Freedom fighters remembered

An exhibition entitled ‘Antifascistas’ tells the story of the 2,500 volunteers from the British Isles who joined the legendary International Brigades to defend democracy during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39.  It will be on display in the offices of the Glasgow Branch of UNISON at 84 Bell Street, G1 1LQ between 12 noon and 4pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April and from 9.30pm till 4pm from Monday 30 April till Thursday 3 May.

Produced by the International Brigade Memorial Trust, the exhibition sets out the reasons why the volunteers took the extraordinary decision to risk their lives in a foreign war – in which more than 500 of them died.

The role of the British Battalion in many of the key battles in Spain is described, along with brief biographies of outstanding individuals who took part. ‘Antifascistas’ also details the heroic work of the medical volunteers in makeshift hospitals near the front line.

In addition, the exhibition considers the cultural and artistic impact of the International Brigades and their historical legacy, underlining the importance today of remembering their example of international solidarity.

Using many contemporary photographs and striking images, ‘Antifascistas’ brings to life the idealism, commitment and sacrifice of these exceptional men and women who served in the International Brigades and continued the fight against fascism during the Second World War and beyond.

For further information contact: secretary@international-brigades.org.uk

Tel: 020 8555 6674

Web: www.international-brigades.org.uk

Caravans race to provide top holidays

Formula 1 racing driver Paul di Resta was the special guest of The Caravan Club at the opening of the Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show last weekend. (2-5 February)

The Bathgate born 25-year-old told the SECC crowd: “A caravan gives me a ‘home-y ‘ feeling when I’m on the circuit.’ A Caravan Club member, he said his family had always enjoyed caravanning and commented that it was ‘a big thing’ for him to open the show.

Within a couple of days of his appearance in Glasgow, he was in Jerez, Spain clocking up the second fastest time of the day just 0.102s behind former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Paul, who was driving the Mercedes powered Sahara Force India VJMO5 said: “It was a good, solid day’s work,” after completing 101 laps round the 2.75 mile circuit. He added: “There’s still an awful long way to go before the start of the first race in Melbourne.”

There’s an even longer way to go before caravanning becomes as popular as it could be but the Caravan Club is investing heavily in Scotland. According to Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan Club who introduced Paul at the show: ‘We have spent £2 million in Strathclyde Park which provides more than 100 car pitches and 50 for tents. There are now more than 200 sites across Scotland and we expect occupancy to be up 25% on last year. There will definitely be more people staying closer to home this year. They’ll discover they can fall in love with their own country.”

 

Doors open on Islamic treasures

Glasgow Central Mosque will host a unique exhibition of ancient Islamic artefacts during Doors Open weekend on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.

The rare Islamic manuscripts have been sourced from specialist collectors around the globe. Quranic texts dating back to the

14th and 15th century from places such as Indonesia, India, Kashmir, Sudan and Spain will be on view. And antique Astrolabes and Islamic coins will also be on show.

The exhibition will illustrate the rich heritage of the Islamic world and highlight the artistic and scientific contributions of Muslims to present day society. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to tour the Mosque.

A multi faith launch for the exhibition will take place in advance of Doors Open weekend.

Knightswood Primary Save the Donkeys

by Lynsay Keough

Every year Knightswood Primary raise funds for charity and this year, the good cause idea came from Acting Depute, Jo McKendrick.  On holiday in Spain, Jo visited the Donkey Sanctuary in Nerja and was touched by the plight of the animals which have been treated badly by previous owners. On return to the school, Jo discussed with the children the possibility of sponsoring an International charity.
The children thought that this was a wonderful idea and the school’s Eco Committee raised £150 over 3 weeks by selling books outside the school. This sum allowed them to sponsor not one but three of the donkeys - Farry, Pinky and Perky!

Now with photographs of their new friends, the children are looking forward to staying in touch and learning about their progress in the Sanctuary.

Mendieta comes to Maryhill

Spanish international football legend Gaizka Mendieta has signed for Partick T.H.I.S.T.L.E.

The former Barcelona midfield dynamo, who scored eight times in 40 appearances for Spain is backing T.H.I.S.T.L.E. – the charity music single in aid of Thistle community initiatives and local cancer charities.

On a recent visit to Glasgow to appear on STV’s Sports Centre show, Mendieta proudly held up a t-shirt featuring the letter T.

The song, released by Big Welshy, went on sale on iTunes today and throughout the week of release Mendieta will be joined by six other celebrities endorsing the track by holding t-shirts featuring the remaining six letters – HISTLE.

Big Welshy (aka Brian Welsh) 31, from Kelvindale  said: ‘This is a fun project for some really worthy causes and I’m delighted that a Spanish football legend agreed to back it.

‘While in this city Thistle fans may be relatively small in number, when united they can be a powerful force.

‘If each and every single fan can encourage all friends, family and colleagues to spend less than £1 to support T.H.I.S.T.L.E. we can both raise some much-needed funds for the causes as well as helping put this magnificent club on the map again.’

David Stewart, chair of the Partick Thistle Supporters’ Association (the Jags Trust), said: ‘We are delighted to support Big Welshy’s work to promote the football club and raise money for local community initiatives.

 ‘The Trust assists with a large number of local charity groups, from running community football coaching courses to improve health and promote social integration. 

‘Thistle have always been a great community club, and we hope that folk will rally round and buy a copy of a song which is sure to quickly become a footballing classic.’

Gorbals wins a world cup

Pupils at Blackfriars Primary School in Gorbals have become world cup winners.

Glasgow Education Services presented the school with a silver cup for their work in global citizenship and multi-culturalism.

Blackfriars has been forging links with schools in Russia and Ghana, and is about to make new friends in Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and Denmark.

The school is part of the Comenius Project, an international education programme where young people focus on international events, learn different languages and find out about each other’s cultures.

Principal Teacher, Lorna Conway, who co-ordinates the work said: ‘It has taken two years to get this up and running. Every member of staff has contributed to the success. Our Pupils’ International Team is delighted their hard work has paid off.’

Headteacher, John Lawson added: ‘The school is also contributing to the preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Winning the cup will give everyone a boost to keep on providing excellent education.’

Retiring International Education Officer, Edna Paterson, presented it at her farewell party. The award follows an ECO flag for environmental education, a Diamond Award for enterprise education, a Health-promoting School award and gold medals in the Museum art awards.