The Genn issue 144

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GENN

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Your voice in the community

PROUD TO BE SCOTTISH

Glasgow East and North News

16

Next Edition 23nd December 2014

18-19

Kieran Fallon’s Healthy Mouth A new monthly column

25

Let’s Look Back A recap of the year

Get Home Safely Advice from Police Scotland

33-36

Sport New look sport section with Tom Scott

Merry Christmas

T

HERE’S nothing quite like Christmas at home.

Whether you’re going the whole hog and hibernating indoors from December 24, or simply decorating your home for the first time, it feels a bit

like passing your driving test its amazing.

Suddenly those winter wonderland high-street displays take on new meaning.

But please spare a thought for more than 80,000 chil-

dren in the UK will spend this Christmas homeless, with the number of families due to be in emergency housing over the period at a 10year-high.

The homelessness charity Shelter has launched an emer-

gency appeal following an investigation into the shocking conditions that many homeless children will be living in this Christmas.

Shelter, said children were being forced to eat on the

floor, share beds with parents as well as being threatened with violence.

This shouldn’t be happening in twenty-first century Britain.

Continiued on page 2

GENN Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

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Merry Christmas

Continued from Page 1 One mother told Shelter she was “scared” for her son after being evicted by their landlord and relocated to temporary accommodation.

The charity’s warning is based on figures released by the Department for Commu-

nities and Local Government that show 82,528 children were in temporary accommodation in March this year.

22 of the families said that it was difficult to find a safe place for their children to play, while those with children of school age said there was no-

GENN where for them to do homework.

The shocking findings have uncovered the shameful conditions homeless children will be living in this Christmas.

“No child should be homeless, let alone 80,000.

But tragically, with more people struggling to make ends meet and homelessness on the rise, the result an increase in

demand from families who desperately need help.

This report highlights exactly why house-building needs to be a national priority. Government’s efforts to increase house-building must ensure that new affordable housing is built as part of developments..

So enjoy a happy festive Christmas and give to help others less fortunate.

Glasgow councillors fail to keep up with their council tax payments LAST year 11 councillors had to be reminded to pay after the due date passed.

One councillor, whose identity has not been revealed, owes around £500 from 2011/12 and £750 from 2012/13.

Glasgow City Council said payment arrangements have been put in place to reclaim the outstanding cash.

Figures reported to The Genn also reveal 13 councillors

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GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED

In the absense of banking facilities in Milton, the credit union offers affordable and reliable financial services to the community, regardless of people’s resources or their level of income. Low interest loans are available to members.

Any surplus the credit union makes on its activities during the year can be returned to the members in the form of a dividend. Members can save as often as they like and, up to a certain limit, as much as the like. The credit union operates from two additonal collections points:

Cadder Community Centre Tuesday 7pm - 8pm Possilpark Parish Church Saturday 10am -12pm

Working in Milton, Possilpark

Working in Partnership with GCC project- Future Savers - Glasgow’s Starter for 10

GENN Glasgow East and North News

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were issued with reminders in 2011/12. Reminder notices are typically issued within a few days of missed payments and before the next instalment is due.

In the majority of cases they are sent when someone misses a payment, but they can also be issued if mistakes occur - for example if the wrong reference is used or if someone moves house and does not update their address.

If someone fails to make a payment within seven days of the reminder being sent, the local authority issue a warrant and add an extra 10% on to the amount owed, before referring the case to debt collectors.

The figures also show 2474 employees at the local authority have had an earning arrestment in the last four years due to council tax arrears.

This happens when employees

fall behind with their payments and the money is recouped directly from their salaries.

When we contacted the council we were told: “Glasgow’s council tax collection rate is higher than it has ever been, thanks to reforms that have made it administratively easier to pay and a corporate debt policy that seeks to break the cycle of debt for households which regularly get into arrears

Christmas guilt and ways to help EVERY year, as we approach Christmas, a privileged guilt sweeps over the more fortunate individuals in our society.

This guilt is galvanized, of course, when we stare at the unnecessary items of indulgence that form a pile in our shopping trolleys in the final weeks of December.

This pile consists of overpriced alcohol for our 11 am tipple on Christmas morning; unnecessary presents that will rest underneath an elaborate tree dressed in garish decorations; free-range wild turkeys, selection vegetables and of course, the utterly essential sweets for our mammoth munches on Christmas day.

It’s unsurprising, therefore, that these profligate bouts of unadulterated consumerism have us feeling a little guilty about those less fortunate than ourselves.

The guilt that encompasses the fortunate ones this time of year invites one of two different reactions.

The first reaction is an immediate disregard for this accidental guilt.

One attempts to turn a blind eye to the suffering that is far more evident this time of year - such as the multitude of snowed-in homeless folk outside Selfridges and that Band Aid medley.

It might be difficult to ignore the suffering, but it’s not impossible, especially if one utilizes the abundance of cheap alcohol that is sure to be at one’s disposal.

Drinking always makes apathy easier.

The second option is to relieve this guilt with a small, insignificant donation to a local or national charity. Some folks might go further and donate a large amount or, if they are feeling par-

ticularly generous, donate some of their free time.

One might turn up at a soup kitchen or take some old clothes to a homeless shelter.

It would seem obvious that the latter of these choices - the donation of time and money - is immediately preferable to the former - alcohol-induced apathy.

And yet a particularly influential Irishman would disagree.

Oscar Wilde, in his brilliant essay The Soul of Man Under Socialism, argues that charity is capitalist hypocrisy at its finest.

For Wilde, those who attempt to obfuscate the prejudices of the capitalist system through small, meaningless donations are in actuality contradicting themselves.

If they really cared, Wilde argues, they would attempt to overthrow capitalism in favour of a fairer system.

Wilde, in essence, refused to support charity as he believed that fidelity to a more progressive political system could obliterate poverty and thus the necessity for charity.

Charity, apparently, is selfish appeasement and nothing more.

Many however that depend on charity to ease their lives would whole heartedly disagree and many charitable organisations require extra help to meet demand at this time of year.

Many charities are desperate for people to lend a helping hand over the festive season Finding help during the holiday season can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to start or what is available in your community.

Most that end up needing assistance are faced with unexpected circumstances that may leave them with little cash for the holidays.

Assistance is needed so that they can enjoy a meal or be able

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to have their child open a gift on Christmas morning.

Most of the people who need Christmas assistance are those who met with unfortunate circumstances and events throughout the year that left them strapped for cash or other necessary items.

Many social service agencies and non-profit organizations are able to assist those with genuine needs during the holidays.

There are various programs set up to help low-income families celebrate Christmas with dignity.

If you or someone you know, needs help this season, contact your local branch of the Salvation Army to find out what help is available in your area.

Ways to Help If you want to help someone less fortunate this christmas, there are several ways to make a difference.

Check with local agencies to see if there are any volunteer opportunities available.

Many organizations that collect toys and gifts need help with gift wrapping and organizing donations.

Food banks and soup kitchens use volunteers to box and sort food as well as to help serve meals.

Other ways to help include: • Adopt a family during Christmas • Donate to a local charity • Purchase a toy for a needy child Knowing that charity Christmas assistance is available can help manage the stress associate with the season.

Whether you are the one in need or the one wanting to make a difference, Christmas is the perfect time of year to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday

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CRIME FALLS IN GREATER GLASGOW IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF YEAR CRIME in Greater Glasgow has dropped by 3.8 per cent in the first six months of this financial year compared to 2013/14.

A total of 28,593 crimes (groups 1-5) were reported to police in the Greater Glasgow area which is covered by ‘G’ Division from 1 April to 30 September 2014 according to the latest Police Scotland Management Information Statistics for Quarter 2 (2014/15).

Significant reductions have been made across a number of areas including violent and sexual crime.

A breakdown of the first six month recorded management figures for ‘G’ Division includes: • Violent crime has decreased by 8.8 per cent, down to 736 incidents from 807 last year • Sexual crime reduced by 4.1 per cent • Detections for drug crimes (supply and possession) up by 26.7 per cent • Robberies are down by 14.6 per cent • Road deaths and casualties reduced by 26.7 per cent

Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, local policing commander for ‘G’ Division, said: “My priority is and always will be keeping the people of Greater Glasgow safe and we will continue to direct our efforts to areas that cause the public the most concern.

“Violent crime in the division has dropped by 8.8 per cent with a significant reduction in the number of attempted murders – down 56 per cent from 41 last year to 18 this year.

The number of offences for carrying weapons or bladed instrument has also fallen.

“Unfortunately there has been an increase in the number of murders committed in the division this year from seven to ten.

If there is a plus side to this figure, it is that there is a 100 per cent detection rate for all murders this year.

“Sexual crime has been reduced by 20.7 per cent.

We have a divisional rape investigation unit staffed by a dedicated team of officers who

focus solely on investigating this abhorrent crime.

I would hope that this figure will give people the confidence to come forward and speak to police should they need to.

“By targeting serious and organised crime groups and other people involved in the supply of controlled drugs our detection for this crime is up by 11.5 per cent.

“Officers have continued to influence driver behaviour and target known accident hotspots over the past six months, which may have helped to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our streets by 26.7 per cent.

This is a welcome reduction, however, one death or serious, injury is too many and we will continue to pursue motorists who endanger lives on our roads.

“We will continue to work with our communities, local authorities and partner agencies to tackle crime and make Greater Glasgow a safer place to live and work.”

AWARD FOR GLASGOW CHARITY GLASGOW based charity A&M Training have been announced as one of the winners of The Guardians annual charity award after competing with roughly 1200 other organisations for the prestigious award.

To be selected as one of the UK Small Charities of the Year is a massive honour and a great acknowledgement of the time and effort put in by everyone involved with the charity.

To be recognised by such an esteemed publication as The Guardian for the positive contributions they have made in affecting change is a great boost to the organisation.

A&M Training (SCIO) is an award winning charity specialising in the delivery of diversionary group work and physical activities for young people aged 7- 25 within Glasgow and West-Central Scotland.

Diversionary activities usually take the form of physical

activity sessions, predominantly football and dance coaching, but also include issue based youth work, volunteering opportunities, employability training and educational workshops.

All activity sessions are open-access and completely free for every participant.

The young people they work with are often at risk of becoming involved in anti-social and/ or criminal behaviour, substance abuse/ misuse and gang membership or violence.

The activities divert young people from negative situations which may impact on their lives and opportunities in the future.

The aim to improve participants’ physical health and well-being by increasing participation in physical activity and sport, and by educating them about the benefits of healthy diet and lifestyle.

Services also encourage par-

ticipants to develop personal and social skills, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and personal responsibility.

A&M are a rapidly expanding charity that use sport and physical activity to engage with many of Glasgow’s hardest to reach children, working with over 1200 young people on a weekly basis.

As well as the chance to access completely free sport, A&M offer volunteering opportunities, allowing young people to up skill themselves and increase their life chances.

A&M has helped reduce youth disorder calls by 57% and reduced the levels of young people drinking in the street by 81% in the areas they work in.

A&M Training (SCIO) currently operates in over 25 local community sites throughout Glasgow and West Central Scotland, with a head office at Flemington House in Springburn, Glasgow.

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CHRISTMAS BOXED UP FOR WORLD’S POOREST CHILDREN

DISADVANTAGED children across the world will receive gifts this Christmas - thanks to the generosity and goodwill of the Glasgow communities and global workplace provider Regus.

Over the last few weeks, individuals and groups have been dropping off present-filled shoeboxes at the Regus centres at 69 Buchanan Street, 176 St Vincent Street, 151 West George Street, 20-23 Woodside Place which have supported the ‘Operation Christmas Child’ appeal for the second year running.

The Glasgow centres are part

of a network of almost 300 Regus centres in the UK which together collected over 5,000 boxes.

Run in conjunction with the Samaritan’s Purse charity, the appeal involves filling shoeboxes with small toys, sweets and other gifts to send to children overseas in refugee camps, orphanages, homeless shelters and impoverished neighbourhoods.

Richard Morris, CEO of Regus in the UK, said: “We’re thrilled that our local network of Regus centres could help such a worthwhile cause by being collection points again this

year.

We would like to thank all the local businesses, schools, groups and individuals who brought in shoeboxes and made it a great success.”

Since the Operation Christmas Child appeal launched 14 years ago, over 100 million children in 130 countries around the world have received a Christmas shoebox.

Regus operates a global network of flexible, modern work spaces including business lounges, meeting rooms and touch-down desks. See www. regus.co.uk or www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

A message from Kieran Fallon: Following my retirement I would like to thank my many former patients for their good wishes, lovely cards and thoughtful generous gifts. It has been my great pleasure to provide dental care to you and I wish you all good health and happiness in the future

A MESSAGE TO KIERAN FALLON Both Darren and I believe that Mr Kieran Fallon will be sadly missed by many in Glasgow. With years of fantastic service I consider him to not only a dentist but a friend. He is also one of the humblest men I have ever met - with decency & prudence in his actions at all times.

Mr Fallon has also been a great contributor to Glasgow’s Needy with some fantastic donations especially over the past 2 Christmas.

We would like to say goodbye & good luck and on personal note, I hope nothing happens to my teeth as he’s not going to be easy to replace.

Kind regards, Andrew & Darren Carnegie Glasgow’s Needy

RENEWED APPEAL – MISSING MAN – DRUMCHAPEL

POLICE Scotland is issuing a nationwide appeal for information on a man missing from Drumchapel since 10 September 2014.

Jonathon Kelly had his licence revoked after failing to comply with imposed conditions following his release from Lowmoss Prison on 21 August 2014.

Police have undertaken extensive enquiries to locate Mr Kelly, however attempts so far to trace him have proved unsuccessful. There have also been no confirmed sightings of Mr Kelly.

Officers believe he may have travelled further afield than Scotland and may be in

England or Dublin.

Detectives working on the inquiry are in close contact with other law enforcement agencies and partner organisations to help trace Mr Kelly.

Detectives are convinced Kelly is receiving assistance from people to evade police – His appearance when he was last seen is white, around 5 ft 11 inches in height with short brown hair and a heavy build.

However, officers believe his appearance may have changed and he may have grown a beard.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Grant said: “We are issuing this image today with a plea to the

communities across the UK for their assistance in tracing Jonathan Kelly.

He has been unlawfully at large since 10 September 2014, and it is imperative that we trace him.

A number of police officers continue to work on this inquiry with assistance by specialist colleagues from within our organisation, and we are assisted by colleagues in other law enforcement agencies across the UK. I would advise people not to approach him but to contact police if they see him – any sightings should be reported to police or give your information to Crimestoppers.”

Scotland Urges Scots in Debt to Seek Advice Following Study SCOTTISH debt advisory service, Trust Deed Scotland, has urged those struggling with debt to seek help rather than credit after a new study revealed that average wages have fallen in real terms by £50 a week since 2008.

According to research by the TUC, average weekly earnings in the UK have been falling for seven years in a row, the longest stretch since records began in the 1850s.

The report follows official data from the Office for National Statistics last month, which showed that average annual pay growth has improved slightly but is still well below inflation at 0.7%.

Figures covering June to August revealed a marginal improvement on 0.6% recorded a month before, but represent an extension to the real term squeeze on wages.

A steep fall in bonuses at the bailed-out banks has been attributed as a major contributor

towards keeping the number down.

It increases the prospect of further delays to a rise in interest rates, with expectations for the first hike already pushed back well into next year with inflation at a five-year low of 1.2% and fears over the global economic climate.

Despite a brief edge ahead earlier this year, wages have not consistently risen at a higher rate than inflation since 2008.

TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, was at pains to point out the gravity of the situation should things not improve, saying: People are increasingly being forced to use their credit cards and dwindling savings to make ends meet, and unless Britain gets a pay rise soon the UK’s personal debt problem will get even worse.’

As one of Scotland’s most eminent debt advisory services,

Trust Deed Scotland says the figures are something of a reality check following the recent news that individual bankruptcies in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level in six years.

Bankruptcies might be at their lowest level since 2008, but the sustained depression of wages in Scotland and the rest of the UK means the number of people either in serious debt or in danger of falling into it, remains at an alltime high.

‘As tempting as short-term credit is, I would urge anyone in Scotland struggling with debt to seek professional help. Trust Deed Scotland has a wealth of experience when it comes to providing advice and helping to facilitate repayment arrangements like Trust Deeds, that are affordable and sustainable, rather than trying to supplement income with further loans that are only going to exacerbate your debt problem in the long-term.

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PUPILS FROM EASTBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL PREPARE FOR ‘BEST.ASSEMBLY.EVER.’ WITH PUDSEY PRIZE BOX

PUPILS from Eastbank Primary School, Glasgow are preparing to host their ‘Best.

Assembly.Ever.’ as part of this year’s BBC Children in Need, having won a Bank of Scotland ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’

Prize Box. The ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’

Boxes have been awarded to winning schools across the UK for sharing their creative BBC Children in Need 2014 fundraising ideas.

The boxes will help celebrate the school children’s fundraising efforts by providing a range of fun items such as games, balloons, t-shirts and special Pudsey prizes.

Bank of Scotland, as Proud Schools Partner to BBC Children in Need has awarded four schools in Scotland with ‘Best.

Assembly.Ever.’ Boxes with a further two schools winning a VIP ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’ event at their school.

The VIP ‘Best.Assembly.

Ever.’ is an extra special assembly with a DJ, games, activities and Pudsey Bear.

In addition, Bank of Scotland has provided primary schools across Scotland with curriculum linked resources to help with charitable fundraising and key skills development.

Eastbank Primary School was selected to win the ‘Best.

Assembly.Ever.’ Box, after pupils John White (Primary 7) and Lara McMullen (Primary 7) entered on the school’s behalf and shared their plans for BBC Children in Need fundraising for 2014.

The school’s Best.Assembly.Ever. will feature a performance by The Midnight Stars, Eastbank Primary’s very own pupil pop group.

Some teachers will dress up in Morphsuits (which have been selected for them by the pupils), and there will be quizzes and dance and talent competitions.

These plans will be made even bigger and better thanks to the goodies in the Box. Over 5,000 schools across the country have downloaded resources to help them host their ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’ during the week of the BBC Children in Need Appeal, on Friday 14 November.

Run by children for children, the ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’ provides the chance to celebrate the achievements of children who have been fundraising to help disadvantaged children across the UK, during their school assemblies.

Stuart Beaver, Partnership Marketing and Community Engagement Director, Lloyds Banking Group said “We have been inspired by the children and school’s fundraising activities and their proposals for celebrating the ‘Best.

Assembly.Ever.’

It has been fantastic to see

so many children developing plans to help other children and through Bank of Scotland’s unique partnership with BBC Children in Need we’re immensely proud to play a part in helping this happen.”

Gayle Minnis, Headteacher, Eastbank Primary School said “We’ve always supported

BBC CIN through school fundraising and the children really get behind the activities.

This year they’ve been incredibly excited to develop their ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’ so we’re thrilled that the Bank of Scotland ‘Best.Assembly.Ever.’

Box will help to create an even more fantastic event.”

Divorce Regrets TWENTY percent of divorcees wish they had never got divorced and 10% of those admit to having had sex with their ex after the divorce had been finalised according to a recent study of 2,500 divorcees who had finalised their divorce in 2014.

Divorce-Online.Co.UK surveyed 2,500 of their users asking whether they a) regretted divorcing their former spouse, b) Whether they had engaged in sexual relations with their spouse since divorcing and then a further section asking, what was the reason for having sexual relations with their ex-spouse with the following options a) Loneliness b) Missed having sex and c) Missed their ex-spouse. D) Other reason.

Where respondents had indicated they had slept with their ex, the 3 most common reasons given, in order were.

1. Loneliness 2. Missed sex 3. Missed their ex spouse Overwhelmingly Respondents who answered Loneliness (40%), were more common among women whereas men (33%) indicated that they missed having sex more.

LOCHFIELD PARK WINS PRESTIGIOUS SPECIAL AWARD LOCHFIELD Park Housing Association was honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony in Glasgow on the 27th November 2014 for its work on the Brucefield Park Estate in Easterhouse.

The Association was presented with the “Outstanding Project Special Mention Award” at the Shelter (Scotland) Scottish Empty Homes Conference 2014.

The award was in recognition of the outstanding work done by the Association in managing the insulation and repair of 216 tenement properties along with addressing the issue of Empty Homes and environmental problems which had blighted the area for many years.

Many properties had been lying empty for as long as 15 years and allowed to fall into disrepair which was impacting on residents quality of life and property values declined to a point where owners could not get a decent price for their property.

23 Empty Homes have now been brought back into use and significant environmental improvements are ongoing, crime is down and property values are improving once again.

The success of the project could not have been achieved without the support of Glasgow City Council Staff and local Councillors who have been with the Association from the

beginning and continue to support the project to this day.

Kenny Halliday the Director of Lochfield Park HA Ltd said: “This was an innovative project supported by Glasgow City Council and we believe it is now being replicated in other parts of Glasgow to address the issue of Empty Homes and poor housing conditions in the private sector.

Anything that brings empty properties back into use and improves the lives of those living next to them must be a good thing.”

Pictured are Committee Members and Staff from Lochfield Park Housing Association collecting the award from the conference in Glasgow.

Lochfield Park Housing Association Limited is a not for profit Registered Social Landlord operating in the Lochend area of Easterhouse.

The Housing Association is a Registered Scottish Charity and has been at the forefront of regeneration in the Lochend area since its inception in 1993.

Our main aim is to: “Contribute to sustaining the local community of Lochend and promote social inclusion”.

We also aim to contribute to the regeneration of Easterhouse through the provision of well managed, high quality housing and housing services within the means of people in housing need.

Lochfield Park provides houses for single people, couples, families, older people and people with special needs. In recent years we have also provided Low Cost Home Ownership for those people wanting to get a start on the home ownership ladder.

37 Drumlanrig Ave, Glasgow, G34 0JF

Phone: 0141 771 2228

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African Challenge Scotland in North Glasgow African Challenge Scotland are a group supported by ng homes who have been meeting regularly on Saturdays at the Ron Davey Enterprise Centre in Vulcan Street in Springburn.

They are passionate about developing the talents and potential of young people and they want boys and girls to discover and develop their talents and to strive for high standards.

Young people are encouraged to make the most of the numerous opportunities on offer at African Challenge Scotland such as football, basketball, gymnastics, handball, table tennis, badminton, dance, music, swimming, wrestling, karate, kayaking as well as training in IT skills. public speaking, Power Point presentations and enterprise.

African Challenge Scotland is a busy hardworking community that puts achievement, respect for each other and integrity at the centre of life. They want young people to be focused, well-rounded and above all happy individuals.

African Challenge Scotland President Ronier Deumeni said: “At African Challenge Scotland we aim to develop in our young people the love of learning and the ability to think for themselves and to go on learning which will prepare them for the fast changing world of their adult lives.”

As well as class room based learning in Vulcan Street the group take part in sporting sessions at Springburn Leisure Centre and recently paid a visit to Pinkston Paddlesports Centre organised by ng sports legacy.

Walter Nana from North Glasgow said: “I’m 15 and I enjoyed the day that I spent with African Challenge Scotland. I went to the kayak sport session, I like kayaking and I would like to do it again because I had fun and made friends.”

Pierre Dang from North East Glasgow said: “Today was a very big day for me. I learned so many things that I have never done in my life. I really enjoy that; it was so great for me. I’d really like to do that again.”

Father of three Lambert Iku from North Glasgow said: “Indeed, it was a nice outing with my children, the waterside was good to see and there were lots of friendly people. I can’t wait for the next event like this.”

The weekly sessions in Vulcan Street are proving very popular for children and adults alike with one mother of three children saying: “I am very pleased with the work that African Challenge Scotland is doing for the African Community in Glasgow. I have been attending the workshop with my children every Saturday and it is great. They love to attend not just the workshop but also the sport and the swimming. This is a great change in my children’s lives. These activities have enabled them to build confidence and skills and to improve their learning and education.”

African Challenge Scotland is organising a major cultural event to celebrate Christmas. It’s an opportunity for different cultures to come together including the African and Chinese communities in North Glasgow, ng homes tenants and others in the community. The event will be held on Friday 19th

December 2014 at Saracen House, Possilpark, from 6pm to 11pm.

If you like African food and meeting new people then come and join us to discover the flavours of Africa with African Challenge Scotland.

Chairperson of ng homes John Fury said: “I’m really pleased to see African Challenge Scotland making good use of our facilities and organising events for the North Glasgow community. We always support local people and local community groups in North Glasgow and we will continue to do so.”

You can follow us on twitter and facebook African Challenge Scotland @acscotland

ng homes emergency repairs during the holidays...

Tenants can report any emergency repairs during the holidays by calling the emergency contact number at 0800 595 595.

Problems with gas central heating should be reported direct to the Association’s gas maintenance contractor City Building on 0800 595 595 or City Technical Services on 0141 646 5091 TV aerial faults should be reported direct to City Building on 0800 595 595 Lighting faults in your close or multi-storey block can now be reported during working hours by calling 0141 560 6000 or Out of Hours 0800 595 595 Calls made to the office numbers will automatically divert to the emergency call centre.

During periods of extreme cold weather there is a risk of pipes freezing and bursting.

At such times it may be useful to follow these suggestions: • Keep heat circulating in all rooms • Report any dripping taps and pipes to City Building • Find your main stopcock in case of leaks. If you are unsure of how to locate this, please call the office for guidance.

IF YOU HAVE A BURST PIPE PLEASE CARRY OUT THE FOLLOWING: Turn off water at stopcock or tap Switch off your immersion heater or boiler Turn on taps in sinks and baths Turn on as much heating as you can If water comes into contact with any electrical fittings turn off the electricity supply at the mains If your pipes do freeze or burst contact the emergency office number 0800 595 595

Springburn (East)

Email: info@nghomes.net

Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street Springburn, Glasgow. G21 4LS Tel 0141 560 6000 Fax 0141 560 6005

Website: www.nghomes.net @ng_homes

ng homes is a trading name of North Glasgow Housing Association

Possilpark (West) Saracen House, 139 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5AZ Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005

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Thank you Edith!

MARYHILL Housing Association’s longest-serving Board member Edith Ward has retired after a remarkable 34 years of service to housing in our community.

Edith stepped down from her most recent role as Vice Chair and leaves with the gratitude and thanks of the entire organisation.

A special Lunch was held in Edith’s honour in late November as a mark of the Association’s deep appreciation for all that Edith has done over more than three decades.

It was in 1980 that Edith first came to know about the work of the housing association which had been founded just a year earlier.

Having lived in Ruchill for many years, she moved to East Park and joined a local residents’ group before coming on what was then known as the Management Committee of the housing association.

That marked the start of her long association with the organisation – holding a number of vital roles – including Chair and Vice Chair - over the years in what is an unpaid and voluntary role.

All housing providers require volunteers like Edith to make up their Boards of Management to oversee the work of each association.

The role requires dedication, commitment and a willingness to make difficult decisions in the interests of the organisation. Maryhill Housing Asso-

Say it with flowers…Edith at her retiral lunch

ciation is extremely grateful to those who currently serve on its Board.

Edith felt that after such a long time, she wished to relinquish her role saying that her involvement in the running of the Association had been ‘a great privilege’.

Edith said: “I have loved every minute of my time with Maryhill Housing Association.

I always enjoyed helping the Maryhill and Ruchill communities and that was the reason I joined in the first place.

“We have done a lot of good things over the years which have benefited the community and winning the stock transfer ballot which allowed us to become a bigger and more locally-based housing provider was the greatest achievement of all.

“For many people housing is a number one priority and

housing associations like Maryhill are perfect examples of how housing can be delivered on a local level by local people who are accountable to the local community. That is the essential strength of a housing association like Maryhill – everyone has a voice.

“I would like to thank everybody who has helped me over the years in my various roles with the organisation. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Paying tribute to Edith, Alan Brunt, Interim Chief Executive at the Association said: “Edith is a perfect example of a dedicated servant of the community. It is right and proper that we pay tribute to Edith for her selfless commitment and hard work over 34 years for which we will always be very grateful.”

Scottish Canals urges public to stay SAFE this winter SCOTTISH Canals is urging everyone to stay SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge) when they visit the waterways this winter.

Scotland’s canals are enjoyed by everyone from walkers and kayakers to boaters and cyclists, attracting more than 22 million visitations throughout the year, and winter is a particularly beautiful time on the nation’s waterways.

But, with colder weather creeping in, there’s more reason to take care near the canals, particularly on icy and frosty days.

Towpaths, bridges and lock-sides can be particularly slippery during the winter months and snow can conceal trip hazards such as boat mooring rings close to the water’s edge.

Frozen waterways, whilst incredibly picturesque, can also be very dangerous and visitors should never attempt to walk on the canal.

The ice can be very thin

in places, with freezing cold water moving in currents beneath the surface.

Pets should also never be followed out onto the ice.

Animals are far more likely to make it back onto dry land safely and owners only jeopardise both themselves and their pets by stepping onto the ice.

Alasdair Smart, Lowland Canals Waterway Manager, said: “Winter is coming and it won’t be long before frost, ice and snow make an appearance on the canals.

While this makes it a particularly beautiful time to visit the waterways, it is vital people recognise the need to take extra care.

“Children in particular should always be accompanied by an adult when they visit the canals and should be made aware of the potential hazards.

I’d encourage everyone to enjoy the waterways this winter but, no matter what their

age, to stay SAFE and Stay Away From the Edge.”

The towpaths of Scotland’s canals are also busier than ever and play host to a wide variety of users, from cyclists and runners, to dog walkers and horse riders. With a finite amount of space on the paths, users are encouraged to be considerate of others, manage their speed, stay alert and help avoid any accidents that may result in someone taking a tumble into the water.

Anyone taking to the towpaths is encouraged to read the Towpath Code of Conduct – a document launched

by Scottish Canals in partnership with Edinburgh City Council last year – that sets out guidelines and safety tips for everyone from horse riders and anglers to cyclists and walkers.

To date, more than 10,000 copies of the Code have been distributed. A digital version is also available for download from Scottish Canals’ website.

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GENN Dr Owl says make sure you have your repeat prescriptions this Christmas

Wishing all our residents a Merry Christmas Our office will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 24 December 2014 and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2015.

Please note a telephone answering service will be available during 29 & 30 December during office hours and until 12 noon on 31 December.

Our call out service, for emergencies only, is available 24 hours per day on 0141-551-8131

53 Ballindalloch Drive Glasgow G31 3DQ Call 0141 551 8131 www.milnbank.org.uk

VETERAN’S ARTWORK EXHIBITED AT KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM COMBAT Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity for Veterans, partnered with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to mark the centenary of the First World War by creating an exhibition of Veterans’ artwork.

A selection of 23 pieces of art, created by Veterans of the Armed Forces who have been affected by psychological injuries, were displayed at Kelvingrove from August to November. The artwork gave visitors an insight into the effects war can have on ex-Service men and women, and how Combat Stress helps them to rebuild their lives.

Creativity forms an important element of the Occupational Therapy treatment process at Combat Stress, and Veterans are encouraged to use their art as a way of finding peace and relaxation.

Combat Stress delivers a unique and dedicated service to Veterans suffering from conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders. To help Veterans rebuild their lives, Combat Stress provides a range of free services including a specialist PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme, a 24-hour Helpline and a Community and Outreach Service.

Marking its 95th anniversary this year, the charity has supported more than 100,000 Veterans across the UK since it was founded in 1919. With over 830 Veterans currently receiving help in Scotland, Combat Stress’ work is as vital today as it was after the First World War. John-Paul Sumner, Learning and Access Curator at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, said: “It was a great pleasure to work with Combat Stress, a charity which provides an invaluable service to our Veterans, to create this exhibition especially during such an important landmark as the centenary of the First World War. “The exhibition proved to be very popular with our visitors, with people commenting

that the artwork was emotionally moving and told the story of life after serving in the Armed Forces.”

Lee Watson, Head of Occupational Therapy at Hollybush House, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Kelvingrove to create this exhibition which allowed the general public to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological trauma which affects some members of our Armed Forces as a result of war.

“An important part of the service we provide to Veterans is creativity through Occupational Therapy. Embracing different art projects can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health and it also gives people the opportunity to relax and find a sense of peace.”

PEOPLE who are on regular repeat prescriptions in Scotland are being urged to plan ahead to make sure they have enough to last over the holiday period.

The NHSScotland Be HealthWise this Winter campaign is this week reminding people to make sure they order any required repeat prescriptions and pick it up in plenty of time.

This year’s campaign features the wise and memorable Dr Owl who is urging people to organise any repeat prescription as soon as possible and make sure they have cold and flu remedies to deal with common illnesses circulating at this time of year.

Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy at NHS 24, said it is important for people taking regular medication to make sure they have enough supplies to last them through to the New Year.

He said: “At this time of year, with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, people will be focused on getting organised to make sure they can make the most of the holiday period.

It is important not to forget about putting winter health necessities on your ‘to do’ list.

“It also only takes a few minutes to collect some over-thecounter remedies for common winter ailments.

If you take regular prescription medicines, please ensure you check you have enough left to cover the holiday period.

It’s also important not to over order, so only request what you need, and make sure you don’t run out of anything during that time.”

This year, GP surgeries throughout most of the country will be closed for four days at Christmas (25-28 December),

before re-opening on Monday 29th December and again for four days at New Year (1-4 January), before re-opening again on Monday 5th January.

Community Pharmacy Scotland is supporting this year’s campaign. CEO Harry McQuillan said: ‘Community pharmacies up and down Scotland are willing to play their part to help patients, and the wider NHS, at this busy time of year. We have an accessible and skilled workforce to help support patient need around their medicines and other general health queries.’

The Co-operative Pharmacy is also supporting the campaign. Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy , said: “We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be

Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches throughout the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities during the winter season.

“Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medicines advice and should be the first port of call for minor illnesses during the winter months.”

It is important to get prescriptions ordered and collected as early as possible, with the last day for re-ordering any repeat prescription being Friday 19th December to be sure of getting it before Christmas.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www. nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

Charity announces Winter Walk to raise funds for the children of Gaza MUSLIM Hands is urging people across the UK to brave the winter cold and participate in their annual 5 mile Gaza Winter Walk.

The annual walk, now in its seventh year will take place in 9 cities across the UK, including Manchester, London, Leicester, Birmingham and 5 new locations; Glasgow, Bradford, Nottingham, Luton and Bristol. Funds raised will help to rebuild 5 schools and provide much needed medical and psychosocial support to the children of Gaza who have been severely affected by war-torn conditions.

Last year the Gaza Winter Walk raised a phenomenal £153,000, which helped rebuild the Al-Durrah Hospital and continues to support the run-

ning of the Muslim Hands Mobile Medical Clinic, both which have reached out to support hundreds of children in Gaza.

To continue this vital work Muslim Hands relies on the generosity of the general public to get involved, raise money and make a difference.

Khowla Oun, 18, Glasgow, Muslim Hands Winter Walk Volunteer, says; ‘It’s easy in life to be preoccupied by work or university and forgetting what’s happening in the world around you.

So when I heard about the Gaza Winter Walk I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to get involved and help Gaza.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and the Winter Walk is a fun

way to do it, by getting your friends and family together and making a difference.

Shahid Bashir, Nottingham, Muslim Hands Fundraising Manager, says; ‘Year on year, hundreds of volunteers, young and old have come out to support the needy Gazan children by joining us on our annual Gaza Winter Walk.

Indeed, over the last 5 years they have raised over £450,000 and been instrumental in highlighting the plight of children in Gaza We cannot thank them enough.’

To find a Winter Walk near you, for more information or for volunteering opportunities please visit www.muslimhands. org.uk or contact the events team on 0115 911 7222.

GENN

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Christmas Countdown

Concerned about the cost of feeding the whole family at Christmas? Don’t worry — filling everyone’s plates on a budget can be done.

Christmas dinner is the main event of the big day for most families, but for some in Glasgow, affording everything will be a worry this year.

But cooking local vegetables, making homemade treats, and being clever about buying the bird can all help to save the pennies.

Top tips to keep the price of Christmas dinner low, use local produce and cooking from scratch is the key..

Local and seasonal produce is so important, and if people can find greengrocers rather than buying from the supermarkets it will be cheaper.

Glasgow doesn’t have enough local greengrocers, but even going to a butcher or baker for fresh ingredients will help.

“Also cooking from scratch really does help. Prepackaged meals are the expensive way of doing it from supermarkets.

Tips also include considering cheaper meat alternatives

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GENN

to the traditional turkey.

A medium-size Christmas turkey to serve six people will set you back around £30 from some big stores, but a medium-size stuffed chicken can cost as little as a fiver.

Chicken is often cheaper than turkey and you don’t necessarily have to have it on Christmas.

“And kids love getting involved — you can make your own puddings and mince pies with them.

“The children get excited when they can make things and then if you teach them how to do it, they go home and make the parents excited too.

“It is also a really good habit for them to get into for when they get older and it is much healthier.”

One supermarket’s festive deal this year, includes turkey with all the trimmings, for just £2.88 a head.

So £23.07 will get eight people a meal which includes frozen turkey, potatoes, sprouts, carrots and a fruit cake from the chain’s budget range.

Dozens of free websites provide support for people looking to develop their cooking skills — so it pays to do the research.

Another useful tip is to check the back of the cupboard for left over tins before starting the big Christmas shop.

You never know what you may be saved from having to buy.

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11

GENN Disability Community: Supporting and Nurturing in North Glasgow

Established in 1984 by disabled people in North Glasgow, the Disability Community has grown over its near-30 year history and developed into one of the most respected voluntary organisations in the city.

and dry. Everything is washed, dried and folded before being returned to the customer. Pickup and delivery is included in the cost which is £11 for a large bag and £7 for a small bag .

Its members range in age from 5 to 85 and all disabilities are represented across its membership.

The organisation provide vital services to people most in need across North Glasgow thanks in part to continued funding from Glasgow City Council.

Melanie Fyfe one of the Centre Coordinators who has worked at the centre for 12 years said: “We believe that everyone should be treated fairly and equally regardless of their impairments and our laundry and hot meals delivery services ensure that disabled and elderly people in our community are supported and nurtured.”

The Disability Community also offer through Cook ‘n’ Care, a service where local volunteers deliver homemade healthy and nutritious hot meals to those who need them most in the community. Not all customers who use the service have a disability as some are elderly or suffering from temporary illnesses. Meals are cooked from scratch every day and delivered hot and ready to eat. Meals are currently £4 for a 3 course meal which represents fantastic value for money.

Melanie said: “We are always happy to discuss requirements. We can also take away a lot of the anxiety and stress of caring for a friend or relative at meal times.

The North Glasgow Steamie laundry service is for people who need a little extra help to do a washing, they can also get duvets, curtains and larger items washed that are difficult to lift

ng2 400 Petershill Road, Springburn, Glasgow, G21 4AA Tel: 0141 630 4252

For more information or to book the laundry service or meals please call 0141 336 6991.

In the centre itself in 74 Closeburn Street it’s hard to keep up with all that goes on each week from Lunch clubs,

Email: info@ng2works.com

I.T classes, bingo, craft classes, adult literacy, knitting clubs, jewellery making and art groups. Anyone can visit the friendly café for breakfast or lunch and receive good healthy food at reasonable prices.

One of the centre’s key additions in recent years is their Sensory Room which has recently been upgraded to include a sound wall, fibre optics, and a vibro-acoustic seat as well as building and soft play shapes.

The room stimulates response in a calm relaxing atmosphere which is beneficial to people of all ages. It also has a bubble wall feature and users are encouraged to bring their own music and relax in the calming atmosphere the room generates.

You do not have to be a member of the Disability Community to book the room and for just £5.00 per hour it certainly represents a very affordable relaxing and vital service for disabled people.

Bookings can be made Monday – Friday between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

To book the Sensory Room you can do so in person or call 0141 336 3562.

much to everyone who phoned and voted for us to win.”

Chairperson of ng homes John Fury said: “The Disability Community play a vital role in delivering services that people need, they make a huge difference to people’s lives in North Glasgow and long may that continue.”

Anyone interested in any of the services the Disability Community provide including room bookings can contact them via: Tel 0141 336 6991 E-mail: m.fyfe@disabilitycommunity.org.uk J.mcaleese@disabilitycommunity.org.uk Web: www.disabiltycommunity.org.uk facebook.com/thedisabilitycommunity

@DisabilityComm

The Disability Community’s most recent achievement has been their success in the People’s Millions round of community funding which means they can now get a new disabled access bus on the road. Melanie said: “Everyone has been magnificent in supporting and voting for us to get this funding from People’s Millions, a new mini bus will make such a difference to the lives of our members. It’s a real lift for everyone in the centre to win The People’s Millions, thanks so

Website: www.ng2works.com

ng2 is a subsidiary of ng homes

ng in the community

Saracen House, 139 Saracen Street, Possilpark, Glasgow, G22 5AZ Tel 0141 336 1300 Fax 0141 560 6005

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GENN

Willie quits smoking after 54 years WILLIE Miller is a 67 year old man who lives in the Parkhead area.

He started smoking when he was 13 so had been smoking for 54 years.

He smoked 1oz of Tobacco daily and had never really tried to quit or reduce his tobacco intake.

Willie had suffered from various health issues having suffered two strokes as well as two heart attacks.

He had also undergone a heart bypass operation.

While attending an out patients appointment at the GRI, he was told by a consultant that if he didn’t stop smoking, he would lose his legs.

Willie came to the Stop Smoking drop in service at Parkhead Forge for information about the options available to him.

He decided to attend a stop smoking group at Reidevale Neighbourhood Centre in Dennistoun and attended for the full course while using a stop smoking medication to assist his quit attempt.

Willie explained “I found the group to be great support and gave me a direction.

Some of the other quitters were stopping for financial reason and some like myself for health reasons.

The staff were really helpful and gave me reassurance when required.

I would certainly recommend the group to anyone wishing to stop smoking.

After quitting smoking, Willie bought an Exercise Bike to try to improve his mobility.

He is now 44 Weeks smokefree and still keeps contact with the service to tell us how well he is doing.

Willie has agreed to volunteer and help others to quit smoking.

For free help to quit smoking call North East Stop Smoking Services on 0141 201 9832.

GENN

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GENN

Parkhead Credit Union Ltd 922 SPRINGFIELD ROAD, GLASGOW G31 4HE

Tel: 0141 551 8387

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas

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Unit 3, 315 Shettleston Road, Glasgow Call 0141 556 2264 www.gliding-doors.co.uk

Merry Christmas

GENN Glasgow East and North News

Your voice in the community

GREATER MILTON & POSSILPARK CREDIT UNION LIMITED

Wishing all our residents a Merry Christmas

53 Ballindalloch Drive Glasgow G31 3DQ Call 0141 551 8131 www.milnbank.org.uk

Humza Yousaf MSP

Empire House, 131 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G1 2RX

(0141) 353 1593

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Fuse Youth Cafe Glasgow 1567-1573 Shettleston Road, G32 9AS

Merry Christmas

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15

GENN

Glasgow Kelvin Students Break Their Fundraising Record!!

GLASGOW Kelvin College’s Professional Cookery students once again pulled out all the stops this year and have managed to raise a button-bursting £961.20 for Macmillan Cancer Support!

Each year, the Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraisers create the opportunity for these learners to practise their teamworking, cookery and customer service skills, as well as raise money for a worthy cause, and they always grasp it with both hands!

The students from the level 5 and 6 Professional Cookery courses combined their talents across both Easterhouse and East End campuses, preparing and serving hot and hearty ‘full Scottish’ breakfasts in the morning followed by the creation of delicately delicious cakes, pastries and patisserie in the afternoon.

Staff and students were delighted to sample their wares and help to support Macmillan in the process.

As one Level 6 student remarked, “It is great to raise money for such a good cause; at some

stage you or your family could be affected by cancer.”

Eddie Docherty, Head of Faculty for Business & Service Industries, handed over the cheque, saying, “Our students should be very proud of themselves for their efforts in raising money for Macmillan.

The charity provides all kinds of support for people with cancer and their families and many of us may have need of them throughout our lifetimes.

We can’t underestimate the importance of fundraising in ensuring that these critical services are maintained.

Well done to everyone involved in this splendid campaign.”

The proud staff and students presented the cheque at a ceremony at the College’s East End campus, and Eloise Armstrong, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support was delighted to receive it.

She said, “The students at Glasgow Kelvin College have been fantastic, and demonstrated such

professionalism in putting on one of our biggest “World’s Biggest Coffee Mornings”.

Macmillan relies almost 100% on donations to carry out our work; we want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can’t do it without the fantastic support of our fundraisers.

I would like to thank all the staff and students at Glasgow Kelvin College for all their energy and time and congratulate them on raising an incredible £961.

“Earlier in the year, Glasgow Kelvin Hospitality students raised around £1,040 which brings their total at the moment to over £2,000 for the year which is wonderful for the charity as this will help pay for a Macmillan Nurse for two weeks!”

The students are looking forward to continuing their successful relationship with Macmillan and supporting this excellent charity throughout the coming year.

Massive congratulations go to them and to the staff who have supported them through this venture.

CHILDREN’S FAVOURITES TO LAUNCH GLASGOW FORT’S MIDNIGHT OPENING Winter princesses will be at Glasgow Fort to launch its midnight shopping extravaganza week on Monday 15th December.

Shoppers of all ages will be delighted to be joined by two princess characters and their snowman friend.

Phil Goodman, Centre Manager at Glasgow Fort, said: “Our midnight opening is always very popular with Christmas shoppers. This year we wanted to invite some winter princesses along to help make the first evening even more exciting for shoppers of all ages.”

Glasgow Fort, which has around 100 brands for Christmas shoppers to enjoy, will be open each day from 10am to midnight until Tuesday 23rd December.

The first phase of its major development works for a Marks & Spencer flagship store is now complete freeing hundreds of spaces in its car park for the busy festive season.

PEOPLE struggling with debt can now find advice and a guide to responsible lenders on a new Scottish Government website.

The Financial Health Service website provides links to organisations offering debt advice and information on managing money, housing, homelessness and ethical lending.

The website also allows users to search for their local credit unions.

@gennnewspaper

The Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act, which comes into force in April 2015, aims to deliver appropriate debt relief and management and includes mandatory provision of money advice.

For more information visit:

http://www.scotlandsfinancialhealthservice.gov.uk

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GENN

Kieran Fallon’s Healthy Mouth Column The Dangers of Illegal Tooth Whitening Procedures to whiten teeth have become very popular in recent years; everyone wants a Hollywood smile. Dental practices offer whitening treatments but there has also been an explosion of ‘bleaching boutiques’ as well as beauty salons and spas offering these procedures at a wide range of prices.

Tooth bleaching is essentially a chemical reaction (oxidation) which neutralises any stains on teeth and also whitens the enamel and dentine.

There are various chemicals which can be used as bleaching agents but the one most commonly used in dentistry is Carbamide Peroxide (CP).

Most other bleaches are poisonous and totally unsuitable for tooth whitening.

There have been news reports of people causing themselves severe harm when attempting to use such things as household bleach to whiten their teeth!

So what is the best and safest way of whitening teeth and what are the pitfalls and dangers of the con-merchants?

Patients’ watchdog, the General Dental Council, has decreed that only properly registered dental professionals can legally provide tooth whitening treatments, so this does not usually include beauticians or any other unqualified people.

It is best to seek advice at a dental practice and the usual method provided by dentists is ‘home bleaching’.

The dentist takes impressions of the upper and lower teeth then makes accurately-fitting application trays, which are like very thin sports mouthguards.

These trays are used daily by the patient to hold the CP bleaching gel in contact with the

teeth.

The strength of the CP gel is usually in the range of 10% - 16%.

This bleaching process would take around four weeks of daily use.

The most common side effect of bleaching is when teeth become sensitive to heat and cold but this can be controlled and should cause minimal discomfort.

This sensitivity is more likely to happen with higher concentrations of CP. People are often attracted by the in-office one-hour power bleaching using a light or ‘laser’.

This type of bleaching can be more expensive however it is unlikely to give a good long-lasting result and is MUCH more likely to cause severe and persistent sensitivity.

This is because the gel used in ‘power bleaching’ is far stronger than is permitted for home use and the light serves no useful purpose to improve the bleaching, it is simply part of the ‘floor show’.

Some unscrupulous bleaching boutiques use cheaper unapproved bleaching agents which are potentially harmful or poisonous, so all of these places should be avoided.

The public should also be very cautious about buying bleaching products on the internet as these could be toxic or else so weak as to be ineffective and useless.

The best advice is to consult ONLY with qualified, registered dental professionals and avoid the attraction of potentially (but not always) cheaper back-street shops.

As guidance you might expect to pay £200-£300 in a dental practice, but…you get what you pay for.

Be careful out there, and KEEP SMILING.

Siobhan Fashions a Taste For Tartan SIOBHAN Mackenzie, a promising graduate of Glasgow Kelvin College’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Manufacture course, has set up her own online website to showcase her innovative creations in tartan and traditional highland dress with a twist!

Winner of the College’s Lectra competition last year, Siobhan adapted and sculpted tartan trims and applique into her stunning garments, even producing full dress kilts, hand crafted in

conjunction with Glenisla Kilts, a Lanarkshire-based bespoke kiltmaker.

The judges said that she showed an excellent flair for design and style, with a highly imaginative use of pattern and texture (can you spot the Saltire on the kilt?).

Global Software company, Lectra, produce the fashion industry-standard Kaledo Style design programme and are the leading fashion design software provider in Europe.

They identified real talent in Siobhan during their visit to the College last year from her truly innovative ‘Clan Mackenzie’ portfolio.

Enterprise skills are built into many of Glasgow Kelvin’s programmes where students are encouraged to innovate and develop business skills.

Siobhan embraced that element of her course and is now taking these skills to the marketplace.

And now she’s going from

strength to strength, launching her bespoke and contemporary kilts line to the online market.

Everyone wishes her the very best of luck in her flourishing new enterprise!!

Pictured here with Siobhan’s designs are, l to r, Victoria Fothergill and Carl Bartlett of Lectra, Kay Muir of Glasgow Kelvin College, Siobhan Mackenzie and Alison Ratcliffe, runner up in the Lectra competition.

Visit Siobhan online at www. siobhanmackenzie.com.

LATEST WEAPON IN POLICE SCOTLAND’S FIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSERS

THIS week Police Scotland will unveiled its latest weapon in the fight against domestic abuse – SmartWater forensic marking.

For the first time in Scotland, officers will deploy this technology to protect women from abusive partners and detect offenders of domestic bail offences.

SmartWater technology is normally used as a means of identifying stolen items of property and linking criminals to a crime scene, and has been used to great success in the reduction of acquisitive crime.

However, for the first time this unique initiative is being piloted in East Dunbartonshire as a way of reducing the number of victims and ensuring serial abusers are held to account.

As well as being used as a traceable marking solution to help identify stolen goods, SmartWater can be used as a spray system and a transferable marker to forensically tag the skin and clothing of offenders.

Anyone marked with the liquid can then be conclusively linked back to the scene of their crime.

Police Scotland will be deploying all three variations of SmartWater in order to assist with the identification of potentially abusive partners who may be in breach of their bail conditions.

Funding for the project has been provided by East Dunbartonshire Council via ‘Empowered’ – a multi-agency partnership group whose remit is to develop an integrated and strategic approach to the elimination of violence against women and the provision of services for women and children affected by abuse in East Dunbartonshire.

Chief Inspector Rob Hay said: “We continue to place a much greater emphasis on challenging the perpetrators of this crime.

What we are seeking to achieve is a reduction in the number of victims of this type of crime by focusing our efforts towards targeting repeat offenders and serial offenders and making our position absolutely clear that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and that, with our partners, we will continue to challenge those

who are responsible.

We believe this approach will lead to an increase in confidence for people to come forward to report abuse.

“We will continue to be tough and target the perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Our ultimate goal is to impact upon the levels of domestic abuse we have seen in recent years and to achieve a positive outcome for victims and their families.”

The unveiling took place during the closing ceremony of East Dunbartonshire Council’s 16 Days of Action campaign, which aims to raise awareness and highlight the unacceptability of male violence towards women.

Chair of Empowered, Madeleine Sedgwick, said: “I am thrilled that we have been able to help fund and support this exciting and innovative new technology which will contribute hugely to ensuring the safety of domestic abuse victims in East Dunbartonshire.

“I hope that by supporting this we are sending a strong message to any perpetrator of violence against women that it will not be tolerated and we

will take any means necessary to protect any individual under threat of violence.

“Empowered hopes to support many more projects like this and I hope this is just the first step in a long road of new and innovative technologies that will help tackle violence against women and children.”

SmartWater Chief Executive, Phil Cleary, said: “This is a highly innovative use for SmartWater technology, for which Police Scotland deserves considerable praise.

“Anyone that comes into contact with SmartWater can be forensically placed back at the scene of their crime.

This should not only serve as a deterrent to anyone considering breaching the terms of their bail, it will also bring reassurance to anyone that has been a victim of this type of crime.

Domestic abuse is particularly prevalent over the festive period and can be a time of immense stress and fear.

It’s hoped that the SmartWater technology, being used in this way will offer victims peace of mind and a chance to be with their families without fear of violence.

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COT BEDDING WARNING WHILE blankets, pillows and quilts sound like the makings of a cozy bed for an adult, they can be downright dangerous in an babies cot.

A survey suggests parents should keep the soft objects and loose bedding away from infants because they can inadvertently lead to suffocation.

Furthermore, bedding has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome, the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year old.

Yet a survey of nearly 19,000 parents with infants younger than 8 months found about half of families are still using soft bedding in their infants’ cribs.

The analysis of data was gathered in the National Infant Sleep Position Study survey The encouraging news is that there has been a decline in the use of soft bedding.

The average number of infants exposed to the risky

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Glasgow East and North News

bedding dropped 31% — from 86% to 55% Declines were most dramatic in the 1990s, when the department of Health issued recommendations that infants be put to sleep on their backs, without blankets or soft objects.

The recommendations were driven by worries about SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death.

“After all that happened in the 1990s, the rate of sudden infant death syndrome fell about 50% says a, senior scientist at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and lead author of the analysis.

“Why hasn’t the message reached all parents? And why aren’t parents hearing it or adhering to it?,” asks Dr. Jeffrey Colvin, a pediatrician, most.

Doctors probably did a good job of telling new parents way back when, he says, “but since then maybe we’ve become

complacent.”

Pediatrics researchers suggest it could also partially be due to advertising, like magazines and TV commercials, that show mothers sleeping with their babies along with an assortment of blankets, pillows and fuzzy stuffed bears.

“There’s an assumption by everybody that if it’s being sold in a children’s store, that it must be safe,” says Colvin.

But a beautiful quilt isn’t the best choice for your newborn just because it was sold at Babies R Us, he says.

Instead, you can use a wearable blanket or sleep sack that wraps around the body to keep your infant warm at night.

“The safest place for a baby to sleep is on his or her back in a crib or bassinet and in the parent or caregiver’s room,” says Shapiro-Mendoza.

“The sleep surface should be firm, covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding.”

753 Westerhouse Road Glasgow G34 9PB Crisis Line: 0141 773 3533 Office Telephone: 0141 781 0230 Email: collective@gewa.org.uk

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/gennnews

Barlanark Dental Practice now open New NHS patients welcome 327 Hallhill Road G33 4RJ It was all smiles last week as the doors opened to Barlanark Dental Practice.

The new state of the art NHS dental practice is situated within the shopping parade on Hallhill Road.

Practice owner Steven Armitage has overseen the renovation of the old community health shop transforming it into a modern, welcoming family dental practice. As well as providing dental care for new patients the practice has also taken over the patients from the recently closed practice in Burnmouth Road.

Steven has long standing family ties in the Barlanark area and had a vision to return to the area to help meet the demand for NHS dental care.

Along with new dentist Gillian Stewart, Steven hopes that the practice will cater for patients of all ages and from all areas in the East End of Glasgow.

The practice is ideally situated close to local schools, community centre and shops, has free parking outside and is easily accessible by bus.

Steven reports that although already very busy they have appointments available for NHS patients.

0141 771 5056

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GENN Let’s Look Back....

January A NEW scheme was launched

by Glasgow City Council aiming to not only educate children about seeking responsible finance but also about the benefits of using local Credit Unions instead of pay day lenders.

Firms like Wonga.com and Quickquid are accused of preying on vulnerable communities and trapping people in a cycle of debt with interest rates of up to 3500%.

The scheme was launched by the City Treasuer, Cllr Paul Rooney, at Lochend Community High School in Easterhouse.

THE New Year Honours has recognised the lifetime of commitment of Sprinboig resident Margaret Miller.

She was given the Bar Award of the British Empire

February Medal for her work as a volunteer with stroke victims in Ligthburn Hospital.

And Mrs Miller, who started volunteering in 1939, is still taking part in the activities at 103 years old.

RESIDENTS, local politicians, police, community groups and housing associations have joined together to tackle the latest series of gang violence in Lilybank, near the Parkhead area.

A summit involving major players in the local community was organised to look at the issue.

Reports of anti social behaviour by groups of youngsters have been growing in recent weeks with underage drinking in public, intimidation of local residents and violence involving up to 20 people have

meant that the community has united to take action.

LOCAL man Joe Jone became an emergency midwife when his partner Gemma Cl ark went into labour at their home.

Just after the birth, Joe’s mum and the paramedics turned up, and were nearly as shocked at what happened as the new mother and father.

POLICE seize around £1 million worth of drugs in Glasgow A DRUGS haul with a street value of around £1million has been seized by police in Glasgow.

Officers from Police Scotland raided a property in the Carntyne area of the city on Wednesday morning where they recovered the drugs, thought to be heroin.

Also recovered as part of the raid was a quantity of tablets, a firearm and ammunition.

THE Rockefeller Foundation has announced Glasgow’s selection as one of the founding members of the 100 Resilient Cities Network.

Glasgow’s prestigious place in the network was rubber stamped at the council’s executive committee.

The city was one of nearly

(RLLA) as well as providing an event space for the area.

The RLAA was set up in 1998 to help the people of North East Glasgow into work.

Its services include literacy and numeracy classes as well training to get people back into work and also provides childcare.

YOUNG people in Glasgow got a helping hand by signing up to volunteer with a local charity.

ProjectScotland, the national youth volunteering organisation, had new opportunities in Glasgow for 16-30 year olds to gain fresh experience and skills while giving back to the local community.

ProjectScotland had 45 new opportunities across Glasgow including a Social Media Vol-

unteer with Volunteer Centre Glasgow, to an Events and Fundraising Assistant at RSPB Scotland. ProjectScotland matches young people with charities working in areas like, the Arts, Sports, Youth Work and Animal Care, or to departments within charities such as Marketing, Human Resources, Fundraising, and Journalism.

ON Tuesday 1st April 2014, the first anniversary of Police Scotland, Greater Glasgow Division launched Operation Relay, set up to tackle violence, disorder, anti social behaviour and serious and organised crime and keep people safe.

The two months of action will see over 350 police operations targeting everything from road traffic and anti social behaviour to drugs and violence.

A PROFESSIONAL footballer was caught with heroin with a street value of £2000.

Adam Strachan, a former Partick Thistle, Ross County and Clydebank player, from Maryhill, was caught with the drug during a search of a friend’s home.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court

March A PROMINENT landmark – a B-listed historic school – was demolished by Celtic Football Club to make way for a for a supporter’s hub containing a Celtic Football superstore, café, museum, theatre, ticket offices and so forth.

In May of 2013 the Planning Applications Committee of Glasgow City Council gave permission for the demolition of London Road Primary School – a former School Board of Glasgow erection, despite objections by locals who wanted to see this B-listed building preserved.

A £1 million lottery grant was awarded to build a new community hub in Royston.

The money will be spent on a base for Rosemount Lifelong Learning Agency

oversee the installation of advanced digital cameras across the city.

THE number of people convicted of handling an offensive weapon dropped by 67% in Glasgow over the past seven years.

The statistics were released as Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill launched a poster campaign.

Strachan, 27, plead guilty to possession of the drug.

He will carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and be supervised for six months as part of a community payback order.

His sentence was deferred.

A MAN in Glasgow faced jail over an unprovoked attack on another man.

Gary Strachan, 27, confessed to brutally assaulting John McFarlane, 35, almost to the point of death in Meadowpark Street, Dennistoun, on 1 December 2013.

The victim was on his way home alone after celebrating his birthday when McFarlane attacked him repeatedly with the bottle.

A MAJOR development at Glasgow Fort Shopping Park kicked off .

Once opened, there are

expected to be around 500 positions within the new stores and restaurants.

The £45 million pound project will see a Marks & Spencer department store take up residence at the southern side of the park.

There will also be four further retail units and an additional restaurant.

several sexual assaults against women in the city News of 3rd Street attack was the tipping point for Crossan and Johnston,the founders of These Streets Were Made For Walking which is Crossan and Johnston’s way of reclaiming their area and empowering the rest of the city to do the same POLICE Scotland has seen taken enormous steps in countering illicit trade, especially in the Barrowlands where the buying and selling of counterfeit items has been rife for many years, has caused the Barras reputation to slide and has stifled the business of legitimate traders.

Having noticed this, the police began a series of enforcement days between October and December in an attempt

to uproot traders operating outwith the law.

This process has proved to be extremely effective, and since targeting sellers but also importers and producers, over seven million pounds worth of fake goods including a variety of clothing items, digital media - including DVDs and CDs - and even cigarettes.

April

May A UK-wide survey of councils published this month found that hundreds of pre-teens are being referred to specialist drug and alcohol treatment services because of potential substance abuse issues.

As the statistics were released under Freedom of Information laws, it emerged that children as young as 12 in Scotland are being referred for help over alcohol or drug abuse.

The survey asked councils about the age of referrals, which are carried out either when a child has started abusing substances themselves or if they are vulnerable through exposure to drug and alcohol misuse by a parent or other relative.

In one area, children as young as 12 have been referred for drinking and taking drugs

400 cities across six continents to apply for the 100 Resilient Cities Challenge, which was announced in May 2013.

COUNCILLOR Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, opened the new Glasgow Operations Centre (GOC).

The hi-tech facility brings together teams from Community Safety Glasgow’s (CSG) CCTV operation and Traffcom - the council team which monitors the city’s traffic lights and traffic cameras.

With the facilities now pooled, CSG and Traffcom have joint access to the city’s entire network of live and recorded CCTV footage.

The centre, based at Eastgate on London Road, is part of the £24m Future Cities Glasgow programme which will also

June themselves, while one child aged four has been referred because of their parents’ drink or drug problem.

A NEW community centre will be built next to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village.

The Dalmarnock Legacy Hub project has been boosted a £1.25m grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Led by the Peoples Development trust, the hub has also received £3m of funding from the Scottish government.

UNEMPLOYMENT in Scotland fell by 18,000 to 178,000 between January and March while employment reached its highest level since records began in 1992, according to official figures.

The jobless rate was 6.4%, which was below the average of

6.8% for the whole of the UK. Employment in Scotland rose by 29,000 over the three months.

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was punched and racially abused as he walked along a street with his younger brother.

The boy was kept in hospital overnight after the attack, which had aggravated an existing medical condition.

PEOPLE living in the east end were up-in-arms after it took eight days to remove asbestos dust from bins in the Gallowgate.

An alarm was raised after bin men discovered a powder and believed it to be asbestos, in bins at David Court on May 6.

However it took until the 14th before the material was removed by a specialist team, a full, eight days after it was first detected.

Residents were angry over the delay, and said they were terrified that, they may have been exposed to the potentially lethal substance.

THOUSANDS of people took part in a midnight march in Glasgow, in what campaigners hoped would be a show of defiance in light of

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GENN Let’s Look Back....

July THE 2014 Commonwealth Games (officially the XX Commonwealth Games) opened on 23 July.

It was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland with around 4,950 athletes from 71 different nations and territories competing in 18 different sports, outranking the 1970 and 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

THE Glasgow Tower reopened after maintenance work.

The Glasgow Tower is the only structure on earth capable of rotating 360 degrees into the prevailing wind and holds the Guinness-World-Record for the tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the World.

At 127 meters high, the equivalent of over 30 double-decker buses, the Glasgow

August Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in Scotland.

THE Imaginarium in Possilpark held a mixed media arts event and independence debate.

Starting with an art exhibition featuring pieces related to the independence referendum, the guests were treated to an independence rap battle debate before a full debate with representation by Yes Scotland and Better Together.

The art exhibition featured work from Knitters For Independence, Heather Brennan, the White Feather Collective, Eleanor Paul, Kevin Andrew Morris, Suzie McGee, Aileen McKay, Heather Lane and Danielle Banks, who curated the exhibition.

The Barrowland Park opened on Saturday the 19th

of July in time for the opening of the games.

Its opening was celebrated with a mix of live music and street food.

The temporary green space will see plenty of action through the duration of the games, and will act as a gateway to the East End for pedestrians travelling from the City Centre.

GLASGOW 2014 said a massive thank you to the city and its people for being the best hosts the Commonwealth could have hoped for.

Over the 11 days the city rolled out the carpet to thousands of athletes, officials and visitors and hosted a fun filled festival of sport and culture on a scale that the city has never been seen before.

Organisers of the Games showed their gratitude to everyone who has played their part in making these Games a success from the clyde-siders, the Host City volunteers, Police Scotland and all the workers who kept the city going.

But most thanks went to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the Common-

Garden Festival launched on 9th Sept with a flower bike parade to start three weeks of events encouraging people in the city to get closer to wildlife.

Over 20 organisations and six schools are involved in the festival, which offers a wide-range of activities, from storytelling to canoe trips.

A JEWELLER’S at the city’s Argyll Arcade saw an Armed robbery.

At around 1250 hours, four men, armed with weapons, entered Rox jewellers, smashed the display cabinet and managed to make off with a small quantity of jewellery before running off up a lane at the side of the Arcade’s Buchanan Street entrance.

The value of the jewellery was around £250,000.

The men are described as white, approximately 5ft 8 inches and of slim build.

The men made off in a white Volkswagen Golf, which was later found abandoned in Castle Street, Townhead (just opposite the Glasgow Royal Infirmary).

FATHER and son Andrew and Darren Carnegie from

September THE Independence Referendum dominated Scottish life this month, with the biggest constitutional change in hundreds of years put to the public, with the chance of independence for Scotland.

For the first time 16 and 17 year olds were given the right to vote.

Everywhere was a political battleground with the referendum on everyone’s lips from the streets to workplaces to pubs to nightclubs.

With a massive turnout of 84.59% it was by far the biggest political event of the century in Scotland.

Though the polls were very close right to the end the public voted to stay in the United Kingdom with an overall victory for the No campaign of 55% to 45%

GLASGOW-BORN Aqsa Mahmood, 20, joined the Islamic fighters last year and is calling on Muslims to carry out a bloody atrocity on British streets.

The former private schoolgirl from Glasgow has stunned former classmates after it was revealed she travelled to Syria to join extreme Islamic fighters.

Aqsa Mahmood, who was educated at the £3,500 per term Craigholme School in Glasgow Aqsa Mahmood, travelled to Syria and got married over there and has been tweeting a series of radical messages.

She has reportedly used a Twitter account under the name Umm Layth to promote terrorism.

THE Glasgow Wildlife

dustry and the nation’s quality food and drink producers played winning roles in delivering the best-ever fare for the best-ever Commonwealth Games.

An assessment of the performance of Glasgow’s 2014’s mammoth Catering, Cleaning and Waste operations (CCW) highlighted gold medal-winning performances across a wide of areas.

THIS month saw the release of the annual report by Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) also found that the number of people admitted to hospitals for alcohol related problems has dropped significantly.

Alcohol related admissions dropped by 16.2% from 2009 to 2012, higher

test”.

Some people at the Green are believed to have been told they could wear the badges if they were kept out of view.

Glasgow 2014 Venue Regulation 6.18 states that no flags are allowed to enter a venue - or the vicinity of any Games venue - if they are normally associated with causes, affiliations or organisations.

Glasgow’s Needy Foodbank said a massive thank you to everyone who donated so generously to their foodbank collection in George Square the during October.

The organisation received donations worth nearly £50,000 over the past few weeks.

The organisation, based in Tollcross has a simple mission statement “Glasgow’s Needy is a food bank that provides food & other assistance to the vulnerable poor in Glasgow.

Help us, help others. Our motto: End Poverty Now” ONE in three children in Glasgow are living in poverty according to a report released this month.

The report, released by endchildpoverty.org.uk has shown the Glasgow City

Council area as having the highest rates of child poverty in Scotland, a whopping 33%.

By parliamentary constituency, the highest rates in the city are Glasgow Central (41%), Glasgow North East (37%), Glasgow South West (33%), Glasgow East (32%), Glasgow North West (31%), Glasgow North (29%) and Glasgow South (28%).

October

November A REPORT released this month showed the number of cases of domestic rape reported to police almost doubled in the last year, according to figures.

357 cases had been reported in 2013-14, up from 197 in the previous year.

The numbers were released as Police Scotland prepares to launch a festive crackdown on domestic abuse, with about a fifth of police time said to be taken up with domestic incidents.

A total of 58,976 domestic incidents were reported last year.

It was also reported that the number of domestic stalking cases has increased, from 367 in 2012-13 to 569 in the last year.

SCOTLAND’S catering in-

wealth to their city.

THE Scottish SPCA animal charity tried to trace the owner of a tarantula which crept out from behind a cooker in Glasgow.

A man spotted the spider while he was cleaning the kitchen of his flat, in the city’s High Street, on Tuesday.

He alerted the Scottish SPCA which took the arachnid to its animal rescue centre, where staff have named it Incy.

SPECTATORS at the Commopnwealth games social area at Glasgow Green reacted angrily after being told to remove Yes Scotland badges by officials.

Sports fans were told to remove the button badges at the gates by security guards because “they represent a pro-

December than the national average of 10.1%.

Figures show there has been a “notable” decrease in the number of 15-year-olds consuming booze i­ llegally every week.

Around a quarter of teenagers quizzed in 2006 admitted they were drinking ­alcohol once a week.

POLICE Scotland officers played a hockey match to raise money for charity to mark the first anniversary of the Clutha disaster.

The officers, who are part of the Scottish Police Ice Hockey section, went head to head on Saturday 29th November at Braehead Arena with their colleagues in the UK Fire-fighter Ice Hockey Team.

THIS year, Lightburn Pharmacy, 971 Carntyne Rd, Glasgow celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Established in 1964 by George Duthie, Lightburn Pharmacy has been caring for it’s local community for 50 years and has grown into an award winning practice and now has a long and established history within the community.

To mark this great Anniversary, the Pharmacy is hosted 3 days of Celebrations and fundraising for Cash For Kids.

MORE than 100 people crammed into a Glasgow community centre to have their say on plans to move asylum seekers from the Red Road flats to a business park.

The drop-in meeting at Lambhill Stables this week turned into a heated debate as residents voiced concerns over proposals to develop the former Scottish Water site in Balmore Road into short-stay accommodation.

ST JOACHIM’S Primary School Head Teacher Mrs Helen Mulholland and her staff have praised pupils for their work in researching and developing an app linked to this summer’s Common-

wealth Games.

The Carmyle-based school collaborated with the Graphic Design Team at Glasgow City Council in a project called “Glasgow Games 2014”, and is currently available to download from Apple Inc. and Google.

To date, the “app” has attracted over 50,000 downloads!

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ROSEMOUNT Development Trust held a community event, on behalf of the Royston Strategy Group, to promote the draft report of the Royston Community Vision and Action Plan.

The Vision and Action Plan is part of the ongoing community engagement and consultation around the development and regeneration of Royston.

The work is looking at how Royston could progress as a neighbourhood over the next 10-20 years, building on the achievements of all Royston’s local organisations, several of which celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2014.

An initial consultation and engagement stage was held dur-

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ing the summer, with follow up sessions helping to build the this Vision and Action Plan.

The event was well attended by the local community and involved a buffet lunch, presentation, Sign-Up Ceremony and a prize draw.

Kevin Murray Associates who carried out the community consultation displayed an exhibition, and gave a presentation showing the consultation process, the draft vision and objectives which were drawn from the consultation and the proposed next steps.

The purpose of the Sign-Up Ceremony was for the local community and the Royston Strategy Group partners and

stakeholders to show their commitment to ensuring the shared vision for the regeneration of Royston is delivered.

Kevin Murray Associates were supported in the community engagement and planning by Willie Miller Urban Design who helped with the urban design and development and Benton Scott Simmons who helped with the landscape and environmental areas of the Vision and Action Plan.

The Royston Strategy Group is led by the Rosemount Development Trust and partners, which includes Patricia Ferguson MSP, Bob Dorris MSP, Blochairn Housing Association, Copperworks Housing Co-op-

erative, Glasgow City Council, Royston Corridor Homes (GHA), Spireview Housing Association and Royston Youth Action.

Thanks go to Royston Youth Action and the North Glasgow Community Food Initiative for the fantastic buffet they organised. Special thanks also go to Liz McIlroy and Karen Scott and the school pupils of St Rochs Secondary School who represented the younger generation of Royston and their school.

Congratulations also go to our Raffle Prize winners, particularly Rose Keaney who won the first prize of a 42 inch television.

Patricia Ferguson MSP – “It was great to see so many people

Prize Winner Rose Keaney

from the area turn out to last Friday to discuss their ideas and aspirations for Royston.

There are so many good ideas that it seems to me that the recent event is just the beginning of what can be a very bright future for Royston and the neighbouring areas.

I was particularly pleased to see opportunities for young people to play and for not so young people to be able to enjoy community spaces rank so highly in the ideas put forward and I look forward to working with and supporting local people in making their ideas reality.”

Bob Dorris MSP – “I am pleased that this regeneration plan for Royston is community led and is a great opportunity to improve the lives of local families in the years ahead.

New recreational facilities, perhaps around Glenconner Park and a new facility for residents on Roystonhill are just two of several potential projects.

I would encourage residents to continue to have their say on what Royston needs and I will work with all involved to help deliver the resources required to make our ambitions a reality.”

Fiona Murphy, Spireview Housing Association - “The event was a fantastic opportunity for all those living and working in the local community to demonstrate their commitment to the ongoing regeneration and improvement of the Royston area.”

Michael Carberry, Blochairn Housing Association – “Lots of people and organisations have done great things in Royston over the past 25 years.

The voluntary input of local people has been outstanding and they have helped to transform the area.

But the lack of a strategic overview has allowed mistakes to happen and opportunities to slip through the net.

Land and buildings have passed into private ownership and this has had a negative effect on the area.

The Strategy Group, which includes elected Councillors and MSP’s, can make things happen for the better and can make sure that the vision and action plan really belongs to the Royston community.”

Kevin Murray, Kevin Murray Associates – “We found it a great event, demonstrating people of all ages had a lot of passion for the Royston neighbourhood.

People seemed positive about the direction forward, and also helpfully pointed out some background details and things they’d like to see, like more housing and a sensitive approach to Glenconner Park.”

Iain D MacPherson, Kevin Murray Associates – “We received some good, supportive feedback on post-its on the direction of the vision and strategy, in particular to keep the focus on improvements around Royston Road and the provision of facilities up Roystonhill.

We have already had enquiries from organisations that would like to use the vision and strategy to support funding applications or are interested in exploring delivery of some of the projects.”

Maureen Flynn, Rosemount Development Trust – “We were delighted with the attendance at the Strategy Group’s community consultation event.

It is important that the residents of Royston have the opportunity to identify their community’s needs and aspirations for the future”.

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Patricia Ferguson MSP

Bob Doris MSP

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Market Village, situated at the Duke Street entrance of The Forge Shopping Centre in Parkhead has been trading successfully since the Summer of 1989 when we first opened our doors.

Built with the purpose of allowing small and independent traders the chance to trade alongside established High Street brands, our vision has remained to the present day, taking the best selection of shops and services and gathering them all in one easy and convenient local shopping destination.

We pride ourselves in offering our customers a unique experience.

Almost all of our retailers are small business owners who have direct contact with the customer, this means that not only do they have a vested interest in ensuring you get the best customer service but also that you will be talking to an expert, someone who’s chosen to open that business as they have a passion for the product or service that they offer.

There’s also a huge range of shops within the centre that you might not expect – nailbars, hairdressers & beauty salons, specialist clothing shops, kids clothing, footwear & accessories, fancy dress and haberdashery, fresh quality butcher meat prepared by fully trained butchers, alternative smoking items and vitamin products, home improvements and soft furnishings, cards & gifts, pet products & livestock, jewellers, traditional sweets, mobile phones, laptops and a pc shop.

There’s also specialist service providers who can cut keys, repair shoes, offer tattoos and body piercing, print banners, deliver balloons, refill ink cartridges, offer bespoke photography shoots and canvas prints, create personalised printing, repair your Dyson products or supply new and refurbished machines or have your clothes altered.

And if that wasn’t enough you can try your hand at winning some prizes in our fully licensed amusement arcade then finally relax in one of our 3 sit down & takeaway cafes which offer a full and varied choice of delicious food.

And with each retailer offering a huge range this probably doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s on offer.

We trade seven days a week, 9-5:30 Monday to Saturday and 11-5 on a Sunday and are open all but 3 days a year to cater to the needs of the local community.

We are also offering extended trading hours for Christmas, just pop in today to see the posters in the centre and treat yourself to a bargain when you’re here.

We are also finalising the last few details in our eagerly anticipated refurbishment of the centre which will open up the aisles and offer a brighter and more welcoming environment for you to enjoy during your visit.

We will not only be looking to retain our best retailers at this point but also look to add new and varied choices to the centre to make each visit even better than the last.

This exciting refurbishment is ready to take place in the early part of 2015 and will see your local Market Village Centre commit to The Forge for at least a further 15 years.

We are easily reached with frequent bus services covering all areas, taxi ranks right outside our door and approximately 1400 totally free car parking spaces should you bring the car.

For any information on shops within the centre or for more details on how you could open a business with us contact Neil Gillespie, the Centre Manager, on 0141 554 4711 Market Village for life’s essentials...

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YOUR ONE STOP FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF OPEN SEVEN DAYS NHS Keep Well Bensons Cafe

Corbie Blinds

Candy Skulz Tattoo Studio Inkstop & UK Canvas Pistol Piercing

SK Cuisine Chinese Take-away

R&LG Servicing

First 4 Phones

Fergusons Pets

Clyde Leisure Amusements

Beauty by Laura

Jens Haby & Fancy Dress

Balloons 4 U

Little One’s

Herson Shoe Repairs

Oceans Nail

Hair City

Digitrade Computers

Daughters Cafe

B&C Luggage

SSS Direct Fashion

Personal Pressies Bear Shop

Sweets and Treats

Turkish Hair Salon The Forge Jewellers

Charlie’s Butchers The Jewellery Store Kwik Stitch Alterations Top Attractions Fashion

The Beauty Box Blind Option

Wishes 4 U

Oceans Nail

Sharon’s Hairdressing

Jamni Hair & Beauty Supplies

Wet Walls & Lighting Healthier Smoker Vape 4 U

Botany Bay Shoes

THE MARKET VILLAGE AT FORGE SHOPPING CENTRE OPENING HOURS 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday 11am to 5pm Sunday

For life’s essentials... Established since 1989 Over 40 independent traders Local businesses, local traders Huge range of products & services all under one roof

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Active East recaptures some of the ‘Games Time Magic’ with an Awards Night

TWO hundred guests come together at the venue where the 2014 Commonwealth Games kicked off - Celtic Park.

The Opening Ceremony was a fantastic spectacle showcasing the City of Glasgow and the Active East awards night was an opportunity to showcase all of the achievements of local youth and sport organisations and inspiring young people.

Principal Alan Sherry of Glasgow Kelvin College presented the final award; ‘Active Champion of the Year’ and after hearing all of the successes of the night

he said: “we should change the Glasgow slogan from ‘people make Glasgow’ to ‘young people make Glasgow even better” Utilising the Commonwealth Games as a catalyst, inspirational young people are driving the Active East programme, creating more opportunities for all young people to get active.

Between them they have given more than 7,000 volunteer hours this year.

They volunteer with youth and sport organisations across the North East of Glasgow, putting skills they learn through

individualised training programmes into practice.

Guest speaker Doctor Karyn McCluskey said: “the Commonwealth Games seems to have really fired up people to get involved in sport.

We need to make enough opportunities to keep them engaged.”

The aim of Active East is to build the capacity of local organisations and young people to sustain the impact of the programme long term.

The project consists of two strands: a young volunteer strand called Active Champions for those aged 14-25 which is a bespoke programme tailored to their individual interests in sport and physical activity, this may be anything from delivery and coaching to promotion, and a Small Grants strand which provides partner organisations access to funding for new physical activity provision and training.

Every Active Champion was recognised on the night for their achievements with a pack consisting of Saltire Awards, Youth Achievement and Individual certificates.

The volunteer certificates ranged from 10-500 volunteer hours.

Jade Nimmo, Scottish Long Jumper and Active East Ambassador shared her experience of the Commonwealth Games before introducing the 8 special nominated awards. One of which was ‘Spirit of the Year 2014’ sponsored by Spirit of 2012 and presented by Programme Manager Alex Johnston.

This award recognised encouragement of others, enthusiasm and a positive attitude; boundless energy and a continuous smile.

Winner Danielle McGuinness certainly reflects all of these

qualities she joins in with every Active East activity going and always has a smile on her face.

She is caring and considerate and ensures that new Active Champions feel welcome.

She has turned her hand to everything from volunteering leading fun games with nursery aged children to being at Jump2it events in front of sell out Rocks crowds.

Danielle said: “it was an absolute privilege to win the award.

I was not expecting it at all!

I had such an amazing night, here’s to many more years of sharing experience and gaining more skills to take on and deliver.

Volunteering always makes me smile and always will, but that wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for Active East and the rest of the Active Champions!”

Partner organisations were also recognised on the night and 3 community groups: Judo Scotland, South Camlachie Youth Project and Youth Scotland were awarded ‘Building Partnership of the Year’ sponsored by The Robertson Trust and presented

by Project Officer Linda MacDonald.

This award recognised a shining partnership bringing skills together to create a new way of working to create opportunities for participation in physical activity.

Youth Scotland’s Girls on the Move project got in touch with Active East to see if any girls would like to try judo.

The opportunity was shared out across partners with young people coming along from PEEK, Ruchazie Parish Church, Connect Community Trust and South Camlachie Youth Project.

As the majority of girls came from South Camlachie Youth Project it was agreed that this would be the most suitable ven-

ue. Judo Scotland worked together with Active East, South Camlachie and Youth Scotland to bring a 4 week pilot together offering young females an opportunity to try the sport.

The sessions were a big hit with an average of 17 in attendance.

Following the pilot was the European Open event at the Emirates Arena which all participants were invited to.

As the sessions proved successful an application was submitted to the small grants programme in the last quarter to support the start-up costs of a club.

by a timeline of story boards reflecting the most unforgettable year ever.

The seating plan was on display with all tables named after momentos of the Commonwealth Games.

When the doors opened to the Kerrydale suite people were amazed at the star theme created by local organisation Visual Statement. Active East Programme Manager said “it has been a 100 miles an hour this year with a multitude of opportunities offered to the young people and organisations which comprise Active East.

The personal development for

A total of £100.000 has been distributed through the small grants strand this year to support partnerships such as this.

Two Active Champions took the lead on planning and organising the full event which was spectacular, everyone arrived to a drinks reception surrounded

Active Champions we have the privilege of being a part of has been remarkable.

I want to thank all our funders and sponsors for continued investment into this exciting and life changing programme.

We can’t wait for 2015 and all that will bring!”

25

GENN Get Home Safely

POLICE WARN REVELLERS TO STAY SAFE OVER PARTY SEASON Keep alert for drink-spiking, unlicensed taxis and pickpocketing POLICE, ambulance and the NHS are teaming up with Scotland’s hospitality sector to urge festive revellers to stay safe over the party season.

With the party season well underway, figures released by Police Scotland show there were more small offences raised on last year’s weekend before Christmas than any other in December.

There were 2,389 small offences over the 20-22 December last year including minor assault, threatening and abusive behaviour and breach of the peace.

Police believe that much of these come from drinking alcohol to excess and people getting a bit rowdy.

A network of organisations will be on hand to assist people out socialising by providing crime prevention advice that could help make your night out one to remember for the right reasons.

Police officers, bar and door staff will advise partygoers to take simple precautions to safeguard themselves and their possessions whilst out, including drinking responsibly, being on alert for pickpocketing, unlicensed taxis and drink-spiking.

Best Bar None, the 450-strong membership organisation that rewards bars for promoting responsible drinking and the stewarding company SGL will spread the message across pubs nationally whilst local on-the-ground partners such as TOA Taxis and the Glasgow Community Safety Partnership will help people on city streets get home safely.

The Scottish Ambulance Service and Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS are also supporting the initiative as they respond to a number of emergency calls for people requiring medical help, often from drinking too much or taking drugs.

Inspector Scott Tees from Safer Communities at Police Scotland said, “The final weekend before Christmas is always the busiest time with people having office parties and nights-out.

It’s also very alluring to the opportunistic criminal, who preys on people who’ve had a bit too much to drink.

“Keep an eye on your drink, your bag and your jacket, stay away from illicit substances and NPS products and watch for unlicensed taxis.

It is the party season so have a great time but try and drink responsibly, as the more you drink the more your judgment is clouded and you can be less aware of what’s happening around you.

“Your safety is a priority and it’s essential that you plan your night.

Charge and have your mobile phone on you, know where you’re friends are and plan your journey home.

A few simple precautions will help prevent people from becoming victims of crime.

By reducing any unnecessary risks will allow everyone to have a great time when partying over the festive period.”

Key prevention messages from Police Scotland and its partners, British Transport Police, NHS, Scottish Ambulance Service and Best Bar None include: • Plan your Christmas night out – charge your mobile, remember to take it with you and think about how you’ll get home.

• Don’t leave drinks unattended, be sensible about what you drink and pace yourself. A drunk person is a far easier target for a criminal.

• Don’t use drugs or New Psychoactive Substances, sometimes misleadingly called ‘legal highs’. Legal doesn’t mean safe – they can contain toxic and harmful chemicals.

Why risk your life?

• Stick with friends – don’t leave nights out on your own or with strangers.

• Stay safe on your journey home - never take isolated short cuts. Keep to busy areas and on public transport, sit where there are lots of other people. If you’re using a taxi, make sure it’s licensed. Book your taxi for taking you home before you go out.

• Be careful what you post online when out…don’t regret what you post.

• Remember there’s a new drink drive limit in place. Do not drink and drive and for those who are driving in the morning not to drink / consider the amount you drink the night before driving the following day.

David Duthie of Best Bar None Scotland said, “Best Bar None is an integral part of the Safer Areas Initiatives throughout Scotland and aims to positively enhance the night time economy by rewarding venues which promote a responsible drinking environment.

“We want you to enjoy yourselves over the festive period

however would encourage responsible drinking and to plan ahead.

Before you go out, make sure your phone is charged and plan how you are going to get home by pre-booking a licensed taxi or by making sure you know the times for your train or bus.

If you are drinking, leave the car at home and remember you might still have alcohol in your system the morning after and be over the drink drive limit.

Having that one drink might put you over the limit so don’t risk it.

Also, look after your possessions, never leave your drinks out of sight and stay with your friends.

A number of Best Bar None accredited premises offer free soft drinks to designated drivers to help you enjoy a night out during festive period whilst not necessarily consuming alcohol.”

Former Miss Scotland and Riverside Show tv presenter, Jennifer Reoch, said, “Everyone loves going out at Christmas time but it’s so important to be responsible and keep yourself and your belongings safe.

I always make sure my friends know where I am and plan ahead about how we’re getting home.

Have a great Christmas but look after yourself.”

Stephen Flynn, Vice Chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “With Christmas and Hogmanay just around the corner, everyone at Glasgow Taxis Ltd is ready for yet another bustling festive period as the partying public begins to descend upon the city centre for the usual array of office parties and celebrations.

“While we appreciate that the festive period marks a time for celebrating, it is so important that public safety remains at the heart of everything, and we would urge that you look out for yourself and loved ones this winter.

“The best advice we can offer everyone travelling home from the city centre late at night is to plan ahead, stick together in groups, and make your way to one of our licensed taxi ranks located across the city.

Taxi Marshal services are offered at our special Nite Zones on Fridays and Saturdays at the Sauchiehall Street and Central Station taxi ranks (11pm-5am) and at the Albion Street and Byres Road taxi ranks (10pm2am).

“Furthermore, with credit card machines now installed across our entire fleet, passengers can avoid that dreaded walk to the cashline, and still get home safely and conveniently with Glasgow Taxis Ltd.”

Noel or No well?

The Christmas and New Year period can be a very busy time socially for us all, with more opportunities than usual to drink alcohol.

At this time of year it’s easy to be carried away with the Christmas spirit, but it is possible to relax and enjoy yourself without overdoing it.

Below are some simple tips to keep you going over the festive period.

Know your units: It is recommended by health experts that men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day and women not more than 2 to 3. It is also recommended that we all have 2 alcohol free days a week to give our bodies a rest from alcohol.

So what is a unit: A 330ml bottled beer around 5% ABV such as Becks, Budweiser, Miller is approx 1.6 units A bottle of Smirnoff ice or WKD is approx 1.2 units A large wine glasses holds 250ml, there could be 3 units or more in just one glass.

A smaller glass usually holds 175ml and can be around 1.8 unit.

For more information on units visit www.drinkaware.co.uk Alternate your drinks: Try having a spacer not a chaser. Alternate an alcoholic drink with a soft drink such as a fruit juice or a non alcoholic cocktail. This will stop you getting to drunk so you can enjoy the night for longer and it will also help keep you hydrated and help with any hangovers and headaches the next day.

Be aware of hidden units: We all like to try something a bit different such as a fancy cocktail in a bar or club, but a cocktail could have as many as five or six units in each drink. Something we have to take into account when trying to keep track of our drinking.

Be aware: Look after yourself and your friends when out and about over Christmas. Never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers that you haven’t seen being served by the barman and never leave a drunk friend on their own.

Set a limit: Before going out decide how much you want to drink and only take enough money to cover this amount and keep your taxi home money safe in a different pocket.

Rounds : It’s always nice to buy some one a drink or have some one by you one, but don’t get caught up in buying rounds, apart from becoming expensive you can get caught up drinking far more than you had intended.

The next day: Our bodies break down alcohol at a rate of one unit per hour. You can’t speed this process up by drinking coffee or having a cold shower. If you have to drive the next day, think carefully you could still be over the limit the next morning. The Scottish Government reduced the drink drive limit in Scotland from 80 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood, to 50 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood. Don’t risk it the next morning plan alternative methods of transport like the bus or get a lift from some one who hasn’t been drinking.

Men & Women: Apart from the obvious differences, Women generally have proportionately more fat and less body water than men, meaning that trying to drink the same as a man can produce a higher blood alcohol level and higher rate of intoxication in a woman. The contraceptive pill can also lead to women being more adversely affected by alcohol. So it’s never a good idea for women to try and keep pace with a man when drinking alcohol.

By planning ahead and sticking to our limits we can all have fun this festive session.

But for anyone who feels they need a bit of support or simply wants to ask questions about alcohol the Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project “GEAAP” offers a wide range of services including counselling for adults and young people, alcohol and tenancy support, group work & prevention and education services. GEAAP can be contacted on 0141 773 1222 or via email a geaap1@btconnect.com.

Specific information for young people about alcohol, tobacco & other drugs can be found at www.youngboozebusters.com.

26

GENN Community Pictures

27

GENN Police Scotland

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Local Police News ATTEMPTED MURDER CARNTYNE

A TEENAGER is in a critical condition after being hit twice by a car in Inversek St Glasgow in an attack that police are treating as attempted murder.

The 18-year-old victim was walking in Inveresk Street, Carntyne, with two friends, when a small black car struck him at about 20:00 on Sunday.

30the November 2014 A male passenger got out and argued with the group before he left in the car, which returned a short time later and again deliberately struck the victim.

The teenager suffered a serious head injury.

Police said the 18-year-old man was attacked while walking with a male and a female friend.

Detective Sergeant William Downie said: “This was a deliberate, targeted attack on the 18-year-old man who has sustained a very serious head injury.

“Our inquiries now focus not only in tracing those responsible for this despicable attack but also in establishing the motive behind it.

“A number of witnesses have already spoken to police regarding this incident, however, I am still keen to speak to anyone else who either witnessed the incident or has any other information which may assist our inquires.”

Anyone with any information into this attack should contact the police on 101 or alternatively on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN SHETTLESTON

POLICE Scotland is appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Amurlee Street Glasgow. At 08.00 hours on Monday 1st December 2014 a male was the victim of an attempted robbery outside the premises of Sandyhills Post Office, 374 Amurlee Street Glasgow.

The male suspect assaulted the victim and attempted to

remove a holdall from his possession.

The suspect ran off North in Amurlee Street. The suspect is described as White,5ft 10-11 ins medium build, wearing a black woollen hat, black hooded jacket, grey jogging bottoms and blue/grey trainers.

DC Martin Smith of Greater Glasgow Community Investigation Unit said “Thankfully the victim was uninjured during the incident, but this was very frightening experience” “Our enquiries are still ongoing.

We are analysing CCTV and carrying out door to door enquires.

I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of the Amurlee Street at the time of incident to contact police with any relevant information.”

“I would ask that anyone who has information about the person responsible or can help with our enquiries, please contact the police via the non-emergency number 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where confidentiality can be maintained.”

Communities Inspector John Gormlie also advised “we have numerous officers in the area working very hard to prevent crimes like this and to keep people safe.

It is important that the public are extra vigilant at cash machines and shop premises leading up to the festive season.

Please report any suspicious behaviour to the police without delay”.

LOCAL OFFICERS NOW HAVE UV TORCHES

KELVINSIDE is the latest area to benefit as part of Police Scotland’s ongoing partnership with SmartWater Technology Ltd. Participants are provided with a home security pack containing a uniquely coded bottle of SmartWater Solution, which is brushed on to the homeowner’s possessions.

Once applied the solution is almost impossible to remove and is only detectable under UV light.

The unique code within the solution provides an irrefutable link back to the owner of

the stolen goods and also links the criminal with the crime scene.

Chief Inspector Joe McKerns said: “We’re now into December and Christmas is just around the corner with lots of people set to get new phones, iPads and other gadgets.

The last thing we want is for the festive period to be ruined by any belongings being stolen.

Local officers are now patrolling the area with UV torches to identify persons or stolen property from housebreakings.

PROTECT YOUR HOME OVER CHRISTMAS

HOUSEBREAKING on the whole is an opportunist crime.

A house will be selected if it offers the fewest number of obstacles to carry out the crime undetected.

An unoccupied and insecure building is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secure.

If you can take measures that tell the criminal that this building is too difficult or too

risky a target‚ he will hopefully move on.

Signs of an unoccupied building • Milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep • Newspapers and mail in the letter box •Unlit house after dark • All windows shut in very hot weather • Signs of an insecure building • Side gates open • Accessible windows open • Ladders left out‚ allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows • Garden tools available to force entry • Untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance The signs above could make the criminal want to take a second look. If you live in a block of flats‚ be careful to who you allow entry through an entry phone system and be wary of people seeking to tailgate you into the building.

Don’t leave a thief the key to your house • Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - criminals know all the hiding places

• Prevent letterbox thefts by storing keys away from the font door • Do not label your house keys in case you loose them and they fall into the wrong hands • Where possible‚ try to keep valuables out of sight from windows and fit a security light over your front door so there is no place to hide How to make your house look occupied • Install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically • Have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep • Encourage a neighbour to park on your drive If you are going out after dark‚ draw the curtains‚ leave some lights on and a radio playing If you are away for extended periods • Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers • Disconnect the answering machine‚ or re- word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer • Get a neighbour‚ friend or relative to keep a regular eye

on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries • If you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/ relative‚ ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night: if snow is on the ground‚ a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited • Check your insurance policy: some insurance policies for contents don’t cover you if you are away for more than 30 days • Set your burglar alarm • If you do not have an alarm‚ consider investing in a dummy alarm box

28

Beauty

Films

With Jaxon

With Denni Gee

LOOKING GOOD IN WINTER

Let’s just put it out there: winter and skin are not the best of friends.

At this point in the season, your door can’t hang one more heavy coat and your online shopping cart is full of one too many scarves, but let’s not forget about the most essential part of winter: the ongoing battle with dry skin.

As the temperatures continue to drop, the dry environment and lack of moisture allows for cracked hands, chapped lips and scaly legs. Ew. This winter weather demands an upgrade to your skin care regimen, because nothing complements that seasonal vampy lip more than a hydrated, glowing face.

Read below for the basic rules to follow for skin care this winter.

1. Moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE. Moisturizing is an essential part of our skin regimen, but it’s particularly so in this dry, freezing weather. Be sure to choose a product that is specific to your skin type and remember to apply

within a few minutes of bathing to trap much-needed water.

2. Don’t rule out the humidifier.

Yes, it takes up space and, yes, it’s not the first item on your Christmas list, but the added vapor will hyper-hydrate your skin and help prevent a flaky, itchy outer layer.

3. Vaseline is your best friend.

Dry feet? Check. Dry elbows and knees? Double check. Lather up, ladies and gentleman, that little plastic container is your go-to all winter long.

From lip balm to foot cream to makeup remover, this gooey substance can “fix” just about anything.

4. Keep a bottle of hand cream in your purse or on your desk.

Cracked-hands? No thanks. Keep your hands soft and healthy this season by keeping a bottle on hand -- those mini bottles of lotion make great stocking stuffers, by the way.

5. Don’t shower in super hot water.

We know it’s tempting, but showering in scalding temperatures tends to dry out your skin even more. Hot water re-

moves natural oils from the skin, and the more oils removed, the drier the skin becomes.

6. Brush your lips with a toothbrush to get rid of that excess skin.

Because NO ONE likes chapped lips.

7. What about those dry under-eye patches? Hello, Aquaphor.

It may be in the Vaseline family, but Aquaphor is the advanced therapy you need to survive the chilly season, specifically for those exceptionally dry areas. Meet you at Duane Reade.

8. Ditch the drugstore makeup remover wipes and reach for the cold cream cleanser.

The towelettes may be convenient, but the cold cream cleanser moisturizes AND removes makeup. Skin care products with added alcohols, and sulfates not only irritate but dry skin, too. We recommend Pond’s.

9. Never forget Chapstick.

EVER. Bonus: Don’t shave your legs as often!

Hairy is better than scaly and who cares, you’re wearing pants anyway.

Christmas Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey is eaten for Christmas dinner in Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Ireland, Nigeria and the US, as well as for Thanksgiving in the US. If you’ve never tried roasting chicken or turkey before you will be amazed how easy it is - far easier than many suppers prepared on the hob - and the smell of it cooking on a Christmas morning is one of those little things that make Christmas special. Go on give it a go...

Turkey Buying Guide To Serve/Turkey Size: • 4-6 people: 5 lbs/2.3 kg • 6-8 people: 8 lbs/3.6 kg • 8-10 people: 12lbs/5.4kg Turkeys don’t come small but if you only need a little portion but still want a traditional turkey dinner, you could try buying a turkey crown or turkey breast fillets.

Or buy big and think up some ingenious ways of using the leftovers -. You can freeze leftover cooked turkey and use it in January or February.

Turkey Thawing Guide If you’ve decided on a frozen turkey don’t forget to thaw it carefully.

To thaw store the bird in it’s packaging in a cool place.

Always check the body cavity for ice to check it’s fully thawed.

GENN

Turkey size / Thawing times • 5 lbs/2.3 kg: 20 hours • 8 lbs/3.6 kg: 24+ hours • 12 lbs/5.4 kg: 25 + hours Cooking Instructions Take out the giblets and use to make stock.

Stuff the neck end with your choice of stuffing fold the neck skin back under (never stuff the body cavity as this may stop the meat cooking properly).

Put in a large roasting pan you can get these very cheap from supermarkets in the run

up to Christmas.

Brush the skin with melted butter and cover the breast with streaky bacon to stop it drying out.

Put in a pre-heated oven and cook for 20 mins per pound/450g weight, plus an extra 20 mins, at 180 C/Gas 4.

Baste the turkey every so often with the juices that run into the roasting tin.

If the skin and bacon starts to get too brown, cover loosely with foil (if the foil is too tight the meat will steam rather than

roast).

When cooked, the juices should run clear.

Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving otherwise it’s too soft and flaky.

You can use this time to crisp off the roast potatoes in a hot oven.

Use the juices left in the baking tray to make gravy on the hob.

Serve with cranberry sauce, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables.

Christmas movie watch when the kids have gone to bed... Most of the Christmas fare on television is geared towards children.

After all, this holiday is pretty much for them but Adults can enjoy the season, too.

Not everyone has to be stuck in front of the television watching Dora’s Christmas special or, worse, Bubble Guppies. Or, even worse than that, Miracle on 34th Street - the remake.

I’ve made a list of my top half dozen favourite Christmas movies that are (mostly) for adults.

Time to break out the DVD collection or give your video rental card a workout!

Love Actually - grab a vino and some festive snacks - this is one film you can fully devour uninterrupted!

The characters are played by a star-studded cast whose individual stories cleverly intertwine throughout the film, all revolving around the central theme of love.

And since it all takes place in December it has a wonderfully festive feel to it that is tastefully done...if you’ve only got time for one Christmas film, make it this one!

Bad Santa - despite what the name might suggest, this is not a family movie.

This Santa likes an alcoholic beverage (or ten), makes his living as a department store thief and won’t hesitate to thump any poor souls who dare to get in his way.

It is a bit of an antidote to all those slushy Christmas movies out there though admittedly (and perhaps a little predictably) Santa does redeem himself a little bit towards the end.

A good watch for those 9pm moments when the kids are sound asleep in bed.

Serendipity - Love, fate and Christmas come together in this

touching film of a couple leaving their will to be together in the hands of destiny.

A good bit of romance mixed mixed with some good acting (Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack) and plenty of festive scenes make it an ideal treat for Christmas.

Four Christmases - Vince Vaughn and Reece Witherspoon star in this festive comedy which sees a happily unmarried couple finally make the trip they’ve been putting off for years: visiting both of their divorced parents and their respective families, making for four - potentially explosive Christmases in just one day!

But could finally facing their complicated family backgrounds give them a clearer idea of where they as a couple are going?

The Holiday - A rom-com with a stellar cast - Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black.

The story centres on a houseswap that leads to unlikely romances between the foursome, with both female leads escaping heartbreak by crossing the Atlantic and staying at each other’s homes over Christmas.

It isn’t long before the unluckyin-love women find comfort in the arms of unlikely suitors...

Trading Places - Ever dreamt of waking up with millions in the bank?

Then this 1980’s comedy is the perfect film for you.

Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd put in effortless performances as the hand-picked individuals who must switch to a life of poverty/extreme wealth as part of a big social experiment.

Any of us who remember the Three Stooges will know what to expect - plenty of humorous quips, a good script and easy viewing for all the family - classic!

GENN Recommended Events 12th December 2014 The Phantom Band at The Arches Inspiral Carpets, Blossoms at ABC H.E.A.T at ABC Love Life with The Thanes, The Fast Camels, The Wampum Relics, Fanny Pelmet, The Bastard Suits, Van Impe at Broadcast Police Dog Hogan at CCA Formal Party, Lemonhaze, The Movement, The Sweats at Stereo Jonny Jack, Caroline Gilmour, Jack Woodward at Nice N Sleazy The Amorettes, Manta, The Bawlers at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Combchrist, William Control at Classic Grand The Sherlocks at The Garage The Vatersay Boys at Barrowlands Apollonia, Hold Youth, Djebali at The Arches (club) Return To Mono with Slam, DVS1 at Sub Club (club) Ben UFO B2B Spencer at La Cheetah (club) Shake Appeal at Bloc (club) Hard Driver presents Point Break with Tartaros, Typhoon, Jason Payne at 69 Below (club)

13th December 2014 Machine Head, Devil You Know at Academy Godflesh at The Art School We Were Promised Jetpacks, Fatherson at QMU Stanley Odd, Loki, Ciaran Mac, Harvey Kartel at The Garage Malcolm Middleton at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Holy Esque, Memory Man, Weekend Wars at CCA Laetitia Sadier at Broadcast China Crisis at Oran Mor Savifest at Barrowlands Martha Reeves & The Vandellas at The Arches JJ Gilmour, Crawford Smith at The Glad Cafe Colours Christmas Party at The Arches (club) Subculture at Sub Club (club) Blitzedmas at SWG3 (club) Andrew Weatherall and Sean Johnston presents A Love From Outer Space at The Berkeley Suite (club) 14th December 2014 Parkway Drive, Heaven Shall Burn, Northlane, Carnifex at Barrowlands Angus and Julia Stone, The Staves at Academy Rival Sons, Blue Pills, Jamieson at ABC Malcolm Middleton at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Hard Skin, Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat, Clocked Out, Fly Club with Joris Voorn, Theo Kottis at Sub Club (club) 15th December 2014 Reggie Watts at The Arches Heffron Drive at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Joe Elliot’s Down N’Outz, Vega at The Garage Richie Ramone at Audio Blochestra Christmas Show at Bloc The Enemy, The Twang at ABC 16th December 2014 The Game at ABC Ren Harvieu Christmas Concert at Broadcast Animals to Creators (EP Launch) at Stereo Queen Jane (EP Launch), Catholic Action, Kill Surrrf at Bloc Micky McDonald at Classic Grand Late Night Jazz with Gringo

Cholo’s Tuesday Night Sweethearts at Slouch I AM with Dark Sky at Sub Club (club) 17th December 2014 Campfires’ Christmas Party with Campfires In Winter, Friends In America, Deathcats at Sloans Grand Ballroom MILK Christmas Party featuring SHARPTOOTH, The Wild Curve, S.T.A.R. DJ Set at Flat 0/1 Swallows, Muka at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut James Veck-Gilodi at Broadcast The Enemy, The Twang at ABC 18th December 2014 Sunshine Social, Tibet, The Hazy Shades at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Madness at The Hydro UB40, Radio Riddler at ABC Bastard’s Xmas IV with The Hate Eighties, Hordes of Unstoppable Skeletons, Les Grandes Horizontals, dust at Stereo Teenage Riot with Vasa, Shambles in a Husk, Cutty’s Gym at Bloc 19th December 2014 The Twilight Sad at ABC Status Choke and Broadcast Beach Christmas Party featuring Herbert Powell, Apostille, The Bahookie at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Frankie & The Heartstrings at Broadcast The Improvisers at The Garage Bye Parrot with Powell, Golden Teacher, Sacred Paws, David Barbarossa (DJ Set) at Stereo (club) Pressure Xmas Party with Sven Vath, Slam at The Arches (club) H&P 7th Birthday with Talaborman, Andrew, Highlife at The Art School (club) Sensu is 10 with Loco Dice, Iggie at Sub Club (club) 20th December 2014 Vigo Thieves, Team Player at ABC TYCI Christmas All-Dayer at Stereo Instinctive Racoon Christmas Party with Three Blind Wolves, Pronto Mama, Man of Moon, ULTRAS at Kinning Park Complex Alabaster Jones, The Hook and Slingers, Filip Blast at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut The Parkinsons, The Jackhammers, New Age, Future Glue at 13th Note New City Kings, Concept at The Garage Subculture with Jackmaster at Sub Club (club) Colours present Armada at The Arches (club) (club) 21st December 2014 Judith Williams, Being Alive at CCA Fish at ABC Glasvegas at The Old Fruitmarket Olympic Swimmers at Nice N Sleazy Kreator, Arch Enemy, Marty Friedman, SHINING at QMU Bigfoot’s Tea Party with Radio Slave, Christopher Kelly at Sub Club (club) 22nd December 2014 Monoganon, Jutland Songs at The Old Hairdressers na Nollaig at Oran Mor Pacific Theatre at Bloc Andre Rieu at The Hydro

29

Music

With Mark Johnson

20 ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS SONGS CHRISTMAS is a time where we get the same Christmas songs played over and over year after year.

This year treat yourself to some songs you might not have heard before with my alternative Christmas playlist.

Father Christmas – The Kinks – A 1977 post punk departure from the 60s beat group. An dark alternative Christmas message set to upbeat music.

The Christmas Song – Weezer – American alt rockers with a sentimental love song, full of big fuzzy guitars

Hey America – James Brown – Taken from his Funky Christmas album this song came out at the height of the Civil Rights movement and is all about peace signs and equality. The true message of Christmas

Christmas Day – The Beach Boys – A pop number from 1964. Classic sugar sweet harmonies and worth a listen just for the incredible Hammond organ solo

I Believe in Father Christmas – Greg Lake – The former King Crimson and ELP frontman with a song about the over commercialisation of Christmas.

Mistress For Christmas – AC/DC – One for the rockers and the bored fantasist married men Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) - The Ramones – A punk song the shows even punks have a soft side and can conform to peace and harmony at Christmas Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC – Hip Hop Legends with a cut up of classic Christmas songs and a positive Christmas message. No controversy here.

Bootsy Collins Feat. Snoop Dogg – Happy Holidaze – One of the grand masters of funk with a Christmas themed number with 6/8 passages, boom bap beats and all kinds of twists in a six minute epic

The Jive Turkeys – Get Down Santa – Funk instrumental with nods to various well known Christmas songs.

All funky drums and bass, lead guitar and Hammond organ.

Merry Christmas Baby – Ike and Tina Turner – A mid tempo rocker with an excellent sax solo and a classic example of Tina giving it everything she’s got.

John Lee Hooker – Blues for Christmas – As you would expect from a blues song, it’s not all joy to the world, but it’s an excellent flipside to the usual Christmas cheer.

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby – An R&B version of the Christmas standard done in Otis’ own soulful style

Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto – James Brown. - Second song from his Funky Christmas album on the list. Straight to the point about the haves and have nots. If Santa Claus will listen to anyone it’s James Brown Real Snow – Withered Hand – Edinburgh melancholy with sleigh bells and fiddles in waltz time.

The Night Santa Went Crazy – Weird Al Yankovic – As ever Weird Al has his own take on things and this is no different. parody of “Black Gold” by Soul Asylum, with melodic references to “Mama I’m Comin’ Home” by Ozzy Osbourne and “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake

The Day the “Conducator” Died (An Xmas Song) - Scott Walker – Not in the slightest bit uplifting. Dark, solemn music with a stripped down arrangement. About a Romanian dictator being executed. It’s got sleigh bells though.

It Hasn’t Happened Yet – William Shatner – From his 2002 album “Has Been” produced an performed by Ben Folds. An emotional rollercoaster without the arrogance associated with the Star Trek actor Let Me Sleep (It’s Christmas Time) – Pearl Jam – Early rarity with bongos and a stripped back arrangement, dealing with Eddie Vedder’s dreams about Christmas .

F*ck Christmas – Eric Idle – The former Monty Python man with a cynical negative and comical view of Christmas

RANDOLPH’S LEAP DROP A WEATHERBOMB production company Wake Up Advice to create the short film for ‘Weatherman’.

The star performer was more than willing to be manhandled by band members while playing out his on-screen meltdown in a freezing cold industrial unit in Glasgow.

INDIE pop folksters Randolph’s Leap release their new single “Weatherman” on 5th of January accompanied by a video with a famous guest star.

The single, on Lostt Map Records, features none other than former BBC weatherman and Michael Fish infamous for failing to predict the worst storm to hit South East England in 300 years uttering the immortal line “Earlier on to-

day, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way... well, if you’re watching, don’t worry, there isn’t!”

A favourite among Randolph’s Leap fans, “Weatherman” is taken is from their album “Clumsy Knot” – which was released in April, 2014 The band teamed up for a second time with Ben Cowie and Alan Cameron from

To coincide with the launch of the video, Randolph’s Leap have put early-bird tickets on sale for the third instalment of their semi-regular music and comedy event ‘I Can’t Dance To This Music’, taking place at the CCA, Glasgow on Sat, March 21.

30

GENN

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Eris

Aries

(21 March - 20 April)

Libra

(24 Sep - 23 Oct)

A collection of planets in Sagittarius suits you down to the ground. Or rather it will do so, if you indulge a number of your creative impulses, rather than sticking to the chores you imagine you ought to be dealing with first.

Sometimes your interests are advanced and you draw nearer to your goals, by taking a more relaxed approach and having some fun on the way. It is clear that the existing order and probably those who uphold it, could be a lot more agreeably disposed towards your future plans than they are looking at the moment.

The arrival of Mercury in Sagittarius makes for a hectic week, especially from Friday onwards. You can expect to be busy with telephone calls and texts, letters and emails depending on your preference. If you have siblings you’ll see them playing a more prominent role; while your neighbours and neighbourhood affairs require plenty of your energy and attention. You may find yourself busy in your local area, with more journeys out and about, remaining relatively close to home throughout and concerned with events there.

Taurus

Scorpio

(21 April - 21 May)

A gathering of planets in a region of the sky that relates to shared resources, puts the focus on what you hold in common with others, both from a material and less tangible point of view.

You are weighing up and considering how a set of criteria you believe to be unassailable, measure up and match what people close to you value and in particular, where any discrepancy exists. In these cases, you are in turn, trying to decide how much this really bothers you.

Gemini

(22 May - 21 June)

(24 Oct - 22 Nov)

As Saturn draws towards the end of its stay in your sign, consider what the past couple of years have taught you.

Then rather than bemoaning all the difficulties there have been, consider how you can apply these insights going forward, seeing as your options have been turned right on their head.

Certainly, life looks simpler nowadays.

You see fewer possibilities, have a smaller social circle and have less open to you. But being thrown back on your own devices has caused you to eliminate the unnecessary detritus from your orbit

Sagittarius

(23 Nov - 21 Dec)

The constellation of Gemini gets its name from its two brightest stars, which even to the casual observer, stand out as an obvious couple in the night sky. Gemini was originally the Latin word for twins and legend has it, the main constituent stars of this celestial duo were called Castor and Pollux, after twin brothers who could not bear to be parted even in death.

So although you are sociable and famously love to mix and mingle, your other half always maintains a special place in your affections.

On occasions, you’ve wondered whether you were evil in some past life and if that is what you’re paying for these days. Yet have you forgotten all those years when the celestial undercurrents flowed unerringly in your favour, while mere mortals stood by with their mouths hanging open, staggered at your good fortune and dazzled by your success? Your reputation as the luckiest sign has not altered in the interim, but the universe dishes out exceptional luck more or less proportionately and now it is somebody else’s turn.

Cancer

Capricorn

(22 June - 23 July)

The cosmos draws your attention to your psychological and physical well-being. These are more closely connected than many imagine, since it is hard to stay happy and optimistic when you are generally under par. The stars this week don’t imply ill-health particularly, actually pointing to the opposite, since they speak about maintaining good health habits. To balance work, relaxation and sleep more equally is one priority, while running on the correct fuel goes hand in hand with it.

Leo

(24 July - 23 Aug)

(22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Next week Mars leaves your sign, while Pluto remains right through until its eventual departure in 2024. These are powerful planets and place a great deal of energy at your disposal, but if you don’t deploy this consciously or make an effort to utilise it, you could discover it is pushing you around instead. Envy, jealousy, power struggles, along with issues of control and dominance are all part of the potential fallout from this planetary combination. Keeping active and busy helps you utilise the mixture in a positive way, providing you remain willing to work towards it.

Aquarius

(21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Those born under your sign are usually fond of children and animals, since you’re delighted to form the radiant centre of their universe and to have them totally depending on you.

Raising a family and helping to mould the latent adult personalities of your offspring, is one of the most creative acts that most people attempt, since it’s all about bringing your vision to bear in the outside world. And there are many other ways that you can express your creative potential: such as painting a picture, writing a song or rearing animals, to name just a few.

Mars enters your sign early in December.

Then you’ll find it is easier to accomplish your objectives and what is more, others will start to notice what you are doing too.

But you remain in a phase of preparation up until this point, where these trends help you with putting systems into place and sorting out the essential details, that might otherwise trip you up later. Being more in the public eye is a double-edged sword in any case. You’ll get results and more appreciation for all you have achieved but equally, must expect to spend time and energy, dealing with issues that you wouldn’t have needed to tackle otherwise.

Virgo

Pisces

(24 Aug - 23 Sep)

An emphasis on your domestic interests sets the tone for some time to come. This is not a light-hearted trend and will require a number of tough decisions, but it is a genuinely constructive augury that in the end puts you on a better footing heading forwards. The process begins gently, so take a few moments to ponder whether your home and family situation has scope for improvement. Perhaps where you’re living needs redecoration, refurbishment or repair? Maybe there are existing issues within your family you are not keen to address?

Just a Thought VALUE YOURSELF - YOU’RE UNIQUE WE are all unique in our own little ways.

Why don’t people just think of the qualities they have rather than bashing ourselves and degrading ourselves to an all time low?

It is very easy to get out of context and insult ourselves.

I have seen that happen in so many ways.

Bad days can be extremely overpowering sometimes.

When we’re having a bad day, everything feels wrong and the day seems to get even worse as we sink further into frustration and despair.

By the end of the day, all we want to do is pull the covers up over our heads and block it all out.

Clawing your way out of a depressive phase, is a daily challenge to keep yourself from falling back into that phase again.

You must to go through a process of re-building self-esteem and re-evaluating your life.

But some days when not very successful with these things and the negative thoughts that then stay for so long will interfere again.

It feels like climbing up and over a steep hill and every time you let a negative or discouraging thought sink in, your foot slips and you roll all the way back down to the bottom of the hill and have to start all over again.

On the bad days, you feel like it will never end and that you will always be unhappy.

To achieve mental balance, you have to make a habit of reminding yourself of a few important things that I think we all tend to forget, especial-

ly when there is a black cloud looming over our heads.

1. Do not lose sight of what truly matters. Does that clogged sink signify the end of the world?

Are you going to remember or even care that the stranger you smiled at in the coffee shop didn’t smile back?

When we’re having a bad day, we seem to zoom in on petty things and complain about them.

Next time you’re pulling your hair out over something, ask yourself if it really matters.

2. It is okay to be alone or pull back from the world.

Sometimes we just need to step back and re-evaluate a situation, a relationship, or just life in general.

When I went through my healing period, I spent a lot of time alone as I tried to become my own best friend again.

If you need to go into hiding for a while and work on stitching yourself back up, take the time to do that.

It is so important to pull back and spend quality time with yourself every now and then.

3. You are not always in control. You cannot predict when certain things will or should happen, or how everything will turn out.

Sometimes you just have to stop pushing and let go.

4. What other people think is irrelevant.

I was a miserable slave to the opinions of others.

It got to a point where I was trying so hard to please everyone but myself.

Don’t let your immediate reaction to criticism be to change

The Genn Crossword

whatever it is you’re being criticized for.

Do whatever feels right to you, regardless of what other people have to say about it.

5. Don’t give up.

If you’re fighting for something that means a lot to you, do not stop fighting whenever you happen to fall short.

Remember why you are fighting for it.

6. You don’t have to know all the answers.

No one ever has life all figured out.

We are always learning and growing.

Life itself is a mystery and it’s okay to feel clueless sometimes.

7. You are enough.

All of us have had times in our lives where we have thought, “I’m not smart enough or pretty enough or strong enough or exciting enough to do _____.”

Give yourself a chance instead of forming limiting beliefs.

8. Stay present.

Try not to dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Take everything one day at a time.

9. Your feelings will not kill you. I know that heartbreak, grief, depression, or resentment might make you feel like you’re dead and breathing, but you have the strength to get through whatever life throws at you.

Hold on and see yourself through it.

10. You are human.

This is probably the biggest reminder of them all.

You will make mistakes.

You will hurt other people and other people will hurt you.

You won’t always feel happy and positive.

CHECK FOR ANSWERS ON PAGE 33

Across

1. Gallantry (7) 5. Subsequently (5) 8. Extreme happiness (5) 9. Considered unlikely (7) 10. Pills (7) 11. Paragon (5) 12. Gaped (6) 14. Concurs (6) 17. Proverb (5) 19. Recite (7) 22. Feed (7) 23. Water lily (5) 24. Frock (5) 25. Use again after processing (7)

Down (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

A gathering of planets in Sagittarius stimulates your hunger for achievement and thirst for recognition.

Who would have thought such a modest and retiring character would get the bit between their teeth like this, especially when you were so busy and preoccupied beforehand, along with your financial situation looking up and down to say the least. But your eyes have been opened to a range of opportunities you’d never thought about before, or hadn’t considered even vaguely within your grasp.

Next time you feel the urge to beat yourself up over any of these things, remind yourself that you are an imperfect human being instead.

So readers, I am going to give you a mini assignment, and I want this assignment to benefit you and your life.

You are not doing this for me, or for anybody else, you are doing it for you.

Now, I want you to take out a paper and a pen or pencil or whatever and I want you to write 10 things great and special about you, then it is totally up to you if you want to share it with me or keep it confidential to yourself.

Now that paper that you wrote those 10 good things about you, post them somewhere visible in your room, kitchen, fridge door, wherever you are mostly in your home and keep reading them, then use those good things in your life.

I guarantee you, that your life will change, and if you say you do not have anything to write or good to say about yourself, that is a huge lie.

You are lying to yourself, and you do not want to do that.

So the moral of this story is you are special and you are someone who has good qualities.

There is no due date on the assignment. take your time, spare time for you and you will see. It works wonders.

SO REPEAT AFTER ME — I AM SPECIAL, I AM CAPABLE, I AM UNIQUE LIKE NO OTHER, I LOVE MYSELF, AND I WILL NOT PUT MYSELF DOWN AGAIN!

1. Established custom (5) 2. Arc of refracted light (7) 3. Publish (5) 4. Humble (6) 5. Risible (7) 6. Heading (5) 7. Conundrums (7) 12. Hankered (7) 13. Foes (7) 15. Flexible (7) 16. Fix firmly (6) 18. Angle less than 90 degrees (5) 20. Something that has survived the past (5) 21. Follow (5)

GENN

Your News

editor@thegenn.co.uk

0141 552 9977

TOLLCROSS YMCA AT THE HOUSE OF LORDS

YOUNG people from Tollcross YMCA visited an event at the House of Lords, Westminster, and London on the 8th of December 2014.

Three local young people from Tollcross were recognised

31

for their role as IT Champions part of the Microsoft Youth Hubs programme, run by UK Youth.

As part of a UK-wide network of 65 Hubs working to help young people develop dig-

ital skills. Michael Corrigan aged 17, Nicole McCurry aged 18 and Abbey Kimmins aged 20 supported, inspired and trained their peers, along with other members of the community to gain and develop digital skills.

LOCAL GIRL GETS ROLE IN PANTO AT THE PAVILION

Across the hubs network, local IT Champions are trained in peer education, and take the lead in the planning and delivery of their Hub, as well as acting as ambassadors for the project.

Community day at Salon 1873 SALON 1873 on Maryhill Road held an afternoon of complimentary cut and blow drys , nails and waxing.

The clients came from the wider Maryhill community and were nominated by Michelle, the manager of the drop in centre Jumping Jacks on Maryhill Road .

The stylists @#TS1873 were delighted to makeover these gorgeous ladies.

They all looked and felt amazing .

Angela Wilson said “ a massive thank you girls for my and Kitty’s hair , I was blown away by all of your kindness today !

I LOVE my hair !”

A great afternoon was had

by ALL and #TS1873 would like to wish all the the girls and their families as well as their clients old and new an awesome Christmas and a peaceful 2015

TWELVE year old Whitehill Secondary pupil Macy Lavery has landed a part in this year’s Tresure Island pantomine alongside Stephen Purdon and Johnny Mac at the Pavilion theatre, Glasgow.

Macy is a fun loving girl who has been dancing since the age of

6 and has attended Robert Hamilton’s Dancepoint and absolutely loves it.

Her hobbies are gymnastics and skateboarding.

Like most twelve year olds she loves sports and she is hugely grateful for every opportunity she is given.

Send in your news story and pics to share to editor@thegenn.co.uk

32

Investing in energy efficiency needs to be national priority

RESPONDING to the latest fuel poverty statistics released this week by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said that now is the time for substantial investment in the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes.

The SFHA is calling for investment in energy efficiency to be increased in order to cut fuel bills and provide warm, affordable homes across the country.

The statistics reveal a 4% rise in fuel poverty across Scotland.

This means that almost 40% of households in Scotland now find themselves in fuel poverty, which the SFHA said was an unacceptable amount.

Commenting on the figures, David Stewart, SFHA Policy Manager, said: “These figures show that fuel poverty is at crisis levels in Scotland, and more must be done to provide warm, affordable homes.

Too many households cannot afford to heat their homes, and they face a choice between heating their homes or eating this winter.

“While housing associations and co-operatives lead on energy efficiency in Scotland, with the most energy efficient homes in the country, rising fuel prices mean that more needs to be done to insulate tenants against fuel poverty.”

“On the whole, housing associations have invested in measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation and in fitting central heating systems.

What now needs to be tackled are the more expensive to treat properties, such as multi-storey buildings that require solid wall insulation, or properties that are off the gas network which would benefit from renewable heating such as biomass boilers or air source heat pumps.

“While there are examples of housing association schemes that tackle these issues, the

WEST of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has two specialist teams who can help their tenants with any financial worries the have this Christmas.

The Welfare Rights Team are on hand to make sure tenants are receiving benefits they are entitled to and they are very successful in obtaining backdates of a range of benefits.

The Team can help you with: • Applying for benefits • Submitting appeals •Support through Welfare Reform •And any benefit question An example of how the team have helped a WSHA tenant: The team supported a couple, where

funding is not available to roll them out nationwide, something which is desperately needed.

A recent study found that fuel poverty in the Hebrides runs at 71%, so investment in rural, off-gas areas is vital.

With energy prices expected to continue to rise in the coming years, we need to future proof our homes and insulate Scotland from fuel poverty and its negative impact on health.

Mr Stewart concluded: “We have an opportunity to address the scourge of fuel poverty by prioritising investment in the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes.

We know that investing in retrofit schemes cuts fuel bills, helps to address climate change and creates jobs and apprenticeships.

We are, therefore, calling on the Scottish Government to make investment in the energy efficiency of existing homes a national infrastructure priority.

one suffered from ill health.

Claims were made for Personal Independence Payment, Pension Credit and Carers Allowance.

All these were successful.

It has resulted in an increase in weekly income of £172.25 with backdates of £2432.

The award of Personal Independence Payment removed the non-dependent charge applied to this couple’s Housing Benefit for their adult son.

This increased rebate to full with no rent to pay, with a backdated payment of £1665.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland, the Financial Wellbeing

GENN

Wheatley’s housing associations help bring Christmas cheer to older tenants THOUSANDS of older tenants in some of Scotland’s most deprived communities are to receive extra help from their housing association this Christmas.

Almost 8000 tenants of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), Cube and West Lothian Housing Partnership who are over 70 will receive £40 of food vouchers.

Tenants from the landlords’ sheltered housing complexes will also receive the vouchers.

All three housing associations are part of Wheatley Group.

The voucher scheme will provide vital help to older people who are struggling to make ends meet.

It’s one of the ways Wheatley Group is helping older tenants at this time of year.

The Group’s WinterReady campaign is also helping thou-

Team at WSHA, provides advice and support to tenants relating to their money and energy.

Since the service started in May 2014 the team have saved WSHA tenants over £10,000 by stopping charges, applying for grants and writing off debts.

Tenants who have used the service have saved on average £90 per month - that’s over £1000 per year!

The service provides one to one support to any WSHA tenant. The team can: •Assist with action from creditors including demanding letters or court action • Help budget your money • Find cheaper deals on affordable credit • And any other financial advice The team also provides tailored energy advice to tenants including: • Assistance to lower fuel bills and to write off fuel related debts • Support to understand meters and meter readings •Help reduce energy use •Many other energy related matters What WSHA tenants have said

Your housing information page

sands of older tenants cope with freezing weather and winter hardship.

The campaign includes a home check for over 60s and disabled people where a plumber visits and checks out the central heating, pipes and draught prevention.

GHA Chair Gordon Sloan said: “This can be a particularly difficult time of year for many older people.

We are determined to do all we can to help them prepare for the worst effects of winter and to have the best festive period possible.”

Cube Chair Liz Ruine said: “Getting a home check carried out is a great way to have peace of mind that you’re ready for the worst winter brings you and I know the voucher will also be a big help to many older people who are really struggling.”

about the Financial Wellbeing Service: “The advisor helped sort the debt.

Now I’ve had no more hassle from the gas company” “You’ve taken a weight off my mind” “The advisors that came to my house could not have been more helpful or polite” “I’m trying to live within my means… the tips and pointers have helped me.”

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “Wheatley Group is to be congratulated for this initiative and their ongoing campaign to help vulnerable older tenants right across the Central Belt.

“At this time of year, when the winter weather can cause severe hardship for older people living in our communities, it is important they receive as much help as possible to stay safe and warm.”

Over 70s who are eligible for the vouchers, which can be redeemed at a local supermarket, are being contacted by their housing association to arrange delivery of the gift.

Tenants of GHA, Cube or WLHP who are over 60 or disabled and who want a home check visit, should speak to their housing officer or call 0800 479 7979.

“You managed to sort out in two weeks what I’ve been trying to do for two years” “Very pleased with the response and service plans set up for me.”

If you are a WSHA tenant and would like to speak to either of the teams then get in touch with Welfare Rights on 0141 550 5662 or the Financial Wellbeing Team on 0141 550 5642.

33

GENN

Political Forum

Dr. Don’s View ON 2nd December, I attended Lord Smith of Kelvin’s report to the ‘The Devolution of Further Powers Committee’ at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

In view of the importance of this report, I was surprised to find that ‘The Genn’ was the only newspaper in attendance.

In answering questions from the committee, Lord Smith went to great lengths to describe his report as a ‘Cross Party Agreement’, but when quizzed on how he handled the short time he was allocated, his disturbing answer was that the committee ”had avoided controversial issues to meet the deadline.”

That gives the proposals a slightly superficial look in my eyes.

The deafening silence from Cameron, Clegg and Miliband on the proposals speaks volumes, and leads me to believe they are not taking this report seriously.

We already have an example in that the Department of Work and Pensions have decided to ignore the recommendations of the Smith Commission to devolve the work programme to Scotland, an act described by Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham as “breathtaking arrogance”.

The same day I attended the ‘What’s Next for Scotland’ debate on the proposals emanating from the Smith Commission.

The consensus from the 7 speakers I listened to was that the implementation of the Smith report is fraught with difficulties; it will get bogged down in debate, and is unlikely to see the light of day in its present form.

That fits with my suspicion that this is part of Cameron’s cunning plan.

He assigned the further devolution powers to be bashed around in a committee, be it a Scottish committee, knowing it would be a shadow of itself when it emerged.

In short, the Smith report has a likeness to a Shakespearian play, a good script, but no guidance on how to implement it.

If full income tax powers are not devolved to Holyrood, Westminster would retain control over income from various sources including savings, dividends , capital gains, national insurance, North sea oil revenues and corporation tax etc.

This would give Westminster control of over 60% of Holyrood’s budget, a long way short of Gordon Brown’s ‘home rule’.

The hastily cobbled together ‘vow’, and the subsequent Smith Commission, have essentially snatched defeat from the jaws of a unionist victory is so much as they have combined to push Westminster into a corner from which increased devolution for Scotland

will now equal demands for English votes for English MPs, and that’s not counting demands from Plaid Cymru and the Ulster Unionists.

That sounds like the death rattle of the union to me.

However, be that as it may, the need now is for Scottish voters to focus on the forthcoming general election in May and to decide who to send to Westminster.

The Rochester by election has now been analysed, chewed over, and the effects have been publically minimised by Labour and the Conservatives to save face.

However, behind closed doors, both main parties realise that the political Teutonic plates have not only shifted, but without major adjustments to policies and maybe leadership, there is now a chasm into which each, or both, may fall into in May next year.

Whereas, the smaller parties could only prepare for a supporting role at Westminster, there is now a MacMillanish ‘wind of change’ blowing through the corridors of power, one which may give voice to the hitherto silent minority.

It won’t be the Monster Raving Looney Party either; it will be the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and the Ulster Unionists.

If David was frustrated with having to carry the Lib Dems into a coalition, any party which forms the next Government is likely to be swamped with myriad demands from not only smaller parties, but possibly alliances of common interests.

If David Cameron does not provide bold measures to address the two main topics which have leveraged UKIP into Westminster, immigration and the domination of the EU, he will simply not achieve the majority he will need for new term in Office.

He cannot rely on Ed Miliband’s lack of a fundamental optimism of character to inspire his party or followers.

He cannot depend on the Labour Party’s forecast of a mantra of misery to attract converts, and he cannot depend on economic jargon to win votes except from the Conservative faithful.

He has to come up with dynamic, solid measures, not to be implemented at some distant date, but to be implemented now, before May. He has already had to give up on the immigration figures, the cap on bank bonuses, the EU debt, and the timetable for the deficit reduction.

David Cameron’s latest big and bold immigration benefits proposals, for which we can thank UKIP , could only come into effect after May 2015, and only if he is re-elected, and only if he can convince his

CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across

1. Heroism 5. After 8. Bliss 9. Doubted 10. Tablets 11. Ideal 12. Yawned 14. Agrees 17. Adage 19. Narrate 22. Nourish 23. Lotus 24. Dress 25. Recycle

Down

1. Habit 2. Rainbow 3. Issue 4. Modest 5. Amusing 6. Title 7. Riddles 12. Yearned 13. Enemies 15. Elastic 16. Anchor 18. Acute 20. Relic 21. Ensue

your Member of the Scottish Parliament

EU partners to support him.

These utterances are simply a clumsy attempt to undermine UKIP, and have no substance whatsoever.

In short, don’t hold your breath.

By the time any of these proposals get near the statute book, another 200,000+ EU migrants will have arrived which, according to Cameron’s speech on the 28th November, will be claiming up to £700 per month in benefits.

If he wants to be re-elected, he needs to implement these measures before the General Election in May. The Labour party on the other hand, and its ‘Branch Office’ in Scotland, have their own problems and need to have an introspective look at themselves.

They need to decide who they are, what they stand for, and to rewrite the script.

They need a bandwagon, and they need to look no further than Scotland for an example of how to stimulate popular political enthusiasm, which in turn, generated an energetic optimism for change.

This is singularly missing both in their leader, and the party.

They will also have to keep a tight rein on the likes of Jim Murphy, the unelected candidate for the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party, who has yet to be elected an MSP, but is already issuing policy statements.

On a final note, my advice would be to ‘ca canny’ and ignore tabloid headlines which state “New Powers coming to Scotland.”

What the Smith Commission have presented are proposals.

They have still to be read and voted on at Westminster, and already there is a negative head of steam being readied in opposition.

It is not a done deal by any shape or form; be prepared for amendments.

It’s now in the hands of what Robert Burns would call ‘a parcel of rogues’.

Watch this space.

Dr Don

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Bob Doris MSP For Glasgow Region [SNP]

Contact Bob Doris MSP

Constituency office: 3rd Floor, Empire House 131 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2RX FOLLOWING the independence referendum, and the last-minute “Vow” by the three main Unionist parties that “extensive new powers” would be devolved, the UK Government set up the Smith Commission to determine what would be offered.

The Commission reported at the end of November.

Although I believe that the full powers of independence are required to achieve social justice and equality, it’s important for the SNP to seek consensus to achieve the best settlement for Scotland.

We therefore sent representatives to the Smith Commission in good faith. Regrettably, the UK parties have not been prepared to deliver the powerhouse parliament which was promised.

I will try to be positive first.

The Commission has recommended that Scotland have control over some areas of welfare.

There is long-overdue commitment to giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote.

The agreement also states that “nothing in this report prevents Scotland becoming an in-

0141 353 0784 bob.doris.msp@scottish.parliament.uk www.bobdoris.org twitter.com/GlasgowMSP facebook.com/bob.doris.msp

The cost of this advert has been met from parliamentary resources dependent country in the future should the people of Scotland so choose” – it’s good to see the calls by some Labour politicians for independence to be constitutionally banned have been rejected!

However, Westminster will still control 70% of all tax-raising powers, with aspects of income tax remaining reserved to Westminster, such as the personal allowance.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment for the 57% who voted Yes in north Glasgow is that almost all job creating and welfare powers will remain reserved: only 15% of the budget will be controlled by Scotland.

Universal Credit, Income Support, Working Tax Credit and the Minimum Wage will all being decided by MPs in London.

Control of this would have allowed Scotland to design its own welfare system to tackle in-work poverty.

According to internal reports, much more was going to be devolved until the last minute, but was dropped under Tory pressure.

I want additional powers to significantly improve the lives of the people I represent.

The No parties have failed on that front.

In other news, the Scottish Government unveiled its legislative programme for the next year.

There were a number of welcome measures in this, including the long-awaited introduction of free school meals for all school pupils, which will come into effect in January.

The Government is also continuing its programme of expanding childcare, with the aim of universal provision for all two- three- and four-year-olds by 2020, and there are important measures on youth unemployment – particularly among women – and the rights of carers.

These are all important efforts to counteract the increasing commitment of the Westminster parties to shifting the burden of austerity onto the most vulnerable.

It is just a pity we have to constantly fight to row back the stream of cuts, rather than being able to stem them at source.

WE WANT YOU

GENN CLASSIFIEDS WHY SPEND £65 ON 5000 LEAFLETS? THE GENN OFFERS 18000 DISTRIBUTION, 35000 READERS FROM £50, LET THE PUBLIC KNOW YOUR SERVICES

MAN WITH VAN! OUR CUSTOMERS NEED YOU! ADVERTISE HERE PLUMBERS! OUR CUSTOMERS NEED YOU! ADVERTISE HERE

34

GENN

FINNART SPEAKERS NIGHT

FINNART Speakers Night line-up (from left) - Jamie McGowan, Jim Leishman, Phil Blair, Willie Young, Stuart McKechnie, and John “Toby” Flannigan.

FINNART coach Jamie McGowan has revealed the success behind a Speakers Night linked to their 35th anniversary.

Former Dunfermline Athletic boss Jim Leishman and ex-Grade One referee Willie Young helped keep a packed audience entertained at the Shettleston Juniors Club.

A host of raffle prizes were donated by various sources - including Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Scotland internationalist James McArthur, and

Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Said Jamie: “The Speakers were top-class, and the meal was lovely.

“Jim Leishman spoke a lot about his early days and was very funny.

He carried out some audience participation, too, which was good.

“Willie Young told stories about the game, but also recent current affairs and lawyers tales.”

Finnart conducted a 50/50 fund-raising sheet, which

raised £200 for the winner, who immediately donated half back to the club’s Under-15 team.

A great gesture.

Among the raffle prize winners were: Wayne Rooney top - Mr Jordan Marr.

Signed Scotland football Cheryl Watson.

Signed Nottingham Forest shirt - Mr Willie Woodburn.

David Marshall and Allan McGregor gloves - Mr Mark Ainslie.

Drinks Hamper - Mr Chris Watson.

TRANS WORLD SCOTTISH CUP

TRANS World Soccer Scottish Youth F.A. Under-21 Cup, SECOND ROUND replaysGlasgow University 2, Pollok 1 Juvs 1. after extra-time; Vale of Leven 2, Eastwood 4 after extra-time; Bonnyrigg 3, Castlemilk 0; Rossvale 4, Bishopton 2; Port Glasgow 6, Inverkeithing 0.

THIRD ROUND: St Mirren 6, Bridgend 0; Sauchie 10, Albion Rovers 5; Wishaw W Wands 6, Newcraighall 2; St Peters Giffnock North 5, Leith

3; Bonnyton 0, Harmony Row 2; Happylands 1, Maryhill Juniors 2; Blackburn United 4, Glasgow Uni 1; Tranent 4, Broomhill 4; Campsie Black Watch (holders) 1, Rossvale 1 ; Tower Hearts 1, Port Glasgow 1; Eastwood 2, Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 21s 1, Baillieston Juniors 4; East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1, West Park United 3; Westfield 4, Dumbarton United 1; East Kilbride 3, Bonnyrigg Rose F.C. 2; St Andrews 2, Antonine 7.

Replays - Broomhill 0, Tranent 1; Rossvale 5, Campsie Black Watch (holders) 1; Port Glasgow 0, Tower Hearts 2.

FOURTH Round - Harmony Row 2, Sauchie 1; Maryhill Juniors 2, Rossvale 2; Baillieston Juniors 3, Tranent Juniors 1; St Mirren 4, East Kilbride F.C. 2; Blackburn 2, West Park United 2; Eastwood 0, Antonine 4; Wishaw W Wands 7, Westfield 2; St Peters Giffnock North 6, Tower Hearts 3.

GENN SPORT FEEDBACK Hi Tom, The inclusion of the club (Garrowhill) photographs have been great.

Our members have been delighted to see the photos in the GENN. Thanks again.

Phil Porter, Garrowhill Bowling Club, Douglas Drive, Baillieston.

Editor’s Reply: “It is a pleasure Phil.

Our thanks goes to you for

taking superb presentation photographs and making them available to this newspaper.

Only serves to enhance and improve the quality of our Sports Pages.”

Hi Tom, I thank you on behalf of myself, President Alex Gray and all at Shettleston Bowling Club for the coverage you gave our club in Issue 141 regarding the

comprehensive listing of our prize winners for season 2014.

Keep up the good coverage you give to bowls within the East End of Glasgow. Long may it continue. Kind Regards, Ian Colligan, Shettleston Bowling Club, Culrain Street, Shettleston.

Editor’s Reply: “We are delighted the coverage has been welcomed by everyone at your club.”

AROUND THE GREENS

BLOOMING LOVELY...some of the excellent and dedicated work being carried out by the “Garden Gnomes” at Garrowhill Bowling Club.

GARROWHILL Bowling Club have rightly been praised over recent years for the excellent condition of two greens and surrounding flower displays at their trim Douglas Drive location, writes JACK HIGH. I can now reveal the credit should be directed at volunteer members – the “Garden Gnomes” - who spend countless hours and no shortage of skills tackling hundreds of jobs.

Greens Convenor Donald McCallum, who links-up his duties with the club’s main contractor, is Foreman of the Garden Gnomes, and last night he exclusively revealed how the idea was born.

Said Donald: “I asked for volunteers to do work when they had any spare time.

“In total, 12 people have apppeared at various times.

For example, we could have half-a-dozen one morning, and more the following

day - it all depends on whenever people are available.

“We spend 90 minutes each day tackling important work like weeding, trimming grass around the green edges, creating flower displays, hanging baskets, painting fences and cutting hedges when needed.

“The guys have power-blasted slabs to keep them looking smart and tidy, and also took on a major project in building a large concrete platform - right from the first stage of shuttering - where we can now hose down and clean grass cutting machines.

“Everyone got on so well with each other that it was suggested we should organise a game of bowls between us and play for a trophy, which depicts a Garden Gnome lying on a hammock.

That’s where we get our name from!

“I went to a shop at Parkhead Forge and bought black

beads to look like bowls, and a white one for the jack.

When Garrowhill officials heard about this they insisted on paying for the trophy, and also bought lapel badges, which we all wear with great pride.

“I personally want to thank everyone who is involved for their dedication to our cause in making Garrowhill Bowling Club among the best in Scotland.”

GENN Sport is also delighted to reveal the names of the “Garden Gnomes” squad - Donald McCallum, Chris Barnes, Bob Wylie, Tam McCudden, Jim Morrison, Peter Barclay, Hugh McCafferty, Neil Muldoon, Gordon Smith, Iain McLachlan, Alastair Telfer, Davie Main and John Tinney, who are ably assisted by Property Director Bert Gordon.

Well done, gentleman, and thanks for sharing your story with our readers.

WINTER CARPET BOWLS

EASTERN CARPET BOWLS LEAGUE. WEEK FIVE - Whitevale 3, Mount Vernon 3 (22-16); North British 5, Springboig 1 (30-13); Sandyhills 4, Garrowhill 2 (23-21).

WEEK SIX - Mount Vernon 4, Garrowhill 2 (27-13); Whitevale 4, Sandyhills 2 (28-19); Springboig 4, Shettleston 2 (2315).

WEEK SEVEN - Sandyhills 0, North British (10-23); Whitevale 4, Shettleston 2 (20-11); Springboig 5, Mount Vernon 1 (20-12).

WEEK EIGHT - North Brit-

ish 2, Garrowhill 4 (17-22); Shettleston 6, Sandyhills 0 (47-5); Springboig 4, Whitevale 2 (1918).

FIXTURES: WEEK NINE - Mount Vernon

v North British; Garrowhill v Shettleston; Sandyhills v Springboig.

WEEK TEN - Shettleston v Mount Vernon; Springboig v Garrowhill; Whitevale v North British.

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Shettleston

21

14

0

7

174

96

28

North British

21

11

2

8

148

133

24

Garrowhill

21

11

1

9

172

128

23

Whitevale

21

9

2

10

133

154

20

Springboig

21

8

3

10

116

148

19

Mount Vernon

18

8

2

8

110

114

18

Sandyhills

21

6

0

15

104

104

12

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...

CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

35

GENN

CLUB NEWS...FEATURES...MATCH ACTION REPORTS SPECIAL...CALL 0141 552 9977 or email: sport@thegenn.co.uk

LSK SUPPLIES WEST YOUTHS Only Sport League Cup, Second Round - Broomhill 1, Renfrewshire Thistle 4.

Birdston Kennels League Cup, First Round – Victoria F.C. 2, Pollok 3.

Second Round - Campsie Black Watch 0, Bonnyton Thistle 2; Steins 1, Rossvale 3; Sauchie 0, Goldenhill 3.

Only Sport Golden Goals Cup, First Round - Wishaw W Wands 1, Rutherglen Glencairn 4.

Birdston Kennels Glasgow Cup, First Round- Giffnock Soccer Centre 2, Castlemilk 1; St Andrews 1, Westfield 3.

Second Round - Albion Rovers 4, Broomhill 2.; Gleniffer 3, Renfrewshire Thistle 5; Bridgend 2, Rosebank 2 (2-4 on pens); Dunipace 0, Barrhead Arthurlie 1.

LSK Supplies West of Scotland Cup, First Round- Anto-

nine 4, Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 2; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 2, Erskine 1; Baillieston Juniors 6, Westfield Colts 1.

Second Round - Johnstone Burgh 3, Broomhill 0.

Only Sport League Cup, First Round - Calderhill 4, Dumbarton United 2.

Second Round - Bishopton 8, Milngavie 1; Bridgend 2, West Park 8; Maryhill Juniors 4, Holytown Colts 4 (3-4 on pens).

Premier Division - East Kilbride Rolls Royce 1, St Peters Giffnock North 0; Campsie 2, Ea st Kilbride Rolls Royce 1; Goldenhill 5, Baillieston Juniors 3; Harmony Row 0, Johnstone Burgh 4; Bonnyton 0, Steins 0; Antonine 2, Campsie 0; Eat Kilbride Rolls Royce 2, Rossvale 4; Glencairn 2, Harmony Row 0.

First Division - Kirkie Rob

Roy Juvs 1, Glasgow University 2; Vale of Leven 1, Victoria F.C. 3; Kirkie Rob Roy 21s, 2, Claremont 1; Glasgow University 3, Vale of Leven 0; Claremont 7, Arsenal 2; East Kilbride F.C. 0, Pollok 4; Sauchie 7, Kirkie Rob Roy Juvs 0; Vale of Leven 2, EKFC 3; Wishaw W Wands 3, Eastwood 0; Glasgow University 4, Claremont 2; Pollok 3, Kirkie Rob Roy 21s 0.

Second Division - Barrhead Arthurlie 1, Albion Rovers 5; Castlemilk 5, Barrhead Arthurlie 0; West Park 2, Albion Rovers 0; Calderhill 3, Bishopton 4; St Mirren 7, Castlemilk 1.

Third Division - Rosebank 1, St Andrews 3; Milngavie 0, Bridgend United 3; Giffnock 5, Renfrewshire Thistle 4; Rosebank 2, Crookston 4; Dumbarton 0, Crookston 3; St Andrews 0, Milngavie 5.

LADY DARLING LATEST

First Round - Edinburgh United 0, Erskine YFC 1; Arsenal 1, Giffnock 4; Vale of Leven 1, Penicuik 2; Arthurlie folded v Broxburn Ath ; Victoria F.C. 8, Crookston 0; Steins 3,v Goldenhill 3 (1-4 on pens); Claremont 3, Inverkeithing Hillfield 4; Rosebank United 0, Rutherglen Glencairn 7; Johnstone Burgh 2,

Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Juvs 1; Redhall Star 0, Bishopton Juniors 1; Milngavie 0, Pollok 4; Murieston 1, Barrhead Arthurlie 0; Gleniffer Thistle 4, Knightsridge Vennie 0; Dunipace Juniors 4, Castlemilk 2, Holytown Colts 4, Renfrewshire Thistle 2; Musselburgh 2, Tynecastle F.C. 0.

Second Round - Golden-

hill 2, Rutherglen Glencairn 2 (2-3 on pens); Inverkeithing 1, Johnstone Burgh 2 after extra-time; Dunipace Juniors 0, Gleniffer Thistle 1; Giffnock Soccer Centre Bye; Pollok 2, Bishopton Juniors 3; Musselburgh Windsor 2, Holytown Colts 1; Erskine 2, Victoria F.C. 6; Murieston 0, Penicuik 4.

FOCUS ON AMATEUR FOOTBALL

BELLGROVE A.F.C. advanced into the Fourth Round of the Fosters Scottish Sunday Trophy with a comprehensive 6-2 win over Crown Inn. Edinburgh High School was the venue for an unbeaten Salveson ending the hopes

of HAGHILL A.F.C., who lost 1-0.

Employing a long-ball game, Salveson scored in 23 minutes.

Haghill went close through William Stewart (twice) Brian Eaglesham, and James Smith, who hit the post.

In the last minute, Stewart’s great free kick was kept out by a brilliant save.

FIFTH Round of the Sunday Trophy is due on January 11, 2015.

Haghill A.F.C. have been handed a new kit by Milnbank Housing Association.

GENN SPORT INSIDE TRACK

JUNIOR FIXTURES: Saturday, December 3.

New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup - Petershill v Rossvale; Cumbernauld United v Glasgow Perthshire; Shettleston v Maybole; Shotts Bon Accord v Vale of Clyde.

First Division - Ashfield v Renfrew; Carluke Rovers v Maryhill.

Second Division - St Roch v Newmains.

Saturday, December 20. Su-

per Premier - Petershill v Kilbirnie.

Super First - Shettleston v Irvine Vics.

District First - Benburb v Maryhill; Lesmahagow v Ashfield; Vale of Clyde v Bellshill.

District Second – Glasgow Perthshire v East Kilbride; Johnstone Burgh v St Roch.

On the last Saturday of the year, December 27, league games are: Clydebank v Petershill; Shettleston v Cumbernauld; St

Anthony v Maryhill; Ashfield v Blantyre Vics; Vale of Clyde v Lanark; Vale of Leven v St Roch; Glasgow Perthshire v Royal Albert.

FINNART Under-15 have been paired away to Houston in the First Round of the SYFA West Region Cup, which is supported by the Sports Council for Glasgow.

UNDER-19 games: Bonnyton v South Camlachie; St Cadocs v Ashfield F.C.; Easthall F.C. v Mosspark.

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MATCH ACTION REPORTS

SHETTLESTON 1, NEILSTON JUNIORS 0.

TOWN can look forward to a Scottish Junior Cup tie next month.

McIntosh hit the only goal of their Third Round clash at Greenfield Park.

The Fourth Round draw has paired Shettleston against Clydebank at Holm Park, on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Kick-off 1.45pm.

ST ANDREWS UNITED 6, ST ROCH 2.

CANDY Rock bowed out of the national tournament at Recreation Park.

Paddy Deane put United ahead, but Paul Roan equalised before the break.

Deane produced a rapid three fire (now four goals) within 10 minutes of the second half.

Thomas McCluskey hit the second St Roch goal, but Ryan McInnes restored St Andrews threegoal advantage.

Barry Sibanda netted a late penalty kick, which followed two red cards being produced.

WHITLETTS VICS 4, PETERSHILL 3.

FRIENDLY to mark Whitletts’ 70th anniversary - and they got off to a great start at Dam Park, Ayr. Jim Wilson scored after 7 minutes. Trialist equalised four minutes later.

Tony Balfour sent over a free kick after 18 minutes and Lee Holland headed past Danny McLeay.

Vics failed to clear a corner (42 mins), and Trialist scored again.

Straight from the re-start, Wilson cut-back a precise pass for Balfour to net.

Newman equalised for Petershill eight minutes from time, but the birthday boys were far from finished.

Michael O’Connor went on a solo run from well out, avoided tackles and cracked a great 16 yarder past substitute goalkeeper Stevie McNeil.

FINNART 4, SEAFAR VILLA BLUE 1.

FINNART Under-16s ended the Cumbernauld team’s unbeaten record at Glasgow Green.

With regulars Jay Wallace and Kyle Campbell not on the pitch after the Bridgeton boys were awarded a penalty, up stepped Dermot Maguire to miss from 12 yards!

Fisher put Finnart ahead.

A great corner kick delivery from John Murphy was flicked on by Ryan Martin and Luke Kelly swept home his 10th goal of the season.

Substitute Shaun McCourt ran past his marker and placed a low shot into the net.

Seafar hit back with a well-taken strike, but Man of the Match David Fisher raced clear and netted his 9th counter this term.

FINNART 2003, 0, WOLVES 4.

FINNART defending not at it’s best.

Man of the Match - Kevin Calder.

FINNART 3, KILBOWIE 4.

FINNART had led 3-1 through Nathan Steele, Liam McLaughlin and Harvey Mullen.

Man of the Match - Ryan Cadder.

FINNART 1, HAMPDEN 6.

BETTER team won on the day.

Man of the Match - Greg McClus-

key.

FINNART 2004 squad secured a 2-2 draw with GSC Blacks, and beat Moorlands 2-1.

GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 0, FORTH WANDERERS 2.

GOALS from Jamie Lindsay and James Corbett.

VALE OF CLYDE beat ASHFIELD 1-0 at Saracen Park.

WELLHOUSE A.F.C. 0, HARESTANES 0 after extra-time.

HARES eventually won this Cinema Cup Third Round encounter 3-1 on penalty kicks at Greenfield.

One of the best 0-0 draws you will ever witness.

Both goalkeepers were in top form throughout two hours of football.

CAMBUSBARRON 3, BROOMHOUSE F.C. 1.

TWO goals behind and down to ten men at half-time, things looked black for the East End team.

However, a better second half saw new signing Chris McLaughlin slot home a free kick on the hour mark.

By now the visitors were clearly on top, but an 85th minute sucker punch earned Cambusbarron full points.

FINNART 2, DRUMSAGARD 1.

MAN of the Match Persley Sojila was superb at the back for the unbeaten Under-15 league leaders.

Drumsagard scored with a header, but Jack McIlveen finished off Kalvin Rooney’s through pass (1-1).

Finnart’s battling qualities - not to mention superior fitness - finally told.

Glasgow Green erupted when a Kenneth Crampsie header was fumbled and Eoghan Kenny bagged their winning goal!

LENZIE YOUTH CLUB 3, WOLVES B.C. 4.

DESPITE the tight-looking scoreline, Wolves were always in control of the Regional Cup Second Round match.

Lenzie moved in from following a soft penalty kick award.

Brandon Fallon scored twice in reply before Lenzie equalised before the interval oranges.

Second half, Stephen Harley hit a brace to demonstrate the quality of Wolves’ outfield play.

Despite another Lenzie counter, the East End boys fully deserved their place in the Third Round ballot.

Team Sponsor - Impulse Dental Laboratory (Shettleston).

FINNART 2003, 0, CASTLEMILK 2.

MAN of the Match - M McLaughlin.

FINNART 0, DRUMSAGARD 2.

GOOD, even game against excellent opposition.

Man of the Match - J Lyon.

FINNART 2, HILLWOOD 1. NOT as close as the final score suggests.

Goals from Luke Devlin and Jay Murray.

The 2003s also lost to Hamilton (no score).

Man of the Match - R Cadder.

EAST KILBRIDE GOLD 1, FINNART 3.

UNDER-16 Regional Cup Second Round.

A new midfield partnership of Man of the Match Dom Reynolds

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and Kian O’Neil were eager to get forward from the kick-off but the breakthrough came at the other end of the park.

Danny Butler sliced a clearance past his own goalkeeper, Ross Fisher.

David Fraser equalised with a free kick.

After half-time Ryan Martin followed up to net a Dom Reynolds shot which came back off the post.

Reynolds struck No 3 to kill off Gold.

PETERSHILL 2, BEITH 0.

GOALS from Richie Burke and Mark Lamont to end a run of defeats.

GLASGOW PERTHSHIRE 2, VALE OF LEVEN 2.

LAST-minute penalty for Vale.

Cameron and Munro scored for ‘Shire.

Cowan netted the other Leven goal.

ST ANTHONY 5, ASHFIELD 0.

TEN-man ‘Field conceded goals to Gonzalez, Crawford, Docherty, McEwan and Duncan.

POSTAL UNITED A.F.C. 2, RATTRAY’S XI 0.

FOSTERS Scottish Amateur Cup. David Graham and James Smith with the vital goals.

BROOMHOUSE A.F.C. 4, LARKHALL UNITED 2.

DOUBLE from David Omozik, David Quinn and Darryl McKernan in a 20-minute spell knocked the stuffing out of United, who replied twice in the last 10 minutes.

FINNART 2, DRUMCHAPEL 3.

UNBEATEN in 13 months, Finnart Under-15s were a huge disappointment at Glasgow Green.

Trailing 3-0, Finnart replied through Jack McIlveen and Josh McEwan.

Man of the Match - Persley Sojila.

SALVESEN 1, HAGHILL A.F.C. 0.

A 23rd minute goal put Haghill out of the Fosters Scottish Sunday Trophy.

ROLLING BARREL 2, HAGHILL A.F.C. 3.

MASSIVE win at Bellshill. Richard Perriss (2) and Marc Murphy.

HAGHILL A.F.C. 5, REAL ALBION 4.

DESPITE producing their worst display this season, ‘Hill claimed the points.

Richard Perriss (3) and William Stewart (2).

JERVISTON 1, HAGHILL A.F.C. 4.

HOLYTOWN was the location against a good Jerviston team.

Richard Perriss (2), James Smith and Calvin Scolin.

HAGHILL A.F.C. 16, REAL ALBION 5.

LEAGUE CUP. Goals from Gary McDougall (3), Calvin Scolin (2), James Smith (2), Richard Perriss (2), William Stewart (2), James Simpson, Martin Fox, Graham King, Craig Davis and Derek Stevenson.

HAGHILL A.F.C. 4, EAST END A.F.C. 0.

CONDITIONS far from ideal at Lochend School, but another good league win. Richard Perriss (2), Calvin Scolin and substitute Gary McDougall.

GENN Glasgow East and North News

GENN

SPORTS EDITOR TOM SCOTT WISHES ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS

STAR AND GOWDIE REACH CUP FINAL

FINNART Star and Goldenhill (Clydebank) are through to the Scottish Amateur Football League’s Centenary Cup final.

New signing and Man of the Match, Willie McArthur, led the Bridgeton team to an emphatic 5-1 victory against Motherwell Thistle.

Goldenhill beat Hillington 3-1 in the second semi-final.

Finnart could not have asked for a better start against a battling ‘Well team at Jock Stein Parks, Blantyre.

Jason McArthur found space in behind the Thistle defence and released a fierce shot.

Goalkeeper Aiton could only parry the ball, and Ben Mills made no mistake.

Motherwell struggled to contain the Bridgeton club in these early stages, but they gradually recovered, and Bert McMaster held off a challenge from Andrew Blair before drilling the equaliser past Brian Paton.

Blair appeared to have sustained badly damaged ankle ligaments in his attempt to stop McMaster scoring, and was im-

mediately substituted.

Further exchanges were fairly even until the 40th minute, when Finnart struck a triple body blow.

Gareth May finished off a great move down the right, and the same player made it 3-1 two minutes later.

Motherwell were on the receiving end again. Robertson’s well-worked corner kick from the right saw Phil Blair made no mistake at the near post before the half-time whistle sounded.

Now trailing 4-1, hard-working strikers Bert McMaster and Colin Giles, who were behind most of Motherwell’s attacking moves, really faced an uphill task.

The situation became worse after 67 minutes.

Jason McArthur danced his way past three defenders and calmly drilled the ball beyond Aiton to complete Finnart’s nap-hand.

Meanwhile, Goldenhill and Hillington served up a thrilling clash for the right to meet the East End club

FINNART STAR A.F.C, pictured wearing their new pink kit in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, crushed Motherwell Thistle 5-1 in the Centenary Cup Semi-Final at Blantyre.

Damon Gray gave Gowdie an early lead. A brilliant Duncan McLaughlin solo run and finish

saw Clydebank take a fully deserved 2-0 interval advantage.

Hillington were fired up on

PLAYERS WANTED YOUNG VOLUNTEER

GOALKEEPERS at Boys’ Club, Amateur or Junior Football level for specialist winter coaching sessions under floodlights at New Petershill Park. To pre-register,please call 07403452960.

POSTAL United A.F.C. seeking an experienced goalkeeper. Call 07808295854.

RANGERS SABC seek players born 2003. Phone 07946216066.

SHETTLESTON Ladies F.C. require players aged 16 plus. Call 07799885217.

SUNDAY Central A.F.L. require players or clubs to enter competitive Over-35 League.

Games to be played every second Friday. Call 07760995912.

CELTIC B.C. looking for new players, including a goalkeeper, in a squad which has moved into 11-a-side football.

Games on a Sunday morning. Contact 07432479135.

PARTICK Thistle Ladies are recruiting players for all positions.Call 0141 579 1971.

NEW Amateur football seeking players for Sunday football. Contact 07984743106.

PETERSHILL B.C. 2001 require players (all positions).

Call 07595947196.

ARSENAL B.C. Under-21 require an experienced goalkeeper for Saturday afternoon football.

Call Davie Cartwright on 07508695785.

SHUT-DOWN

SMALL-sided games for local boys’ club teams will shut-down

over Christmas and New Year at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

GLASGOW Girls F.C. Under-13 coach Caroline Wilson has been named Best Young

Sports Volunteer by the Sports Council for Glasgow chiefs.

FESTIVE DRAW GARROWHILL Bowling Club will host their Christ-

mas Draw on Friday, December 19 (9pm).

PRESENTATIONS BUDHILL Football Academy are holding two Christmas Presentation Nights at Fullarton Park Suite, Tollcross Road.

The Wee Buddy’s (from

2006-2009) will go ahead on December 17.

Twenty-four hours later, it is the turn of age groups 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

GAMES WANTED GLASGOW Girls F.C. Development Squad need friendlies

up to February, 2015.

Contact 07791116196.

the resumption, and Stuart Ashton reduced the leeway.

Any hope of a comeback were

dashed after Campbell Hamilton’s well-taken header hit the back of the net.

LEAGUE TITLES GLASGOW Girls F.C. have won league championships

at Under-12 and Under-13 level.

GOALIE CALL-UP FINNART Boys’ Club Under-16 goalkeeper Ross Fisher has been named in the Scottish

Youth Football Association National Development Squad for the second consecutive season.

JUNIOR BANS TWO junior clubs were hit by player-bans last month.

Vale of Clyde goalkeeper and captain Jon Connolly was hit

with a three-game suspension, while Daniel Boyle (Shettleston) landed a two-match ban.

POSTPONED

WEST of Scotland Under-21 League officials have postponed their normal monthly meeting due in

December.

Notification of a January date will be made available as soon as possible.

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