Palestinian activist addresses Glasgow friends.

Abir Kopty, a Palestinian from Nazareth, told members of Glasgow University Palestine Society: ‘When I speak to people like you, I feel hope.’

One of 6 million Palestinian refugees she explained: ‘I’m 48. My land was taken. My village destroyed. I’m one of 11 million Palestinian people who face apartheid daily.’

In the course of an eloquent review of the issue and a neat summary of the present situation she said: ‘We have lost faith in the negotiating table.’

As she travelled to Glasgow to speak during the Society’s Israel-Apartheid Week, she learned of the death of Arafat Jaradat, a campaigner who died in prison of injuries inflicted while he was there according to a post mortem.

‘He was arrested by the occupying Israeli occupation forces accused of throwing stones. Such things are designed to crush us. But we will continue to resist. Children are in jail, women and men are being killed. These things happen with impunity. The silence of the world is noticeable.’

But, she added: ‘There is a lot of frustration and anger. Palestinians question the effectiveness of the sacrifice. Will such sacrifices lead to change?’

She answered her own question by saying it is leading to stronger resistence.

The village of Alaragrib which has been demolished 45 times, keeps being rebuilt by local people.

‘We know we cannot rely on governments. But we can rely on people of conscience – like those attending this meeting.’

She continued: ‘Everything you do; everything that people like you do around the world puts pressure on Israel. We are willing to pay the price but that is not effective without your action.’

Chair of the Society, Kate Connelly, invited those interested to contact the group which organises visits to Palestine. ‘These are not tourist trips. They offer a really broad view of what life is like there.’ Anyone interested was invited to check out the Society’s Facebook pages.

 

 

 

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…

EDITORIAL

No sooner has Burns Supper time been digested than we roll out the celebrations for Chinese New Year.  The Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow has a special free concert arranged for Thursday 7 February at 1pm.  The Harmony Ensemble will play in the University Concert Hall.  Comprising Fong Liu (singer);  Hooi Ling Eng (playing zheng/Chinese percussion); Eddie McGuire (playing bamboo flute- dizi and hawu);  Shona Brown (playing dizi/hulosi) and Xian Shan (playing accordion).

The Confederation of Chinese Associations in Scotland have a big bash planned for Monday 18 February at the SeeWoo restaurant with lots of entertainment, VIPs and festive food. The ticket- only event looks like a good mix of business and pleasure.

And this website would wager no one will be out of their face with alcohol. Maybe other New Year celebrations could take note. Interestingly, in almost every month of the year, one country or another can be found marking their New Year.  Traditions are remarkably similar – clean the house, prepare special dishes, sing, dance and be merry.

Gong Xi Fa Cai – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Igniting the imagination

A six week project by Ignite Theatre in Knightswood, resulted in an excellent theatre afternoon in Wellington Church Crypt Cafe recently. Entitled ‘A Cake and a Comedy’ the seven sketches, written and acted by the five members of the cast told of human relationships through food.

The creative work was cooked up at the Cookery School and through waiter training at The Buttery in Argyle Street. All the young people – from school age to early 20s – gave engaging and convincing performances.

These ranged from the exchange between a street beggar and a passer-by to parent and child perceptions of Santa’s tidbits and from the gauche beginnings of a romance to the misconceptions of different cultural ways. All the playlets were written by the young people and reflected their own experiences and perceptions and misperceptions where different cultures collide. An appreciative audience enjoyed the cafe atmosphere, the cakes and the coffee as well as the performances.

Ignite’s Artistic Director Aileen Ritchie, has been running a series of free drama workshops for young people aged from 8 to 21 from different cultural backgrounds, for more than two years.

She said: ‘We have been touring this show to audiences who might not get to see live theatre – from pensioners’ lunch clubs to local primary schools. The cast have been extremely professional and I think their creativity shines in this funny and life affirming festive show. We are hoping the valuable work experience it has given them will lead to more opportunities.’

Actor Karen Chanda (18) said she found the workshops fun. ‘They build your confidence. You meet new people and make lots of friends. And we’ve built up strong relationships through working together on this project.’

The cafe theatre programme started with ‘Seeds of Thought’ poet and musician Tawona Sitole playing the mbira, a metal, thumb piano from Zimbabwe. The young actors were in working mode as waiters at the Buttery on Sunday 2 December when a full afternoon tea with a string quartet was on offer for donations for Ignite’s work. The previous day,  a juniors’ show called Magic Dust and Christmas at the Zoo was performed in Knightswood Congregational Church Hall, 12 Dunterlie Avenue, Glasgow, G13 3BA. Ignite Theatre also performed A Cake and A Comedy.

Funding for Ignite from the Equality and Human Rights Commission ends in December. Children in Need are expected to take over as the main funder after that.

College and canteen company win top award

Langside College and Sodexo have the recipe for success according to a leading award giving body.

The Southside college with its commercial partner Sodexo, has developed a unique SVQ Food Preparation and Cooking course. Aimed at students from schools offering Additional Support for Learning it provides 20 places and has a long waiting list.

The collaboration involves schoolchildren and adults with special needs working in the College canteen which is run by Sodexo.

This partnership took the College and Sodexo to the London finals of the Premises and Facilities Management Awards on 7 November. There they won the ‘Partners in Service to the Community’ category. This was the first year the category was available.

Hosted by Gabby Logan, the gala evening heard the judges were impresed by the incredibly successful course. ‘It is providing a fantastic springboard to further education and to the world of work,’ said the judges. ‘The partnership demonstrated an outstanding collaboration that is delivering excellent academic outcomes for the College and its students while providing quality services to an excellent learning environment and community facility.”

John Rafferty, director of care, health and wellbeing at Langside College said: “Sodexo has enriched our course delivery in more ways than we could have imagined. This has enabled us to offer genuine vocational opportunities to some of our most vulnerable learners and so help us meet our community remit.”

Graham Box, Sodexo’s managing director for Scotland said: “We are thrilled that our partnership at Langside College has been recognised with this award. As part of our sustainability strategy, known as the Better Tomorrow Plan, we have a commitment to supporting the local communities in which we operate.”

 

WIN WIN WIN!!! a Sony PlayStation 3

Don’t be frightened! But you’ll find some interesting monsters in Buchanan Galleries on Saturday 15 September. They’ll be having Halloween fun and games to promote the family animated 3D film, ‘HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA,‘ releasing at cinemas UK wide on Friday 12 October.

The costumed characters will have lots of giveaways to….give away!

Before then, readers of this website have a chance to win a fang-tastic Sony PlayStation 3 as part of the celebrations around the film’s launch.

Hotel Transylvania is Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort where monsters and their families can live it up, free from the meddling human world. It’s not generally known, but Dracula has an adventurous teenage daughter, Mavis. And the resort is his way of keeping her within talon’s reach and beyond the influence of nasty humans. So Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves and others are on hand to gourge out eyes when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

For your chance to win the Sony PlayStation 3 just give us the answer to the question: ‘In Hotel Translyvania, what is the name of Dracula’s teenage daughter?’

A – Mable

B – Mary

C – Mavis

To enter, just email your answer PLUS your name and contact number to : franklinfeatures@gmail.com by 12 noon on Tuesday 18 September

(see terms and conditions – BELOW)

Terms & Conditions

1. Entries must be received before: XX

2.       The winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.

3.       No responsibility will be accepted for entries lost or never received.

4.       The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5.       Employees and their families, relations and suppliers of Sony Pictures are not eligible.

6.       One entry per household only.

7.       Only open to UK residents.

8.       The Promoter reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value at any time.  There is no cash alternative.

9. The Promoter has the right to select an alternative winner if:

1. a winner is ineligible to enter the competition;
2. the winner is under 18 and his/her parent or guardian do not agree to these terms and conditions or do not wish their child to receive a prize;
3. the Promoter does not receive confirmation of the winner’s address and/or parental consent within 14 days of any request;
4. the Promoter does not receive from the winner all documentation required in connection with the prize within the deadline notified by the Promoter;

10.   If the first winner does not claim their prize within 14 days, the winner’s claim will lapse and automatically become void. If the entry selected is invalid, adjudged void or a prize claim lapses, another entrant may be selected at random from the remaining eligible entries at the Promoter’s sole discretion (but the Promoter shall have no obligation to do so)

11.   Winners will be notified via email or telephone. The sending of an email to the email address registered by the winner will be sufficient notification for this purpose and the Promoter will not be responsible for any failure by a winner to receive that email. Please note it is essential that you provide the correct email address, otherwise we may not be able to contact the winner for this prize draw and therefore the entry will be considered null and void.

12. The prize is a Sony Playstation 3 games console.

13. Please allow 28 days prize fulfilment from the date of claim.

14. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.sublimepromotions.co.uk/hotelt

 

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.

Gavin wins gold for Olympic typography

A Glasgow student has been awarded the special Jury Prize in

a prestigious international graphic design competition.

Gavin McGregor, who is studying Creative Industries at Cardonald College, won the award at Conquerer Typographic Games, a competition open to qualified and student graphic designers across the globe.

The competition was inspired by the 2012 London Olympic Games, and entrants had to create a typographical poster with a sports theme using the phrase, ‘It’s not what you win, but how you conquer it’.

Commenting on  Gavin’s win, his lecturer, Vici Greenlees, said: “All designs were displayed on the Conqueror website and the public were able to vote for their favourites. The top 50 posters were then judged by a team of seven international designers, headed by world famous typographer Jean François Porchez.

“Gavin was one of several students who entered the competition and I’m ecstatic that we have a winner.”

Jean Francis Portez is a world renowned typographer who has created typefonts for clients such as car makers Peugeot, French newspaper Le Monde, and singer Beyonce Knowles.

Gavin’s work will be displayed in leading visual communications magazine, Creative Review, along with the other winners.

Red carpet for the Film Office

What better way to celebrate 15 years of Glasgow Film Office (GFO) bringing stars of screen to the city than having the latest film which has used the place for locations, up for an award at Cannes Film Festival.

‘The Angels’ Share’ directed by Ken Loach, will know on Sunday 27 May whether it wins an accolade or not. It will have its UK premiere in Glasgow next week.

The producer, Rebecca O’Brien, said: ‘Ken Loach, Paul Laverty and I have made four films in Glasgow in the past 15 years and have had the support of the Glasgow Film Office on every one. They’ve been terrifically helpful and often made difficult things happen for us. So we salute the GFO on their 15th birthday and will raise a glass in celebration!’

Offering a free service to all types of productions from feature films to tv commercials, the GFO works closely with other council services, Strathclyde Police and the productions to make sure their activities have minimum impact on local residents and businesses while delivering maximum economic impact to the city.

Established in 1997, the GFO has attracted around £200 million worth of film business to Glasgow.

Last year was a vintage time when major productions World War Z, Cloud Atlas and Under The Skin alone, brought in £20.15 million with stars such as Brad Pitt, Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson working in town.

Other notable film which have used Glasgow for a backdrop included: Burnistoun, Gary: Tank Commander, Lip Service, My Name Is Joe, Rab C Nesbitt, Red Road, River City, Sony Bravia ‘Paint’ commercial, Still Game, Sweet Sixteen, Taggart,  The House of Mirth.

Gerard Butler was named GFO’s Ambassador in 2009 to help raise the city’s profile and demonstrate its capability as a production base. Around 50 organisations have now signed up to the Glasgow Film Partnership –  to promote Glasgow’s ‘film-friendly’ reputation – details at : http://www.glasgowfilm.com/filming_in_glasgow/film_partnership.asp.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘Glasgow Film Office has been a tremendous success over the past 15 years, bringing more than £200 million to our economy. The list of familiar productions, shows how it has been an industry hub since 1997. We look forward to its continued success  in bringing many more productions here.’

Seeing Scotland on film or television was important in the decision of 1 in 5 visitors to come here.  With more than 530  locations in its database, the city can serve all types of companies.

Senior figures in the film industry – such as Jeremy Kleiner, the producer of World War Z – have praised the work of the GFO in facilitating the smooth running of their productions.

For more information on the Glasgow Film Office, see: www.glasgowfilm.com.

 

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