The GENN issue 148

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GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community 15

Fitness Matters Andrew Graydon on fitness

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Death with Dignity Getting your affairs in order

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GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

The GENN says...

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

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

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

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

EAST AND NORTH GLASGOW TOP OF POVERTY LEAGUE

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GLASGOW East and North News covers an area within which are to be found the worst set of indicators of multi-deprivation anywhere in the UK. In Glasgow, according to Scottish government statistics, the gap in life expectancy between those living in its most affluent community and those in its poorest is wider than anywhere else in the UK. There are other socially disadvantaged locales in other communities in Glasgow – but nothing matching the east and the north of the city – communities politically speaking, that have always been Labour territory.

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That however may according to Lord Ashcroft’s poll of Labour’s safest Scottish seats, not continue to be the case Politically speaking we are at the centre of a storm that may be about to wipe the Labour party from the electoral map of Glasgow East, Glasgow North and Glasgow North West.

People are finally looking at who represents us and asking serious questions of those that represent us causing a surge of previously unthinkable swings averaging more than 20%.

It’s as though the communities have finally said: “We’re tired of your broken promises and your infidelity, and so now we are clearing out the garbage We been aware of the warning signs for years but councillors, it seems, have not paid heed.

By a bittersweet twist of political fate this quiet revolt by the people of the East End and North Glasgow may yet lock Ed Miliband out of 10 Downing Street.

It would be the ultimate revenge for a community that itself felt locked out of the New Labour project.

One area has a child poverty rate of 44% and an alcohol misuse rate which is 120% above the national average, while its income deprivation rate runs at 30%.

In some streets in these districts the child poverty rate is 55%, while alcohol abuse runs at almost 300% above the national average.

Deprivation is intense in places such as Easterhouse, Parkhead, Dalmarnock and Shettleston In figures released a few weeks ago, life expectancy for boys born in the 10% least deprived areas in Scotland between 2011-13 is 82.4 years, compared with just 69.9 years for those born in the 10% most deprived areas, most of which are to be found here.

Fewer children from these streets reach university, because the percentage of pupils from local schools gaining three passes at higher grade is lower than anywhere else, while those with five passes

are almost unheard of.

Here is where death rates from cancer and heart disease are at their highest.

“The Glasgow Effect” was a term coined by academics flummoxed at why the city had significantly higher levels of ill health and premature death than other UK cities possessing similar social challenges.

“The re-drawing of the regional boundaries took many of the city’s most affluent suburbs into neighbouring local authorities, such as East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, The changing nature of work in the UK was not kind to Glasgow.

When it was regarded as the second city of the Empire at the end of the 19th century its shipbuilding output accounted for more than half of the UK’s and it was making a quarter of the world’s locomotives.

But when de-industrialisation came, nowhere did the heavy trades decline more rapidly and more profoundly than in Glasgow.

Tens of thousands of west of Scotland men derived a pride in working hard for their money and providing food and shelter for their families.

It was a model by which workers in these parts measured their worth to the community.

When, in the 1960s and 1970s, the yards went quiet and the furnaces turned cold, no redundancy payments would ever be big enough to heal the gaping wounds in the psyche of generations of Glasgow men and, latterly, women.

There were no enterprise zones, no tax inducements for inward investment, and no re-training.

A social and cultural catastrophe was occurring and no government during this period lifted a finger to help.

Britain was still, by degrees, an affluent country in these years, but it was as if some cruel, neo-conservative social engineer had decreed that an entire section of the population was forever to be denied a share in it.

Doctor Sir Harry Burns was

the Scottish government’s chief medical officer for nine years until 2014 and he has made the study of health inequalities in society the defining characteristic of his lifetime of work.

He wants governments to underpin their approach to meeting the challenge of deprivation with science.

“The seeds of deprivation are sown very early in life.

Chaos and uncertainty and poor parenting produce a range of biochemical processes that lead to a reduced ability to learn, to engage socially, and to an increased exposure to acquiring chronic disease in later life.

We’re seeing this in some parts of Glasgow,” he says.

Studies have shown that the brains of young animals which are neglected or exposed to threat develop differently.

The parts of the brain connected to learning and empathy don’t develop properly.

In the field of genetics it’s been shown that the lower down the social scale you are, the faster your DNA ages.

All around the world where people have looked at this there is a consistent story.

Difficult circumstances in early life lead to bad outcomes, and not just in health.

There is nothing special about Glasgow.

When people lose their traditional ways of living, when they are disconnected from their traditional structures, they take drugs and start fighting.

When you talk to young men of 17 and 18 in Young Offenders Institutions, they consider their lives finished.

Early intervention strategies adopted by the government show they are genuinely serious about addressing the root causes of health inequality.

The 1980s were a time of change in communities, trade unions and institutions, and tribute should be paid to all the women who campaigned for childcare, for the miners’ families, for access to apprenticeships and jobs and against violence against women.

Forty years on from the establishment of Women’s Aid,

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GENN EAST AND NORTH GLASGOW TOP OF POVERTY LEAGUE while paying tribute we also have to recognise that women’s lives are not yet free from violence and abuse, and there is still work to be done.

After a century of Red Glasgow, we as a city turned our back on Labour to vote for independence, and polls are predicting huge swings to the SNP in the May election.

But can the new leader refocus and turn the tide?

The changing perception of Labour from the party of the people to the party of the establishment, consolidated by what many consider the monumental error of sharing a platform with the Conservatives during the referendum campaign, is one that local activists struggle with.

“In Glasgow, we’re seen to be managers of the system and the system is delivering less and less,” Labour have always felt that Glasgow was guaranteed.

Their betrayal has been happening for a long time but they showed their true colours at the referendum.

To anyone on the breadline,

the spectacle of the chattering classes in full, righteous, finger-wagging mode is not a pretty one.

And in the opinion of many East End and North voters, politicians are all at it, and those pointing the finger today are just as likely to be feeding at the trough tomorrow.

Poverty breeds cynicism.

Although Labour deserves to lose in their Scottish heartland simply on their record on tackling poverty, defeat is by no means guaranteed.

We are almost off the scale for levels of poverty, social deprivation and violence in Glasgow.

Do constituents care if Labour’s candidate is the party’s first, second or 50th choice?

Do they believe anyone they elect will do more than reheat the last decade of warm words uttered by every party about social inclusion, poverty alleviation, and regeneration?

Unless something dramatic has happened to Glasgow’s most deprived community, the answer to both questions is probably no.

Loyalty counts for a lot in communities where little is owned and everything is owed.

And despite presiding over an economy where the gap between rich and poor has grown

wider, many working-class Glaswegians believe they still owe Labour for once waging a class battle on their behalf.

Some of the obstacles cited by activists were Labour party councillors living outside of the communities, such as infamos councillor George Redmond.

Labour councillors often viewed by activists as unhelpful gatekeepers, believing themselves to be de facto members of the community just because they were born in a council house and more likely to empower the middle-class army of the poverty industry than poor people themselves.

And yet, despite activist condemnation, punters in the vast estates around Glasgow have continued to vote Labour – or more often not to vote at all.

The hope now is that the people of North and East Glasgow will take this opportunity to stop the rot and make much needed change in Glasgow’s political future.

Would the Scottish National Party do any better?

They can produce a stack of facts, figures and persuasive arguments to show they’ve already tackled problems left untouched by Labour for

DEDICATED TEAM LAUNCHED TO POLICE GLASGOW RIVERSIDE POLICE Scotland has stepped up its patrol of an eight-mile stretch of Glasgow’s River Clyde by establishing a dedicated Riverside Unit aimed at making the Clydeside a safer place to live, work and visit.

The bespoke 15-strong team will comprise officers patrolling both sides of the river on bicycles and foot from Dalmarnock to Scotstoun to improve public safety whilst tackling anti-social behaviour (alcohol and drugs), robberies and break-ins.

The team will become a permanent fixture to the riverside following a six-month pilot last year when officers detected 885 crimes in the area.

This represents an overall rise in detections by 35 per cent on the previous year for offences including anti-social behaviour and drugs.

From April to November 2014, sexual crime decreased by eight per cent when compared to the similar period in 2013.

Sgt Darren Hughes, the officer in charge of the Unit, said today: “Over the years, due to its location, the Clydeside is synonymous with anti-social behaviour, drugs offences and sexual crime.

Certain sections also attract vulnerable people some of whom want to cause themselves harm.

“The area patrolled by the team was originally covered by officers from five individual sub divisions each dealing with any

issues or crime separately.

In an effort to have a more streamlined, intelligence led approach to tackling crime, the Unit was created to act as a deterrent, positively impacting on crime as well as providing public reassurance and keeping people safe.

“Since we started there has been a significant increase in detections for overall crime in the area.

Last year we saw a substantial rise in the number of visitors to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games and an increased police presence could account for the rise in detections as well as providing public reassurance.”

Keeping people safe is all about partnership working.

As part of the pilot project partner agencies in the catchment area, including local businesses and local area partnerships, were individually approached by officers and informed of the remit and objectives of the team.

Sergeant Hughes and his team have secured funding from the Partick West Area Partnership and local businesses including the SECC, which will enable them to purchase new pedal cycles.

Corston Sinclair in East Kilbride, which supplies protective clothing, has also kindly provided the team with thermal clothing for use during the winter months.

Police Scotland, as well as providing the full-time officers,

is funding the purchase of cycling equipment and protective clothing.

Public feedback has also been received highlighting the positive impact that that team has had in the Clydeside area.

Gerry McInally, Venue Service Manager, SECC, said: “We are delighted to part of this initiative and look forward to seeing our local cycle officers patrolling our site on a regular basis.

This is a very effective and visible way of policing the Clydeside and will provide reassurance for the local residents and businesses and of course the night time economy.

By way of interest, my father served with the city of Glasgow Police for 30 years and in those days all the patrols were by pedal cycle or on foot.

After all these years the pedal cycle is still an effective mode of transport for police forces.”

Sgt Hughes concluded: “A significant amount of money has been spent on regenerating the Clydeside and the refurbishment of areas such as the Broomielaw and the entertainment sector at the SECC and Springfield Quay making the area a more attractive area to visit and spend time.

“We want to encourage communities to make use of the area and hope that the regular patrols carried out by the riverside policing team will help make sure that those who use the riverside area can do so safely and peacefully.”

years.

But the mood of national wellbeing created by the SNP first minister, does not necessarily extend to Glasgow’s North or East End. National moods rarely reach the east end.

Progress in the reduction of heart disease, smoking rates, depression, employment levels and new business creation has been achieved in the rest of Scotland.

But the stubborn demographics of East End life prove that trickle down just doesn’t work.

Better the state-benefit-supporting devils you know, than the free-market-supporting devils you don’t know.

Underdogs identify with underdogs.

So there’s a chance that all the punishment currently being meted out to Margaret Curran may transform her chances.

Have times changed?

If they have, and Glasgow’s poorest people vote against Labour, an amazing social shift will have happened.

And the fortunes of Glasgow City Council and the Labour party will never be the same again.

We await to see the outcome in May.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

DRUGALYSER TO ARRIVE NEXT MONTH MPs have approved the use of drugalyser, roadside testing kits, that can be used to determine whether a driver has either cannabis or cocaine in their system.

Currently, the police must prove that the offender’s driving was impaired by drugs, but the new roadside testing kits will negate the need for this and will mean that anybody found to have the drugs in their system could be prosecuted.

The tests are set to be introduced from March 2015 and police have said that drivers will not know whether they are going to be given an alcohol or drug roadside test, or even both, when they are pulled over.

The new testing kits work by taking a saliva sample and testing them immediately.

As yet, legal highs are not detectable, although police hope to introduce these as part of the tests if the ability should be introduced.

Under the current system, if an officer believes that a motorist is under the influence of drugs while behind the wheel, they must take them to the police station and have them sub-

mit to a blood test.

Many drivers simply refuse on the grounds of health or religion, giving the drugs time to leave their system.

The new test uses saliva, removing this problem and ensuring that people can be tested immediately and without even having to take them to the station.

The police say that the majority of road users will be behind the use of the testing kits, because they support the drive to remove drug drivers from the roads.

They say that driving while under the influence of illegal drugs like cannabis and cocaine not only puts the lives of the driver at risk, but also risks the lives of all other road users and pedestrians.

The kits are set to be released in March, and it is believed that they will be put straight into use, with police able to use them at the side of the road when they would also use a breathalyser.

Random tests may also be carried out, and drivers will not know whether they are going to be stopped to test for alcohol, drugs, or both.

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£3 million investment steps Chief Constable up access to towpaths of Response to Police Scotland’s canals Federation

THE towpaths of Scotland’s canals will be ready to welcome even more boots and bikes this spring thanks to £3.4 million of investment to improve the popular routes – the biggest path project undertaken on the nation’s waterways since their restoration at the Millennium.

The works will improve more than 45 kilometres of towpaths throughout Scotland, which already attract around 22 million visits per year from everyone from long distance runners and commuting cyclists to daily dog walkers.

The paths also link some of the nation’s top tourism attractions, such as The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies.

It’s hoped the project will encourage even more Scots to enjoy the routes, which sit at the heart of many rural communities and provide vital green spaces within the nation’s busiest towns and cities.

Undertaken by Scottish Canals and funded by Sustrans Scotland, the Scottish Government’s Future Transport Fund and various local authorities and organisations, the project will also improve access to the popular routes with the installation of new signage, ramps and solar lighting at key locations.

Richard Millar, Director of Heritage, Enterprise and Sustainability at Scottish Canals, said: “The towpaths of Scotland’s canals are busier than ever and play a vital role at the heart of the communities they run through.

They’re increasingly significant destinations for leisure, exercise and commuting and this project will open up access to them and provide a safe, all-weather surface everyone can use and enjoy.

“From the unique engineering of the world’s only rotating boat lift and the magnificent Kelpies on the Lowland Canals to the

iconic locks of Neptune’s Staircase and the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Great Glen in the Highlands, Scotland’s waterways have no shortage of incredible destinations to visit and the towpaths offer the perfect routes to explore all they have to offer.

“We are hugely grateful to Sustrans and our partners for supporting these important works. Scotland’s canals already attract more than 22 million visitations a year and I am sure that the improved access offered by these upgraded paths will see even more people enjoy the rich heritage, wildlife and green space offered by the nation’s waterways.”

The towpaths of Scotland’s 220-kilometre-long canal system are a vital part of sustainable transport charity Sustrans’ National Cycle Network and connect to more than 800 kilometres of pathways across the country.

The Network provides long-distance cycling opportunities, but also important community links to encourage everyday journeys to be made sustainably.

With a 300% increase in usage over the last decade, the towpaths provide safe, off-road travel and recreation for all ages and abilities.

Over the past five years Scottish Canals, Sustrans, local authorities and other organisations have jointly invested more than £8 million upgrading Scotland’s towpaths, creating important links between rural communities and vital active travel arteries in some of the nation’s busiest cities.

John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “In Scotland we have an action plan with a vision for 10% of trips to be made by bike by 2020.

Investment in Scotland’s towpaths will play a key role in helping to achieve this vision and therefore we were delighted

to contribute Community Links funding towards their improvement.

The towpaths provide a great facility for short everyday trips such as commuting to work, getting to and from the shops, and going to school.

“Furthermore, they are a great leisure resource, with many of the towpaths forming part of the National Cycle Network.

This year marks the 20th birthday of the Network and we are delighted that these sections will be upgraded for everybody to enjoy.”

With almost a million Scots living within two miles of a canal, the towpaths also play an important role in the health of the nation.

A recent report estimates that the benefits of the 4 million miles-worth of additional physical activity carried out on Scotland’s waterways save the NHS more than £6 million per year.

The project will also see solar lighting installed on more than 7km of towpaths in Glasgow thanks to Scottish Government Future Transport Funding.

It’s hoped the installation of the LED lighting will encourage even more people to enjoy the popular route between the city’s Maryhill and Speirs Wharf throughout the year.

First trialled on the towpaths of the Union Canal in Edinburgh in 2014, the section near the city’s Harrison Park has proven very popular with cyclists and walkers, who are now able to use the route from dusk till dawn.

It’s estimated that usage of the stretch has more than doubled since the installation of the lighting.

Other areas to benefit from the investment include towpaths in Falkirk, Glasgow, Kirkintilloch, Linlithgow, Inverness, Fort William, and Dochgarroch.

The project is expected to be completed in spring.

CHIEF Constable Sir Stephen House has responded to a letter from the Scottish Police Federation about consensual stop and search He said: “I welcome the contribution by the Scottish Police Federation to the debate on the use of ‘consensual’ stop and search.

The Federation rightly highlights the importance this practice has had up to now in the prevention of crime and violence in Scotland’s communities.

“However, Scotland needs a consensus on stop and search as we go forward.

As I indicated last week, we need to consider a range of measures that could replace the current policing tactic of consensual stop and search.

In doing so we need to be able to balance society’s expectations with powers which ensure that the public can continue to be properly protected.

“That decision to review measures to replace the consensual element of stop and search was taken against a backdrop of a record drop in crime, including violent crime, across Scotland; Police Scotland’s clear commitment to

use police powers proportionately; and the use of a broader range of stop and search measures piloted in Fife.

“There was also recognition that there are regional differences in the proportions of legislative and consensual stop and search across Scotland.

Such variations illustrate the evidence-led nature of the use of the tactic, rather than any perceived artificial volume targets, which Police Scotland has never operated.

“We now need to consult with our partners in the SPA and HMICS, our staff associations and key stakeholders who have an interest and contribution to make, as we look to ensure the balance is right between keeping people safe, especially our young and vulnerable people, and the rights of the individual in a Scotland that is based on both equality and safety.

“The debate we will have needs to be open, non-partisan and recognise the benefits of having a system that is backed by people across Scotland and supported by appropriate policing and, where necessary, by legislation.”

POLICE DONATE SEIZED COUNTERFEIT GOODS TO CHARITY

THOUSANDS of pounds worth of counterfeit goods seized by Police Scotland officers are being donated to a local Glasgow charity.

Chief Inspector David Pettigrew, of London Road Police Office, said today: Rather than destroying the clothing, we thought it would make more sense that a local charity benefit from the donation.

We have the consent and support of the brands to make the donation for which we are very grateful.

The counterfeit goods, estimated to be worth in excess of £50,000, include counterfeit designer boots and designer tracksuits amongst other clothing items.

They will be shipped overseas to those in need by Glasgow the Caring City charity whose chief executive Rev Neil Galbraith, said: “We cannot thank Police Scotland and the officers of G. Division at London Road enough for this remarkable donation.

It allows us to continue to

support our overseas work in several communities, while at the same time allow us to divert much needed assistance and caring to the people of the West of Scotland through the resources being saved and the costs involved.

“It is important to note that we are Glasgow’s aid agency and carry the name of our city with great pride.

This donation shows once more the generosity of heart and spirit that is Glasgow, and the wisdom of Police Scotland who can turn something which is corrupt into good for the less fortunate.

We thank them and those others involved who once again have made this possible.”

Chief Inspector David Pettigrew concluded: “We will continue to disrupt and pursue those who deal in counterfeit goods and would say to people that while the goods may look good and are cheap, your money is going directly to fund organised crime and has a significant impact on honest traders and the communities in which we all live.”

TACKLE CHILD OBESITY WITH PLANTS HEALTHY weight as a vegan is not exclusive to adults.

Plant-based diets can help children too, says The Vegan Society.

The experts at the BDA - the Association of UK Dietitians agree that well-planned vegan diets can support healthy living throughout childhood, from weaning to teenage years.

This is timely advice since it was confirmed that teen obesity rates in the UK are still rising.

Jasmijn de Boo, The Vegan Society CEO, said: “A well-planned vegan diet is an excellent start to life for children.

What better way to tackle the obesity crisis in the UK than by setting healthy eating habits for our children at an early age?

With the planet our children will inherit in peril due to the greenhouse gas emissions from farming animals, plant-based diets for children are more crucial than ever. “ Vegans on average have a healthier weight than health-minded meat-eaters.

According to two large studies in the UK and US, vegan obesity rates are under 2% compared to over 5% in health-conscious meat-eaters.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Vegans also have the lowest body mass index (BMI) of any group, ranging between 22 and 23.5.

This compares to BMI of 23.5 to 29 for health-conscious meat-eaters. Meat and dairy and other animal products tend to be more energy-dense than fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes. These staples of a plant-based diet are rich in nutrients UK children currently lack, such as vitamin C, good Omega 6 fats and fibre.

There is no dietary fibre in animal products.

The UK Government has also drawn attention again to the major greenhouse gas emissions due to farming cattle, sheep and other animals.

The planet is currently on track for dangerous global temperature rises, with the risks of extreme floods and droughts, harvest failures and habitat loss which accompany it.

Vegan children tend to form excellent eating habits, and make better food choices through to adulthood.

We all teach the children in our care not to harm animals unnecessarily, so it makes sense to put this compassion into practice at the dinner table.

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FROM EASTERHOUSE TO PARLIAMENT SQUARE

ST. BENEDICT’S Primary School has been chosen as one of 650 schools selected from across the United Kingdom to take part

in a unique project that aims to connect young people with the democratic process and heritage.

In 2015 the Houses of Parlia-

ment will be celebrating two historic anniversaries that signify the beginnings of a journey to rights and representation in the UK,

namely the 800th year of the sealing of the Magna Carta (1215) and the 750th anniversary of the Simon de Montfort parliament

(1265).

To mark the Montfort parliament anniversary, where elected representatives of the shires and

the boroughs came together for the first time, Parliament has selected a primary school in every constituency to create a flag that represents their area or community.

This project forms part of Parliament’s 2015 ‘Parliament in the Making’ programme.

Children from St. Benedict’s Primary have worked together to create a fantastic design to reflect how they see Easterhouse and Glasgow.

We used traditional flag making rules about colours, shapes and emblems. Our design reflects our city and our area.

The Glasgow coat of arms shows that we are part of The City of Glasgow and very proud of hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The green signifies the meaning of Glasgow - Dear Green Place. he blue signifies the River Clyde which flows through our city.

The red signifies the colour of our Bishop and that we are a diocese.

We are proud that our city, our school and our community work together to help us grow into responsible citizens of Glasgow.

In spring 2015 flags from all the selected schools across the UK will ‘fly’ online via a digital exhibition and a limited number will be stitched into large flags to fly at a special event in Parliament Square.

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One in three disabled jobseekers face discrimination

UP to 37% of disabled jobseekers have been discriminated against during the recruitment process according to research commissioned by the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI).

In addition, 82% of disabled candidates have reported a negative experience with a recruitment consultancy, which they attribute to a lack of knowledge surrounding disability issues.

There is also a significant disparity between the perceptions of candidates and recruiters in terms of the provision of ‘reasonable adjustments’ made to accommodate disabled jobseekers – a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010.

Despite the fact that 82% of recruiters claim reasonable adjustments are made to cater for disabled jobseekers, 58% of those candidates say that no such adjustments were made.

It is evident that a lack of awareness and knowledge is continuing to have an adverse effect on the recruitment of disabled people. When around one in every 18 jobseekers has a disability this inevitably means that employers are missing out on a rich pool of talent.

I know that many employers and recruiters are afraid of getting it wrong, but there are some

inspiring instances of companies that are pioneering the inclusion of disabled people and we can certainly learn from their experiences.

The Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) Awards celebrate progress and recognise the success of these organisations.

Last year the Awards attracted over 100 applications across award categories including Innovation in Assessment, Inclusive Partnerships, Employers Choice and Overall Candidate Experience. Previous winners include E:ON, the BBC, Sainsbury’s and Eversheds in partnership with Guidant Group, as well as many smaller employers and recruiters.

This years objective is clear – to expand reach and impact by encouraging a strong, pro-active approach to disability amongst even more employers and recruiters.

For those disabled people wishing to enter the workforce or progress their careers the recruitment process itself can be a barrier.

It is not acceptable that one in three disabled job seekers experience discrimination.

We need to take action together to break down barriers and build employer and candidate confidence.

FG Burnett Concludes On First Institutional Grade Office Sale In Glasgow Post Referendum

FG Burnett, the Scottish commercial property consultancy, announces it has concluded on the sale of the first institutional grade office in Glasgow’s central business district, following September’s referendum.

FG Burnett, which acted on behalf of Hermes Real Estate, brought the 73,000 sq ft office to market in November 2014, has now advised that the sale of 151/155 St Vincent Street is complete, with ownership now in the hands of Aberdeen Asset Management.

Stuart Orr, Director at FG Burnett Glasgow, says, “Since June last year there has been a period of relative inactivity due to the economic uncertainty surrounding Scotland.

The recent conclusion of one of Glasgow’s most iconic office blocks shows that confidence in the Scottish commercial property market is returning.

Stuart continues, “Last October saw Scotland enjoy the best quarterly performance for commercial property sales in six years, amid a post-independence referendum surge.

Glasgow stood out with a leap from £58m in the second quar-

ter to £242m in the following three months.

We are also seeing a number of other areas where the market is likely to perform strongly in the coming months, including the office market in Glasgow and Edinburgh and the industrial market, where tightening supply is beginning to take effect.”

Stuart concludes, “These recent findings and the sale of 151/155 St Vincent Street indicates a renewed confidence in the commercial property market now that the political outlook is more stable, which FG Burnett welcomes.

151/155 St Vincent Street Glasgow is an iconic building located in the heart of Glasgow’s central business district, occupying a highly prominent position on the corner of St Vincent Street and West Campbell Street.

This highly specified property extends to 6,838 sq m (73,610 sq ft), is eight-storeys and benefits from 33 basement car parking spaces.

The building was completely refurbished in 2013 at a total cost of £9m reflecting £122 sq ft.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

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Scottish residents have demanded more RESEARCH from pollsters Ipsos Mori has revealed that the majority of Scottish residents participating in the survey would welcome council tax hikes to fund vital community services, with the article published on The Scotsman’s website. Council Tax Advisors CIC have responded to the results.

With local government budgets stretched more than ever due to cuts enforced at central level, Scottish residents have demanded more say in this survey.

Eight out of ten want greater influence in community policies and 54 per cent of participants think central government have more control in local services than previously.

Alison McInnes, a Liberal Democrat MSP, welcomed the

findings and believe this is the right approach for issues at local government level: “The results of the survey articulate what I and many Lib Dems have been saying for years: local decisions should be taken by those in the community for the benefits of the community.

Local democracy needs to be strengthened.”

Council tax rates have been frozen by the SNP since 2007, but this cost around £500 million to fund with various council leaders advocating immediate to protect and improve local services. Scotland’s councils are facing dramatic drops in funding support over the next two financial years.

Their funding will lower by approximately £350m in 2014-15

IMRAN’S

to £6.94 billion, before falling by £279m in 2015-16. Council Tax Advisors CIC, who give free advice for UK residents struggling with debt, released the following statement.

Their managing director, Chris Richards, said: “Funding for local services has been a problem for several areas around the UK and unfortunately this is set to continue for more years.

“Rising council tax may not be the only option to combat this shortfall in funding, though.

These rates have spiralled almost out of control in the last 20 years and this can cause debt problems.

If you need financial support then our CTACIC team give free, impartial and effective advice to resolve arrears.”

Since 1990

Tandoo oori Currry Hou ouse se an nd Trradittio ona nall Fish Fish & Chi hick cken en Bar

PETITION PAYS OFF

Scottish Budget: Existing Homes Alliance Scotland welcomes new funding for energy efficiency to tackle fuel poverty and climate change THE Existing Homes Alliance Scotland has welcomed Deputy First Minister John Swinney’s announcement that an additional £20m is to be put towards energy efficiency as part of the Scottish Budget.

Alan Ferguson, Chair of the Existing Homes Alliance Scotland said: “We are pleased to see additional funding put towards energy efficiency.

This investment is very welcome indeed given the recent Scottish Government figures which show fuel poverty is on the rise – up to a startling 39% of Scottish households (940,000). Scotland has a target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016, and every effort should be made to turn round the current backwards trend and eliminate this unnecessary burden on the Scottish people.”

Energy efficiency has a very important influence in eradicating and reducing the risk of fuel poverty in the future by creating homes that are warm, affordable to heat, and low carbon.

This investment will save money for ordinary households

HOUSING CHIEFS CONSULT TENANTS ON RENT INCREASE

BROOMHOUSE Park will soon be home to a new rock play area and tyre swing - after a local petition produced 100 signatures supporting the project.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

BROOMHOUSE Community Council have organised their next meeting at the local hall on February 23, at 7.30pm.

Other dates before the summer holidays are March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, and August 31.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

LOCAL youth theatre company Toonspeak are inviting youngsters to join their free drama workshops.

Participation for children, aged from 11, takes place at the Millburn Centre every Tuesday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

SHETTLESTON Housing Association have started a consultation period with tenants to determine potential rent levels over the coming year.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires Landlords to consult individual tenants and tenants groups on any proposals to change the management service, which includes proposed rent increases.

SHA, who have set the their own rents since 1989, propose an increase of 2.6% for the financial year 2015/2016.

The figure was set using the RPI figure for December, 2014 (1.6%), and adding on a further 1% to reflect the growth in the Association’s future commitments.

Additional services, which can include Close Cleaning,

TEA TIME SPECIALS 4pm - 7pm Tea Time One £6.70 1 Poppadom, Spiced Onions, Veg Pakora, Any Curry from Popular Dishes, Bhoona or Korma, Nan Bread or Rice.

(Lamb, beef, prawn or tikka curry £1 extra)

10” £4.90

38 Lochdochart Road, Rogerfield, Glasgow G34 OPU

Tea Time Two £10.95 2 Poppadoms, Spiced Onions, Veg Pakora, Any 2 Curries from Popular Dishes, Bhoona, Korma Dopiaza, Patia, Nan Bread and Rice.

(Lamb, beef, prawn or tikka curry £1 extra)

Tea Time Three Pizza (1 topping) & Portion of Chips 12” £6.50 14” £7.90

struggling to pay their bills, but also for the NHS, by reducing the health impacts associated with cold and damp homes.

Furthermore, this extra funding will help create and maintain jobs in the insulation industry, giving them more certainty and stability to plan their investments.

“The additional funding will go part way towards plugging the gap left by reductions to the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation funding, which the Scottish Government predicted would mean a fall in energy efficiency investment for Scotland by £50m per year.

We firmly believe still more needs to be done to compensate for these losses, and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to step up the pace and scale of change to the energy performance of Scotland’s homes in the coming year.

This would include making energy efficiency a major national infrastructure priority – a vision of warm and cosy homes that everyone can afford to enjoy.”

Garden Maintenance, and Window Cleaning, will remain unchanged.

Shettleston Housing Association have carried out a major programme of improvement work on existing properties, and expect to spend an estimated £6.5 million over thenext three years.

If the 2.6% increase goes through, average weekly rents would be as follows: 2 apt 3 apt 4 apt 5 apt Current £55. 18 £63. 82 £71.

48 £87. 24 Proposed £56. 61£65. 48£73.

34 £89. 51 Results from the consultation will be supplied to the Management Committee later this month, and a final decision on the increase is expected to be announced shortly afterwards.

OPEN 7 DAYS Sunday - Thursday 3.30pm to 11.30 pm Friday - Saturday 3.30pm to 12 midnight RAPID HOME DELIVERY SERVICE FULL MENU AVAILABLE

0141 773 3332

7

GENN z

ATTEMPTED MURDER PRIESTHILL

WEEKS after a shooting incident in Priesthill, officers from Police Scotland will be conducting a stop and interview operation in three locations in the Priesthill area.

Around 1845 hours on Tuesday 27 January, a Ford Transit van was shot at while parked in Neilston Avenue, Priesthill.

The 37 year-old driver was uninjured.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out and the inquiry team is still reviewing CCTV images in an effort to obtain further information on the suspects and the vehicle.

Detectives have confirmed that the Volkswagen Passat involved in the incident was stolen from Glasgow in August last year.

A full forensic examination of the Volkswagen Passat car, which was set on fire, near to Rouken Glen Golf Club has been carried out with a number of items being submitted for further examination.

Enquiries have also revealed that a 4x4 vehicle, possibly a jeep, was seen driving off from near the Golf Club shortly after the Volkswagen Passat was set alight. Officers are keen

DENNISTOUN PROJECTS

to trace the occupant or occupants of that light coloured vehicle, which could be silver, white or cream in colour.

The vehicle turned left up Stewarton Road towards Newton Mearns.

Detective Inspector Greg Wilkie of Greater Glasgow Division said: “We are still trying to establish a motive for this incident and we’re very keen to speak to the occupants of the 4x4 vehicle seen driving off minutes after the VW Passat was set alight.

The purpose of the operation is to gather further information, perhaps jogging someone’s memory which will enable officers to obtain further detail which could assist the investigation.”

Officers will be located at Neilston Avenue and Glenmuir Drive from 1830 hrs. Officers will also be located in Stewart Road at the entrance to the Golf Club from 1930 hrs.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Christmas Fete at GESH

DENNISTOUN Community Council Secretary Wesley Wright has revealed the first half of 2015 will be busy with a number of projects requiring action.

He said: “We have a number either on the go at the moment or potentially under way soon.

“We are hoping to launch a Dennistoun Map Guide.”

Dennistoun Community Council are backing ideas for a photography project which could be included at the Open House Collection in May. We are sure GENN regulars would like to hear more details on the exhibition once it becomes more available, but in the meantime our information is the overall project will focus on the community among back-court washing lines.

In addition to photographs, older East End readers must have a story or two they can recall on this subject!

Meanwhile, Dennistoun Community Council have their meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the Gingerbread Hall, 128 Armadale Street, Dennistoun.

Forthcoming dates are: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, and August 11.

The Dennistoun Community Council Annual Genera Meeting/ Ordinary Meeting is scheduled for October 13.

Sunday 8th December 12pm - 5pm Santa’s Grotto £6 Photo, gift and selection box

WE NEED VOLUNTEER MINI BUS DRIVERS We at GESH Garthamlock Glasgow need help helping others.

Mini bus drivers needed Daytime hours and a real feel good factor driving job awaits For more information or to apply contact athire GESH Contact Cheryl ifMaureen you want to a table 0141 774 7261

GESH

Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands

1 Redcastle Square, Garthamlock, Glasgow G33 5EG

Nudist weddings are not expected to be legalised in Britain any time soon NUDIST weddings are not expected to be legalised in Britain any time soon under the Conservatives following a strong denial from Cabinet member Chris Grayling on national television show Sunday Politics.

The wedding laws in the UK were dramatically altered in 2013 when same-sex marriage was introduced by the government, with the first weddings of this nature taking place in March 2014.

This change suggested that MPs would discuss how other alterations to marriage ceremonies could be made across the UK. British Naturism have long been campaigning in favour of outdoor nudism, but it seems very unlikely that this issue will be discussed in the

lead up to May’s general election.

This group want nakedness to be more accepted, but any hopes they may hold will have been dented by Chris Grayling’s answers when interviewed.

He denied any involvement in discussing naked weddings and denied any government plans to introduce it in the near future. Grayling said: “It hasn’t been ordered by me.

There’s a difference between someone expressing an interest, and it actually happening.

At the moment, we are looking at the issue of Humanist marriage, which has been reviewed.

No nude marriage right now as far as I’m concerned

Thinking of Moving?

SWITZERLAND’S attractiveness has been underlined by a majority of their population increase being because of expats, demonstrating the country’s huge appeal for citizens of other European countries.

According to figures published by the Swiss federal office of statistics (BFS).

The majority of Switzerland’s population increase was due to a rise in the number of expats living there in 2013.

These figures reflect how appealing Swiss culture is to a wide range of European nationalities, as well as residents from all over the world.

It is such a popular place to live for people of different backgrounds.

With the second largest increase of inhabitants in Europe Switzerland can be seen as a warm and welcoming place for everyone.

CAN YOU HELP TO FIND BRIAN? READERS may remember a few months back we told the story of Carol Wilson who was searching for her birth father Brian.

Nine months after a party on Hogmany 1965, Brian went to birth mum Maureen’s door in Drumchapel to find that Carol had just been adopted to a new family.

48 years on and Carol is desperate to find the dad she never knew.

Thanks to the previous write up Carol received some feedback but is looking for your help again.

George Harwood live in Barlanark and was a Painter & Decorator who had served his time at Andrew Gardiners on London Road.

In the 70’s George and a bloke named Ernie Scally started a short term business venture and George managed the tradesmen consisting of joiners, plumbers, electricians and

painters.

One job was in a hotel on Glassford Street.

Carol’s birth dad Brian was one of them and he was definitely a friend of George’s.

Infact, George was at the hogmany party that Carol was conceived at in Knightswood.

George drank in the Norsk bar and also The Beresford Bar where he dated the barman’s daughter.

I think the barman was called Pat Garreity.

George also had connections with Thornliebank or Darnley.

George sadly passed away many years ago and Carol has spoken with Ernie who cannot remember Brian.

But maybe you or somebody you know may recognise these names.

Any little bit of information may be of huge significance.

Carol can be contacted on midgetgem1966@hotmail.com or 07765 418542

8

GENN

North Glasgow Community Get Behind Food for Thought THE Food for Thought programme has been making a real difference to people’s lives and has delivered over 12,000 meals to those in most need in North Glasgow since the project started in January 2014.

Now, thanks to donations from individuals and community groups a further 2,000 meals can be added to that total.

Donations Donations have come from local people, ng homes and ng2 staff, Homestart, The Spark, Possilpark Parish Church, Springburn Health Centre, the James McLean Project, CGI Events, Scotcash and local schools Saracen Primary and Springburn Academy.

Springburn Academy top the donations list having carried out two successful food drives and Teacher Mr Donnelly along with pupils recently presented their food haul to Food for Thought staff members Claire Alexander and Clare Bird. The list below details donations and how many meals they contribute to: -

Springburn Academy Possilpark Parish Church Springburn Health Centre Staff Local Individuals inc. Board members CGI Events The Spark Staff ng homes and ng2 staff Saracen Primary Homestart Scotcash Staff James McLean Project

468 meals 370 meals 313 meals 252 meals 193 meals 100 meals 90 meals 55 meals 43 meals 25 meals 18 meals

Community Support Officer Claire Alexander said: “Since starting the project we have provided almost 900 food parcels and a total of 12,236 meals through parcels and community food events. The service has been accessed over 4,000 times by over 600 members of the North Glasgow community.

The Food for Thought team made their first appeal for support last Summer as a result of a high volume of people accessing its emergency food parcel service. Since then, local people, organisations and faith groups have shown support by making valuable donations with one local food project donating 450kg of food which provided over 1,000 meals alone.

Teacher Mr Donnelly and pupils from Springburn Academy present their generous donation to Food for Thought’s Clare Bird and Claire Alexander.

John Thorburn, ng homes Board Member said: “These donations go a long way towards helping to feed those experiencing hardship within the North Glasgow area.

They are not only welcomed but show a real sense of a community coming together during times of need, something that we are extremely thankful for.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Food for Thought’s emergency food service can do so by contacting a member of the Food for Thought team on 0141 560 6000.

Volunteering An important element of the Food for Thought programme is the help it receives from local volunteers and Clare Bird, Community Resilience Officer said: “We have a range of

volunteering opportunities within the Food for Thought programme such as bag packing, event support and kitchen help.”

Regular volunteers are vital to the project’s success and there’s no formal qualifications required as the relevant training is provided for whatever roles volunteers take on.

Its a win–win for both parties as volunteering builds on a person’s existing experience and boosts their confidence.

If you are interested in volunteering for Food for Thought please contact Clare Bird on 0141 5606000 or e-mail cbird@ng2works.com Local man Bob Moir who attends a Big Breakfast event every week in the Salvation Army Hall in Springburn said: “This is a wonderful project, what’s more important for me is the company, the social interaction with people. They are so friendly and helpful and I would encourage anyone in the community to come along for a breakfast and a blether.”

Food for Thought Services currently running: Big Breakfast: An opportunity to access a free healthy breakfast, meet new people, take part in fun activities or get advice and support on various issues.

Next one: Every Monday 9:00am-11:30am, Possilpark Parish Church, 124 Saracen St, Possilpark, Every Wednesday 9:00am-11:30am, Salvation Army Halls, 192 Fernbank St, Springburn, G22 6BD Cook n Go: Held monthly at various locations, people can watch cooking demonstrations using basic ingredients, ask questions and try the dishes on offer. These free events are open to the community.

Next one: Wednesday 25th February 2:30pm-4:30pm, Chirnsyde Primary School, 288 Ashgill Road, G22 7SB Cook n Share: Cooking workshops designed to help build basic skills and confidence in cooking healthy, quick and cheap meals for you and your family. These events are open to all in various locations in North Glasgow.

If you wish to attend any of these events or just want some more information please contact Claire Alexander, Community Support Officer on 0141 560 6000.

Board member John Thorburn and Food for Thought’s Clare Bird, Angie Maguire from GEMAP and participants.

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

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

Website: www.nghomes.net @ng_homes

ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association

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

9

GENN

From Estate Services Operatives to Concierge AT ng2, a Social Enterprise and subsidiary of ng homes, there is a clear career path for employees and this was demonstrated to great effect recently when the Concierge team recruited two new members.

community.

For more information on ng2 visit www.ng2works.com

Craig Camley and Gordon Christie both started work last month as Concierge and both are enjoying their new roles.

Back in August 2011 Gordon joined ng2 as an Estate Services Operative and his duties included close cleaning and backcourt maintenance. In two short years he moved into ng2’s Environmental Hit Squads who are charged with keeping areas in North Glasgow neat and tidy with grass cutting, de-littering and clearing void properties as part of their responsibilities.

At the turn of this year Gordon, who lives locally in North Glasgow, was successful through the recruitment process and grasped the opportunity to work as a Concierge.

Gordon said:“I have been with ng2 for 4 years now and I have enjoyed working for the organisation. If you show initiative and stick in at your job, opportunities will come and that’s what’s happened for me.”

Another local lad, Craig Camley was employed by ng2 in 2012 initially as an Estate Services Operative. Craig quickly showed great initiative and a willingness to learn and soon moved onto work on the company’s window safety catch programme and then into the Environmental Hit Squads. Now, also a Concierge Craig said: “I’ve learned a lot in my time with ng2 and I am really looking forward to learning more and working as a Concierge. I have already been trained on how to use the CCTV equipment, operate the door entry systems and log incidents and I am really enjoying working with the concierge team.”

Chairperson of ng2 and local resident Margaret Thomson said: “Its pleasing to hear stories like this of local people who are employees progressing through the business, I am delighted that Gordon and Craig are enjoying working for ng2 and I wish them well in their new roles.” ng2 provide services to ng homes customers including close cleaning, jet washing, environmental improvements, painting, joinery and a handy person service. The company currently employs 74 people and just under half of those live in the local

New Concierge Craig Camley with his Team Leader Colin Leverage

New Commonwealth Apprentices in North Glasgow range of support for unemployed people offered by any local authority in the UK. It provides meaningful opportunities for school leavers, graduates, care leavers and our armed forces veterans. To date over 5,600 people have secured a job or apprenticeship as part of the Glasgow Guarantee, which the council has committed to funding until 2018.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Since its introduction the Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative has helped over 3,600 young people in the city secure an apprenticeship. Its success is based on the continued support of employers such as ng homes who are providing not only quality housing services but also valuable training and job opportunities in communities across the city.

“The council has committed to funding the Glasgow Guarantee right through until 2018, ensuring that we continue to provide opportunities for our young people, care leavers, university graduates and armed forces veterans.” ng homes new apprentices Iona Wilson, Juliette Duff, Tiegan Shearer (seated), Joseph Amazou and Darren Curran are pictured with Leader of Glasgow City Council Cllr Gordon Matheson, CEO of ng homes Robert Tamburrini and Head of Organisational Development Tony Sweeney.

A LEADING housing association in Glasgow, ng homes, has just taken on five new apprentices as part of Glasgow City Council’s Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative. ng homes is the largest community based housing association in Glasgow, providing housing services to around 5,500 tenants in communities across the north of the city, with an annual turnover in excess of £20million. ng homes subsidiary, ng2, an award winning social enterprise also providestraining and employment opportunities for local people in areas such as property management and environmental maintenance. ng homes has supported the council’s Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative since its introduction, and these are the latest apprentices to have started work with the association as part of the programme.

The Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative forms part of the council’s flagship £50million Glasgow Guarantee, the largest, most comprehensive and best funded

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

Email: info@ng2works.com

Robert Tamburrini, CEO of ng homes, said: “Our five new young apprentices have been working across the different areas of the business including Housing Operations, Corporate Services, Investment, Finance and Customer Service. In the short space of time our latest apprentices have been with us they have made a valuable contribution to the business.

Our subsidiary ng2 have also benefitted from the apprenticeship programme with painters and electricians now in their second and third years carrying out quality work on our properties.”

Board member Professor James Sommerville said “We believe apprenticeships provide the skilled workers that ng homes and its subsidiaries need for the future and there’s nothing better than seeing people who started apprenticeships with us go on to achieve full time employment with us or elsewhere in the housing sector.”

Juliette Duff, from Maryhill who is working in the Corporate Services Team said: “I am really enjoying working for ng homes, I have learned lots of new skills already and it’s a great opportunity to progress my career as I study for my housing qualifications. I would say to any young person thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it!

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

10

BUSINESSMAN HELPS CHARITIES TAP INTO MULTI MILLION POUND MARKET A BUSINESSMAN is out to help large and small charities across the UK tap into a new market, potentially worth almost £200million annually.

Greetings card entrepreneur Tony Kemp says that thanks to a revolution in digital print technology, charities can now benefit from the sale of allyear-round greeting cards worth a massive £1.29billion a year.

Tony, says traditionally fundraisers have only reaped the rewards of donations made from the sale of Christmas cards.

But based on figures for 2014 released by the UK Greetings Card Association, he said: “The Christmas charity card market is estimated to be worth around £50million to good causes, roughly 15% of the whole festive greetings market (GCA Greeting Card

Market report 2014).

“Because charities only offer greeting cards at Christmas, they are potentially missing out on three quarters of the market. 15% of the all-yearround greeting cards market represents £193million each year that charities could benefit from.

“Charities could boost donations through the sale of birthday cards, thank you cards, anniversary cards, invitations to multiple recipients - in fact any card you can think of.”

All that the charity, fundraising group, school or club needs is a website and Giving.

Cards will set up a branded greeting cards website for the fundraiser.

The charity’s own greeting card site can even feature bespoke designs from supporters and individual gift cards.

There is no cost at all to the charity, and Giving.Cards guarantees a minimum 20p per card donation.

Tony explained: “There’s no catch, no cost and no risk - the charity gets a royalty cheque each quarter.

We are already providing this facility to a number of famous names and we want to help other local, regional and national fundraisers too.

We have made our services available to all fundraising groups of all sizes.

All they need to do is promote it to their supporters, members or parents.”

Charities interested in tapping into this market can contact Tony Kemp, Ed Bennett and his team on 01535 683289.

All digital card stocks come from sustainable forests and carry the FSC logo.

NORTH Glasgow based ng homes is celebrating over ten years of Customer Service Excellence as a result of its latest review.

Following their recent Customer Service Excellence (CSE) review the 7th largest housing association in Scotland were advised that they continue to meet the CSE Standard.

In the report the CSE Assessor recognised the way in which ng homes works with partners to create sustainable communities for the benefit of the whole of North Glasgow as an exemplar of good practice.

The CSE Assessor also highlighted that the association engages in extensive support for the communities it serves and that the range of activities ng homes provides working with partner organisations warrants compliance plus which goes beyond the requirements of the CSE Standard.

Tony Sweeney, Head of Organisational Development said: “This is great news, it recognises the excellent team work and commitment of our staff and shows that we really care about our customers.”

The organisation was first assessed for the standard in 2004 when it was known as Chartermark and it has been regularly measured against the Government’s Customer Service Excellence standard ever since.

This latest successful review sees ng homes achieve over 10 years of continuous improvement in relation to customer service excellence.

John Fury, ng homes Chairperson congratulated the Association’s staff on this achievement stating: ”Our customers are central to all that we do and this ongoing recognition of our

work in delivering excellent customer service demonstrates how much we and our partners care about making a real difference to our tenants, residents and the community in general.”

The Customer Service Excellence Standard is recognised across the UK and it lies at the heart of an overarching strategy to provide public services for all customers which are efficient, effective, excellent, equitable and empowering and it is totally aligned with the five key drivers of customer satisfaction; delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude.

AWARD FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATION

GENN Glasgow 2014 organisers in final chapter of delivering best-ever Commonwealth Games

THE organisers of Glasgow 2014, widely-praised as the best-ever Commonwealth Games, are set to enter the final chapter of their operations by taking formal steps to windup the company set up to deliver the Games.

Glasgow 2014 Ltd, the special purpose company set up in 2007 by Games Partners (Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland) to manage all aspects of the delivery of the Commonwealth Games, will now move to appoint a liquidator to take the company through its final formal stages of operation.

During what is part of normal business process, the liquidator will ensure an orderly wind-up of the company, paying any final bills and releasing all remaining assets.

The Glasgow 2014 Board and Games Partners are to appoint Johnston Carmichael as the company’s liquidators.

While a final budget position cannot be confirmed until the liquidators complete their formal duties, current indications are that Glasgow 2014 Ltd will conclude its operations without requiring to draw down around £35.5m of public funds from the Games budget. Unused public funds are expected to be around £10 million more than

was anticipated at the end of 2014.

The Games Partners – Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland - acknowledged tight budgetary controls and effective cross organisational governance arrangements as playing key roles in the successful financial outcome of the ambitious six-year delivery programme.

The Glasgow 2014 Games has been widely-praised for its delivery across a range of areas including: • Around £400m of Games contracts awarded – more than two-thirds to Scottish companies • More than £1 million of contracts awarded to social businesses • Setting a new benchmark for event sustainability management both for the Commonwealth Games and for events in Scotland and being awarded the coveted ISO 20121 – the gold international standard in sustainable event management • Selling 1.3 million tickets – including new world-record crowd of 171,000 for Rugby Sevens Last month Glasgow 2014 was ranked Number One in the You-Gov Sports Index 2015 Annual Report as the UK’s best-perceived sports event in

2014.

Commonwealth Games Federation and UNICEF are working together in an exciting partnership that will transform the lives of children in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth.

Using the power of sport and culture this unique partnership aims to inspire, enable and empower the children of the Commonwealth to be the best they can be.

The Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust (SCGYT) has been operating since 1989, with the aim of helping young Scottish sportspeople to improve and make use of their abilities as athletes, sports coaches, sports administrators and referees, umpires and judges - by way of grants, bursaries, loans or otherwise.

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee’s budget was £372m of public funds plus commercial income generated by the Organising Committee through sponsorship, ticket sales, broadcasting rights and merchandise sales.

The budget included contingency of £66.1m (£42.3m general contingency and £23.8m special reserve).

The outturn forecast of £35.5m of underspend demonstrates that the Special Reserve was not required.

ACHIEVE A GOOD WORK LIFE BALANCE BEING efficient is the key to achieving balance between work and family say leading management experts Accordingly researching work-life balance across the globe, one of the key predictors of high work-family conflict (WFC) is workload -“the feeling that you have more than you can handle in both work and family life.”

We can overcome this by becoming better organised: “Employees work long hours and sit in long meetings, but the outcome is not proportionate to the time input.

We know from research that there is zero correlation

between the time spent on a task and efficiency.

Therefore, we need to learn time management skills, teamwork and delegation competencies, and efficient work habits very early in life.”

Both male and female employees who use company policies that encourage a good work-life balance, such as maternity/paternity leave and flexible work, report less conflict between work and family, less intention to change jobs, and higher life satisfaction overall.

In return, companies get more loyal employees, more efficient in their day to day job, boosting overall staff pro-

ductivity therefore driving the company forward.

Organisations should offer ongoing training sessions on topics like time management and encourage efficient work habits.

They should also implement policies and practices to ease work-life balance. Of course it is ultimately the organizational culture which determines whether or not these policies are implemented successfully, but all employers should try.

Once implemented, employees using these policies should not be in the `black book’ of the management, and should not be disadvantaged in the promotion decisions.“

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11

GENN Maryhill Schoolchildren Become ‘Citizen Scientists’ for the Day to Tackle Litter on the Forth & Clyde Canal SCHOOLCHILDREN from St Charles Primary School in Maryhill donned high vis jackets and gloves and picked up scales, buckets and bird identification sheets today (Thursday 5th February) as they embarked on an innovative new science-based project tackling litter on the Forth & Clyde Canal in Glasgow.

The Primary Four and Five schoolchildren from St Charles Primary School became ‘Citizen Scientists’ for the morning as part of Scottish Waterway Trust’s Cleaner Canal Science project designed to take a scientific approach to challenging littering and flytipping behaviour on the historic waterway.

Through the three month Cleaner Canal Science project, which has been funded by a £46,040 grant from the Zero Waste Scotland Litter & Flytipping Innovation Fund, Scottish Waterways Trust will work with the Glasgow Science Festival (University of Glasgow) and schoolchildren, local businesses and community groups to develop a new scientific approach to analysing litter.

Through the project, it is hoped that everyone will gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of local littering, its direct impact on waterway wildlife and their own responsibilities.

Working with the team from Glasgow Science Festival today, the schoolchildren began the project by spotting and sampling litter on the canal in the same way as a biologist would carry out a wildlife survey, recording ‘species’ of litter they found.

Over the next few months, the schoolchildren from St Charles Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School in Maryhill and Kilbowie Primary School in Clydebank will join local businesses and communi-

ty volunteers for citizen scientist sessions onboard a floating classroom barge.

Afloat the Cleaner Canal Science barge, the budding scientists will work with the project co-ordinator and the Glasgow Science Festival team learning how to record and analyse the source and type of rubbish they find and its impact on the environment and habitats of the waterway.

All the citizen scientists will then write up their findings in a report, which will then feed into a comprehensive study created in conjunction with the Glasgow Science Festival (University of Glasgow), Zero Waste Scotland, SEPA and Scottish Canals.

As part of the project, the schools will also work with an artist, using some of the litter they have collected to make a piece of art sculpture which will go on display onboard the travelling barge.

It is hoped that the new citizen science model created by the Cleaner Canal Science project will be replicable across the country and will, over time, lead to a longer term and more sustainable effect on behaviour and the prevention of litter.

Businesses involved include Tesco in Maryhill and Asda and McDonalds in Clydebank.

Community groups include Lambhill Stables and Friends of Possilpark.

IT is all systems go for the ‘big day’ for one fortunate bride-tobe courtesy of a technician at a Glasgow franchise of Drain Doctor.

Thanks to some luck and perseverance he was able to reunite a lost engagement ring and its owner.

Drain Doctor received a call from soon-to-be-married Julie Emerson who was frantic because she had accidentally flushed her precious engagement ring down the toilet.

Calls to other drainage companies had proved fruitless and Drain Doctor was her last chance.

Technician William Foster went to look at the job and although he gave Ms Emerson a less than 30 per cent chance of finding the ring he set to work.

It is testament to the Drain Doctor ethos of providing ‘dazzling’ customer service that he persevered until the ring was retrieved.

Commenting on the job Julie Emerson said: “I had accidentally flushed my engagement ring down the toilet I called Drain Doctor in complete desperation - another company had refused to come out as they thought it was a lost cause.

Drain Doctor came out within a few hours of my call.

The technician checked our drains and it turned out that

they were blocked.

After about an hour of investigation he found my ring! It was unbelievable. the technician William Foster did a great job, carefully raking through the muck despite the

slim chance of finding the ring.

Ms Emerson added: “The guy was very professional and friendly and explained what he was doing.

I am still in shock that he managed to find my ring.”

‘WILD ABOUT SCOTLAND’ EDUCATION BUS VISITS SUNNYSIDE PRIMARY IN GLASGOW’S EAST END

TATA CHRIBRIA, CARA McMABUS and AVIA NEWLAND from St Charles Primary School, Glasgow

PAYRISE TOP OF WISH LIST

40 PER CENT of young professionals in the UK say that a payrise is top of their wish list for 2015, according to a recent survey, followed by travelling 34% and owning a property 31% Despite the average salary in the UK being just over £27,000,the 2014 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE)found that those aged between 22-29 earn £21,609 a year on average, while 18-21 year olds are on just £13,851.

Not only do young professionals want a payrise, a quarter of survey respondents also said they want a promotion in 2015, while one in five say they want to change their current jobs altogether.

The idea of bucket lists is driving a greater appetite for travel.

DRAIN DOCTOR TO THE RESCUE

Young people may fear their bank accounts going into the red, but there is also FOMO the Fear of Missing Out. When they see their friends on social media travelling the world, they don’t want to miss out so priorities might shift.

Rather than save up money, they may decide to spend that money on a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Respondents also want to become first-time buyers in 2015, with nearly a third (31%) saying they would like to own their own property.

With UK young professionals already owing an average debt of over £ 11,000 Young people trying to get a mortgage on a single salary is near enough impossible in most parts of the country.

Based on the average salary and debt, the most realistic options available for this age group are either a joint mortgage or shared ownership/equity scheme The top ten goals for 2015 according to 18-29 year old working professionals are: 1) Get a payrise – 40% 2) Travelling – 34% 3) Owning a property– 31% 4) Pay off debts – 30% 5) Get a promotion -25% 6) Change jobs – 21% 7) Getting married – 20% 8) Changing careers – 17% 9) Having a baby – 17% 10) Finding love – 15% On average, young professionals in the UK are £11,373.21 in debt.

13% owe £25,000 or more in debts (excluding mortgages).

PUPILS at Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow were able to experience a series of interactive Scottish wildlife lessons this week thanks to a specially designed double-decker education bus currently touring Scotland.

The ‘Wild about Scotland’ bus* is visiting schools in the area as part of a wider campaign being brought to all of Scotland’s 32 local councils over the next year.

The programme has been developed by the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RZSS) and has been made possible through a partnership between Clydesdale Bank and the RZSS to support the charity in its conservation goals across Scotland.

P5 & P6 pupils from Sunnyside got to get their hands dirty in a variety of interactive and fun lessons which focused on Scottish native species, their habitats and environments.

Lessons were delivered by a dedicated education team from RZSS. Chris West, CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “Conservation through education is one of the founding principles behind the Society and remains one of our key goals to this day.

“We believe connecting young

people in Glasgow to the natural world is vital and the ‘Wild about Scotland’ outreach programme will further add to the curriculum based learning delivered each year by the Society.

Importantly, now more than ever, preserving and learning about the huge variety of wildlife living in Scotland, and how children may help make a difference in the conservation of that wildlife, is of huge worth.”

Helen Page, Customer Experience, Products and Marketing Director, said: “RZSS makes a vital contribution to the conservation of Scotland’s wildlife, both through direct preservation and its commitment to educating the public on endangered species, habitats and ecosystems.

We’re proud to be joining forces with them to help deliver this educational programme to primary schools in Glasgow.

“Our support will enable them to bring the ‘Wild about Scotland’ programme to young people not only in Glasgow’s East End, but to communities across Scotland that may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with expertise from RZSS on Scottish conservation.”

The customised double-decker has been transformed from a Stagecoach passenger bus into a fully functional and interactive

mobile classroom with capacity to accommodate up to 26 children at once.

‘Wild about Scotland’ aims to engage a younger generation with Scotland’s wildlife – not just in forests or wild areas of Scotland, but also in their own back gardens.

In particular, the lessons covered the following topics: • ‘Minibeasts’ – Looking at the huge diversity of insects on earth and the variety which can be found in the local area.

• ‘Highland Tiger’ – Raising awareness of the Scottish wildcat plight and what pupils can do to help preserve the species.

• ‘Beavers’– Looking at whether the beaver should be reintroduced back in to Scotland and the effect reintroducing a species can have on an ecosystem The corporate partnership with Clydesdale Bank is the biggest in RZSS’s history and includes significant support. As well as funding the overhaul of the bus, the partnership is helping support the delivery of the programme by the RZSS outreach education team as it travels across Scotland to as many schools as possible.

Part of the package also includes a donation to RZSS’s conservation aims for endangered species.

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More male volunteers needed for city befriending service A SCHEME that teams up adults with young people to help them with their social and personal development is on the lookout for more male volunteers.

Volunteer Glasgow’s Befriending Service matches up adults with young people who could benefit from developing a positive relationship with a grown up who is not a member of their family or an authority figure.

The service currently supports around 50 befrienders across the city but is currently short of eligible males.

Pierrick Chevreux has been volunteering as a befriender for over a year and has built up a strong relationship with a young person in the south of the city, Travis.

“Time can be just as valuable a commitment to making a differ-

ence to someone’s life as money.

Volunteering as a befriender has been really rewarding for me,” said Pierrick.

“I have noticed a huge difference in his confidence and communications skills since we started meeting weekly.

He really has come out of his shell in the time I have gotten to know him.”

Pierrick meets up with Travis weekly and they enjoy a range of activities together such as swimming, bowling and the cinema.

“We ask that people consider this as a longer term commitment – the average match is 18 months.

Many of the young people may lack stability in their lives so we want to be able to offer the longer term.

Many befrienders are with us much longer we have one who has been involved with the ser-

vice for more than 10 years and has seen three different young people through their secondary school years,” said befriending co-ordinator, Jean Inglis “There is no type of person we are particularly looking for, just someone with a sense of humour who is interested in the welfare of young people in the city.

We would like to recruit more male befrienders though, so we would be particularly interested in hearing from them.”

Befrienders are supported throughout their match and receive Introductory training before being matched up as well as ongoing training.

To find out more about the befriending service contact Jean Inglis on 0141 226 3431 or visit www.volunteerglasgow.org.

You can also watch a video about how to get involved.

BANKRUPTCIES IN SCOTLAND AT LOWEST LEVEL IN A DECADE POSITIVE news has been announced in Scotland, as the number of personal bankruptcies is at its lowest level for nearly a decade.

A spokesperson from Trust Deed Scotland responds to the report.

Scottish bankruptcy figures have fallen to their lowest point since before the recession, with a total of 2,633 personal insolvencies for the three months to the end of December.

The figures include bankruptcies and protected trust deeds, which are 12 per cent down on the previous quarter and 21.3 per cent lower compared to the year before.

The figures haven’t been this low since before the global economic downturn in 2007-08.

There was also good news for Scottish businesses, who suffered fewer liquidations and receiverships.

“It is extremely encouraging

to see personal insolvencies continue to fall year-on-year,” claimed business minister Fergus Ewing.

“Fewer companies going to the wall is also welcome news, as this means more businesses are contributing to the Scottish economy and more jobs are being retained.

There can be no doubt insolvencies falling back to pre-recession levels reflects the improving economic picture in Scotland – but there is no room for complacency.”

Trust Deed Scotland, a leading provider of debt advice in Scotland, takes a keen interest in reports such as this.

A spokesperson said: “These figures are very positive and show that the economy is picking up slightly.

It’s also great news that businesses are enjoying a better time, too, as this results in more jobs and a healthier economy.

“However there’s still a long way to go and there are still a lot of people suffering with money problems.

For anybody who feels like they can’t take control of their finances, Trust Deed Scotland is here to help.

Our experts can provide you with details on how to take control of your debt and inform you of all of your options, telling you the best route to take next.

Give us a call today and see how we can help you.”

Trust Deed Scotland Ltd is a leading debt advisory service for Scottish residents. They are 100% owned and operated in Scotland, with a 98% trustpilot rating owing to their free, qualified debt advice. They are able to advise on the suitability of Trust Deeds and a number of alternatives, including The Debt Arrangement Scheme, Debt consolidation and Sequestration.

All in: For Parkhead went to the Whitby Street Woods!

Spooning is Scotland’s Favourite

RESEARCH has revealed the UK’s favourite sexual positions, according to a survey which has polled Britons from different regions in order to identify variations in the nation’s sexual preference.

A new survey has revealed the nation’s favourite sexual positions, identifying the differences in Briton’s bedroom preferences divided according to where they live in Great Britain.

The results demonstrated that different regions of the UK did indeed show differences in their answers, with the traditional missionary style coming out as the most popular overall.

The study, formed part of the company’s wider research into the sexual health and habits of Britons. 2,157 British people took part in the study, all of whom were aged 18 and over and had been sexually active for a minimum of 12 months; with an equal split between male and female respondents.

Respondents were divided according to their region prior to the study and remained anonymous throughout.

The respondents were asked “Please identify your favourite sexual position” and provided with a list of possible answers.

When the team analysed the results according to region, the preferential sexual positions were revealed as follows: • Northern Ireland – Cowgirl / Girl on Top – 43% • Scotland – Spooning – 39% • North East – Reverse Cowgirl – 31% • North West – Missionary – 42% • West Midlands – 69 – 24% • Wales – Doggy Style – 51% • London – Standing up – 18% Further to this, respondents were asked to identify if they ‘always’ had safe sex, defined as always taking protective measures in terms of contraception.

Northern Ireland was revealed as the safest region, with 79% of this group’s respondents stating that they always used appropriate protection.

Alternatively, Yorkshire & the Humber’s respondents were the least likely to always use protection, with only 32% agreeing with the statement.

Lastly, relevant respondents were asked to identify on a scale from 0 – 10 how ‘kinky’ they considered themselves to be, 0 being completely traditional and 10 being extremely experimental.

South East residents were revealed as the kinkiest, averaging 9/10, followed jointly by Scotland and Wales, both scoring 8/10.

The South West respondents came out bottom of the table, rating themselves an average of only 3/10.

“It’s interesting to see how different regions fare in the bedroom.

We were very surprised to see how much difference there was in people’s preferences based on where they live in the UK, and also to see that the missionary position was more often the winner – it seems that as a nation we are still traditionalists, or perhaps romantics, at heart!

It’s also funny to see where people rate themselves on our kinkiness index; with people in the South East apparently most likely to be swinging from the chandeliers with their other halves.”

ON SATURDAY the 7th of February the All in: For Parkhead group invited local people to come to Whitby Street and tell them how they would like to see the woodland transformed.

The Site is known locally as the Railway and there have been concerns locally that it’s being used as a dumping ground, it’s full of litter and it attracts a lot of dog fouling.

The group has had draft plans drawn up and asked local people to vote on a series options.

They also made sure there were some fun activities available to make the day not only useful but really enjoyable too.

They invited a chainsaw sculptor along to transform one of the trees into a great piece of art we can display on site.

A forest school leader kept not only the kids enthralled but the grown ups too, with some fascinating stories and the chance to use natural clay to decorate the trees.

One of the children who attended said “ that forest guy was magic, I want to do this every week”.

Feedback so far suggests that people would like to see a natural play space for local children and a place to sit when it’s sunny for the whole community to enjoy.

Local children were really keen to have their say, and we got suggestions for a pond, a tree house and even a swimming pool!

There were also some concerns about the site attracting some trouble and the group are working with the local community police to make sure that isn’t the case.

We’ve been very fortunate to have support from local businesses, Rab Haws snack bar donated rolls for our event and Parkhead Welding repaired fencing and cut a new entrance to the woods.

The plans are also being displayed in Parkhead Housing Association, Parkhead Library, Quarrybrae Primary school and Helensvale Flats, so if you’ve not had the chance to comment yet you can do so there.

The next stage will be to gather all the comments together and find out what the majority of people want to see on the site.

The All in: For Parkhead group are made up of local people and staff who are working together to make small changes to their local area.

They’ve had a series of events and aim to make sure they hear everyone’s points of view.

The work is supported by Glasgow Homelessness Network who are helping the Poverty Leadership Panel reach local people and make sure they are at the heart of making poverty and it’s issues a thing of the past in Glasgow.

If you want to find out more and join the All in: For Parkhead action group please contact Martina or Pauline at Glasgow Homelessness Network on 0141 420 7272 or info@ghn.org.uk

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International Women’s Day 2015

JOIN March of Women on the eve of International Women’s Day 2015.

Celebrate the achievements of Scottish women past and present.

Make history by taking part in this filmed public art event.

Following a performance of Suffragette play A Pageant of Great Women by Cicely Hamilton, join a procession of women from Glasgow and beyond spilling out of Glasgow Women’s Library onto the streets of Bridgeton.

Performance: A Pageant of Great Women 1pm to 2pm A filmed performance event with limited public access.

In Hamilton’s play, Woman versus Prejudice, presided over

by Justice, enact a court case where over a 100 women are

presented as evidence of outstanding achievement.

In this reenactment role models have been found amongst the library bookshelves.

Accompanied by an uplifting playlist and with some script adaptations by performance participants, they demonstrate the humour and commitment required to survive as a woman in today’s world.

Watch and Walk 2pm to 3.30pm You can witness this public art celebration by processing to Glasgow Green amongst women from history.

Meet outside Glasgow Women’s Library at 2pm to walk with the procession to the Drying Green, Glasgow Green.

All are welcome to join the procession from the Library to

Glasgow Green which starts outside Glasgow Women’s Library at 2pm.

No booking necessary.

How to Process as a Woman from History Go to a briefing session at GWL 11am on Saturday 7th March, (please wear white).

You will select your woman and be given a beautiful sash with her name.

Then join us for the performance and take part in our procession.

If you are interested in reserving a space to process as a woman form history please book soon.

Once the spaces have been reserved they will take names for a waiting list.

If you want to be added to the waiting list please email info@womenslibrary.org.uk

Shettleston Community Growing Project launches ‘Big Shettleston Sleepover’

ON FRIDAY February 6th, Shettleston Community Growing Project members and staff from Shettleston Housing Association took to their bed to launch the Big Shettleston Sleepover.

The bed in question was strategically placed during the morning rush hour at the junction of Shettleston Road and Old Shettleston Road and later, at the community garden in Ardgay Street.

While some onesie-clad volunteers lay down on the job, others handed out leaflets to publicise the event, which takes place on Friday 20th March.

The Big Shettleston Sleepover is an event organised to raise awareness of fuel poverty and to raise cash to help those affected by it. Participants are sponsored to camp out on a cold night in the Shettleston Community Growing Project’s community garden in Ardgay Street.

For that one night they will experience the everyday reality for many people in Glasgow - a cold home and a cold bed.

According to estimates one in three households in Scotland are living in fuel poverty.

More people than ever are struggling to pay their bills and often have to choose between heating and eating.

Fuel poverty affects low income working households as well as pensioners and the unemployed.

Worrying about fuel bills leads many to turn the heating off completely, resulting in cold homes, which can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of all family members.

Shettleston Housing Association’s Energy Advice Project (SEA) has first-hand knowledge of the problems people face keeping warm on a low income and its staff are key partners in the Big Shettleston Sleepover.

The Big Shettleston Sleepover is a fun way of raising money to help local people to keep warm in winter.

If you would like to get involved and show your support for the most vulnerable members of our community, please join our campaign.

Individuals, couples, families, groups of friends or workmates can do this by participating in the sleepover or, if you are not able to take part, we welcome financial donations and donations in kind.

Every penny raised will go directly to ‘Keep Warm in Winter’ fund. Donate online at: https://localgiving.com/ bigshettlestonsleepover For more information about the event and how to get involved visit: www.shettlestongrowing.org.uk https://twitter.com/shettlestongrow https://www.facebook.com/ ShettlestonCommunityGrowingProject

Glasgow “theme” year in 2015 - Green Year

A HIGH profile and exciting year of events, activities and projects aimed at getting local people, businesses, visitors and young people involved in sustainability.

Glasgow is constantly transforming.

It was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and helped transform the world through its engineering skills and innovation.

Now the city is at the forefront of the Green Revolution.

Sustainable Glasgow has strong ambitions for a greener future as a European leader in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Striving to cut carbon emissions and become one of the greenest cities in Europe.

The city was a finalist in the European Commission’s European Green Capital 2015 awards. Building on the commitment made as part of Green Capital bid and sustainable practices supporting the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow is Green Year in 2015.

Three themes have been selected to help reflect Glasgow’s green transformation vision in 2015.

These are intended to inspire, motivate and create events and projects for 2015.

Natural Assets Celebrating Glasgow’s natural environment including the city’s biodiversity, parks, rivers and waterways, greenspace, wood-

lands, flora and fauna.

Green Science and Innovation Celebrating Glasgow’s heritage and our current strengths in green science, innovation and entrepreneurship including: • Use of environmental data, green science and technology, green communities and sustainable creative practices -the key elements for a sustainable Future City.

• From Steam to Green - Celebration of James Watt’s momentous day 250 years ago, his contribution to the industrial revolution and how his ingenuity and entrepreneurship remains relevant and inspirational today.

Celebration of the journey from the carbon-bulging STEAM engines of the industrial revolution to today’s new carbon-free innovations in green science and technology.

Green Change Celebrating a city taking green action to change in response environmental, social or economic factors.

This includes responding to climate change, transport and modal changes, land use, resources, air and noise quality and behaviour change.

The new Camlachie Greenspace is among scores of projects and events to mark the city’s journey from an industrial powerhouse to a champion of sustainability.

Green Year 2015 Marks the city’s journey from Steam to

Green.

Also the 250th anniversary of inventor James Watt conceiving of the combustion engine while walking on Glasgow Green.

His eureka moment kick-started the industrial revolution which transformed Glasgow and the world.

Part of the series shows the unique structures commissioned to celebrate the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and one ‘landed’ on Hogganfield Park.

With a full wing span of 4.5 meters and weighing almost 2.5 tons, the giant Whooper Swan is the latest creation, skilfully carved from recycled oak timber,

by Glasgow sculptor Robert Coia - with the help of Sunnyside Primary school pupils.

Scottish Renewables recently estimated that Glasgow employs more people in the renewables sector than anywhere else in Scotland and it is home to more than 18% of the total Scottish workforce.

Over half of the companies it surveyed also said they would be looking to employ more staff within the next year.

However, renewables are only one area of the green economy.

Numerous other roles could be classed as being in that field.

But the Sustainable Glasgow Board heard that there is currently no agreed definition of what constitutes a green job and that makes it difficult to accurately evaluate the numbers in Glasgow.

14 GLASGOW URGED TO GET LOOMING FOR FINAL WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT IN MEMORY OF YOUNG BOY

THE people of Glasgow are being asked to help fulfil a young boy’s dying wish this half term holiday by joining in his world record looming attempt.

Five year old Skye Hall, from Oxford, died in August last year from complications of his treatment for medulloblastoma, an aggressive and cancerous brain tumour which was the same type of tumour as Ashya King.

He wanted to raise money to “help doctors make other children better”.

Before Skye died, he launched a ‘Loom to the Moon’ fundraising campaign to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest loom band.

This idea was inspired by his favourite past time whilst sitting in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (which mimicked a space ship) for hours each week, looming.

Sadly, Skye didn’t live to see his wish fulfilled but his little brother Jesse, aged 3, is determined to continue his mission and finish this record-breaking attempt with the help of children and adults from across the UK. Skye’s family will be taking a road trip across the UK this February and will be stopping at Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street and St Enoch Square on Tuesday 17th February to spread the word and hopefully get local people to take part and donate to the charity. Skye’s mum, Sally, 36, said: “From the moment that Skye was diagnosed, we were told never to give up hope, as new and better treatments were being found through research all the time.

We now understand though, that this lifesaving research is

funded primarily from public donations in response to appeals like ours.

We cannot simply turn our backs, now that we know the future of these children’s lives, rests heavily with people like us, and our supporters.

“Even after Skye’s death, Jesse is still receiving parcels of completed loom bands to add to Skye’s super loom.

It’s so wonderful to know that he touched so many. People across the UK have already been very generous in showing their support, our ‘Looming army’ is currently more than 1,300 people.

Between us we have reached a distance of 25,693m of looms but need to keep looming as new attempts are coming in all the time, so we want to be able to hold the record for as long as possible.

“Loom to the Moon is coming to an end this May so this road trip really is the final push for us to make our little boy’s last wish come true.

We would love as many people as possible to join us in creating loom bands and learning more about the charity’s work in the process.”

More than 350 children a year in the UK alone, face the devastating news that they have a brain tumour but less than one per cent of cancer funding goes towards research into brain tumours, the number one cancer killer in children and teenagers.

In Glasgow there are 13 children diagnosed each year with a brain tumour.

All money raised from ‘Loom to the Moon’ will go towards the charity’s goal of getting as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best researchers, so that all children diagnosed with brain tumours will have a better chance of survival and a better quality of life post-treatment.

Sally, her husband Andrew and Jesse will also be Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oxford and Southampton. Further details are available on the charity’s website.

If you can’t make it along to meet Sally, Andrew and Jesse you can still take part in the campaign through the charity’s website http://www.blueskyethinking.org/loom-to-the-moon/

more focused on the necessary items, rather than buying that double whipped chocolate cream cake.

Most supermarkets offer free delivery, as long as you reach a certain amount.

If it’s not free, there will be a small charge, no more than £2.50 - if it is more than that, forget it and shop around for a better deal.

Go to the local Market You’ve probably heard this a 100 times already, your local market is the best place you can go to get the most out of your shopping budget.

According to research by one of London’s most popular markets, on average shoppers can save over 30% buying fruit & veg from market stalls compared with buying from supermarkets.

You will be surprised how cheaply you can buy the ingrediants to make your self a good wholesome thick and healthy Scots Broth By buying from the local

OVER 50s ON NHS OVER 50s Feel NHS Is Failing According to New Results from Silversurfers.com • 70% say they have been affected by the NHS crisis • 55% say cuts to cancer treatments affect them • 92% say the over 50s should not have funded fertility treatment News from the King’s Fund regarding the ‘disastrous’ affects of the NHS reforms come as no surprise to the over 50s who have been energetically expressing their views on the lifestyle site recently.

A series of questions about the various changes were asked of the group in the ‘Speakers’ Corner’ the section on the website that encourages debate.

1,900 people responded in total with the majority showing dissatisfaction: Of 416 people who responded 70% said no Should women over 50 have fertility treatment on the NHS? Of the 798 people who responded 92% said no.

When this question was asked on the Silversurfers Face-

market you are supporting local people and eating local produce; compared to paying to an international firm that flies there produce hundreds of miles across the world.

Butchers Again, you have probably heard this more times than most, but it’s true, you can get some great cuts of meat for a really cheap price.

Most shoppers are unaware of the cheaper cuts of meat available.

Many cheaper cut of meats have so much more flavour than your usual purchase Mutton, brisket and pig’s trotters, otherwise known as pig’s feet.

I know what you’re probably thinking, pigs feet doesn’t sound very appetising, but at the price it’s going at, it’s worth a try, you might surprise yourself.

Soap Time Now, I don’t mean bar of soap, I mean 8pm when the soaps are on TV and when the supermarkets put the prices

down on fresh meat, cooked meats, and pastry products.

Supermarkets tend to put meat, fish, cooked meats and pastry products close to their sell by dates on the reduced sections.

If you’re cunning enough and beat of the fierce competition from fellow reduced item hunters, you could end up with an absolute steal.

Asda recently had one Tuesday night a whole cooked chicken for £1.50.

Remember, sell by date doesn’t mean that’s the date you have to eat it by.

Buy in Bulk If you budget monthly then try buying in bulk. 5kg bag pasta makes a lot of eating, likewise porridge oates bran and wheat and these days many are sold with fruit With you buy in bulk, tinned, boxed and packet items your produce will last longer and when your next food shop comes around, you will have more money to spend,

book site it reached 30,000 people and almost 500 comments were made.

Do the cuts to cancer treatment costs affect you?

55% said no.

The same question on Facebook reached 24,000 and generated 115 comments.

The changes to the NHS are having a serious impact on the over 50s in the UK. We are an ageing population in the UK and it’s vital that the views of this age group are shared and listened to.

We encourage debate about this type of issue because it is so relevant to our community, and responses and comments show that these issues seriously matter to them.

Silversurfers.com and its Facebook community of 193,000 are a highly engaged audience with interaction rates up to 300,000 per week.

This enables them to offer a unique insight into the attitudes of the over 50s in the UK. With over 35,000 subscribers and up to 16,000 daily unique views the community is growing rapidly.

CANAL CLEAN-UP MARYHILL school pupils and community groups will be involved during a three-month “citizen scientists” clean-up of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Boosted by a £46,000 grant, the project brings together Scottish Waterways Trust and the University of Glasgow.

Lessons for children on a

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON FOOD

TIMES are tough economically, and nothing is rising more than the price of food.

Many are already feeling the effects and struggle to survive on the tight budgets they have, and with that in mind, below I’ve written a few suggestions to help you afford decent food on a tight budget.

Shopping online A simple one to start with, but some people are still unaware of the saving potential.

Food shopping online can save you more money than you realise, especially, that oh so special first shop.

On your first online shopping visit to Asda you can get £15 of a £50 shop.

And just because you sign up to Asda doesn’t mean you have to be loyal to them, you can do the same thing at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrison’s.

Purchasing online decreases the chances of spending on needless items.

The good thing about shopping online, is you tend to be

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floating classroom barge will allow them to learn and document various types of rubbish, and the impact this could have on their community.

The findings will go into a report, and be part of a study undertaken by the University of Glasgow, Zero Waste Scotland, SEPA and Scottish Canals.

RECORD FOOTFALL AT THE FORT GLASGOW Fort welcomed 13.7 million visitors in 2014 – an 11% increase on 2013’s figures.

Its busiest month was December with 1.7 million shoppers heading to the park for Christmas gifts and sales bargains.

The busiest days of the year included ‘Black Friday’ when more than 70,000 descended on the park and December 23rd, the peak Christmas shopping day, with 90,000 searching for last minute presents.

Other peaks included the school summer holidays.

Phil Goodman, Centre Manager at Glasgow Fort, said: “We have enjoyed a very busy year and can attribute that success in part to the popularity of our leisure development.

Before it celebrated its anniversary in September we had been seeing year-on-year increases of more than 15%.

“We are very pleased that once this annualised the numbers have continued to show a very positive and above indus-

try standard upward trend.

This is a sign of the strength of the current shopping climate and the success of our shopping and leisure offering.”

Glasgow Fort is gearing up for a busy 2015 with the ongoing development of its flagship Marks & Spencer development which is due for completion by late spring.

The development will also be home to four further retail and leisure units.

There will also be further improvements to the park including upgrade works and improved parking.

Phil added: “We are set for another exciting year with a number of exciting new developments set to take place in 2015.

We would like to thank our customers for their support and look forward to being able to offer a further improved experience.”

Glasgow Fort is home to almost 100 retail and leisure outlets including Vue Cinema, TGI Friday, Zara, Next and Asda Living.

15

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Andrew Graydon - Fitness Plan

So you’ve finally made it to the gym, which raises the question, ‘What do I actually do?’

Obviously what you should do in the gym ultimately depends on your goals and what you want to achieve.

If you want to compete in a marathon then you’re not going to train for a 100 meter sprint.

Always apply specificity to your workouts; just like you wouldn’t study physics for a maths exam you should always base your training around your goals.

The average gym goer just wants to lose a little bit of body fat and ‘tighten up’, so I’m going to let you know what you should include and hopefully help you build the foundations of a good weight loss programme.

Gone are the days of doing endless hours of cardio to burn through layers of fat.

The new and better base for fat loss programmes is a solid amount of resistance training.

There are different forms of resistance training including bodyweight, fixed and free weights.

These are all effective ways to build muscle which in turn will help burn fat.

Muscle requires more calories to simply maintain itself, so therefore the more muscle we build, the more calories we can burn when we’re not even

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doing anything!

Add a small amount of cardio on top of that and the fat will be falling off you.

Lifting weights or participating in resistance training also gives you shape

to your body, helping giving females those sought after curves and males that strong physique.

For a basic programme based on the average person it is recommended starting off your gym regime with

www.facebook.com/gennnews

Glasgow East and North News

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Glasgow to bid to become an Age Friendly City GLASGOW has been given the go-ahead to apply to join the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly City scheme.

Following approval from the councils’s Executive Committee, a plan to undertake the work required to meet the standards set by the WHO’s programme will be implemented.

This will include a consultation with older people and older people’s groups on what they believe should be involved in building an Age Friendly Glasgow.

Thirty three cities from all across the world are part of the WHO scheme, which defines an Age Friendly City as ‘an inclusive and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing.’

An age friendly city is determined by looking at a city’s efforts to meet the needs of older people across eight key themes These themes are: housing, transportation, community support and health services, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, outdoor spaces and buildings.

Based on early conversations with older people, a draft

framework has been drawn up that details the positive actions that Glasgow could take to match the expectations within the different themes.

Initial ideas within the plan include improving bus services, making better use of and improving the infrastructure in parks, ensuring the city’s housing stock is more adaptable to the needs of older people, encouraging older people to get more involved in volunteering, ensuring older people are more involved in development of policies that affect them, removing barriers to active travel for older people.

It is anticipated that in just over twenty years time that the number people aged over 65 will increase by a remarkable 40%.

This presents a huge challenge for the city and so it’s vital that they begin to address the issues that will help make Glasgow an Age Friendly City.

“Seeking to become an Age Friendly City will also see Glasgow become involved in a network of cities all committed to delivering progressive policies for older people.

Aligning ourselves with these cities will help us identify what is best practice for older people and that will be a great

advantage to Glasgow as we take on our future challenges.”

The WHO will next consider applications for Age Friendly City status is February 2015 and the council will submit an application to meet that deadline.

A full consultation on Glasgow’s proposed age friendly framework will then be initiated with older people’s groups through existing council networks, the city’s Community Planning structures and the Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector.

The application process will also see evidence gathered from across the council family to create a basic understanding of Glasgow’s current state of age friendliness in respect of the eight Age Friendly City themes.

The final action plan and framework will then be expected to be completed in full within two years before implementing the measures in the plan over the subsequent three years.

It is anticipated that Glasgow with work closely with cities such as Manchester, who are part of the UK Age Friendly Cities Network, to assist with the development of best practice in Glasgow.

resistance training 3 times a week, with a little cardio at the end of your workout.

You can increase this as you progress but 3 times per week is a solid starting point.

Splitting these days into different body parts or targeting lower body and upper body is an effective way to train however full body workouts will also do the job.

Workout length is an important factor of planning a fitness programme.

The length of your workout can ultimately depend on how much time you actually have, for example if you’re on your lunch break from work then you may only have a limited amount of time.

Try and keep your workouts under the hour mark, much longer after this and your body will begin to release the hormone cortisol due to the stress the body is under.

By this I mean under an hour of actually working out, not half an hour of training and half an hour of texting/ posing/flirting.

In addition to the main body of the workout which includes the resistance training and cardio you should always ensure that you correctly warm up and cool down, especially during the cold weather we have at the moment which may cause extra tightness in the muscles.

You now have all you the information you need to start an effective weight loss programme. www.agfitnesstraining.co.uk Twitter - @agfittraining

16

GENN Community Pictures

17

GENN Community Pictures

Product Design Engineering student Brian Magennis takes part in a ‘tear down’ workshop in Glasgow, where everyday products such as mobile phones and shoes are taken apart to discover how they were made and how this process could be improved for sustainability.

The workshop was hosted by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA) and Zero Waste Scotland.

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Death with Dignity

DEATH WITH DIGNITY MY title mentions “death with dignity”.

But dignity is a very complex concept.

I shall not attempt to give a definition of dignity here.

Instead I shall list aspects of dignity which seem to be important when death with dignity is discussed, recognising that some of these aspects will be more important to some people, others to others.

Dignity involves: not being dependent on other people or on things; self-control and autonomy; privacy; the maintenance of one’s own standards, of all kinds; self-esteem.

A death with dignity is a death which enables the dying person to retain the elements of dignity which he or she values.

To develop a conception of death with dignity and to examine whether it is vulnerable to the sort of criticisms that have been made of other conceptions.

In this conception “death” is taken to apply to the process of dying; “dignity” is taken to be something that attaches to people because of their personal qualities.

In particular, someone lives with dignity if they live well.

It follows that health care professionals cannot confer on patients either dignity or death with dignity.

They can, however, attempt to ensure that the patient dies without indignity.

Indignities are affronts to human dignity, and include such things as serious pain and the exclusion of patients from involvement in decisions about their lives and deaths.

This fairly modest con-

ception of death with dignity avoids the traps of being overly subjective or of viewing the sick and helpless as “undignified” It is commonly said that health care professionals should seek to ensure that terminally ill people in their care should die with dignity.

This seems to involve two claims.

The first is that lives without dignity should be ended.

This might be by the withdrawal or withholding of life-preserving treatment, or by the direct administration of some life-ending treatment.

Those who advocate non-voluntary euthanasia for the severely handicapped may endorse such a view, although it is unclear how death, either induced or natural, adds dignity to an “undignified” life.

The second claim is that people should be allowed to make the choices necessary to procure a death with dignity.

This second claim is the one more commonly used, often by those advocating assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia.

The idea seems to be that certain conditions are such that palliative treatment is insufficient to ensure a death with dignity and that therefore euthanasia should be used.

The phrase is not a transparent one, however, and its use has been attacked.

Perhaps death itself is by definition undignified; or perhaps the word “dignity” is not one that can possibly apply to death.

This article is to defend a conception of death with dignity.

I begin with an examination of the words “dignity” and “death” and of the phrase “death with dignity.”

I then turn to criticisms made of the application of this phrase in health care.

Finally, I set out a conception of death with dignity that attempts to capture the meaning people give to it whilst avoiding some of the problems.

The key element of this conception is that dignity is largely something that someone brings to death; it is not something that health care professionals can confer.

In this country patients have a legal right to refuse treatment even if death will be the result, though doctors may make it difficult for them to exercise this right.

But it is illegal for a doctor actively to bring about the death of his patient at the patient’s request, in the way that is now decriminalised in the Netherlands.

Now controversial issues: whether it is morally permissible for a doctor actively to bring about the death of his patient at the patient’s request and whether the law should be altered to permit this.

The word “dignity” is derived from the Latin, dignitas, meaning worthiness and nobility. It may be attributed to a broad range of things.

In the first place, it may be attributed to humans, animals and, even, objects; someone might speak of the dignity of a ballet dancer, or an old soldier, of a swan, and of a work of art.

The term may also be attributed to actions; hence one might speak of someone conducting herself in a dignified way.

The dignity of some people seems all-pervasive.

For example, we might think of Jesus, Gandhi, and Mandela as possessing a dignity that belongs to them as a whole, rather than to them in a specific role, as it does to a ballet dancer or soldier.

Dignity” appears to have two words that function as opposites, “undignified” and “indignity.”

One important aspect in these two words, neither of which seem to function as a pure antonym, is the sense that they can convey of some type of insult or affront.

This is true particularly of the latter term; we speak of “indignities” being inflicted on people or things.

Such an affront will usually be imposed by another, such as when a swan is put into human clothes for an advertisement, or when Christ had the ironic term “INRI” nailed above his head on the cross.

You might affront your own dignity, however, where that dignity attaches to you as part of a role, rather than to you as a person.

For example, a ballet dancer who uses her skills to make money as a lap-dancer might be said to affront her own dignity.

Let us turn now to the term “death” and then the phrase “death with dignity 1. Non-being—the state of being dead; 2.

Transition—the point at which one moves from being to non-being; 3.

Process—the period leading to death.

In practice it usually means a period in which there is an awareness of what will end a particular person’s life and, roughly, when.

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4.

The fact of mortality—death as a universal truth that attaches to us all.

The phrase “death with dignity” is in common currency; it has meaning for many people, most of whom would agree on the necessity of avoiding both the overly subjective and the Nietzchian objective interpretations.

Is it possible to construct a conception of death with dignity that captures the sort of views people have whilst avoiding these two, unacceptable, polar positions?

Whilst inflicting indignity on others is a moral failure, a failure to recognise their human dignity, it does not remove their dignity either in its minimal or fullest sense.

If someone is subject to involuntary euthanasia, or lied to about his diagnosis, then he is wronged, affronted; but he may still live his life, and die his death, with (greater or lesser) dignity in the face of that indignity.

Christ (and other martyrs) suffered great indignities but, none the less, died with dignity. Mohammed Ali is sometimes praised for the dignity with which he faces his Parkinson’s disease.

People die with dignity because of their personal qualities, their virtues, whatever the circumstances in which they die: indignity is suffered; dignity is earned.

In the conception of death with dignity outlined, the term “death” has been taken to apply to the process of dying, and the term “dignity” has been taken to apply roughly to someone who lives well (in the Aristotelian sense of living in accordance with reason).

It follows from this that

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dignity is a function of someone’s personal qualities and that a death with dignity is a personal achievement; it is not something that can be conferred by others, such as health care professionals.

By contrast, indignities are affronts to personal dignity.

They are things that prevent or impede someone from living with dignity, mainly because they prevent him from taking an active, reasoned part in his own life.

Health care professionals have a twin role here; the first is not to impose such indignities, the second is to minimise them, wherever possible Does this conception imply anything for the euthanasia debate (where the phrase is often used)?

It would seem to offer prima facie support for voluntary euthanasia.

For example, someone might choose to end his life now whilst he is still capable of living and dying with dignity rather than suffer an illness that removes that possibility.

But this support for euthanasia is fairly weak.

It is clear that no matter how good someone’s character is, bad luck can remove his dignity.

If this happens, it is far from obvious that suicide or euthanasia will rescue it.

Furthermore, opting for euthanasia without good reason could presumably itself constitute an affront to human dignity.

Death is something not one of us can avoid nor determine when it will end our focus therefore should be on finding reasons to enjoy living every single day.

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Death with Dignity

THE LEGAL STRUGGLES OF DYING WITH DIGNITY SCOTTISH EXIT is a non-profit pro-euthanasia organisation that lobbies for, and provides information about, voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide.

They published How to Die With Dignity which is the first book of its type in the world.

This book was the first rational suicide manual aimed at people suffering from the unbearable suffering of terminal illnesses.

It was the publication of this book that caused EXIT to split from the parent organisation in 1980 because suicide was never criminalised in Scotland, making it difficult to have this type of book published anywhere else.

It set a precedent and eventually other books from around the world soon followed.

Organisations such as Dignity in Dying campaign for the right to have a choice at the end of life.

They support increased funding for palliative care and also the provision of hospice care.

They believe that everyone should be able to choose where they die and the right to a dignified death with the appropriate treatment options available to them.

In due course, they insist, an individual should have the right to plan and take full control over their own death.

Their philosophy is that everyone has the right to a dignified death, including freedom from the indignity caused by suffering due to severe pain.

In Britain there have been several attempts at legislation especially by Lord Joffe, a member of Dignity in Dying since the 1970s, the first bill being in 2003.

It has been re-introduced regularly since then, but were all rejected by Parliament.

The Joffe Bill, as it became

known, caused a backlash which led to the formation of an anti-euthanasia group Care Not Killing, a group which included both the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

In 2013 a YouGov poll, sponsored by Dignity in Dying, found that 75% of the British public agreed with the proposals of an Assisted Dying Bill that was tabled by Lord Falconer of Thoroton for inclusion in the current session of the Westminster Parliament.

In December of 2010, Margo MacDonald MSP entered the debate by sponsoring a Bill on assisted dying in the Scottish Parliament.

Her Bill is known as the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill.

Though terminally ill herself at the time, her motives for procuring this Bill were to defend the right of anybody who was facing death and whose

condition was intolerable; to seek help to end their life at a time of their own choosing; and the people who would assist in this act to be given some sort of immunity from prosecution because under current legislation anybody who assists in a suicide may be liable to face charges of murder or culpable homicide.

The Bill was defeated in its first stage.

It was also opposed by both the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland.

Some more of the many arguments in favour of assisted dying are as follows.

One of the guaranteed rights of the European Declaration of Human Rights is the right not to be forced to suffer.

Many campaigners believe that it should be considered as much a crime to make someone carry on living who does not wish to do so as it would be to take someone’s life with-

out consent.

Also, as a human rights issue, a terminally ill person should have a protected right in choosing to end intolerable suffering.

Everyone dies eventually but, in an age of medical

advances and increased prolonged existence, death can be suspended for an indefinite period of time instead of leaving nature to take its course.

Assisting death does not in any way mean the prevention of the best palliative care that

would be currently available, but is a fusion of compassionate care with respect for the patient being allowed to have death with dignity.

Among the arguments against are these.

It is against the Hippocratic Oath.

It is on the slippery slope leading to legalised murder.

Campaigners against euthanasia and assisted suicide believe that the laws which are currently in place are there to protect patients from unscrupulous doctors.

These campaigners also insist that these laws are not, and never have been, intended to make patients suffer.

There is also the religious viewpoint that maintains that life is the most basic and precious gift of a loving God and that Catholics believe that we should never cause our own death or the death of another person.

Judaism preaches that we should neither hasten nor prolong the dying process.

The right-to-die issue will continue to create controversy because it creates issues with those who believe in the ‘sanctity of life’.

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20

GENN

Death with Dignity

BE PREPARED AND HAVE YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER

MAKING plans for your dying and your funeral is something, easily postponed.

But as the years go by and increasing physical decrepitude makes it clear that you are not, after all, going to be the first person in history somehow to duck under the radar of the Grim Reaper, it feels more and more acceptable, even desirable, to make plans.

Decrepitude is nature’s way of reconciling us with the inevitable.

Dementia may or may not be nature’s way of taking our mind off it.

Whatever your state of decrepitude, remember this: the customary warning signs of impending death do not always apply.

Pathologists will tell you that they spend their lives delving into the interiors of people who thought they’d be going home that very day, as every day.

Death often predates decrepitude. It is only an embolism away.

If you’re going to sit down and plan your funeral, it makes sense, at the same time, to make plans for the process which leads up to it: your dying.

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Die prepared Dying for most of us is going to be not a sudden event but a lengthy process.

One of the dubious benefits of modern medicine is that it has greatly extended that process.

The job of doctors is to prolong life and they can easily, understandably, confuse this with prolonging the act of dying.

Instead of letting us be borne out gently on the tide, they may instead launch a series of desperate, intrusive rearguard actions to stave off the inevitable.

You can prevent this – up to

a point.

Your end-of-life plan needs to deal in detail with the following: 1. the disposal of your money and your things plus final instructions and directions to those who will have to settle your affairs when you’re dead.

This is often called putting your affairs in order 2. how you are looked after in your last days who will speak and act for yo3. u when you can no longer do so for yourself 4. where you die 5. the way you die 6. whether or not your organs are recycled 7. how your dead body will be cared for or to whom it will be donated 8. how your dead body will be disposed of (burial or cremation) 9. who you would like to be told that you are dead 10. your funeral ceremony the party afterwards A plan like this spans several separate professional domains, each of which is colonised by

its own specialists – solicitors, will writers, financial advisers, medics, undertakers, celebrants and caterers – all of whom mind their own business.

The only person who can join them all up is you.

If those closest to you do not know how you want to be cared for you as you lie dying and, afterwards, how you would like your dead body to be cared for and disposed of, you will need to tell them.

And your problem may well be that, when you try to do so, you will walk into a storm of protest.

We live in death denying times.

Where death is not reckoned to be the boarding pass to eternal life, talk of it is unwelcome.

While people of much faith stride confidently into that good night, those of little faith or none at all tend to put their hands over their eyes and reveal a morass of squirming superstitions.

Talking about death is reckoned morbid; worse, it’s likely to bring it on.

One of the reasons why people don’t talk about death is that no one will listen.

You’ll need to leave instructions about your online accounts so that they can be terminated.

What are they?

What are the passwords?

This is the sort of information you don’t want to write down and store somewhere at home where a careful burglar may find it.

Better by far to store it all… yes, online.

Deathswitch is a good place to do this.

It makes good sense to keep all your end-of-life paperwork together.

One way of doing this is to keep it in a special box — one you can point to and say, “It’s all in there!”

A particularly good sort of box is a memory box.

After your death it can be recycled and used by those left behind for its original purpose: to store photos and mementos and knick-knacks which remind them of you.

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21

GENN

Saracen House Welcomes Community Focus on Forth and Clyde Canal SARACEN House was home last week to a design workshop planned by Scottish Canals as part of a 4 day Charrette entitled: What Floats Your Boat on the regeneration of Port Dundas.

The aim of the Charette event was for Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership and others to work together to agree a development plan for the Woodside, Firhill and Hamiltonhill areas of North Glasgow.

The ‘Charrette’ which concerns an area of land centred on the ‘canal corridor’ between Applecross and Firhill Basins brought local people, agencies and stakeholders together with an expert team of designers to gather ideas and create a shared future vision – condensing activity into just a few days that would otherwise take months.

Hosted at Firhill Stadium and Saracen House participants and local groups were asked to air their views through a series of intensive design workshops and a complementary cultural programme, featuring the work of local school children and artists.

Saracen Primary school pupils took part in a research project based on the area around the canal and presented their ideas complete with scale models of proposed bridges in a design workshop at Saracen House.

Amongst those attending that ses-

sion were ng homes board members Ellen Hurcombe, John Thorburn and Bill Rossine who said: “The entire community young and old will have a view on what should

happen at Port Dundas and I was delighted to hear the presentation from the young people from Saracen Primary and see their model bridges.”

A wide range of agencies, commu-

Recycling and Waste Disposal THERE are lots of important reasons to reduce and recycle your waste: Save Resources: Most of what we throw away is made from products that are slowly running out or cannot be replaced quickly enough because of the amount we consume.

Many of the materials we throw in landfill tips have a value and can be used again. For example, gardeners use peat as a soil improver.

This involves the destruction of peat bogs, which are non-renewable habitats for wild flowers and animals.

The use of peat is unnecessary because gardeners can make compost from their kitchen and garden waste to use as a soil improver.

In addition to saving our peat bogs, composting (recycling) green waste saves valuable landfill tip space which is running out fast in this country.

Save Energy: Making new goods out of recycled material saves energy. For example, making new aluminium cans from recycled cans uses 20 times less energy than making cans from the raw material.

Save Space: In 1997 to 1998 nearly 97per cent of our waste was sent to landfill tips, holes in the ground.

These won’t last forever, but the less waste we send to landfill the longer they will last.

Protect the Environment: Reducing what we use and recycling materials reduces the need to dig up or mine new raw materials, which often damages the surrounding environment.

Help Chrities Many charities

and community groups raise money through reusing and recycling.

Create Jobs: Employment can be provided by businesses involving renovation, repair and recycling.

How can you help?

There are a number of practical steps that you can take that will reduce the amount of waste we produce.

Follow them and it could save you money, time and help others.

Even if you only manage to do two things on the list below, you will help to reduce our impact on the environment.

Accept Less Packaging: Buy your vegetables loose, where possible. Reuse plastic shopping bags.

Use Refills if Possible: Refills are available for all sorts of products such as foods, washing powders, household liquids, air fresheners and baby wipes.

Use Returnable Items: Milk and pop bottles are often sold on a returnable basis.

Why not check out your local milkman? Chemists will reuse some medicine bottles.

Buy Recycled Products: Buy recycled products and support the recycling chain!

Compost your Waste: Vegetables and small amounts of paper or card can be composted. Even in the smallest garden, you can compost your waste!

Recycle your Waste: Find out where your nearest recycling banks are.

Do you need to throw it out?: If you’re throwing out old furniture, beds or clothes, they could be put to good use by a local charity or pop it on our nearly new page.

Some old furniture can be col-

lected from your house if it can be reused.

You have the ultimate power because if you buy goods with less packaging and waste the shops will provide more and more items with less packaging.

If you only buy goods that are made from recycled products it will encourage more recycling.

You have the choice and power to make a difference!

Some more ideas to help Bag It and Bin It ‘Bag IT and Bin It’ is a national campaign by the water industry.

It is us mums that usually deal with the nasty stuff - nappies, sanitary products, even plasters...

If we put them down the loo, it means filters get clogged up and after a storm it all backs up and out onto beaches, rivers and streets.... and then it’s our kids, playing outside, that suffer most.

What to do?

Disposable nappies and sanitary towels should always go in the bin (make sure they are properly wrapped first).

In fact, the contents of a soiled disposable nappy should be flushed...not the nappy itself folks, just the poo! (not always easy but actually, it is illegal to dispose of human waste in the bin!)

Disposing of medicines How many of us have large collections of half finished packets and bottles!

None of these should either be thrown away in the bin nor flushed down the loo.

Take all unused or unwanted medicines with you next time you run by a chemists; they will happily dispose of it for you in a safe and environmentally approved manner.

nity groups and local representatives are involved including Glasgow City Council; The Scottish Government; NHS Scotland; Scottish Canals; Partick Thistle Football Club; local hous-

ing associations and others.

The ideas gathered during the event will form the basis of a new ‘master plan’ and follow up events will be arranged to share the details of these and how they could be delivered.

Scottish Canals Chief Executive Steve Dunlop said on behalf of the partners: “Scottish Canals is delighted to be involved in the design workshop for Woodside, Firhill and Hamiltonhill; the Forth and Clyde Canal is at the heart of this area and events such as this show how Scotland’s waterways can be used to help bring partners, funders and people together to make a real difference to the communities along their banks.

Further information on the Woodside, Firhill, Hamiltonhill Charrette can be found on the Scottish Canals website: http://www. scottishcanals.co.uk/property--regeneration/projects-/glasgow/ applecross-firhill-and-hamiltonhill-charetteScottish Canals is responsible to the Scottish Government for the management and development of five Scottish canals as well as the surrounding estate and The Falkirk Wheel.

See www.ScottishCanals.co.uk for more information.

22

GENN HER CONSTIUENTS STRUGGLE TO HEAT THEIR HOMES AND FEED THEMSELVES YET BROADBAND CONNECTION IS MARGARET’S BIGGEST CONCERN

© Facebook 2015

Voters are now being asked to submit their details by Friday 20, February

FOR the first time, UK electoral registration is being carried out on an individual, rather than household, basis.

The process began in Scotland immediately after September’s Independence Referendum - and councils across the country, including Glasgow, wrote to every voter on their existing register.

In most cases, voters received a letter advising them that they had been automatically transferred onto the new register - but around one-infive were asked to provide more information to verify their identity.

New and easier ways to register were also made available; with many choosing to submit their details online for the first time.

Meanwhile, national legislation means people can be fined for ignoring the request.

With new registers due to be published soon, the council issued reminder letters to those who had not responded in January, asking them to submit information by 6 February.

However, the council has today become aware that some of those letters only arrived earlier this week, giving recipients very little time to respond.

Electoral Registration Officer Hugh Munro said: “We are sorry if anyone has received this letter late and has been worried about not having time to respond.

“Our focus is always on making sure people are registered to vote so, while we have asked our contractor to urgently investigate why the letters have been delayed, our first priority is to ensure anyone affected knows that they still have time.

“If you are in that position, there is no need to worry.

You will not be fined, but you do need to act now.

“We are extending the window during which you can confirm your personal details with us, either online, by phone or by post.”

The quickest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote or phone us on 0141 287 4444.

You will need to know your National Insurance number.

Alternatively, paper forms can be returned to: Glasgow City Council Electoral Registration Officer PO Box 15311 GLASGOW G4 7DL

AXING LEADS TO SPLIT IN LABOUR’S RANKS LABOUR is waging a civil war in its heartlands after sacking a councillor who investigated a multi-million-pound public contract.

The party’s ruling North Lanarkshire group has ousted veteran Tommy Morgan from his position as council watchdog after he questioned proposals to rewrite a housing repair deal.

The move has sparked a split that threatens to sour party relations right across western Scotland.

Mr Morgan, who until December was convener of audit and governance, had been for months querying the local authority’s £30 million-a-year contract with Mears Scotland - run by Willie Docherty, husband of Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.

Mr Morgan declined to discuss his sacking, hinting at a potential legal challenge that could go straight to Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy to be dealt with.

Sources at Mears insisted Mr Morgan’s removal had nothing to do with Mears.

However, another Labour source said: “Tommy has been sacked for being too good at his job.”

Mr McCabe’s supporters insist that Mears Scotland, in which the local authority has a one-third stake, provides a good service.

But internally, officials said confidentially they have “serious concerns about the longterm viability of the current financial model” after Mears Scotland lost £10m over four years.

The paper suggests scrapping millions of pounds of long-term savings that Mears Scotland was to offer the council on its repairs budget starting next year.

It was first put to councillors on the powerful policy and resource committee the day before September’s independence referendum.

Press and public were excluded from the meeting.

Officials insisted this change - as yet still unapproved - was legal.

Mr Morgan stressed councillors had not been told exact-

ly how much contract changes would cost.

The leaked paper, he said, was “vague”. In one letter to council chief executive Gavin Whitefield, he asked: “If the contract is no longer viable, why is the contract not terminated and re-tendered?”

The Labour Group in November voted by 16-14 to strip Mr Morgan of his post on the audit panel on the basis of allegations that he had been rude to four councillors at a group meeting.

Those four, including Mr McCabe, were among those who voted against Mr Morgan.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We have had negotiations with our service providers following a full report to the Policy and Resources Committee in September 2014, with an update to the December committee.

“This will be subject to a further full report to the Policy and Resources Committee for a final decision which will continue to secure best value for the council.”

23

GENN

Saracen House Welcomes Community Focus on Forth and Clyde Canal

HOUSING Minister Margaret Burgess welcomed Loretto Housing Association tenants into their brand new homes in the north of Glasgow.

The 49 modern, spacious, energy-efficient homes in Springburn are designed to cut tenants’ fuel bills and give them a better quality of life.

Margaret Burgess joined

Loretto tenants and staff, staff from Wheatley Group - Loretto’s parent company - as well as local elected members and representatives from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and contractors CCG to open the new development.

The homes - which are close to Stobhill Hospital - are a mix

Cash to fight booze GROUPS in the west of Scotland that tackle drink-related harm have been urged to bid for a share of a £100,000 funding package.

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund was set up in 2013 by the Scotch Whisky Association to provide £100,000 funding each year until 2018 to initiatives addressing alcohol misuse.

The fund, which is managed

by Foundation Scotland, an independent charity, aims to support and develop initiatives with targeted interventions to tackle alcohol-related harms across families, communities, and young people aged under 18.

Applications are welcome from innovative or pilot initiatives which test new approaches and from existing projects demonstrating success in reducing harm.

Last year eight local initiatives were selected by an awards panel to receive funding.

SWA chief executive David Frost said: “We are committed to tackling alcohol misuse. We want to support projects that

are contributing towards preventing and reducing misuse among young people, communities and families. We hope a wide range of initiatives will apply for funding.”

Giles Ruck, Foundation Scotland chief executive, added: “We were encouraged by the number of innovative projects who received awards last year.

“You Decide Ltd, in Port Glasgow, will work with secondary school pupils to identify ways in which young people can play an active role in reducing alcohol related harm.

“Carers of West Dunbartonshire will offer an alcohol education programme and an emotional support system which will help address the needs of carers in families affected by alcohol misuse, a group which are frequently overlooked.

We hope their success will inspire many more to apply this year. “ The awards panel is chaired

by Professor Dame Joan Stringer and the closing date for applications this year is 30 June.

of two, three and four-bedroom flats, with four designed especially for wheelchair users.

The £5.6m development, built by contractors CCG, included £2.4m from the Scottish Government’s Greener Homes Innovation Scheme.

Tenant Irene Wilson, 33, moved into her two-bedroom

flat in Huntershill Court in December, with her two-yearold twins Tommy and Erin.

Irene said: “I just love my new home. It’s so much better than what I’ve been used to.

“There’s so much space, the view is beautiful, and the size of the rooms is great.

It’s really easy to heat.

It’s so nice and cosy and

ATHLETE’S VILLAGE LEGACY THE need for additional nursery and school places is a direct result of the release of homes from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village together with planned and targeted housing development in the area over the next 10 years.

This is 2014 legacy in action.

“The multi-million pound new school and nursery proposed for Dalmarnock are a direct result of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and will, when built, educate generations of children in the heart of the former Commonwealth village - what better legacy for the best games ever?

“Our children deserve the very best start in life and the new schools and refurbishments across the city as part of the council’s £250 million

pounds school building strategy is delivering our commitment to the education of Glasgow’s young people.”

To address the need in the short term, specially designed flexible modular classrooms are being constructed on the former site of Dalmarnock Primary school in time for the beginning of the new school term in August.

This will ease the immediate roll pressures on the existing Dalmarnock Primary school while a permanent solution is developed and consulted upon.

A temporary modular two playroom annexe in the grounds of the school adjacent to London Road Nursery will also be ready for August 2015 while consultation plans progress for a new, stand alone nursery to the north of the former Commonwealth Village

gets warm so quickly.

I’m so happy here.”

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “ H o u s ing is a key priority for this Government and this new development at Springburn, is a welcome addition to the supply of housing in Glasgow.

“These 49 new homes will help to provide choice and flexibility and give local people the opportunity to access a home in their own community.”

CCG, as part of its contract with Loretto, created six fulltime jobs, as well as eight apprenticeships for local people.

Cathy Fallon, Loretto Director, said: “Families will reap the benefits from these modern, spacious, energy-efficient homes because they are easier to heat, helping to drive down energy bills and tackle fuel poverty.”

Alastair Wylie, Chairman and Chief Executive of CCG said: “We are delighted to continue our work with Loretto Housing Association, using innovative construction methods to deliver a truly unique project for Glasgow.”

Another 26 new Loretto homes in Glenburn Road, Falkirk, should be ready around June 2015. Work on 55 new Loretto homes in Eriboll Street, Springburn, started in January and should be complete in early 2016.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community Celebrate the GENN Wedding Show With the wedding season rapidly approaching, the biggest and most glamorous event in the brides calendar, The GENN Wedding feature, will be geared to help brides and grooms plan their perfect day.

Issue 149 27th Feb The GENN Wedding Show will feature leading wedding suppliers all in a single feature, this will be the ‘one-stop-shop’ for wedding planners and the ultimate feature to help create a dream wedding.

We aim to give invaluable advice from industry specialists as well as exclusive offers discounts and tips on what every bride needs to know…

Couples in the midst of planning make sure to catch this showcase for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and guests.

We aim to inspire and impress.

24 GENN Youth

GENN

Addressing youth, teenage and parent issues across seven areas

· Apprenticeships and Employability · School leavers · Education · Families · Gangs · Justice · Social action

FACTS ABOUT HANGOVERS ACCORDING to numerous surveys, the hangover is due to the metabolism of alcohol in our organism and depends on the age and ability of the body’s enzymes to cope with it.

One of the major differences between drinks is the content of methanol and complex organic molecules.

The concentration of these substances is generally high in dark liqueurs, and deemed to cause more unpleasant drunks.

Many people when they wake up in the morning after a few or more drinks, the evening before, experience the hangover.

Meaning 1 or more of the following…. Dizziness, headache, fatigue, severe thirst, shivering, sweating or nausea.

The best plan is stay in bed and try to sleep until the suffering is over.

But if you have work and must find ways to recover from a hangover quickly and effectively.

This article provides you possible solutions.

Basic rules to avoid the hangover Never start drinking on an empty stomach. Food is very important, as it delays the absorption of alcohol into your blood.

No food?

Then a glass of milk is good enough for a substitute.

Before leaving home, make sure that you are properly hydrated., drink a lot of fluids because each glass of water or juice you drink before alcohol will prove to be worth it next morning.

Because alcohol is a diuretic

and therefore you should replace the fluids in your body. 65% of the people that consume alcohol experience hangover symptoms.

The best cure is prevention, remember the 3 basic rules to avoid the hangover.

First, never drink on an empty stomach.

Second, never mix different drinks.

Third, prefer special, more expensive spirits to cheap alcohol.

Although we are all aware of these tips we tend to forget them and then is too late…

Drink a lot of water The main cause of the devastating symptoms is basically the dehydration caused by the volume of alcohol in the body.

To prevent dehydration to cure and get rid of the hangover drink plenty of water during the day, even if your not feeling thirsty.

The feeling of thirst is in essence, the alarm of our body to notify us that it is dehydrated.

It is suggested to drink two large glasses of water before we go to bed, after a night that we have consumed a lot of alcohol.

Aspirin, Fresh fruits and Vegetables For better results, take your glasses of water with an aspirin and or take a multivitamin or even better some fresh fruits and vegetables.

This will replace the vitamins and minerals that the body has lost and will accelerate the recovery.

Particularly beneficial is tomato juice or orange, which is rich in vitamin B. Exercise

Do not underestimate the benefits of exercise.

As difficult as it seems to you to get up from the couch or go to the gym after work where the only thing you want is to go home to sleep, a gentle exercise will stimulate and help you feel better faster.

This is because by exercising and through sweating, toxins that have accumulated in the body are eliminated.

Try to walk to work, if not too far away, or try to walk for 5 or 10 minutes.

You can also do some light cycling or some mild exercises at the gym.

Prefer Tea instead of coffee The best solution to get rid of a hangover is tea with lemon or without, which brings about the same results with coffee but without worsening dehydration of the body.

Again, attention to exaggerations: one to two cups of tea is enough, more would deteriorate the situation as tea has diuretic properties-which is not good for a dehydrated body.

Fresh Air Although you may feel very tired and probably with a headache, a walk in nature and fresh air will make you feel better.

This is because the oxygen will stimulate your brain functions that due to the drink will have fallen in hibernation.

Take a hot bath Apart body functions, excessive consumption of alcohol harms our skin as well.

A dip in the bathtub, after it is filled with hot water and plenty of shower gel, is far better to remove toxins.

MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD

HUMZA Yousaf MSP is joining the Bite the Ballot campaign in encouraging anyone who is not already on the electoral register to sign up ahead of the Westminster Elections this May. Bite the Ballot is leading a campaign to register young people to vote across the UK, using social media and registration rallies, in support National Voter Registration Day which was on Thursday 5th February.

Alongside encouraging youth engagement with current political issues, the campaign is dedicated to highlighting the changes recently made to electoral registration procedure through the intro-

duction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER).

IER requires that each individual must register on their own using their National Insurance number, either online or by post.

This replaces the previous system in which the head of a household could register all residents, and all forms had to be submitted in hard copy.

Humza Yousaf MSP commented: “One of the greatest things about the referendum on Scottish independence was the unprecedented way in which young people became immersed in the possible futures offered to them by either campaign.

This was evident from the myriad of debates that were held in schools, universities and colleges.

“Following the expansion of the voting franchise in Scotland to include 16 and 17 year olds for the referendum, I am very pleased that they will be able to participate in Holyrood and local elections by May 2016.

Unfortunately we are yet to see plans for Westminster to follow suit.

“It is vital that we continue to empower all generations to make their voices heard by ensuring they are registered to vote.”

Register to vote: https:// www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF Hello, Allow me to introduce myself, my name is DRUGS. For those that don’t know me, I destroy homes, tear families apart, take your children to name but a few..

I cost more than diamonds and gold and the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

For those that desire me I am easily found, I live here beside you I am always around.

I live with the rich, I live with the poor, be very afraid I may come to your door My power is awesome; try me you’ll see, but if you do, you may NEVER break free.

You may think to gamble and say just this once, I will give it a go, but try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

When I own you I will teach you to lie and to steal.

The crimes you’ll commit, for my narcotic charms will seem worth the price as you chase “the high”.

You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad When

you see their tears, you should feel bad.

But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised, I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from god, and separate friends.

I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I’ll be with you always, right by your side.

You’ll give up everything… your family, your home… your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone.

I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give.

When I’m finished with you you’ll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned this is no game. If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll ravish your body; I’ll control your mind. I’ll own you completely; your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I’ll give you while lying in bed, the voices you’ll hear from inside your head,

the sweats, the shakes, the visions you’ll see; I want you to know, these are all gifts from me, But then it’s too late, and you’ll know in your heart, that you are mine, and we shall not part.

You’ll regret that you tried me, they always do, but you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen.

Many times you were told, but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away, If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I’ll be your master; you will be my slave, I’ll even go with you, when you go to your grave.

Now that you have met me, what will you do? Will you try me or not? Its all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell. Come take my hand, I’ll take you to HELL! This like Drugs, is not a Joke, so please take the message and share this with those that need to hear it!

25

GENN

Music

With Mark Johnson

IN THE EYE OF THE TEMPEST KATE Tempest was born in 1985 and grew up in Brockley, five miles South-East of central London having a wayward youth, living in squats, attending pickets and protests.

Working in a record shop from the age of 14, she started performing as a rapper at 16 in London’s West End on the world famous Carnaby Street at a small hip hop shop called Deal Real’s open mic night before diversifying into spoken word performance poetry, going on to support punk performance poet John Cooper Clarke, dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah, socialist songwriter Billy Bragg and London based spoken word and hip hop artist Scroobius Pip. Having attended the BRIT School for the performing arts she went on to study at Goldsmiths University of London, developing her poetry and becoming heavily influenced by the likes of Irish wordsmith James Joyce, modernist Virginia Woolf, seminal romantic William Blake and WH Auden as well as Wu Tang Clan and other hip hop influences.

She toured the spoken word circuit for a number of years before forming her band Sound of Rum, recording the album “Balance” in 2011 touring America,

Europe and Australia and performing on the festival circuit at Glastonbury and Latitude.

On the literary side she released her first book Everything Speaks in its Own Way, a collection of poems published on her own imprint Zingaro in 2011 and started writing plays in 2012

FUTURE Islands is an American synthpop new wave band based in Baltimore, Maryland, and signed to 4AD. The band is composed of Gerrit Welmers (keyboards and programming), William Cashion (bass, acoustic and electric guitars), and Samuel T. Herring (lyrics and vocals).

Having started releasing self-released records in 2006 the band have kept working hard and rose to internatinal

prominence after an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in May 2014.

Their reputation in the UK was cemented after a performance on Later with Jools Holand, have toured extensively and established themselves as one of the world’s top live acts.

They come to Glasgow Barrowland on 9th September.

Tickets on sale now.

including “GlassHouse,” a forum theatre play for Cardboard Citizens; and the plays “Wasted” and “Hopelessly Devoted” for Paines Plough, both published by Methuen.

In addition to this she was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring Shakespearean language to a younger audience.

She has also worked with the Old Vic Theatre and Yale University.

Her epic narrative poem Brand New Ancients won the Ted Hughes Prize, an annual prize given to a living UK poet for new work in poetry after the piece premiered at Battersea Arts Centre in 2012 to great criti-

DISCO innovators Chic are most famous for their hits through the late 70s including seminal hits “Dance, Damce Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)”, “Everybody Dance”, “Le Freak”, “I Want Your Love” and the hugely influential “Good Times.”

Following the Disco backlash in he late 70s the band disbanded but worked as session musicians with guitarist Nile Rogers producing Diana

Ross, David Bowie, Madonna and Duran Duran.

The current line up doesn’t feature deceased bass player Bernie Edwards, but will be playing the hits from the 70s era along with material froma new album, due for release this June with a first dsingle due in March.

Chic play Glasgow 02 Academy on Monday 23rd March.

Tickets on sale now.

cal acclaim.

It completed a sell out run in the UK and New York and won a Herald Angel at Edinburgh Fringe.

Everybody Down, her debut solo album produced by Franz Ferdinand, Bat For Lashes and Django Django producer Dan Carey, came out on Big Dada Records

KING Crimson are the brainchild of visionary guitarist Robert Fripp.

Forming in 1969 and described as “the greatest group in the world” by none other than Jimi Hendrix they don’t describe themselves as a group but “as a way of doing things” with many lineup changes over the years as the music has evolved from proto-prog through new wave to the current three drummer

in 2014 to critical acclaim, including a Mercury Music Prize Award nomination, with her being pipped to the prize by Edinburgh hip hop boy band Young Fathers.

Her style takes the subtlety of the beat poets and adds the intensity and energy of hip hop performers, dealing with themes such as poverty, the British class system and modern consumerist culture.

Using archetypes and classical mythological forms she takes classic literary forms and packages them to appeal to a younger hop hop audience using modern phrases and terminology to create infectious pop hooks with real depth and intelligence.

Tracks like “Circles”, “Bad Place for a Good Time” and “Lonely Days” show that she is capable of accessibility a with a pop sensibility whilst still sticking to her literary narrative roots.

Hailed by the Guardian as “One of the brightest British talents around” she is currently touring whilst working on her debut novel The Bricks that Built the Houses is to be published by Bloomsbury in 2016.

Kate Tempest plays Stereo on 23rd February Tickets £15 For more information visit www.katetempest.co.uk or facebook.com/katetempest

electro jazz lineup.

Though not a household name Robert Fripp’s influence on popular music can’t be played down, playing guitar with David Bowie and Peter Gabriel amongst others.

They are playing their first UK dates since 1982 and their only Scottish date is at Edinburgh Usher Hall on Thursday 17th September.

Tickets on sale now.

26

GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

With your goals and aspirations up for review, a rethink is inevitable after a period when maybe, things have been moving slightly too fast. It is a natural reaction when you’re facing obstacles and impediments at every turn, to look instead at more drastic and potentially risky endeavours, in the interests of a breakthrough and a successful conclusion after all. Yet the cosmos has different ideas and some would say, to stop from swimming against the tide, is the whole point of watching the stars.

Practicalities are on the agenda, together with some serious thought.

You have stuck doggedly to your principles only to discover, that circumstances keep showing you how time has moved on and that you’re forced to revise these anyway. To say change is the only certainty seems an over-simplification, as life these days is too complicated for it only to have one phase. The philosophical framework instilled during your upbringing has stood you in good stead.

Taurus

Scorpio

(21 April - 21 May)

Having reached a point of stability when it comes to your family and domestic circumstances, you can consider where recent changes have left you and how to gain most benefit from these improvements. Since your personal affairs are more settled and you have a firm foundation you can depend on, you’ll appreciate how a balance must be struck between maintaining equilibrium in your private life, versus striving for a niche in the outside world that you can feel proud to occupy.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Life at home keeps you busy, especially if you have children or your parents are about. You are pleased to nurture a sense of belonging with a perspective on your roots and lineage, while the chance to participate in moulding a young personality proves understandably rewarding.

There may be other creative activities you can enjoy, both at home and with your family or purely for personal fulfilment, as some of your most pivotal experiences arise via your leisure pursuits.

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

A gathering of planets at the apex of your chart suggests a focus on your professional ambitions and vocational interests, particularly for those active in the world of work and with tangible goals in mind. If you’ve been pursuing a set of objectives for the past couple of years and longer, often with little to show for your efforts bar discouragement and fatigue, you’ll gradually notice that while you bemoaned this sluggish progress, the groundwork you have diligently attended to has stood you in excellent stead.

There is no doubting the influence of Saturn, as it already calls into question a number of issues that beforehand, you simply would not have considered.

It isn’t that introspection is beyond you, more that you’ll usually find your attention being drawn, towards distant horizons and the next scintillating project, rather than contemplating the machinations of your psyche. But here you are, mulling over what you value and what matters most to you, along with where existing patterns of thought and behaviour, have interfered with this.

Cancer

Capricorn

(22 June - 23 July)

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

While improving material circumstances are a source of solace and security, they haven’t reached the potential you thought would be their due. And despite your financial situation looking rosier than it has done in ages, others still struggle with the same old concerns. Even though your starting point doubtless seemed impoverished compared to theirs, the contrast between the gains you’ve made and the progress of those watching, makes them look at you askance and forget the inequalities that existed previously.

The lengthy stay of Mercury in Aquarius places an emphasis on money matters.

Some might say this never went away, only now there is a difference as the primary focus comes around to your earning ability. Since the middle of last year you have been very lucky, when it comes to the influence other people have had on your affairs. Maybe you’ve received an unexpected windfall or are due a substantial payout, which has made all the difference to your situation.

Leo

Aquarius

(24 July - 23 Aug)

The full moon in your sign that occurs on Tuesday, is generally an annual event. It is great to have the brightest object in the night sky illuminating your constellation, where it is accompanied by the planet Jupiter, a wondrous sight in itself. Clearly, many of the planetary auguries are on your side at present, which has you wondering in your quieter moments why life is not currently a bed of roses. While in the wake of inflated expectations, it is tempting to underestimate exactly how much has gone in your favour.

Virgo

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

Your relationships are in the spotlight this week. Three planets occupy your opposite sign and interact with Uranus and Pluto, both emphasising your closest associations into the bargain.

Seeing as half the solar system points the finger at those intimate links, you will be hard-pressed confining these trends to your business associates or close friendships alone. Venus and Neptune promote an idealistic soul union that helps to heal disappointments from the past.

(21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Mercury continues retrograde through your constellation and maybe you are another year older, as the Sun in your sign means it’s your birthday around now. However, even this might have slipped your mind since you have been so busy fielding calls, emails and other correspondence; while your neighbourhood affairs and business dealings, have also been taking up lots of your attention. Although you are normally very independent, you do maintain a supportive network of acquaintances who are there for you when you need them.

Pisces

Just a Thought Change Your Words, Change Your Life I AM sure you have heard the saying, “You are going to eat those words.”

It may sound like just a statement to us, but in reality we do eat our words.

What we say not only affects others, but also affects us. Words are wonderful when used in a proper way.

They can literally increase our own joy by speaking the right words.

We can also upset ourselves by talking unnecessarily about our problems or things that have hurt us in life such as relationships.

The words that come out of our mouths go into our own ears as well as other people’s, and then they drop down into our soul, where they give us either joy or sadness, peace or upset, depending on the types of words we have spoken. Our words can even oppress our spirit.

When we understand the power of words and realize that we can choose what we think and speak, our lives can be transformed.

Our words are not forced on us; they formulate in our thoughts and then we speak them.

We can learn to choose our thoughts, to resist wrong ones and think on good, healthy, and right ones.

Where the mind goes, the man follows.

We could also say, where the mind goes, the mouth follows!

You don’t even have to be talking to someone to increase your joy with your words.

The mere confession of good things is enough to cheer you up.

When you get up in the morning, if there is something you need to attend to that day that you’re not looking forward to, you can say, “I dread this day,” or you can say, “Today I will do whatever I need to do and make today an awesome day.”

Awesome Are you ready to move from blah to awesomeness, and move away from fear to power?

By building resilience, setting boundaries, being intentional, and becoming fearless—you are on the way towards awesomeness.

Build resilience by not taking everything people do personally.

Take criticism, and grow from them, by rising above, and use it

to your advantage.

What are the positives in the situation?

Write it down, and look at the bigger picture.

If not, it’s time to toughen up or be trampled on.

Refrain from complaining and gossiping.

If you want to poison the well, complain or gossip.

Accept that there are going to things out of your control, so rise above this with honour.

If the bonds that we share with people centre around gossip and complaining, it’s time for a change.

Don’t give your awesomeness away, by petty gossip or people.

Coco Chanel put it this way “I

Clearing the wood to see the trees

The Genn Crossword

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

Across

1. Venus de Milo versus some Valentine couples (6) 4. Find refuge in easy lumber (6) 9. Plunder with arms (5) 10. Palindrome instrument (5) 11. Decorate a garment (5) 12. Short publication catches attractions (7) 13. Replace pieces of land beginning of February with crops end of July (6) 15. For each child is individual (6) 19. Fidgets with musical instruments (7) 21. Complete range found in mega mutation (5) 23. Some warning given in ideal army (5) 24. More ironic machine (5) 25. Endlessly shake a woody plant, to a greater extent (6) 26. Disoriented hikers shout (6)

Down (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

Three planets occupy your sign this week, along with Chiron a quasidormant comet, orbiting between Saturn and Uranus. This makes your constellation more heavily tenanted than any other, with this emphasis increasing once the Sun and Moon join in the action later. With the lens of the cosmos pointed directly at you, it’s your appearance and mannerisms that come under scrutiny, with particular regard to making the most of your assets and creating the best impression.

don’t care what you think about me.

I don’t think about you at all.”

Overcome fear of people and judgments.

People are going to think what they will, don’t allow their opinions become your mantra.

Find the Small Things Find the small things in life that make a difference.

When you wake up, enjoy your favourite tea or coffee, be thankful for getting out of bed in the morning.

Take notice of the small things like textures and colours, observed in nature, or the stillness of the morning, choose your words and enjoy every day.

1. Sounds like clean cut grass, not wet (7) 2. Serve a jumble of poetry (5) 3. Short umpire employed and turned down (7) 5. Some foolish rugged gesture (5) 6. Used with snakes for a game (7) 7. Replace an apple core in public places with a meal starter that makes the grade (5) 8. Supports rays (5) 14. Final stage could lead to checkmate (7) 16. Confused his glen with a language (7) 17. Communicate to catch employment (7) 18. A facet of speaking (5) 19. Find cafe astir, so wine and dine (5) 20. Dance, slim body essential (5) 22. Sounds like clemency in France, thanks (5)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

27

0141 552 9977

GLASGOW CIVIC RECEPTION TO FOXLEY BOWLING CLUB, WHO CELEBRATED THEIR 100th BIRTHDAY BAILLIE John McLaughlin, Glasgow City Council, congratulated the East End club on their magnificent achievement. Club Champion Ian Duff replied on behalf of Foxley.

As the photographs show, the evening was well supported by Foxley committe/club members, and friends, plus invited guests from Bowls Scotland and the Lanarkshire Bowling Association.

DANCE CLASS SUCCESS

PUPILS of the Lynn C Duncan Dance School which is held in St Mungo’s Academy, GALLOWGATE and Easterhouse Sports Centre, EASTERHOUSE recently sat BATD dance exams with fabulous results.

The pupils had 100% pass rate with 97% achieving “Highly Commended” the top grading possible.

The dance school is now preparing for the Summer Production which will be held in the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow in June.

Classes are also held in Rutherglen, Burnside, Torgylen, Cambuslang, Hamilton, Blantyre, Motherwell and Bellshill.

Anyone requiring further information can find it through the website www.lynncduncan. co.uk Congratulations to the following pupils who did so well.

Alana L Murphy, Eva

Dempsey, Aimee Foreman, Chloe Sykes, Keira F McDonald, Lexin Danzel,Sarah Sands, Lucy Jenkins, Lucy Lavery, Sophia Boyle, Myrin Dignall, Jessica Boyle, Georgia Elliot, Emily Kalsi, Lucie Brown, Gracie Wilson, Courtney Anderson, Sarah Blair, Aiden Hart, Fallon Lalor, Olivia Mewhirter, Amy Carroll, Eghe Lourenco, Orla Moreton, Abbie Stephen, Sophie Saunders, Niah Bilock, Fioyin Oke, Evie Lind, Millie Watson, Aimee Baird, Caitlin Hinton, Lila Rose Boyd, Remi-Lila Wright, Carly Greenhill, Kara Boyd, Alexx McCauley, Erin Brown, Ava McCusker, Codi Strike, Alicia Luda, Sophie Fenwick, Nicole Kelly, Layla Ray, Darci Dewan, Leah R Dempsey, Amina Hassan, Hannah Fenwick, Sienna J Johnston, Abigail Biniam, Sophia Brown, Amy McLean, Nicola Borowczyk, Emma L Docherty, Hayley Horswell, Sophie Jenkins, Casey Foster,

Darci Dewan, April Elliot, Katie Lynass-Coyle, Kirsty Stewart, Elyse Johnston, Jenna Dewan, Ellie McFadyen, Abbie Lavery, Molly McGowan, Amy Lind,

Amee Atchison, Cara Rodger, Emma Sharp, Elana Miller, Annalise Thomas, Jessica Malone, Tyler Keogh, Holly Halferty, Susie McLaughlin, Bailey Mc-

Farlane, Elise Wilson, Olivia Cairns, Amy Stewart, Amy McKissock, Erin Lander, Lucy Gardner, Caitlin Hughes, Jodie MacDonald, Rebecca Reid, Lou-

ise Williamson, Chloe Robertson, Claire Fleming, Kimberley McCulloch, Chloe Hart, Lucy Ferguson, Caitlin Meechan, Louise Tierney.

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

28

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Legal aid changes will deny most vulnerable

THE proposed changes to Legal Aid will deny justice to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Proposals put forward by the Law Society of Scotland to remove some aspects of housing law from Legal Aid cover have prompted grave concerns.

Housing law impacts disproportionately on the most vulnerable families and individuals, and removing housing from the portfolio of protection would deny access to justice to those most in need.

The proposals require an urgent rethink to ensure protection and justice for all - especially as removing housing law from Legal Aid is likely to cost the public purse more, not less.

Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “In 21st Century Scotland justice should be afforded to

all, not just those who can afford it.

“We have grave concerns about the proposal to remove housing law from the scope of civil legal assistance.

In Shelter Scotland’s experience housing law impacts disproportionately on the most vulnerable in society and this proposal would remove protection currently offered to them.

“What’s more, it is a false economy to assume a saving to the public purse in not providing Legal Aid to those experiencing housing issues.

In fact any apparent savings would likely be outweighed by the costs of increased homelessness or the negative health implications.”

Graeme Brown added: “Housing law is an extremely complex issue and as such appropriate specialist advice from qualified legal professionals should and must be made available to everyone who needs it.”

If housing law is removed from the scope of civil legal assistance, there must be a guarantee of sufficient funding to those who need legal assistance with housing issues.

Funding is required for advice agencies providing representation on all aspects of housing law, and there must be suitable access to advice agencies in all areas of Scotland.

More temporary accommodation needed in Scotland LAST year 36,457 households applied as homeless in Scotland, so the provision of good quality temporary accommodation is crucial to help them through their crisis.

“But long stays in temporary accommodation are detrimental to people’s health and wellbeing, particularly children, so it is very worrying that 1 in 10 homeless households spent more than a year without a home.

There is a need to make sure that, where long-term stays can’t be avoided, minimum standards of accommodation must be met, not just in the quality of the accommodation, but also in terms of the support and services provided.”

The Scottish Government must make it a legal requirement for local authorities to monitor and report on the use of temporary accommodation and to introduce guidance on minimum standards for the quality of temporary housing To tackle the chronic shortage of social housing, the Scottish Government should ensure that at least 10,000 new social homes are built each year for the

foreseeable future. The Use of Temporary Accommodation in Scotland’ report was issued on the same day as the latest Scottish Government homelessness statistics, which show the number of households in temporary accommodation has risen slightly, despite the number of homelessness applications falling.

The report shows that 60% of all homeless families and individuals spend time in temporary accommodation while their local authority deals with their application – equivalent to around 22,000 households last year.

Temporary accommodation is used by local authorities during assessment and when no permanent lets are available. Its quality can vary greatly between local authorities and within individual local authority areas.

The freedom of information requests, also highlights that the shortage of social housing means the average stay in temporary accommodation for homeless households is around 18 weeks, while 1 in 4 households spend more than six months there (equivalent to around 5,500).

Housing key issue for General Election AS we recognise the responsibility to improve lives through better housing and places we must also recognise the responsibility to influence the next government to make housing a top priority.

With fewer than 90 days to go to polling day, the housing sector must leave no politician in any doubt about the impact of this housing crisis.

The responsibility applies to each one of them individually.

The hope is they don’t assume someone else will do it.

As someone once said: “be the change you want to see.”

Today everyone should live in a home that is decent.

That meets their needs.

That they can afford.

There are few certainties about the future.

But what we do know is: Whoever is in government over a million households will be waiting for a place they can call home and that they can afford;

Only government radical intervention can increase housing supply.

We are demanding that our politicians recognise that they must do more.

The next government must commit to solving the housing crisis within a generation and, within its first year and be willing to publish its long term plan for doing so.

Increasing supply is vital – but it is not the only priority.

The market is not always kind to those renting from private landlords.

There are many conscientious landlords in the private sector providing good, well managed homes.

But there are also far too many poor ones.

There is real and meaningful policy changes needed that will create a private rented sector fit for the challenges of the future, ensuring local authorities are enabled to robustly enforce existing safeguards.

Many Glaswegians worried about rent payments RESEARCH carried out in Scotland in December 2014 found that 1 in 4 people responsible for paying rent or mortgage were worried they may not be able to do so at some time during 2015.

Many families are facing a worrying time in the New Year as new research reveals one in nine rent or mortgage payers across the UK – the equivalent of 3.2 million people. As many as 1 in 4 in Glasgow are worried they will be unable to make their payments.

Research carried out by YouGov paints a bleak picture for many households this year, with 59% of rent or mortgage payers in UK re-

vealing they are already struggling to keep up with their housing costs.

Ignoring money worries rather than seeking advice could lead to people’s homes being put at risk.

Worryingly, more than a quarter (26%) of people surveyed said they would feel too ashamed to ask for help if struggling with housing payments.

100s of families and individuals in Glasgow sought help over the festive period after struggling to meet their housing costs and at risk of losing their homes.

The Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Every day we hear from people

Helen McGregor House, 65 Pettigrew Street, Shettleston, Glasgow G32 7XR. Telephone: 0141 763 0511 www.shettleston.co.uk

who are feeling overwhelmed by mounting rent or mortgage bills, as the increasing pressure of sky-high housing costs continues to take its toll.

“We understand it is all too easy to bury your head in the sand hoping the problem will go away.

But if you’re in this situation, it’s so important to remember you’re not alone and that help is at hand.

Advice from Shelter Scotland is only a click or a phone call away – so get advice early to prevent things from spiralling out of control.”

If you are having difficulties we urge you to seek help sooner rather than later

Tollcross Housing Association 84 Braidfauld Street Tollcross Glasgow, G32 8PJ

Tel: 0141 763 1317

29

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A ground breaking book for children to help them deal with the death of a parent, relative or friend has been welcomed by leading bereavement charities, schools and organisations.

Mel Maxwell is 45, and married for the second time with two sons (19 and 17) and a stepson (17).

She is a director of the company Sandbag who work with major recording

artists to provide merchandising, marketing and ticketing services.

When her beloved sister Julie Courage died of ovarian cancer in August 2011, the lives of Mel and all her family were to change forever.

Julie was ill for 18 months and had an aggressive form of cancer.

Mel particularly wanted to support Julie’s two chil-

dren who were very young when they lost their mother.

That led Mel to research books regarding grieving for children across the age ranges and found that while there are some really great books out there it is a subject that is not being spoken about as much as it should be, particularly for younger children.

She then set about writ-

ing a book for children and The Coat I Wear was born.

Mel said that the drive to write the book was threefold.

“I’ve spent three years dealing with grief since my sister died of cancer and it’s been a very tough time to get through.

I’d already dealt with death before but how on earth do children who don’t have that life experience deal with death?”

“That focused my thoughts to my niece, nephew and how they were getting through and what I could do to help them.

I didn’t physically live close by to see them regularly but was around them throughout Julie’s illness.

After my sister’s death I didn’t feel best placed to help with their deeper grief while struggling myself (both for them or my own kids) and not knowing what was ok to say to a child.

Death is a tough topic to broach and so I think we tend to protect kids rather than explain it, simply because we don’t know how.”

Mel has never written a book before and didn’t plan to write one but felt compelled to following her sister’s death.

“It took about a year to write on and off.

I wanted to write something that started a conversation between an adult

and a child which could be a tool, in words the child would understand, or grow to understand over time, and not scare them in any way but also not fluff over it.

I researched it and couldn’t find a book out there like this about grief.

Teacher friends of mine said the same and that they needed more tools to help start and guide conversations with children going through something they may simply not understand at all.

The book has also been cathartic for me and I hope it can help adults too. The response so far has been very positive.”

It is rare to find a book that truly captures how a young person feels following the death of someone special.

This story combined with the illustrations does just that.

Mel’s metaphor of a coat perfectly illustrates the grieving process in a way that will appeal to a bereaved child, helping to normalise their grief. It is already on our essential reading list. Dr Shelley Gilbert, MBE. Founder and CEO Grief Encounter, working with bereaved children.

What a beautiful and vulnerable story.

In its simplicity and with

the use of metaphor I think that it allows the reader to sit alongside loss. It is still sad, yet there is the hope that memories can become less painful.

Julie Reilly, senior psychotherapist, (Msc,Bsc,(Hons).PG Dip. Cert.

M.B.A.C.P. (Reg) AFT. UKCP.) Over the years in my clinic, working with people suffering all types of loss, I have never seen a book so touching and close to the heart, highly recommended. Chris Boardman, Reg Acupuncturist, The Rosedale Clinic Mel is a great believer in having honest conversations with children to help them understand changes that happen in life every day.

She added: “The more people I showed this to, the more positive feedback I was getting and I would like to write about other issues that really do affect children but are often not openly aired such as divorce and eating disorders. I think it is so important to write about what you know about when tackling very sensitive and emotional topics such as these and I really hope The Coat I Wear helps children cope with loss and starts conversations between them and the adults in their lives

STYLISH SCOTS HOTEL SHAKEN NOT STIRRED AS IT’S NAMED BOND’S FAVOURITE Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow has been named as James Bond’s favourite eatery, beating off competition from 20 other venues in the UK and Ireland.

The guide from European travel blog GoEuro lists the top venues frequented by the sophisticated international agent in Ian Flemming and John Gardener’s adored novels and was created in partnership with 007 expert Matt Sherman, author of James Bond’s Cuisine: 007’s Every Last Meal.

Featured in Gardener’s 1981 book ‘Licence Renewed’, the iconic Grand Central Hotel’s decadent interior, grand architecture, location at the heart of the city and roster of famous former guests including JFK and Frank Sinatra, have placed the hotel in the good grace of the world’s most sophisticated spy.

Known for its stylish champagne bar Champagne Central, which overlooks Glasgow’s bustling central train station, the MI6 agent’s cocktail of choice, the martini, is a firm favourite on the hotel’s refined drinks menu.

The iconic agent is described in ‘License Renewed’ as enjoying a hearty breakfast of porridge, scrambled eggs, toast and coffee at the hotel, before ‘sleeping like a baby’ in one of the comfortable rooms.

Bond then visits the hotel’s Malmaison restaurant, which closed in December 1984, to sit down to a meal of smoked salmon and fillet steak - dishes which are still served today in the hotel’s Tempus restaurant.

Laurie Nicol, general manager of the Grand Central Hotel, said: “We’re thrilled that Grand Central has been handpicked as Bond’s favourite venue in the UK and Ireland.

We believe the hotel’s rich history, stunning architecture, stylish design and sophisticated service make it worthy of the world’s most distinguished spy and it’s fantastic that the experts at GoEuro agree.

“To be ranked above so many prestigious eateries across the country in this exclusive guide makes the recognition all the more prestigious and reinforces Glasgow’s position as a firstclass travel destination.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming foodies, travellers and Bond fans alike to Grand Central Hotel to discover 007’s favourite hangout and wine and dine like the classy secret agent himself.”

Grand Central Hotel is joined on the list by a number of famous restaurants including The Ivy and Café Royal in London’s West End. The ranking detailing all of the featured restaurants can be viewed by visiting http://blog.goeuro.co.uk/dine-like-007.

For more information on The Grand Central Hotel visit www. thegrandcentralhotel.co.uk .

30 Police Scotland

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Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Local Police News Witness appeal following assault in Mount Vernon

POLICE at Shettleston are continuing enquiries after four men were attacked whilst sitting in car in Briarwood Court, Mount Vernon, Glasgow on Friday 30 January 2015.

Around 20:00 on Friday 30 January, the four men aged 19, 20, 25 and 26 years were sitting within a silver VW Golf car when three or four men approached the car, smashed the car windows with bats and hammers and then assaulted the four occupants of the car.

The suspects who were dressed in dark hooded clothing ran off, and perhaps got into a car parked near-by. The injured men made their way to Glasgow Royal Infirmary to be treated for their injuries. They have since been released from hospital.

Detective Constable Gemma Lawrie at Shettleston CID said: “We are currently trying to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident which we believe was not a random attack.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Briarwood Court around 8pm on Friday night and may have seen the suspects hanging about the area or anyone who saw them running off afterwards.”

Anyone who has information should contact Police Scotland on the non emergency number 101, alternatively calls can be made via CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

You’ve won the lottery!!!......Or have you?

A LOTTERY scam takes place when criminals pretend that you have won a prize, often a lottery.

The people most likely to fall victim to this tend to be over the age of 60 (although younger people do fall victim too) – but we know that it is often close family members of victims who spot the tell-tale signs of the fraud.

Criminals will normally get in touch by letter or email and will try to engage you into dia-

logue with them.

Once they have convinced you that they are “genuine”, they will ask for a fee to be paid to release your winnings.

This fee could be to pay taxes or duty, or for a solicitor, banker or judge to authorise the transaction.

NO GENUINE LOTTERY WILL EVER ASK FOR ANY SORT OF FEE TO BE PAID. Often this first fee will be small, but once they know you are willing to pay it they will ask for more and more money, with ever-changing excuses as to why they need it.

Victims can end up losing tens of thousands of pounds over the course of months or even years.

Many of you reading will be surprised that this type of crime takes place.

After all, why would anyone fall prey to scam like this when they never entered any such lottery in the first place?

Why would they have to pay money when they are supposed to have won millions of pounds? The sad truth is that these criminals are incredibly persuasive and prey on people who are very trusting. Therefore, even if you know that you would not get defrauded like this, please spread this message widely to friends, family and to people within your community.

Prevention: If you have not entered a lottery or a prize draw, you have not won it.

Delete any emails which detail you winning money or being in a position to make a fortune Spread the message amongst people you come into contact with, especially older people in your family, and look out for any unusual behaviour, for instance someone paying money via money service bureaux, like Western Union or MoneyGram, or buying Ukash vouchers.

Fire at school

POLICE at Shettleston are looking for assistance from members of the public following acts of vandalism at St Andrews Secondary School, Torphin Crescent, Glasgow on Saturday 31 January 2015.

The fire service were summoned to a fire at the school on Saturday afternoon at around 4 pm in response to a fire alarm. Upon arrival it was

discovered that windows had been smashed at the school and bins placed against the building and set alight.

Police are looking to trace four suspects seen in the vicinity of the school shortly after 3 pm described as aged between 12 and 16 years of age.

One was wearing a white and grey jacket with red sleeves and grey hood and light blue jeans. A second male was wearing a black tracksuit and trainers and the third dark coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone who has information should contact Police Scotland on the non emergency number 101, alternatively calls can be made, in confidence, to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.

How to create strong passwords to prevent your accounts being hacked

FRAUDSTERS regularly hack into personal online accounts to obtain details which will allow them to defraud you.

To prevent fraudsters, it’s very important to use strong passwords when setting up and accessing online accounts and online banking.

Passwords should be memorable enough not to have to write them down and long enough to be unique and hard to guess, which will ensure they are less vulnerable to be-

ing stolen.

If it is not possible to remember passwords a password manager could be used to store them securely.

Protect yourself Make sure passwords are memorable so that you don’t have to write them down.

Make sure they are unique.

Th!nk ab0ut how you could change the l3tters in your n0rmal passw0rds to make them more difficult to gue55!

Use long, non-dictionary words and use different ones for each of your personal accounts and online banking.

Make sure you change them regularly.

Make sure passwords are not stored on devices that have shared access by other people, for example in internet cafes and when using other public Wi-Fi.

Top safety tips to help avoid job scams

GET Safe Online, Safer Jobs and Action Fraud are warning people to take precautions whilst looking for jobs online, to avoid falling victim to scammers.

There are a number of different ways in which job-seekers could be defrauded. These range from direct financial scams to misleading job descriptions.

Safer-Jobs, the recruitment industry’s counter fraud forum, provide free advice to ensure that people have a safer job search. They suggest several steps which any other

job-seeker should take when dealing with a potential employer: 1. Never part with money – employers should pay you, not the other way round. If asked to pay for security checks, visas, training, or anything else, you should research the job, the company, and never use any associated company suggested to you without conducting independent thorough research.

2. Never take it on face value– have you received an ‘out of the blue’, ‘too good to be true’ job offer? Be sceptical and ask questions. Why and how have you been contacted, what is the job, did you apply?

Be wary of any non-business, generic email address (such as hotmail and yahoo), poorly written job adverts or job descriptions, and emails or contact at unusual times of the day (unless pre-arranged).

3. Never do everything online – whilst technology is a great enabler to help people find work, at some point your job discussion should lead to an interview or a meeting. Hiring agents who keep the relationship solely on email must be treated extremely cautiously.

4. Never fail to do research – find out about the company that the job is with and do your research! Check landline telephone numbers and call the end employer to check the job exists. Use social media and sources such as Companies House and LinkedIn to dig deeper into the organisations and people you are interacting

with.

5. Never phone them for an interview – premium rate phone scams are common.

This is where an individual calls a pay-for number thinking it’s an interview, when actually they are paying for every minute they stay on hold. If an employer wants you to work for them, they will call you.

6. Never accept money for nothing – with money mule scams on the increase, beware of any employer promising ‘get rich quick’ or ‘earn thousands working from home’. When cheques begin arriving it is easy to be fooled into being used as a money mule.

7. Never provide personal details– be suspicious of any requests for personal data ahead of an interview or registration meeting (if an agency).

Until you have the job, keep bank details safe and only provide identity details once you have met face to face

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Political Forum

Dr Don’s View The column which cuts though the garnish 45 DAYS to go till the UK Parliament is dissolved, and 82 days till the General Election.

Like it or not, it’s makeyour-mind-up time!

It’s also squeaky bum time for the political parties who, as you can see, are promising the moon to get your vote, but don’t be swayed by these perfidious pledges, for whoever sneaks in this time will not be master of its own actions.

The minority parties are going to be the kingmakers this time which could mean we might have better chance of real democracy.

No more governing party whips deciding how back benchers will vote as UKIP and SNP MPs will not be so easily bought off.

I only hope that the SNP and UKIP stick to their strategy of not being part of any coalition, but supporting legislation on confidence and supply, in other words, deciding how to vote on an issue by issue basis.

This alone will make for compulsive watching at Prime Minister’s question time.

One of the anticipated costs for the support of the UKIP MPs for a minority Conservative Government will be an early EU in or out referendum.

This would pose an interesting conundrum as voters in England, who outnumber Scottish voters, may vote to pull out of the EU which would clash with the preferences of the SNP. That alone could lead to a messy divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable political differences, and possibly another Scottish referendum.

Equally, the anticipated cost of the SNP supporting a Labour minority Government would be the removal of the nuclear deterrent from Scottish waters.

Labour appear to be against this as we witnessed by the almost total absence of Labour MPs when it was debated in the house three weeks ago.

In short, there will be some serious horse trading to be conducted resulting in major frustration for whichever party

tries to govern.

However, last week we had Ed, and his new found friend Jim Murphy, here in Scotland trying to woo potential voters with their version of ‘home rule’ for Scotland.

Whilst waltzing around arm in arm in a staged version of bon ami, Jim was unaware that behind his back, Ed, not just content with weaponising the NHS, was now weaponising Gordon Brown to be what is described as ‘Labour’s Secret Weapon’ and turned loose to convince disillusioned Labour voters to return to the fold.

What a gift this is to the SNP. Here we have the Labour party hiring Gordon Brown, the worst Prime Minister in living memory, saviour of the world, saviour of the Union, fresh from selling out his own party by supporting Cameron, Miliband and Glegg in the Referendum, actively trying to breathe life into the now watered down VOW to save his reputation, now being hired to lead the Scottish Labour party’s revival from the depths of disillusionment he had a hand in creating.

Now we have Gordon Brown and Jim Murphy, neither of whom will be in any Parliament in 45 days time, neither of whom will have the authority to promise, let alone implement anything, stating that they will take the new devolved powers beyond the VOW to a VOW +.

How about trying to get what was promised already. If this isn’t desperation, nothing is!

If tempted to believe Gordon, just remember what he promised last time; Devo-Max and ‘Home Rule’: What did we get?

What a stab in the back this must be to Jim Murphy who, only 55 days ago, was being hailed as the new Moses to lead the Scottish Labour Party out of the wilderness. However, Ed’s tour of the East End of Glasgow, where he was announcing Home Rue for Scotland, ran true to form as

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across 1. Lovers 4. Asylum 9. Rifle 10. Radar 11. Dress 12. Magnets 13. Yields 15. Person 19. Fiddles 21. Gamut 23. Alarm 24. Drier 25. Tremor 26. Shriek

Down 1. Laundry 2. Verse 3. Refused 5. Shrug 6. Ladders 7. Marks 8. Beams 14. Endgame 16. English 17. Network 18. Aside 19. Feast 20. Limbo 22. Merci

he seems to have had another memory lapse when he omitted to mention that 70% of taxation and 85% of welfare funding will still be under Westminster control.

Reading Ed’s speech gave rise to my political quip of the week accredited to Stewart Hosie, the SNP Deputy Leader, when he said “Ed Miliband and Jim Murphy should be reported to the Trades Description Act for false representation.”

If it weren’t so serious, it would be laughable. The picture of Gordon and Jim only needed bowler hats to depict them as Laurel and Hardy. I wonder if Jim will let Gordon use his Irn Bru crate.

The sad thing is that many were duped by Gordon’s intervention during the referendum and believed that what Scotland needed and wanted would be contained in Brown’s VOW; now he is its fiercest critic.

I only hope the voting public will see through this latest charade and see them for what they will be in 40 days time, two members of the public with one vote apiece.

This general election will be a political tsunami, but it will be a golden opportunity for the silent majority and peripheral parties to have their voices heard at last.

For too long the UK Government has been an old boys club where the likes of Miliband and Cameron can evolve from privileged backgrounds and exclusive universities, to

central committees, to advisory positions and on to safe party seats without having experienced gainful employment.

The result of this almost ‘closed shop’ has been nationwide antipathy with politics in general.

However, the Scottish Referendum changed all that paving the way to a second Scottish political enlightenment.

Cameron’s cunning plan to muddy the waters of Scottish devolution with his ‘English Votes for English MPs’ campaign has seriously backfired leaving poor William Hague floundering with the unenviable task of coming up with a mechanism to make it happen.

Ironically, despite Cameron’s ‘save the union’ rhetoric, his attempt to create a two tier parliament may be the first crack in the union’s foundation.

This time your vote could change the political landscape in the UK, and in particular Scotland for ever, so sort out your day on May 7th to ensure your vote is counted.

Don’t take anything for granted.

I once witnessed a Scottish town whose local newspaper predicted a landslide for the SNP. It appeared to be such a certainty that many did not bother to vote.

The SNP lost!

Be warned.

Watch this space Dr Don

Natalie McGarry PPC Glasgow East SNP THIS General Election is shaping up to be one of the closest and most exciting for decades.

In Scotland in particular the referendum meant more people than ever before made their voices heard.

Glasgow saw a victory for Yes, with the city inspired to vote for progress over austerity, fairness over poverty, and dignity over injustice.

We may have lost the referendum overall, but the fight for those ideals carries on.

This election will be about a simple choice; whether Glasgow sends a strong team of MPs to fight our corner against the London establishment, or continues with a weak, neglectful and entitled Labour party.

While Labour cosies up to big business and fatcat bankers, we want SNP MPs who will stand up for the people of Scotland at every opportunity.

Our city and our people are our greatest asset; but decades of shameful neglect have harmed our city.

As your MP, I will make sure this tide is reversed and you have a strong voice fighting your corner - and Glasgow’s corner - at every opportunity.

For too long, Glasgow East has been without a strong local champion, listening to the community, and acting on your behalf, as opposed to disappearing to Westminster, with its subsidised bars and restaurants, and only paying attention to what’s happening here when votes are at stake.

If elected I will campaign to bin the disgusting Bedroom

Tax, hammer home the need for fair pay for all, make big business pay their taxes like the rest of us, and for a fair and decent social security system.

Sadly, too many folk are scunnered and bored with party politics, and given the antics of some of our elected members, I can’t blame them.

But I want to make sure everyone has their say and that every voter in Glasgow East can tell me what the issues are in their area.

The SNP campaign team aim to chap every single door in the constituency and speak to you about what you want.

As your MP, I’ll have a shop front office for you to drop in and raise your concerns.

I’ll be round the area holding surgeries and making myself available to you to work together to improve the area.

Too many people talk Glasgow down; yes we have our problems and issues that need to be addressed, but Glasgow East needs an MP that uses our positives to help overcome the negatives, rather than an MP that tells the world how bad our area is.

If I have the privilege of being elected your MP, I’ll represent all of you, whether you vote SNP or not, without fear or favour.

But make no mistake the only way to guarantee a hard-working MP is to vote SNP in May. Get in touch with me on Facebook (Natalie McGarry for Glasgow East), Twitter (@ nataliemcgarry), or email (natalie@glasgowsnp.org).

WE WANT YOU!!!!

Your newspaper Your community We need your input Send us your news, stories and pictures Volunteer writers, reporters and photographers wanted to contribute on a regular basis email: info@thegenn.co.uk WHY SPEND £65 ON 5000 LEAFLETS? THE GENN OFFERS 20000 DISTRIBUTION, 40000 READERS FROM £50, LET THE PUBLIC KNOW YOUR SERVICES

32

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THE FIGHT IS ON TO SAVE LIVES AS RACE FOR LIFE 2015

ARE YOU SURE YOUR JOB SUITS YOU? The GENN is now expanding it’s advertising sales team: We are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our expanding sales division for North Glasgow The right sort of candidate will be dynamic, with exceptional communication skills, eager to learn and have a burning desire to succeed.

Do you have the character and tenacity to become a top sales person and genuinely want to earn over 20K in your first year, we want to hear from you! ecognised as the number one free newspaper in the area, printing 20000 copies we urgently need to find the fresh talent that will enable us to continue our growth.

Successful applicants will be offered a package with basic + commission, plus the opportunity to progress within a rapidly expanding company.

Are you: Intelligent / Quick witted Articulate / Gift of the gab Hard Working / Grafter Determined to be successful / I want more!

A great communicator / Always win the argument If this describes you, we want to hear why you think you should be part of our team.

email info@thegenn.co.uk telling us why we should employ you

BUDHILL ACADEMY CHEQUE BOOST

BUDHILL Football Academy have received a welcome boost - thanks to shoppers at Asda Parkhead.

A cheque for £200 has been presented to the East End club, who recently attained the S.F.A. Quality Mark for their outstanding work with boys, girls and disability football teams.

Chairman and Head Coach Billy McNaught told the GENN: “The money resulted from the wee green tokens that people receive when they shop at Asda.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Buddy’s, I want to thank all the shoppers who made this cheque possible.

We are now recognised as an official S.F.A.Disability Club, and our aim is to build on the work already started with those wonderful kids.

“We have been working hard to build a strong unit with 16 football teams, two disability teams, and three additional teams of Wee Buddy’s aged 3-4 years.”

Mr John “Toby” Flannigan, Asda Community Champion, presented the cheque to Budhill Football Academy.

The smiling face of Kai Mitchell (front, right), from Buddy’s 2005 team, may be familiar to East End residents.

In an exclusive to the

GENN, Billy McNaught revealed: “Wee Kai was one of the singers for East 40 at last summer’s Commonwealth Games.

He sang with Lulu, and was on the television with that smile you noticed.”

The full cheque presentation line-up is: Back Row, left to Right - Saskia Barclay (Budhill Football Academy Girls Under-15 team), Mascot Budhill Buddy, Mr John “Toby” Flannigan (Asda Community Champion), and Paige Mitchell (Budhill Football Academy Girls Under-15 team).

Front, left to right, - Lewis McNaught (Budhill Football Academy 2003 team), and Kai Mitchell (Budhill Football Academy 2005 team).

GLASGOW women are being urged to get the New Year off to a great start by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2015.

Every hour, around three people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland* and the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has now reached around 30,200 cases each year.** Everyone is special, everyone is somebody’s mum, dad, brother, sister, friend or colleague.

And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women of all ages, shapes and sizes to fight back against this devastating disease by taking part in the UK’s largest Race for Life 5K event in Glasgow at Glasgow Green on Sunday May 10 at 9.30am.

Simon Burley, Cancer Research UK’s Glasgow Event Manager, said: “If you’re looking for an opportunity to get a little or a lot more active in 2015, this is the time to enter Race for Life.

With fire in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that ladies across the Glasgow area are up for the challenge. Race for Life events are non-competitive.

Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer. Race for Life celebrates everyone who is with us

and honours those who have lost their lives to cancer.

The atmosphere is electric and we’re calling on the women of Glasgow to help make 2015 our best year yet.”

Last year, around 15,000 women took part in Glasgow’s Race for Life 5K and more than £928,000 was raised, a key part of a fabulous £2.9 million which was raised at Race for Life events across Scotland.

This year organisers are appealing for even more women and girls to stride out to beat cancer sooner.

And if the Race for Life 5K this spring inspires you then join us again for Race for Life Pretty Muddy.

The women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with mud – sold out in Glasgow last year with thousands of women taking part.

Now Pretty Muddy Glasgow is back and entries are open for the event at Bellahouston Park in the city on June 20 2015.

Organisers are urging women to secure their place as soon as possible.

Simon said: “We’re delighted to bring Pretty Muddy back to Glasgow as it’s a fantastic addition to our Race for Life family of events.

“It has all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k events but with added obstacles and, of course, mud.

Women can complete the Pretty Muddy course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around.

It’s about women of all ages, shapes and sizes tackling obstacles together and showing cancer who’s boss.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco and official energy sponsor Scottish Power, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Scotland.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Cancer Research UK spends around £34 million on life saving research in Scotland every year.

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

33

GENN

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

NEW STAFF FOR PANTHERS BUDDY’S QUALITY MARK AWARD

FOLLOWING the first meeting of 2015 Easterhouse Panthers have made a number of new appointments to the coaching staff and committee for the year ahead.

We have appointed a new senior coaching team for 2015 with childhood panthers and ex Super League academy players Chad McGlame Head Coach and Louis Senter appointed Assistant Coach.

The senior team will start training on Wednesday 18th February 7pm with the venue to be confirmed.

Follow his appointment Chad commented”Absolute delighted with the appointment, the club and sport has been part of my DNA for the last 11 years and progressing not just as a player, but also as a junior coach onto seniors assistant and then being offered the head coach role.

I’ve got huge shoes to fill in our previous coach Mark Senter who has successfully developed and mentored various players and coaches into successful roles in rugby league.

We have a fantastic core of players that have been involved with the club over the past 1011 years and vision wise I would really like to concentrate on the core skills of passing, catching and tackling and develop them along side fitness and speed of play to hopefully play some attractive rugby league”

The east end club have also appointed the following coaches to lead their youth and junior teams with training to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Youth Coaches: Peter Lowis Derek McNeil Glyn Butler Iain Allen Sean Smith The clubs committee for 2015 will be the following however more appointments will be made during the course of the year.

Club Coordinator: Jamie Seery Treasurer: Glyn Butler Funding Officer: Louis Senter Following the meeting Jamie who returns to the club in a official role following a number of different positions in the sporting world which includes his current role as National Wheel-

chair Coach said: “We are delighted with the appointments we have made, the club started in 2001 and have focused on developing local talent ever since with great success with 7 players going on to Super League academies for a number of years and many more playing for Scotland.

Which included 3 full international players with 2 winning the Rugby League European Cup last year with David Scott also playing in the last World Cup against the likes of current All Blacks international Sonny Bill Williams (he’s not bad).

We were young kids at times getting beat 70, 80, 90 - nil, but slowly progressing and focusing on the bigger picture resultinga in that team reaching the Scottish Grand Final for the first time in 2013 which ended in a last minute defeat to a good Aberdeen Warriors side We were young kids at times getting beat 70, 80, 90 - nil, but slowly progressing and focusing on the bigger picture resulting in that team reaching the Scottish Grand Final for the first time in 2013 which ended in a last minute defeat to a good Aberdeen Warriors side In the years to come we will focus on what made us great which was local development”.

The club are now set for 2015, should you be interested in getting involved in playing, volunteering etc please email: jamie.seery@hotmail.co.uk

HELP SPONSOR OUR LOCAL SPORTS NEWS AND PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS, SERVICE, ASSOCIATION, GROUP OR CLUB OUR 40000 READERS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU

HARD-working volunteer coaches at Budhill Football Academy have been rewarded with the Scottish Football Association Quality Mark Award.

Vice-Chairman Steven Moncrieff and Peter Kane, Head Coach of the club’s 2002 agegroup team, collected their award at aspecial presentation at Firhill Stadium.

The Quality Mark Scheme aims to support clubs that

have ambitions to be better, bigger and stronger.

It is designed to support and recognise the work of clubs and teams who have a desire to be the very best they can be within their own community.

The Scottish Football Association fully encourage Working Together to Support Local Clubs, Raising Standards, Increasing Participation and Community Development within the Quality Mark ethos.

Budhill Football Academy Chairman Billy McNaught told the GENN: “This award is a fantastic honour for our East End-based set-up, and reflects on the tremendous work carried out by our volunteer coaches, who spend countless hours developing and working with children.

“Our disability teams will receive a huge boost from this achievement.”

QUALITY BUDDY’S.... Budhill Football Academy receive their S.F.A. Quality Mark Award at Firhill. Pictured left to right are: Gary Hocknull (S.F.A. Football Development Officer), Budhill Football Academy official Peter Kane, Louise Roe (of sponsor’s McDonald’s), and Budhill Football Academy Vice-Chairman Steven Moncrieff.

NEW SUPPORTERS’ CLUB GLASGOW Speedway have announced the formation of a new official Supporters’ Club for next season.

GTSSC and STARs will join forces to create the new group, which has the full backing of the Promotion.

Away match travel will be organised by the group, and membership is open to all fans - including juniors aged 5-16 years.

Forms will be available at the Winter Event night organised for the Ibrox Suite on Saturday, February 28 ( 7pm), and also online via the Glasgow Speedway website.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Tigers Speedway home Premier League clash with Redcar Bears has

GENN

been moved from 2nd August to the following Sunday to accomodate the 4TT Final at Peterborough.

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34

GENN

‘ HOUSE SUPREMO HONOURED

ROBERT NOBLE... Founder and Chairman of Wellhouse Amateurs Football Club with his long-service award.

WELLHOUSE Amateurs Founder and Chairman Robert Noble has received a long-service honour.

Springboig-based Robert started the East End club 39 years ago this week, and was presented with a specially engraved salver detailing his outstanding contribution on

behalf of the Scottish Central Amateur Football League during the Wellhouse Speakers Night.

Modest Robert admitted:”It came as a complete surprise to me.

“I want to say a massive thank-you to James Skinner who put in a tremendous

amount of work putting together the recent Speakers event.

We all had a great night.

“I do not know how he managed it!

“The speakers - led by Jim Leishman - were excellent.

We had a lovely three-course meal, and excellent entertainment.”

FOCUS:FOSTERS SCOTTISH CUP

BROOMHOUSE F.C. have ended the Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup Fifth Round hopes of St James A.F.C. (Dundee).

The current North of Tay cup holders arrived in Glasgow boasting a fine league record and an excellent pedigree, but left on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline.

In a hugely eventful first half, Broomhouse went into a 2-0 lead despite going down to ten men.

St James went behind to a David Omozik header, and an excellent passing move allowed Dylan Porter in for their second goal.

On the 20th minute mark out came a red card for Chris Campbell (Broomhouse).

The numerical advantage really spurred on the Dundee visitors, and they began to show their class.

Only resolute defending and fine goalkeeping by Don Scott kept out St James.

Broomhouse upped their game tempo on the re-start, and Dylan Porter’s pace was revealed yet again when he slotted home his own second and a third home counter.

Shortly afterwards, David Omozik, who is rapidly turning into a Scottish Cup scoring specialist, blasted home in

style (4-0).

To their credit, Saints’ were still contesting the cup-tie, and they deservedly reduced the leeway.

However, any slim hopes of a further comeback were dashed when substitute David Quinn outstripped the visitors’ defence and slotted in No 5.

The Sixth Round draw paired Broomhouse away against Nicolls (AAFL) WELLHOUSE Amateurs were left frustrated when their Fifth Round meeting against Hamilton F.P.at Hamilton Palace was postponed three times due to pitch conditions, plus a ground switch to Greenfield.

KEEPER COACHING PAYS OFF

EAST and North Glasgow-based goalkeepers have been reaping the benefit of weekly floodlight coaching sessions at Glasgow Club Petershill.

For the third consecutive winter, coaches from Shot Stoppers Goalkeeping Academy are working with a variety of age groups and grades.

The 20-week programme finishes at the end of March - prior to mid-week games and Easter tournaments starting - and by then nearly 50 club goalkeepers will have been put through

their paces.

Group Coach Stephen Bryceland revealed: “The response to our winter sessions have been astonishing.

“Last year we coached kids as young as 10 years of age right through to Amateur Football in completely different groups.

“Since early January, the emphasis has switched to include 13-16 year-olds, and quite a few local goalkeepers at senior ProYouth level.

Experienced Finnart A.F.C. Goalkeeper and a former Scottish Cup winner Brian Paton

said: “I had previously worked with two of their coaches at amateur club level, so I knew the sessions would be top-quality - and I have not been disappointed.

“The overall variety of the sessions is different class.

I would recommend the Academy to any goalkeeper - no matter their age group.”

Find out more about this specialist coaching set-up by checking out: w w w. c l ub w e b s i t e . c o. uk / shotstoppers goalkeeping.

WINTER CARPET BOWLS

GARROWHILL took the spoils at the first indoor silverware event (Individual Competitions) for clubs within the Eastern Carpet Bowls League, writes JACK HIGH. The Pairs and Triples’ titles were secured via large wins against Springboig and Shettleston respectively.

League Secretary Ian Colligan told GENN Sport: “I want to take this opportunity to thank all the clubs and players involved, plus the officials of Garrowhill, who staged an excellent finals night.

“It was virtually standing room only!”

SEMI-FINALS. Shettleston venue.

SINGLES - North British 6, Shettleston 1.

PAIRS -Springboig 6, Whitevale 5 after extra end.

TRIPLES -Sandyhills 4, Shettleston 7.

RINK - Springboig 6, North British 11.

SEMI-FINALS. Sandyhills venue.

SINGLES - Springboig 5, Sandyhills 4.

PAIRS - Garrowhill 9,Mount Vernon 3.

TRIPLES - Garrowhill 12,

Whitevale 4.

RINK - Mount Vernon 1, Shettleston 8.

FINALS night at Garrowhill Bowling Club.

SINGLES - North British 1, Springboig 7.

PAIRS -Springboig 4, Garrowhill 12.

TRIPLES - Garrowhill 12, Shettleston 1.

RINK - North British 7, Shettleston 4.

It is back to league business now with the last four weeks of what has been a superb domestic campaign.

Shettleston retained top spot on the resumption with a 4-2 victory against champions North British.

WEEK 11. North British 2, Shettleston 4 (4-8,3-13,9-5).

Sandyhills 5, Mount Vernon 1 (4-4, 6-4, 10-5).

Whitevale 5, Garrowhill 1 (85, 11-8, 5-5).

WEEK 12. Mount Vernon v Whitevale; Springboig v North British;Garrowhill v Sandyhills.

WEEK 13.Garrowhill v Mount Vernon; Sandyhills v Whitevale; Shettleston v Springboig.

WEEK 14. North British v Sandyhills; Shettleston v Whitevale; Mount Vernon v Springboig.

DRAW for the First Round of the Top 10 Competition is: Shettleston v Springboig; Mount Vernon v North British; Sandyhills v Whitevale.

Bye - holders Garrowhill Semi-Finals - Garrowhill v Sandyhills or Whitevale; Mount Vernon or North British v Shettleston or Springboig.

LEAGUE STANDINGS P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Shettleston

30

19

0

11

240

150

38

Garrowhill

30

15

2

13

244

172

32

North British

30

15

2

13

209

191

32

Whitevale

27

14

3

10

180

189

31

Springboig

27

10

3

14

140

193

23

Sandyhills

27

11

1

15

147

207

23

Mount Vernon

27

8

3

16

138

196

19

GENN SPORT - INSIDE TRACK

DENNISTOUN Vale have made a Fourth Round exit from the sponsored Colville Park Country Club West of Scotland Amateur Cup. Vale lost 4-1 at Ayrshire hosts Dirrans.

HAGHILL A.F.C., going strong in the Airdrie and Coatbridge Sunday Amateur Football League Premier Division, have been paired against Lochgreen in the League Cup Semi-Finals.

The East End club will also play Rolling Barrel in the Quarter-Finals of the All-In Cup, which is open to clubs in both divisions.

GLASGOW Girls F.C. have

strengthen their squad for the Scottish Women’s Football League by signing Charmaine McGuire and Jodie Barbour.

McGuire, back at the club for a second spell, played with Celtic Ladies, while Barbour had stints at Kilmarnock Ladies and Glasgow City.

Murieston pair, Danielle Falconer and Katie Hay, have signed for Glasgow Girls.

GLASGOW City Ladies F.C. have lined-up a closed-doors game at Manchester City on February 15, and entertain Chelsea the following Sunday.

City’s new Development team have swooped for two new goalkeepers - Lauren

Grant (Queens Park) and Michelle Docherty (Bishopton).

ST ROCH have signed goalkeeper John Mullen on loan from Cumnock Juniors.

Mullen previously left Blantyre Vics for Cumnock in December.

PETERSHILL have brought in ex-Fauldhouse, Arthurlie, Pollok and Renfrew defender Drew Ramsay, who has also played at senior level.

One-time Queens Park and Annan striker Michael Daly has arrived at Springburn on a loan deal from Clyde, while ex-SHETTLESTON front man Keigan Parker has left Airdrie to join the Bully Wee.

GENN SPORTS FEEDBACK

CLUBS WANTED

TIGERS’ LAND LAWSON DEAL

FOSTERS Central Scottish Amateur Football Association are well through their recruitment process to bring in new clubs new season.

Any team who wishes to be considered should contact Registration Secretary Gordon Forbes at: csaflreg@gmail.com

GLASGOW Tigers have landed another boost as they prepare for the new seasonRichard Lawson has signed a permanent deal.

The Ashfield Stadium club have bought their new No 1 from Workington Comets after his original loan signing was confirmed at the end of 2014.

Hi Tom The last edition of the GENN, which featured our kit sponsor Milnbank Housing Association, was good.

Thanks again for all your hard work.

Regards, Paul Hughes, Manager, Haghill A.F.C.

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...

CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

35

GENN

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

AROUND THE GREENS MATCH ACTION REPORTS

FOXLEY Secretary Billy Campbell fears some bowling clubs may have to merge with each other locally in order to maintain their membership numbers over the next five years.

Despite popularity generated in the sport from last summer’s outstanding Commonwealth Games, a recent report revealed 50 clubs in Scotland have folded since 2010 - resulting in 13,000 players not being registered over the same period.

Furthermore, some cashstrapped committees have been forced to sell off their prime land to housing developers.

In a sign of the times, Methil Bowling Club recently folded after 114 years.

At its peak, they had over 700 members, and a two-year waiting list to join.

Foxley Bowling Club celebrated their Centenary Year last season - exclusively covered by the GENN - and Billy admitted: “Our numbers are down.

“We only have two members based in Carmyle Avenue, and are actively looking at a num-

ber of new ideas.

These will include putting leaflets through doors, and Open Days to try and involve the local community.

“One has already started.

It is called Friday Fun Nights, where people can bring along their wife/husband, partner, friends or neighbours.

“You do not have to be a member to try this out.

They can experience carpet bowls, play dominoes, have social inter-action, and a quiz will finish the evening.

“We want to keep the Friday Nights going until a week before the start of our outdoor season, which is due on Saturday, April 18.

Hopefully, this will prove successful.”

Over at GARROWHILL, the bowling diary has already started with the Gents and Ladies’ Annual General Meetings.

There will be no increase in membership fees during 2015.

I am obliged to Alex Morrison for supplying the following details: Men’s President - Andy Davies.

Vice-President - Eddie Corrigan.

Secretary - David Kerr.

Treasurer – Billy Key. Match Secretary - Alex Morrison.

Ladies President - Irene Whitelaw.

They were unable to elect a Vice-President, and Irene will be assisted by Past President Sadie Brown.

Secretary - Anne Kenyon.

Treasurer - Linda McDougall.

Garrowhill will host the Glasgow North Eastern Bowling League Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 13 (7.30pm).

A full turn-out of club delegates is essential.

The season will commence on Friday, May 1.

SHETTLESTON Bowling Club have their AGM at Culrain Street on Tuesday, March 10.

Again it’s a 7.30 pm start.

OPENING DAYS: To date, I have received notification of the following:Saturday, April 11 – Shettleston.

Saturday, April 18 - Garrowhill, Foxley and North British.

Contact me at GENN Sport to have your club featured in our bowling round-up.

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS LSK West of Scotland Cup, Round Two - Wishaw W Wands 0 Goldenhill 4; Bonnyton v Rossvale; Maryhill Juniors v Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Johnstone Burgh 3, Broomhill 0; Holytown Colts 0, Antonine 1; Pollok Juvs 1, St Peters G.N 1 (4-3 on pens); Dumbarton or Tower Hearts v Port Glasgow.

Round Three - Gleniffer 2, Giffnock SC 1; Campsie Black Watch v Antonine; Baillieston Juniors v Pollok Juvs; Crookston v Harmony Row; Bonnyton or Rossvale v Bishopton; E.K. Rolls Royce v Goldenhill; Tower Hearts or Port Glasgow v Maryhill Juniors or Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs; Johnstone Burgh v Vale of Leven.

Birdston Kennels League Cup, Quarter- Finals - Rossvale v Bonnyton; Goldenhill v Harmony Row;Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers v Rutherglen Glencairn; Tower Hearts or E.K. Rolls Royce v Pollok or Baillieston Juniors.

Second Round - Antonine 1, Wishaw W Wanderers 3.

Birdston Kennels Glasgow Cup, Quarter-Finals - Rosebank v Renfrewshire Thistle;

Barrhead Arthurlie v Giffnock S.C. or Westfield Colts; Maryhill Juniors or West Park v Albion Rovers; St Mirren v Bishopton or Crookston.

Round One - Maryhill 2, Calderhill 1.

Only Sport League Cup, Quarter-Finals- St Mirren 3, Bishopton 2; Renfrewshire Thistle v Castlemilk B.C. ; Holytown Colts v Calderhill; Erskine 2, West Park 7.

Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, First Round - St Peters Giffnock North 0, Eastwood 2; Rossvale 3, Sauchie 2; E.K.Rolls Royce 3, Harmony Row 2; Arsenal 0, Glasgow University 2; Wishaw W Wands 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 4; Bonnyton 2, Steins 2 (2-4 on pens); Tower Hearts v Campsie Black Watch; Port Glasgow 0, Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs 1; EKFC v Claremont; Vale of Leven v Kirkie Rob Roy 21s. Six Byes.

Second Round - Eastwood v Glencairn; Rossvale v Pollok; Antonine bye; Steins v Glasgow University; Port Glasgow or Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs v EKFC or Claremont; Baillieston Juniors v John-

stone Burgh; Goldenhill v Tower Hearts or Campsie; E.K. Rolls Royce v Vale of Leven or Kirkie Rob Roy 21s.

Premier Division -Johnstone Burgh 2, Steins 3; Rutherglen Glencairn 1, Rossvale 1; Rossvale 5, Steins 0; Harmony Row 0, St Peters Giffnock North 1; Johnstone Burgh 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 3. Midweek-Harmony Row 1, Rossvale 2.

First Division -Sauchie 4, Eastwood 3; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 2, Victoria F.C. 6; Sauchie 3, Wishaw W Wands 7; Glasgow University 3, Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 0.

Second Division - Gleniffer Thistle 4, Albion Rovers 0; Westfield 6, Barrhead Arthurlie 0; Maryhill Juniors 3, Castlemilk B.C. 1.

Third Division -Giffnock S.C. 1, Bridgend 6; Bridgend 2, Crookston 1.

National Lady Darling Cup. QUARTER-FINALS: Penicuik v Bishopton; Giffnock Soccer Centre v Victoria F.C.; Rutherglen Glencairn v Johnstone Burgh; Musselburgh Windsor v Gleniffer Thistle.

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These regulations expressly prohibit advertising which claims that a trader has been endorsed or authorised by a body when they have not and

Fiona Brown was fouled for the free kick which saw captain Leanne Ross score Glasgow City’s equaliser against Sunderland Ladies in their first pre-season friendly. Picture from Graeme Berry MARYHILL JUNIORS 3, CROFTFOOT UNITED 1.

UNDER-16 PJDYFL game.

Juniors came from a goal down at half-time. Reegan Shearer equalised with a great finish, and when the homesters broke quickly from their own half of the pitch, Anthony O’Brien crashed home his shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar from an Aidan Lynch cut-back.

In the final minute, Connor Mallis added Maryhill’s third goal.

ARSENAL B.C. 7, EASTHALL F.C. 2.

DOUBLES from Coyle and McPherson sparked an Arsenal victory after Easthall had fought back and levelled 2-2 at the interval.

Guthrie, Callaghan and McKay netted the other Arsenal goals.

WHIFLETT 1, TYNECASTLE A.F.C. 1. (4-5 on pens).

SECOND Round of the Strathclyde Cup was finally decided on spot kicks.

Deary netted for Tynecastle.

The East End club are still Premier Division pace setters in the Strathclyde Saturday Morning A.F.L. BROOMHOUSE F.C. 5,ST JAMES 1.

Long-awaited Scottish Cup clash.

Scorers: David Omozik (2), Dylan Porter (2), and David Quinn.

See our full report for this match on Page 34.

GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 3, NEWMAINS 1.

‘SHIRE moved above Cambuslang Rangers into second-top place in the Central District League as the weather hit junior football yet again.

Only six league games survived!

Mark Begg and Mark Tait put the Keppoch Park club into a 2-0 lead. Newmains hit back, but J. P. Craig settled the issue.

CUMBERNAULD COLTS 1, GLASGOW GIRLS F.C. 4.

GOOD win for the Senior Team at Broadwood.

Jodie Pratt (2), Leigh Ferrol

and Sarah Curtis netted.

GLASGOW GIRLS F.C. 12, UNITED GLASGOW 0.

DEVELOPMENT team victory at Firhill Complex.

Scorers: Kirsten Treanor (6), Megan Murray (2), Chloe Docherty, Jillsy Campbell, Adele Finney and Vicky Collins.

GLASGOW CITY LADIES 1, SUNDERLAND LADIES 1.

CITY used their full squad for the first pre-season friendly against English opposition.

Sunderland are an official Super League club after winning promotion last season, and they went ahead in 26 minutes.

Sarah McFadden found space and headed home at the back post.

City’s Fiona Brown was fouled and from the resultant free kick captain Leanne Ross curled a great shot past ‘keeper Rachael Laws into the top corner.

Second half chances were few and far between, but Abbi Grant hit the bar, and Erin Cuthbert tried twice from long range. * Former GCL and Rangers player Suzanne Mulvey lined-up in attack for Sunderland.

The Scottish champions included Megan Cunningham, Rhonda Jones, and trialist Kayla Addison in their squad.

LARKHALL THISTLE 4, PETERSHILL 3.

FRIENDLY arranged after both clubs found themselves idle.

Jags gained early confidence from a Graham Gracie goal.

The visitors equalised before half-time, but on the resumption Neil Schoneville, David Reid and Matty Clarke edged out Peasy.

ASHFIELD 2, PETERSHILL 3.

A second Peasy squad won this friendly at John Paul Academy.

WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 4, EAST KILBRIDE THISTLE 2.

MUCH-needed match practice for both teams in this Monday evening floodlight friendly.

McFadden put the juniors ahead, and Miles also netted late on.

In between, Wellhouse scored through Thomas Sinclair (2), John Hughes and Brian Hughes.

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FINNART 3, BLANTYRE CELTIC 0.

UNDER-16 league game in terrible weather conditions.

Goals from Ryan Martin, Shaun McCourt and Kyle Campbell (pen).

Man of the Match - Kian ONeil.

WHITEFIELD ROVERS 4, MARYHILL BLACK STAR 4 (4-5 on pens).

STRATHCLYDE Cup Round Three.

Star counters from Colin Graham (2), Alex Docherty and Scott Gibson.

FINNART 2, CONDORRAT 1.

TWO goals from Shaun McCourt pushed Finnart five points clear at the top of the GADYFL. His cross ball two minutes into the second half was missed by everyone and finished in the net.

Condorrat hit back after the home defence failed to clear a corner kick, but 15 minutes from time Marc Ainslie sent Shaun McCourt through with only the goalie to beat and he made no mistake.

Almost on the final whistle, Kyle Campbell hit the bar.

Man of the Match - Danny Butler.

SHAWLANDS 1, WESTERCOMMON STAR 10.

MAN of the Match Michael McGowan (4), Ryan Martin (3), Kevin O’Brien (2), and Craig Nicol.

WESTERCOMMON STAR 0, CASTLEMILK DYNAMO 1.

LEAGUE Cup Second Round.

Same competition - Southside 4, F.C. Baillieston 2.

WESTERCOMMON STAR 6, LANARKSHIRE EAGLES 1.

SECOND Round Glass-Co Cup. Man of the Match Michael McLaughlin (2), Michael McGowan (2), and Ryan Martin (2).

Same competition-Cranhill United 7, Drumchapel Thistle 1.

WESTERCOMMON STAR 5, WESTHILL 2.

FOSTERS Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy Fifth Round.

Top Player Michael McLaughlin (2), Ryan Martin, Chris Bell and Simon Ritchie.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

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FINNART PLAN GRASSROOTS EXPANSION

JAMIE McGOWAN insists the way forward in grassroots development will increase from introducing more age groups at Finnart.

The Bridgeton club, who earned their reputation with eight Scottish Amateur Sunday Trophy wins in ten final appearances, have been given the green-light to run 11 teams this year.

Given the weather we all experienced last month, it is refreshing to see this kind of positive action being taken, and the Under-15 team coach admits “there is still plenty of hard work ahead for everyone involved.”

Finnart have retained their adult-aged Scottish Amateur Football League team, but more significantly a clear player-feeder system is being put in place for the future.

The list of young squads is 1999, 2000, 2003 (A and B), 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (A and B), and 2008.

Said Jamie: “The new 2008 team is a group we really need

to work on - especially as far as coaches are concerned.

“It is all very well starting up teams, but you require the right type of people to look after and work with kids.

Since Christmas, five coaches have come on board, and we would like to recruit at least two more.

“We are seeking coaches who can commit themselves to training at least one night per week, and attend Sunday games.

“Coach Education has really taken off at this club.

Ten are attending Toryglen Regional Football Centre to gain practical experience of Player Pathway Transition Courses, moving from 4 v 4 into 7 v 7 games.

“We are also helping to broaden their outlook on the game by sending coaches to a Referee’s Awareness Course this month.”

Such attention to detail is a far cry from the club’s birth (April, 1979) or the road to success which has followed.

Could these “ new kids on the block” eventually emulate Finnart’s remarkable Scottish Cup haul?

They remain the only club in cup history to have recorded back-to-back Sunday final wins (twice), while their last success was three years ago.

Jamie McGowan admitted: “We are really happy and positive about where we sit presently.

“There is a huge project coming up in early April.

For the first time ever, three teams will participate at the Easter Blackpool Cup. Between our 1999, 2000 and 2004 age groups, we are going south with 100 people split between coaches, players and players.

“This is brilliant and work has already started on fund-raising, and meeting transport costs to get everyone down there and back to Bridgeton.”

I understand a 5K sponsored run for some boys will go towards a target of £78

ON THE ROAD... three Finnart teams will play at the Easter Blackpool Cup in early April.

(each) to prevent their parents having to pay the full amount.

In keeping with those who

PLAYERS WANTED ASHFIELD CLASSIC

GOALKEEPERS at Boys’ Club, Amateur or Junior Football level for specialist winter coaching sessions under floodlights at New Petershill Park.

To pre-register, please call 07403452960.

BUDHILL Football Academy (East End) are offering Football For Girls in four new age group teams.

Call them as follows: Under-15 - 07876128464, Under-13 - 07554232193, Under-11 – 07960344563, and Under-9 - 07734919930.

BUDHILL Football Academy 2003 team are moving up from 7-a-side to 11-a-side football, and will be signing new players.

Call 074553306788.

BUDHILL Football Football have spaces in other age groups for new talent. Contact numbers are listed.

Boys born 2009 -07515888624.

Boys born 2008- 07534522141.

Boys born 2007 -07412964163.

Boys born 2005 -

07765538006.

Boys born 2004 07867507009.

BUDHILL Football Academy are S.F.A. Approved, have First Aid certificates, Child Protection clearance, and recently gained their S.F.A. Quality Mark.

Additional coaches are always welcome.

FINNART need goalkeepers born 2003 (one), 2006 (one), and 2007 (two). Call Jamie Marr at 07903886708.

SHETTLESTON Juniors Football Coaching Academy require players in a variety of different age groups.

Youngsters will be coached three times a week at Greenfield Football Centre, Duror Street, and a Sunday afternoon (1pm2pm) on the Juniors’ Greenfield Park. Email: tracy@shettlestonjuniorsfootballclub.co.uk .

Coaches also welcome.

NEW East End boys’ team seeking players born 2004.

Call 07702131328.

GLASGOW Tigers Speedway have set aside August 16 for the individual Ashfield Classic.

A backlog of matches in recent years has seen this event

postponed.

Tigers will stage a home leg in the Quarter-Finals of the K.O. Cup against either Newcastle or Scunthorpe on July 7.

TICKETS have been made available for the Paris Saint-Germain v Glasgow City F.C. Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final clash.

The match will take place at

the Stade Chariety, Paris, on Saturday, March 28. Kick-off 7pm.

City play their first leg at Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, on Sunday, March 22 (4pm).

FINNART are stepping up their fund-raising events to increase participation at the Easter Blackpool Cup. Three age groups - 1999, 2000 and 2004 -will travel south.

The older teams will play 11-a-side football, while their younger squad have enrolled for Soccer 7s.

Immediately on the agenda is a 5k sponsored run on Sunday, Feb-

ruary 15.

There follows a disco for 14-15 year-olds at the Bridgeton Community Learning Community Centre, on Saturday, February 21.

Tickets are £3.

The same venue will also host an over-21 evening on Saturday, March 7.

Tickets will be £5, and another excellent evening is set to include a buffet and raffles.

PSG AWAY TRIP

IMRAN’S

BLACKPOOL TRIO

Since 1990

Tan Ta ndoo ori Curry y Hous se and Tradiition nal Fis sh & Ch hick ken Bar

38 Lochdochart Road, Rogerfield, Glasgow G34 OPU

have previously enjoyed leisure time at the holiday resort, coaches will purchase unlimited wristbands for

BOWLS BOOST

COMMONWEALTH Games Gold Medal winner Alex Marshall MBE gave bowls another massive boost by winning the World Indoor Singles title for a sixth time at Potters Leisure Resort, Norfolk.

Marshall , who claimed

his first-ever success at the same venue in 1999, defeated Andy Thomson MBE 11-9, 103, in a superb match watched by over 900 bowling fans, and a live BBC 2 broadcast.

He said: “To win it six times is like a dream come true.”

ST ROCH have extended and improved the contracts of a number of their playing squad until May, 2016.

The list includes Chris Mc-

Fadyen, John Conner, Paul Roan, Rab Maguire and Jordan Logan, who was top goalscorer at James McGrory Park last season.

GLASGOW City F.C. had six of their youngsters selected for last month’s Scotland Under-16 train-

ing camp.

Another four were chosen for the national Under-19 training camp.

CANDY CONTRACTS

TRAINING CAMP

(Lamb, beef, prawn or tikka curry £1 extra)

Tea Time Two £10.95 2 Poppadoms, Spiced Onions, Veg Pakora, Any 2 Curries from Popular Dishes, Bhoona, Korma Dopiaza, Patia, Nan Bread and Rice.

(Lamb, beef, prawn or tikka curry £1 extra)

Tea Time Three Pizza (1 topping) & Portion of Chips 10” £4.90 12” £6.50

14” £7.90

CUP FIXTURES

DATES have been announced for the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cupcompetition.

The First Round is due on March 1,

TEA TIME SPECIALS 4pm - 7pm Tea Time One £6.70 1 Poppadom, Spiced Onions, Veg Pakora, Any Curry from Popular Dishes, Bhoona or Korma, Nan Bread or Rice.

the players to use within the Pleasure Beach, and they will also cover the cost of GoKarting bookings.

Quarter-Finals follow (April 19), and Semi-Finals are scheduled for May 10.

A June date and venue for the Final will be confirmed later.

OPEN 7 DAYS Sunday - Thursday 3.30pm to 11.30 pm Friday - Saturday 3.30pm to 12 midnight

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