FAIR DAY FOR THE FAIR
Published
on: June 2005
Govan Fair is getting
bigger and better in preparation for the 250th anniversary next year.
Almost 40 floats and groups took part in the parade on Friday 3rd June
and it didn't rain! Want to attend the parade next year? Please book your Cheap Airline Tickets to Ireland.
Marching along in the evening sun were three pipe bands, three groups
of majorettes, three schools, two sets of cheerleaders, the shipyard,
the hospital, the fire department the cleansing department, Sunny Govan
Radio, Govan Youth Informaiton Project, GalGael, Govan Initiative, the
Credit Union and the Reminiscence Group among others.
Said Dorothy Courtney, Chairperson of the Govan Fair Association, 'It
was a great night. Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.' She appealed
for photographs and cine film of previous Fairs - especially those in
the 1960s or earlier - so that the Association can build up a special
presentation for next year.
Norrie Mackie who runs the Pearce Institute, performed the crowning
of the Govan Queen, Gemma McQuade. He said, 'When good people get together,
great things happen. That's what is happening now in Govan. The Pearce
is celebrating its 100th year next year when the Fair will mark its
250th, so there is a lot to look forward to.
Elderpark Primary School provided the Fair VIPS. Irene Donaldson, Head
Teacher said 'it was very exciting for the children who were picked
to be the Queen and her entourage.' Janis MacGregor, Principal Teacher
explained, 'rather than voting, we invited anyone who'd like to be involved
to put their name forward and the final choice was made by pulling names
out of the hat.'
This brought Gemma McQuade to be crowned as Fair Queen with her two
maids being Chloe Campbell and Danielle Early and her two escorts being
Christopher Baxter and Dylan McCall. Thanks...
SCOTTISH ROYAL IN GOVAN
Published
on: June 2005
The Princess Royal
was in Govan last month to attend a meeting of the Church of Scotland's
Glasgow Presbytery which was held in New Govan Church. She is the first
member of the Royal Family to do so in the Presbytery's 450 years' history.
Presbytery Clerk, the Rev David Lunan said, 'We were surprised, delighted
and honoured that Her Royal Highness included us in her itinerary. She
came as Patron of the Save the Children Fund and spoke passionately
about poverty. Her comments were received warmly by everyone.'
Earlier in the day the Princess Royal had visited the Lodging House
Mission in the city's East End. It was a Royal first for them too. 'It
was very uplifting for our work to be recognised,' said project manager
Andrew Low who added that the Mission's recent crisis over funding now
seemed to be resolved. 'But as a charity, we are constantly having to
raise money just to survive.' The Mission provides food, clothes, baths
and support for 120 homeless people every day.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Published
on: June 2005
Yam Publications Ltd, the company which produces the LOCAL NEWS for
SOUTHSIDERS, has achieved Investors In People (IIP) for the first time.
The coveted standard shows that the business has reached an acceptable
level in developing its staff who, in turn, help develop the business.
Set up in 1997, the 16 page tabloid newspaper is published monthly and
15,000 free copies are distributed across the Southside from Gorbals
to Govan to Castlemilk. Totally independent, the paper is the only local
paper consistently covering the news in Southside communities.
Congratulations
to Grace and all the hardworking staff from the Local News for Southsiders
- Paul.
GOVANHILL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS' WORK
Published
on: June 2005
A colourful international evening was the way Govanhill Housing Association
celebrated 30 years of providing homes.
Along with Govanhill Social Inclusion Project (GOSIP) the international
entertainment reflected the diversity of cultures of local residents.
Said Housing Association Chairperson, Lyn Ewing, 'The strength of this
city and of Govanhill lies in its diversity.'
Great performances were given by Imran Tabraiz who plays Dhol Drum;
Ambigai Jeyabalan who is a classic South Indian dancer and Charan Pradhan
who is a contemporary 'Bollywood' dancer. Beautifully dressed and disciplined
dancers from Tir Conaill Irish School and Glasgow's Oriental School
added to the show with an energetic set from Wassyla, a Pan African
Arts group giving a global dimension. A unique fusion of voices from
Ann Marie Nicholson, a Scottish Gaelic teacher and singer, Bharati Bundhoo,
a professionally trained classic vocalist in Sankrit and her daughter
Drishti who wants to sing pop, has potential if they have time to develop
the sound.
SPECIAL EFFORT NEEDED TO FUND SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Published
on: June 2005
The Special Olympics
with less than a month to go before the starter's gun is fired, has
raised only half the £1.5 million it needs.
The event highlights the great abilities of people with disabilities
with 2300 athletes taking part. The launch will be on Saturday 2nd July
at Celtic Park. For the following eight days, 23 different sports will
be played out in venues across Glasgow. Said a spokewoman for the Games,
'in the next few weeks, several large events are expected to bring in
about £100,000. But we appeal to everyone to make a special effort
to help with the fundraising in the run up to the Games.'
Donations hotline: 0845 272 007 or visit the website at www.specialolympicsglasgow.com.
JIM HAS FRIENDS
IN HIGH PLACES
Published
on: June 2005
Innocently, Castlemilk Community Can Cycle founder Jim O'Donnell had
breakfast with Scotland's First Minister and Bob Geldof and was in the
official photograph of them at the launch of the Africa Poverty conference.
'I went to hear the speeches,' said Jim. 'I registered and didn't know
where to go. Someone came along and said to the crowd I was standing
with to follow them. I ended up having breakfast with the main speakers
of the day and Bob Geldof and Jack McConnell. I couldn't believe it!'
He handed over the package of information he had with him on the award
winning charity which recycles bikes, drinks cans and Barr's glass bottles.
'God's mercy did this for me.' Said the devout Christian.
NEW SUPERSCHOOL
SET FOR SOUTHSIDE
Published
on: June 2005
Merrylee, Holmlea and Simshill Primary schools are to be closed and
amalgamated into a new, £6.5 million superschool to be built on
Friarton Road pitches and scheduled to open in 2007. Following a three
month consultation, the new school for 470 pupils got the go ahead from
Glasgow City Council last month. Said Councillor Steven Purcell, Education
Services Convener, 'this is part of the wider pre-12 strategy to revamp
the entire primary sector.'
REFUGEE WEEK EVENT
Published
on: June 2005
Govanhill will celebrate Refugee Week with an open door event on Tuesday
21st June in Govanhill Free Church in Belleisle Street from 6 till 8pm.
International food, holistic therapies and garland making workshops
will be among the attractions. The evening is being organised by the
Settlement and Integration Network and anyone interested is invited
to attend.
QUEEN'S MEN AT CITY
CHAMBERS
Published
on: June 2005
More than 80 young men from 33 different Boys' Brigade Companies received
their Queen's Badge from Mark Hateley, former Rangers' footballer at
an impressive ceremony in Glasgow City Chambers. A professional power
point presentation showed all the elements that go into achieving the
badge which is the organisation's highest award. The three BBs who compiled
the presentation as part of their work to secure this coveted high standard
were - Sergeant Ross MacKay of the 27th Company, Sergeant Ross McKillop
of the 145th Company and Staff Sergeant Andrew Young of the 229th Company.
LIONS IN CASTLEMILK
Published
on: June 2005
Two of the Lisbon Lions were guests of honour at Castlemilk Community
Centre last month when Mamie's Weans entertained. The dinner raised
over £6000 in aid of research into Motor Neuron disease, the condition
which Jinky Johnson - another famious Celtic footballer and Lisbon Lion
team member, - suffers from.
Both VIPs paid tribute to their former team mate who would have attended
but for his deteriorating condition. 'He was desperate to be here,'
said Bertie Auld. 'Despite everything, he is wonderfully positive.'
LABOUR IN CHARGE FOR FOUR MORE YEARS
Published
on: May 2005
The general election
on Thursday 5th May 2005 returned the Labour Government for four more
years.
Boundary changes have reduced from 9 to 7 the number of Westminster
MPs representing Glasgow.
Tom Harris, Ian Davidson and Mohammed Sarwar were re-elected to Westminster
in the new Glasgow South, Glasgow South West and Glasgow Central constituencies
to herald an historic third consecutive term in government.
Their overall vote, however, was down by an average of 4.5%
The Scottish National Party was trounced into third place by the Liberal
Democrats in two of the three Southside seats. And the ugly face of
fascism showed with clashes between the British National Party and the
Scottish Socialist Party but a strong police presence prevented anything
other than verbal assaults happening.
In Glasgow Central, Mohammad Sarwar and the other candidates refused
to take to the stage where, traditionally the election results are announced,
because they did not want to share a platform with 'Nazis' as they described
the British National Party candidate.
Instead, they stood on the floor of the vast counting hall at the SECC
and Sarwar, only, made a speech. 'I will work day and night to improve
the quality of life for all the people in my constituency,' he said.
In Glasgow South, Tom Harris was elected by 18,153 votes (down 3.3%).
Tom said, 'Four years ago when I was first elected, it was the greatest
honour I'd ever been given. Today's return is just as great.'
He was heckled when he outlined how Labour would reduce poverty and
had achieved unprecedented low levels of unemployment.
The South West constituency returned Ian Davidson with 18,653 votes
- a majority of 13,896 (down 1.7%). Said Ian Davidson, 'Now we need
to work for 'four in a row' Labour Governments. But we need to regenerate
and revitalise the Labour Party and need a regime change.'
Michael Martin, previously Speaker in the House of Commons, was re-elected
as MP for Glasgow North East. During his speech he was loudly heckled
by a large group of Scottish Socialist Party supporters calling him
'fascist'. 'I'm no fascist,' he responded. 'But I consider it fascist
to try to shout down democratically elected representatives.'
Boundary Changes
The new constituencies in the Southside are now Glasgow Central, Glasgow
South and Glasgow South West.
Glasgow Central includes Kingston, Pollokshields East, Hutchesontown,
Govanhill, Strathbungo and Toryglen as well as areas across the river.
The total electorate is 70,378 with 40,052 on the Southside.
Glasgow South constituency comprises Carnwadric, Maxwell Park, Battlefield,
Langside, Pollokshaws, Newlands, Cathcart, Mount Florida, King's Park,
Castlemilk, Carmunnock and Glenwood. The total electorate is 74,482.
Glasgow South West stretches from Drumoyne, Govan, Ibrox, Mosspark,
North Cardonald, Penilee and Cardonald to Pollok, Crookston, Nitshill
and Darnley. The total electorate is 66,335.
As these are new constituencies, there are no comparative figures for
votes cast and turnout from previous elections. At the last general
election only 46.5% of Southsiders cast their vote. The actual turnout
on Thursday May 5 was.just under 50%.
GLASGOW SOUTH
Kay Allan (Scottish Green Party) 1,692
Dorothy Entwistle (Socialist Labour Party) 266
Tom Harris (Labour) 18,153
Janette McAlpine (Conservative) 4,836
Finlay MacLean (Scottish National Party) 4,860
Arthur Sanderson (Liberal Democrat) 7,321
Ronnie Stevenson (Scottish Socialist Party) 1,303
Majority:10,832
Turnout:56.17%
GLASGOW SOUTH WEST
Keith Baldassara
(Scottish Socialist Party) 1,666
Scott Brady (Conservative) 1,786
Ian Davidson (Labour) 18,653
James Dornan (Scottish National Party) 4,757
Katharine Gordon (Liberal Democrat) 3,593
Alistair McConnachie (Independent Green) 376
Violet Shaw (Socialist Labour) 143
Majority:13,896
Turnout:50.2%
GLASGOW CENTRAL
Maire Gordon (Scottish
Socialist Party) 1,110
Thomas Greig (Operation Christian Vote) 139
Walter Hamilton (British National Party) 671
Ian Johnson (Socialist Labour Party) 255
Bill Kidd (Scottish National Party) 4,148
Elinor McKenzie (Communist Party) 80
Gordon Masterton (Scottish Green Party) 1,372
Isabel Nelson (Scottish Liberal Democrat) 4,987
Mohammad Sarwar (Labour) 13,518
Richard Sullivan (Conservative) 1,757
Majority:8,531
Turnout:44.04%
2005 U.K. GENERAL ELECTION
Published
on: April 2005
A general election
will be held on Thursday 5th May. As a result of boundary changes, there
is a reduction from 9 to 7 in the number of Westminster MPs serving
Glasgow.
The three new seats
that cover the Southside will be Glasgow Central, Glasgow South and
Glasgow South West.
Sitting Labour MPs
Mohammed Sarwar, Tom Harris and Ian Davidson have been selected, respectively,
to stand for the new constituencies.
The new GLASGOW
CENTRAL includes Kingston, Pollokshields East, Hutchesontown, Govanhill,
Strathbungo, Toryglen and areas across the river talking in Kelvingrove,
Anderston, Merchant City, Calton, Bridgeton and Dalmarnock. The total
electorate is 70,378 with 40,052 on the Southside.
Candidates for this
constituency at 18 April were:
Maire Gordon (Scottish
Socialist Party), Bill Kidd (Scottish National Party), Elinor McKenzie
(Communist Party), Gordon Masterton (Green), Isabel Nelson (Lib Dem),
Mohammed Sarwar (Labour), Richard Sullivan (Conservative).
The Glasgow South
constituency covers Carnwadric, Maxwell Park, Battlefield, Langside,
Pollokshaws, Newlands, Cathcart, Mount Florida, Kings Park, Castlemilk,
Carmunnock and Glenwood. The total electorate is 74,482.
Candidates for this
constituency at 18 April were:
Kay Allan (Green),
Tom Harris (Labour), Dr Janette McAlpine (Conservative), Finlay MacLean
(Scottish National Party), Arthur Sanderson (Lib Dem), Ronnie Stevenson
(Scottish Socialist Party).
Glasgow South West
stretches from Drumoyne, Govan, Ibrox, Mosspark, North Cardonald, Penilee
and Cardonald, to Pollok, Crookston, Nitshill and Darnley. The total
electorate is 66,335.
Candidates for this
constituency at 18 April were:
Keith Baldasarra
(Scottish Socialist Party), James Dornan (Scottish National Party),
Scot Brady (Conservative), Ian Davidson (Labour), Katy Gordon (Lib Dem).
Other Southsiders
are fighting in other places.
The Scottish Green
Party has selected Stuart Callison to contest Dunbartonshire East. Stuart
is Deputy Director of Gorbals Initiative. The Scottish National Party
has selected Jahangir Hanif to contest Central Ayrshire.
A recent survey
showed that 55% of Scottish voters know their MP. Just 1% of Scots voters
get their information on politics from the internet and 79% said they
planned to vote. Only 46.5% of Southsiders cast their vote at the last
election.
CREATION ZONE TO CREATE JOBS
Published
on: April 2005
Three projects started by the newly located Creation Zone in St Lukes
Place in Gorbals, aims to help long term unemployed people gain confidence,
new skills and ultimately, employment. The specially converted railway
arch will house Fab Pad an interior design course for drug users who
want to move into work. Home is the name of the furniture renovation
project which will encourage participants to set up in business. And
The Big Noise is a music based programme to offer modern music production
experience, DJ skills, songwriting experience and music video production.
The Zone is financed by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and the Department
of Work and Pensions and is managed by Impact Arts and Reed in Partnership.
MOTORWAY DRIVING AHEAD
Published
on: April 2005
The M74 extension WILL cross Glasgows Southside. The Scottish
Executive gave the green light to the £375- £500m project
which will take a six-laned elevated highway from the M74 Fullarton
junction in the East End to join the Kingston Bridge and the M8 at Tradeston.
Despite a Public
Local Inquiry rejecting the proposed extension, the Scottish Executive
sanctioned it. Local residents, campaigners and environmental activists
are outraged. They plan massive, co-ordinated, peaceful protests through
JAM 74. Beat the Bulldozers is the first wave of their resistance.
Councillor Shaukat
Butt whose ward of Kingston is where the linking will be effected, believes
the project is a good thing for his constituents. No people will
lose their homes. Some businesses will have to move but they have already
had two years to negotiate compensation and find new premises. Traffic
passing overhead will take away congestion on local streets and make
them safer while letting motorway traffic flow better. The decision
also means we can get ahead with re-development of the area. Id
say things are looking up with the building of the M74 Extension.
FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE
Published
on: March 2005
Govan International Festival held in March, ended with a spectacular
concert at the Pearce Institute The show featured local heroes, The
Mode. Now an annual event, the festival offered rock bands, classical
artistes, Celtic singers, jazz musicians, literature, theatre and a
range of innovative and exciting workshops for people of all ages.
SCHOOL PRIZES
Published
on: March 2005
Two Southside Primary schools have won competitions recently. Hutchesons
Grammar Junior School won the Gorbals Primary School Quiz for 2005.
They beat rivals in Govanhill, Gorbals and Pollokshields and collected
£500 in prize money. More than 350 pupils form the area attended
the event which was hosted by Carling Academy and organised by Gorbals
Crime Prevention Panel.
Nine schools took
part in a competition to design a healthy living advertisement which
was subsequently shown on the Buchanan Street screen at the Royal Concert
Hall. The winning design was produced by St Francis Primary in Gorbals
and was seen by the hundreds of thousands of people who walk past the
screen daily.
BUSY AT ST.BART'S
Published
on: March 2005
Pupils at St Bartholomews Primary School in Castlemilk have been
busy recently. They learned to be sculptors, discovered what life was
like when Gran was a Girl and re-enacted the story of St
Mungo, Patron Saint of Glasgow. They also did some fundraising for the
tsunami appeal.
GOVANHILL DRUG SEIZURE
Published
on: March 2005
Ten people from Govanhill
were arrested for possessing and supplying cocaine and heroin in March.
In a major police
operation around 100 officers raided four addresses in the Allison Street
area early in the morning. (Note. In autumn 2009, it was repealed the penalty for distributing tablets. After, in the internet published a lot of announcements: "Buy medications now.")
Of the ten arrested,
nine have been charged. Those charged with supplying heroin are Sandra
Shade (55), Kerry Haq (33),Thomas Finlay (38), Maureen Lyon (27) all
from Govanhill; Kenneth McLeod (35), Pollokshields, Rosslyn Robinson
(33), Pollokshaws and Ronald McCann (29), Gorbals. They have been released
on bail.
Scott Hutchison
(19) of no fixed abode and David Thomas Cowan (19), Pollokshields, were
charged with supplying heroin and cocaine. Mr Cowan was released on
bail while Mr Hutcison was remanded in custody. You can discuss this news with your friends on community...
GROUPS CONTEND FOR POOL
Published
on: February 2005
Two groups are working
on plans to re-open Govanhill Baths, in Calder Street.
Govanhill Baths Community Trust set up by Save the Pool campaigners
and Dixon Community Centre, a care and support organisation for elderly
people have both drawn up plans for the future of the pool.
At a public meeting to discuss the Trust's plan a 100 local residents,
community councillors, campaigners, and elected representatives attended
the heated meeting. They set out their five year plan, for the derelict
baths to make it into a healthy living centre.
The Council owned baths were closed in 2001 despite much public opposition.
A 140 day occupation ended in a riot after the protesters were thrown
out of the building and in the resulting pubic anger mounted police
charged into the gathered crowd.
There was a lot of heated debate between the Councillors and the local
residents. Govan MP Mohammed Sarwar was there to urge every body to
work together if they really wanted to reopen the baths.
The GCC Development and Regeneration Services have received an official
submission from the Dixon Community for their plans. But have not yet
received a proposal from the Trust.
BASHIR MAAN LEAVES PARTY
Published
on: February
2005
After 40 years as
active member of the Labour party, 78-year-old Bashir Maan CBE has not
renewed his membership out of protest at the government.
The first Muslim to be elected as Councillor in Britain said, 'It was
very difficult for me to decide to leave. It took me about 6 months
to make up my mind. The final straw came when there were no weapons
of mass destruction found in Iraq which proved that Tony Blair lied
to Parliament and the British people.'
Mr Maan lived through the 1947 bloody partition of Pakistan and emigrated
to Scotland in 1953. He married and had three children and became politically
active in 1970. He was then elected as the first Muslim local authority
councillor in the UK. In 1968 he became the first Muslim Justice of
the Peace. As well as working in many committees and receiving many
honorary degrees he was made a Commander of the British Empire CBE in
2000.
The retired activist now spends his time writing his second book on
Scotland and Muslims from the 7th Century.
DOCTOR SEEKS ASYLUM
Published
on: February 2005
A highly qualified
doctor is on the verge being made homeless and destitute after his appeals
for asylum have been refused.
Dr Jim (29)-his name has been changed to protect his identity-has been
in Glasgow since March 2003 after fleeing his war torn country in the
Middle East where he was given death threats.
He said, 'As a doctor I was asked to perform some unscrupulous activities
by the ruling regime. If I refused I was given death threats and imprisoned.
I was also part of an anti-government organisation which made things
worse.'
Arriving in Glasgow he was given accommodation and £35 per week
to live on. During this time he started to do medical exams and shadowed
a Senior House Officer at a Scottish Hospital. He was then offered a
job at the same hospital but could not take it because he was an asylum
seeker and was refused a work permit by the Home Office.
His two appeals were refused on the grounds that 'it was safe for him
to return to his country.' His money was stopped and he was served with
an eviction order as he awaited his final appeal.
Dr Jim feels bitter and frustrated that his talent and skills cannot
be used. He said, 'I try to keep my hope up that I will be granted leave
to stay on my third appeal but it is very difficult especially knowing
that at any time I could be evicted from the only home I have.'
BIRTHDAY BUNNIES
Published
on: January 2005
Govanhill Bunny Girls
were a treat for Niven McVicar who celebrated his 90th birthday at the
Stroke Club in Daisy Street/Trinity hall.
'I'm a late developer,'
said Niven with a happy smile as Violet Robertson and Isa McCourt sat
on his knee and fed him home made dumpling.
Both the Bunny Girls
and Niven are VOLUNTEERS at the club. 'Only six of our 15 helpers are
under the age of 80!' said Violet (left) We all have a great time and
this was a bit of fun to make
Niven's birthday special. We would welcome younger people coming to
help us run the club which does wonders for people who've had a stroke
and are slowly getting back into action.'
Niven has been a volunteer since the club started in 1981. 'This is
a very worthwhile voluntary job. I enjoy the Wednesdays from 12 noon
and think the Club is as good for me as it is for anyone who's had a
stroke,' said Niven. 'We all have a laugh and simply enjoy ourselves.'
ALADDIN IN GOVANHILL
Published
on: January 2005
After
watching the New York gang film, West Side Story, a group of Govanhill
kids wrote their own Southside Story.
They based their play on their personal experiences of gangs and violence
and produced it in less than five weeks for family and friends.
Around 100 young people came to see the play, which starred group members
aged from 10 to 21.
Says Megan, aged 10, 'I didn't think I could do it, but I got the confidence
to get up there and do the show.'
They are following this up with a Christmas panto 'Aladdin and the Magical,
Mystical, Dancing, White Glove' which will be performed in Trinity church
in Daisy Street, on Tuesday December 21. Again, they wrote the whole
thing themselves but made this one a comedy for a change.
JOBS FAIR BONANZA FOR TORYGLEN
Published
on: January 2005
Residents
of Toryglen who are on Incapacity Benefits will have the chance to check
out jobs when a Jobs Fair is held in the Prospecthill Square offices
of The Initiative on Wednesday January 19.
First Bus will be among the employers looking for local people to train.
COMPANY ON THE MOVE
Published
on: January 2005
Govanhill
Housing Association is planning to move offices early next year into
the nearby former Samaritan Hospital building. The buildings have won
awards for conversion work into quality homes.
PENILEE KIDS FUNDRAISER
Published
on: January 2005
Nine
children skipped, jumped, climbed, danced and sang to raise money for
their Christmas trip at Penilee Community Centre recently.
Parents and volunteers from Home-Start Glasgow South Penilee Project
got together to arrange a trip to M&D's in Strathclyde Park for
all of the parents and children who attend the Penilee-based project.
'We raised over £500 for the trip and are still holding raffles
until the beginning of December.' Says Margaret Gillies, Senior Co-ordinator.
The group meets every Thursday between 1.30pm and 3.00pm.
COMMUNITY COMPANIES MAKE THEIR MARK
Published
on: January 2005
Local
organisations Govan Initiative, Glasgow Science Centre and Beat 106
Radio are all working towards their Community Standards Mark.
This coveted award shows how each business is involved in its own local
community, and how that effort is translated into sound commercial results.
'It gives us a positive profile and is a lot of fun', said Karen Woodrow
of Beat 106 Radio. Through the station's efforts thousands of pounds
have been raised for charities by involving listeners.
LANGSIDE COLLEGE AWARD CEREMONY
Published
on: January 2005
More
than 90 students of Langside College were presented with hard earned
awards at a ceremony last month.
Covering a vast range of ages, abilities and outcomes, the students
reflected earnest endeavor and had received unstinting staff support.
The students were selected by their teachers for achievements based
on things other than academic marks.
'This is a celebration of the Langside Learning experience,' said Principal
A Graeme Hyslop, who was proud of everyone who won an award.
FAREWELL TO A FAVORITE HEADTEACHER
Published
on: January 2005
As
100 balloons floated off into the gray November sky, Greenfield Primary
School completed an uplifting good-bye to Margaret Eadie, their Head
Teacher who died on 16th October.
They were released by the school pupils at the end of a happy memorial
service held by pupils, former pupils, staff, educational professionals
and friends from all walks of life who wanted to pay their last respects.
TORYGLENS MULTICULTURAL GALA
Published
on: December 2004
A
jubilant Toryglen is assessing the success of its first ever Multicultural
Day.
The local communities which include 16 nationalities among asylum seekers
and refugees in the area -proudly marched from North Circus Community
Centre to St Brigid's Primary School with hand crafted banners and balloons
flying in the warm September air to show how cultures can share fun.
There was a full programme of entertainment with dozens of stalls and
attractions for everyone. 'We estimate that one in ten local people
turned out on the day.' Said Rachel Lees of Impact Arts which co-ordinated
the event. 'By any standard that is a very large representation and
means between 600 to 700 people were involved.'
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS DAY
Published
on: December 2004
Govan
Initiative's 'Building Your Skills Day', at Govan Shopping Centre and
the Hills Trust Learning Academy successfully highlighted job opportunities
in the construction industry.
Over 200 people dropped in for information on working in construction.
Singer and song writer Mamie Lang kept young children entertained and
computers were available for older children. Joyce Facloner, better
known as Roisin, star of BBC Scotland's TV series River City shared
her achievements and explain how she constructed her career. She told
the LOCAL NEWS, 'I had to work my way up in small parts in plays and
never had a full time pay until I got the job at River City. I was over
the moon when I got the job.'
Pam Courtney Assistant Chief Executive of Govan Initiative said, 'It
was a family day out with plenty of fun and activities to keep everyone
entertained. Overall it was great success.'
GOVAN GATHERING SUCCESS
Published
on: December 2004
More
than 3000 people were estimated to have attended the Govan Gathering
in September-one in ten of the population of the area.
The family fun day in Festival Park had something for everyone -and
sunshine thrown in! And the contrast between old and new highlighted
how the future is linked to the past by events such as this. Young people
rework things learned from older who pass on the excitement and knowledge
of things they experienced in their youth.
One the key organisers Helen Kyle of the Arts Regeneration Co-ordinator
explained, 'This is about craft, culture, and cuisine. It's a carnival
for all the family to celebrate life in Govan.' She had spent several
sleepless nights making sure that local gangs didn't damage the tents
put up in the park to house the wide variety of activities. 'The Govan
Gathering is a way to bring the community together and celebrate the
multicultural society we are. It is also one of the major events on
the local calendar. In February there is the Celtic Fringe, June has
Govan Fair and December is Gathering Lights, 'she added'.
CONCRETE CLEARWAY
Published
on: November 2004
Devastated
residents of Craigton are trying to come to terms with the fact that
a concrete plant will become their neighbour in Barfillan Drive with
an estimated 336 heavy goods vehicles passing their door every week
for the next five years.
Patersons of Greenoakhills Ltd won their case on appeal, and now have
authority to set up a plant at 121 Barfillan Drive.
Local people fought a strenuous campaign to prevent the company coming
to the site which is only accessible through the residential area of
Jura Street and Barfillan Drive.
The Reporter appointed by the Scottish Executive listed 14 conditions
Patersons will have to observe. They include the five year limit, operating
hours from 7am till 5pm Monday to Friday and 7am till 1pm on Saturday
and a voluntary speed limit and driving time ban by the company to avoid
peak times for children attending Craigton Primary School.
Mike Dailly of Govan Law Centre advised residents they had no grounds
for appeal and could only monitor the situation very carefully to make
sure the company kept the conditions. Councillor John Flanagan commented
that the planning process was flawed when the democratic decision of
the City Council's planning committee which originally rejected the
application, could be overturned by one individual. Said local householder
Annie McAlpine, 'houses have collapsed probably because of old mine
workings and there are obvious cracks in the walls of many houses along
this road, and that's before concret lorries come thundering along.'
Her neighbour Sadie MacDonald added, 'We've no-one to speak for us if
the people in Edinburgh don't listen to the City Council.'
BOY CYCLING WONDER
Published on: November 2004
Scotland's cycling hero, Chris Hoy, better watch out
for Castlemilk cyclist Thomas John McDougall. The 22-year-old is the
latest member of the Scotland West Team which will compete in the Special
Olympics National Summer Games in Glasgow next year.
Having a learning disability has not stopped the enthusiastic young
man from competing. He is on a strict training regime to prepare for
the three cycling events he will be competing in - Time Trials, Mountain
Biking and Road Race.
Also known as TJ, he commented, 'I've been attending Govan-based 'Let's
Go' programme for four years. This has really improved my confidence
and made me realize a lot of dreams. My care respite worker takes me
out to many different activities which is really great. He has raised
£250 needed to compete in the Games and sings for pensioners and
youth groups. He has taken up Brazilian drumming and takes drama classes.
Rachel Newman, Manage of 'Let's Go' said, 'We are very proud of TJ being
selected for the Special Olympic Team. The games will be held in many
city venues from 1st to 9th July 2005 and around 3000 athletes with
learning disabilities, will be competing.
VOLUNTEERS IMPROVE CASTLEMILK ENVIRONMENT
Published
on: November 2004
A chance to work in the great outdoors has inspired a group of young
volunteers in Castlemilk. Their effort and enthusiasm were rewarded
when they were presented with John Muir Discovery Awards at a ceremony
in Glenwood Busienss Cedntre. Handing over the prized awards, Toby Clark,
Regional Manager, West Scotland for the John Muir Trust said, 'These
volunteers have hit the mark. They are the perfect example of what the
Trust was set up for. They have discovered how to work in a team and
take responsibility. They have made new friends and started a journey
of caring for people and caring for the environment. I believe they
will find this to be a pleasant, lifelong task which will make this
world a better place.'
Each of the Castlemilk Environmental Trust Volunteers gave apresentation
and they were introduced by local Community Open Space Officer, Susan
Rutherford who said, 'We couldn't operate without volunteers. This group
was amazing for their perseverance and reliability and the wide range
of volunteer projects they completed.' Aged from 16 upwards, the volunteers
contributed to the Trust's work for many months and some fo them for
as much as three years. The volunteers were Bobby Graham, Nayyara Rai,
Marina Costello, Bobby Graham, Paul White, Richard Roper, Jamie Gore
and Zack Bleasdale.
HOME OFFICE VISITS GORBALS
Published on: September 2004
A
surprise visit from John Gieve, Permanent Secretary to the Home Office
to The Initiative in Gorbals thrilled the staff at the Adelphi offices.
Said Chief Executive Candy Munro, 'It's really great that Mr Gieve took
time out to visit Gorbals. It underlines the success story Gorbals is
when a senior civil servant such as Mr Gieve shows such an active interest
in what we are doing.'
Mr Gieve is the most senior civil servant in the Home Office, working
closely with David Blunkett, the Home Secretary.
He had heard about Gorbals Intitiative and asked to see the work they
are doing. During his visit he heard how unemployment in the area has
dropped by 33%. He also heard about a new peer advocacy project which
the Initiative is piloting. Newly arrived asylum seekers will be matched
with established refugees who will be trained to provide support and
help.
CENTENARIANS TO BE HONOURED
Published
on: November 2004
A celebration to honour
people aged 100 or more, will be hosted by Glasgow City Council in the
City Chambers on Wednesday 24th November.
Promoted by Lambhill Court company which has four care homes on the
Southside, the day is planned to be an entertaining outing for centenarians
and their carers.
Said Deepak Poddar, Operations Director of the company, 'We'd love to
hear from anyone in touch with centenarians. We have a variety of very
special celebrities lined up to attend the day and everyone aged 100
or more, is invited.' To contact him call Syd Duman, Activities Manager
for the company on 0141 423 7070.
CONCIERGES ON THE FRONT LINE
Published
on: November 2004
Deliberate
'dithering' by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) could force Gorbals
tenants to leave or move to a private landlord. That was the claim made
at a 'Save Our Homes' meeting in St Francis Centre, Gorbals in September.
'Deteriorating conditions in the flats is a war of attrition,' claimed
Sean Clerkin, Chairperson of the Glasgow Campaign Against Housing Stock
Transfer which organised the meeting. 'The newest part of that war is
a plan to make concierges redundant. There will be voluntary redundancy
followed by compulsory redundancy,' he said. 'This means tenants will
get minimal service. Lack of repairs is deliberate and it all means
someone is after the land.' He forecast that tenants would be forced
by the deteriorating conditions to find new accommodation in the private
sector at higher rents.
A spokesman for GHA said their assessment of the conditions of the houses
would be completed by the end of this year. 'Only when we have that
information can we plan how the work can be done. Any other way is to
put the cart before the horse.'
CASTLEMILK FAREWELL
Published
on: November 2004
Members of Castlemilk
Pensioners' Action Group said farewell to their friend William Keir
who died, aged 63, a week after returning from his dream holiday in
Amsterdam. The Group had raised the funds for the trip after William
mentioned he'd never been away on holiday. Devastated Group Manager
Margaret Urquhart said, 'We are really saddened that we'll never see
William again. But he was on cloud nine when he came back.' The popular
club member had inspired everyone with his cheerful and positive outlook
after he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last December.
DIGGING IN FOR
GORBALS ORCHARD
Published on: November 2004
The first phase of the unique Orchard project in the
new Rose Garden in Gorbals was brought to a close by local pupils from
Blackfriars and St Francis Primary Schools planting the final range
of wildflowers, herbs and greenery. The Orchard concept was the vision
of artist Amanda Currie who saw it as a place for people of all ages
to enjoy nature, tend fruit trees and bushes and hold seasonal community
events based around the cultivating of the Orchard.
'We had a real fun day with all the helpers having a great time,' said
Amanda. 'This is a unique place because we have planted some rare species.'
Volunteers are now needed to give time and attention to the Orchard
and Amanda would be pleased to hear from them on tel 0141 422 1196
MORE GREAT STORIES IN THE LOCAL NEWS
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