11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 1
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Glasgow’s air dirtiest in Scotland By
Michael McDaid
Last week a landmark public health report revealed that the pollution in Scotland’s air is responsible for more deaths than obesity and road traffic incidents reaching a total of 2094 confirmed deaths due to air pollution. Glasgow’s air is the most heavily polluted in Scotland, with air pollution in the city being cited as the reason for around 306 deaths annually.
This number shadows the combined number of deaths in Scotlands other major cities and districts, with deaths in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen together only accounting for 360 deaths annually. North and South Lanarkshire also report higher than average numbers of deaths with 142 and 134 respectively.
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2 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Continued from page 1 The pollutants which are responsible for the rise in deaths are known as fine particles in laymans terms or PM2.5s, are closely linked with the exhaust gases of diesel engines, which over the last decade have became the most popular choice for new car buyers, with four in every six new cars bought in the UK being powered by diesel. Small particle pollutants are particularly dangerous as they are small enough to penetrate the deepest tissue in the lungs and are small
It has also been released soon after the EU announced that it would be taking legal action against the UK for its high levels of air pollution which have consistently exceeded limits set in Brussels. This report comes to light in the
The now demolished congregational church on Bath Street, discoloured by pollution.
enough to be transmitted into the bloodstream. High incidence of small particle pollutants have been linked to an increase in the number of heart and lung diseases, cancers and premature deaths, these pollutants are also responsible for aggravating existing conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illness’.
Margo McDonald passes away
The MP, aged 70, who in her time, was a scourge to all political parties, that failed to deliver on their party promises, was one of the most famous
important as over the past number of weeks parts of England were inundated with a thick smog of air pollution, which drove the levels in some cities in Norfolk to level 10 on the Department of Environments 10 point air pollution scale.
West of Scotland Media has moved Here at West of Scotland Media, we’ve moved into new premises in the heart of the East end.
Our move has been a necessity as we under take an unprecedented expansion programme, with bigger offices and more staff and and a new outlook on the world of media production.
The timing of this report is also
Margo McDonald, “the blonde bombshell”, the popular independent MP, who suffered from the degenerative illness parkinson’s has passed away after years of fighting for the right to end her own life through a “Right To Die” Bill.
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faces in Scottish politics and firmly believed in an independent Scotland. One of the earliest pursuers of devolution in Scotland, it was her dream to lead Scotland to independence and constantly risked alienation from her own party the SNP for her hard-line left approach to politics and once branded them “Tartan Tories”. Twice in her political career she was expelled from the SNP for speaking out against the party, once in 1982
same week that a carbon dioxide monitoring project in Hawaii, which has been running since 1958, reported an all time high of upper atmosphere carbon dioxide levels of 408 parts per million (ppm) which is the highest recorded level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 800,000 years, thus reaching uncharted territory for humans.
and again in 2003, she then led a successful political career sitting as an Independent candidate. As it turned out, her independent vote was one of the deciding votes in the SNP’s coalition election win of 2007. The SNP then needed her vote to pass their Budget. In 2002 Ms McDonald announced she had been living with Parkinson’s Disease for seven years but blamed political “forces of darkness” for her condition being leaked to the media.
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Whilst battling the condition, McDonald, never gave up her political values and consistently got voted into parliament as an independent politician.
vuvuzelas at Scottish football grounds, fighting to decommission Trident or trying to bring the HMS Edinburgh back to Edinburgh as a tourist attraction.
She claimed at the end of one of her successful election campaigns, after being voted in as an independent MP “There is a new force in our politics”.
No battle was too small, no battle was too big, for the “Blonde Bombshell”
She continued to be a popular politician right up until her death and had a variety of causes that she believed in ranging from banning
The only battle she couldn’t win was the battle with her own mortality. She fair put up a good fight though. By
G Kelly
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 3
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Woman jailed after unprovoked attack
A former 21 year old beauty therapist from Glasgow will face a custodial sentence after launching an unprovoked attack on an innocent woman in a Belfast nightclub. As Quinn turned round to find out who had kicked her, the 21 year old Scot struck her in the face with a glass leaving her covered in blood and needing 17 stitches to a gaping wound across her forehead. In a bizarre twist to the story Alexandria McNairn had been pretending to friends that she was travelling to Australia for fifteen months but was actually getting ready to spend fifteen months in a jail cell. Posting pictures of herself in a bikini on Facebook Alexandria also posted the message “Suitable for Oz I would say”.
Natasha Quinn
Alexandria McNairn glassed Natasha Quinn, also 21, in El Divino nightclub in Belfast after McNairn kicked Quinn in the back of the leg.
On the night of the attack Quinn had been out enjoying a few drinks with workmates when McNairn launched the horrifying attack. At first when the police arrested McNairn she denied striking her with a glass saying that she had
been pushed and the glass had broke on impact. However she changed her plea to guilty for unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
her bag packed and she knows that immediate custody is inevitable in this case.’’
Since the attack Natasha Quinn has given up her job as a make-up artist and will in the future, have to receive cosmetic surgery as the scar on her forehead is quite noticeable.
Although there was a possibility of the accused receiving Alexandria McNairn a community order, the judge have decided you must serve a period at Belfast Crown in custody and accordingly I sentence Court, Gordon Kerr QC admitted you to 30 months of which 15 will be after consideration that because of served in custody and the remainder the seriousness of the case and the on license.” lasting emotional and physical trauma inflicted on Natasha Quinn it would On hearing the length of time she be impossible to give anything other would spend in custody, Alexandria than a custodial sentence. McNairn showed no emotion and flanked by two court officials stood He said “You attacked Miss Quinn in up and was escorted from the court to El Divino’s with a glass to her face begin her sentence. which has left her scarred for life and which will require cosmetic surgery. By Dreva Vine Taking all matters into consideration I
Prosecution barrister Kay McKay spoke of the trauma that Miss Quinn has endured since being attacked she said “this unprovoked attack has had quite a lasting effect on Miss Quinn as recorded in her victim impact statement. During the case McNairn’s defence barrister said that she was “deeply remorseful and accepts her culpability and full responsibility for her actions. Her defence barrister added: “Ms McNairn has come here today with
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4 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Only a tax on the poor please
Google, Apple, and eBay avoided or paid little UK corporation tax. In 2011 Google made £2.5 billion pounds annual profit in the UK and paid £6million in corporation tax. Illegal? No. Immoral? Yes. It was also found that in the year 2012-2013 20% percent of the 800 businesses didn’t pay a single penny in corporation tax
It has been announced that as the Con-Dem government systematically destroy working class communities and the people living in them using the “Bedroom Tax”. Big business is avoiding paying £35.1 billion pounds in corporation tax per year. The working class in Britain are fearing for the sustainability of living in the very roof above their head whilst finding themselves absolving themselves of any form of pride. To allow their family a warm meal by visiting food banks. While in the same country multi billion pound companies are hiring the world’s greatest lawyers to find loopholes and according to a National Audit Office(NAO) report are using tax relief to “aggressively” avoid paying their moral, tax responsibilities. The Scottish Government are also not faring well with broken promises. As after much fanfare and media publicity, the SNP declared they
Clyde Gateway 2014 ad copy.pdf
would rid Scotland of the “Bedroom Tax” immediately. Labour agreed and it was set in motion, two months later and with the threat of the Bedroom Tax still hanging over worried tenants, the SNP have yet to fulfil their promise. With the Con-Dem’s expected to raise less than a paltry £500 million from the Bedroom Tax and big businesses actively avoiding paying corporation tax to the tune of £35.1 billion pounds, what happened to David Cameron’s promise that “we were all in it together”. The NAO report also said that “HMRC have highlighted areas where they are concerned about the aggressive use of tax relief to avoid tax. It has been reported that the largest 800 businesses have typically 21/3/14
14:05:15
Man dies after falling off Clydeside Expressway
The Labour MP Tom Greatrex said “the NAO report exposes that many big companies have found ways to avoid paying tax on bumper profits on the same day it was revealed that the bedroom tax resulted in only six per cent moving house but 28 per cent in arrears with their rent.”
Tom Greatrex
contributed half of all corporation tax paid in the last few years but in 2012-2013 more than half of all the 800 hundred businesses, many whom regularly post profits of billions of pounds, paid less than £10million each in corporation tax. Labour MP for Rutherglen, Tom Greatrex who has actively campaigned against the “Bedroom Tax” said “the figures are proof that the Government are penalising the poorest in their austerity drive.” People are being driven from their home while companies such as Amazon, Starbucks, Facebook,
George Osborne announced in his latest Budget that HMRC will now have the power to take British citizens money directly from their bank account if they owe money in unpaid tax. However there was no mention of closing tax loopholes or recovering the billions of pounds that many companies in Britain avoided paying. Mr Greatrex, the Labour MP said “It is now as clear as day that the ConDems’ priority is penalising average people rather than closing loopholes that make it easy for big companies to pay no tax.” By
Greg Kelly
A man has died after falling from the Clydeside Expressway in Glasgow after suffering a suspected heart attack.
The pedestrian who was in his 60’s was believed to be walking and fell from an elevated section of the A814 near to the Broomhill Roundabout which links Dumbarton Road in Glasgow’s west end.
The incident in question happened at around 1:50pm and emergency services were on the scene within minutes. On approaching and checking the man paramedics suspected he had suffered a heart attack. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
Police had to close the road for a short period of time to investigate the cause of the accident. However it was soon reopened around an hour later at 2:50pm. A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said “enquiries into the accident are continuing”
City of Glasgow College Principal Paul Little set to open US Tartan Day C
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The Principal of Scotland’s leading college will deliver the keynote address at a National Tartan Day event at the iconic United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Paul Little, founding Principal of City of Glasgow College, is set to address an audience of the Scottish American community, including Senators and Congressmen, at the National Tartan Day Symposium and glittering Reception at The Capitol Atrium. Principal Little will describe recent ‘pioneering’ developments at City of Glasgow College, which by 2016 will be housed in what is understood to be one of Europe’s largest college education campuses. The £228m (almost $400) development will yield two new campuses, to be built on Cathedral Street and on the Clyde, and are set to house 1,200 members of staff and serve 40,000 students each year. It is expected that in excess of six million people will pass through the doors of the college in its lifetime. The Principal will also address the historic links between Glasgow, Washington D.C and Virginia, highlighting their commercial partnerships which
date back to the 17th and 18th Centuries. Presentday collaborations, he will tell those assembled, include unique exchanges between City of Glasgow College and two top U.S. institutions – Anne Arundel College in Maryland and Jacksonville University in Florida – as part of an extensive network of forty college and university partnerships worldwide, including the Maritime Centre in South West Angola which is run by the college. Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said: “Scotland’s colleges have a vital role in developing young people to have rights skills and experience for modern employers. This is being done through building closer relationships with communities and business to identify what skills will give student the greatest opportunities to thrive. “I am delighted that Paul Little, as Principal of City of Glasgow College, has the opportunity to share its experience on the international stage through Tartan Day and look forward to hearing about the discussion that his presentation will inspire.” National Tartan Day in the United States was established in 2008 by then-President George W Bush. First Minister Alex Salmond attends each year as part of the celebrations.
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 5
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Avenue shopping centre Council sets has Easter all wrapped up out vision THE Avenue Shopping Centre in Newton Mearns plays host to a range of free kids events this Easter as it continues to build on its award-winning reputation as Best Family Friendly Shopping Centre.
from Monday 14th till Friday 18th April from 12pm till 4pm the popular kids soft play bus will be making a welcome appearance. And an Easter egg hunt gives kids a chance to win a giant Easter egg from Aquarius/Thorntons. Michelle McCabe, Centre Manager at The Avenue, said: “Images of Easter eggs will be hidden in six store windows across the shopping centre for the two weeks in the run up to
Easter weekend.
“All you need to do to enter is pick up an entry form and fill in which store windows you’ve seen the eggs in and pop your entry form in the post box in the mall by 5pm on Sunday 20th April. All correct entries will go into a prize draw. Happy hunting!” The Avenue Shopping Centre, managed by commercial property consultancy BTWShiells, offers shoppers a warm and welcoming shopping experience conveniently located on the outskirts of Glasgow city centre. For further information about The Avenue log onto www.avenueshopping.co.uk
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
for East Renfrewshire
The concert will take place on Sunday 18 May in the Thistle Hotel, Cambridge Street, Glasgow and run from 2 to 5pm. Jim Fletcher,
A detailed vision for the future of East Renfrewshire is being unveiled this week – and local residents can find out more in a special film.
East Renfrewshire: Your Council, Your future – our new corporate statement – outlines the council’s commitment to improving the local area. It sets out our vision for East Renfrewshire for the next four years.
Your Council, Your Future has also become the council’s new motto that epitomises our commitment to residents – Your Council Your Future.
From sports centre staff to roads workers, they explain the council’s commitment to improving the area, modernising the services we deliver and to enhancing the lives of all residents.
East End student Istvan Jancso was awarded the title of overall winner and lifted the top prize of a 13” MacBook Pro laptop. His images included a beautiful Glasgow cityscape spread beneath a vast blue sky. The 31-year-old is studying for an HNC in Photography at the Springburn Campus of Glasgow Kelvin College and plans to do an HND when he completes his current course. The Clydebank resident said: “I have never won anything in my life, so I am over the moon. I still can’t believe it. “The computer is an amazing prize and will come in really useful for my course. It will be fast and I’ll be able to use it for editing. This feels better than winning the lottery because it’s not about luck but hopefully about talent.” Entrants were asked to supply photographs of the city and its people which will be used to promote the £24million Future City | Glasgow programme which will show how
technology could make life in the city smarter, safer and more sustainable. The three runners-up were Sarah McAlpine, Simona Ciocarlan and Christopher Silver who each received an ipad mini. A spokesman for Future City | Glasgow praised the exceptional standard of entries. He said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part - we were impressed by the high quality of the entries which capture Glasgow at its finest. “The stunning winning images show the abundance of up-and-coming talent among Glasgow’s student population and are testament to the fine work being done by the city’s colleges and universities. Well done to everyone involved and special congratulations to the winning four.” Last year, Glasgow beat 29 other cities to win £24million in a contest run by the Technology Strategy Board – the UK Government’s innovation agency. The city is now in the midst of a pioneering programme covering transport, health, energy efficiency and public safety.
It has been organised by Provost Alastair Carmichael and Deputy Provost Betty Cunningham.
All senior citizens are invited to go along to the special afternoon event.
There is also the short film, which takes you through a day in the life of the council, featuring council staff and customers right across our services.
Stunning images by Glasgow students have helped them win computers worth almost £2,000 in the Future City |Glasgow photography competition.
Senior citizens in East Renfrewshire are being invited to a free concert.
Council leader, Councillor Jim Fletcher, said: “This motto sums up perfectly the type of service we want to deliver for people in East Renfrewshire.
“We are continually striving to be the best we can be to improve residents’ futures and their communities throughout the whole of their lives. And our corporate statement explains just how we intend to do that – working with local residents and partners, maximising resources, and making sensible, evidence-based decisions.
“We are a forward-thinking council right across the board and will be developing innovative new approaches to continually improve services, as well as focusing on developing our digital technology.
“We also want to support our residents from early years to older years, continue to deliver the very best education services, keep customer focus at the centre of what we do, help people cope with the pressures on household budgets. “There will also always be a focus on helping our citizens lead healthy, fulfilling lives and supporting disadvantaged communities.
“In short – I promise we’ll be striving for excellence in all that we do in East Renfrewshire.” You can view the day-in-the-life film and read the statement at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/yourfilm
There will be musical entertainment and refreshments throughout the afternoon. Provost Carmichael said: “I would encourage all our senior citizens to join in.
Armed police called to street in Nitshill Armed police were called to an incident in the south west of Glasgow on Wednesday afternoon after reports of an incident.
Details are still sketchy but it was believed to be taking place in Pinmore Street in the Nitshill area of the city. Although
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“Not only is a great afternoon of music and singing, it is a great social occasion giving us all the chance to catch up, meet old friends and make new ones.” Tickets are free and free transport will be provided from specific pick-up points right across East Renfrewshire. To book places and for further information, contact Linda McGregor on 0141 577 3143 or email linda.mcgregor@ eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk By
Dreeva Vine
spokeswomen could confirm armed officers were on the scene she could not confirm any other details in the incident. It has been stated that the incident is not related in any way to the death of Isabelle Sanders at an address in Crookston around a mile away from the incident in question.
Scot wins landmark
gender
case
A Scot living in Australia has won her landmark court case allowing her to be described as neither male or female.
marvellous victory. It’s a fantastic thing not just for one person but for the huge team who worked towards this and all the people they did it for.”
Norrie May- Welby who is originally from Paisley was born male but had a sex change at the age of twenty eight. She then realised that she wasn’t happy as a woman either, and pursued the right to be called spansexual.
The case caused uproar internationally when the Registar’s Office in Sydney designated Norrie’s gender on a birth certificate as not specified, however the document was soon withdrawn.
Fighting her case to the highest court in Australia claiming that not all humans are definitively male or female. After winning her landmark case The Registar of Birth Deaths and Marriages in New South Wales has been ordered to declare Norrie’s birth certificate with the sex listed as “non-specific” Speaking about the jubilation in gaining equal rights Norrie said “I’m extremely excited. This is a
Norrie fought that decision at the New South Wales Court of Appeal in 2012 – and won. The court came to a unanimous verdict and gender non specific will now be written on the 52 year old’s birth certificate. Norrie left for Australia 45 years ago and speaking of the expatriates home country Norrie said “Scotland is a great place to come from.”
6 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Maria Miller quits as Culture Secretary Beleaguered ex Culture Secretary Maria Miller insisted that she wasn’t forced out of Government after admitting to defrauding the tax payer with her MP expenses. Miller who was recently ordered by a judge to pay back £5,800 pounds of over claimed expenses faced growing criticism from Tory Backbenchers over her handling of the crisis. She apologised to the House of Commons but her attitude was widely condemned as dismissive and poorly presented by many of the newspapers, It was also claimed that her apology seemed, almost to the point of arrogance. Parliamentary Commissioner Kathryn Hudson found that although Maria Miller was cleared of false expense
claims that she had over claimed by more than £45,000 pounds on mortgage rates and interest rates. After finally quitting her role as Culture Secretary she said that the row had began to overshadow the Governments role in society. David Cameron had been widely criticised by Labour leader Ed Milliband of “undermining peoples trust in politics” with his unanimous backing of Miller and subsequent reversal of opinion. In a statement to the Commons he said “The reason the public was so appalled was that if it had happened in any other business,
there would have been no question of them staying in their job. His failure, even now, to recognise what went wrong has undermined trust not only in his government but in politics.” It has been said that the ex Culture Secretary had been forced out after pressure from Tory Backbenchers on David Cameron to limit the damage done to the parties credibility in the eyes of voters. For the full resignation letter offered by Maria Miller to the Prime Minister visit www.glasgow-news.co.uk.
Hanzala Malik MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Region Advice Surgeries are held on: The first Friday of the month 10:00 am 333 Woodlands Road, G3 6NG The third Monday of the month 4pm. Govanhill Library, 170 Langside Road, G42 7JU 5:30pm. Hyndland Secondary School, Lauderdale Gdns, G12 9RQ There are no surgeries on school or public holidays. Translation service available on request by prior arrangement. 7 ways to contact Hanzala Malik:
• 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG • The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP • Tel. 0141 218 4567 • Fax. 0141 334 0234 • E-mail: Hanzala.malik.msp@scottish.parliament.uk • www.hanzalamalikmsp.com • Facebook.com/Hanzala.malikmsp
By
Michael McDaid
Young woman dies after collapsing at her boyfriends house A nineteen year old woman has died after collapsing at her boyfriends fathers house in Glasgow. Jennifer Singh fell ill at policeman Andrew Morris’s house whilst visting his son Ruairidh, whilst Ms Singh was in the house she collapsed and after being rushed to hospital, passed away. The young woman who worked in Glasgow’s Sub Club had been at the club earlier in the evening and was visiting Andrew Morris’s son Ruairidh, 21, when she became unwell and collapsed. Police at the moment are treating the death as unexplained and are awaiting a post-mortem. Both toxicology and blood tests are
taking place as well although the full set of results could take weeks to finalise. It is thought that Jennifer had frequented Sub Club earlier in the evening, however it is unclear at the moment whether she was at work. A Police Scotland spokeswoman gave a statement in regards to the incident she said “we received a report of a 19 year old woman who had taken ill at a property in Glasgow at around 8.20pm on Sunday, March 30th.” She continued “she was taken to the Southern General Hospital, where she later died. Police are awating results of a postmortem and the death is being treated as unexplained.” By
Dreeva Vine
William Bain MP Member of Parliament for Glasgow North East
Constituency Office Office G2, Abbeymill Business Centre, Flemington House, 110 Flemington Street, Springburn, Glasgow G21 4BX
Tel: 0141 557 2513
Surgeries First Friday of each Month: North Glasgow Regeneration Agency Conference Centre, 179 Ayr Street, Springburn, Glasgow G21 4BX at 2.30 - 3.30pm Milton Community Campus, 204 Liddesdale Road, Milton G22 7AR at 4.15pm Barmulloch Community Campus, 46 Wallacewell Quadrant G21 3PX at 5pm
Third Friday of each Month: Millbank Housing Association Headquarters, 153 Ballindalloch Drive, Dennistoun G31 3DQ at 3.30pm Riddrie Library and Learning Centre, 1020 Cumbernauld Rd G33 2QS at 4.15pm Molendinar Community Centre, 1210 Royston Road G33 1HE at 5pm
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 7
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Lochend High School Team wins YES Company Programme Glasgow final with help from Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatre-land. LÙTH, from Lochend Community High School, has won the Glasgow final of the recent Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) Company Programme, with a little help from Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland. Providing training and practical learning experiences to young people of all backgrounds, YES supports young people aged 5-25 across Scotland and is best known for its Company Programme, where senior school pupils are offered the chance to work with a teacher and business volunteer to set up and run their own company. Pupil Stevi-Lee Rennie, Lùth managing director, said: “We are
proud of our company and proud of our journey. We’ve come so far in a short period of time and have learned so much. We’ve made friends for life and memories to treasure. This is an experience none of us will forget.” Hundreds of teachers, business volunteers, schools and thousands of pupils from across Scotland take part every year and this year Alan Taylor, general manager at Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland, acted as business advisor to Lùth.
“Congratulations to the team – and link teachers Allison Burnett and Heather Kerr – the main driving forces behind the team’s success. I’m delighted for the team, which made a range of scented Weegie Candles presented in jars with tartan ribbon,” said Taylor. “They put a lot of time and effort into their impressive presentation, fully engaging with the audience, and I wish them well in the forthcoming Scottish finals.” The YES Company Programme
Doing their bit; one bean at a time Newly trained Starbucks baristas at Thistle Glasgow Hotel have had a baptism of fire as coffees fly out the door for UK Coffee Week. A recent addition to the Starbucks family, staff from the hotel took part in an intensive training course in preparation for the arrival of the international coffee brand last month. Robert Graham, operations manager, became a training champion under the careful instruction of Starbucks mentors. Since then, he has held training sessions with other members of staff to ensure each coffee is prepared to the Starbucks standard. Robert comments, “We are proud to serve Starbucks coffee and the support the corporation is providing to UK Coffee Week is fantastic. Since we started serving Starbucks, coffee sales have soared. “The giant coffee brand has international recognition for its high standards and now that we are fully trained, we can ensure each coffee
we serve is up to scratch. We’ve even had nearby office workers walk over especially for a Starbucks coffee.” As part of UK Coffee Week from 7 – 14 April, Starbucks chains across the country will be donating 25p from every coffee sold, in a reusable cup, to the worthy cause. UK Coffee Week is the largest fundraising event for the UK coffee industry and aims to provide clean, safe water for everyone in coffee-producing countries. Thistle has three hotels in Aberdeen – The Caledonian, Aberdeen Airport and Aberdeen Altens. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. Aberdeen Altens also has an on-site leisure club and spa. Further information is available at www.thistle.com
Picture, Left to Right: Heather Kerr(Link Teacher), Jacqueline Garden, Thomas Deans, Lauren Scally, Christina McIntyre, Natalie Brewer, Kayleigh Murray, Luke Dawson, Chloe Kay, Emma Montgomery, Stevi-Lee Rennie, Amy Maguire, Allison Burnett (Link Teacher), Alan Taylor (Business Advisor)
was established to give young people a practical, hands-on experience which gives them a true understanding of how a business works and how wealth and employment are created. Participants gain experience of key business functions, including marketing, financial management, sales, customer care and HR, as well as practical experience of a range of
economic concepts, including the market, supply and demand, raising finance, cost, price, profit and competition. The YES Company Programme national finals will be held in Glasgow in June.
8 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Glasgow kids failing to get enough Vitamin D Scotland as a country has been blessed with many beautiful things, inventions, lochs, landscapes, mountains, Nessie and Irn Bru all spring to mind, however one thing we were not blessed with was a considerable amount of natural sunshine and apparently we’re desperate for it. It has been said that our lives might even depend on it. A new report has announced that Glasgow’s under fives are failing to receive enough Vitamin D in their nutritional diet. Deficiency in Vitamin D can have telling effects on a growing child and potentially can lead to irreversible illnesses such as rickets, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Some of the statistics released by the Vitamin D Mission say that the average toddler is only getting 27% percent of their daily dietary Vitamin D that they need for the healthy development of teeth and bones. Strangely enough the survey found that nearly half of all parents in the Glasgow area were unconcerned about
Well Would
You Look
At That!
the danger surrounding insufficient Vitamin D levels in a growing child. A lot of adults might be unsure as how to assert that a child has enough Vitamin D in their diet some of the foods that have plenty of Vitamin D are Fish, Eggs, certain varieties of butter or margarine will also give children the opportunity to gain their Vitamin D requirements each day. Breakfast cereal is also a great supplier of Vitamin D and it tends not to be as difficult to coerce kids into eating it as oily fish. It has been found that a lack of Vitamin D in Scotland through less exposure to the sun’s rays (UV) can be extremely harmful to everyone and has been linked to the lower life expectancy of people living in Glasgow. Glasgow experiences 30-50% percent less sunshine per day than the rest of the U.K due to the persistent low cloud cover and the almost guaranteed daily deluge of rainfall. As well as children there are several groups of the population also at risk of not getting enough Vitamin D. Pregnant, or breast feeding women,
Here at The Ayrshire News we’ve scoured the world weird web for some unusual facts to brighten up your day and astonish your friends.
people aged 65 or over, people who are not exposed to enough sun (the entire population of Scotland) and people who have darker skin such as African or South Asian should consider taking supplements or upping their Vitamin D intake. The website www.vitamind3uk.com when talking about Scotland’s need for more Vitamin D suggests that a lack of Vitamin D can be as harmful as a bad diet, smoking or even alcoholism. It has been found that even in summer 75% percent of Scots have Vitamin D deficiency and the number rises to 92% percent during the winter. It also suggests that “in many cases Vitamin D is now internationally
recognised as a major risk factor of chronic diseases.” Glasgow’s health has improved and people are aware of the health benefits and thankfully the sight of a child with rickets is very few and far between in comparison to the 1970’s although, with Vitamin D now being linked to serious illness in later life it is essential that people make sure they are getting their daily intake because in Scotland, sunshine is not guaranteed. For more information on the dangers of Vitamin D deficiency check http:// www.healthresearchforum.org.uk/ reports/scotland.pdf. By
Dreeva Vale
Cleo and Caesar were the early stage names of Cher and Sonny Bono. Al Capone’s business card said he was a used furniture dealer. The band Duran Duran got their name from an astronaut in the 1968 Jane Fonda movie Barbarella. Madrid is the only European capital city not situated on a river.
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Whyte as a sheet as Craig has castle repossessed Shamed ex Rangers owner Craig Whyte’s lavish lifestyle continues to unravel in spectacular fashion after another embarrassing day for the man the Rangers fans love to hate.
he had been summoned to court facing charges of failing to pay his ex wife £5000 pounds a month maintenance.
The man once lauded as the second coming of Rangers fans after a string of outlandish promises yesterday lost his castle after failing to keep up mortgage repayments.
HBOS had been actively trying to repossess the property for nearly a year with Craig Whyte repeatedly challenging the claims in court, however he finally ran out of steam and agreed to hand over the property.
The Highland castle belonging to the former Rangers owner was repossessed by HBOS after he had failed to keep up the £7000 a month mortgage. Whyte and his former wife Kim purchased Castle Grant for £720,000 in 2006 and promised to spend millions restoring it. Another of his fallacies that have came back to haunt him. The disgraced ex Rangers owner, who following the shambles at Rangers, actually feared for his life, Due to multiple threats by apoplectic Rangers fans, does not have his troubles to seek at the moment. Previously to the seizure of his castle,
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 9
His former housekeepers had also been convicted of stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods from the castle.
Amusingly Craig Whyte still had the audacity to fire a parting shot against the creditors and had spent several of the previous days removing some of the most valuable contents inside the fourteenth century castle. Even going as far as taking the oil drums and chandeliers however it has been reported that his beloved snooker table hadn’t been removed due to specialist removal firm failing to arrive in time. His failure to pay the mortgage follows a bitter court case where he was ordered to pay back investment firm Ticketus £17.7 million pounds.
He disputed the ruling and appealed, however he lost the appeal, was ordered to pay back the money loaned to him by the investment firm. Ticketus sued him because he failed to announce to them that he had previously been disqualified as a company director. Rangers fans hold Whyte responsible for the liquidation of the club. He bought Sir David Murray’s 85 per cent controlling shares in the Ibrox club for £1 in May 2011. Rangers went into administration in February 2012 and were liquidated in October 2012. By
Richard Garland
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10 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Driving theory Well Would Losing lbs & You Look test fees to fall At That! gaining ££s The cost of the driving theory test is set to be cut by 25 per cent under plans announced today by Transport Minister Stephen Hammond. The proposals, which could save learner drivers in excess of £100m over the next 9 years, are contained in a public consultation on changes to theory test fees. The plans would see the cost of a car driving theory test fall by £6 in October this year, taking the cost of a test from £31 to £25, with a further drop of £2 planned in October 2015. Transport Minister Stephen Hammond, said: “We are determined to keep motoring costs down, so we want to make sure theory tests offer the best value for money while continuing to meet rigorous standards. The theory test plays a vital role in making sure that new drivers know the Highway Code and the rules of the road and today’s announcement shows we are determined provide cost-effective services that keep our roads among the safest in the world.” Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Here at The Ayrshire News we’ve scoured the world weird web for some unusual facts to brighten up your day and astonish your friends.
Kerimski Church in Finland is world’s biggest church made of wood. (DVSA) Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples, said: “By agreeing new contract arrangements for the delivery of theory tests we have secured significant cost savings, and it is right that we pass these savings on to our customers. We want to make sure that we continue to keep pace with customers’ needs and deliver services in a way which is both convenient and cost effective.” The consultation launched today also sets out proposed reductions for motorcycle, bus and lorry theory tests. The consultation closes on 15 May and is available to view on GOV.UK.
The Dutch town of Leeuwarden can be spelled 225 different ways The name of Soweto in South Africa is derived from SOuth WEst TOwnship. The characters Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in Frank Capra’s “Its A Wonderful Life”
On 24th February 2014 members at Slimming World Barlanark began their Slim For Good campaign aiming to lose lbs whilst gaining ££s for their local charity. With one week left to go their total loss so far is a fantastic 340lbs which will no doubt raise a great deal of money for their chosen charity of MacMillan Cancer Support. With each Slimming World Group being able to choose different great causes or charities the impact this campaign has will be widely felt across the UK. Consultant Lyndsay says “The great thing about Slim For Good is it not only encourages members to stick to plan and help
them get closer to target, but they are doing something great for the community at the same time. Our group chose MacMillan because they do an amazing job at supporting patients and their families and is a charity close to many members’ hearts”. Members have slimmed down having a wide variety of foods from casseroles, pastas, curries and even homemade burger and chips! “I’m so proud of how well everyone is doing and how well they are being supported. I can’t wait to see the final results and just know we will have raised a great amount of money for such a worthy cause”.
Marking 25 years as a Landlord - 1988 – 2013 For more information or to request a housing application form please contact us on:
Tel: 0141 881 0595
Email: admin@rosehillhousing.co.uk or call into our office at 250 Peat Rd, Pollok, G53 6SA
www.rosehillhousing.co.uk Office Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm Friday 9 am to 4 pm
We have almost 1000 high quality homes for rent in Craigbank, Househillwood, Nitshill and Priesthill. Our houses range from 1 to 4 bedrooms and from flats to semi-detached houses, catering for the needs of singles, couples, families, older people and people with disabilities. We have a proven track record of excellent customer service including completing 98% of repairs on time.
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 11
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Prison bosses close 80 Facebook accounts
WIN! WIN! WIN!
It has been found out that prison bosses in Scotland have shut down 80 Facebook pages in the past year.
Crafty cons had been updating their social media sites using smuggled in smartphones. Convicts have even used the smuggled items to taunt their victims of to get in contact with fellow criminals. There were 118 allegations last year of criminals behind bars having access to social media websites and some were being regularly updated. It was found that Shotts high security prison in Lanarkshire came out top of the shame list, with an enormous 21 accounts being shut down following 27 allegations. HMP Aberdeen was second on the list, many of the prisoners have boasted about having an easy time in jail and even boasted about taking drugs in their jail cell. Its not the first time that criminals have managed to smuggle counterfeit items into prison as murderer Imran ‘Baldy’ Shahid released pictures of himself saying that he was coming for the people who attacked him in jail
Baldy who was jailed for life for the racially motivated murder of Kriss Donald released menacing pictures of himself and said that he was ready and coming for them. A total of 250 accounts have now been shut down since the Scottish Prison Service launched a Facebook crackdown in November 2010. Laws introduced that year also mean anyone caught with a mobile phone can have up to two years added to their sentence. Signal blocking technology costing £1million was installed last month at Shotts and HMP Glenochil in Clackmannanshire. By
Now thats what I call music 87!
Everybody has fond memories of unwrapping the latest Now That’s What I Call Music compilation album. Finding your favourite song amongst a collection of soon to be new favourites. Now That’s What I Call Music 87 yup the grand old age of 87. Yes we are that old. For a chance to win one of three copies of this amazing album just answer this question
Explain Einstein’s theory of relativity. Nah just kidding, answer this question, what number has the Now That’s What I Call Music compilation reached? Answers on a postcard to our new address West Of Scotland Media, Suite 2/6, Brook St Studios, Glasgow, G40 2AB
Richard Garland
CARNTYNE New Times High Carntyne Church Hall 358 Carntynehall Road Friday 9.30am & 11.30am Tel: Kathleen 07805 855 689
GLASGOW CITY CENTRE GROUP Now as 2nd Oct 21 Bath St G2 1HW Wednesday 12-2pm Tel: 0141 573 3580 YMCA Tollcross Road Wednesday 10am, 12noon, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Gillian 07738 972 226 PARKHEAD Calton Parkhead Church Helenvale Street Thursday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Kathleen 07805 855 689
DENNISTOUN Our Lady of Good Counsel (Hall) Craigpark Thursday 7pm Tel: Margaret 0141 763 1659 SHETTLESTON Methodist Church Hall 1104 Shettleston Road Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Ann Marie 0141 573 3580 CRANHILL St Maria Goretti 259 Bellrock Street Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Gillian 07751 014 183
BAILLIESTON St Andrews Parish Church, The Old Hall (Behind Morrisons) 2 Bredisholm Road Wed 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Ann Marie 0141 573 3580 BRIDGETON St Francis in the East 26 Queen Mary Drive Wednesday 7pm Tel: Sharon 07909 661 574
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OPENS MONDAY 30th Dec Calvay centre, 16 calvay road Barlanark G33 4RE Mondays 7.30pm Tel: Lyndsay 07817 1044492
RIDDRIE St. Enoch’s Church Hall Smithycroft Road Wednesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Angela 0141 781 9109 EASTERHOUSE Easterhouse Masonic Hall Lochdochart Rd, Easterhouse Thursday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Carrina 0141 781 1694 St Benedict Chapel Hall Westerhouse Road Monday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Carrina 0141 781 1694
12 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 13
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Worlds Biggest Airliner Touches Down In Glasgow
This important milestone signals the first time a Scottish airport has ever welcomed an A380, the world’s largest commercial aircraft, which stands over 24 metres high and with a wingspan of nearly 80 metres. Thousands of spectators from across the country turned out to gather at the airport’s perimeter and witness the giant aircraft’s landing first-hand.
The Dubai-bound A380 arrived captained by Scottish-born Iain Weir. 476 passengers were on-board including: Emirates’ Senior Divisional Vice President Commercial Operations West, Hubert Frach; and University of Glasgow graduate and Emirates’ Vice President, Dr Brendan Carr. Both made the special journey to Glasgow from Dubai today to formally mark the momentous occasion. Speaking at the official reception held at the airport, Hubert Frach said: “As
the world’s largest A380 operator, we feel privileged to mark this historic milestone in Glasgow, which also represents a historic milestone for Scotland, as it welcomes an A380 into the region for the first time.” Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government has been a supporter of this important link from the outset and you need only look at the passenger numbers to see how successful the route has become. The service provides a real boost
Gnome sweet gnome A pair of stolen gnomes have found their way home after police discovered 33 of them in car last week. The lonely gnomes have been reunited with their owners after police released a statement begging people to get in touch if they have had their garden ornaments nicked.
In one of the strangest stories of the week, police in Aberdeenshire opened up a car to discover that thirty three of the colourful ornaments had been hidden in the car boot. Unfortunately thirty one of the gnomes are still without homes and
Airport guests had the opportunity to embark on a static tour of the A380 giant once it had landed where they could see first-hand some of the aircraft’s unique features including the Business Class On-board Lounge;
the First Class signature Shower Spa, with a state-of-the-art shower system; and the First Class Private Suites. As the Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay, the one-off A380 has been kitted out with a new decal reflecting the airline’s commitment to Glasgow and Scotland.
Its Official Men Can’t Clean! New research conducted by Karcher has revealed something that every woman knows, men can’t clean.
haven’t been let out of the sight of officers who recovered them.
They are believed to have been snatched on a gnome robbing spree between Wednesday April 2nd and Thursday April 3rd last week. A police spokeswoman said in regards to the homeless gnomes “anyone who has recently lost their gnomes to contact them on their 101 nonemergency number”.
“Inquiries are still ongoing to trace the owners of the other 31 gnomes
New contraception available
A new three year contraception will be available from the beginning of April which will help woman who arent happy with their current form of contraception. Jaydess will
for Scotland’s economy, improving connectivity from both a business and tourism standpoint, and what better way to celebrate this achievement than welcoming the world’s largest commercial airliner – the A380 – to Scotland for the first time.”
be available to woman for the first time after the Government aimed to cut the amount of unwanted pregnancies in the UK.
and officers have said “three men are currently helping them with their inquiries.”
Constable Jack Saville said: “A total of 33 gnomes and garden ornaments are believed to have been taken from a variety of addresses in the Aberdeenshire area overnight between Wednesday and Thursday last week. “We are keen to trace the owners of these items.” By
Greg Kelly
More than half of all the woman surveyed who live with their partner said that they can’t trust their other half with the cleaning chores. Rather hilariously two thirds of women have admitted to going back over the cleaning after the men in their life have abjectly failed, some even doing it, immediately after their partner has finished. Some of the gripes mentioned on the cleaning shortfalls are dusting round objects, wipe crumbs on the floor, failing to correctly clean the dishes, failing to ever clean the shower, leaving smears on windows or mirrors and destroying washing by mixing colours. Scotland and Ayrshire are home to the most prolific house cleaners in the UK with the people questioned admitting to tidying on a daily basis. TV interior design expert Naomi Cleaver, of DIY SOS and Other People’s Houses “As an interior
designer, a home’s appearance is very important to me and I understand how house-proud people are. I’m not surprised to learn more than half of women judge people on the cleanliness of their homes. Beautiful windows can help you to create the perfect first impression of your home.
14 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
COMPETITIVE FIXED FEE SALES PACKAGES AVAILABLE
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NEW LANDLORDS NO UPFRONT COSTS 24•7 Property
will be featured on Homes Under the Hammer on Thursday 24th April
24•7 PROPERTY SELL WITH PROPERTY TELEVISION STARS 24•7 were recently invited by the BBC to appear on the popular and well respected television show ‘Homes Under the Hammer’.
The programme focuses on properties that are bought at auction, with local agents being asked to give their expert opinion on the value of the property in its current condition, and again to give their valuation when the property has been refurbished. With the show due to be broadcast 24th April, on BBC1, 24•7 Property’s Area Manager (and star), Allan Bate said “It was a great honour to be asked to participate in such a popular television programme”. Mr Bate said with enthusiasm “24•7 Property were first contacted by the BBC in December, to see if we were interested in appearing on the show. They were hoping we would give our valuation on a property located in Glasgow’s East End. Having the expertise that only we, as a local property agent, can acquire, we were extremely
happy to be associated with something as prestigious as Homes Under The Hammer”.
When questioned regarding the Homes Under The Hammer property and its value after the refurbishment. Mr Bate was being tight lipped as not to spoil the surprise. He did however mention that “it was a two bedroom apartment located in Barlanark and before refurbishment was around the £40,000 pounds mark.” To find out the price of the refurbished apartment tune in to BBC1’s “Homes Under The Hammer” on the 24th of April at 10am If you are thinking of selling or letting your property, 24•7 Property have amazing competitive fixed fee sales packages available, and are currently offering a deal where they have a NO TAKE ON FEE for new landlords. Contact Joe for Sales or Mark for Letting on 0141 764 1845 or come and see us in the office at 1257 Shettleston Road, Glasgow G32 7NG.
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11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 15
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BULLETIN BOARD
East Renfrewshire Council Rewarded for Services Focus on children at a very early age and plans for services to help those children with their development.
There was also praise for the Barrhead Foundry – the council’s community hub that is under development – that will meet the educational needs of the wider community with its learning zone and library facilities.
The education department at East Renfrewshire Council has received an award for the high standard of its services.
report are:
programme for pupils.
Strong commitment to putting everyone who uses the department’s services at the heart of service delivery.
It has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence award by external assessors.
Real attempts to gain the views of those using the service.
Providing people – pupils, parents and others – with information via a variety channels, including a growing use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and the web.
A number of practices were judged to be ‘exceptional’. Among the highlights in the assessors’
Putting in place arrangements with other organisations that have proven benefits for pupils – eg working with colleges and private companies to provide an enhanced vocational
Commitment to wide consultation – including pupil and parents’ forums.
Modest Paul – who was nominated by a colleague - said: “I am totally surprised and absolutely delighted at this.
pupils have been working on include creating a tidal turbine to generate electricity, building a wave generator, and looking at ‘science on the menu’, which tests the effect different foods have on the senses.
High performance Renfrewshire’s schools.
of
East
Top UK award for teacher An East Renfrewshire primary school teacher has won a major UK award for championing science in the classroom. Paul Tyler, who teaches at Mearns Primary School in Newton Mearns, is the only Scottish recipient of the honour. The delighted teacher has won £1000 and a further £1000 for his school. Paul’s prestigious Primary Science Teacher Award is from the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). Only a maximum of 25 are given out per year across the UK. Since the awards were launched 12 years ago, Paul is only the sixth teacher in a Scottish school to win.
“It is great for the school and hopefully it will help to raise the profile of the benefits of science teaching in primary schools. It’s a brilliant opportunity to promote the good work that we do. “We have worked hard to bring science into the classroom and are always looking at new and exciting things we can do. “The pupils absolutely love it and anything we can do to get them interested in science, we will try. If the children are enthused and excited, then we have done our job.” Among the science projects Mearns
And, inspired by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, they will be looking at the science of sport by choosing an athlete, looking at what has made them a successful sportsman or woman, and following them right through to the Games this summer. East Renfrewshire schools have embraced the national Science Champions scheme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and National Science Learning Centre in York.
Also highlighted was the planned new pioneering £3.4m family centre for the Auchenback area of Barrhead. This will have provision for children aged from birth to five and will also support parents. It will also be a community hub where the council will work with other agencies for the benefit of the areas. A third area of good practice included in the report was the new £29m Eastwood High School and sports centre, one of the first in Scotland built under the groundbreaking Scottish Futures Trust ‘schools for the future’ programme, which saw the council build the school in tandem with another local authority. Sharing contractors,
Under the programme, each primary school nominates at least one teacher as a ‘science champion’. They receive training and resources to allow them to further train and support fellow teachers in their school to bring science projects into class. Now in its second year, it has been a huge success in East Ren, giving teachers without a science background the confidence and knowledge to teach the subject and get children interested in science subjects. It is the only local authority area in Scotland to have science champions in every one of its primary schools. Paul said: “We’ve seen a huge difference since the introduction of
suppliers and designers resulted in significant savings.
The assessors found: “The education department were found to have a deep understanding of, and commitment to, Customer Service Excellence. The commitment was displayed from senior management levels through to operations and front-line staff. Members of the council’s education committee today welcomed the findings. Convener for education and equalities, Councillor Elaine Green, said: “Our education services are among the best in the country and this award is recognition of that. We are not complacent however and we will continue to strive for the highest standards. Congratulations to everyone in our education department who has contributed to this achievement. It is outstanding to be acknowledged on so many fronts.” School pupils from Barrhead High were among those spoken to by the assessors for their views on education services.
Science Champions. Everyone has benefited from it in schools. If we can get them interested in science at a younger age, they are more likely to continue with the subject at secondary, which is important.” Paul will be presented with his award at a PSTT conference at Manchester University in June. He will also be made Fellow of the Primary Science Teacher College, which means Mearns Primary will be able to apply for PSTT College funding to support their projects. The PSTT awards are endorsed by the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Meterological Society, The Geological Society, the Institute of Physics and the Society of Biology.
16 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS ROUNDUP
Oscar Pistorious describes moment of killing
Oscar Pistorius has described the moment he fired shots at his bathroom door, killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Mr Pistorius spoke at his trial saying that he had heard noises coming from the bathroom adjoining his bedroom and believed that an intruder was coming out. ‘Before I knnew it, I had fired four shots at the door’ Mr Pistorius said from the stand at the Johannesberg court before breaking down in tears.
The trial was adjourned as Mr Pistorius was deemed unable to continue giving testemony. Mr Pistorius, a double amputee Olympic athlete known as the ‘Blade Runner’ denies deliberately shooting Ms Steenkamp, instead claiming that he beleived her to be an intruder and fired shots with that belief. Mr Pistorius faces life imprisonment if he is found guilty of having murdered Ms Steenkamp, whom he shot and killed on Valentines day 2013. By
Lauren Black
Venezuelan government agree to talks with opposition to end unrest
The ruling Venezuelan government headed by President Nicolas Maduro has agreed to hold “formal talks” with opposition parties who are representing the antigovernment movement which has been involved in running battles in the city of Caracas, in which at least 39 people have died so far. The talks, which the opposition party has demanded be broadcast live on television and radio, will take place in a setting which President Maduro has described as “public” without disclosing if the talks will in fact be broadcast. After successful preliminary talks on Tuesday of last week, the opposition party known as the Democratic Unity Coalition and the government have
agreed to meet in a more formal setting with mediators from the Vatican and the South American body Unasur. The opposition are calling for an end to the quasi socialist system known as “Bolivarian Socialism” which was set up by President Maduro’s predecessor and revolutionary, Hugo Chavez. A system which is renowned for penalizing the middle classes and the educated elite. President Maduro has reneged any possibility of the system changing under his watch saying in a press conference ahead of the talks: “This is not a negotiation, nor a deal with anyone. What we will have is a debate, a dialogue, which is different. Neither will we try and convert them [the opposition] to Bolivarian socialism, nor will they convert us to capitalism,” By
Michael McDaid
Pennsylvania school stabbing wounds 22 A student at a high school in Pennsylvania, USA, has stabbed 21 of his fellow students and a security guard in a horrific 30 minute rampage of what seems to be a random outburst of violence. The student who carried out the attack has been named as 16 year old Alex Hirbal. The attack at Franklin Regional High School in the small suburban middle class town of Murrysville, just outside Pittsburgh, occurred at 7am in the morning, before the school day began. Hirbal allegedly began lashing out at anyone he came in contact with in the hallways of the school, stabbing 21 pupils and a security guard. According to the doctor on call at the local hospital, several of those brought in for treatment had “life threatening injuries” with one student having allegedly been “eviscerated”. Hirbal carried out the brutal attack on students and staff until the vice principal, Sam King, tackled and wrestled Hirbal to the ground,
relieving him of the two knives he had been using to carry out the attack.
injured and I hope they recover quickly.”
Hirbal is to stand trial as an adult due to the seriousness of his crimes, he is to be charged with four counts of attempted murder and 21 charges of aggravated assault, preliminary hearings are to be held within the next seven to ten days.
As of yet investigators have no indication as to the motive for the attacks, with people that knew Hirbal reacting with disbelief with one close friend of his older brother saying:
On Wednesday night, Hirbal’s father spoke to the media saying: “My prayers are with the people
Nato warns Russia of further escalation, relations chill further Nato has issued an ultimatum to Russia, saying that further intervention in the Ukrainian border regions would be a “historic mistake”. Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in an interview that he ‘urge[s] Russia to step back’ before it makes a ‘historic mistake’. This statement comes after pro-Russian militia forces in eastern Ukraine have seized regional government buildings in the cities of Kharkiv and Luhansk. Last week Ukrainian authorities issued a statement saying that the pro Russian militias must vacate the buildings or they will be forcibly removed, alluding to the possible use of deadly force. US Secretary of state John Kerry has blamed Russia for attempting to escalate the crisis in Ukraine through
the use of ‘special forces and other agents’ Finland and Sweden, two countries who remained neutral during the cold war have now according to reliable sources began discussions with Nato in regards to joining, this comes after a former close advisor to Vladimir Putin, a Mr Illarionov, released a statement saying that Putin wants to restore Russia’s territories that it held during the imperial and soviet ages, also saying that Putin wanted to reclaim Finland for Russia. The Swedish minister for defence has also implied that Russia is gearing up for war and that a Russian sortee which flew into Swedish airspace last Easter on a practice bombing run was a probe of the Scandinavian nations defences, in preparation for an actual attack. Nato defences in the Baltic states has
“He was just a normal average kid, there are 10 other kids I would pick ahead of Alex to do something like this” By
Garry Smith
been bolstered in response to Russian posturing in the region with increased activity in the number of Russian warplanes flying over the region. The US has responded to this by stationing a squadron of F-15 fighter bombers in a former Soviet airbase in Lithuania, with a dozen other nations offering assistance to help patrol the border regions with Russia, including the UK, Sweden, Denmark and France. High level meetings are scheduled to take place this week between Russian and US officials, where it is believed that the main points of discussion will be the de-escalation of the Ukrainian situation, talks of further pressure on Russia via sanctions and the energy supply to Europe from Russia. By
Michael McDaid
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 17
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NATIONAL NEWS ROUNDUP
Ian Watkins accomplice, Joanne Mjadzelics to face trial
Joanne Mjadzelics, Watkins former girlfriend , from Doncaster, has been charged in relation to the Ian Watkins pedophile probe case. Ms Mjadzelics has been charged with a total of six counts of possessing and distributing indecent images of children and one count of encouraging another to distribute indecent images. Ms Mjadzelics appeared at Newport Crown Court via video link on Monday the 7th of this month. Her trial has been set to commence on the 8th of September. Ian Watkins, former lead singer for the band “The Lost Prophets”, was conviceted and jailed last year after admitting to the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, alongside a number of other heinous sexual offences against children. By
Lauren Black
Irish President in historic Royal visit
Last week the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins made a historic state visit to the UK, the first Irish head of state to do so. President Higgins is being accompanied by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore. The president was greeted by members of the Royal Family including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge at the Irish Embassy in London, before heading to Windsor Castle to meet the Queen and Prince Philip. Later in the day, President Higgins addressed both Houses of Parliament, yet another historic first, after meeting Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. In President Higgins address to
Westminster, he spoke of the ‘immense pride’ both the UK and Ireland should take in their work towards peace in Northern Ireland, going on to say that there was ‘still a road to be traveled’ to reach lasting peace. Ahead of the visit, President Higgins said that Anglo Irish relations were at ‘an all time high’ but warned that there was still ‘significant work’ to be done to secure peace in Northern Ireland President Higgins state visit to the UK follows the Queen’s historic visit to the Republic of Ireland three years ago, the first monarch to do so since the creation of the independent Irish state after the Easter Rising in 1916. At a royal banquet in Buckingham Palace, which was held in his honour, the Queen hailed the UK and Ireland
SFRS battles Peaches Geldof found Perthshire dead aged 25 Fire Firefighters have been battling a fire at a farm in Perthshire, where 350 tonnes of dry straw was set ablaze by a tractor fire.
The fire began with a tractor catching fire and then spread to a barn holding around 350 tonnes of dry straw for feed. Crews were on the scene from Sunday afternoon until midday on Tuesday in order to control the blaze which had the potential to start a wild fire in the nearby wooded area.
Peaches Geldof, daughter of Live Aid organizer and rock musician Bob Geldof was found dead at her home in Kent on Monday of last week.
Peaches who was the mother of two infant children was found dead at her home on the afternoon of the 7th, Peaches, who was an avid twitter user posted a photograph of herself as an infant in her mothers arms the night before her death with the caption ‘Me and my mum’. Peaches mother, Paula
as ‘neighbours and friends, who were becoming better friends’ She also said that the two nations should ‘no longer allow our past to ensare our future’ Mr Higgins spoke of the Queens visit saying: ‘I think the Queen in coming to Ireland and addressing for example issues of relations between our two peoples was doing it the right way.’ At the time of the Queens visit to Ireland, Sinn Fein did not engage with the Royals for political reasons, however last Tuesday, Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who is a former Provisional IRA commander attended a banquet hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle and personally toasted the Queen in a speech he gave. By
Michael McDaid
Bob Geldof, Peaches father has released a statement saying: ‘Peaches has died. We are beyond pain, she was the wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and most bonkers of all of
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said last week that the UK’s economy will see the fastest level of growth out of all of the G7 countries this year.
The IMF predicts that the UK economy will grow by 2.9% in 2014, an improvement on the previous prediction made in January of 2.4%, the IMF also predicts a 2.5% increase in 2015. Despit these optimistic predicitons for the UK economy, the IMF has warned that the growth in the UK has been unbalanced, with a marked lack of performance in the business investment sector and the export market. This economic growth is amid the back drop of a strenghtened global economy, which the IMF has forecast to grow by 3.6% this year and 3.9% in 2015. Chancellor George Osborne has reacted to the 2.9% growth prediction saying that it is ‘proof that the economic plan is working’. Mr Osborne also went on to attack the Labour party criticizing ‘growth deniers in the Labour party’ who he claimed were ‘intent on talking down the British economy” Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls responded to Mr Osbornes comments stating that the IMF was ‘right to warn about an unbalanced recovery’ and went on to accuse the government of ‘complacently trying to claim that everything was going well’ However, despite these optimistic predictions, the IMF says that it continues to see risks among emerging economies and warns of low levels of inflation in advanced economies and possible geopolitical issues influencing growth and recovery. By
Brendan Doherty
RAF Apache makes emergency landing outisde Aberdeen
An RAF helicopter which was taking part in Nato’s Operation Joint Warrior training excercise, was forced to make an emergency landing in a field on the outskirts of Aberdeen on Monday the 7th of this month.
Yates died of an accidental heroin overdose in 2000. A Kent Police spokesperson said on Monday night: ‘Ath this stage, the death is being treated as an unexplained sudden death. Officers are working to establish the circumstances around her death.’
UK economy to lead G7 growth in 2014
us. Writing ‘was’ destroys me afresh. What a beautiful child. How is this possible that we will never see her again? How is that bearable? We loved her and we will cherish her forever. How sad that sentence is.’ Peaches Geldof leaves behind two sons, Astala, one and Phaedra, who is due to turn one this month and husband, Thomas Cohen.
Aberdeen International airport was put on full emergency alert, however the Apache gunship was able to make a safe landing in a field away from any dwellings or business’. Both the pilot and navigator aboard the Apache came away from the incident unscathed. It is believed that a mechanical issue forced the plane to land. By
Lauren Black
18 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Janice Stevens Independent Funeralcare Says Thank You
It has been six months since Janice Stevens Independent Funeralcare opened their doors in Tollcross, with the aim to serve those suffering bereavement, with a more personal, caring and compassionate service. Since opening, Janice Stevens Independent Funeralcare has endeavoured to provide a supportive and comforting service to those who have unfortunately been bereaved, with a more personalised touch as only an independent
service can provide, catering to customers needs in a stressful and emotionally difficult period with compassion and empathy. Partners Janice and Stephen realised that it would take time before they would see families seek them out, but they have both been truly
overwhelmed by the response not only by local people in the east end but also by many families from across the whole of the city, who have chosen to use their services after the loss of their loved ones.
bespoke requests, from vintage hearses, horse drawn carriages. the releasing of doves and balloons to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. We have also been asked to carry out re-patriations from home and abroad.
“The last few months have flown by” said Stephen, “and we have accommodated many families
“With many funerals we receive thank you cards from families for our services provided, before, during and
Our aim is to offer those in and around Glasgow a more caring and personal service. We realise options may vary in style and cost, but support and guidance in making those decisions is what we do best. We endeavour to keep costs affordable to all, yet maintaining an extremely dignified and highly professional service for you and your loved ones.
after the ceremony takes place” said Janice, “but we would like to take the opportunity to thank families who have put their trust in ourselves to carry out the funeral arrangements of their loved ones. We have been very proud and honoured to serve each and every one of our families.”
• Arrangements made in the comfort and privacy of your own home • Affordable funerals for all • Male & Female Arrangers/Directors • Assistance for those eligible to access Social Funding • Private Rest Rooms
Should you require our services now or in the future, please contact: Janice Stevens • 979 Tollcross Road • Glasgow G32 8UU Tel: 0141 778 3697 Or visit our website at: www.independentfuneralcare.com
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 19
www.glasgow-news.com increase in free childcare, particularly for those from the poorest backgrounds. And last week Nicola Sturgeon’s desperate explanation was exposed as misleading by her own Government’s civil servants.
Margaret Curran MP When the SNP Government published its Independence White Paper late last year, it was supposed to be a game-changer. It would answer all the questions, fill in all the blanks and settle all the arguments.
In reality, it posed far more questions than it answered. What currency would we use? How much would the spending commitments cost? And we still don’t know why over £1.3m of taxpayers’ money was spent producing and promoting a document that amounts to little more than a glorified SNP manifesto – even Alex Salmond has admitted that it simply sets out SNP policies. But one question rang louder than all others. With childcare already fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament why wait until after Independence to implement the ‘childcare revolution’ set out in the White Paper? Faced with mounting criticism, Nicola Sturgeon confidently asserted that they had to wait until after separation because they didn’t want the UK Treasury to benefit. Presumably that was why SNP MSP’s voted down a Scottish Labour amendment that would have seen a massive
Their analysis found that Scotland has far too few economically inactive parents for the policy to even come close to sustaining itself, meaning that it would cost hundreds of millions of pounds a year more than the White Paper claimed. This is no real surprise given that the SNP Government has admitted that it has done no economic modelling of the plan. Just like with the currency, pensions, shipbuilding and jobs, the childcare policy is yet another example of the SNP asking the Scottish people to trust them and not the facts. The decision we will take in September is too important for that. So when an academic survey shows that 90% of businesses think the costs and risks outweigh the benefits of separation, it is not enough for the SNP to simply say they’re wrong. And when large employers say they would seriously consider moving down south if there was a Yes vote, it is just not credible to dismiss them as bullies. If the Yes Campaign has answers to the concerns being raised then it should tell us them, because right now the silence is deafening.
Commuters can access the 213/A timetable by visiting www.spt.co.uk/bus or calling 01698 713007. Margaret Curran MP Member of Parliament for Glasgow East Constituency Office, Academy House 1346 Shettleston Road, Glasgow G32 9AT Margaret.curran.mp@parliament.uk Tel:0141 778 8993
Margaret Curran MP
with any other audience. Why should we have debates like this in prisons if prisoners do not get the vote? In the long run these folk will return to our communities and we will all benefit if they feel part of wider society and take on the responsibilities which they failed to do in the past. Sure prison is about punishment; but it also has to be about rehabilitation.
John Mason MSP So who had the crazy idea of blowing up the Red Road Flats at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games? I’ve heard of wanting the party to go with a bang but this is ridiculous! Of course, the flats have to come down and most of us have a certain fascination with such destruction on a massive scale. But these were people’s homes. Hundreds of families have memories of happy times, struggles, births and deaths all linked to these flats. So there has to be an element of sadness when they go. Clearly there are mixed views on this but my feeling is this is not appropriate for the Games opening ceremony. On Monday 7th I took part in a debate on independence in Shotts Prison. About 25 attended (all voluntarily!). The subjects covered included the pound, EU membership, defence – just as
Contact me via… Telephone: 0141 550 4327 Mobile: 0787 943 0877 Email: john.mason.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Web: www.john-mason.org
1st Friday of the Month
Carmyle Community Centre, Hillcrest Road The Bridge, Easterhouse
Constituency Office 1335 Gallowgate Parkhead Cross Glasgow G31 4DN
1st Saturday of the Month
St Andrew’s Secondary School, Torphin Crescent, Carntyne St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Baillieston
3rd Friday of the Month 10am
Parkhead Housing Association
Online Surgery Email:
margaret.curran.mp@parliament.uk
There will be no surgeries held during school/bank holidays I also offer specialist surgeries throughout the year for young people, schools and others as requested. Please contact me for more details.
5 ways to contact Margaret Write: Academy House 1346 Shettleston Road Glasgow G32 9AT
Phone: 0141 778 8993
Email: margaret.curran.mp@parliament.uk
Tweet: @Margaret_Curran
Web:
http://margaretcurran.org/
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston. Scottish National Party (SNP) Constituency Office: 1335 Gallowgate, Parkhead Cross Glasgow G31 4DN E: john.mason.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 0141 550 4327
SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston
Advice Surgery Details
10am 11.15am
John Mason MSP
JOHN MASON MSP
Your MP for Glasgow East
10am 11.15am
The previous Monday over 100 people attend an independence meeting in St Mungo’s Academy. The panel included Blair Jenkins (Yes campaign), Christina McKelvie (SNP MSP), Carolyn Leckie (former SSP MSP), and Andrew Wilson (Labour for Independence). The audience asked loads of questions on pensions, currency, the present gap between richer and poorer, etc. One question asked by the panel to the audience was how many knew people who had switched from definitely No towards Yes or undecided. Many said they knew such people but very few had seen people going the other way. This tends to show that the more people find out about independence, the more they are inclined to support it. If you would like a local meeting to ask questions about independence, let me know, and we can set it up.
SURGERY DETAILS 1st Monday of the month 2pm—Calton Heritage & Learning Centre, 423 London Road, G40 1AG 6pm—Garrowhill Community Centre, 35 Maxwell Drive, G69 6HY 2nd Monday of the month 2pm—Baillieston Library, 141 Main Street, G69 6AA 3rd Monday of the month 2pm—Bridgeton Library, Olympia Building, Bridgeton Cross, G40 2BJ 4th Monday of the month 2pm—Shettleston Library, 154 Wellshot Road, G32 7AZ 6pm—Carmyle Community Centre, 28 Hillcrest Road, G32 8AG Surgeries every Friday evening, 5-7pm at my Parkhead Constituency office. No appointment necessary for surgeries. No surgeries during school or public holidays.
The Glasgow Shettleston constituency includes the communities of Auchenshuggle, Baillieston, Barlanark, Barrowfield, Braidfauld, Bridgeton, Broomhouse, Calton, Camlachie, Carmyle, Dalmarnock, Fullarton, Garrowhill, Lilybank, Mount Vernon, Parkhead, Sandyhills, Shettleston, Reidvale, Springhill, Swinton, Tollcross, Gallowgate and Glasgow Green.
20 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Petition to stop the Commonwea The Glasgow City Council (GCC) and the Commonwealth Games committee are to hold talks with former Scottish Socialist MSP, Carolyn Leckie, who leads the campaign against demolishing the Red Road flats as part of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on the 23rd of July this year.
The planned demolition on the day of the opening ceremony is intended to be broadcast live on the 100 foot wide screen in Celtic Park where the opening ceremony is being held, alongside a worldwide broadcast on television across the globe. The organizers for the Commonwealth Games
opening ceremony believe that the demolition of the Red Road tower blocks will symbolize the transformation that Glasgow has undergone in the time since they were built, from depressing utilitarian housing projects such as the Red Road flats and other high rise, high concentration housing experiments, to planned housing estates with sufficient amenities for the people who live in them.
The five blocks of flats which are planned to be demolished, were built in the 1960’s and at the time held the title of being the tallest buildings in Europe, the buildings have been derelict and prepared for demolition for the past year, with only one of the six blocks remaining inhabited and
scheduled for demolition later this year.
However at the time of writing, 13,000 people have signed a petition, decrying the plans to use the demolition as a public spectacle. With former Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie leading a campaign to postpone the demolition of the flats to a time when it wasn’t for entertainment.
The petition which has been addressed to the sports minister Shona Robison and the GCC states: ‘Stop the plan to demolish the Red Road flats as part of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony” The petitions reasoning is clarified in its body stating “The homes and communities of families should be demolished with dignity. If the flats
are not fit for ‘human’ habitation, the message to the residents (asylum seeking families) in the remaining block is that they are not human enough to deserve decent housing.”
Despite this criticism of the opening ceremony spectacle which would be unmatched anywhere else, the Red Road flats have a historic reputation as a failed experiment in high density housing. With the dawning of the 1970’s, the optimism of the residents who had been moved from overcrowded tenement housing into the then state of the art tower blocks had waned, and the towers had become synonymous with social decay and had begun to cultivate the reputation for anti social
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 21
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alth Games starting with a bang crime, which the Red Road flats would become inseparably attached to as the years went on.
By the 1980’s public opinion had changed dramatically on the issue of high rise housing, which was increasingly being seen as a post war housing experiment which had gone drastically wrong, there were a number of issues which have retrospectively been attributed to their decline of the Red Road flats including; the lack of nearby amenities for the residents, an almost non existent bus service to and from the estate and their positioning within the city at the time, making the Red Road flats seem as though they were separate from the rest of the city.
The lack of nearby amenities contributed to the high level of disaffection among the young people who called the flats home, which contributed to high levels of drug use, muggings and other serious crime, which would continue to blight the towers until the residents were moved into accommodation elsewhere.
The Glasgow News spoke to former Scottish Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie, who is leading the campaign to cancel the opening ceremony demolition who believes that the councils plans are flawed saying: ‘It’s disrespecting the fact that people have memories of the flats both good and bad and it
sends a horrible message to the people still living in the remaining tower. I think it’s discriminatory against them since the derelict buildings aren’t considered fit for human habitation
were a failed housing experiment of the post war years and that their demolition should be celebrated by Glasgow as a whole, Ms Leckie said:
‘It might be, but without the council looking for something spectacular they wouldn’t have been blown up at the same time and it goes against the current policy of the GHA, which is to do these demolitions quietly, they did one last month in the Gorbals overnight so as not to draw a crowd.”
Ms Leckie also said that the idea of ‘universal celebration was a very uncomplicated image’ and that the demolition of the flats will be ‘an emotionally complex situation as it was with the tenements before them.’
Ms Leckie also responded to the idea that such a demolition will always be a public spectacle saying:
“Not everyone will see it as a celebration, a lot of people were happy there and don’t want it turned into a piece of entertainment broadcast all over the world.”
In response to the claims that the Red Road flats
Carolyn Leckie
By
Michael McDaid
22 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
Star Signs
Joan Charles
I am delighted to be delivering your stars although; I won’t be doing them in the traditional way, as I am not an astrologer. For many years I have provided the stars using Tarot cards and that is what I will be doing here so, I guess in a sense they should be called, Taroscopes. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy what the cards have to say.
Aries
Looks like you may be the centre of attention and loving every minute of it – I’m sensing this is in a works environment and perhaps you have something good to offer in the way of information. Whatever the case you’ll be on top form.
Taurus
Finances are on the agenda as you cast an eye over them to ensure that they are running smoothly and everything is how it should be. Money is not your God but you do like to keep a check on it.
Gemini
You are the master of your own destiny and it very much looks like you are controlling it well. Things appear to be happening in a positive way and you may find there are a few new avenues that present themselves.
Cancer
Issues with relationships could be about to reach some kind of conclusion allowing things to move forward in an acceptable way. This may have required some external help but it may have been well worth it.
Leo
There are times when you can’t see the wood for the trees and get tied up in the poor me scenario – there is so much abundance all around you when you really open your eyes and see it.
Virgo
I sense that you are moving from the storm to the calm and better times lie ahead. The past wee while things may not have gone your way but all of a sudden the tide is turning in your favour.
Libra
Answering to others is not your strong point and you mainly fight against this however, some times you need to re-evaluate things and admit when your in the wrong eating humble pie if need be.
Scorpio
The smell of success is in the air and you could be toasting the fact that you are in a good place and things are all falling into place nicely. Keep an eye out for a wedding invitation heading your way too.
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A Knight to Remember James Clare was born in Scotland in 1955. He has been a media and public relations photographer since graduating in 1977, and is the author, so far, of three books. He lives outside the city of Glasgow with his wife and daughters, and his many interests include writing, photography, art, guitar, hill-walking, Scottish history, hypnosis, and Past Life Research.
His book, A Knight to Remember tells his own story of a past life with historic facts along side this amazing story James was initially reluctant to accept that he could have actually had a past life but, couldn’t get the memories or information out of his mind and so, through a serious of regression sessions he came to understand and accept that he was in fact, the trusted lieutenant of his uncle, the hero King of Scots, Robert Bruce on whose death in 1329, he became Regent of Scotland. The author strives to bring the theory and practice of reincarnation into the hearts and minds of all, and encourages the reader to embark on a fascinating tourist excursion into the past, a wonderful journey of self-discovery, with the ultimate aim of raising the reader’s spiritual consciousness to a new level. The book is well worth a read especially for those who are interested in reincarnation. To purchase this book go to; http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Knight-Remember-ReincarnationScotland-Paperback
Sagittarius
Work could be slightly over loaded at this time and you’re having to balance and juggle at the same time. Delegation is the key to lightening the load even if you do think that you’re the only one who can do things.
Capricorn
Joan Charles
Clairvoyant, Columnist & Author
There are times when life feels a little unfair and you can’t see progress and stagnation rules. You can change this but you need a clear mind and that means some early nights not burning the midnight oil.
Courses:
Aquarius
Readings:
A work opportunity may resent itself and be something that you find hard to decline. The gods are in your favour and this is not the only thing that will come your way. You are in a highly positive phase.
Pisces
This could be a time to make your cash work for you and see it grow. I sense a new way of looking at things that brings about what you’re looking for. There could also be home improvements that you’re looking into doing.
Introduction to the Tarot Courses on-going, check for dates and details.
Tarot, Angel, Spiritual, Chakra and Tarumenology [a combination of tarot and numerology] www.itison.com - Psychic Floorshow on the 21st April at Sloans Glasgow
For details of any of the above contact Joan on mobile: 07930 697 229 or email: joan.charles@btopenworld.com
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 23
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Your Life in Your Hands
When you think of hand reading or palmistry do you immediately have a vision of a Gypsy woman complete with the heads scarf and hoop earrings, sitting in a tent in Blackpool or country fayres of yesteryear who ALWAYS predicted that you would meet a tall dark stranger some time soon? Well I am an expert in modern hand reading (chirology) which is a completely different type of hand reading to that which gypsies and psychics offer. I have always been able to read palms intuitively or psychically but now I marry this with the super powerful scientific, well researched method of hand reading, which highlights to me
everything about the owner of said hand whether they acknowledge it or not! To me it is the hands, and not the eyes are the window of the soul – immediately revealing your strengths & challenges in life, your past experiences and stumbling blocks, the type of career which would fulfil you and the type of partner and relationship you should be seeking. I can also look at your partner’s hands and immediately see the challenges which you face in your relationship and how you may overcome them and live happily together, enjoying a mutual understanding of what makes the other ‘tick’. This can be done with any relationship whether it is in a domestic or working environment. Everything that you are, have been
and your potential for the future is reflected in your hands. This includes long standing emotional issues, which can date back to childhood, ill health and dis-ease, which you have already suffered or may be statistically prone to in future. In fact any area of your life, which has shaped the way you are now, is there in your hands for the modern hand reader to clearly see. The wonderful thing about a skilled and caring hand reader is their ability to encourage you about the present and future...and help you to understand those issues, which are firmly rooted in the past. If I take a handprint I can discern much more information about you by studying your fingerprints and the smaller lines on your hands. Do you know even the shape of
your hand tells me so much basic information about you:
& acid in the stomach
‘Air’ Hand – Square palms with longer often ‘knotty’ fingers... Intelligent people, often intellectual, always in their heads. Can find reality difficult to deal with.
‘Water’ Hand – Long slim palms with long slim fingers... ‘Earth’ Hand – Square palm with short fingers... Earthy, practical people. Good constitution & hard working. Down to earth. Can tend to get stuck & blocked in life.
‘Fire’ Hand – Rectangular palm with shortish fingers... Tend to be quite impetuous & go for it. Can be very driven and find it difficult to relax. Often have ulcers
Very sensitive & emotionally driven. Can be dreamy and in a world of their own. Reality can be difficult to deal with! If you’d like to find out more visit her website at www.angelladyjane.com
By Jane Dawson
The Animal Whisperer Is it really possible to communicate with animals, hear what they are thinking, what they are feeling, be given details of their past and an insight into their fears, worries and health?
For hundreds of animal lovers throughout the world who have entrusted Anne Dee to speak with their horses and much-loved family pets, the answer has proven to be a resounding yes.
Anne is a fourth generation psychic who not only grew up in a spiritual environment, but gave free astonishingly accurate readings to anyone in need since her midteens. She later trained to manage and develop her gifts with her local Psychic Association. Although Anne had always felt a deep empathy and understanding for all animals, and always pinpointed accurately her own pets’ health issues, she had no previous experience or practical knowledge of horses - until that was, her first encounter talking with a friend’s mare. From that moment, Anne unwittingly discovered her unique gift of hearing and speaking with these beautiful creatures, and her ability to tune in to their innermost feelings has evolved and strengthened over the years. Today, demand for Anne’s services has grown into a major commitment, with requests for help flooding in from
all over the world. From the likes of a parrot owner whose feathered friend seemed a bit off-colour, to invitations to speak with cats, dogs, rabbits and even the odd monkey, her passion for giving animals a voice and her track record has earned her an enviable reputation, with the overwhelming majority of new clients the result of word of mouth or recommendation.
Anne helps owners unlock the mysteries behind their horses’ behavioral or learning difficulties. Troubled or worried horses have
been known to tell Anne they need more time to learn something new, or perhaps their new owners are riding them in such a way that confuses them. Many owners have reported that they have changed their own approach and training methods following a consultation with Anne. For horses with health problems, Anne has correctly pinpointed illnesses, later confirmed by veterinary surgeons, given accurate causes of lameness, back problems etc, and enlightened owners on past histories, traumatic episodes and of happy, memorable times in their horses’ lives. Over the years, Anne has spoken to many sick horses and some as they approach the end of their lives. With the horses’ understanding, Anne has been able to reassure and guide their owner toward the right decision at the right time. Anne confirms that whether a problem seems great or small, she gives horses a voice to speak of their well-being or of any underlying problem, followed,
importantly, by a practical solution. Anne travels the length and breadth of the country, speaking with pets and every kind of horse from retired veterans, companion ponies, pony club ponies, international polo ponies and competition sports horses from some of the top show jumping and showing yards in the UK. Anne has also been involved with some successful racehorses and their trainers in the UK and Europe. Anne is keen to point out that the welfare and happiness of each and every horse and pet she helps is of paramount importance to her, and she is the first to recommend conventional veterinary help when necessary. Find out more about Anne at: www.annedee.co.uk
24 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Jim is Govanhill’s Greatest Loser!
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 25
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Usually someone might be offended to be called a loser but Jim Lougheed is delighted. The proud 60-year-old has been named Govanhill’s Slimming World Greatest Loser 2014 because he’s lost over 5 stone. Jim says his weight loss has changed his life: “I feel like a new man since losing weight – in fact, I look so different that people who I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person. But for me it’s the change on the inside that’s been the biggest – I’m happier, healthier and lots more confident now, and my self esteem has raised significantly.” Jim decided to join Slimming World when his daughters expressed their concern for his health. He says: “My daughters were worried about my health because I was so overweight,
and turning 60 got me thinking about it too”.
After being inspired by his Daughter and seeing how much weight she had lost at Gorbals Slimming World, Jim decided to join his local Slimming World group at Govanhill. He says: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I needn’t have worried though, everyone there was so friendly. Since then I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week. The Govanhill group meets every Monday at 7.30pm at McNeills Bar on Torrisdale Street. For more information contact Pauline on 07554 441427 or pauline.jones@ gmail.com
West of Scotland Media
Publishers of Newspapers, Magazines & other publications.
Advertising Sales Professionals West Of Scotland Media are expanding as a company and we need you!
GORBALS Thursdays at 5.30 + 7.30pm Blessed John Duns Scotus Church (Opposite Gorbals Gym) 270 Ballater Street G5 0TY *NEW VENUE* GOVANHILL Mondays at 7.30pm McNeills Bar (Upstairs) 106 Torrisdale Street Next to Queens Park Train Station Tel Pauline: 07554 441427
Over the next few weeks, West Of Scotland Media, publishers of a variety of well established, local newspapers and specialist publications are looking for sales staff to become an integral part of our new team. From our offices situated, close to the heart of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, you will be part of the exciting rebirth of one of Glasgow’s foremost business enterprises. West Of Scotland Media. Sales experience would be preferable, however all sales training will be provided on site. We offer excellent financial incentives, great team building incentives and an altogether fresh approach to professional sales in Scotland.
If you want a company that matches your employment ambition, We Want You!
Phone 0141 764 1808 and ask for recruitment or email your CV to recruitment.wosmedia@gmail.com
26 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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CULTURE AND EVENTS
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
The second instalment of Suzanne Collins’ best selling Trilogy, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawerence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) as they prepare to enter the arena for the second time. Set in post-apocolyptic North America, Katniss and Peeta became Victors of the Hunger Games despite the fact only one should leave the arena alive. This now means they must, once again, leave their families behind and embark on a Victors tour throughout the Districts of Panem and onto the Capitol. Despite doing everything asked of them Katniss and Peeta have still not proven themselves to the President of Panem, who has decided to send them back into the arena, intent on destroying Katniss. This year, however, the Games will not run as usual. This
year the contestants of The Hunger Games will all be former Victors, people who have won the games previously. The Games will prove to be a lot more difficult for Katniss and Peeta this time around so they join forces with some previous victors including Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin) and Johanna Mason (Jena Malone) who try their best to help the pair overcome everything thrown at them. Unlike many book to movie adaptations Catching Fire has stayed as true to the book as possible and it makes it all the more enjoyable. Even if you did not enjoy The Hunger Games Catching Fire is definitely worth watching. If you are a fan of fantasy movies set in the future it is definitely a must buy. By
Hayleigh King
2
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Divergent Review
07/04/2014 16:26:07
Based on Veronica Roth’s best selling novel and directed by Neil Burger (Limitless and The Illusionist), Divergent is a young adult series based in a world split into 5 factions based on human qualities, Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candour (truthful), Erudite (intelligent) and Dauntless (brave). When Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) takes the obligatory aptitude test to decide which faction she will join she comes out in 3 different categories (Abnegation, Erudite and Dauntless) making her Divergent. At her Choosing Ceremony Tris decides she would fit best in Dauntless. However, you do not just become Dauntless, you have to earn it. All initiates have to face several challenges as
well as rigorous training to become Dauntless. Tris struggles throughout the training and you see that she has not chosen to be Dauntless due to her strength or physical ability but because she is a girl who will not give up on anything, she will always go for broke. Luckily for her she meets Four (Theo James) an older Dauntless who takes her under his wing. Together they attempt to stop the oncoming evil and save the Abnegation government without alerting anyone to the fact that they are Divergent. A great adaptation with a thrilling performance from Woodley helped along by Kate Winslet the Erudite leader who plans to overthrow the Abnegation government and start the world a fresh. By
Hayleigh King
The East End Social The East End Social is an ambitious new music project bringing a host of concerts, events and workshops to the side of Glasgow that record label Chemikal Underground has called home since 1997. Running from April to August 2014, The East End Social promises an eclectic music programme across a range of venues, appealing to visitors and East End residents of all ages. A celebration of Glasgow, its East End and the love of music that unites us all. With events which will cater to everyone’s tastes, The East End Social is sure to have something to entice you into exploring the musical and cultural hotbed that the East End has become, with the regeneration brought forth
by the Commonwealth Games. The East End Social is an official Culture 2014 event.
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 27
www.glasgow-news.com
CULTURE AND EVENTS
Glasgow City FC Hollywood star opens new
host gig at Glad Cafe
£30 million pounds Glasgow School Of Art By
Home-grown Hollywood star and ex Glasgow School of Art student Robbie Coltrane opened the Glasgow School of Arts £30million pound Reid building last Wednesday. The new structure, designed by Steven Holl, provides studios for the School of Design and other facilities for the world famous GSA. It also boasts a new state of the art gallery and a brand new new visitor centre.
Scotland’s top women’s football club Glasgow City FC are set to host an acoustic music gig at Glad Cafe’ in Shawlands this upcoming Easter Sunday. The reason for the celebration of music is to help the Scottish Team Of The Year raise funds to compete in the first round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League later this year. The highly popular Glad Cafe has become quite synonymous in Glasgow for its film festivals and concerts and is now considered one of the coolest gig venues in the city because of its laid back atmosphere and eclectic mix of guests. To help raise money for Glasgow City FC, three highly talented artists have dedicated their time to fulfilling the teams wish of competing in the Champions League. Headlining the event is Glasgow born songwriter Sharon Martin who after being front woman for Grammy winning record producer Stephen Lironi and his “Flesh” project, dedicated more time to herself and
the pursuit of being a solo artist in her own right. Currently she tours the UK performing her self penned tracks. When asked why she decided to play this gig in aid of Glasgow City she said ““I’m playing this gig because I believe in Glasgow City. I believe in the vision and drive of their management team. I believe they will win the Women’s Champions League in the not so distant future, and one day be a household name throughout the whole of Europe.” Alongside Sharon Martin the audience will enjoy the sounds of Lynnie Carson former support act of Paulo Nutini and Ocean Colour Scene. The third act to appear at the event and highlighting the strength and depth of the occasion and the Glad Cafe’s eclectic nature is Italian born, Glasgow living artist, Manuel Yepez Corsetti. The event starts at 7.30pm Sunday 20th April and tickets priced £10 can be purchased in advance at www. glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk or from the Glad Cafe’ door on the night. By
Dreeva Vine
The Rutherglen born actor who starred as Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies and also opposite Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies has also been a star on British television for more than thirty years. In front of a packed crowd he spoke
Dreeva Vine
fondly of his time and memories at the GSA, one such memory he recalled was his lecturer making him pose nude in art class in front of a class of eighteen year old girls. He said “after mimicking my teacher one time too many in class, he exacted his revenge and made me strip naked for art class and let the girls in the class draw me. I was eighteen I don’t think a woman had seen me nude apart from my mother.” More than 2000 staff and students attended the ceremony which featured bagpipes, balloons and a choir. As part of a £50m project funded by the Scottish Funding Council, the new building replaces the former Foulis Building and Newbery Tower on Renfrew Street in Glasgow city centre.
It sits opposite the GSA’s iconic main building, designed by internationallyrenowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The School of Art building, completed in 1909, is widely regarded as his finest work. A packed opening ceremony featured bagpipes, balloons and confetti, and ended with a choir performance of a specially-commissioned work by Scots makar Liz Lochhead. The poet, like Coltrane, studied painting at the GSA. The Bafta awardwinning actor said working at the Mackintosh building made him raise his game and he hoped the “glorious” new building would encourage a new generation of artists.
The Fault In Our Stars Review By
International best seller John Green (Paper Towns, Looking For Alaska) has created a masterpiece that will live on in the hearts of readers for days after they have finished reading. The Fault In Our Stars is completely unputdownable with its witty narrative and incredible story. Join Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus ‘Gus’ Waters in this touching story of survival, love nad heartache. Set in present day Indianapolis and narrated by 16 year old Hazel Grace, the book deals with having cancer but
Hayleigh King
this is not the main premise in this young adult novel. Hazel, suffering from Thyroid cancer, and Augustus, in remission from osteosarcoma, meet at a support group for kids with cancer and become inseparable almost instantly. Hazel attends the group to give her mother piece of mind that she is not simply waiting for her terminal cancer to take over, Gus is there to support their mutual friend Isaac who, after already having an eye removed due to a cancerous tumour is about to lose his second eye. For Hazel life revolves around her disease, everything she does is cancer related. Gus, however, has never let the fact he only has one
leg define his life. He does what he wants, when he wants and how he wants. He teaches Hazel that life is not all about cancer and shows her how to live he life despite the oxygen tank she carries behind her. Green’s masterpiece is a story that should not be missed, with it’s heart warming plot of love, living life while you can and imminent heart break, it is one that will stay in the back of your mind long after you have finished reading it. But if the book isn’t enough for you the feature film adaptation will be in cinemas June 2014.
28 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Tel: 0141 778 8335 Protect your pet from pesky parasites! The warmer months are peak season for pesky parasites like fleas and ticks. Fleas are a major source of irritation to pets and owners alike. They feed on the animal’s blood and multiply rapidly to cause an infestation. As well as being found on your pet they will live in the carpets and bedding at home. Fleas are responsible for transmitting tapeworms in pets so worming your pet if you find fleas is also advisable. Ticks are found mainly in woodland areas or on the hills and moor land but can be found in areas of long grass, especially if deer or hedgehogs are in the area. Ticks also feed on your pets’ blood and can cause serious diseases such as Lyme’s disease as well as a reaction to the bite itself. It is important never to pull a tick from your pet’s body. This can result in the tick’s head being left in the skin, causing infection, pain and irritation. Tick removers are available to ensure safe and complete removal.
Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult worms live in the heart and large blood vessels supplying the lungs and can cause a whole host of problems in affected animals and if left untreated it can be fatal. The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails, which are often eaten by dogs on purpose or accidentally when attached to toys or grass or in outdoor water bowls. Symptoms range from breathing problems, blood clotting problems, general weakness and depression and even sudden collapse and death. Infection can be prevented by using a specific spot on preparation, available from your vet.
Lungworm is another parasite that is becoming increasingly common. The lungworm
Flies can cause a major problem to rabbits in warmer weather. They can lay eggs around the
rabbit’s bottom if it is soiled and quickly hatch into flesh eating maggots. It is important to check and clean your rabbit’s bottom every day and seek help from your vet if at all worried. Please contact Sandyhills Veterinary Clinic to discuss the best preventative products for your pet. Not every product treats every type of parasite so we will be happy to advice on the best options for your furry friends.
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 29
www.glasgow-news.com
CINEMA PARKHEAD - APRIL Rio 2 (Out Now)
City bird Blu finds himself hilariously out of his depth during an Amazon adventure in this colourful sequel. Having secured the future of their species, formerly flightless pet macaw Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and the lovely Jewel (Anne Hathaway) are raising their young family in Rio. But then they learn of an amazing discovery in the Amazon jungle. It seems they weren’t the last blue macaws after all. So Jewel cajoles domesticated homebody Blu into embarking on a voyage of discovery in the wild. Along the way, they find her gruff dad Eduardo (Andy Garcia) and hunky, crooning childhood friend Roberto (Bruno Mars)! Little wonder our poor hero is feeling rather inadequate. But you can be sure he’ll prove himself once again. All the old gang are back for this high-flying sequel to the hit animation. They’re joined by great new characters voiced by Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Bruno Mars, Kristin Chenoweth and will.i.am.
Transcendence (19/4/14)
Johnny Depp stars in a mindblowing sci-fi thriller about a scientist whose consciousness is uploaded with terrible consequences! Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is a world authority in the field of artificial intelligence. He’s also an evangelist on behalf of the technology, arguing that it represents the next stage in human evolution. But his plan to create a sentient machine that combines a full range of human emotions with the collective intelligence of mankind is not universally popular. When Revolutionary Independence from Technology (RIFT) activists fatally wound him, they unwittingly accelerate his ‘transcendence’. Will’s wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max (Paul Bettany) upload his mind, but can only look on in horror as he spreads across the internet, becoming an unstoppable, omnipotent power! This cutting-edge techno-thriller is the directorial debut of ‘Inception’ director Christopher Nolan’s regular cinematographer Wally Pfister. The excellent supporting cast includes Cillian Murphy and Morgan Freeman.
National Theatre Live – King Lear (1/5/14)
‘Skyfall’ director Sam Mendes’s highly-anticipated return to the NT, with Simon Russell Beale in the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. Aging, weary King Lear (Simon Russell Beale) plans to divide his realm between his three daughters. He tells them that the one who declares the greatest love for him will win the lion’s share. Goneril (Kate Fleetwood) and Regan (Anna Maxwell Martin) attempt to outdo one another with extravagant praise. Disgusted by their behaviour, the youngest daughter, Cordelia (Olivia Vinall), refuses to say anything. Enraged, Lear banishes her forever, even though she is his favourite. So begins a series of events that lead to tragedy. Oscar-winning ‘American Beauty’ and ‘Skyfall’ director Sam Mendes returns to the National Theatre for this new production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It reunites him with frequent collaborator and two-time Olivier Award winner Simon Russell Beale, who’s been described as the greatest stage actor of his generation.
For a chance to win a family pass for FOUR to the critically acclaimed musical adventure
Rio 2,
simply answer this question:
What is the name of the main character in the new film? Send your answers in to us on the back of a self addressed envelope or a post card to: West Of Scotland Media, 1194 Shettleston Rd, Glasgow G32 7PG
The Amazing Spiderman 2 3D (18/4/14)
Spidey amps up the action as he takes on livewire supervillain Electro in this high-voltage sequel! For Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), his double life as Spider-Man has been a struggle. But just as he’s beginning to relax with girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), a terrifying new foe emerges. Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx), a downtrodden sad sack of a lowly Oscorp employee, has a terrible accident in a tank of genetically modified electric eels. Emerging as the monstrous, blueskinned Electro, he embarks on a reign of terror with the power of electricity at his command. In addition to this electrifying new bad guy, Spidey also encounters shaven-headed Russian mobster the Rhino (Paul Giamatti). And the re-emergence of his old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) leads Peter to realise that Oscorp is the common factor uniting his enemies. Jamie Foxx makes his striking superhero movie debut in this relentlessly thrill-packed sequel.
30 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 31
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Kintyre House Property
gains new tenants prices on
the rise
Low stock and rising demand is pushing up prices in the prime property market in Scotland with the latest index showing they increased by 1.1% over the first three months of 2014. Prime prices rose or were unchanged during the quarter in all Scottish regions but stock levels are 26% lower compared to the previous year, according to the index from Knight Frank.
The joint agents for the Kintyre House office development in Glasgow have announced two new lease deals Software firm Blackbaud and building consultants Doig + Smith have both agreed to take more than 5,000 sq.ft of space on the ground floor and second floor respectively. Kintyre House on West George Street is already
home to Law At Work, Capita and Maven Capital Partners. Alison Taylor of property agent GVA James Barr, said: “We’re very pleased with the success of the last two lettings at Kintyre House. “Its 100% percent occupancy is one example of a growing demand for top-quality office space in the city centre.”
24.7 Property are delighted to present to the market this spacious two bedroom flat situated within the popular Sandyhills area of Glasgow. The property is located opposite St Paul’s church and is known locally as ‘York Terrace’. The property has been brought to the market in truly walk-in condition throughout and is a true credit to the current owner. Viewing comes highly recommended.
While the property markets in key Scottish towns and cities, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, have been the biggest beneficiaries of this increased demand, there are indications that this is filtering out to the wider prime market.
This latest rise takes the annual price increase to 2.8%, the largest annual gain in six years, and more expensive properties are seeing sales increase. Indeed, the number of £1 million plus residential property sales picked up significantly in the second half of 2013.
Indeed, prices rose or were unchanged during the quarter in all of the main Scottish regions, led by increases for homes located in the Scottish Borders, the Central region and the Lothians.
The firm says that confidence among vendors and buyers has returned to the prime Scottish market and tighter stock levels have coincided with an increase in the number of buyers registering their interest in purchasing a prime property in Scotland. There was a 36.5%
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32 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 33
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Stamp Duty to be scrapped in Scotland
Top ten things to consider when visiting a show home
On average Spring tends to be the season were people decide to move, here is a top ten guide for people looking to make that step into a new home. 1. Condition of the site: Is it tidy and well managed? 2. Which way does the house face: South improves energy efficiency, North better consistency of natural light 3. Timescales: Will the house be ready for you moving in?
Scottish Government have announced plans to scrap Stamp Duty on houses in Scotland after the more devolved powers on tax come into force in April. Finance Secretary John Swinney said that Scots will be told “just pay your taxes” and will create a “change of culture” from the less than effective enforcement in place at Westminster. The Scottish Government believes the new charge which will apply to all property sales from April 2015 onwards will be more progressive, as it will include a zero rate and at least two other bands. Holyrood will soon set 10p income tax, land and buildings transaction tax
SPRI
NG S
and landfill tax in “the first exercise of tax management responsibilities in Scotland in 300 years. Labour MSP Malcolm Chisolm asked if Mr Swinney had considered a Scottish equivalent of the UK GAAR Advisory Panel, established last year to explain what types of tax avoidance schemes are unacceptable. Mr Swinney said: “W hen you go into discussions about an independent review panel, it feels to me a bit like you’re devising a mechanism to undermine the principle that we are trying to take forward, which
ALE
4. Personalisation: Will you be able to personalise your home to fit your personality 5. Peace of mind through warranty cover: Is the builder registered with N.H.B.C 6. Will my furniture fit: Check before you move in is to attack tax avoidance, because we almost are trying to approve of, condone, find a way of accepting tax avoidance initiatives.
7. Consumer Code for home builders: Protect your rights, ask to see the builders Consumer Code.
He continued, “If we were going to be principled about it, why would we want to do that?
9. Council tax banding: Find out which council tax band the house will be allocated to.
The Finance Secretary has said that no rates or tax bands will be introduced until September possibly after the Independence Referendum. By
G Kelly
8. Energy efficiency: Ask to see a copy of the homes EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
10. The wider community: Schools, shops, G.P surgeries and other amenities, check their distance and the area to see how the community will progress in upcoming years.
More importantly always remember to use common sense. The final decision is yours to be made. Happy House Hunting!
34 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
www.glasgow-news.com
PROPERTY
A guide to what you should look at when visiting a new home As the drudgery of winter is put behind us and the return to longer and brighter days, many of us look forward to new horizons and a new home.
Since this is one of the biggest decisions any family or individual can make, whether the prospective home is a new build or an existing property, one must have a clear idea of what to look for. Here at the Ayrshire News, we’ve put together a number of suggestions on what to look for in a prospective property when you go to view it and tips for getting the most out of a viewing.
Which direction does the house face?
A home with south facing windows can help improve the energy efficiency of the home, with the sun helping to heat the house during the day, one could take advantage of this
with solar panels. However a home which faces North will have a more consistent quality of light throughout the day.
Will your furniture fit?
This is something which is often overlooked by prospective buyers, the simple fact of buying a new home is that furniture you already own may not be able to squeeze into the new spot you’ve picked for it. So a measuring tape is an essential piece of kit for a viewing.
Timing
This is particularly important for those of us viewing new builds. Naturally you want to move as quickly as possible, however, if it’s an unfinished property that you’re going to be buying, it may be weeks or months before it’s ready to occupy. So don’t sell your current property or end your lease too quickly!
Modifications
An important piece of information a prospective buyer needs to be aware of when buying an older property is what modifications can they carry out. As more and more buildings are being registered as listed buildings this is something that it would be best to discuss while in the initial stages of viewing.
Council Tax
Don’t rely on the current value of the property to gauge what tax band the property will fall under, as the sale price may not be a reliable guide to what you might end up paying on a yearly basis. Ask the current owners or the estate agents what you can expect to shell out on council tax.
The wider community
Research the local area, and make a checklist to confirm if it will be suitable to you and your family. For some, the need for hustle and bustle
and things to do will supercede the need for a good school while for others the opposite is true. So make sure you’re not buying the perfect
piece of property in a less than perfect area for your needs. By
Michael McDaid
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 35
www.glasgow-news.com
PROPERTY
Scottish Property Market Still Lagging Despite the property market in England and particularly London experiencing a massive resurgence and a climb in property prices above the pre financial crisis price levels, the Scottish property market continues to lag behind.
The average market price for property in Scotland is 15.5% lower than it’s peak in October 2007, according to analysis in a report released by property website home.co.uk the average asking price for residential property in Wales and England has risen by 4.3% in the same period. The report also points out how homes on the market in Scotland tend to stay on the market longer than anywhere else in the UK, something which contributes to the sluggish increase in prices as the sellers must now compete with each
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However the report also points out how one area of Scotland is bucking the trend of a slump in the housing market, with Aberdeen showing massive growth in its housing market, with the ‘Granite City’ no sporting the lowest selling times in the whole of the UK, outstripping even London. However, the rest of Scotland continues to lag behind the shining example of Aberdeen and Doug Shephard, director of home.co.uk has said: “Considering the much improved availability of cheap mortgages and government help to get on the housing ladder, Scottish properties are spending far too long on the market.” By
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Rent prices in Scotland have saw the highest level of increase in the UK with a 2.8% equating to an average advertised monthly rent of £695, an increase of 3.96% compared to the same period last year.
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This is the largest increase in private rent in the entirety of the UK, beating out even London, these increases have been spurred on by the resurgence of the economy across the UK, with the current national average rent being at the highest level it’s been in the last three years when the price was first recorded hitting an all time high of £923 per month.
However to combat the increase in energy prices, landlords must also take
business and personal
other in a buyers market as the choice of property in a given area increases to a level of saturation.
Rent in Scotland on the rise
While this is great news for Scottish landlords, it’s an unwelcome change for Scottish tenants, who continue to struggle with rising energy prices and the ever rising costs of living essentials.
CLASSIFIEDS
on some additional costs, with new stricter government regulations on energy efficiency in rental properties, thus forcing landlords to bring their properties up to spec, possibly cutting down profits for those who own older properties.
There has also been an increase in the number of properties on the rental market, with more and more people deciding to invest in property rather than low yield ISA’s, and banks giving out ultra low rate mortgages for those with the intention of buying to lease.
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36 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Scottish Motor Racing Club returns to Knockhill The weekend of the 6th saw the return of the Scottish Motor Racing Club (SMRC) to Knockhill racetrack for the new season, with the Alex Bruce Tribute Race Day. The action from the weekend included as usual a wide range of different formulas and classes, including the always entertaining formula Mini Cooper championship, with a range of thrills and spills as to be expected from the aggressive little cars.
The Scottish Legends category also included a wide range of different cars from every class imaginable, from the American muscle which pounded down the main straight with the mighty roar of V8’s to the classic Mini’s which made up for their lack of power with break neck speed through the bends, creating a David and Goliath type battle for pole position. With 16 races over the course of the day, it proved to be the perfect day out for families and piston heads alike, with the legendarily relaxed atmosphere at the Knockhill track
BTCC Season opener at Brands Hatch
Last week signalled the kick off for this years British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Brands Hatch, and as always the series impressed fans with bumper to bumper racing and exciting on track antics in the three race meet at the BTCC’s spiritual home. Defending champion Andrew Jordan got his title defence off to a flying start, taking pole position in the first two races of the day, despite having to lug an additional 45kg of success ballast in his Pirtek Racing Honda Civic. Jordan only faltered in the third race eaking out a poor 13th place, however this was after he knew he had already won the day, securing himself the top scorer position for the meet. The first race of the day, was uneventful for the most part with a rescued slide in the first bend by Jordan which he rescued and pounded on to finish in pole. The second race of the day was the one to watch, with a number of
mid race mechanical failures and a number of paint trading incidents as all the drivers fought to put points on the board in the first meeting of the year. With Jordan opening up an early lead, it was a crash between Collard and Neal which brought the safety car onto the track and tightened up the grid once more, with the Scottish contender Gordon Shedden, capitalizing on the closed up pack taking his Yuasa Honda Civic Tourer up to Jordans doors just before the chequered flag was dropped for the second time that day. However, by the end of the day the tables had remained as many had expected ahead of the meeting, with Andrew Jordan taking home pole, Matt Neal second and Colin Turkington in his BMW taking third and the flying Scotsman Gordon Shedden coming in at fourth in his brand new Honda Civic Tourer. By
Brendan Doherty
allowing the spectators to wander through the pits and soak up the excitement and sometimes heart ache projected by the teams.
The next event and Knockhill will be for the motor enthusiasts in the crowd, with the track playing host to a hot hatch and sports car track day, with spots available to take your own car out on the track and put it to the test along side some of the more exotic fare on display. For more information, visit the tracks website at www.knockhill.com By
Garry Smith
Volkswagen Golf R Estate spotted, but not confirmed With the recent rash of luxurious fast estates hitting the market from marques such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi, the more garden variety manufacturers are all trying to cash in on the buying public’s move away from the doldrums of SUV’s and soft roaders which plagued the market for what felt like an age, with hatchbacks come estates, which have, in this enthusiasts opinion, been sorely missed.
The Golf R has been spotted in Germany, while no official statement has been released about the car by VW A.G, there are rumours, that despite the fact the car spotted appears to be a production ready model, the motoring giant is still in two minds as to whether or not the car will hit the showrooms.
If the powers that be a Wolfsburg do decide to pull the trigger on yet another addition to the Golf’s already burgeoning selection of models, it will most likely be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October of this year. By
Michael McDaid
Fairer deal for UK Hauliers
Foreign hauliers will be charged to use UK roads for the first time from April 1st Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced.
UK truck drivers working in Europe currently pay tolls and levies when delivering goods abroad. But foreign trucks operating in the UK have not been required to make a similar payment.
Patrick McLoughlin said: “The HGV levy will provide a massive boost for the UK haulage industry. It will create a level playing field across Europe, giving UK firms a much better opportunity to win business. This is yet another example of how we are taking positive action to back British business and build a stronger, more competitive economy.”
billion to add at least 400 miles of capacity on the busiest motorways. The levy affects all HGVs of 12 tonnes or more that drive on UK roads, irrespective of country of registration.
The HGV road user levy, which is being brought in nearly a year ahead of schedule, introduces a charge that ensures British hauliers are better able to compete with their foreign counterparts.
The levy is part of the coalition’s promise of a fairer deal for UK hauliers. Duty on standard diesel is now lower than it was in October 2010 and there has been no increase in HGV vehicle excise duty (VED) during this Parliament.
The levy is structured in a series of bands which reflect vehicle type, weight and number of axles. UK operators will pay the levy at the same time as VED in one transaction for administrative ease. At the same time as introducing the levy, the government is reducing VED, such that more than 9 out of 10 UK vehicles will pay no more than now.
The levy has long been called for by the UK haulage industry and creates a fairer system by removing some of the inequality UK hauliers feel when paying to use many roads abroad.
The government is also investing £3.3 billion in major road schemes which will provide over 500 miles of additional lane capacity to the strategic road network and £10.7
Foreign operators must pay the levy before using UK roads. Discounts are available for longer periods with charges varying between £1.70 and £10 per day or £85 to £1,000 per year.
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 37
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Lewis Hamilton Wins Malaysian Formula 1 Last weekend, Lewis Hamilton lead team Mercedes to a one two win in Malaysia with his teammate Nico Rosberg coming in at second position. This one two victory allowed Mercedes’ Rosberg to maintain his top of the table position after two races after winning the first race of the season in Australia. Throughout the race, Hamilton controlled the pace of the pack before pulling away and leaving everyone else in his wake, finishing the race with a 17.3 second lead over Rosberg. Championship defender, Sebastian
Vettel, was once again scuppered in his attempts to put in a decent performance on the board by a car which according to the Red Bull chief engineer Adrian Newey was suffering with straight line speed. Vettel however managed to come in third, bringing him to seventh position in the drivers tables. Overall the entire grand prix in Malaysia showed that there are still a number of teething problems with the newly redesigned cars, with a number of technical failures from a wide range of teams, including Force India, who could only field one car on the grid as their second car driven by
Sergio Perez suffered a failure on the way from the pits. Toro Rosso also suffered from mechanical problems, with Jean-Eric Verne being forced to stop after only 18 laps due to a loss of power. Both of the Sauber cars were unable to finish the race, partly due to an argument between Sutil and Guitierrez but also due to technical failures mid way through, both of them stopping within moments of each other. By
Michael McDaid
VOSA and DSA merged to form new group DVSA This week Roads Minister Stephen Hammond has launched the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is set to replace the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The new organization is going to streamline the way in which a number of services for motorists are provided. With the DVSA taking over administrative duties for driving tests, goods and passenger vehicle testing, operator licensing and the supervision
of MOT’s. The merger follows a consultation last year looking at how the government can reform its motoring services agencies to put customers first, reduce costs and improve consistency. DVSA will be responsible for setting, testing and enforcing driver and vehicle standards in Great Britain and employs more than four thousand staff. This year it will conduct 1.5 million theory tests and 1.6 million practical driving tests; it will be responsible for regulating 28 million MOT tests
The call comes after a poll showing that 42% of the population are worried about an elderly relative driving, yet they are unlikely to do anything about it. The IAM and Vision Critical poll of 1297 people shows that while concern about elderly drivers is evident, acting on our concerns is another issue. Fiftyeight per cent of those concerned did nothing about it When we do talk to our relatives about their driving it does not always
go down well. Of those that had done this, nearly half of respondents (47 per cent) were met with negative reaction. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Talking to an elderly relative about their driving is a difficult conversation to have. Driving is associated with independence, so giving up the car keys can be a very stressful process. This is especially true for drivers with dementia as they often underestimate the impact of the condition on their driving skills.” Mr Best also went on to say: “Voluntary online and on road driving assessments will provide an unbiased view and help everyone make the right decision at the right time. We are finding while there are some elderly drivers who should not be on
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and will carry out 137,000 roadside inspections; it will issue 87,000 operator licenses and will test and inspect 790,000 commercial vehicles. Announcing the launch of DVSA, Stephen Hammond said: “The creation of DVSA builds on the vital work that has already been done to improve road safety and offer modern, cost effective services for motorists. The merged agency offers the opportunity to increase efficiency and further explore ways of providing innovative, convenient services.” By
Garry Smith
New checks for elderly drivers encouraged The Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM) is calling on the government to introduce a national strategy of driving health checks and better information for elderly drivers and their families.
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the road, most get it right and as many as 15% give up too early But with ever increasing numbers of elderly drivers, this is a growing mobility and road safety issue that won’t go away. The government needs to act now.” The IAM wants: A government action plan for older drivers; Widespread availability of voluntary on road driving assessments; More car manufacturers considering older drivers in vehicle design; Better information and online assessment tools for older drivers, their families and health professionals; Road designs that make it easier for older drivers to keep driving. There are now more than four million drivers over 70 years old, a figure that is set to increase to 5.8 million in 2032.
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Toyota recalling 6.4 million cars worldwide A Toyota recall is in the news again. In this instance there are three potential faults across four models, with 35,124 UK cars involved as part of over six million worldwide.
In its press release Toyota states that there have been no reports of any accidents or injuries relating to the vehicle issues. Toyota is now launching an inspection and repair programme at no charge for all customers, who can check if their car is part of the recall at the Toyota Website A spiral cable assembly defect has been identified on RAV4s and Hiluxes built between June 2004 and December 2010. A retainer in the airbag unit could become damaged and potentially cut connectivity to the driver’s airbag. Any issue should be highlighted by an airbag warning light. A seat spring rail issue in Yaris
and Urban Cruiser models built between January 2005 and August 2010 effects 10,339 cars. The spring has been identified as weak and susceptible to breaking under frequent use. Therefore it may not lock into position or could move in a crash. Toyota has also discovered a steering column bracket problem on 1,293 of the 10,000 Yaris’ and Urban Cruisers being recalled. A weld that connects the bracket to the instrument panel may break when ‘the steering wheel is repeatedly turned with full force’. Second-gen Yaris’ with the tilt/ telescopic steering wheel adjustment and Urban Cruisers built between September 2005 and February 2009 are in this part of the recall. An extra bracket will be fitted to all cars by Toyota even without damage; those affected will get replacement instrument panel reinforcement.
38 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
Eagle Eye: The Ryder Cup Review
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Police praise fans behaviour at Ramsdens Cup final
Welcome to my new column counting down to the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September. It may be 7 months away but it is already the talk of clubhouses up and down the country.
Police Scotland have praised the behaviour of supporters who attended the Ramsdens Cup final last weekend in Edinburgh.
This week the attention turns to the 4 time Ryder Cup superstar Ian Poulter. It’s been a relatively slow start for Poults this season having played six events with a highest finish of T20. Paul McGinley has in recent weeks publicly stated he is not a guarantee for a place in the team this year which is fair enough but let’s be honest, Poulter is a one off. He was simply born to shine on the Ryder Cup stage. In my opinion he needs an average summer and he’s in. Privately, Captain McGinley will be hoping and praying he shows some steady form this season just justify selection but Poulter’s heroics in The Miracle at Medinah in 2012 will put him at the top of the Wildcard list for the 3rd time at the very least. If he doesn’t make the team, McGinley would be foolish not to have him in his backroom staff and I know Ian Poulter will be part of the 2014 Ryder Cup as a player, cheerleader, assistant captain or even as a water carrier. No Poulter means American advantage and no one on these shores wants that! Or do they?
Till next time, this is Eagle Eye signing off.
The match which resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Raith Rovers over the Glasgow Rangers, was played at the Easter Road stadium last Sunday. Police Scotland said in statement that
a total of 21 people were detained in their custody, 11 of which were due to disorder before the match and a the other 10 remanded for minor offences in and around the grounds. Chief Superintendent Mark William said: “The policing operation was designed to keep people safem get fans too and from the stadium with a minimum of disruption, and ensure
Beram Kayal fighting for his future With Beram Kayal coming back from yet another injury and last week claiming that his heart wasn’t in Celtic or Scotland anymore. The remainder of the season will be crucial in his career, it will see him need to rediscover the form that had some of the biggest teams in England looking at him. The remaining few games of the season will see him fighting to prove he was misquoted whilst speaking to a newspaper in Israel or fighting to secure a move
away from Celtic Park.
With the player being a shadow of his former self as a first team certainty he now finds himself on the peripheral of the team and so far has failed to last ninety minutes in any of the four games he has started this season. With his outburst to the media in his homeland and his distinct lack of form or fitness he will have a lot to prove in the run up to the end of the season. By
Greg Kelly
that law abiding fans enjoyed the cup final.” Mr William also went on to praise supporters of both teams saying: “I am delighted to say that the vast majority of supporters co-operated with officers and I would like to thank them for their support.” By
Brendan Doherty
11th April - 25th April 2014 | Glasgow News 39
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Glasgow Speedway - the Fastest Family Fun in Town!
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Rocks fall short in Trophy Final – Focus now shifted to Playoffs Picture by Stephen Mathie
The new speedway season may barely be underway but already Scotland’s three clubs are flexing their on track muscles to jockey for domestic dominance. With opening season challenge fixtures now out of the way, and with the winter cobwebs well and truly blown away, each of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Berwick are scheduled for home and away League Cup ties (in a qualifying group alongside Workington) to chase semi-final qualification. Some mouth watering, first class motor sport action is guaranteed. With Edinburgh having managed home and away wins over Berwick Bandits, this weekend brings the borders club to Ashfield Stadium (Sunday 13th, 3pm) requiring an away win to reignite their qualification prospects. Standing in their way, and looking to launch their own League Cup campaign with a home win are
the Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers, looking to get into their early season stride following last weekend’s rain off. The Tigers, who will themselves travel to face Berwick in the borders town this Saturday night before hosting the Bandits at home on Sunday, are at full strength and will take encouragement from their recent opening day performance which blooded their younger riders on the Ashfield circuit. The performances of French wonder kid Dimitri Berge (18), Danish duo Kasper Lykke (19) and Anders Thomsen (20) each gave Tigers team manager Stewart Dickson much to feel confident about as his new look side size up for the season ahead. If Tigers are to repel the Bandits this weekend they will need much stronger performances from their new No.1 rider, German internationalist Kevin Wolbert who only scored 5
points on his home debut a fortnight ago. With home skipper Theo Pipjer also having a disappointing opening day scoring performance, it is the top end of the side from which Glasgow will look for most improvement this weekend. Whatever the outcome of their clashes with Berwick, Tigers already have one eye on the following weekend when they will cross swords with arch rivals Edinburgh Monarchs. The capital side are already hotly tipped for honours in 2014 and have started strongly, unbeaten from their first 4 fixtures, however Glasgow will cherish the opportunity to puncture their rivals early season successes particularly in targeting a win around their home Ashfield Stadium circuit (Sunday 20th, 3pm). For full details visit Glasgow Speedway’s Offical Site www.glasgowtigers.co
Manchester United bow out of Champions League David Moyes Manchester United team were in the semi final of the Champions league for all of 22 seconds on Wednesday after they took a shock league against reigning European champions Bayern Munich. The rapturous Manchester United fans were dreaming of a semi final place after Patrice Evra scored a wonder goal away to the German champions. Their dreams were to be shattered however as Mario Mandzukic swiftly equalled the scoring.
The Red Devils should not be disheartened though, as they fought vailiantly and could have had a couple of goals on any other night. Wayne Rooney although playing but not hundred percent fit missed a chance to take the lead again, as the game wore on however Bayern began to show their dominance. Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben scored and Manchester United bowed out of the Champions League. David Moyes after the match spoke of his disappointment “It was always
going to be tough and after we got the first goal we needed to give ourselves five or 10 minutes, but unfortunately they went straight up the other end and scored. I never thought we were out of the game. We’ve not got Champions League football, but I believe it’s not far away.” “Hopefully it will be one year. Maybe we will have to rebuild, but the focus is on making sure we get back into this competition.” The clearly gutted manager said. By Richard Garland
Sadly the dream came to an end for the Rocks as they fell at the final hurdle on their quest for the BBL Trophy. Worcester Wolves overcame the Rocks by a narrow 83-76 margin to claim the BBL Trophy in front of a near-sell out crowd at the Emirates Arena. It turned out to be a game of two halves at the Emirates in what was an enthralling matchup between highflying Worcester and the Rocks. EJ Harrison said: “It’s a tough one for us; we didn’t get it done in the 2nd half. It was a tight game throughout and down the stretch they made the plays.” Coach Sterling Davis said: “I thought our guys really came out with a high intensity level, especially to start a basketball game out. We knew what kind of a game it would be with Worcester. We did a good job defensively for the most part of the game.” The Rocks tried everything they could to pull back Worcester’s lead but the Wolves were just too strong in the final moments and took home the BBL Trophy with an 83-76 victory. Davis said: “We’ve got to be able to bounce back off of this and fight for what we have left remaining in the league.”
With the Trophy Final loss still fresh in their minds the Rocks players had to endure a three game stretch away from home over a 5 day period (Leicester, Surrey and Cheshire) – three games that would be considered crucial for the Rocks chances in clinching a Playoff spot. Leicester would be the first port of call for the Rocks and the script would read similar to that of the Trophy Final, with the Rocks taking an assertive lead in the first half only to self-destruct during a poor spell of play as they slumped to an 87-79 point loss. Putting that loss behind them the team travelled to Surrey knowing that losing was not an option. as the Rocks racked up a 91-76 point victory inching them closer to the promised land of a playoff spot. With the Surrey game in the bag, the Rocks concentrated their efforts on current fiercest rivals, Cheshire Phoenix. This game had all the makings of a good old fashioned dogfight! The Rocks came out all guns blazing against the Phoenix and ran out convincing winners 90-77 on the night, breathing new life into their playoff hopes. With only three games remaining in the regular season, it’s all to play for. By
Keirran Allardice
40 Glasgow News | 11th April - 25th April 2014
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Celtic Striker Leigh Griffiths Racism Charge Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, originally from Edinburgh, has been formally charged by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) with leading a racist song, in which former Hearts player Rudi Skacel is described as a “refugee”.
Griffiths was already being charged with “Not acting in the best interests of Association Football by singing in public about Heart of Midlothian FC in administration” but the charges of racism were leveled against him after footage emerged of him leading
the racist song against Skacel in an Edinburgh bar ahead of a Hibs game.
With investigations now ongoing by the Police and Celtic FC, Griffiths has also been accused of “bringing the game into disrepute”, as he is in contravention of a number of SFA rules and regulations. Griffiths initial hearing date in front of an SFA board has been set for Thursday the 24th of this month. By
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