Season starts for elite bowlers

The new greens at Kelvingrove Bowls Complex on Kelvin Way, were red hot with action today.

The Scottish Disability Squad was out in force preparing for a four nations event at the end of May and an eight nations competition in August.

This is part of the process to choose competitors for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and for the International Bowls for Disabled World Tournament in New Zealand in 2015.

Said Bobby Dick, Head Coach of the Squad: ‘This is the elite squad. Of the 23 playing today, only five will be selected for the Commonwealth Games.’

Visually impaired bowlers have a ‘visuality director’ standing behind the jack who informs the bowler where his or her bowl has stopped in relation to the jack.

Wheelchair bowlers use special broad rimmed wheelchairs on the greens. Some bowlers play from a kneeling position.

‘The Commonwealth Games will be the first time since 2002 that both able-bodied and para bowlers will be competing in the same tournament,’ said Ricky Taylor, team manager.

Some of the players who’d arrived on Saturday from across Scotland,  and witnessed the continuous rain that day were fearful the greens would not be playable on Sunday. ‘But they’re great,’ said one bowler. ‘Really good and quite fast.’

‘Spectators will be welcome at the four nations tournament from Friday 31 May till Sunday 2 June,’ emphasised Bobby. ‘That’s a mixed event for able and disabled competitors.’

Alison does what Pele says

Sports journalist Alison Walker is learning Portuguese – because the famous Pele told her to! This was one of the many things she revealed to around 100 Glasgow Business Club members at their lunch meeting today in Firhill Stadium.

Introduced by President Norman Ferguson, Alison recounted her rise to fame despite the frequent, chauvinistic attitudes of her male colleagues. ‘I’d never admit I’d two children,’ she said.

She reeled off a list of eminent sports people she’d interviewed and told delightful, insightful tales of incidents along the way. At the 2012 Olympics, Pele was one of her interviewees – along with David Beckham, Henry Kissinger and the King of Spain. She told Pele she’d love to report on the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. ‘He advised me to learn the language. So that’s why I’ve spent the last six months at Glasgow University learning Brazilian Portuguese!’ she recounted.

Recently she set up her own media training company. ‘I’ve time to spend with my children now. But as they’re teenagers, they don’t want to spend time with me!’

Next month the guest speaker will be Margaret Curran, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland. Known until recently as Glasgow South Business Club, the organisation now holds meetings in a wider geographic field than it did before. Therefore the meeting on May 21 will be at GTG Training Centre in South Street, G14 0BJ.  For futher details check the Glasgow Business Club’s website.

 

 

 

Games, set and match to the Royal Couple

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their first formal visit to Glasgow yesterday.

They spent the morning meeting young people at the city’s recently opened £113 million Emirates Arena. The flagship venue will host badminton and track cycling events in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It is a key part of the city’s bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2018. Later this year the Junior Track World Championships and World Youth Netball Championships will take place there.

During their tour of the state-of-the-art facility the Royal couple watched pupils from the Glasgow School of Sports and other aspiring athletes, training in athletics, track cycling, badminton, football and netball. They then viewed a Glasgow 2014 exhibition where they met young people including Beth Gilmour who designed Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde and apprentices who were employed as part of the Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative. They also met Mahad Ahmed and Jasmine Main – young ambassadors for Glasgow’s bid for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games – and some City Building apprentices who worked on the construction of the Emirates Arena.

Next they went to Drumchapel’s Glasgow Club Donald Dewar. There they launched a Scottish pilot of the innovative Coach Core project. Launched last July just before the London 2012 Olympic Games, Coach Core aims to inspire and train the next generation of sports coaches across the UK.

It is hoped that the Glasgow project will form an important part of the legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the city’s bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.

The Royal Foundation is partnering with Glasgow Life and the Hunter Foundation on the initiative.

Chair of Glasgow Life and the Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “This visit highlights our shared vision and commitment to sport in Glasgow, from investing in world-class facilities such as the stunning new Emirates Arena through to our partnership with The Royal Foundation, which will create coaching opportunities at a grassroots level.  Sports coaches are at the very heart of sport in Glasgow and we are honoured that their Royal Highnesses chose the city to launch the Scottish pilot of the Coach Core initiative. London 2012 inspired a generation and we want to continue that journey through the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Coach Core will help us do that.”

Sir Tom Hunter, Chairman of The Hunter Foundation which has provided funding to The Royal Foundation to enable the delivery of the Coach Core programme in Glasgow, said: “Coach Core is an exceptional model of positive social intervention because it uses sport to enable lasting change at grassroots, community level. We are delighted to have supported The Royal Foundation in bringing this important initiative to Scotland. Our hope is that the apprentice coaches employed by Glasgow Life each year will deliver transformational change in their communities through sports development. We’d also like to see Coach Core in every local authority in Scotland through the leadership of The Royal Foundation and Glasgow Life.”

Glasgow 2014 Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin, said: “We were absolutely delighted to show the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge how young people are an integral part of the journey towards the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the biggest multi-sport event Scotland has ever seen.

“Young people have been involved in all of our major milestones from the creation of our official games mascot, called Clyde,

to the design of the official Glasgow 2014 tartan and right through to the Commonwealth apprentices who work on delivering the Games at our Glasgow headquarters.”

Glasgow 2018 Youth Olympic Games ambassador Jasmine Main said: “It was a fantastic experience being able to tell the Duchess of Cambridge about the city’s plans to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.”

 

Cathkin Braes bike centre funding search launched

Tuesday 26 February 2013

The race to find £2.7 million to create a Mountain Bike and Activity Centre at Cathkin Braes was launched today.

‘We already have £50,000 promised,’ said Anne McChlery, Director of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust which is behind the project. ‘It’s a big ask so late in the day, but we are confident this Centre will be ready for the Commonwealth Games next year.’

She praised the ‘synergies’ of an already popular mountain bike track being created at Cathkin Braes by Glasgow City Council and the willingness of Glasgow Archdiocese to allow a redundant, B-listed, church building to be adapted as a centre for the mountain bike activities and for local community use.

Architects responsible for the proposed transformation of St Martin’s Church are award winning Elder and Cannon who are based in Glasgow. Their feasibility study and appraisal plans were commissioned by Ardenglen Housing Association Ltd in Castlemilk.

Said architect Alison Hesketh who with colleagues Stephen Hoey and Tom Connolly has devised the plan: ‘The main challenge is to get this open for the Commonwealth Games and to accommodate a wide range of facilities.  There will be a community cafe, performance space and education activities as well as mountain bike changing facilities and a bike repair workshop all contained in the church building on Cathkin Braes and all easily accessible.’

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty: ‘This is very much a community led project. I’m delighted to see this proposed Commonwealth Legacy project emerging to support the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Track.’ She said the iconic church building had fantastic memories for many Castlemilk people who attended the Sunday discos run by the church. ‘They led to a lot of marriages…’ she added.

Councillor Archie Graham, who has Executive responsibility for the 2014 Commonwealth Games said: ‘This is a fantastic project. It builds on the challenging mountain bike course which is already well used. It promotes cycling, puts a derelict building to good community use and encourages a healthier lifestyle. We should celebrate all of that. And it comes with a panoramic view of Glasgow!’ He added: ‘Once the elite athletes have gone, there will be something tangible for everyone. I forecast that when 2019 comes and the Games are reviewed, the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike and Activity Centre will still be up there among the best legacy projects.’

Local cyclist Colin Hyslop, a member of the very active Mitchelhill Community Group which is one of the key partners driving the idea said: ‘We are getting positive feedback all the time. On Sunday, out on the Track, I could hardly get cycling for people asking me when would the Centre be ready to use? My only concern is that it won’t be big enough!’ The facebook page has already got 687 ‘likes’ and more than 2000 people use it each week to get information on cycling activities at Cathkin Braes.

On behalf of the Archdiocese, surveyor Kenneth Crilley said: ‘The church building is an architectural jewel in Castlemilk. This project will bring it back to life and allow it to be used by the wider Glasgow community. We are all delighted at the prospect.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Par for a long life

Celebrating his 100th birthday, Hugh Baillie considers his secret of long life is: ‘Living a normal life. And not having too much to do with the drink.’  But his younger brother Sandy – a mere 92 –  blew the gaff: ‘Only the good die young!’ he quipped.

Most of Hugh’s family of two children, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren – and brother Sandy –  attended his special birthday party in Sherbrooke Lodge care home in Pollokshields. Hugh and his late wife Peggy were married in September 1939 as war broke out. They lived together in Sherbrooke Lodge in recent years until Peggy passed away 18 months ago.

A railway worker since leaving school at 15, Hugh was in a reserved occupation, critical to the war effort, so not allowed to join the forces.

He spent a good number of years operating the signal box at Central Station, before retiring after 50 years’ service.

A keen golfer – he played off a handicap of 8 – he had at least one game a week at Blairbeth Golf Club until he was 95.  Brother Sandy was head green keeper at Gleneagles and Turnberry when each was a railway hotel.

Born in Govanhill, Hugh has lived all his life in the Shawlands, Pollokshields area. He enjoys being in Sherbrooke.  ’There’s a couple of nice wee groups (of friends) here,’ he commented.

Sherbrooke operations director Lissa Ameur presented Hugh with a bouquet of flowers. And all the residents joined in the party after Hugh received his birthday card from the Queen on Saturday 16 February 2013.

Until recently he and Sandy and a third brother who lived well into his 90s, would attend model railway exhibitions.

Hugh’s grandson Chris Baillie is a silver medalist having run the 110 metre hurdles  in the last three Commonwealth Games. He’s now in training for Glasgow 2014 Games and hopes to be chosen to run there.

With the life style Hugh is enjoying at Sherbrooke Lodge, there’s a real chance he’ll be at the Games to cheer his grandson on.

 

 

Commonwealth Games sponsors targetted by protesters.

Thursday 24 January 2013

Protesters invaded Scottish Government offices today in Glasgow to highlight their concerns that ATOS is a sponsor of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Said a spokesman for Citizens United Against Cuts to Public Services: ‘Across the country, hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people are being railroaded into abusive and degrading assessments to determine they are ‘fit for work’ by ATOS. The Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) has given this task to the profit-making French multinational company ATOS which is being paid more than £100 million a year to cut the number of people on benefits. We want ATOS removed from involvement in the Commonwealth Games.’

Another of the protesters said a member of his family worked as a carer for sick and disabled people. ‘They have witnessed ATOS tests and the effect it has on people. They are being assessed as suitable for work when they have to have 24 hour care. That’s why I’m here today. It is simply wrong what is happening.’

One protester who is a retired civil servant added: ‘There are serious issues around ATOS and the fact that they are able to access people’s health records which are supposed to be confidential. Also, until now, a doctor decides when a patient is fit to work again. Why should this French company decide this now? They are not doctors and don’t know the patient.’

A Scottish Office statement issued later said:

“The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee appointed ATOS, the international IT services company and worldwide IT partner to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as their technology sponsor.  Glasgow 2014 assesses commercial and sponsorship proposals on a number of criteria to ensure best value for the 2014 Games.  Securing the right sponsors is vital to the success of the event.”

Around 15 protesters walked into Scottish Government offices in Highlander House, Waterloo Street on Thursday morning and stayed for about one hour making their protest with slogans and banners. After police attended, they left peaceably.

At the end of last year, the same group invaded the offices of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in Albion Street. At that time, a spokesman for the Games said: “We are very proud to have global IT experts Atos as part of Glasgow 2014’s sponsor family. As a worldwide IT partner for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the company has demonstrated unwavering commitment to driving forward the Paralympic movement by providing dedicated practical support to athletes for the last ten years.

“An important consideration for us is how a sponsor will contribute to the mission and ambitions of Glasgow 2014 and we are confident in the positive role Atos will play in helping us deliver an athlete centred and sports focused Commonwealth Games.”

When asked for a comment on Thursday’s invasion of the Glasgow Scottish Office premises, the Games spokeman re-issued the same statement.

 

Thumbs up for new Bridgeton Library

Photographs by Ian Watson

A state-of-the-art library and learning centre opened this week in the £10 million refurbished Olympia building at Bridgeton Cross.

As well as an extensive range of books, newspapers and magazines, the library has 32 PCs, online learning, a community room and a children’s area. It will offer computer courses and reader development programmes. There are also enhanced business resources and a rich collection of local and family history archives. The ground floor library is the first part of the Olympia Building to open to the public. A new boxing gym will be occupied by Amateur Boxing Scotland early next year and office space on the top floor is also available.

First opened in 1911 as a variety theatre, the landmark building later became a popular cinema. In its declining years it was a bingo hall before closing in the 1990s.

Bowing to public pressure, Clyde Gateway bought the red standstone, turretted, premises in 2009. Refurbishment started in 2011 and was completed in October 2012. One of the highlights of the refurbishment was in February this year when the restored original dome was lifted back into place.

Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “Libraries are at the very heart of our communities. New life has been breathed into the Olympia and this library will play a vital role in the life of Bridgeton for generations to come.”

Councillor George Redmond, the Vice-Chair of Clyde Gateway said: “The opening of the library is the latest chapter in what is becoming a thrilling story of the regeneration of the Bridgeton and Dalmarnock communities. There is an incredible transformation across the whole area. This fantastic new library really does have the best of everything and I have no doubt it is going to be very popular with residents of all ages.”

Grace Donald, an 87-year-old lifelong resident of Bridgeton said: “The Olympia has always been very special to me. I spent many a happy night at the cinema with my husband and my children. I was really upset when it closed its doors. That was a very low point in Bridgeton’s history. I never dreamed that I’d ever get back inside the building so it’s a big thrill to see what Clyde Gateway and Glasgow Life have done. I’ve lived here all my life and I know that Bridgeton Cross has never looked better.”

 

 

 

 

Glasgow City invited to ‘Meet the Champions’ Tournament

Glasgow City Women’s Football Team have been invited to compete in an international ‘Meet the Champions’ Indoor Tournament by German Champions FFC Turbine Potsdam in February 2013.

The tournament will mark Potsdam’s 40th Anniversary. City are one of seven Champions hand-picked by Potsdam to play in what is the first tournament of its kind to be hosted by the German giants.

The exclusive, invitation only, event will be made up of Europe’s top sides. The impressive guest team list contains three European Women’s Champions League Winners, including the current holders – French Champions Olympic Lyon.

The German Club has invited:

Glasgow City (Scotland)

Olympique Lyonnais (France)

Arsenal Ladies (England)

ROA Oslo (Norway)

Brondy IF (Denmark)

AC Sparta Praha (Czech Republic)

SV Neulengbach (Austria)

The tournament will take place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 February in the brand new, indoor MBS-Arena in Potsdam in front of a crowd of 2000.

Commenting on the tournament, City Club Manager, Laura Montgomery said: “To be invited to such an exclusive and high standard tournament is fantastic and very flattering for our club. Looking at the participating Clubs is incredibly exciting with 3 Champions League winners, alone.

“For our players to be able to test themselves against this level of competition in pre-season,  is simply fantastic. I am sure they will enjoy every minute of it.

“We will be playing indoor football, which will be a brand new challenge for us. This type of indoor football is very popular in Europe, particularly in Germany. It will be 8-aside on a pitch with rules we have never faced before.  But this will be a key stage in our fitness preparations for the new season in March.

“To be able to take the girls to Germany for four days for this level of competition at this time in pre-season,  is an opportunity we could never turn down.”

PHOTOGRAPH  by Andy Buist

Glasgow City sign striker Sarah Crilly

Scottish Champions,  Glasgow City Women’s Football Club, are delighted to announce their first new signing of the close season after capturing striker Sarah Crilly from Hamilton.

The forward, who recently turned 21,  is in her third year at the Scottish National Football Academy at Stirling University where young Scottish talent  combine football with full time higher education.

A former youth international at Under 17 and Under 19,  Sarah made her senior Scotland debut this year  scoring in a closed door friendly against Norway.

Speaking of her move to City, Sarah said: “First, I’d like to thank Glasgow City for giving me this opportunity. They have achieved so much over the past few years within the Scottish League and the Champions League and I hope I can contribute to more success in the future.

“It’s a new challenge for me as an individual and one that will require a lot of hard work and determination which I’m committed to giving to the club.

“I’d like to thank Hamilton for everything they have done for me over the years.  They have made me the player that I am today.  I also give special thanks to Kevin Murphy – without him I would not have progressed as far as I have in my football career.

“Kevin is a great coach and also a great person.  Hamilton are a fantastic club with lots of ambition and there is definitely a bright future for them if they continue on their current road.  I look forward to starting pre-season training in January with City and I will enjoy training among some of Scotland’s top players and coaches.”

Glasgow City Head Coach, Eddie Wolecki Black, said:  “It has taken a while but I’m glad, finally, to have got Sarah on board. We tried to sign Sarah a number of years ago when we first started up a reserve side.  She was an up and coming young prospect and although we were unsuccessful then and again a year ago, we never gave up.

“She will certainly bring a lot to the team.  She has great pace, vision and awareness.  She will work hard for the team and is very ambitious. I know the players at this club will be very pleased to have her as a team mate. The coaching staff and I are looking forward to working with her very much.  I am certain she will be a huge success at Glasgow City.”

Needles click to aid veterns

Residents of Lambhill Court Care Home on Glasgow’s Southside, knitted a tidy sum for Erskine, the charity for armed services veterans.

They raised £100 from selling goods they made during activities sessions in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday and handed over the cheque in November.

Manager, Iain Ballantyne said: ‘Erskine is a charity which our residents can relate to. Many of them and their family members went through the Second World War. We are proud of the residents and of Frances -who has a parent living in Lambhill – for taking this on and raising money for such a fantastic charity.”

The knitting, selling and the presentation were organised by Lambhill’s activities co-ordinator, Mary Fox.

Erskine fundraiser Alan Moss said “This is a terrific donation. We, at Erskine, are delighted everyone at Lambhill Court has been thinking of our brave veterans. Donations are vital to continue to provide the high standard of care our veterans deserve so this will make a real difference. Thanks very much and well done to everyone for the successful fundraising.”

Such encouragement of activities and participation in its community is given priority at Lambhill Court, where there are currently a few places for new residents. All five care homes in the Lambhill Court group meet the same standard and staff are expected to treat each resident ‘as if he or she was your own parent.’ For further information please contact Deepak Poddar tel 07786 735 709

www.lambhillcourt.ltd.uk

Erskine has been looking after veterans for almost 100 years and is the leading care organisation for ex-Service men and women in Scotland.

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