Ex-Scotland boss lends hand in fight agianst racism

Speaking at the launch of the 2010 SRTRC creative competition launch, which was part of The Learning and Teaching Scotland festival at the SECC, the ex-Scots boss told of the footballers enthusiasm for the campaign.

He said; ‘It’s amazing just how involved all the players want to be with this charity and the young people in the schools respond well to the modern day heroes.

‘This is best way to get the nation united and educated against racism. Eventually I hope it will not be necessary to have SRTRC, but for now the pressure needs to stay on.’

He was joined by former Partick Thistle and Dundee player Jim Duffy, and 15-year-old Sylvie Clark, who won the 2009 creative competition.

Jim Duffy, a long time volunteer for SRTRC, said; ‘I go into the schools and do workshops with the young people. It really is great fun and everyone enjoys it – the kids love it and their response to the footballers is fantastic.

‘Football opens up a door and that might not be otherwise there. The kids understand what a red card means; it means you’ve done something bad and let yourself and your team mates down.’

Also at the opening was last year’s winner, Sylvie Clark, 15, a pupil from Banchory Academy in Aberdeenshire. Sylvie told LOCAL NEWS about her experience at the National Stadium earlier in the year, when she found out she was the overall winner.

She said; ‘It was great to win the schools category and then coming to Hampden to win the overall prize was just amazing.’

Sylvie is now nearly an adult, but was only 13 when she created the iconic image of hands uniting across Scotland. She said; ‘I’m really glad I put forward my entry, the whole experience has been very beneficial for me.’

Steiner leading the way with eco-school

Glasgow Steiner School may be located in a 19th century building but its redevelopment could provide a model for schools across Glasgow in the 21st century and beyond.
An ambitious Low Carbon Vision program is under way which will allow the school, on Lumsden Street in Yorkhill, to achieve carbon efficiency and also  generate a new income stream by selling excess electricity to the national grid.
Anne Lumb, Convener of the Steiner Glasgow Building and Environment Group believes working with the old building and using natural resources is the only way forward.
She said:  ‘We have a fantastic old building that we are aiming to make fit for the future. What is the point in building a new structure when we can improve and work with the old one?
There is presently scaffolding surrounding the school allowing work – using natural resources like sheep’s wool, which creates a thremo-fleece to insulate the building – to be carried out.
This is just phase one, which is on course for completion by December. The future plans have been awarded a Climate Change Fund Grant that will allow for feasibility studies on a new energy efficient heating solution, will commence in 2010.
The school is not funded directly by the Scottish Government, and it’s been a long road as Jenny Charters, from Firhill, one of the parents of the children who is very involved, explained.
She said:  ‘We started off with no money, but we organised fund-raisers like auctions and cake-bakes, everything you can imagine, and raised £15,000 to get a digital survey done which in turn allowed us to apply for the grants. ‘Parents and pupils have to do a lot of the work here, they help out the teachers. It’s a united approach.’
Steiner is very different to other private schools as it adopts a holistic approach which aims to educate what they call the whole child – head, heart and hands.
Until very recently fees were only applicable to people who could afford to pay and would allow parents of various incomes into the school. But the financial demands on the school have changed that position.
Jenny explained; ‘We have reached a stage now where new parents that want to send their kids to this school there is a fee, but we still negotiate and do deals for people who are single parents or have two or three children at the school.’

St Mirren School Cooks

Making smoothies was a fruitful experience at St Mirren’s Primary School in Pollok.
Classes 3 and 4 cheered on the two teams to compete in a ‘Ready, Steady, cook’ styled finale for a smoothies recipe competition.
In front of judges Claire Doyle of the school Milk Project and Lynne Innes of Glasgow City Council’s education quality advisory, the youngsters prepared their drinks. Dinner ladies Helen Watt and Eileen McCann were the helpers in charge of the knives and blenders.
Super Apples from Primary 3 were well prepared with their apple, kiwi and five strawberries. They mixed them with a small glass of semi-skimmed milk, pineappple juice and ice cubes to create their Super Fruity Smoothie. The Smoothie gang from Primary 4 didn’t waste time in peeling one large banana, two large strawberries, one half pineapple, a small glass of semi-skimmed milk, a cup of orange juice, five ice cubes and a peach flavoured low-fat yogurt.
It was a close-run thing, agreed the judges. But one team had to win the special prize to visit the Smoothie Bar in nearby Silverburn and have their recipe made by the professionals there.
Said Judge Lynne: ‘I’d happily have paid for these lovely smoothies.’ Added Judge Claire: ‘I loved them both because they used milk in their recipes and the winner had yogurt.’
So Dylan Paterson, Cormac Smith and Leah McCreadie won with their Banana Xtravagansa. ‘I think it was because we had an extra special recipe,’ declared Dylan who wants to be a celebrity chef with his own tv show.
Runners up who got medals and other prizes were happy because they found it fun ‘working together.’ They were Kayleigh Laing, Drew Garry and Tavio Melucci.
Said Head Teacher Heidi Fawcett: ‘there has been a delightful outpouring of enthusiasm for this competition which is part of our health promotion.’ The school has Health Promotion Status because of the way it has embedded things like healthy eating and healthy activities in the curriculum.
Gemma Grant who is eight has just won another competition for her poster design which will be used as the Health icon for the school for this academic year. A keen swimmer, Gemma explained her poster showed how to get more active by swimming and how to get fitter by eathing healthy foods. ‘It is great to win,’ she said shyly.

Possil Fun Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorbals Playbarn Attacked by Vandals

The much loved Gorbals Playbarn is facing the threat of closure following repeated attacks by vandals. The centre has suffered damage to tiles on its roof which has led to major water penetration and significant flooding of the building. Heartless yobs have been climbing on to the roof and systematically breaking the tiles, which has allowed rain water to get in. Youth Work Co-ordinator Nicky Miller told the LOCAL NEWS: ‘We run on a shoe-string budget, and we manage to provide a great service to the young people in the area. However, the cost of making the building secure, fixing the roof and repairing the damage inside is huge. The total costs of repairs and security measures is well over £7,500, it’s money we just don’t have.’ Over 80 young people per week use the Playbarn. The team of seven staff develop programmes with the young people to increase their awareness of different issues. The boys group recently used their sessions to create graffiti style art on canvasses, whilst considering the difference between art and vandalism. The senior girls group held job search training sessions, and organised their own mock interviews to prepare for the world of work. The staff also encourage the youngsters to get involved in the running of the centre and to take part in the decision making process. The Playbarn runs sessions on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Nicky Miller went on to explain the ambitious plans for the centre: ‘We would like to be open every day and evening, and there are plans to turn the building into a mini sports academy. But even the day to day running of the centre is at risk because of the serious damage caused by the vandalism.’

Editorial September 2009

The free fruit which anyone can take from the public orchard in Gorbals is plentiful. It was planted in the old rose garden – an 18th century burial ground – as an art work project some years ago. Now the Damson plum harvest is being gathered in, recipes swapped and baking is under way. But it has taken the vision of the original artist – Amanda Currie – plus the co-operation of a small group of local people who enjoy tending the fruit bushes and trees to bring this to fruition!  The orchard has been a place and a way for people to connect with nature and with each other. Maybe next month when the community council elections are held, we’ll see similar vision and long term support for ideas in different community council areas. Already the hopes of the parents of Wyndford primary school in Maryhill, having been dashed with the closure of the school – are now fixed on establishing a community council which has a legal status and must be consulted on material changes in the area.  This would be one way to have early warning of material changes of plans or massive new developments. It might ease some of the tension currently showing across the city where local people are fighting to retain some ‘dear green space’ that has been designated as surplus to requirements and sold off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire chief praises youngsters and hails a bright future

Strathclyde Fire Chief Officer Brian Sweeney yesterday hailed 21 fire cadet graduates as evidence that young people bring hope for the future of Scotland.
Speaking at First Fire Cadets end of course graduation at Cowcaddens Community Fire Station on Tuesday, 8 September, he lavished praise on the graduates in front of the hall packed with family, friends, councillors and special guests from Pakistan.
He said; ‘There is a lot of negative publicity about young people attacking fire crews.
‘However, we never hear much about the great levels of work and commitment that young people in society can show. The group here are a shining example of that.
‘Just how much young talent we have is amazing - it’s credit to this city and indeed to Scotland – and we need to appreciate that a little more.’
Many of the young men and women who had just completed the two year cadet course will now go on to Scottish Fire Services College in Gullane for a 12 week intensive course.
Following successful completion at Gullane in East Lothian they then go straight into work, with the possibility of being stationed at any part of the Strathclyde area.
However, last night was a time for celebration, and the very accomplished and professional young people took the event in their stride.
Chris Murphy, 21, from Maryhill told LOCAL NEWS this was a very proud moment in his life.
He said; ‘I’m delighted to have finished successfully, it’s been a long time coming mind you.
‘This is what I’ve always wanted to do; it’s been a dream since I was a wee boy.
‘We have all made some great friends on the cadet course which makes us look forward to the training in Gullane even more.’
Bryan Mulgrew, also 21, from Penilee, who had earlier helped introduce the evening, was equally at ease talking to LOCAL NEWS.
He said; ‘It’s been hard work over the past two years but I’m over the moon to have completed this now.
‘When I left school I had been working and was at college and wasn’t too sure what to do, but once I stared this course I never looked back.’

Salmond only sees communities winning from the 2014 Games

Alex Salmond, spoke passionately on Tuesday 1 September at the launch of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Plan at the People’s Palace in Glasgow.

The LOCAL NEWS managed to get a word with the First Minister, and he played down fears that only the East end of the city would reap the benefits of the Games. He said: ‘These are not only East end plans; people will be touched right through each community in Glasgow and across Scotland. Obviously the area where the games will be sited will have the largest single impact, but the plans are for the whole city of Glasgow and the whole country of Scotland. I don’t think there will be winners and losers. We only intend to see winners.’

The First Minister went on to claim the Games would be hugely significant.

He said: ‘The inspiration of the games can have a profound effect on the lifestyles and activities of the people in this country for generations to come. There will be other significant effects of the Games, but this is perhaps the biggest beneficial factor and legacy. Glasgow 2014 is the big idea. Having this wonderful sporting event – the biggest this country will have seen – is the big event.’

Gone in eight seconds

A blast by 30 kilos of explosive awakened residents of Pollokshaws on Sunday 30 August as it demolished two multi storey blocks of flats in just eight seconds. The 1967 buildings – once home to 210 families at 124 and 142 Shawbridge Street were earmarked to come down by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) after a fall in demand for high rise living.

This clears the way for major redevelopment of the area where similar flats at 12 River Road and 21 River Bank Street were totalled last year.

The Executive Director of Regeneration, Jim Sneddon, said: ‘This is the next step towards the regeneration of the Shawbridge area. There is superb potential for future redevelopment in this excellent location with the river, numerous interesting buildings and transport links. We are committed to building a new stronger community for future generations of local people.  Shawbridge can set the standard for regeneration in Glasgow.’

Stephen McAvoy Community Housing Manager at New Shaws Local Housing Organisation said the local community has been involved from the start in the plans.

Paul Mayo, Project Manager of Coleman & Company said the key objective was to ensure the demolition took place as safely as possible. ‘Success depends on meticulous planning and team work.’ The partners involved included Glasgow Housing Association, New Shaws LHO, Strathclyde Police, and the local Communities.

Former Shawbridge resident, Richard Atkinson, told the LOCAL NEWS: ‘I am glad the high flats are gone. They destroyed the beauty of the village. Now developers realised their mistakes and are rectifying them.’

A neighbour, Ann McGregor said: ‘In the 60s, I saw the flats being built. It is sad to watch them be demolished in seconds. This was a community that brought people together.’

But Karen Hudi said the flats had their problems. A burst water pipe put a lift out of action. ‘I had to use the stairs with my baby and the pram! Over the years the flats got worse to live in. There was lots of dampness and sometimes when the river got flooded water comes to the front of buildings making access difficult.’

Georgia Bridges, 11, grew up in the flats. She said: ‘I like the fact that I and my friends can play football in the landings when its rains.’

In other developments at Glasgow Housing Association: Taroub Zahran, Chief Executive of the beleaguered organisation, leaves her post this month. She said: ‘The time is now right for me, as GHA prepares to enter a different phase in its development, to pass on the baton and seek fresh challenges.’

In October, accountant Mark Logan will become GHA’s new Executive Director of finance and business services. He has specialised in housing for more than 20 years.

Mark said: ‘I am delighted to be joining GHA and look forward to using my skills and experience to help GHA deliver its investment plans and further improve services to tenants and factored homeowners.’

In August, Alastair MacNish, former Chairman of the Accounts Commission for Scotland and Audit Scotland and chief executive of South Lanarkshire Council was appointed to the GHA board.

Meanwhile, owners of properties factored by GHA are becoming increasingly alarmed at the size of bills, and the poor quality of work for over-cladding, roofing and other major structural improvements they are obliged to have. From every corner of the city they are joining the Glasgow Home Owners Campaign to protest and find solutions to the problems. The campaign’s next meeting is on Thursday 17 September at 7pm in the Jury’s Inn hotel on Jamaica Street.

 

 

Allotment on their minds

Glasgow’s green-fingered fraternity are gutted that they will be losing ground at one of the city’s sacred allotment spaces.
Work on the new smaller Oatlands Leisure Gardens, which is only a stone’s through from the River Clyde, has again been delayed – this time for the New Year – while the present gardens site is earmarked for flats.
Written into the development deal back in 2001 was a guarantee by Glasgow City Council to maintain an allotment space in the community.
The recession is being blamed for the delay in progress by construction giants Gladedale.
Margaret Kerr, secretary Oatlands Allotments, said: ‘I’m not happy about the situation.
‘Gladedale have been unrealistic with their timescale and plans to build houses on our present leisure gardens site. I think the site will just lie dormant, which is sad.
‘We have lots of people on a waiting list and if we were allowed to have used the existing space along with new one then that would have been far more satisfactory.’
New allotments are to be constructed the line of the present Wolseley Street, encroaching slightly into the grounds of Richmond Park School and are expected to be less two thirds the size of the existing leisure gardens.
Despite the increased interest in allotments locally, the Council and Gladedale claim there is only so much that they can do to meet that extra demand on the Oatlands site.
Another potentially suitable site for allotments in the area is located between New Rutherglen Road and the M74 but enquiries to the Scottish Government which owns the land ‘hit a brick wall’.
MSP for the area, Frank McAveety said: ‘The allotment provision should first and foremost be for people from Oatlands.
‘The community has been through some tough times and it’s important that it retains a leisure garden space, run by and run for the people of the area.’
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: ‘I still think that the Council was very far-sighted in 2001 to agree to include allotments as an integral part of the new Oatlands neighbourhood. ‘Times have changed and we are responding in as positive a fashion as we can, given the legal commitment we have with Gladedale.’
A spokesperson for Gladedale (Central Scotland) Ltd, said: ‘Work is due for completion in early 2010. Allotment holders will then be given a reasonable period to move to the new site at which time work will begin to clear the existing allotments.
‘Unfortunately it is not possible for the current site to be retained past this point. Health and safety is of paramount importance at all times and Gladedale do not consider it safe to have allotments in the middle of an active construction site.’

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