feels like another life. You have often wondered about the wisdom of the choices you have made, along with questioning your competence and your ability to continue on this mission. For many there is focus on your professional affairs, with your career interests prominent and a significant vocational slant.

Cancer

(22 June - 23 July)

Saturn resumes a forward trajectory on Sunday, after more than four months of retrograde motion. This change of direction is especially significant for your sign, as it marks the final stages of a journey that has seen this planet dominating your affairs, for the past three years. You can deal with the coming weeks in a couple of ways, one guaranteed to yield a constructive outcome and another that most probably won’t. It is certainly possible just to wait out this period, while hoping for an improvement at the end of it.

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Four planets in a region of the sky traditionally linked with your constellation, suggest it is time for a vacation. Saturn continues to clear away the remnants of a concluding phase, that can be reckoned in decades rather than in terms of years.

As yet, it isn’t clear what you will do to fill in the gaps its departure suggests, although you can be sure that once Saturn returns to your sign next month, finding out is going to keep you busy.

Capricorn

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Venus, now retrograde, comes back to a region of your horoscope where it feels especially comfortable. Here it joins three other planets, that highlight your financial affairs and material prospects. The focus is one of extreme good fortune and has been for some months. Just when you think you have harvested all you can from a particular scenario, the scope arises to look again, as another avenue of advantage becomes apparent. While trends like these continue, it is as well to remind yourself that they are now on the wane.

As a retrograde Venus dashes back towards Leo’s embrace, it becomes clear that life will be more secure and prosperous, if you can share your days and hold goods in common with others.

Rather than losing out, by letting a few select individuals have an equal say in that which you earn and own, your personal resources are multiplied several times over, by what they bring to the table and that you’d never have access to otherwise. Basically, you’ve understood this for some time and geared your life accordingly.

Leo

Aquarius

(24 July - 23 Aug)

The return of Venus to Leo, for a stay that continues until October, isn’t only good for those born under the sign of the Lion. The brilliance of this planet is considered clear evidence of its propitious and beneficial nature, so while it is now too close to the Sun for comfortable observation in the northern hemisphere at least, this does not detract from its return to this part of the sky or the fact it will soon conjoin Jupiter for a second time. As all the planetary action takes place directly across the sky from your constellation, your partnership affairs are again accentuated, by trends that are so fortuitous they can even change your life…

Virgo

Pisces

The departure of Venus from your sign feels premature. Usually, it will spend about one month in each constellation, but you have seen under two weeks.

Half of this period has been spent retrograde as Venus backtracks into Leo, so while you’ve had some time to focus on your relationships and to consider the image you’re presenting, this hasn’t been long enough to make a substantial difference. But Venus returns to your sign, between October and November.

SUCCESS?

WHATEVER your definition of success as each person’s definition of “success” is different, one thing is true for everyone: Success means getting things done.

Highly successful people are able to get a lot more things done, and here are simple ways you can too.

1. Eliminate every “ego” commitment.

We all do things that have more to do with ego than results.

Maybe you serve on a committee because you like how it looks on your CV. Maybe you teach at a local college because you like the words “adjunct professor Anything you do solely for ego is a waste of time. Think about things you do mainly because they make you look important, smart, or cool. If it provides no other “value,” drop it.

Anything you do that serves the greater glory of you is a waste of time; besides, the best glory is reflected, not projected.

2. Don’t struggle for that extra 5 percent.

If fairly competitive when you start to do something You soon start wanting to do it better than other people.

Wanting to say. I’m faster, fitter, etc., than the average person, this kind of improvement has no real importance.

Sure, you may get in better shape, but at that points out is the improvement to your overall health is incremental at best.

And in the meantime you have to spend hours in the gym that you could spend working toward more important goals.

Or you could just spend more time with family, the most important goal of all.

Think about something you already do well but are trying hard to do even better. Then weigh the input with the outcome.

Sometimes “good” truly is good enough, especially if that 5 percent gain is hugely disproportionate to the pain required to reach it.

3. Find the perfect way to say no.

Most of us default to saying yes because we don’t want to seem rude or unfriendly or unhelpful.

Unfortunately, that also means we default to taking on more than we want or can handle.

It’s important to know how, with grace and tact, to say no.

Maybe your response will be as simple as, “I’m sorry, but I just don’t have time.”

Develop your own way of saying no and then rehearse so it comes naturally. That way you won’t say yes simply because you think you should--you’ll say yes because you know it’s right for you.

4. Eliminate useless “me time” commitments.

Look at the things you do because you’ve always done them and decide if it’s time to stop.

Here’s an easy test: If you wouldn’t do something while you were on vacation, there’s no good reason to do it when you’re not.

5. Set hard limits.

Deadlines and time frames establish parameters, but typically not in a good way. We instinctively adjust our effort so our activities take whatever time we let them take.

Tasks should take only as long as they need to take--or as long as you decide they should take.

Try this: Decide you’ll only spend 10 minutes a day on social media. Just 10.

The first day you’ll get frustrated because you won’t get everything done you “need” to get done. The second day you’ll instinctively skip a few feeds because they’re not as important.

The third day you’ll re-prioritize

The Genn Crossword

and maybe use a tool like Buffer to get better organized.

By the fifth day you’ll realize 10 minutes is plenty of time to do what you need to do; all that other time you used to spend was just fluff.

Pick a task, set a time limit, and stick to that time limit. Necessity, even artificial necessity, is the mother of creativity. I promise you’ll figure out how to make it work.

6. Establish a nighttime routine ...

The first thing you do is the most important thing you do, because it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

So be smart and prepare for that “first thing” the night before.

Make a list. Make a few notes.

Review information. Prime yourself to hit the ground at an all-out sprint the next day; a body in super-fast motion tends to stay in super-fast motion.

7. ... And a morning routine.

Then make sure you can get to that task as smoothly as possible.

Pretend you’re an Olympic sprinter and your morning routine is like the warm-up for a race. Don’t dawdle, don’t ease your way into your morning, and don’t make sure you get some “me” time (hey, sleep time is me time). Get up, get cleaned up, get fuelled up--and start rolling.

Think about it this way: Sprinters don’t do cool-down laps before they race. Neither should you.

8. Outsource the right tasks.

I was raised to think that any job I could do myself was a job I should do myself.

That’s why it took me a long time to decide the kid down the street should cut my grass. He can use the money. I can use the time.

But that’s a simple example.

Here’s an even better approach: Write down the two or three things you do that generate the most tangible return. Maybe it’s selling. Maybe it’s developing your employees. Maybe it’s building

long-term customer relationships.

Me? I make the most money when I’m writing; anything else I do that takes me away from writing limits my ability to generate revenue.

Figure out the two or three things that you do best--and that generate the best return on your time--and then strip away all the other “stuff” by outsourcing those tasks. (Or, oftentimes, simply by eliminating those tasks.)

Your bottom line will thank you for it.

9. Fix what you often break.

Do you terrible about putting meetings and phone calls on your calendar. Figure you will get to it later, and then never do. Then spend way too much time, often in a panic, trying to figure out when and where and who ...

All that time, wasted time. So finally decide to immediately enter every appointment into your calendar the moment its made -- no matter what.

You probably have at least one thing you tend to mess up. Maybe you don’t file stuff properly. Maybe you put off dealing with certain emails and then forget them. Maybe you regularly find you’re unprepared for a call or meeting.

Whatever your “things” are, fix them. You’ll save time and aggravation.

10. Don’t multitask.

Plenty of research says multitasking doesn’t work. Some research says multitasking actually makes you stupid.

Maybe you agree. Maybe you don’t. Either way, I feel sure there is at least one thing you do that is so important, you should never allow a distraction or a loss of focus.

Choose one important task and commit to turning away everything else when you tackle it. Focus solely on that task. See if you do it better.

I bet you will -- and I bet that will make you decide to stop multitasking when you perform many other tasks.

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

Across (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Jupiter’s stay in your sign is almost over, yet what an amazing period this has been. Every twelve years this planet orbits the Sun and spends one year in your constellation, bringing luck and exceptional good fortune your way.

Casting your mind back to twelve months ago and the changes that have occurred since then, you’ll admit that after a slow start these past few months have made up for it. Your horizons have expanded enormously, while your expectations of what is possible have increased to match.

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Just a Thought

(20 Feb - 20 Mar)

If anyone had ever suggested to you, how much you were capable of tackling on a long-term basis, you would probably have been gobsmacked first and then incredulous, in the second place. However, there is a difference between being forced to deal with humdrum duties and obligations in the course of a routine work schedule, versus shouldering these obligations because you want to, since they offer a source of fulfilment and reward, contributing in essence to your objectives and enhancing your self-image.

1. Twelve (5) 4. Hoard (5) 7. Unaware (9) 8. Gape (4) 10. Wore away (6) 12. Birds of prey (6) 13. Notion (4) 16. Large spider (9) 18. The lowest point of anything (5) 19. Implied (5)

Down

1. Journal (5) 2. Menagerie (3) 3. World’s longest river (4) 4. Secret or hidden (6) 5. Bustling (7) 6. Abated (5) 9. Placed a bet (7) 11. Thinner (6) 12. Consumed (5) 14. Proficient (5) 15. Female relative (4) 17. Part of a circle (3)

GENN

Your News

27

editor@thegenn.co.uk

Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre is Going International

LOCAL Glasgow charity, Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre is going international! Toonspeak is sending 8 talented young people to Germany for a life-changing youth theatre exchange.

Toonspeak has been asked to take part in the annual Move On! theatre exchange project at the Youth Cultural Centre in Oldenburg, Germany. Over two weeks young people will share social and cultural differences, learn to work and connect with other young people from across Europe on a completely level playing field as well as learn new languages, new skills and techniques from professional theatre makers in a challenging, exciting and perspective-changing experience. A total of fifty

young people from six European countries will create a new theatre piece exploring the subject of democratic development in Europe.

“This is an incredible opportunity for anyone involved in the Arts like me who wants it to be their future career.” David McMahon – Toonspeak Young Director “This would be my first time abroad and I’d get to meet loads of new people from six different countries….engage with them and learn more about their culture.” Matthew Docherty – Toonspeak participant “It isn’t just a project or a holiday it’s life changing. A lot of people don’t understand that for people from deprived areas of Glasgow how life affirming

this could be.” Jasmine Main – Toonspeak Young Director This is an amazing opportunity and Toonspeak are so fortunate to have been invited to attend, but we really need your support! We need to raise £2500 to send these 8 young people on a trip of a lifetime so please give – you can do so easily via our Indiegogo funding page www.indiegogo.com/projects/ send-toonspeak-international For 28 years, Toonspeak has prided itself on providing high quality, free theatre and arts activities for young people in Glasgow. Toonspeak aims to create unique exciting theatre that releases young people’s potential, expands imaginations and inspires change within our communities.

Bannerman High pupils sell Scotland in Shanghai THREE pupils from Bannerman High School in Glasgow attending this year’s Shanghai International Youth Summer Camp, currently running in Shanghai, have been awarded second place out of twenty two countries represented for their presentation and exhibition about Scotland.

S4 pupils Heather Finlay, Alicia Harvey and Emma Hastings, who are studying Chinese at Bannerman High

School, are accompanied on this trip by their teacher, Jenny Chang.

Fhiona Fisher, Director of the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools (CISS) based at the University of Strathclyde said: ‘This is an outstanding achievement for the pupils from Bannerman High School and their teacher. They have shown the world how great young people from Glasgow can be!’

The Shanghai Internation-

al Youth Summer Camp run from 21-30 July 2015 and welcomes young people from all over the world. CISS worked with schools in Scotland to put forward three pupils for this unique opportunity.

The programme for the ten day long camp includes excursions to local landmarks, cultural shows and a visit to a local family. Pupils experience Chinese culture whilst meeting other young people from around the world.

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

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GENN

Scottish Street Style with a twist from the East End of Glasgow MILAN, Paris, New York, London; these are the places that first come to mind when considering the most prominent fashion destinations, but many people in Glasgow are unaware of the booming creative industry on found just on their doorstep.

The Scottish fashion scene has exploded over the past couple of years, and with brands such as Abandon Ship already seeing international success the benchmark has been set extremely high.

In order to find out more this reporter has interviewed one of the biggest new-comers to the industry, Mark Bradley of G69 Clothing, who’s already seeing recognition and endorsement from retailers, publishers and other authorities of the fashion world. Just last week G69 was featured in a pop up shop in Princes Square organised by retailer Wear Eponymous.

The collection was featured alongside other young Scottish designers such as Rachel Mcmillan, gathering an immense amount of attention and generating fantastic publicity for everyone involved.

RM: Hi Mark! To start off with why don’t you tell us something about your background? When did you first become interested in fashion?

Have you studied anything related?

MB: As cliché as it sounds, I have always had a keen interest in fashion from a young age, although not always higher end stuff, that came when I began to study Fashion Design & Manufacture as part of the HND course at Cardonald College (now Glasgow Clyde College). I was then fast-tracked into third year of a 3 year fashion business degree course at Glasgows Caledonian University. I studied there for roughly 8 months before deciding it wasn’t for me and pursuing my long time ambition to work on my own label - G69 Clothing.

RM: Great, so it sounds like you’ve known for a while what you want and how to get it.

How would you describe your brand? Is there a specific style you’re going for? What is it that makes your label stand out in this competitive industry?

MB: The name G69 is derived from the area Of Glasgow I was born and still live

in, and in turn where the label was born; the East End of Glasgow. The label is probably best described as a street-wear label although that can entail many different forms.. Initially we started, as many independents do, producing t-shirts, however my time at Cardonald is where I learned some techniques and production methods which have stuck with me until this day. Cut and sew and tailoring techniques play a big part in our designs. This is evident even more so in the newest designs which consist of tailored shirts and jackets This is helped by the different people I work alongside to create every garment, independent tailors, seamstresses, leather specialists etc. I look to work with and help those in a similar position to myself, networking is a must in this industry. I feel this way of working helps G69 stand out as people can appreciate the work that goes into everything which is produced. Even although it may not always be apparent I still take pride in working this way.

As far as inspiration I look at the Scottish success stories and those who have built from the ground up, not always in fashion but from similar backgrounds. For instance I was recently accepted into an entrepreneurial programme run

by Espark, supported by Lord Haughey of Glasgow firm city refrigeration, who happened

to be my mums stepfathers apprentice as a young boy! The programme is also supported

by Sir Tom Hunter, one of Scotland’s most successful businessmen, who began selling training shoes on a market stall to setting up the sports store, Sports Division, eventually selling the company for a large profit. These stories help me find motivation, proving that with hard work and support anything is achievable.

RM: Sounds like you have a lot to live up to! What is the next move? Have you got any specific goals set out for the nearest future? Where would you see yourself in a few years time? What defines success for you?

MB: Plans for the near future include getting g69clothing.com up and running in the next few weeks and building up brand awareness. We are currently stocked with award winning Glasgow based online retailer www.weareponymous. com and also in-store with independent boutique Factory 45 which can be found on High Street. I feel it is important however to get our own platform up and running in order to provide our customers with easy access to our collections.

We are also looking to head to specific trade shows in order to gain more exposure and more stockists, we were recently accepted for one in Berlin which us usually quite difficult as it is alongside bigger mainstream brands!

In a few years I would hope that G69 is a regular part of these type of events alongside the ‘bigger’ brands. A flagship

Across

store in Glasgow would be nice too, these things define success and show you are heading in the right direction.

RM: I hope you manage to achieve all your goals! What are some of the difficulties faced by young people like yourself trying to make it in the industry? Does Scotland have the potential to make a name for itself in the international fashion world? What do you have to do in order to make sure your label is a part of that?

MB: The Scottish fashion scene is full of talent, from designers to models and photographers, the creative industry however is ignored by councils and governments and receives very little if any support from these organisations. This is why most independents are left with no option other than funding themselves through other jobs or taking on debt in order to pursue their ambitions. Hopefully at some stage this will change and the industry will be noticed.

Scottish fashion is widely supported in various places out with Scotland, for instance recently we were lucky enough to be a part of the New York tartan day parade through the head of online community; Scot street style, Gordon Millar offering to become a brand ambassador for G69 alongside other selected Scottish brands. This meant he wore one of our tailored shirts while walking in the parade which took place in Brooklyn, New York. As long as we stay focused on our goals and keep putting all this energy into our projects. I have no doubt that the G69 brand will be a success.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1.Dozen 4.Cache 7.Oblivious 8.Yawn 9.Eroded 12.Eagles 13.Idea 16.Tarantula 18.Nadir 19.Tacit

Down

1.Diary 2.Zoo 3.Nile 4.Covert 5.Crowded 6.Eased 9.Wagered 11.Leaner 12.Eaten 14.Adept 15.Aunt 17.Arc

LookUp Glasgow tour History is an eyewitness account that is passed down through the years for people to converse and tell in their own unique way.

These are the words of LookUpGlasgow.

We are an alternative tour group which shows off Glasgow through its humour, people and stories. Something we are doing that is unheard of in tourism terms in Glasgow. We are showing off and promoting the East End of the city too. We say why not. My name is Robert Chapman and I run LookUp with Darren Mcgibbon. We are both from the East End of the city and we feel there is so much to show off in this end of the city now more than ever. With the regeneration and the Commonwealth games, there has never been a better time to come and visit the East End. Through our walking tours we aim to show off the city to visitors and Glaswegians . I’m a history lover, my grandad would tell me stories about the history in this city and from his days in the Merchant Navy. His stories of the Panama canal he would tell me as a ten year old are some of the fondest memories I have .

This and visits to places around the world and doing walking tours led us here.

As we don’t have anything like this in Glasgow I thought it would be great to show people my city. Over the last few months I’ve done so much reading and going out and about in the city to find out the history of our great city so I can tell a true reflec-

tion of our narrative . I’m writing this column to tell you a story about the East End. Barlinnie Prison one of the most infamous jails in the world is in the Riddrie area of the East End. Opened in 1882 it has a past as being a hard place to do your time. Ten people have been hanged at the prison with the last being in December 1960 of a 19 year old named Anthony Miller. I went to the school next to the prison, Smithycroft, and always remember being a second year pupil the day the Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi was brought to the jail.

I always remember the confused look on the faces of the news teams from Fox, CNN etc wondering why there was all these kids next to the jail.

No one seemed to tell them about the school.

Only in Glasgow . We plan to tell more stories in the coming issues of The Genn and talk about the East End this column was more an introduction to who we are and what we do.

29

GENN

Music

With Mark Johnson

GET ON IT PRONTO MAMA Live review - Pronto Mama Hug and Pint Saturday 18th July 2015 GLASWEGIAN sextet Pronto Mama - Michael Griffin (Bass/Backing Vocals), Ciaran McEneny (Keyboard/ Guitar/Vocals), Craig McMahon (Trombone/Keyboards/Backing Vocals) Martin Johnston (Drums/ Percussion/Backing Vocals), Marc Rooney (Guitar/Vocals) and Alex Sharples (Trumpet/ Keyboard/Backing Vocals) took to the stage in the West End’s packed Hug and Pint with a sense of anticipation in the air.

With two EPs “Lickety Split” and “Niche Market” under their belt they have forged a path showcasing their unusual fusion of indie pop, Detroit soul, progressive metal, new wave, and New York jazz fusion combined with down to earth songwriting with a Glaswegian sense of humour A quiet picked guitar intro of opener “Bottom Feeder” created the atmosphere, above a cloud of dry ice, before the

full on aural assault of the band in full flow of “Eden”, led by the massive drums of Martin Johnston. With fusion groove brass, close harmony vocals, portamento synth, electric piano and percussion the statement of intent was clear - we are no ordinary indie band.

Next up the smooth pop of “Remission” with it’s Talking Heads guitar, groove bass and smooth brass playing allow Ciaran McEneny’s impeccable vocals to soar over the top.

From high energy to a relaxed smooth breakdown the song crescendoed to a massive synth laden peak.

“Goose Steps” jangly strummy guitars, falsetto vocal, prog metal influenced breakdown shows their pop sensibility while Marc Rooney’s vocal range goes from soft falsetto to a full on gutsy roar, giving it his all.

Impromtu cheers in the crowd throughout led to rap-

SCOTTISH Album of The Year Award winner Kathryn Joseph releases a single from the album “Bones you have thrown me and blood I’ve spilled” this week with a launch party at the Hug and Pint on Saturday 1st August.

The Bird/The Worm showcases her trademark haunting sound and is a double A-Side

tourous roars at the end.

A short smooth groove based fusion jam interlude before the high energy time signature prog of an unnamed new song - with shades of progressive rockers Mars Volta and later big band era Frank Zappa Having been away at a cottage on Loch Fyne writing new material we were treated to a new song, as yet untitled, with massive sync wave synth sounds and New York fusion riffs on the bass from Michael Griffin with woodblocks and jazzy brass, the song shifts time and shows a level of musical complexity most indie bands couldn’t execute.

There then was a change of pace with an acapella barbershop number “Sentiment” sounding like some time travellers from 1940s USA got lost on a number 38 bus, drank a bottle of Buckfast and contracted a heavy dose of nihilism with the lyric “This neurosis I get, should I try or should I go and get pished?”

Despite the packed out room you could hear a pin drop.

Folk influenced narrative ballad “Memory Song” is

available on limited edition 7” vinyl and digital download.

The Worm is a previously unreleased track.

Kathryn also has a live session on BBC 6 Music’s Marc Riley Show on Monday 3rd August.

For more information visit www.kathrynjoseph.co.uk

THE BIRD AND THE WORM

Photo - Paddy Gordon a close harmony song with shades of The Everly Brothers about East End living and deals with the traditional British psychedelic themes of childhood.

Next the smooth soul sounds of “Still Swimming” showed a quieter dynamic from the band allowing Marc Rooney to sing his heart out and take a lead guitar solo, a much underused musical motif to see with bands these days. The brass counter melodies towards the end soared with the harmony vocals.

The bassline from hook laden crowd pleaser “Rubber” was greeted by cheers as the band funked it’s way through with brass buildups from juxtaposed with offbeat keys.

Set closer “One Trick Pony” opened with spacey keys and a nod to Eurythmics before launching into a big 6/8 rtythm with folk influenced guitar call and response before launching into the big strummy chorus before the vocal harmony breakdown before progressing through various sections before massive fan-

fares from Alex Sharples and Craig McMahon.

Pronto Mama are a band who are clearly on the top of their game taking a wide variety of influences, mixing them up and having a fresh sound.

Progressive without the stigma attached to progressive music, harmonically and sonically diverse and performed with a smile on its face with classic Glaswegian wit and humour, Pronto Mama are definitely a band to catch live where their musicality shines through.

LET’S GO HECTOR

GLASWEGIAN Hip Hop group Hector Bizerk return to Glasgow after festival season, including headling the Transmissions stage at T in the Park with a date at Oran Mor on Friday 23rd October.

The group have gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s top live acts and are regarded as a

must see, with their last four Glasgow shows selling out in presale.

This will be your next chance to catch the band doing a home town gig.

Tickets are available now at gigsinscotland. com

30

More affordable social housing needed TENANTS are being forced out of their homes, often into poverty, while house prices and a lack of social housing means there’s little alternative.

Progress is being made, in the form of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 which secured the policy of ending right to buy, brought in measures to protect tenants and introduced the PRS Housing Tribunal for the private sector.

The Scottish Government has committed to at least 30,000 affordable homes, of which at least two-thirds will be for social rent including 5,000 council houses during the lifetime of this Parliament.

According to the latest quarterly Consumer Confidence Tracker we are increasingly becoming more European in our attitude to housing, becoming a nation of renters.

But as demand increases, so do prices and rent rates are rocketing. In the last four years, for four bedroom properties, rent has gone up faster than average weekly earnings in 13 out of 19 rental areas in Scotland. In Aberdeen in the last four years rent has gone up by four times the average weekly earnings. This is unsustainable.

We need a system where private housing tenants have similar rights to social housing and can’t be evicted unjustly. Tenants should not be subject to the whims of a landlord. Landlords have a social obligation to tenants.

The best solution is to keep on building more social and affordable homes but the private sector needs to function more like the socially rented sector.

Affordable and secure housing is key to Scotland’s future and our economic success.

GENN

The Changing Role of Energy Companies in our Time WHAT is the role of an Energy Company in our time?

To provide energy, gas, electricity and water, for the people, you might say.

British Gas, SSE, Scottish Hydro, Scottish Power, these corporations perform this function.

But do they do more than that? And is the public aware of the additional purposes of Energy Companies in our time?

Is the provision of energy done in the interests of the public, for the public good and for the good of the environment?

Let us consider 3 points.

1: The issue of Fuel Poverty erupted in the tabloids a number of months ago.

Fuel Poverty, the condition of being unable to adequately heat one’s own home due to having an energy inefficient property, rising fuel bills and low income, was portrayed as a national scandal in the Daily Mail, the Sunday Herald and all the major newspapers. That coverage seems to have waned over the summer months. However, the recent declaration by The Independent this month that we are entering into a miniature ice age (global warming?) perhaps gives rise to an ominous thought: Winter is Coming.

In 2014, all major Energy Companies in the UK bought energy wholesale at reduced cost. However, their discounted rate did not ease the burden on the ever increasing poor in our society, a slight which led to Energy Companies being lambasted by the energy regulator Ofgem and Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizen’s Advice.

Gillian Guy said, “The inadequacy of recent energy price cuts is now clear.

Low wholesale costs are allowing energy companies to increase profits whilst barely cutting energy prices. The ball is now back in the energy firms’ court to actually compete with each other on further and deeper price cuts. Households that are struggling to pay their bills will rightly be angered that falling wholesale costs are being passed on more quickly to shareholders than customers.”

Indeed, prices rose, as did profits.

Ofgem said the ‘Big Six’ - British Gas, Npower, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), Scottish Power, E.ON and EDF - made a combined £1.2 billion in their household supply businesses last year, up 75 per cent on 2011 and five times higher than the £221 million in 2009.

Massive profits, increased GDP, boost for the economy; this can only be good for society, right?

In the UK, 65 people die every day in winter due to being unable to afford fuel to keep themselves warm. According to The Energy Bill Revolution, close to 8000 people have died in their own homes in the last 5 years. Such deaths fall into the category of 30,000 ‘additional deaths due to cold weather’. However, according to the World Health Organi-

sation, 8000 of these can be attributed directly to fuel poverty, the condition of being unable to adequately heat one’s own home due to having an energy inefficient property, rising fuel bills and low income.

Currently, one in five Mothers choose between a warm night’s sleep for their child and food in their belly’s, according to a Net mum’s survey.

As the Daily Mirror reported in September 2013, 820,000 children in classrooms across Britain are forced to skip breakfast at least once a week as parents struggle to put food on the table. As we roll into the next stage of Austerity, this figure will undoubtedly have grown.

Millions of children go to school hungry, weak and unable to concentrate.

Food banks, not too common 10 years ago, were used by 1 million people last year.

Amidst such social violence, The Evening Times reported in July 2015 that a probe by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that energy suppliers have been overcharging customers by around £1.2 billion a year.

As I write this article, The Telegraph has this morning (27th July 2015) reported that Ofgem predicts major energy companies’ profits could rise to £114 per household this year, up from £77 a year ago, despite recent price cuts.

Is the purpose of Energy Companies to supply us, the people, with energy, in order to maximise profit at the expense of public lives, at the expense of our children’s health and wellbeing?

2: Our use of Energy and its impact on the environment is a key issue for world Government and Multi -National corporations, despite both of them being unable to work together and meet the environmental targets set for the planet during the Kyoto protocol back in 1997.

As a planet, we emit more now than ever before, despite warnings of the impact this could have made back in the 1970’s. The cuts by industrialized nations have done little to combat the global problem. Worldwide emissions have surged by 50% since 1990, driven by economic growth in China and other parts of Asia, South America and Africa (see ‘Before and after’). In the 1990 base year, developed nations including the United States accounted for twothirds of global emissions. The emissions contribution of the USA has just fallen below 50% of all the world’s emissions from all the world’s nations.

Now the Energy Sector, in partner with Government and Utility companies, are rolling out Smart Meters-one in EVERY home and business across the next 5 years. These meters are rolling out in ALL industrialized nations simultaneously, as part of a global Smart Grid.

These meters will allow the public to shoulder the responsibility of saving the

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planet and for the energy they consume, as we will be able to see just how much we use, for how long, and what it cost us.

However, a capability of the Smart Meter which the vast majority of the public is unaware of is its capacity to monitor every action you perform in the house, its ability to collect this data and send it to a central storage facility where profiles on your behaviour, your movements, your habits, when you watch TV, when you cook, when you use the bathroom and what you did in there, will be stored. You will not have access to this information.

This information will be sold to third party consumer groups who will use the data in order to sell more products to you, the consumer, more effectively.

The ethics of this capability does not seem to concern Energy Companies, who are in favour of this move and seem to be concerned only with the amount of information they will be able to share with third parties.

Spokesman for the Department for Energy said: ‘We want to make absolutely sure that we’ve got key aspects such as privacy, security, and consumer protection right and that’s what we are currently consulting on and working through with industry and consumer groups.’

The Smart Meter is but a part of the Smart Grid. All appliances, anything electrical in your home, will have an RFID Chip which will allow your appliance to communicate wirelessly with your Smart Meter, which will communicate wirelessly with a Government central storage facility.

The collection of this data and the intrusion into the private space of the home by a Government or Corporation will be and is a breach of the European convention of Human Rights regarding privacy. In your own home, the actions of you, your family and children, will be monitored. According to a US Congressional Research Service report, “Police will have access to data that might be used to track residents’ daily lives and routines while in their homes, including their eating, sleeping, and showering habits, what appliances they use and when, and whether they prefer the television to the treadmill, among a host of other details.”[11] -US Government Congressional Research Service report, “Smart Meter Data: Privacy and Cybersecurity”, 2012 As your data is now effectively online, all information regarding you and your family, even access to your energy, will be subject to hacking.

The Mail has quoted Cambridge IT professor Ross Anderson saying that smart meters pose a strategic risk to the UK. According to Anderson this could create a “strategic vulnerability” to blackouts from “a nation state attacker, a terrorist or even a criminal group”.

An international hacking ring recent-

ly stole as much as $1 billion from more than 100 banks in 30 countries in what may be regarded as the biggest banking breach ever.

If banks are not safe from hackers, would our homes be?

Energy Companies and Utility companies will transform into National Security Agencies in order to protect you.

Is the purpose of an Energy Company, to install monitoring devices in your home?

Is an energy company there to supply you with energy, or to collect data on you and sell the profiles and behaviour patterns of you, your family, your children to consumer groups in order to continue and indeed, to intensify, the flow of consumer society?

This done in the name of saving the planet…

Smart Meters in fact use more electricity than an analogue meter, which uses none. The communication capability of All our appliances means as a society we will use more Electricity, spend more money on Energy, as has been the case wherever Smart Meters have been installed and was the main reason Connecticut Attorney General Jepsen rejected the Smart Meter: “Connecticut Light & Power Co.’s proposal would force the company’s ratepayers to spend at least $500 million on new meters that are likely to provide few benefits in return,” February 8, 2011, Attorney General George Jepsen.

More electricity being used: bad for the planet, bad for our pockets, good for the Energy Company balance sheet…

3: Fracking as a means of supplying Energy was a development blocked (temporarily it seems) by vehement public outcry. How sincere can we believe Energy Companies and Government to be, when they push devices on us in the name of saving the environment, whilst pursuing an extraction method which will devastate our natural world, despite such public resistance?

Fossil Fuels and Gas extraction equate to short term profit, with disastrous effects for the planet.

Is the purpose of an Energy Company to provide the public with energy, at the expense of the environment, nature, earth and the destruction of our land?

The purpose of Energy Companies in our society...

What would be your response?

Sources of information available on youtube which readers may find interesting: Documentary: Who Killed the Electric Car? Documentary: Gasland, an independent documentary documenting the effect Fracking has had on the land of the United States Presentation, Brian Thiesen: The Truth About Smart Meters

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31

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Political Forum

Dr Don’s View

your Member of the Scottish Parliament

Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

The column which cuts though the garnish

DURING the holiday I was unable to ignore the fate of The Scotland Bill which was stll going through its committee stage but I was wary of the old cliche? The camel was meant to be a horse, but it was designed by a committee, well, we had another camel here.

As I predicted earlier,, the Scottish bill has turned out to be a damp squib. The most disturbing feature is that, despite David Cameron’s promises to “consider sensible proposals” from the SNP, it was left to the single Conservative MP in Scotland, David Mundell, acting in the capacity of Secretary of State for Scotland, to dismiss every amendment proposed including National Insurance, employment support programmes and housing benefit. If that wasn’t humiliating enough, the SNP are going to have to wait to see what condescending measures he may add or subtract from the Bill.

What a ridiculous position to be in. The wishes of the Scottish People, as transmitted through their elected MPs, were ignominiously rejected by the Conservative’s only MP in Scotland ! Unfortunately this now leaves the 56 SNP MPs at Westminster in an ineffective vacuum and a spent force already. Now they are faced with the prospect of having to cultivate at least 12 maverick Tories to support

them in the voting lobbies or they are in for 5 years of frustration. It’s sad, but no deal with the Tories was the cornerstone of the SNP election campaign. It was also a tactical error of judgement for the SNP to tie so many aspects of the current manifesto to the prospect of Labour winning the election. Going out the window of the SNP manifesto now is banning Trident, adding the high speed rail link to Scotland, cancelling the Universal Credit scheme, obtaining broadcasting rights, transferring fiscal autonomy, raising the minimum wage and establishing proportional representation. Not a lot left. Time maybe for Nicola to rethink her strategy before Scottish Labour begin to sharpen their claymores for the elections in May next year.

In parallel and almost as if the Conservatives are twisting he knife, Cameron seems to be hell bent on introducing his ‘English votes for English Laws’ now known as EVEL, which he linked with the so called VOW within 12 hours of the referendum result. The result will be that the SNP MPs at Westminster would become a ‘second eleven’ and would be even less of an effective opposition as they are already.

In pursuing this policy, I have a problem, like so many other political writers, in reconciling this issue with Cam-

eron’s frequent references to the ‘family of nations’ and attacking the SNP for wishing to break up the union, when In fact this measure may be the first tangible step towards the break- up of the British Parliament as we know it.

However it’s good to see the Tartan Team using what limited influence they have in gathering the other opposition parties to force a delay on the aptly named EVEL vote, and the Speaker to call for an open debate before the Tories could use standing orders to shortcut the implementation of this divisive measure.

It’s sad, but the battle cry of the 56 SNP MPs ‘to make Scotland stronger’ has been defused into a damage limitation exercise in the face of Tory domination. Delaying the English Fox Hunting bill is not going to contribute to their political aspirations.

Their only hope of doing anything to make Scotland stronger is to develop ties with the Tory maverick backbenchers who helped them to change the dates of the EU referendum and the delay of the EVEL debate. Unfortunately that support cannot be depended upon, and their efforts can only be a muted exercise in impotence.

I must be one of the few who was not motivated by Mhain Black’s maiden speech at Westminster. To the millions of social media addicts,

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she made Scotland, and in particular my home town of Paisley, sound like some miserable leftover from a depressing Dickens novel. She did Scotland’s image no favours at all, and to idolise Tony Benn as a role model, a man who was so unstable, he was turned down by the KGB as a possible agent, makes me cringe. I had hoped we had left that form of Les Miserable’s socialist politics behind with Wilson, Kinnock and Benn.

Now that the SNP at Westminster are synonymous with the lost legion, the SNP in Scotland are pinning their hopes on their MSP candidates for the May 2016 elections. It may be a prudent therefore to caste a glance at the possible structure of a post- May Hollyrood Parliament. The current army of SNP members will no doubt be wishing for another landslide, but would that be healthy for Scotland? Despite the eclipse of the Conservative and Liberal votes and the disarray of the leaderless Scottish Labour Party, I would suggest that it would not be good for Scotland to be ruled by one dominant party and to become a one party state. There is a need at Hollyrood after May 2016 for a balanced chamber reflecting other less nationalistic opinion.

On the other side at Westminster I am enjoying the discomfort of the Labour Party at the possibility of Jeremy Gorbyn becoming the new leader.

Here we have last of the labour dinosaurs from the bygone era of Wilson, Kinnock and Benn, still being elected by his faithful followers in Islington, and still sticking to his personal, if somewhat outdated, political doctrines.

He is not swayed by the social media, indeed I doubt is he even on Facebook, has a smart-phone or IPad. That alone endears him to me. Just for the hell of it I am going to pay the £3.00 to be allowed to vote for him. Here we have an honest broker who is trade union and labour to his bone marrow, proud of it and not feared to speak his mind. He would be one of the few in the Labour Party front bench who has actually held a job and would be a breath of fresh air amongst the privileged public school and university types masquerading as representing the working class.

Watch this space Dr Don

Contact Bob Doris MSP

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

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

The cost of this advert has been met from parliamentary resources

WITH the Scottish Parliament in recess you might think things would be quieting down for MSP’s. However the reality is anything but.

I have been working with worried parents across north Glasgow to make representations to the city council and urge Labour to ditch their plans to axe school buses. There are many examples of the dangers that our school children will face as a result of these plans. For instance many primary school kids in Maryhill will have to walk to primary schools in Summerston. Particular hazards on that route include passing under an aquaduct on Maryhill Road at rush hour on a pavement that is too narrow with a dangerous and slippery surface below. Or there are secondary school children from Milton and Lambhill who will now need to walk to Barmulloch and Kelvindale respectively along dangerous routes as part of a three hour round trip.

All this will impact not only pupil safety but also school attendance and attainment. It is families from lower income backgrounds that are most affected and least likely to pay bus fares. This move will clearly impact on educational inequality and is designed to save just £630,000 for the Council. The SNP group opposed the school bus cuts and identified the cash to continue to run the bus service in the coming school year.

I have walked on two ‘safety walks’ with parents to draw attention to the dangers and to expose how the routes do not

comply with the Councils safety guidelines. How many more routes are unsafe that have yet to be drawn to the Council’s attention, yet still they refuse to listen. It is also worth noting that Maryhill and Springburn are most affected across the city. This is because the Labour Council have targeted our local schools for closure in recent years.

I will continue to fight for constituents across Glasgow but staying in Summerston myself I am particularly aware of the issues facing constituents across the communities that make up the Maryhill and Springburn constituency. It is therefore a particular privilege to have been selected to be the SNP candidate in that area for next years Scottish Parliament elections.

Whilst it has been humbling to see the faith that local voters (many of them former Labour voters) have placed in the SNP to represent them at Westminster, it is crucial we have strong SNP representation at all levels.

Only the other week, the Labour Party yet again demonstrated they were not fit for purpose as the refused to oppose the Conservative Government as they abstained on the SNP’s attempts to stop the Tories inflicting £12billion cuts on our most vulnerable communities. As the Labour Party continue their lurch to the right, they continue to let down Scotland’s communities.

As your MSP I will always put our constituents first and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.

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GENN

TOWN COACHING ACADEMY RESUMES FOR NEW TERM SHETTLESTON Juniors Community Kids Football and Coaching Academy has resumed in preparation for the second half of the season.

Organiser Tracy Biggins is still in need of voluntary coaches as demands and numbers increase on a weekly basis.

Tracy is also busy with several projects linked to the Junior Football Club. The

HAGHILL A.F.C. PLAYER AWARDS

list includes ground advertising, improvements to the dressing rooms, programme advertising and player sponsorship, which has again proved popular following another promotion success last season.

Anyone interested in helping with the Kids Academy or Junior Football Club sponsorship should telephone 0141 778 6415 and speak with Tracy Biggins.

HAGHILL A.F.C. celebrated an excellent Player of the Year Dance and Presentation at the Milnbank Community Hall.

The East End club completed a clean sweep of honours last season within the Airdrie and Coatbridge Amateur Football League - winning four cups against top Sunday opposition.

Manager Paul Hughes told GENN Sport: “We had a great night at Milnbank.

“I want to thank our sponsors for all their support once again last season, and their commitment to backing us during 2015-2016 - Alan Benson at Milnbank Housing Association, and Mags Collins and her staff at the Lea Rig Bar. We are very

fortunate to have some great people helping us, and it is very much appreciated.”

David Graham was named Player of the Year.

Robert Davis took the Players’ Player of the Year vote, and Richard Perriss finished Top Goal Scorer.

Well done everyone on a super season.

AGE GROUP: 2004 team

WINNERS... Haghill A.F.C. Robert Davis, David Graham and Richard Perriss with Managers Paul Hughes and Jokey Dodsworth.

CITY APPOINT NEW HEAD COACH AGE GROUP: 2005 Team

GLASGOW City F.C. have appointed former Scotland and Aberdeen striker Scott Booth as their new Head Coach.

Booth, who replaces Eddie

Wolecki Black, also played in Germany and Holland, made 183 appearances for Aberdeen and scored 82 career goals.

More recently, he was man-

ager of Stenhousemuir, and landed the City post ahead of almost 50 other applicants.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Women’s champions have confirmed the retirement of defender Emma Black, while Assistant First Team Coach Donald Jennow has left the club.

Black had 11 successful

years during which she won 9 league titles, 6 Scottish Cups, and 6 Premier League Cup medals.

Jennow originally joined the club in youth coaching five years ago before joining former Head Coach, Eddie Wolecki Black, and achieving tremendous success with the first team.

AGE GROUP: 2006 Team White

AGE GROUP 2007 Team One

SCOTT BOOTH... the new Glasgow City F.C. Head Coach.

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33

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 2127 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

PINKSTON PANTHERS OFFER SUMMER HOLIDAY COURSES LEARN to Kayak in Glasgow this summer.

That’s the message from Pinkston Panthers as they target youngsters aged 8-13 years.

No previous experience is necessary, all equipment is provided and fully supervised Monday to Friday, between 9am-12 noon/ 1pm-4pm.

This is a unique opportunity and completely different to the usual holiday sport classes and running in the centre of Glasgow, which is an added bonus.

At £50 for five, three-hour sessions, it is a fantastic deal, and also includes junior membership.

Attendees can keep develop-

ing their skills throughout the summer.

A Wednesday evening session on the white water course offers the opportunity for those more experienced at slalom to keep their hand in.

For more information and bookings, go to pinkstonpanthers@gmail.com

EVERY ONE A HERO GLASGOW have booked a place in their first final since 2011 after knocking Sheffield out of the League Cup. The Tigers dug deep to fend off their namesakes in the second leg of their semi-final, and had the help of top-scoring guest Ricky Wells at No 1.

They went into the meeting with a 14-point lead and despite a 49-41 win for the home side, it wasn’t enough to take them to the first cup final of the Premier League season.

Tigers team boss Stewart Dickson was full of superlatives for his side - which included two other guests at reserve in Richard Hall and Nike Lunna.

He said: “I’m very happy. It was excellent.

“It got too close for comfort a couple of times but we got there in the end, which is the

main thing. Every one of them did their job - every one was a hero.

“The camp is happy. The owners, Gerry and Michael Facenna, were down - everybody was there - and we had a good support down. They did really

well and we’re very happy for them.

Tigers scorers: Ricky Wells (guest) 10+1, Richard Lawson 10, Aaron Summers 8+1, Richard Hall (guest) 6+2, James Sarjeant 6+1, Nike Lunna (guest) 1+1.

BUDHILL ACADEMY JOIN THE FUN AT ALEXANDRA PARK

DICKSON HAILS SUPER SIX

STEWART DICKSON was full of praise for his patchwork Glasgow Tigers side as they beat Workington by 17 points at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium.

Captain Aaron Summers topped the pile for the home side on 16 points, while Richard Lawson was beaten by an opponent just once in six rides.

James Sarjeant was the only other regular Tiger on show and he got five.

The three guests - Lasse

Bjerre, Adam Roynon and Nike Lunna, replacing Nick Morris, Dimitri Berge and Victor Palovaara respectively - added 17 points to the cause for a 5336 victory and three Premier League points.

Team boss Dickson said: “It was a good result. The second half of the meeting was fantastic - I’m very happy.

“Before the meeting I thought we would win, but I had it down for maybe a four or six-point win. But to win by

- which gives the Tigers four points - could have been even bigger.

He said: “We threw away so many points at the start of the meeting but it was a great team effort and we took the points, so I’m very happy.”

The win came just two days after the Tigers knocked Sheffield out of the League Cup to make the final of the competition, and it means that the side are now battling for silverware on several fronts.

For Dickson, it’s all about making sure those right at the top of the league don’t get too far ahead - with his team now sitting comfortably within the top six.

He added: “We’re trying to stay with Edinburgh and Somerset.

“We know we need more away wins, but are also wary of Peterborough, Ipswich, and other teams around us. We’re just trying to build as many points as possible and away we go.”

HILL LOSE PACE SHOOT-OUT

HOLDERS Maryhill Juniors went down 5-4 on penalty-kicks against hosts Dunipace Juniors in the four-team weekend tournament at Westfield Park, Denny.

The Semi-Finals produced plenty of goals – Dunipace

beating East Stirling 4-1, and Maryhill crushing East Kilbride Thistle 7-1 thanks to counters from Docherty (2), Lundie (2), Monaghan, Fraser and Orr. Said manager Jim Delaney: “We had great performances all over the pitch.”

gramme which included live music, arts and crafts, community stalls and children’s activities.

Budhill Football Academy not only joined the parade into Alexandra Park, but took the opportunity to showcase the tremendous work they do with youngsters on a weekly basis.

Billy added: “Eight of our teams were involved - 2003 orange, 2004 white, 2005 orange,

one - and finished runners-up after going straight into penalties.

Overall, the weekend provided plenty of football action.

Chris Craig missed a second half penalty kick as PETERSHILL lost 3-2 at Sauchie. Peter Bradley and James Brough scored for the visitors.

ST ROCH Juniors striker Jordan Logan maintained his excellent pre-season form with a goal in their 3-0 win against ten-man Port Glasgow. Dar-

ryl Naismith had earlier hit a quickfire double.

VALE OF CLYDE lost 2-0 against Pollok Juniors at Tollcross. Williamson and McAleenan did the damage.

ASHFIELD goalkeeper Anton Nugent was Man of the Match in their 2-1 home defeat

by Dundee Downfield. He produced a string of top-quality saves. Bob Davidson scored with a second half header for Ashfield.

SHETTLESTON trailed to a

first half own goal against Bonnyrigg Rose at Greenfield Park.

Archibald, Turner and Hoskins added further counters in a nine-minute spell.

On the amateur scene, FINNART reached the Semi-Finals of the East Kilbride YM FC Annual Invitation Tournament after defeating the hosts’ Scottish Amateur Football League team 5-3.

POSTAL UNITED were beaten 1-0 by Gartcosh United in a pre-season friendly.

17 was fantastic and the team spirit was really good.

“The guests all did a terrific job. We got 17 from them - you can’t ask for any more than that.

“The target was 35 between the three heatleaders and I got 38, so we’re pleased.”

Tigers scorers: Aaron Summers 16, Richard Lawson 15+2, Adam Roynon (guest) 7+2, Lasse Bjerre (guest) 7+1, James Sarjeant 5+1, Nike Lunna 3+1, David Howe R/R.

TIGERS WIN - AND LOSE

THREE Glasgow riders hit double figures as the Tigers strengthened their claims for a Premier League play-off place with victory at Rye House.

Victor Palovaara, Richard Lawson and Aaron Summers all posted three wins apiece to beat the Rockets 51-39.

It was the perfect tonic for the Ashfield men who were well beaten at fellow title challengers Somerset 24 hours earlier.

Team manager Stewart Dickson said the margin of the win

CHILDREN, coaches and parents from Budhill Football Academy joined the fun activities on offer at The Alexandra Park Festival last Saturday afternoon.

Academy Chairman and Head Coach Billy McNaught told the GENN: “We had a great day out at the Festival.”

Between noon and 4pm, organisers had produced a pro-

2006 orange, 2007 yellow, plus 2009 white, yellow and blue.

“All the kids received medals.

“On a smaller pitch, we introduced Walking Football and Bobble Football, which is completely new.

“Can I thank the organisers, our players, parents, every coach, who gave up their free time to help us out on the day, plus the guys at Platform Easterhouse for helping to make our participation one to remember.”

Considering the event came during the middle of the Glasgow Fair Holiday, attending numbers were excellent, and the various activities kept everyone happy.

Budhill Football Academy have come a long way since their formation in 2013, and will continue to embrace the East End through working with more young children via football development, and hopefully adding to a list of over 40 volunteer coaches. * Photograph kindly supplied to the GENN Newspaper

by Mr Billy McNaught.

With some players unavailable and others carrying knocks into the Sunday afternoon final, Maryhill could not get their usual passing game together. Despite a goal from captain Paul Callender, the Lochburn Park club conceded

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 2127 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

34

GENN

FINAL FOOTBALL PLACINGS SEASON 2014-2015

SPOTLIGHT - AMATEUR FOOTBALL

LSK SUPPLIES WEST OF SCOTLAND

PREMIER DIVISION

FIRST DIVISION

P

W

D

L

Pts

P

W

D

L

Pts

Goldenhill

23

19

4

0

61

Sauchie

22

17

2

3

53

Tower Hearts

21

16

1

4

49

Pollok

22

16

4

2

52

Harmony Row

23

12

2

9

38

Wishaw

22

12

4

6

40

22

10

5

7

35

Port Glasgow

22

12

1

9

37

Bonnyton

SECOND DIVISION

THIRD DIVISION

P

W

D

L

Pts

P

W

D

L

Pts

St Mirren YFC

20

16

2

2

50

Holytown

18

15

1

2

46

Bishopton

20

15

1

4

46

Renfrewshire

18

13

2

3

41

West Park

20

14

3

3

45

Giffnock

18

10

2

6

32

Maryhill Juniors 20

12

3

5

39

Crookston

18

9

3

6

30

GREATER GLASGOW PREMIER A.F.L. DIVISION ONE P

W

DIVISION FOUR

D

L

Pts

P

W

D

L

Pts

Calderglen

20

12

4

4

40

Nia-Roo

16

14

2

0

44

Dynamo EK

20

12

3

5

39

Glentyan

16

12

1

3

37

Baillieston

20

11

4

5

37

Springburn

16

10

2

4

32

Erskine

20

9

4

7

31

Glynhill

16

8

3

5

27

FOSTERS CENTRAL SCOTTISH A.F.L. PREMIER DIVISION

DIVISION 1B

P

W

D

L

Pts

P

W

D

L

Pts

Harestanes

22

19

1

2

58

Steins

18

15

1

2

46

Colville Park

22

15

3

4

48

Drum Utd

18

11

3

4

36

Drumchapel

22

15

2

Greenock HSFP

22

11

4

5

47

Ashvale

18

10

5

3

35

7

37

Garrowhill

18

10

4

4

34

Wellhouse

22

11

2

9

35

SCOTTISH AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

PREMIER 2

P

W

D

L

Pts

P

W

D

L

Pts

Thorn Ath

18

14

2

2

44

St Josephs

17

12

2

3

38

Drum Colts

22

17

2

3

53

Easthall Star

22

13

4

5

43

Oban Saints

17

10

1

6

Finnart

16

7

4

5

31

Ferguslie

22

13

3

6

42

25

Neilston

22

12

4

6

40

DIVISION 1B P

W

D

L

Pts

Dumbarton

14

13

1

0

40

Duncanrig

14

8

2

4

26

Millbeg

14

8

1

5

25

Port OBU

14

7

3

4

24

MUIRTON VICTORY MUIRTON A.F.C. have won the four-team tournament organised by Rosehill United. The East End team came from two goals down to defeat Southside United 3-2 in the Final.

In the Semi-Final at Toryglen, Muirton beat Rosehill 5-2. Great start to the new season!

WELLHOUSE Amateurs have been given time to sort out their set-up by the Fosters Central Scottish League.

The former West of Scotland Cup holders (2004) and Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup winners (2013) were rumoured to be on the verge of folding after a host of last season’s regulars failed to appear for the first night of pre-season training.

A new manager, Anthony Griffith, had been appointed after James Skinner stood down to spend more time with his family. It is not thought his decision to take a rest from amateur football had any bearing on what has subsequently followed.

Said Tony: “We never had a phone call or text to say these players were not coming. Two only made an appearance to see who had signed. I asked them “what was the point of that?”

Pulling no punches he added: “For me, that is a sign of being disrespectful, and it’s down to some people who think they are super stars.

“I played with a lot of these guys at The Gantry and Well-

house over a two-five year spell.

We wontwo Scottish (Saturday and Sunday) Cup finals.

“I had organised a UEFA qualified coach, who also deals with Sports Science, to take the outfield players training, plus a proper goalkeeping coach because we needed to improve that department. All I asked was for players to come and sample our training over four sessions - a week at the most - and then make a decision if they wanted to walk away.”

Mr Griffith was undecided on his coaching/management future within amateur football.

‘House Founder Member Robert Noble confirmed they were still in membership of the Fosters League, and have been since 1982.

Many congratulations to Mr Noble, who recently was presented with the S.F.A. West Region Grassroots Awards Volunteer of the Year Award at Partick Thistle’s Firhill Stadium. A fitting honour for a gentleman who started Wellhouse in September, 1976.

Meanwhile,AIKENHEAD THISTLE have folded.

GENN Sport had been run-

ning items for them and following our last issue assistant boss Michael Conlon contacted me to say: “Aikenhead ceased to exist 2 weeks ago.

“Me and the manager Sean left for family reasons. They couldn’t get anybody else to take it on. Was going for 14 years.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to yourself for your assistance in our search for new players. Thanks mate.”

Maryhill Juniors manager Jim Delaney was very disappointed to hear of Aikenhead’s demise.

He told me: “I left (Thistle) at the end of season 2013-2014 after 12 years to take the Under-21s (Maryhill Juniors) on a Saturday. Real shame as we won 13 trophies in that 12 years.”

DENNISTOUN VALE are holding a Race Night at St Rollox Bowling Club on Friday, August 7. Tickets are £4 (7.30pm-midnight).

BARGEDDIE A.F.C. will hold their Race Night at the Langmuir Inn on Saturday, September 5 (from 7.30pm).

Tickets cost £5.

CANDY CONFIRM FEMALE FOOTBALL

ST ROCH Juniors are poised to add girls and womens football into their community-based projects.

The newly-promoted Central District League club have announced ex-Kilmarnock Girls and Troon Ladies coach Paul McManus is already planning the early stages of an Under-11 team, who will play Scottish Womens Football Fun Fours at Soccerworld every Saturday morning.

This week, Paul, whose three daughters involvement in football started him off coaching 15 years ago, revealed he would welcome help from GENN Sport in publicising the way forward.

He said: “Jim Friel (St Roch President) has explained to me that you are a valuable contact to the club and I therefore hope to build a positive on-going relationship with you as I see the local paper as invaluable in both raising the

profile of the Ladies and Girls’ section, and engaging with the local communities. where we hope to get most of our players from.

“Our ultimate aim over the next few years is to have girls’ teams at every age - 11s, 13, 17 and ladies. However, we need to build towards that.

“Initially, we intend to take the Under-11 girls who are attending the St Roch summer camp and enter them into the Scottish Womens Football (SWF) Fun Fours, which runs at Soccerworld every Saturday morning. We also hope to run a schools programme from August in order to attract local primary school girls to our training.

“At the same time, we will enter a ladies team in the SWF Ladies Senior League next season, which runs from March to November. Most of the players who have contacted us about playing for St Roch Ladies are

currently signed with other clubs till the end of the season.

“If we get enough interest from unsigned players over the next few weeks we will start regular training immediately.

Any publicity you can give us just now in promoting both the Under-11s and Ladies team would be greatly appreciated.”

Paul, who has coached at Kilmarnock Girls, Ayrshire Girls, Kilmarnock Ladies, Troon Ladies and Glasgow Girls Ladies, added: “The opportunity to help Jim Friel and the St Roch committee build a complete community-based women and girls set-up was too attractive to pass up. All coaches are Disclosure Scotland Checked, and experienced in girls football.”

Anyone interested in coming to a club who will operate in a safe, enjoyable and professional environment should call 07775592031 or email; strochsfcladies@gmail.com.

OVER 40 clubs look set to participate in the sponsored LSK Supplies West of Scotland Under-21 Youth League next season.

Household names like Campsie Black Watch, Scottish Cup holders Harmony Row and Tower Hearts will again highlight top quality

within the Premier Division.

Competition for honours in the First Division should be boosted by the arrival of last season’s Second Division champions, St Mirren YFC, plus promoted trio Bishopton, West Park United, and Maryhill Juniors.

A much-changed Second

Division looks set to welcome such clubs as Benburb Juniors, Glentyan Thistle and Grahamston.

League Match Secretary Robert Toohill is currently working his way through “home park lets” before announcing fixtures for Saturday, August 15.

SCOTTISH AMATEUR LEAGUE LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS

FOUR highly-competitive divisions have been announced

by Scottish Amateur Football League chiefs for next season.

Bottom two Premier clubs will be relegated.

Premier 1 - Top two promoted/ bottom two relegated.

Premier 2 - Top two promoted/ bottom three relegated.

Division 1 - Top three promoted.

FORMATION PREMIER - Alba, Campbeltown Pupils, EKAFC, East Kilbride Rolls Royce, Finnart, Goldenhill, Inverclyde, Oban Saints, Shawlands F.P., St Josephs.

PREMIER 1 -Busby, Drumchapel Ams Colts, Dunoon,

Easthall Star, Ferguslie Star, Jamestown, Kilbowie Union, Kings Park Amateurs, Lochgilphead Red Star, Motherwell Thistle, Neilston.

PREMIER 2- Bridgewater, Duncanrig, Dumbarton Wanderers, F.C. Clydebank, Hillington, Millbeg Villa, Port Glasgow Union O.B.U. , Rosehill Star, Rutherglen, Shawlands F.P.(B), Strathaven Dynamo, Tarbert.

DIVISION 1 - Carlton YMCA, Centre A.F.C., Dunoon Athletic, East End A.F.C. , East Kilbride Y.M.C.A., F.C. Argyle, Inverkip Thistle, Millerston United, Milton of Colquhoun, Paisley A.F.C., Port Glasgow A.F.C., Rossvale, Whitehill F.P.

CUP DRAWS: Centenary Cup, First Round - Busby v Finnart; Millbeg A.F.C. v Duncanrig. Byes - Goldenhill A.F.C., EKAFC, Easthall Star. Second Round - Dunoon or Kilbowie Union v Easthall Star; Neilston or Clydebank v Millbeg or Duncanrig; Busby or Finnart v Goldenhill A.F.C. Hall Cup, First Round - Milton of Colquhoun v East End. Byes - Dunoon Athletic, Port Glasgow A.F.C., Whitehill F.P. Second Round - F.C. Argyle or Millerston United v Milton of Colquhoun or East End. Paisley A.F.C. or Inverkip v Whitehill F.P.

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...

MATCH ACTION REPORTS... email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

35

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 2127 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

AROUND THE GREENS

GARROWHILL Bowling Club staged their excellent and highly popular Family Fortunes Competition recently, writes JACK HIGH. I am obliged to Mr Alex Morrison for contacting me with the final stages.

WINNERS: Ann and Bob Wylie, and Mary McCluskey.

RUNNERS-UP:Ann and Billy Key, and Andy Davies.

Ann, Bob and Mary are now the proud holders of the Birrell Corrance Shield, which was donated by the firm of funeral directors from Baillieston.

Once again, it is great to see shops and companies - large or small -becoming involved with bowling clubs via sponsorship.

Many thanks to everyone who has beensending through bowling news and also photographs recently.

GENN SPORT BOWLERS DIARY...

SHETTLESTON: JULY 31-North Eastern Jubilee Trophy Prelims 4 rinks / 20 players (6.30pm).

AUGUST 1-Eastmuir Friendly at Culrain Street 4 rinks (2pm).

AUGUST 2 - Co-Operative Funeral Care Invitation Triples 10.30am.

AUGUST 5 -5 Singles/ 10

players (6pm).

AUGUST 6 -Glasgow Bowling League 1 rink/4 players (6.30pm).

AUGUST 7 -Lanarkshire League Division 4 v Chryston (home) 1 rink/ 4 players. Lanarkshire League Division 13 v Motherwell (home). Ladies Millennium Fours (1.30pm).

AUGUST 8 -Glasgow Cup (2pm).

AUGUST 9 - Seniors OneDay Game (10.30am).

AUGUST 13 - Glasgow Bowling League (6.30pm).

AUGUST 20Glasgow Bowling League (6.30pm).

Both of these fixtures have 1 home rink/ 4 players.

GARROWHILL: AUGUST 8 - Glasgow Cup TBA. AUGUST 9- Ladies Open Day (10am).

AUGUST 10 - Seniors Friendly Fours (11am).

AUGUST 13 - Ladies Millenium Triples (10am).

AUGUST 15 -Open Competition.

AUGUST 26 -Ladies Finals Day. AUGUST 29 - Finals Day. SEPTEMBER 1 -Ladies Millenium Pairs (1pm) SEPTEMBER 6 - Ossy Pairs (10am).

SEPTEMBER – 7 - Mens Senior Balloted Pairs (11am).

MOUNT VERNON: AUGUST 1 - Open Triples Gents (10am).

AUGUST 2 - Phoenix Triples Ladies (10am).

AUGUST 8 - Glasgow Cup (2pm). Mixed Game (1pm).

AUGUST 9 -3 Bowl Pairs Gents (1pm).

AUGUST 15 - Ladies Championship Day (2pm).

AUGUST 18 - Gents Semi-Finals (6pm).

AUGUST 19 - Gents Semi-Finals (6pm).

AUGUST 22 - Ladies Past Presidents Day (2pm).

AUGUST 25 - Gents Semi-Finals (6pm).

AUGUST 26 - Gents Semi-Finals (6pm).

SANDYHILLS: AUGUST 1 – Home Radnor Park Friendly (2pm). AUGUST 8 -Glasgow City Cup TBA. AUGUST 15 - Lades v Gents TBA. AUGUST 22/ AUGUST 23 Finals 2pm.

SEPTEMBER 5 -Mixed Pairs.

SEPTEMBER 12 -Home North British Friendly (2pm).

SEPTEMBER 19 - Two-Bowl Singles.

OCTOBER 3 - Closing Day.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 - BSC Glasgow 5, Thorn Athletic 1; Springburn Thistle 1, Kirkintilloch Miners Welfare 5; Bargeddie 3, Westwood 2.

SUNDAY, JULY 5 -Haghill A.F.C. 0, Treble 2, 1.

TUESDAY, JULY 7 -BSC Glasgow 2, Greenock Morton 3.

SATURDAY, JULY 11Queens Park 1, BSC Glasgow 3; Southside 8, Blochairn 1; Westercommon Star 2, Pollok Amateurs 3. East Kilbride YM F.C. Tournament . Group One - Ferguslie Star 5, Westwood 2; East Kilbride YM (Caledonian) WO v Rutherglen Ams. Group Two - Dynamo EK 3, East Kilbride YM (GGPL) 1;Shawlands F.P. 2,Eaglesham 1.Group Three -East Kilbride YM (SAFL) 4, Hamilton F.P. 3; Centre A.F.C. 0, Finnart 7.Group Four East Kilbride F.C. 1, Possil YM 7; Claremont 2, Busby 1.

Stepford Tournament.Red Star Baillieston 2, Easthall Star 1;Tynecastle A.F.C. 4, Garrowhill Thistle 3.

MONDAY, JULY 13 Friendly - EK YM F.C. 5, Possil YM 2.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 -

Blochairn 5, Red Star 1.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 East Kilbride YM F.C. Tournament. Group Four -Possil YM 5, Busby 0.

SATURDAY, JULY 18 East Kilbride YM F.C. Tournament. Group One - Ferguslie Star 5, Rutherglen Ams 2; East Kilbride YM (Caley) 10, Westwood 2. Group Two - Dynamo EK 0, Eaglesham 7; East Kilbride YM (GGPL) 1, Shawlands F.P.5. Group Three - East Kilbride YM (SAFL) 6, Centre A.F.C. 1; Hamilton F.P. 0, Finnart 1. Group Four- East Kilbride F.C. 5, Claremont 1.

Stepford Tournament. Red Star Baillieston 2, Tynecastle A.F.C. 2; Garrowhill Thistle 1,Easthall Star 1.

Bargeddie A.F.C. 4, Drumchapel 6; Maryhill Black Star 2, Sothside 5; Postal United 5, Firhill Utd 0; Westercommon 5, Kilpatrick 1; Maryhill Juniors 9, Overtown Thisle 0; Vale of Clyde 1, Shettleston Juniors 5; Petershill Juniors 3, Partick Thistle 1; St Roch 4, Haldane Utd 0; BSC Glasgow 1, Albion Rovers 4.

MONDAY, JULY 20 - Petershill Juniors 3, Clyde 1.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 - St

Andrews United v Shettleston (2.30pm). St Roch v Vale of Leven Juniors. Largs Thistle v Petershill Juniors. Spartans Under-20 v Maryhill Juniors (12 noon). Stewarton v Postal United A.F.C. TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 Maryhill Juniors v Petershill Juniors (7pm).

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 Postal United A.F.C. v Red Star Baillieston. Dennistoun Vale v Southside.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7Newmains v Petershill Juniors.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Southside Whitecart v Bargeddie A.F.C. Blochairn v Cambusnethan Talbot.

It is a condition of acceptance of advertisement orders that the proprietors of this newspaper do not guarantee the insertion of any particular specified dates or at all,

although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers. The proprietors reserve the right to alter or reclassify any advertisement to conform with the policy of the

paper.

These regulations expressly prohibit advertising which claims that a trader has been endorsed or authorised by a body when they have not and

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

MATCH ACTION REPORTS

BSC GLASGOW 5 THORN ATHLETIC 1.

AIDAN FERRIS helped the Challenge Cup holders start their pre-season programme with a victory at Scotstoun.

The former Morton striker scored twice. Aaron Connolly, David Lawrence and stand-in captain Callum Home also found the Thorn rigging.

With players still on holiday, BSC took the opportunity to draft in a trio of outstanding prospects from their Under-20 team.

Goalkeeper Joe Wilton, who has learned his craft at the Shot Stoppers Coaching Academy locally, defender Ross Geddes midfielder Riccardo Corrieri did themselves proud throughout the match.

Thorn Athletic went ahead early on with a superb strike, but BSC were back on level terms soon after when Drew Ramsay’s cross was fumbled by the ‘keeper, and Ferris made no mistake. Just before the interval, Home was on the end of a Tom Woods cross, and Connolly made it 3-1. His curling free kick from outside the box flew into the net.

Lawrence added No 4, and Ferris notched his double late on.

BSC GLASGOW 2, GREENOCK MORTON 3.

FORMER junior goalkeeper Bruno Maltoni had a first half he won’t want to remember at Airdrie. Jim Duffy’s championship squad raced into a 3-0 lead Maltoni was badly at fault - after 34 minutes. Thomas Orr, just 18, netted a hat-trick.

BSC, minus six regulars, hit back. Ross McKinnon netted from 20 yards.

McKinnon was behind the set-piece which led to a second BSC goal at Airdrie. His delivery found the head of David Cameron, and despite a fine block by goalkeeper Grant Adam, brother of Stoke and Scotland midfielder Charlie, up popped Chris McDougall to make it 3-2. The final scoreline did not flatter the Lowland League club.

Young Joe Wilton had replaced

Maltoni at the interval, and will be delighted with his shut-out - plus the 90-minute display against Thorn Athletic.

Said Head Coach Iain King: “We had good performances throughout the team, but again the three Under-20s players, Joe Wilton, Ross Geddes, and Riccardo Corrieri deserve a special mention.”

QUEENS PARK 1, BSC GLASGOW 3.

WHAT a boost for the Lowland League club as they celebrated their first-ever victory over senior opposition at Lesser Hampden.

Substitute Gerry O’Connell sank manager Gus McPherson’s team with a second-half double.

Ross McKinnon kept his scoring form going with the opening goal in 35 minutes.

The Spiders levelled through a 25 yard free-kick from Sean Burns. BSC struck twice in the second half. O’Connell created and took his chance after 55 minutes, and shot home (3-1) later on.

BARGEDDIE A.F.C. 10, GARTCAIRN 2.

THREE players netted hattricks against a club who recently had a team accepted into the West Region junior ranks.

Treble success from James Anderson, Christopher Dunne and Stefan McKechnie.

John Young also found the net. Man of the Match vote -Billy McKee. BARGEDDIE A.F.C. 5, McVITTIES 2.

FIVE different goalscorers for the winners. Matthew Sherlock, James Anderson, Brian Faller, Declan McIlduff and Billy McKee.Man of the Match vote – Billy McKee. BARGEDDIE A.F.C. 3, WESTWOOD ROVERS 2.

NARROW but deserved friendly win for Bargeddie. Goals from Christopher Dunne, Dylan Knox and Declan McIlduff. Man of the Match vote - Dylan Knox.

FINNART 7, CENTRE A.F.C. 0.

FIRST game in the East Kilbride Y.M.A.F.C. Tourney,

GENN SPORT FEEDBACK

JOE WILTON... the young goalkeeper produced two excellent performances for BSC Glasgow first team in pre-season games.

Tom, Friday’s (issue 159) was outstanding.

Photographs of coaches and sons was brilliant.

Wee scrap book is fairly filling up. Thank you Tom! Regards, Jamie McGowan, Coach, Finnart 2000 age group.

Hi Tom, Just a quick line to say thanks again for another positive piece in the GENN (issue 159) - Candy Chief Praises New Club Initiative.

Hope you have a good week.

Best wishes, Paul Reedie, Vice-President, St Roch Juniors Football Club.

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

trading or moving when that is not the case and false claims (or creating the impression) the trader is not acting in the course of a business are also prohibited.

and despite the final scoreline, Centre will still be reflecting on missed chances in the first half.

That was in response to a quickfire opening from the Bridgeton team, and two early Andy Forrest goals.

Ryan McLeod bagged a hattrick. Thomas Quinn and Ross McNair. Finnart also missed two penalty kicks.

HAMILTON F.P. 0, FINNART 1.

OWN goal gave Finnart their second victory.

POSSIL YM 7, EAST KILBRIDE F.C. 1.

GREAT start for Possil in their first-ever tournament appearance. Darren McGuire was star man with five goals. McLean and Haldane also netted.

POSSIL YM 5, BUSBY 0.

SECOND tourney victory in a match switched to the Friday evening. Gordon Boyle, Darren Currie, Darren McGuire, Tommy Roy and Colin McLean.

MARYHILL JUNIORS 9, OVERTOWN THISTLE 0 SEVEN second half goals at Firhill Complex, where fitness told in the end. New signing David Quinn and Andy Monaghan gave ‘Hill a 2-0 half-time lead.

Substitutes Shaun Fraser (3, 1 pen), Max Asanti (2) and Allan Orr scoredalongside a header from Andy Banks.

VALE OF CLYDE 1, SHETTLESTON JUNIORS 5.

TOWN never looked back after Scott Anson and Brian McEwan netted in a two-minute spell. Other goals from Jordan Dalzell, Graeme Ramage and Keigan Parker.

ST ROCH 4, HALDANE UNITED 0.

CANDY took their chances and led 2-0 at the interval.

Baboucarr Mussa, Jordan Logan, Paul Roan and Darren Simpson.

PETERSHILL 3, PARTICK THISTLE 1.

PENALTY from Tony Stevenson, an own goal and Trialist against a young Jags squad.

PETERSHILL 3, CLYDE 1.

NEW signings Chris Ketterer, Michael Daly and Chris Craig on target.

BERGE DEPARTS TIGERS GLASGOW Tigers Speedway have confirmed reserve Dimiti Berge asked to relinquish his team place amid returning home to France.

The reason given by the rider was a loss of confidence.

Adam Roynon, of Redcar Bears, replaced the 19-year-old for the Tigers’ recent home victory against Workington.

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Glasgow East and North News

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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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0141 778 9808

JUNIOR FOOTBALL - NEW SEASON COUNTDOWN

THREE weeks of pre-season training and at least four warmup games against a variety of opposition – now the real junior football action is almost upon us.

Eight sections in the sponsored Euroscot Engineering Sectional League Cup kicks-off on Saturday, August 8 (2pm).

Every North and East Glasgow club has been active during the summer recess.

PETERSHILL won the tournament four years ago, and normally perform well in Section 3.

Thorniewood United were the surprise packets a year ago, and despite their eventual relegation from the Stagecoach Super First Division, the Robertson Park club finished up winning the Central League Cup on penalties against Blantyre Vics.

For the second consecutive close season, Peasy have drafted in over a dozen new faces.

Said co-boss Willie Paterson: “Now it is all about trying to gel them together with the players we have retained from last season.”

Three regulars have left

MARYHILL Juniors Striker Andy Monaghan (centre) scored in their first pre-season game against Overtown Thistle. Photograph kindly supplied by Manager Jim Delaney.

Springburn – including captain Ross McCabe - but Petershill supporters can look forward to viewing the likes of ex-Kilbirnie Ladeside pair Chris Craig and Darren McLean, Andy Cross ( Shotts Bon Accord), and Dylan Connor, who was impressive at Tower Hearts Under-21s last season.

Peasy do not start their campaign until Wednesday, August 12, and to keep themselves ticking over will play Maryhill Juniors at Lochburn Park (Tuesday August 4 (7pm), followed by an

away game against Newmains on Friday, August 7. Kick-off 7pm.

ST ROCH have managed to hold onto most of their promotion-winning Central District Second Division squad from last season.

Candy fans will be hoping striker TJ McCluskey can reproduce the scoring form which saw him net 21 goals in a loan stint from Albion Rovers.

VALE OF CLYDE have previously qualified for the knock-out stages from Section 4, which also

features much-changed Rutherglen Glencairn, back-to-back champions Blantyre Vics, East Kilbride Thistle and Cambuslang Rangers.

Tollcross supporters will be keen to see how the Tin Pail perform without Derek Hepburn (Pollok), plus the departures of Hashim Cole and Joel Kasunbandi ( both Clydebank), and David McKay ( Arthurlie).

ASHFIELD, who have a new boss at their helm following three successive relegation campaigns,

PLAYERS WANTED REFEREES WANTED

GOALKEEPERS at Boys Club level/ Pro-Youth. New in-take starting second week in August.

A brand-new Monday Night Winter Programme also organised at Glasgow Club Petershill. Contact 07403452960.

PETERSHILL F.C. 2004 are seeking a goalkeeper for their Saturday Morning Central League team. Call Kenny Robertson on 07808712469.

ST ROCH Juniors Football Club are starting girls and ladies football, and want to hear from local players.

Under-11 girls team will play Fun Fours on a Saturday morning, while the Senior Ladies squad are entering the SWF League. Training and trials have been organised. Contact Head Coach Paul McManus on 07775592031 or email: strochsfcladies@gmail.com.

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 morning and Sunday involvement. Also teams for girls. Well-run, SFA Quality Mark Club. Born 2009 – 07515888624.

2 pairs of glasses for £49

Born 2008 – 07534522141. Born 2007 – 07412964163. Born 2005 07765538006.

ARSENAL Juniors B.C., based in Maryhill, are looking for players born 2005. The team trains twice a week at Firhill Sports Complex. Call 07889550238.

TYNECASTLE A.F.C., who won the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League Premier Division last season, are out to improve their squad even more with players who are seeking a new challenge. This well-run club can be contacted at 07482211970.

FINNART 2003 age group are moving into 11-a-side football and want to sign new players who have competed at that level. Contact William Murray on 07960421767.

BAILLIESTON THISTLE A.F.C. , who finished third in the Greater Glasgow Premier A.F.L. Division 1 last season, are looking to strengthen the team with experienced amateur players. Contact 07761444961 or 07806790025.

MUIRTON A.F.C. want good, quality adult players for Division 1 in the GCFA after winning Division 2 last season. Call 07940761875 or 07887527534.

SUNDAY CENTRAL Amateur Football League are seeking applications from new and ex-

isting referees for season 20152016. Contact them at SundayCentral@live.co.uk

OCTOBER TOUR

UIST and BARRA J.F.C. Under-16s want competitive games against Glasgow/Ayr/ Kilmarnock teams during the first Mid-

Term school holiday (October 9-12) when they tour the region.

Call 07704241226 or 018970 602222.

TEAMS WANTED GLASGOW and District Youth Football League chiefs seeking new teams for season 2015-2016.

Age groups are Under-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 19. Contact them at gadyfleague@gmail. com

SYFA DEADLINE AUGUST 3 is now the deadline for Boys’ Club to register themselves in the Trans World Soccer Scottish Youth Cup

FREE HOME EYE TESTS AVAILABLE

competitions (all ages).

Contact the Scottish Youth Football Association at Hampden Park.

Duke Street

could take time to settle in Section 6, where Clydebank are normally favourites to go through.

And despite last season’s topflight relegation, Bankies have added quite a bit of youth into their summer signing spree.

MARYHILL boss Jim Delaney, having stepped up from the club’s Under-21 team, would like nothing better than making a winning start against visitors Yoker Athletic. Note this fixture takes place on Monday, August 10 ( 6.45pm).

CUP FIXTURES: Section 3.

August 8 - Shettleston v Thorniewood; St Roch v Bellshill.

Section 4 - Vale of Clyde free team. Blantyre Vics v Cambuslang; East Kilbride v Rutherglen Glencairn.

Section 6 - Clydebank v Ashfield.

August 10 - Maryhill v Yoker Ath. Section 3. August 12 - St Roch v Petershill; Thornewood v Bellshill.

Section 4 - Rutherglen Glencairn v Cambuslang; Vale of Clyde v Blantyre Vics.

TOWN WEBSITE

SHETTLESTON Juniors have launched a new and very informative website

to keep supporters up-todate with happenings at Greenfield Park.

ROW TOURNEY

FINNART 2000 age group won the Harmony Row Centenary Tournament

- 4-3 on penalties (1-1) against the hosts at Glasgow Green.

APPLICATIONS LATE applications can be tabled for the Glasgow City Cup International Youth Football Festival featuring age groups

1997 to 2003.

For the latest rundown on available places go to www. glasgowcitycup.org.uk

SEASON TICKETS SHETTLESTON Juniors F.C. have season tickets available priced £60 and £30 after winning promotion into the Stagecoach Super Premier Division.

Opponents will include Junior Cup winners and Premier champions, Auchinleck Talbot, and West of Cup holders Arthurlie Juniors.

Tollcross

465 Duke St G31 1RD

1014 Tollcross Road G32 8UW

0141 554 8886

0141 778 5662

(Next to Coia’s Cafe)

Section 6 - Yoker v Clydebank; Ashfield v Glasgow Perthshire.

Section 3. August 15 - Petershill v Thorniewood; Bellshill v Shettleston.

Section 4 - Blantyre Vics v East Kilbride; Cambuslang v Vale of Clyde.

Section 6 - Ashfield v Maryhill; Glasgow Perthshire v Clydebank.

Section 3. August 19 - Thorniewood v St Roch; Petershill v Shettleston.

Section 4 - Cambuslang v East Kilbride; Vale of Clyde v Rutherglen Glencairn.

Section 6 - Maryhill v Glasgow Perthshire; Yoker v Ashfield.

Section 3. August 22 - Bellshill v Petershill; Shettleston v St Roch.

Section 4 - Rutherglen Glencairn v Blantyre Vics; East Kilbride v Vale of Clyde.

Section 6 - Clydebank v Maryhill; Glasgow Perthshire v Yoker.

Supporters should check with their local club in case of any ground switches, and relevant match kick-off times for midweek games. Saturday fixtures are all 2pm.

(Next to Greggs)

FREE EYE TESTS AVAILABLE SIMPLY CALL NEAREST BRANCH FOR APPOINTMENT

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