Dancing delights 800

Wednesday 20 March 2013

More than 800 primary school children danced their trainers off today at Kelvin Hall Sports Arena. To the music of the John Renton Scottish Dance Band, they enjoyed a ceilidh at Flying Scotsman pace.

For the eighth year, the Festival of Dance has given them ‘skills for life’ said the Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, when she officially welcomed everyone. ‘Once you’ve learned these dances you’ll use them and enjoy them for the rest of your life.’

The collaboration between the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) and Glasgow City Council’s Education Department encourages the young folk to keep fit, keep healthy and socialise through dancing. It also allows a thread of Scottish culture to be woven, naturally, into their education.

Wheelchair dancing was demonstrated and schools, including Barmulloch Primary, successfully integrated children with special needs in the activity.

Since January, more than 26 schools have been practising The Dashing White Sergeant, Antarctica Bound, and the Round Reel of Eight among other dances. Teachers and other school staff alongside trainers from the RSCDS have been doing the coaching, often as after-school activities. Their efforts were praised by Andrea Crawford who is responsible for the City’s Primary School, Physical Education strategies. She said: ‘It is absolutely phenomenal the amount of work that’s gone into today.’ Alan Munro, Chairman of the Glasgow Branch of RSCDS, who was Master of Ceremonies, said: ‘It is really enjoyable seeing so many children having fun. We are really looking forward to having the continued support of Glasgow City Council for this dance Festival. ‘

As Moira Sweeney of Avenue End Primary in Ruchazie, said: ‘The children meet new people. It boosts their self-esteem and they just love to dance. It is a real privilege to be a part of this.’

Commented one 10-year-old: ‘This is hard work but it’s great fun.’

 

 

The real Goal is friendship

Friday 22 February 2013

There was no real score kept of the football match today between students from Hollybrook Academy in Glasgow and counterparts from Maerkisches Berufskolleg in Unna, Germany.

But the friendly game – possibly 8 -8 – played at Toryglen indoor football centre, was great fun. It was followed by a visit to

Hampden Football Museum.

Said Mary Farrell Head Teacher of Hollybrook in Govanhill: ‘We have a jam-packed itinerary planned for our visitors, including trips to the Riverside Museum, Anniesland College, Xscape and orienteering in Mugdock Park.’

Some of the local students – aged up to 18 – and the German visitors – aged up to 23 – plan to hire kilts for their final fling – a ceilidh at the end of the two week visit. Said DJ NotNot alias Declan McNaughton (16): ‘We’ve sorted out the music for the night. There will be chart stuff, ceilidh music and music the German visitors want.’ Added DJ Barbie alias Stephen McLauchlan (17): ”All the equipment is organised as well as the lighting and the food.’

The two schools for young people with additional support needs, have been in touch through an initiative funded by the British Council supporting a bilingual Comenius Project.

Said Hollybrook teacher Silke Bryce, who is German and taught English before coming to live and work in Scotland: ‘This is a two year sports and leisure project. It allows an exchange of teachers and students and stimulates them to learn about each other’s country, culture, life style and language.’

The Glasgow students aim to travel to Germany next year but they haven’t worked out yet what they can do about kilts…

A cracker of a Chinese celebration

While we Scots claim to know how to celebrate New Year, the Scottish Chinese community gave us a run for our yen last night at the See Woo restaurant in Glasgow.

More than 500 guests were entertained by a prodigious galaxy of stars from home and abroad including artistes from the ‘Cultures of China, Festival of Spring’ Troupe led by Mr Zhao Kun and organised by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Among the VIPs attending were the Chinese Consulate General, Mr Li RuiYou; Glasgow City’s Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty; Provost Jim Todd from East Ayrshire; Provost Tina Murphy from Clackmananshire Council; Provost Helen Moonie of South Ayrshire;  Provost Helen Oswald of Angus Council;  Deputy Provost Councillor John Patrick of Falkirk Council; Deputy Provost Councillor Donald Balsillie of Alva and Bailie Fergus Wood T.D. of Stirling Council.

Hosts for the evening were the Confederation of Chinese Association in Scotland with a warm welcome from Chairman Mr Lui On Lee OBE with the Association’s First Vice Chairperson, Mr Thomas Ho, giving an appropriate vote of thanks at the end.

Following a feast of singers, dancers and highly skilled acrobats and breathtaking Lion Dancers a feast of Chinese festive dishes were served by the restaurant’s able staff. Copious amounts of tea and a little wine were consumed and people were happy without being outrageous.

When the official entertainment programme was completed, an informal ‘sing-along’ developed with most of the gold chained Provosts up dancing to ‘sexy girl’ – including Glasgow’s Lord Provost Sadie Docherty and the Chinese Consul Mr Li Rui You being among the first to show how to move it.

As the happy company said good night to make their way home; the Chairman of Glasgow Chinese Association, Mr Wan Tianming summed it up: ‘That was a brilliant evening.’

 

 

Mini Moves go for selection on Sunday 3 February

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A delighted Kim Carr wants readers to www.localnewsglasgow.co.uk to support MINI MOVES in the tv hit show GOT TO DANCE on Sunday 3 February.

She said: ‘My daughter, Jay’s dance group Fear of the Unknown did well last year. Now their new group MINI MOVES will be seen on Got to Dance on Sky1 hosted by Davina McColl.

Mini Moves audition receive 3 gold stars from the celebrity judges in the audition show and they were given a standing ovation.’

On Sunday the 3rd of February, it will be revealed which acts have been chosen by judges for the live shows in London on Sky1. If Mini Moves are chosen, they will be in the running to win £250,000 which will be used to improve their dance school Dancepoint in Glasgow to the benefit of many young people.

Since it is the public who vote live on the show for their favourite act, Kim is asking everyone to support the local team when the voting time comes after they’ve been selected. ‘Sunday 3 February  it NOT voting time yet,’ emphasised Kim.  ’That’s just when we find out if MINI MOVES are through to the section where the public can vote when that show goes out live.’

The girls are trained by Robert Hamilton of Dancepoint Musical Theatre School, Oxford Street, Glasgow. He also produced The Box and The Fear of the Unknown dance groups from previous Got to Dance series and The Fusion from Britain’s Got Talent.

The young people at Dancepoint regularly perform all over the UK at charity gigs and have helped raise over £250,000 for a variety of charities.

MINI MOVES is made up of: Jay, 11 from Renfrew; Cara,11 from Old Kilpatrick; Skye, 11 from Glasgow; Jo, 11 from Stepps; Holly, 10 from Clydebank.

Jay was part of The Box from Got to Dance series 1 and The Fear of the Unknown series 3. Holly was part of The Box series 1.

facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minimoves/402799869800569?ref=stream

twitter – @minimoves2

website – meet the girls – www.dancepointglasgow.co.uk

you tube link to first audition – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zil7CR9N8Dw

Said Kim: ‘A Scottish act has never won the show before. As you can image the girls are really excited, so fingers crossed for them.’

 

Dance your heart out!

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Maryhill Integration Network (MIN) and partners Barrowland Ballet and AlbScott, will be performing at Go Dance 13 on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 January at 7.30pm

Said Rose Filippi, Development Worker at MIN: ‘Go Dance is the ultimate dance festival in Scotland. We hope people can support us at this fantastic dance event in the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.

‘Go Dance 13 has the best of community dance from across the county. Fast becoming a highlight of the dance year, this highly successful week-long celebration will wow audiences with its energetic and inspiring programme of new work.’

On Tuesday 29 January groups appearing include: Albscott – Albanian Scottish Association; Centrestage Music Theatre;Denny High School, Dance Academy; Elen Brandao Dance School; Inspire – West Dunbartonshire Council; The Jam Dance and Cheer; Mandy McHarg School of Dance (Dance NRG); Pan’s Pensioners; The Valerie Brown School of Dance and Drama.

On Wednesday 30 January it will be the turn of: Anniesland College HNC; Indepen-dance;Young 1’z and Ensemble; Langbank Primary; Linda Lowry School of Ballet; Maryhill Integration Network and Barrowland Ballet; Reid Kerr College; Scottish Ballet Youth Collective; Stewart Kennedy Dance; Urbaniks Street Skool- U Crew.

For more information and to purchase tickets please go to: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/go-dance-13/theatre-royal-glasgow/

 

New era starts for CCH in Maryhill

A new era has started for Community Central Hall (CCH) in Maryhill Road. The Trust which runs it has been gifted the building by Glasgow City Council.

City Treasurer, Councillor Paul Rooney made the announcement today (Thursday 27 September 2012) during 35rd anniversary celebrations of the popular venue.  He said: ‘I’m delighted to be part of the decision to transfer the premises to CCH. The City Council will only do this where best practice is clearly seen and good management has an identifiable track record.’

He added: ‘This place is well known for the public inquiries – such as Stockline – held here. But it has an amazing level of users, workers and volunteers.’

Anna Dyer, Chairperson of the Trust Board which runs CCH, thanked Treasurer Rooney and said: ‘We have a new future to look forward to now because we can access more funding. This will keep the building in community use for future generations.’  She paid tribute to John Gray who, as a Strathclyde Regional Councillor more than 35 years ago, fought to retain the former church for the community.

At an evening reception for members and supporters of CCH Anna presented John with a silver salver to recognise his foresight and his fight.

A clearly delighted John told this website: ‘We were ecstatic 35 years ago when we got possession of the halls. There was a lot of support and a good committee. When the caretaker Jimmy Gordon handed over the big bunch of keys he said all the furniture had been taken away. I discovered the Council had a store full of furniture and got permission to take what we needed. With the Boys’ Brigade, the committee and a whole team of helpers, we made a lot to trips back and forward with two vans till we furnished the place.’ He said the first thing the committee did was double the wages of the caretaker.

An exhibition of past times and community activities is on display in the CCH. Built by subscription in the 1920s, it was used as a church until it became a Community Trust and registered charity 35 years ago.

The anniversary celebrations included a pacey variety concert hosted by Dave Anderson. ‘This is a fantastic facility,’ he told the audience in the Reid Hall. ‘I’ve been using it since I was a boy.’ Entertainment included a toe-tapping routine by pupils of LA Stage School which is one of the newest groups to make CCH their home. Maryhill Integration Network (MIN) provided two splendid sets. First up was a dance and music piece with adults and children singing lullabies from around the world. Later they gave a fashion show with the models dressed in beautiful outfits reflecting ethnic and antique costumes from a wide variety of countries sometimes re-interpreted to show the fusion of cultures.

The world’s longest running Scouts’ Gang Show – the Glasgow Gang Show – gave a harmonious preview of their own show which takes place in November. ‘We’ve been rehearsing in the CCH for 15 years because the facilities are so good,’ said their spokesman.

A seven strong Gospel choir with accompanying drummer from the Redeemed Christian Church of God which worships in the CCH, gave a non-stop praise session which had the power and the conviction of ten times their number.

Commented Dave Anderson at the end of their set: ‘That’s a far cry from the joyless Presbyterian church style I grew up in!’

As the night wore on and the audience decreased, the second half of the show moved to the CCH cafe. The stalwarts who remained had a brilliant treat from Dave Anderson himself. He played keyboard and sang to give a humorous insight into his own musical upbringing. ‘A song I wrote years ago is currently included in ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ thanks to Elaine C Smith remembering it,’ he told the appreciative audience as he sang it for them. With wit and humour, he brought the anniversary event to a happy close.

Friday 28 September was day two of the 35^th anniversary celebrations with a children’s fun day complete with a real fire engine and a play bus, a community exhibition in the CCH and dancing to the Black Havana Diamond Band in the evening.

Light start to Paralympic Torch Relay

Families enjoyed an exciting Flame Celebration at Glasgow’s Tramway on Sunday as part of the nationwide Torch relay to mark the Paralympic Games which start in London on Wednesday 29 August 2012 till Sunday 9 September.

Glasgow’s two Ambassadors, Jodie Taylor and Maggie McEleny, collected the flame from the lighting ceremony in Edinburgh and brought it, safely, to Glasgow where it was officially welcomed by the Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty.

Visual artists helped waiting families at the Tramway and its Hidden Gardens, create torches and flower garlands to line the route of the torch procession. They also made a collage inspired by The Flame and The Games. Sporting events included boccia, basketball and other sports.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost said: ‘We have provided an amazing welcome for the flame. Sport and activity is for all. Now we will be cheering on our Team GB athletes.’

Locog chair Lord Coe said: ‘Created at the summit of Ben Nevis, the Scottish Flame represents an achievement of human endeavour, which is something that every Paralympian represents.’

Four scouts and climber Kevin Shields lit the flame on Ben Nevis. It was then placed in a lantern, brought down the mountain and taken to Edinburgh. It will continue around the UK – including visiting the home of the Paralympic movement at Stoke Mandeville – before being carried in a 24-hour relay into the opening ceremony.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: ‘The talents, dedication and hard work of Scotland’s torch bearers and Paralympians GB is, quite simply, inspirational. I’d especially like to send my best wishes to the 26 Scottish Paralympians.  I know the whole country will be cheering them on throughout the Games.’

Scottish sport minister Shona Robison added her welcome: ‘I have no doubt the Paralympics will encourage disabled people’s participation in sport and significantly transform disabled people’s lives, leading to a more inclusive society for everyone.’

Performances at the Tramway included the Limelight Band and Maggie Riley. Visitors also heard Joseph Delaney, the first disabled musician to graduate from a University music course in Scotland.

Indepen-dance brought all weathers to the Hidden Gardens with their beautiful performance of Forecast and Solar Bear’s Deaf Youth Theatre signing choir performed a brilliant rendition of Sunscreen.

Chefs cook up a World pipe band champion event

More than 230 bands will compete in the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green on Saturday 11 August. The fierce competition to be world champions for bands and individual bagpipe players and drummers, will attract more than 8000 skilled musicians from around the world.

Tickets for the finals at World level, are already sold out. People who buy tickets for the all – day spectacle show, can listen, free, to the competitors in the early, other levels of the ‘Worlds’ as the event is fondly referred to.

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Bands Association said: ‘The entry this year in the ‘Worlds’ is an indication of just how much the bands enjoy coming to Glasgow to compete.’ The competition has been associated with the city for more than 60 years. He added: ‘The pipers and drummers and all the supporters, enjoy a great day out. This year we have more than ever on offer. There is nothing quite like a day out at The World Pipe Band Championships.’

The event is for all the family with Highland Games, Highland Dancing, children’s activities and a serious competition among six of Scotland’s best known chefs. They will vie with each other in cooking demonstrations at the Flavour of Scotland arena, using some of this country’s finest ingredients.

Picture here are two of the chefs – John Quigley of Red Onion and Colin Manson of Malmaison – who were checking out where they’ll be cooking up a storm on Saturday 11 August. They’re wearing Help for Heroes kilts from Cameron Ross, the world’s biggest kilt hire supplier. The company has pledged £4 to Help for Heroes charity for ex-military service personnel, for every kilt hired from them in the Help for Heroes tartan.

For further information about ticket availability, prices and concessions for the World Pipe Band Championships call 0141 353 8000 or go to www.theworlds.co.uk

More Glasgow colleges merge

Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside Colleges have now formally agreed to merge. The decision was made at a joint meeting of the Boards on Monday 30 July. Mark Toma, chairman of the Cardonald Board of Management, said: ‘We are delighted at the prospect of merging with Anniesland and Langside. We are three strong and successful colleges and as one unit we will be a stronger force in education in Scotland.’ Anniesland chairman, Ken MacAldowie, commented: ‘If there were any two colleges that we would want to merge with, then it would be Cardonald and Langside. We work well together and we will continue to work well together to take forward this proposal and produce the best outcome for our learners, staff and stakeholders.’ Chair of Langside Board of Management, Brian Keegan, added: ‘We are absolutely delighted to move forward with this. Our aim is that it will broaden the opportunities for our learners and staff, and enable us to contribute more to our stakeholders and communities.’ The legal due diligence was conducted by the legal firm Anderson Strathern, and the financial due diligence by the chartered accountants Scott-Moncrieff. Both firms confirmed that there were no legal or financial obstacles to the proposed merger. Murray McCall, a partner at Anderson Strathern, said: ‘This has been by far the most straightforward college merger proposal that we have dealt with. It is a tribute to the management and staff at all three colleges that we have got to this stage so quickly and it bodes well for the future of the proposed new college.’ The three colleges serve the south and west of Glasgow and have a combined student body of approximately 30,000. They began merger talks earlier this year in response to the Scottish Government’s reform agenda for further education in Scotland. A full internal and external consultation on the proposed merger will be launched on August 27 and will run until November 16. The planned vesting date for the new college is August 2013. All three colleges have stressed that courses will continue as normal at their institution during the ongoing merger process.

ABOUT THE COLLEGES:

Anniesland College is in the West End of Glasgow at Hatfield Drive. A brand new state-of-the-art campus was opened in August 2010. It is organised into five teaching departments, providing 8,000 students with full-time and part-time courses in areas such as Business and Digital Technologies, Care Health and Communities, Creative Industries and Sport, Engineering and Construction and English and Highers. The five departments offer a range of qualifications from SQA Intermediate 1 and 2 and Highers up to Higher National Diploma (HND) level. The College maintains close connections with local universities to enable student articulation into related degree programmes. It also works in conjunction with local secondary schools and offers a wide range of link courses for school pupils.

Cardonald College is a major provider of further and higher education, in South-West Glasgow based at Mosspark Drive. With an annual turnover of £20 million, the College is home to over 2,000 full-time students, 10,000 part-time students and 400 staff (full time equivalent). The College is accredited by many awarding bodies such as the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), VTCT, City & Guilds, CISCO and Microsoft and has excellent links with major universities and art schools across the country. It celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2012.

Langside College was established in 1947 and has been delivering quality education and training to the residents of the South-side of Glasgow and beyond for more than 60 years. It holds awards for quality including Investors in People. The College enrols more than 7,000 students annually, of whom, over 1,500 are from countries outwith the European Union. Its new campus on Battlefield Road, was formally opened earlier this year where it delivers a comprehensive range of courses at various levels covering childcare, greenkeeping and horticulture among many subjects.

Mela sun shines on day two

 

Sunglasses and saris replaced wellies and waterproofs at the o2 Mela in Kelvingrove Park on Sunday 24 June as the monsoon like weather of Saturday change to sunshine.

 

More than 25,000 revellers refused to let the damp conditions spoil a fun-filled weekend. Festival-goers and families of every age and ethnicity enjoyed the music and dance at this Asian carnival.

 

A spectacular line-up of international performers delighted the crowds on three stages. Scotland’s biggest multi-cultural festival has gone from strength to strength. This year Glasgow Life added an extra day when the entertainment was specially programmed for 3,000 city schoolchildren. Ten Glasgow schools rehearsed with professional dancers for seven weeks, to produce a final performance in front of their peers on the World Stage on Friday.

 

The O2 Glasgow Mela showcased one of the hottest new female talents on the Asian music scene – Avina Shah – who delights fans of modern Bollywood and Rnb/pop, as well as devotees of the more traditional Punjabi and Gujarati styled music. This versatile performer took her audience on a memorable musical journey, kick-starting her performance with her debut single, the upbeat ‘Tere Bina’.

 

After an eight-song set Avina said: ‘I was so excited about performing for the first time in Glasgow. The reputation of Glasgow audiences is well known and the crowd were brilliant. They were very welcoming, in fact their dancing entertained me, I only hope I entertained them too. My final song, my new single ‘Dil Deewana’, is about letting your hair down, about having fun. The people of Glasgow certainly showed they know how to do that. It’s been great fun and I’d love to come back.’

 

Later on Sunday, award-winning Bhangra singer JK performed for the first time in Scotland with his sensational live band.

 

On Saturday the exceptional Bhangra star Angrej Ali and his live band electrified the O2 Glasgow Mela crowds with their unique brand of Punjabi folk and traditional music, which was fused with an exciting urban sound. From classic hits Tharti Hilde and Phattey Chak to dance floor smash Nachdi De, Angrej Ali delighted fans old and new with his renowned singing style.

 

International dance acts added colour and energy to the proceedings. The Electricat Dance Troupe amazed with their display of Brazilian dances. The Afro-Latino influences delivered a contemporary and powerful style. This truly spectacular extravaganza of pulsating rhythms, sinuous movements and colourful feathers and sequins really impressed the O2 Glasgow Mela audiences.

 

The Kennedy Cupcakes offered an alternative dance show when they performed showstopping routines to 40’s and 50’s hits such as ‘Boogie Woogie Boy’ and ‘In the Mood’. The Kennedy Cupcakes were dressed in the finery of the times. They added a touch of vintage glamour to the proceedings and had the audience eating out of their hands. While the Kawa Musical Circus mystified those watching with rope walking and an incredible human ‘helicopter’ acrobatic stunt some 20 feet in the air.

 

 

 

Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life said: ‘In its 22nd year, the O2 Glasgow Mela continues to be the brightest and best festival to showcase Scotland’s multi-cultural talents and rich heritage of which this city is so proud.’

 

Gosia Manka, Channel Marketing Manager at O2 said: ‘O2 were delighted to be a part of the cultural extravaganza at the O2 Glasgow Mela again this year. We hope the many attendees of the event had a great time and came to visit the O2 international bus and camper van to make free international calls to friends and family. ‘

 

Forestry Commission Scotland was a Mela partner and developed a first-class Kid’s Zone, programmed by Glasgow-based artist Joanne Boyce. This offered a wealth of activities to tempt little ones to get creative in the park. For the first time ever, there was a 10m by 10m synthetic ice rink at the event which was free to enjoy. This proved to be a welcome addition for all ages.

 

Musicians, dance acts and interactive arts performers came from across the Commonwealth to performat this festival . There was also an eclectic mix of more than 50 stalls. From exotic foods, fashion and fabrics and arts and crafts to activities such as henna, hair braiding and face painting. The crowds definitely didn’t go hungry – the smells and tastes of international cuisine from the exotic to the everyday provided temptation at every turn.

 

Since its launch during Glasgow’s 1990 European City of Culture celebrations, the O2 Glasgow Mela has grown to become the leading festival of its kind in the country. In addition to three main stages (World, Commonwealth and Mehfil) the festival also featured an ice rink, street theatre, a Kids Zone and authentic stalls and catering.

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