Housing Benefit cuts meeting

 

Clydebank Trades Union Council

 

Public Meeting

 

 Attacks on Housing Benefit

what does it mean for tenants and workers?

 

how can we build the resistance?

 

Among the reforms are:

cutting £2.4 billion from the Housing Benefit budget

restricting size of house people will get benefit for

lowering level of the Local Housing Allowance

a switch from RPI to CPI meaning lower benefit rates

household welfare payments capped

many jobs could be lost in the local council for those who provide a service to tenants.

Speakers:

George Macfarlane – tenant’s activist

 

Cat Boyd – Youth Officer Glasgow Benefits Branch, Public and Commercial Sevices union

 

Thursday 26 January – 7pm

 

Hub Community Centre

 

405 Kilbowie Road

Clydebank G81 2TX

 

Fishermen’s rest

Burns Supper time will alter the flow of the River Kelvin Angling Association meetings. The anglers, who meet in the Islay Inn on Argyle Street, will be there on Tuesday 24 January instead of the regular last Wednesday of the month, because of a Burns Supper.

Guardians who fish on  stretches of the 34 kilometres of the River Kelvin, the Association has been clearing trees around the Vet School to improve access to the river.  Chairman Alan Atkins has been credited with doing most of the leg work to get the job done.  Details will be given at the Association’s annual general meeting on Thursday 2 February at 7pm in Woodside Hall near St George Cross.

The arbour work has opened an extremely long stretch for fly fishers and those wishing to spin for salmon.  Futher details on their website: www.fishkelvin.com

 

Schools line up for Molendinar Awards

The third year of the Molendinar Awards marked a successful celebration of the life of Glasgow’s Patron Saint – Saint Mungo.

More than 30 schools entered with the final 12 schools being showcased at the awards presentation in the city’s Banqueting Hall.

Molendinar is the name of the burn that runs into the Clyde and it was alongside it, near what is now the High Street area, that St Mungo (who was also known as St Kentigern) is thought to have settled.

For Primary and Secondary schools, the Molendinar Awards enables children to become more aware of Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage and the vital links between the school and the neighbouring communities.

Entries ranged from posters, power point presentations and DVD animations to songs and poems.

Winners of the Molindinar Awards were: Primary 3 – 1st Barmulloch Primary, 2nd Keppoch Nursery, 3rd Greenview Learning Centre

Primary 4 – 1st St Paul’s Whiteinch, 2nd Drummore Primary, joint 3rd – St Mungo’s and Kelbourne Park Primary Schools.

Secondary School winners: 1st St Mungo’s Academy, 2nd Ashcraig Secondary, 3rd John Paul Academy.

Framed certificates were presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Primary and Secondary. Winners also received a plaque to display in their school.

Bailie Jean McFadden, Executive Member for Education, is delighted by the enthusiasm shown by pupils. She said: ‘The Molendinar Awards are a tremendous opportunity for our schools. We have some very creative and talented young people as shown by the standard of entries this year. I know the judges had some very hard decisions to make. I hope the enthusiasm continues and that we will see more and more young people participating in the Molendinar Awards over the next few years.’ Glasgow City Council Leader, Councillor Gordon Matheson, joined Bailie McFadden in presenting the winning pupils with their framed certificates on Friday 13 January. He said: ‘The pupils have enjoyed all aspects of this competition.’

Other ways the Patron Saint was feted included a beautifully choreographed promenade performance by dancers from Visual Statement for shoppers at St Enoch Centre.

They told the tale of the city’s coat of arms – the Bird, the Bell, the Fish and the Tree. The medieval monk’s miracles involved, at different times, a bird, a tree and a fish. The inspirational performance by Nicola Gilmour, Brian McIntyre, Pauline McGlinchey and Cheree Thompson as the respective symbols, along with a dozen other dancers aged from 10, was a modern symphonic piece by Danny Dobbie assisted by Brian McIntyre and Wendie Reid. A movable sculpture commissioned by Visual Statement and designed by Andy Scott added an extra dimension as the dancers moved in and out and on to it.

Around 350 young people saw a performance of the tales by five Glasgow schools with a senior pupil from Lourdes Secondary being the compere, in the City Chambers.

 

L.O.T.U.S blossoming

Older people should go bungee jumping if they want to. That’s the belief of Rona Agnew, the newly elected chairperson of L.O.T.U.S. The charity – Linking Older People Through Understanding and Support serves North Glasgow and is based in Maryhill Housing Association premises. It provides counselling, therapies and other forms of support to carers and retired people.

Started in 2003, the project had to suspend some services recently because of financial shortfalls. ‘We hope we will be back up and running again soon,’ said outgoing chairperson Denis Bell. He was thanked for his service to L.O.T.U.S and told he would be missed.

Re-elected as treasurer, Derek Iggo reported on the financial position and said only electricity bills were outstanding. He thanked Eleanor Biggs, Director of Finance for Maryhill Housing Association for providing the independent examination of accounts required by OSCR – the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Service users gave inspiring testimonials which showed the benefit of the person centred approach L.O.T.U.S provides. ‘L.O.T.U.S has changed my life,’ said one woman. ‘I can now contribute to the community and have the opportunity to start again.’

Vice Chair Jean Cherrie instanced how her life changed dramatically when a very large dog used her very small frame as a plaything leaving her severely injured. ‘I thought I’d be in a wheelchair, but L.O.T.U.S gave me back my life.’ she said.

In her acceptance speech, new chairperson Rona – a Research Fellow in older women’s health – said: ‘We have limited time to turn around L.O.T.U.S. We need to use all our resources and spread the work load so that no-one is burnt out. As chair, I’m not here to tell everyone what to do,’ said Rona. ‘I’m here to support you, the committee and users. You are the people who will take the service forward. While I have my ideas we’ve got to work together, brainstorm and be prepared to work hard and to change some things.’

She added: We must try to change the mindset from – I’m old, so I can’t do anything – to – I’ve always wanted to do that. What’s to stop me?’

With initial ideas presented at the annual general meeting it was agreed to see if a L.O.T.U.S choir could be formed, among other things.

For further information see the organisation’s website: http://lotus2003.health.officelive.com/

 

Burns suppers galore

You could get indigestion if you attempted all the Burns Suppers which are held at this time of year.  But if you’ve never attended such an event, try to take in one if only to enjoy the camaraderie and glean a little more knowledge about Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet.

Tuesday 24 January 2012: Glasgow South Business Club’s annual Burns Lunch in House for an Art Lover. Music by Govan High School students. Members and guests but check the Club’s website: www.glasgowsouthbusinessclub.co.uk

Wednesday 25, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January 2012: The owners of Rozelle House in Rozelle Estate, Monument Road Ayr – which has close ties to Alloway and Burns – offer a free guided tour of the premises and of the permanent collection of Alexander Goudie’s famous paintings of Burns’ poem ‘Tam O Shanter’. No booking required. ‘Come along and enjoy the experience!’ is their invitation.

Wednesday 25 January: Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers an evening of fine dining and entertainment hosted by John Cairney. Tickets £45 from the Museum tel: 0844 493 2601 or email: burns@nts.org.uk

Friday 27 January : Govanhill Baths Trust hold their annual Burns’ Nicht and ceilidh in Langside Halls. Tickets £10, £8 concession and £5 for children under 16. See their website for details: www.govanhillbaths.com

Friday 27 January: Wellington Church International Welcome Club will hold a Chinese Burns Supper combining celebrations for Chinese New Year with those for Robert Burns. Chinese haggis filled dumplings will be served. Tickets limited. Contact Church office: tel: 0141 339 0454 or email: grace.franklin@ntlworld.com

Saturday 28 January: Robert Burns House, Burns Street, Dumfries DG1 2PS invitation to join David Sibbald in residence and celebrate the Biggest Burns Supper  between 2pm and 4pm. Says David: Burns should be fun. Let’s all enjoy the friendship and camaraderie: that’s what the Big Burns Supper is all about. Events at various venues across Dumfries on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 January. See website: www.bigburnssupper.com

Sunday 29 January 2012:  Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway. Singing a Nation. A Robert Burns and Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore Supper. Celebrating Scotland and India through food, music, dance, poetry and good company. Tickets £30. Tel: 0844 493 2601  or email: burns@nts.org.uk

 

Burns in Glasgow for a’ that

A world ranked team of experts on Robert Burns, Scotland’s national Bard, had a good gathering at the University of Glasgow on Saturday 14 January.

The annual event was organised by the University’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies and launched a new sculpture of the poet by artist Deirdre Nicholls.

Among the nine speakers was a rare public appearance by private collector Dr William Zachs whose generous sharing of his many manuscripts and items directly owned or handled by Burns continues to cause great excitement in Burns circles and beyond.

Furthest travelled was Gordon Ashley of New York who reflected on ways to keep interest in the poet maintained after 250 years.

Dr Kirsteen McCue, co-director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow said: ‘This annual event provides a real insight into many aspects of Robert Burns and the period in which he lived.’

Her co-director, Dr Gerard Carruthers, stepped in at short notice to give a talk on his progress researching Burns and Freemasonry.  He said: ‘We are considering having a special seminar to examine all the information. Our motives are pure and we hope this will yield some very nice new information. ‘

A question from a young Chinese woman scholar at the end of the day asked: ‘What makes everyone so enthusiastic about collecting things? When I read Burns’ poetry it is the emotion that communicates itself to me.’

The answer from the Collector Dr Zachs was: ‘I believe we have something to learn from all of these objects. This enables us to put Burns into a wider context culturally and makes the legacy he has created even more valuable to us as people.’

 

 

 

 

EDITORIAL

That’s Celtic Connections off to a grand start with the opener being an evening with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.  Amazing banjo playing from Bela himself, brothers Victor and Roy ‘Futureman’ Wooten as bassist and extraordinary percussionist, drummer respectively with Howard Levy on piano and harmonicas.

The guests included Irish singer Karan Casey, Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes and American singer and banjo player Abigail Washburn whose voices blended in a searingly soulful way.

Transatlantic Sessions regular Michael McGoldrick – who’s been touring with Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan - and American bluegrass fiddler and singer Casey Driessen completed the line-up. A truly appreciative audience knew what a unique treat they’d enjoyed.

Whatever you do from now till Sunday 5 February, treat yourself to one of the 300+ events in more than 20 venues at this toe tapping Celtic Connections festival. There are FREE sessions at 5pm each day to give future musicians a chance to strut their stuff. And there are workshops (at modest cost) for anyone who fancies trying their hand at making music themselves.

When there is such a range of great talent on your doorstep – it’s too good to miss!

Andy’s up for a chat

If you fancy a chat with Andy Kershaw, intrepid reporter, fearless broadcaster and unique music man you have a chance when he hits the Arches in Glasgow on Tuesday 28 February.

‘This is better than a proper job,’ said Andy who is launching his biography ‘No Off Switch’ and taking the opportunity to tour 33 venues across the country to continue the conversation with people who want to talk with him. ‘Radio is a solitary occupation, so it’s good for me to get out and about.’

Andy presented his Radio 1 show for 15 years till he was sacked in May 2000. He joined Radio 3 about a year later and covered stories such as the volcanic eruption on Montserrat which happened the day after he’d arrived on the island with his partner for ‘a quiet Caribbean holiday.’

His autobiography concentrates on four particular areas he’s reported on: North Korea where he made the very first film from inside that secretive country carried by Channel 4 and where he’s been on holiday three times. Rwanda where he reported on the genocide there in 1994. ‘That was an awful situation which badly needed to be reported. Too many journalists were too scared to go there,’ he said. And some of his adventures in Haiti and Zimbabwe which are among the 97 of the 194 countries in the world, Andy has visited.

‘I’ve had 30 years of amazing adventures, seen history being made and reported on these things as a journalist,’ said Andy. ‘It is just as well I didn’t write my biography 20 years ago. While my homework may be a bit late, I’ve got more to say

now.’

And he says them through music too. Running the entertainments section of the students union at Leeds University in the early 80s for two and a half years, he lined up The Clash, Elvis Costello, Black Uhuru among many others. This took him to London – without a degree – as Billy Bragg’s driver and roadie. There his music career took off and his first asignment was a report for Whistle Test on the Monsters of Rock heavy metal festival. He now holds two honorary degrees from other universities.

‘Right now’ he comments there is ‘nothing new since Bob Dylan – who should have retired in 1976.’ But he claims he’s ‘too nosy to retire.’

His biggest challenge so far has been ‘Fatherhood! That’s the biggest responsibility and the most enjoyable experience of the lot.’

For tickets see the Arches website : www.thearches.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Debate with a live theologian!

Ian Fraser who is reputed to be Scotland’s greatest living theologian, will be one of the key contributors to a conference in Stirling on Saturday 24 March. Others inputting to ‘Work* Prayer* Thought’ will be Kathy Galloway, Elizabeth Templeton, Tim Duffy, Douglas Galbraith, Alison Jack and Elspeth King.

The all-day event is being organised by Stirling’s Drummond Trust, in association with the Scottish Storytelling Centre and the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. The main venue will be Allan Park South Church, Dumbarton Road, Stirling with events in Holy Trinity Church and The Smith Institute.

For more information email: reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com or telephone: 0131 556 9579 or write to Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Conference co-ordinator is Donald Smith whose email is: donald@scottishstorytellingcentre.com

Sessions include: “I was There; Where was God? Crisis and Liberation in a Life Journey- Interview and Open Discussion with Ian Fraser, Ian Cranston and Donald Smith.

Other sessions cover: One Christ; One Church – Ecumenism and Theology in the Life and Thought of Ian Fraser – Presentations followed by Group Discussion led by Elizabeth Templeton and Tim Duffy: and – Naming the Powers – Political Witness in the Life and Thought of Ian Fraser

Presentations followed by general discussion and debate led by Ian Fraser and Kathy Galloway.

Afternoon events will include:Words are Worlds – Creativity and Language in the Life and Thought of Ian Fraser with Douglas Galbraith, Alison Jack and the Gargunnock Songsters: and Hanselling the Buiks – Launching writings new and renewed with Elspeth King, Andy Campbell and Ian Fraser. A buffet lunch is included in the conference cost of £10 (£8 concession) and donations are invited for the Smith Restoration Fund.

Dance promotes patron saint’s festival

The story of Glasgow is stopping shoppers in their tracks at St Enoch’s Centre. And Saturday 14 January between 12 noon and 4pm is the final chance to catch the beautifully choreographed promenade performance by dancers from Visual Statement. They are re-telling the tale of the city’s coat of arms – the Bird, the Bell, the Fish and the Tree. The inspirational performance by Nicola Gilmour, Brian McIntyre, Pauline McGlinchey and Cheree Thompson as the respective symbols, along with a dozen other dancers aged from 10, is a modern symphonic piece by Danny Dobbie assisted by Brian McIntyre and Wendie Reid. A movable sculpture commissioned by Visual Statement and designed by Andy Scott will add an extra dimension as the dancers move in and out and on to it. The music is the tranquil ‘A Little Scottish Fantasy’ by Vanessa Mae and ‘For Unto Us A Child Is Born’ by Handel. This is one of the many events during a week long celebration of St Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint. Also known as St Kentigern, the medieval monk’s miracles involved, at different times, a bird, a tree and a fish. On Friday 13 January, around 350 young people will see a performance of the tales by five Glasgow schools with a senior pupil from Lourdes Secondary being the compere in the City Chambers. That afternoon the third Molendinar Awards will be presented to celebrate Glasgow’s local history and archaeology as seen by school children through their own local links. More than 30 schools have entered with the final 12 schools being showcased at the awards presentation in the city’s Banqueting Hall. Molendinar is the name of the burn that runs into the Clyde and it was alongside it, near what is now the High Street area, that St Mungo (St Kentigern) is thought to have settled. Framed certificates will be presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of the three categories – Pre 5: Primary 3; Primary 4: Primary 7 and Secondary. Winners will also receive a plaque to display in their school. The Molendinar Awards project brings to the community an awareness of Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage and is designed to support schools in the work they do linked to the local and wider community. Topics schools work on include local history, local family, local developments, school history, the community, tourist Glasgow, modern life and festivals in the city. Entries range from posters, power point presentations and DVD animations to songs and poems. Bailie Jean McFadden, Executive Member for Education, is delighted by the enthusiasm shown by pupils and hopes to see more schools participating next year. She said: ‘The Molendinar Awards are a tremendous opportunity for our schools. We have some very creative and talented young people as shown by the standard of entries this year. I know the judges had some very hard decisions to make. I hope the enthusiasm continues and that we will see more and more young people participating in the Molendinar Awards over the next few years.’ Glasgow City Council Leader, Councillor Gordon Matheson, will join Bailie McFadden in presenting the winning pupils with their framed certificates on Friday. He said: ‘The pupils have enjoyed all aspects of this competition and I’m sure that they will be very excited to find out who the winners are.’

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