Bob Doris calls for Subway refurb

By Jonathan McGinley

Maryhill based MSP Bob Doris is calling for a drastic modernisation of Glasgow’s Subway system and is planning to take this proposal to the Scottish Parliament.

The politician, who is running for the Maryhill and Springburn seat in next years Scottish Parliamentary elections, feels that the Subway system, affectionately known as the ‘Clockwork Orange’, is an integral part of Glasgow society. He is calling for a modernisation of ticketing, stations, tracks and carriages.

Mr Doris has written to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)- who run the service- asking for them to prepare a detailed business plan for a modernisation of the system. Glasgow’s Subway system first started in 1896 and last received a refurbishment 30 years ago .

Mr Doris has met with Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson and Finance Secretary John Swinney in an effort to get the Scottish Parliament on board with the proposal.

The MSP said: ‘ I met with the Transport minister Stewart Stevenson back in August to make sure he was on board with the modernisation proposal. He indicated he would expect detailed proposal to come from SPT, hopefully before the end of this year.’

A spokesperson for SPT said that they have submitted a business plan for modernisation and are awaiting a response from the Scottish Government. Mr Doris feels the Government are behind the modernisation drive, he said: ‘Future reliability of the service depends on action being taken sooner than later.’

It’s a Cinderella story as Theatre Nemo goes fishing for new talent

Theatre Nemo, the community theatre company which has been working across the South Side of Glasgow for the past 10 years, is planning a spring performance of Cinderella.
Loosely based upon Roald Dahl’s Revolting tales, the show is expected to open in the Spring. Theatre Nemo is calling on dancers, singers, musicians and actors – no
stage experience necessary – to take part. In addition, stage crew volunteers are required.
The establishment of a community choir, under the guidance of musical director Gregg Muir, has been a big success.
Gregg began his musical career at 19, playing trumpet and singing backing vocals for various bands in gigs throughout Scotland.
Having compled an HNC in Music, he went on to Strathclyde University, attaining a 2:1 Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in composition and community music
The group opened the National Lottery Fund Big Meet at Hampden Park and played to an audience that included Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Swinney MSP, and Dharmendra Kanani, who is director of The Lottery for Scotland.
Theatre Nemo recently secured funding from the Scottish Enterprise Trust to hire a business development worker for a year.
The first meeting of the Cinderella group was on Sunday, 10 January 2010 at Mount Florida Parish Church, 1123 Cathcart Road, Glasgow from 2.30pm till 4pm.
Theatre Nemo can be contacted at 0141 552-3198 or by email at Isabel@theatrenemo.org.