Just the baby trinket!

It’s that time of year again. Glasgow City Chambers Lord Provost Bob Winter personally welcomed baby Lucy Lambert in to his office in anticipation of her first Christmas and the up and coming Babies First Christmas event ran by the council.

The event has ran since 2005 and has proved a delight for parents and babys alike. On Saturday December 4, the Lord Provost will personally welcome 250 new born babies into the City Chambers banqueting hall. There they will register for the Babies First Christmas event and receive from the Lord Provost a certificate and a silver coloured Christmas tree trinket.

All in all 1000 newborn babies will register for their first Christmas. Those babies not invited will be asked to register at the St Enoch Centre- the shopping centre are the proud sponsor of this heart stirring event.

The Lord Provost was delighted to meet little Lucy Lambert and mum Laura on Wednesday 27 October, in anticipation of the big day. Said Lord Provost: A particular highlight for new mums and dads is the celebrations of the baby’s first Christmas. It’s a wonderful time of year for us all and I’m delighted to be able to offer this exclusive event for all families introducing their baby to their first Christmas.’

Is your baby about to have it’s first wonderful Christmas? Call 0141 287 5064 to register or visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/parks

Students job prospects better than feared?

By Katherine Hill

Students in Glasgow may have less to worry about than they think when it comes to their future employment prospects.

So say industry experts who are predicting a brighter future for university graduates.
Audrey McCulloch,

Government responds to Glasgow Gambia Campaign

The Foreign Office have offered support to the Scottish Campaign for Human Rights in the Gambia (SCHRG)- a campaign launched in Glasgow in September.

On October 18, Arthur West, Chairman of SCHRG, wrote to UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, highlighting concerns over disappeared people in the Gambia, including journalists, civillians and politicians. The SCHRG believe security agents of the Gambian Government were involved in these cases of unexplained disappearance.

In response to Mr West’s letter, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) stated: ‘We share your concerns about the cases of the individuals you have named who have reportedly disappeared in the Gambia and would like to assure you that the United Kingdom Government does regularly raise concerns over human rights, including the disappearance of individuals,with the Government of Gambia’. The response adds: ‘We continue to press for an independent investigation.’

Said Arthur: ‘Our Campaign is pleased to note that the FCO shares our cocerns about the very worrying human rights situation in the Gambia.’

The Goverment’s response to SCHRG, launched at the Scottish Trade Union Centre in Glasgow’s West End, highlighted the case of missing journalist Ebrima Manneh- who vanished in the Gambia after allegedly attempting to publish an article condeming the Gambian Government over violations of human rights.

Alieu Ceesay, SCHRG Information Officer and exiled Gambian journalist, told LOCAL NEWS: ‘Ebrima is one of many people missing. We applaud the FCO for pushing for an independent investigation. People cannot disapear from the face of the earth like this. I appeal to the new UK Government to review their relations with the Gambian government,a government that rule by touture,intimidation and killing. Gambian people deserve free media and to live in a society without fear with open debates and freedom of expression.’

If you want to know more about SCHRG email gambiacampaign@ymail.com

CAP- Sensitivity, Wisdom, and Time

Words by Alieu Ceesay,Photograph by Stuart Maxwell

Jean Nicholson, Glasgow Centre Manager of the award winning UK debt counselling charity, Chritians Against Poverty, has revealed to LOCAL NEWS harrowing stats showing the damage that debt can have on personal lives.

CAP is a franchise charity that looks to help people manage and organise debt. Through fundraising, CAP offers clients counselling to cope with the horrific consequences that financial desperation can lead a person towards.

On Saturday 23 October, Jean and CAP threw a fundraising lunch in the Findlay Church Cafe. Here, she revealed that 38% of their clients considered suicide as way out of debt while 48% feared losing their homes ( 15% do lose their home) and half of all the clients had to take out loans to provide presents at Christmas. In a knock on effect, Jean said nearly 80% of clients cite their debt has a disastrous effect on maintaining a healthy relationship.

The Glasgow branch of CAP is run from Findlay church where Jean and a volunteer team assist around 20 clients. Throughout the UK thousands depend on CAP to get back on their feet.

Said Jean: ‘The number of people we see each month varies from centre to centre. While numbers may not seem very high, CAP’s service is very indepth and is based on face to face home visits. We dont just help people with their finances but with every aspect of their lives, this requires sensitivity,wisdom and time’

Jean said CAP has an excellent relationship with banks and other financial institutions across the UK: ‘We believe that in fostering the best possible relationship with banks and other financial institutions,we will benefit our clients,who in turn received better treatment whilst they are in financial difficulty.’ CAP will approach banks for clients to try and negotiate better conditions for them.

Russell, (who preferred not to give his full name), a beneficiary of CAP, said: ‘CAP has certainly made a difference to my life. After 6 months of avalanches of debt collection letters and phone calls, I was in a spiral of dissolution and despair. It was taking a toll on my relationship and mentally I was at a very low ebb.’

‘CAP went through all my debts and made a debt management plan,which I stick to.They took it all in their stride. Their patience and calm boosted my confidence. It’s 4 months now and the calls have virtually stoped and the letters are fewer. Every day is so much better now that CAP are behind me.’

Jean shows us a letter from Lewis, another beneficary of CAP. It reads:’ You will be pleased to know that we successfully negotiated our way through our first ever credit free Christmas! We have been blessed to have met you and all the CAP team.’

These though, are the success stories. With crippling cuts announced across the UK, Jean is in no doubt that CAP’s services will be leaned on heavily. ‘These are very worrying times for a lot of people’ said Jean. ‘All we can do is say that we will stay with you until your debt is under control, no matter how long that takes.’

On Saturday in the Findlay Church Cafe, worries were put on hold for a while. For delicious soups and a host of stalls ensured a good day was had by clients, staff and supporters alike. Proceeds will go stright into the cause of pulling the debt ridden back into safety.

For more information visit: http://www.capuk.org/home/index.php

City Ladies boost before Celtic match league decider

 

Glasgow City Ladies FC have received a major financial boost ahead of their championship decider with Celtic Ladies on Sunday October 31.

Tied at the top of this season’s league table, Glasgow City and rivals Celtic have each won all but one of their league games so far this season – the only exception being a draw between the two sides back in May.

Glasgow City lead the table by three points having played a game more and if they win the league it will be their fourth consecutive title, setting a new Scottish record.

Regardless of how things go on the pitch Glasgow City Ladies FC are winners off it as Northgate Managed Services have agreed to sponsor the SWF Premier League champions.

Information and Communication Technology firm Northgate has a Scottish base in Glasgow and is headquartered in Belfast, with more than 1,000 staff providing infrastructure services and ICT specialist managed services.

So the destination of the 2010 SWF Premier League trophy hinges on Sunday’s decider and Glasgow City will take to the field with new sponsors Northgate proudly emblazoned on the sleeves of the team’s home shirts.

City captain Laura Montgomery said: ‘It goes without saying that we are all looking forward to Sunday’s game when we know we will have to be at our very best against a strong Celtic team if we wish to retain the league title.

‘And we’re delighted to welcome Northgate as our latest sponsor. Northgate are top of their game – like ourselves, so the partnership marries well.’

‘This new sponsorship funding has several benefits, the most basic of which is that along with other incomes it will help finance the day-to-day running of the club.’

But Celtic Ladies will be no pushover and have previously beaten Glasgow City en route to their successful league cup final. And lifting silverware already this season gives Celtic reason to be optimistic as vice-captain Jo Love explained.

She said: ‘We are hoping that we can do the business on Sunday, but we won’t be taking anything for granted as Glasgow are a very good team.

‘Winning the league cup was so special for everyone at the club and we want more. Onwards and upwards is our motto.’

The big match kicks off at 4pm on Sunday at Celtic’s Lennoxtown complex.

Commonwealth flag passed over and on course

As the Commonwealth Games flag was passed over this week to Glasgow’s Lord Provost Bob Winter, in Delhi – making Glasgow the official host city for the Games in 2014 – it sparked wild celebrations in Glasgow.

The countdown to the opening ceremony at Celtic Park in July 2014 has begun! The closing ceremony in Delhi heralded the end of the 2010 games and Glasgow came to life as it looked towards 2014.
In a display of dance in George Square, the pupils of Blackfriars and Oakgrove Primary Schools were among those who gave a stunning performance at lunchtime to kick off the festivities.
The closing ceremony in India was beamed live to the Fruitmarket, where Councillor Archie Graham, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, summed up the excited anticipation in front of 700 local people. ‘It hardly seems like three years since we were awarded the Games. This is an invitation for the world to visit us, our world class facilities will be showcased to a global audience. We look forward to our time in the spotlight.’
In Glasgow, Robbie Rennick was on hand with his 200m freestyle swimming gold medal at the lighting of a ceremonial lamp – a Hindu symbol for a new beginning.
Scottish Clan Wallace drummers with Kay Affleck gave a vibrant performance as the fusion of Scottish and Indian music heralded the dawn of the run-up to the Glasgow Games.

A spokesperson for the games said: ‘All is on time and on budget at this stage. Many of our venues are already built and in use including the Opening Ceremony which will be held at Celtic Park, very close to the National Indoor Sports Arena & Velodrome and the Athletes’ Village. The closing ceremony will take place at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.’

Prince’s Trust Make a Change for Glasgow

The Prince’s Trust is launching Make a Change Week as part of a week-long celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of its flagship Team programme.

Teams from across North Glasgow running at Anniesland College and Maryhill Community Halls have been delivering the programme for the last 13 and 16 years respectively and have collectively supported around 1600 young people in moving on to a positive destination in that time.

During the programme, young people are tasked with identifying and carrying out a community based project which will be of benefit to the residents in their local area.

Previous Team community projects at Maryhill Community Halls have included working with Riding for the Disabled in Summerston, where the Team assisted with cleaning and upgrading the facilities by digging out and constructing ponds.

While at Anniesland College have included supporting a barbecue and sports day at Kelbourne Primary School for Disabled Children.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12 week, full time personal development programme for 16-25-year-olds who are not in employment, further education or training.

Within the 12 week framework, participants complete a community based project, work experience, intensive team building and personal development initiatives and a Team challenge, which allows them to achieve recognised accreditation in an informal environment.

Geraldine Gammell, Director of The Prince’s Trust Scotland, said: ‘Team is a very important Prince’s Trust programme. It helps young people understand the importance of team-work and builds their self-confidence and skills to move onto positive destinations.

‘The Prince’s Trust Scotland and Maryhill Community Central Hall have a well established working partnership. Together we have delivered Team programme and developed opportunities for over 1100 young people since the pilot in 1990.’

At the same time young people in the east end of the city will be participating on the programme at John Wheatley College will be fundraising and giving something back to the community.

The funds raised by the will go towards buying goods for Christmas hampers which will be distributed to households in Glasgow. The young people will be responsible for purchasing gifts and packaging the hampers, before distributing them to homes across the city.

Best of the Welders

An apprentice on the Clyde has beaten of piping hot competition to land the prestigious ShipWeld 2010 title- awarded to the most talented, well…welder.

David Crawford, aged 19, in his 3rd year as an apprentice with BAE Systems, was one of 11 finalists from UK shipyards that squared off down at Govan shipyard on the Clyde. During a gruelling 6 hour showdown it was David who flamed to victory, during a series of intricate and intensive welding challenges.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, David said: ‘This is my first time competing so I’m really pleased to have won. I’ve enjoyed taking part and it’s given me the chance to put the skills I’ve learned throughout my apprenticeship into practice.’

One proud man was Scott Graham, BAE Training Coordinator at BAE on the Clyde, who heads the 200 apprentices at Govan shipyard. Said Scott: ‘I would like to congratulate all of the apprentices for getting to this stage. They have shown a high level of proficiency, not only in the competition but also in their apprenticeship training and they should be very proud of their achievement.

BAE Systems, the global defence company, operates on a worldwide scale and has a proud history on the Clyde. They recently launched HMS Duncan from Govan and announced that a £5.4 billion contract to build 2  aircraft carriers was safe despite massive cuts to defence budgets, securing many jobs on the Clyde for the forseeable future.

Infant Eco-Warriors bag green flags

Glasgow nurseries are Keeping Scotland Beautiful and that is a fact after 4 were awarded with Green Flags by Eco-Schools Scotland.

Eco-Schools devised the Keep Scotland Beautiful drive as an initiative to encourage schools and nurseries to take steps to educate pupils on how to help their enviroment. Now, judges have awarded the efforts of 4 nurseries in Glasgow the prestgious Green Flag.

Kids at Barlanark Family Learning Centre took part in daily litter pick ups and created their own vegetable patch- they got the Green Flag. At Pikeman Nursery School kids got their paws mucky with hands on eco-warrior projects- and the Knightswood outfit got the Green Flag too.In Easterhouse, Westerhouse Nursery worked closely with the Forestry Commission to help preserve local woodland- a Green Flag for them. Finally, Bonnybroom Nursery in Barmulloch transformed the local architecture, creating a splendid oasis amidst the structures of the Red Road flats- so they got the Green Flag as well.

Kate Campbell, Eco Schools Scotland manager, hopes these efforts will inspire other schools to join the effort. Said Kate: ‘We were very impressed with the efforts of Westerhouse, Pikeman, Bonnybroom and Barlanark in producing a diverse range of wonderful enviromental projects. We aim to introduce children to enviromentally friendly behaviour that they can continue throughout their lives.’

Eco Schools Scotland work with The Green Insurance Company to promote their eco-initiatives. Behind the financial crisis remains an enviroment in peril. Get you schools involved! To find out more visit: www.ecoschoolsscotland.org

Good over evil, light over dark

Words and Picture by Stuart Maxwell

 

Glasgow’s Sri Lankan community were out en masse for an Art Festival at Woodside Hall where performers put on a dazzling display of dance and theatre.

The art festival is part of a very special month for Glasgow’s Hindu population. Many important prayer days occur in the lead up to Diwali- a special day for Hindus across the world known as the ‘festival of lights’ which celebrates good over evil and light over dark. This year, Diwali is to be celebrated on the 5th November in Glasgow’s George Square.

On Sunday 24 October,Glasgow’s strong Sri Lankan community warmed up for Diwali with a day of dance based on Barathat Natiyam- a classic South Indian style. Over 300 people turned out to see community members perform strictly choreographed routines and theatrical plays.

Making sure performances followed the Barathat tradition was Sunija Binu, art director of Abhinaya Dance Group. Said Sunija:’Today went very well. My dancers have been practicing for 4 months and worked hard for this day. It is about bringing light to the people, through dance and through art. Over 300 people turned out and I hope what we created delighted them.’

The event was organised by Sri Mangala Vinayahar Community Centre, a local Sri Lankan community group. Chairperson Ananthi Velnayagam said:’ Today’s festival was very good for the Sri Lankian community. This month we, as Hindus, celebrate very important prayer days so each year we orgainse a cultural event like this one. We organise when we can, depending when we can get the hall.’

The art festival in Woodside Hall was supported by Glasgow Life, the Canal Area Committee and the Scottish Community Foundation.

Next Page »