Film and tell is not so easy

 

To tell-on the good stories out of developing countries is a big challenge. Film makers and journalists explained the realities of their work to almost 200 activists during the Take One ACTION! Film Festival in Edinburgh this week.

Glasgow based Paul Holleran, National Organiser of the National Union of Journalists and Past President Pete Murray along with Alieu B. Ceesay an exiled journalist from the Gambia who is prominent in the Campaign for Human Rights in the Gambia, were all there with supporters to tell it from their perspective.

Scottish Government Minister for Culture and External Relations, Fiona Hyslop MSP, opened the day-long event in Edinburgh School of Art. Explaining that development was an issue close to her heart since her university days, she said that Scots and the Scottish Government were working hard to change some of the ‘sobering’ statistics. She said: ‘Nine million children die before the age of five, according to UN statistics. I want to see children have the same chance of humanity and justice and freedom from conflict no matter where they live.’

Award winning film maker Kim Longinotto (Pinks Saris, The Day I Will Never Forget) and freelance journalist Billy Briggs who broadcasts for Al Jazeera each explained the difficulties they have to face to obtain their stories and then to have them broadcast.

‘I’d just arrived in Guatamala to follow through the story of more than 400 women being murdered as a warning to others, when I got an email to say there had been a change of editor at the publication and the new editor didn’t want human rights stories,’ said Billy.

Kim showed a very amusing film of a woman lawyer in the Cameroons who championed women’s rights. ‘What you must realise is that all women lawyers are not like her. She is an exception.’

Another of her film clips had an eight year old girl questioning her own mother asking why she’d forced her to be circumcised.

Alieu Ceesay from the Gambia explained how website stories were the way exiled journalists like him managed to keep in touch with what was happening at home where colleagues had been murdered or disappeared. ‘It is vital to keep the information flowing,’ he said. ‘Freedom of speech is not a Western imposed tradition, it is a God given right for everyone.’

The Film festival finishes on Sunday 2 October and has events in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Check the website:takeoneaction.org.uk or email : info@takeoneaction.org.uk to see facebook or follow on twitter.

Lorne’s lofty 8 x 8 challenge

As befits a man of 80, Lorne Brown treated himself to something special to celebrate his birthday. He climbed eight mountains in eight days in the dangerous Italian Dolomites using the Via Ferratas – Iron Ways. They are all between 7500ft and 10,000ft and the climber uses fixed wires, metal pegs and stemples as a safety backup to scale the nearly vertical peaks. ‘It was the finest holiday of my life,’ said Lorne on arrival back in Dullatur near Cumbernauld.

In casual conversation he let slip he actually scaled ten mountains – ‘two more on rest days between VF climbs.’ And he merrily added, ‘To finish off, I did some paragliding to give my legs a rest and I’ve got the video to prove it.’

Apart from his own enjoyment, he wants to raise £8888 to mark the scaling of eight mountains in eight days for his 80th birthday with the money going towards Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s 80th anniversary.

As a man who climbed his first Munro as a 75th birthday present and who played his bagpipes to Husky Dogs in Greenland after gaining his Husky Dog Driving Licence, the Via Ferratas were ‘a bit of a challenge’.

At the top of each peak Lorne, and his climbing companions, duly gave thanks. ‘One girl did an amazing Maori Haka. On another a girl did a sword dance using climbing poles as swords and I joined her in a Highland Fling. I was really sorry I’d decided not to bring my bagpipes!’ said Lorne. ‘We did a Gay Gordons danced to The Proclaimers on someone’s ipod. But if any one of us had moved a metre backwards, we’d have fallen off the mountain and that would have been the end of us!’

As it was, climbing in the thinner oxygen required careful management. ‘Above 5000 feet you are outside your normal living atmosphere. Because of the lack of oxygen, breathing is very difficult. This has a dramatic effect on leg muscles which become easily tired,’ he explained.

But with the help of a personal trainer seconded to him by the gym of Dullatur Golf Club, Lorne had strengthened his 9½ stone frame by torso exercises for one hour a day, three days a week for two months before the adventure.

The first mountain, Oscar Schuster, was the highest at 9724 feet, graded 3B in difficulty. The last one – Tridentina   was the same degree of challenge. ‘That particular Via Ferrata was a delight,’ said Lorne. ‘But we had to spend a lot of time, literally, hanging about on the near vertical face of the rock because there were so many people attempting the climb and stopping to take pictures.’

Now he’s completed the eight Via Ferratas in eight days, he’s working on gathering £8888 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. His donations page: justgiving.co.uk/lorne-brown – shows he’s 60% towards that target. ‘Now I’m available for talks, illustrated with pictures and video, which should inspire others to get out and about. The Guide Dogs for the Blind would appreciate any donation as the charity does not receive any Government support and relies solely on public donation,’ said Lorne whose email is: lorne999@sky.com

‘The Via Ferratas were very hard,’ he admitted. ‘But extremely enjoyable. It certainly beats lying on a beach or booking your place in the funeral parlour.

‘Now, the big question is: What do I do next year? Hopefully, someone will email me with a really good suggestion – NO, not a rude one!’

 

 

The annual general meeting

of

FRIENDS OF THE RIVER KELVIN (FORK)

will be at 12 noon

on

Saturday 1 October 2011

in Ha’penny Bridge House at the riverside within the Botanic Gardens.

All are welcome.

Election of office bearers and up to 12 committee members.

University contributes to Black History Month

Among the variety of events to mark Black History Month during October will be a series of lectures at the University of Glasgow. Organised by the Glasgow-based Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), the month is a celebration of the culture and heritage of the black community and its contribution to society.

There will be four lectures uncovering the ‘Hidden Legacies’ of people who have made a difference to the city.

This year’s Black History Month will have events in Stirling, Edinburgh, Dundee, Lanarkshire and East Lothian. The wide variety of events includes lectures, workshops, exhibitions, films, music, dance performances and other things. Check the website for Glasgow own CCA for events such as Seeds of Thought poetry and music – a free evening.

The full programme of events for Black History Month 2010, can be downloaded from the website www.crer.org.uk

 

Jatin Haria, Director of CRER said: “I hope that the month long celebrations will provide a unique opportunity to educate, document and acknowledge the positive achievements and contributions that black and minority ethnic people have made in shaping Scotland, UK and the world’s history. “

 

The lectures taking place at Glasgow University are:

Colour and Prejudice in British Cinema in the 1950s by Dr Christine Geraghty, Professor of Film and Television Studies – Wednesday 20 October, 6-7.30pm, Gilmorehill Cinema, 9 University Avenue.

 

The Archaeology of the Slave Ship by Dr Jane Webster, Senior Lecturer in Historical Archaeology at Newcastle University – Friday 22 October, 6-7.30pm, Room 433, St Andrew’s Building.

 

Glasgow’s Contribution to the Campaign to Abolish Slavery in the United States by Bernard Aspinwall – Saturday 23 October 2010 – 10am – 12.00pm, St Andrew’s Building, 11 Eldon Street, Glasgow G3 6NH.

 

C.L.R. James: Marxist, anti-imperialist… and Test Match correspondent for The Glasgow Herald by Dr Andrew Smith, Senior Lecturer in Sociology – Monday 25 October, 6-7.30pm in Room 433, St Andrew’s Building, 11 Eldon Street, Glasgow G3 6NH

 

Looking bright for Black History month

SEEDS OF THOUGHT

celebrate

Black History Month

with spoken word/music/open mic

and all the usual good vibes.

 Friday 7 Oct 2011

7.30-11.30pm

CCA5

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

 Free entry

Over 18s

 http://www.cca-glasgow.com/page=236B7D10-868E-4F86-A306909B378E5655&eventid=0A83D8A2-D128-4C3F-A73E6C7D7A0355DB

 

Re-launch for an old favourite

The discount store TJ Hughes, will have special treats for customers on Saturday 1 October as it celebrates its relaunch. Almost closed in August when the company went into administration, it was saved by Liverpool entrepreneur Anil Juneja who bought the Trongate business along with five other TJ Hughes outlets in England, including the Liverpool one.

His action saved 110 Glasgow jobs and 700 throughout the previous company’s stores. Said Mr Juneja: ‘We’re all extremely excited about the relaunch and want to let the people of Glasgow know that the TJ Hughes store is back and better than ever. We’re hoping that customers will be able to come and join us to celebrate and get a taste of the fabulous deals that TJ Hughes has to offer.’ Among the brands on offer will be Nike, Paul Smith and Elizabeth Arden. The company also plans to sell online soon so check out their website: www.tjhughes.co.uk

Formed in 1996, A

nil Juneja’s main business is Benross Marketing Ltd which supplies home and garden wholesale products across the UK and Europe. Quality is a watchword and clients include some of the biggest retail names on the high street.

Community Councils ready for action

October is the busiest month of the year for COMMUNITY COUNCILS. Most of them have elections and the remainder have an annual general meeting (AGM)

While it is low in the elected representative ranks, the status of a community council is critical for local representation. The Community Council has the legal responsibility to scrutinise development plans for their area, for example.

For anyone interested in democracy, it is worth checking out what the nearest Community Council will be doing this October and becoming involved.

Apart from Jordanhill in November, 30 others are holding their AGM in October. They are: Auchensuggle, Baillieston, Blairdardie and Old Drumchapel, Dumbreck, Garnethill, Garrowhill, Gartcraig, Gartloch, Germiston, East Govan, Hillhead, Hillington, North Cardonald and Penilee, Hutchesontown, Ibrox Cessnock, Kelvindale, Kelvinside, Milton, Molindinar, Mount Vernon, Newlands and Auldhouse, Parkhouse, Pollok North, Pollokshields, Sighthill, Simshill Old Cathcart, South Cardonald and Crookston, Toryglen, Wallacewell, Woodside.

Elections are usually held every second year. So the Community Councils which will hold elections in October are:

Anderston; Arden, Carnwadric, Kennishead & Old Darnley; Blythswood and Broomielaw; Bridgeton and Dalmarnock; Broomhill; Cadder; Calton; Claythorn; Croftfood and Menock; Darnley and South Park Village; Drumchapel; Drumoyne; Garthamlock and Craigend; Govan; King’s Park; Kinning Park; Knightswood; Knightswood North Templar; Lambhill; Langside, Battlefield and Camphill; Laurieston; Levern District; Maryhill and Summerston; Merchant City and Trongate; Mosspark and Corkerhill; Mount Florida; North Kelvin; Parkhead; Partick, Pollok; Pollokshaws and Eastwood; Possilpark, Robroyston; Ruchill; Scotstoun; Shawlands and Strathbungo; Swinton; Thornwood; Townhead and Ladywell; Wellhouse and Queenslie; Whiteinch; Woodlands and Park; Wyndford and District; Yoker; Yorkhill and Kelvingrove.

More student sit-ins

Today, a handful of students managed to get into the Collins building on Strathclyde University Campus and occupy the ‘posh’ board room used by Senate meetings and the like.

‘This is a peaceful occupation,’ said spokesman Ramy Albanna. ‘We are doing this to claim freedom of access, to highlight the hike in fees for students coming here from England and to express our concern at the closure of Community Education, Sociology, Geography and even Music course.’

We will be marching with the STUC and many other people on Saturday 1 October in the People First march from Glasgow Green to a rally in Kelvingrove Park. Because of that, we told the University we’d be out by Saturday.’

Security personnel at the University shut down the Collins Building in a bid to prevent numbers swelling. Two police officers arrived around 2pm after a number of protesters attempted to gain access to the building via a side entrance.

The neighbouring McCance Building in which Strathclyde senior management is housed, including the Principal’s office, was closed to students following the occupation which started around 11.30am onThursday 29 September.

The move comes two days after Strathclyde University announced plans to charge students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales £9,000 a year from the next academic year, taking the cost of a four-year degree to £27,000 after a cap was imposed.

At 4.30pm the University issued a brief statement saying: ‘A small number of protesters are holding a sit-in in one of the University’s administration buildings. The impact is localised and the University is working to minimise disruption.’

When it was pointed out that police were involved and indeed this website had pictures, the response was a promise to get more information.

University of Strathclyde Students’ Association president Charandeep Singh is understood to be in discussions with Principal Professor Jim McDonald.

The People First march and rally on Saturday will be led by the STUC but incorporates a large number of faith groups as well as campaigners in a large number of equality and anti-poverty organisations.

After speeches and music in Kelvingrove Park, groups will disperse to places of worship, student unions, public buildings and hotel in the vicinity to address specific issues.

The day will also feature fund raising for the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal on the famine in Africa.

The day will challenge poverty levels and campaign for re-distribution of wealth across Scotland and the UK. People will also be campaigning to protect the hardest hit by service and benefit cuts and to build and re-connect communities and movements across the country.

Strathclyde University’s fees are now set at £9000 a year for undergraduates from the rest of the UK outwith Scotland. Glasgow University fees are set at £6750 and capped at £26,000 for a four year degree course. The annual fee for Scottish students studying at Scottish universities – which is effectively paid for by the Scottish Government – is unchanged at £1800.

Charandeep Singh, of the University of Strathclyde Students’ Association said: ‘We oppose all student fees and anything that could lead to the commercialisation of higher education. ‘The University Court had a chance to show leadership by minimising the impact of fees at Strathclyde. Instead they have chosen to charge the highest possible fees, proving that they are motivated purely by profit.’

 

Last chance to nominate Olympic flame heroes

There is still a chance to be one of the people to carry the Olympic Flame on its 8000 mile journey across the UK next year.

At Braehead Shopping Centre today (Thursday 26 September) Samsung will have the London 2012 Olympic Torch on display to encourage people to nominate someone they feel has gone ‘the extra mile’ and is worthy of carrying the Olympic Flame on a part of its epic journey to the Olympic Stadium in London.

The Torch relay will take 70 days to cover the UK and will pass through Glasgow.

One person who has been nominated already is 28-year-old Jonathan Mackie from Glasgow. He holds six Gold and a Silver medal from the World Special Olympic Summer Games.  Said his Mum Anne, ‘Despite the challenges Jonathan faces because he suffers from microcephaly, he has never let this get in the way of his dreams. He is a dedicated gymnast training four times a week and coaches young children in the sport.’

Jonathan has just returned from Athens with his latest medals. He also went to Delhi with the City of Glasgow to bring home the Commonwealth flag for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. He said: ‘The Olympic Games in London next year will be a huge event and hopefully, will inspire more young people into sport like gymnastics – which have been such a great focus for me all my life. To be part of those Games and to say I was there, would be the icing on the cake.’

Others who feel like this about the Olympic Games next year should get to Braehead fast as nominations must close on Friday this week – 30 September. Or nominate your local unsung hero by visiting the website: samsung.com/london2012 Alternatively, this can be done in local Vodafone stores where the Samsung Olympic Torch Relay nominations zones are available.

Flora says ‘thank you’

Fund-raiser Flora Pagan has just raised £473.63 for Action for Hearing Loss. The Govanite sold her own baking and jam in two days at the Doors Open Day event in the Fairfield building.  And the remarkable thing about her voluntary effort is that she is 81. ‘But £82 of that came from Dot Courtney’s tombola,’ exclaimed Flora who does not want the credit for her good work. ‘I want to thank everyone and let them know I’m very grateful for their donations and support.’  She admits she can’t sit still and likes to be ‘doing something.’  That ‘something’ generally means the jeely pan is on the boil or the baking is being prepared for the freezer. Last year Flora dedicated her work to a Diabetes charity and raised £2400.55p in  twelve months. ‘I decided to support Action for Hearing Loss this year,’ she said. ‘They have a clinic at the Southern General Hospital and I go there myself.’   She  finds ready buyers at the weekly Govan Reminiscence Group on Tuesday afternoons at the Hills Trust in Govan. ‘We’re always happy to welcome new blood into the Group,’ she said cheerfully.

The picture shows the Reminiscence Group team who had a display at the Doors Open Day in the Fairfield Building – from front- Flora Pagan (81) Jane Melvin (87) Jim ‘The boy’  McDonald (73) Bob Watterson (85).

The Group’s collection of artefacts helps illustrate what life was like for them in previous years. There were skipping ropes which girls used to play with but which unintentionally also kept them fit with the exercise. There was a ration book from World War 2 to illustrate how food was allocated fairly and in healthy proportions even when it was scarce. They use items like these to remember and record stories of past times to keep them alive for future generations. It also keeps their own minds alert and able to cope with making hundreds of pots of jam and counting the benefit for a good cause.

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