Govan yard’s work sets sail

 

Sailing down the Clyde took on a new meaning when an enormous ‘slice’ of an aircraft carrier was loaded onto a barge at BAE’s Govan yard on Sunday 31 July to be transported to Rosyth for the next stage of production.
It took six months of planning and a 10-strong team to move the 8,000 tonne mid-section block 200 metres out of the shipbuilding hall on Friday 29 July, across the specially reinforced tarmac of the yard to the quayside for loading. The highly technical operation took one hour and used 64 remote controlled transporters.
The block – Lower Block 03 – is a mid section of HMS Queen Elizabeth – the first of the new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy being created in Govan. This was the first time the general public had sight of the giant warship embryo which was manoeuvered into place within the hour.
Said one on-looker from the luxury flats across from the yard: ‘It was incredible to see. The block is so big. It is difficult to imagine the size of the complete ship but you realise a little more when you see the people walking around the block looking like little toys.’
Steven Carroll, Queen Elizabeth Class Project Director at BAE Systems, said: ‘I’m extremely proud of the team’s huge achievement of successfully moving the mid section of the hull out of our hall on time.’ He said it was: ‘built to an exceptional standard’ and added: ‘This is a fantastic showcase for British engineering. It is the culmination of months of preparation and is only possible because of the strong partnership with our Carrier Alliance Partners, the skills of our workforce on the Clyde and the thousands of people working on the programme across every region of the UK.’
After being moved out of the hall, the block was loaded onto one of the two biggest sea-going barges in the world in preparation for her 600 mile journey round the north coast of Scotland to Rosyth where the aircraft carrier will be assembled. That voyage begins on Tuesday 16 August. On the same day, more than 50 cyclists from across the Alliance, will leave the Govan yard to ‘beat the block’ by peddling the 500 miles round the North of Scotland to Rosyth in the hope of getting there before the mid section of the hull arrives. The gruelling challenge expects to raise £10,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
As a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, BAE Systems is working in partnership with Babcock, Thales and the Ministry of Defence to deliver the nation’s flagships. With advanced construction underway at six shipyards across the UK, the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier programme is sustaining thousands of skilled jobs.
The steel for Lower Block 03 was cut in July 2009. When loaded onto the barge it was more than 20 metres high, 60 metres long and 40 metres wide.
Approximately 350 Govan-based employees will follow the block to Rosyth where they will work with Babcock workers to complete the assembly phase of this section of the ship.
Construction of Lower Block 04, the largest and most complex section of hull, is progressing in Govan. Production on the second aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, started in May.
BAE Systems is also manufacturing the forward and lower stern sections of the hull at its Portsmouth facility, along with the ship’s forward island structure. Additionally, the company is responsible for the integration and testing of the ships’ complex mission and advanced communications systems.
Each 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier will provide the armed forces with a four acre military operating base which can be deployed worldwide. The vessels will be versatile enough to be used for operations ranging from supporting war efforts to providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief and all will be operational by 2020. The QE Class will be the centre piece of Britain’s military capability and will operate at least 12 of the carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter jets.

Games routes being sorted

Detailed plans to improve the river bank at Lancefield Quay and Anderston Quay have been drafted in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Consultation with elected members is underway although most community councils will not meet between now and the Friday 29 July deadline.

‘I have asked for the times to be extended to take this into account,’ said Bailie Nina Baker of Anderston Ward.

According to George Gillespie, Assistant Director of Land and Environmental Services, the aim of the plan is to improve, significantly, pedestrian and cyclist provision. ‘We also wish to incorporate permanent flood prevention measures between the Kingston Bridge and Clyde Arc bridge,’ he said.

This route will be a main spectator corridor between the city centre and venues at the SECC complex in 2014. It will also help access to Ibrox and Kelvingrove games venues and the Riverside Museum.

Following the comments of elected representatives, the plans will be revised and a one day “pre-planning” consultation event is anticipated in early August when City Council officers will explain the proposals in more detail to Councillors. This will be followed by the public at large and other interest groups having the chance to comment through the statutory planning process in September 2011 when the revised plan will be submitted. Currently a contractor is likely to be appointed in December 2011 and work should be carried out between January and June next year.

* If you have ideas to improve the Lancefield Quay or Anderston Quay embankments for pedestrians or cyclists send them to us at: franklinfeatures@gmail.com and we’ll publish them and pass them on.

Riverside regatta

The river will come alive a little on Saturday 16 July from 10am till 6pm when a regatta will be in full sail around the new Riverside Museum. Billed as a ‘great day for all the family’, expect to see water displays including wakeboarding – a cross between jet skiing and surfing – with the WaveScot team and the first ever Riverside Rowing Regatta featuring Sea Cadets. The tall ship Glaciere will sail in from Liverpool to tie up near the existing Glenlee. Both vessels will welcome people aboard though there will be a charge for that. There is, still, no charge to go into the Riverside Museum which is now taking the title of Scotland’s Transport Museum.

Outside the Riverside Museum, there will be a variety of exhibitors including Clyde Waterfront, Galgael, the Royal Marines and various children’s activities brought as part of the Cadbury’s Spots and Stripes London 2012 Olympics campaign.  

Councillor George Redmond, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: ‘The Riverside Museum has been enormously popular since it opened last month and many visitors have been delighted by the close links it has to the River Clyde. The Clyde Waterfront Riverside Regatta will be a spectacular day for all the family.’

* IF you have visited the Riverside Museum – what are your comments on the experience?  Email us on: franklinfeatures@gmail.com

West End Festival programme out

More than 150 pages of events are on offer in Glasgow’s West End Festival which runs fromFriday 3 to Sunday 26 June.

The Parade takes place on Sunday 5 June and is reckoned to be the biggest procession of its kind in Scotland and possibly the UK.  Events range from Lobey Dosser day to fiddle workshops, from gardens for beginners to health walks, from talks on tenements and the King James Bible. Madrigirls will sing. Brass and Russian sacred music will intermingle with an international organ festival and live jazz.  All – and much more – are on offer during the West End Festival. Pick up a programme fast or see their website: www.westendfestival.co.uk

Events for children, Greek Thomson’s Sixty Steps, Fete de la Musique on Sunday 19 June To Cinema in Kelvingrove Park from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 June and dozens of other intriguing events are all there to temp us. The bonus is – many things are free!

McFrankenstein tackles the Missing Link.

Up to 20,000 people are expected to take part in the M74 Bike ‘n’ Hike event on Sunday 22 May. Before the ‘missing link’ stretch of motorway from Shields Road to Polmadie to Fullarton Roundabout is opened to traffic, the M74 Project Partners and Contractor have agreed to let pedestrians, cyclists and runners cover the whole 14km stretch or parts of it, as people are able.
If you spot a cyclist dressed as McFrankenstein (Frankinstein with a Scottish twist) cheer him on and support him as he’s doing the whole 14km in aid of Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.
‘So far, I’ve raised around £200,’ said McFrankenstein who is known to his friends as Colin Todd.
‘I have my own Facebook page for the event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Colin-Todd-M74-Bike-n-Hike-event-in-aid-of-Yorkhill-Childrens-Foundation/209718129061513. It gives a link to my Just Giving website too,’ said the care worker. He has done several similar fund raisers – including the route between Glasgow and Edinburgh in the Pedal for Scotland event. ‘A friend’s son was in intensive care for three weeks after he was born so I knew, though his experience, and his ongoing care, how important the Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is. And like to support it when I can.’
People can register up till noon on Friday 20 May to walk, run or cycle the route. The event will start from the Shields Road Car Park in Scotland Street. The road formally opens in June.
Further information from : www.yorkhillchildrensfoundation.org and
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/m74bikenhike.htm.
Colin’s Just Giving site: www.justgiving.com/Colin-Todd0/

Foolish drivers face losing vehicles if found over the limit.

Despite a festive campaign to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, more people than last year offended in the third week of the Campaign, said the senior Police Officers’ body, ACPOS.
Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson, ACPOS lead on drink driving, said:  ‘I am horrified that our figures are rising compared to the same period last year. We have detected 110 people who still thought it appropriate to drive while under the influence of alcohol and another 10 who were caught driving while impaired by drugs.  Over a holiday period, where there are more people on the road innocently visiting friends and relatives, it is hard to understand why people would put their lives at risk by getting behind the wheel while unfit to do so. As we enter the final week of this campaign, I would remind all motorists that police forces across Scotland will continue to target drink and drug drivers on a daily basis and, where appropriate, request that their vehicle be seized.
‘The message must get to this minority of drivers who continue to risk their lives and the lives of other road users. Don’t risk it. Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
‘I would encourage anyone who suspects that a person is driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact the police. Either call the police direct via their local office or 999 or through the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 where the information will be treated in the confidence of anonymity.’

Incidents of note:
Central Scotland –
Four people apprehended for drink driving and four for driving under the influence of drugs.
On 23 December in the Stirling area a vehicle was left running and unattended to defrost the windows outside the owner’s house. The vehicle was stolen and later observed by the police and stopped after a short pursuit. The driver of the vehicle, who was reported for stealing it, was also found to be under the influence of drugs and he was a disqualified driver.
Dumfries and Galloway –
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary detected two offenders for drink driving and two for driving under the influence of drugs.
In Dumfries a 39 year old man failed to stop following a minor road accident. He was later traced to his home address and provided a reading of over three and a half times the legal limit.
Fife –
Fife Constabulary detected seven offenders for drink driving.
Grampian –
Grampian Police detected 13 drink drivers and one for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A 16 year old was reported for drink driving, he had also stolen the vehicle and was driving without a licence or insurance.
Lothian and Borders –
Lothian and Borders Police detected 13 offenders for drink driving.
On 23 December in Edinburgh a 22 year old mam was charged with drink driving. He had a pending case for a similar offence from October 2010 and a request to forfeit his vehicle has been made.
During the afternoon of Christmas Day, in the Scottish Borders a 31 year old woman, decided to test drive her child’s petrol driven quad bike in a public place, she collided and damaged parked vehicles and slightly injured herself. She later provided a positive breath test of over two and half times the legal limit and was also charged with driving without a licence or insurance along with various other offences.
Northern –
Northern Constabulary detected eight offenders for drink driving.
Strathclyde –
Strathclyde Police detected 51 offenders for drink driving and four for driving under the influence of drugs.
In Ayrshire a driver was stopped and charged with drink driving, it was discovered that he had a similar pending case from early December and a request has been made to forfeit his vehicle.
A 19 year old in Greenock, stole his father’s car and subsequently crashed the vehicle. He provided a reading of nearly three times the limit, he was also charged with driving with a provisional licence and without insurance.
In Lanarkshire, a man stole a HGV from his employer’s yard, he was arrested for drink driving and provided a reading of more than 3 times the legal limit, he was also charged with disqualified driving and other driving offences.
Tayside –
Tayside Police detected 12 offenders for drink driving and 1 for driving under the influence of drugs.
In Perth a 20 year old man was traced following a road accident, which he had failed to report, and was found to be over 3 times the legal limit.
In Dundee a 78 year old man who was driving without lights was stopped and found to be almost twice the limit.
Also in Dundee a 22 year old man was arrested for drink driving having provided a reading of more than twice the limit, he was also a disqualified driver and he had a previous conviction for drink drug driving. A request has been made to forfeit his vehicle.

Robbery appeal

Strathclyde Police are appealing for information after a 14 year-old girl was robbed on a bus in Cathcart Road on Wednesday 28 July 2010.
She was travelling on the First Bus 75 service between Castlemilk and Glasgow City Centre at 2.30in the afternoon when she was robbed of a mobile phone and a two figure sum of cash by another girl on the bus when it was in Cathcart Road.
The suspect is described as white, 5ft 5” in height, 16-17 years of age with dark brown hair.  She was wearing dark-coloured clothing and described as wearing lots of make-up.
Constable Stephen McGrath of Pollok Police Office is appealing for information.  He said:
“I would appeal to anyone who was on the bus at the time of the robbery, or anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward. Pollok Police Office can be contacted on 0141 532 5600.  Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.’

Fairfield is fair bloomin’

During Glasgow Fair 2010, young Govanites opened a new chapter in local history. They ceremoniously took off protective covers to reveal the refurbished windows of Fairfield Shipyard offices in Govan Road, which have been boarded up for nine years.
This completes the first phase of a £4.5m restoration project led by Govan Workspace Ltd. Said Pat Cassidy, Managing Director of Govan Workspace: ‘The young people have done a fantastic job. They’ve been out since early morning picking up litter and planting window boxes and tubs with flowers. This is an important day for this community. This historic space will become offices with the community heavily involved. This is a celebration of what Govan has achieved particularly through shipbuilding. And it is about time these achievements were celebrated.’
Already £3.6m has been found and the Fairfield development partners are confident the remaining £.9m can be secured to allow the second phase of the refurbishment to start by Christmas this year.
Added Pat: ‘We’ve been able to make the place wind proof and watertight. Now we need to finish the job to transform these historic offices into usable, quality, workspace.’
Part of the plan is to dedicate an area within Fairfield House to the history of shipbuilding.
Commented Tommy McMahon, secretary of the Govan Youth Information Project (GYIP) management committee: ‘ You could say the young people who had the job of taking off the window covers today, are the latest generation to be working at Fairfield offices!’ They were all part of the summer programme run by GYIP for several hundred local youngsters during the school holidays.

Govan armada sets sail

Boats of all shapes and sizes set off from the River Clyde at Govan on Sunday 2 May in the first armada to leave these shores in generations.
The craft had been created by local children in a series of fun workshops using re-cycled items and had been led by artists from Atypical Root, a public Art Trail which was part of the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art.  With free burgers from the Riverside Community Hall, the Fire and Rescue Service and local Councillor Shaukat Butt, the whole mission was given a blessing by the newly appointed Bishop Greogr Duncan, of the Scottish Episcopal Church before setting sail. The boats were taken out into the Rivr Clyde by a vessel from the Fire and Rescue Service personnel who had the job of placing them in the water. Each boat has a message attached. The hope is that anyone finding one of the craft will contact the organisers www.atypicalroot.com  But since the children themselves, and the adult art tutors, parents and friends were not allowed down to the riverside because of the state of the derelict land,  it is indicative of how inaccessible the riverbanks are.

Support Lorne’s drive to pass his Husky Dog Driving Licence

This is the week our barking mad colleague Lorne Brown leaves for the Arctic Circle to sit his Husky Dog Driving Licence and to raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Dear Website reader, we invite you to support our 78-year-old mad-cap, former production editor at the LOCAL NEWS GLASGOW. He aims to raise £5000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and you can help him by visiting his page – Lorne Brown – on JustGiving.com website. He’s more than half way there. Can you help him hit his target before his return?  He’ll experience day-time temperatures of +3 or -13 when the wind chill factor is counted in. His four days of living as the Inuit people live – travelling by husky sledge, living in tents and making a hole in the ice to fish for supper, should end with him being tested driving a sledge by himself. ”These dogs are bigger than normal and there’s a lot of them in front of me,’ said Lorne. ‘It will be a real test for me for they’ve been bred to do this over hundreds of years and I’ve only manged to learn to ski a little in the past few months!’
He’s already been out to Ittoqqortoormiit, North of the Arctic Circle to acclimatise. On arrival, he was issued with a gun almost as tall as himself as protection against polar bears. The local people were NOT kidding! The skin of a recently shot bear was hanging up to dry outside his window.
Said Lorne: ‘I don’t know if I’m acting maturely, but I plan to raise enough to train a guide dog and have some fun at the same time.’
A confirmed workaholic, he found retiral and vacuuming the carpet uninteresting. While leafing through some National Geographic magazines, he saw the challenge to learn to drive huskies in the Arctic Circle. Since his daughter’s partner is blind, and Lorne himself had a bit of eye trouble, he is aware of the everyday problems every blind person faces.
‘I understand, a little, what the word BLIND really means. Nothing is there! NOTHING,’ said Lorne. ‘You cannot see the telly, people get irked when YOU bump into THEM. Cars parked on the pavement give you grief, dustbins and abandoned shopping trolleys, likewise. It goes on… But the help of a guide dog- this fantastic, trained dog, that steers a blind person in and out of lifts, stops at kerbs, improves confidence and prevents falls into potholes, is available. But all the funding is through charity. There is no government cash.’
Lorne has already paid for his eight-day trip and he’s packing his bagpipe too. All donations will go to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association via JustGiving. So go there now and key in LORNE BROWN and support his amazing venture.

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