FÀILTE! MÒD GHLASCHU 2019 COMES TO GLASGOW

DO YOUR HOMEWORK CASH PLANS FOR PRIVATE EDUCATION

PERFECT PARTY MAKE FESTIVE PLANS NOW WEL54_01.indd 1

OCT NOV 2019

#54 27/09/2019 10:27:25

LAST PROOF/AMEND: 16/09/19

PROOF NUMBER:

Low maintenance apartments, designed exclusively for the over 60s At McCarthy & Stone we help our homeowners to realise their retirement dreams and live life on their terms. Riverwood is a development of one and two bedroom apartments in Milngavie that offers the best of both worlds, whether that’s socialising with friends, spending time with family or relaxing in your own private space.

Features at Riverwood: Exterior maintenance completely taken care of A House Manager who looks after the development Homeowners’ lounge for socialising 24 hour call system and door camera entry Beautiful gardens maintained all year round Guest suite for family and friends*

1

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YES

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Prices from £189,000#

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Show Complex Now Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5.00pm

For more information or to book your visit Call 0800 882 1342 | Visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/riverwood *Additional charge applies. #Pricing correct at time of print and subject to availability.

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27/09/2019 10:27:51

ON THE FRONT

ENTS.

CONT Arrange the perfect party (uzhursky/Shutterstock)

LISA SANDERSON Advertising Sales lisa@westendlife.biz

10 FESTIVE PARTY PLANNING 19 FÀILTE ! MÒD GHLASCHU 2019 20 FASHION: AUTUMN TRENDS 22 FINANCING PRIVATE EDUCATION 26 HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: AUTUMN TALKS 27 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 28 GARDENS: A KNOTTY PROBLEM 19

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JOANNE SIMMS Feature Writer joanne@westendlife.biz Published by Wyvex Media

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CONTACT INFO Advertising: 07792 066706

lisa@westendlife.biz /WestEndLifeMagazine @westendlife Website Design: plbwebdesign.co.uk Graphic Design: Grant Dickie Scottish Field gdickie@scottishfield.co.uk WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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10 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Wyvex Media does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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27/09/2019 10:29:27

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27/09/2019 10:34:45

Let one property with us and let your next one free

34 Gibson Street, Glasgow G12 8NX t 0141 270 7878 f 0141 334 4385 e enquiries@cairnestateagency.com www.cairnestateagency.com T&C’s apply: 3,6,9 & 12 month contracts. Transfer fees paid subject to agreement. Lowest value let’s free. Compliant check must be agreed. HMO’s must have license.

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27/09/2019 10:36:29

Christmas Lights Switch On Sunday 1 December 12-6pm Vinicombe Street & Lanes

Join us for festive fun on Vinicombe Street, Ashton Lane, Cresswell Lane and Ruthven Lane. Our wee Christmas market begins at noon with a selection of local traders selling gifts, crafts, food and drink. Entertainment on the main stage and lanes. Switch on at 5.30pm Vinicombe Street.

Tag Visit West End #VisitWestEnd Facebook @VisitWestEndGlasgow Instagram @visit_westend Twitter.com @Visit_WestEnd

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27/09/2019 10:37:12

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27/09/2019 10:38:40

Party in plenty of time! Get your Christmas off to a cracking start by planning your Christmas party for work well in advance

F

West End of Glasgow. orget all the old, tired clichés about ‘the Might sound bit biased here, but is there anywhere Christmas works do’; those days are long gone along with all the dreadful fizzy lager, Hirondelle else in the city with such an incredible range of venues, caterers and all-round choice? wine (ask your granny) and TV sitcoms featuring World class restaurants, cuisine from around the clueless girls and lecherous older men from the world, a world of different places and prices – the West accounts department. End has it all whether the celebration is for work or a The world has changed a lot since then. Families seasonal meet-up of a large group of friends. now are made up of every achievable permutation of You are spoilt for choice but mummies, daddies, steps, grannies remember that you need to book early and papas, half or whole, ex or soon– not just the venue but the date itself. to-be ex. The best dates, Meaning now there is more deals and places get Once you have agreed upon a couple of possible dates start booking. family activity at nativity; pity the booked up quickly Do you want lunchtime or after parent who will attend five of these, so you need to act work? Straight from the office, or to from nursery through to secondary meet later? for yours, mine, ours and theirs. fast One good idea, especially if your City of Glasgow schools close at 2.30pm on Thursday, December 19; woe betides work place has a wide age range or a large number is to have a ‘layered event’. Have an informal meet the singleton who has booked the office Christmas up for drinks after work and an agreement to go on lunch, starting with some ‘gin pairings and nibbles’, for somewhere afterwards and the meal/party booking in 1.30pm that day. This is why getting organised as soon as possible the middle. That way people with family commitments or a is so important. In the run up to Christmas, people’s tight budget can pick one or all and still join in the fun. diaries start to fill up very quickly; the best bet is to use the party as an event which opens, rather than closes Why not have a visit to the theatre or a concert as the the party season. main part of the evening with drinks or food either side. But fear not, the best thing about your upcoming What ever you decide the remember West is best Christmas party is that you will be holding it in the and have a ball. 10

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WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

27/09/2019 10:41:38

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27/09/2019 10:42:15

Baby Sensory Baby Sensory provides ideas in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home WHY ATTEND ONE OF OUR AWARD-WINNING BABY SENSORY CLASSES?

• An educational, interactive and developmental programme, which will help your baby learn and develop important skills. • Every class has been carefully designed, planned and researched by Dr Lin Day with you and your baby’s needs in mind. • Classes built on your baby’s natural play-rest-play cycle to ensure they are not overstimulated. • An ideal place to meet new parents, ask questions, share ideas, experiences and memories together. • Highly trained Class Leaders who are all PVG checked. • Received the Gold Award accreditation with the Children’s Activities Association (CAA) - peace of mind for parents.

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27/09/2019 10:45:25

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27/09/2019 10:46:28

Are you unemployed and looking for work? Local support is available.

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Jobs & Business Glasgow are based in libraries and other venues across Glasgow. Our staff have the experience and knowledge to help you move into work. We work closely with employers to ensure their vacancies are made directly available to our clients. Check our current jobs here: www.jbg.org.uk/jobs Access a range of training opportunities Develop a CV and complete applications Receive interview advice and techniques Participate on paid work experience placements Be job matched with local employers and vacancies Get funding support to return to employment

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27/09/2019 10:50:18

GIFT VOUCHERS

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover provides an excellent cultural attraction and tourist destination, while being one of the city’s finest wedding and event venues. n

t: 0141 483 1600

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WINTER WEDDINGS

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GIFT SHOP

e: info@houseforanartlover.co.uk

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27/09/2019 10:51:37

FESTIVE DINING

The venue is home to the popular Art Lover’s Café, Gallery and Shop and has a full calendar of events including Festive Recitals, a Murder Mystery Dinner and Hogmanay Ceilidh. n

RECITALS

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CRAFT FAYRE

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ART CLASSES

n

Murder Mystery Dinner, Thursday 31st October, £42.50 Christmas Fayre, Sunday 24th November, FREE Festive Piano and Afternoon Tea, Sunday 8th December, £25.00 Classical Festive Recital, Sunday 15th December, £8.50 Festive Piano with Supper, Thursday 19th December, £25.00 Hogmanay Dinner Dance, Tuesday 31st December, £85.00

WEL54_16-17.indd 17

27/09/2019 10:52:03

A V I E W T H AT G R O W S W I T H Y O U Discover The Beech Collection, a range of high specification 1 & 2 bedroom apartments set amongst acres of beautiful parkland. Prices from £242,000. Enquire at Rettie & Co, Byres Road. CALA.CO.UK

Rettie & Co. | 0141 341 6000 | 115 Byres Rd, Glasgow, G11 5HW Jordanhill Park, Jordanhill, Glasgow, G13 1PP

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27/09/2019 10:52:41

FÀILTE ! Mòd Ghlaschu 2019 The Gàidhealtachd is coming to Glasgow

T

he Royal National Mòd will run from October 11-19 in Glasgow, celebrating Gaelic culture in music, song, poetry, literature, drama, Highland dancing and sport. Centred around the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Glasgow Mòd 2019 begins with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on the evening of Friday October 11. The traditional mass gathering of the Gaelic choirs, which is a spectacular, spine-tingling occasion not to be missed, brings the event to a close on the morning of Saturday October 19. ‘This great city, a UNESCO City of Music, is home to more Gaelic speakers than any other part of Scotland outside the Highlands and Islands. Glasgow is a great advocate of the Gaelic language and immensely proud to give its backing to this fantastic event,’ said Lord Provost Eva Bolander.

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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‘Gaelic has been spoken and heard in Glasgow for hundreds of years but the language began to grow with the movement of people from the Highlands and Islands who came here to live and work on the banks of the River Clyde. We’re now seeing a modern-day surge in Gaelic’s development in our communities and schools.’ The nine-day event is expected to attract 12,000 visitors and generate approximately £2.5m for the wider Glasgow economy. Donald-Iain Brown, convenor of Glasgow’s local organising committee, said: ‘It’s fantastic to be bringing the Royal National Mòd to Glasgow in October 2019. I know, Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal (the City of the Gaels) will ensure there’s a warm welcome for everyone attending whether a competitor or a spectator. ‘We’re working hard to deliver an exciting programme of events across a series of city venues. Our ambition is to stage a memorable Mod for competitors, their families and friends and wider audiences. We’re extremely proud to be showcasing our finest Gaelic talent, culture and heritage at this festival.’ Below: The Lord Provost was joined by pupils from Glendale Gaelic Primary and Glasgow Gaelic Primary schools when she accepted the flag of the Royal National Mòd for 2019.

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27/09/2019 10:55:22

THE

STYLE FILES A

utumn is upon us, the air is crisp but not yet too cold - it’s the perfect time to experiment with your personal style. From cover-all coats and cosy knitwear to feminine, yet dramatic dresses and comfy footwear, Autumn has all your fashion needs covered. It’s a transitional season, full of versatility and the best thing about it, is that you can enjoy layering up! Feeling a bit hot - no problem, whip off a layer. Feeling a bit chilly – no problem...just add an extra layer. Easy! This Autumn, there’s such an eclectic mix of colours, prints, patterns and textures, resulting in a real myriad of different styles. Let’s begin with checks- a huge trend, from small hound’s-tooth prints to large bold tartans and everything in between. Apparently, the most fashionable way to wear them is by mixing and matching different sizes and colours of checks to create a clashing but appealing look. So, for example, one style of check for your top and another for your trousers, or, like the photo, one kind of check for your dress and another for your bag! Floral prints don’t ever really go away and this Autumn/Winter is no exception. There are lots of 1940’s inspired dresses featuring dark and moody floral images. The colours are especially beautiful, in sumptuously rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire. If you’re feeling particularly fashion forward then you could cut

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by Marilyn Thompson

through all your clashing checks by adding a dramatic flower pattern. Undoubtedly, Coats are one of the best things about this time of year, however, why not switch things up this season and invest in a stylish cape. Surprisingly versatile, they compliment most outfits and just like the image shown, you can wear a cape with jeans, an argyle sweater (no longer just for on the golf course) and a pussy bow blouse to create an impressively stylish look. When it comes to accessories, there’s a few standout items worth noting, the first being the not so humble belt, quite literally, if you can put a belt on it then you should, as defined waists are a major trend. Alas, my waist disappeared some time ago, but if you are lucky enough to still have one, then now is the perfect time to show it off. Wrap a belt around, not just your trousers and dresses but also your jumpers, cardigans and coats - Très Chic! Printed tights are having a moment and you’ll be able to buy hosiery in just about every pattern imaginable, from checks, florals, stripes and polka dots to the glitzy crystal embellished variety and, if you have a spare £170 then you too could own a pair of Gucci logo tights. Finish off your new Autumnal look with a bag - small, ladylike styles still feature but also making their mark are jumbo sized holdall’s - maybe not so good for your neck and shoulders once overfilled, but just perfect for carting around all those extra Autumn layers!

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

27/09/2019 10:58:02

THE

TEEN

STYLE FILES STUDY IN STYLE! RUGBY TOPS

Perfect for Autumn, Rugby tops have that Collegiate look, but without the mud! A bit preppy, they are perfect worn oversized, either plain or with bold stripes. Wear layered with a polo neck or long sleeved top underneath and finish off with a slouchy cardigan. FASHION & BEAUTY NOTES

Keep unruly hair contained and ward off the Autumn chill with this beanie Pom Pom hat in a classic camel colour. Oliver Bonas - £18

DO’S & DONT’S:

There’s no excuse not to work hard when you can plan your study schedule with this cool desk pad. Paperchase - £7

GADGET

ACCESSORIES

Carry all your school and uni work around in this fab ‘Carpe Diem’ (Seize the Day) rucksack. River Island £25

WINTER BOOTS

• DO choose a comfy style or add a padded insole. DO choose a classic • colour that goes with everything. •

DO spend as much as • DON’T wear a high heel you can on a quality pair. to school or college. DON’T let them get • too scruffy.

YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS ANSWERED A Hi Andi, H&M Home and Primark Q Hey Holly, Home have some really nice cheap(ish) I want to make my bits and pieces. You could also try dorm room look pretty making some bunting out of images from without spending too magazines! Easy, Cheap and Chic! much - any ideas? Hx Andi x Get in touch: To learn more about The FASHION Class for teens & children, the courses, camps and Birthday parties, or to tell me what you think and ask any questions, contact: holly@thefashionclass.co.uk or thefashionclass.co.uk WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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27/09/2019 10:59:23

YOU CAN AFFORD

INDEPENDENT EDUCATION

O

ne of the biggest mistakes people make about private education is that they never consider the idea, thinking it unaffordable. They could not be more wrong. There are many possibilities; the answer is to find the perfect fit for your circumstances. One of the best things to do is consult an expert financial planner. Many families use money from pensions or remortgaging property; others consider paying school fees as a way of working within inheritance tax legislation.

School fees are paid from post-tax income and one way to help finance an independent education is via a school fee plan. This is a manageable way to pay fees and extras such as music tuition and trips, splitting the costs into regular monthly direct debits, like any other household bill. And remember: at least £349 million has been given annually in fee assistance in the independent education sector in Scotland; with just under 27 per cent of all pupils receiving some form of assistance.

GO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

‘We work in partnership for the good of children and the wider community. I am inspired by the consistent commitment that I see from independent schools. From our ancient foundations to our modern aspirations, we are dismantling the ivory tower cliché and working with our partners to build a new future where we are more appropriately seen working shoulder to shoulder with our partners. I know that independent schools care deeply about all children, wherever they are educated. It comes with the territory of being a teacher – to make a difference, to help children. We commission our students, as they leave our schools, to go and make the world a better place. We must do the same.’ - Shaun Fenton who chairs the Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference speaking at the organisation’s spring conference this year.

DIVERSITY

Scotland will host The Boarding Schools Association annual conference for head teachers next year the theme will be ‘Diversity’. The association serves and represents member boarding schools with staff training and promoting boarding education in both independent and state boarding schools. It will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre May 5 and 6. 22

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PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

The 30th anniversary Catholic Independent Schools Conference 2020 will be held in Glasgow on January 16 and 17 at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel. The theme of the conference is ‘The Pearl of Great Price’ symbolising the fullness of understanding comes through encounter with God, intellectually, morally and spiritually.

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

27/09/2019 11:03:10

OPEN EVENTS Wednesday 9 October 9.30am - 11.30pm & Tuesday 12 November 6.30pm - 8.30pm Kelvinbridge

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY KELVINBRIDGE | MILNGAVIE | NEWLANDS

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Exciting and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.

Small class sizes with specialist teachers for French, Music and PE.

First-class resources and award-winning facilities.

Come and meet our children and staff and see The Academy for yourself.

0141 342 5494 | theglasgowacademy.org.uk The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity registered in Scotland: Charity Number SC 015368

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27/09/2019 11:04:30

Have you or someone you know fallen in the last year?

A

fall can be very scary, even if it’s not left you with any serious injuries. Many people tell me that they are afraid of falling again. The fear of falling and losing your confidence can cause more problems than the fall itself. For some people it stops you from meeting up with friends and family. For others, it can make you afraid of the walk to the toilet or kitchen. ‘I know I need to keep active, but I don’t know the right things to do!’ and ‘I’m worried I make things worse by doing the wrong things!’. I hear these types of things every week. This is where getting the right support and advice from someone who specialises in helping people get better after a fall. I can help you build your confidence and support you taking back your independence from the fear of falls. DO YOU WANT TO GET BACK TO ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT RATHER THAT WORRYING ABOUT FALLING AGAIN?

Call now on 07988015190 or email me at enquiries@simpsonphysio.co.uk to book your Assessment. Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. ‘I want to book an appointment, but I struggle getting out of the house!’ No problem! I provide a Home Visit Service to all my clients, helping take the hassle out of traipsing to and from clinics.

Falls Prevention Tip Sheet A HOW-TO GUIDE TO GET YOU STARTED ON TAKING BACK CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND INDEPENDENCE

If you are like most people and just don’t know where to start, I have created a completely FREE Falls Prevention Tip Sheet. If you would like this posted out to you please e-mail me at enquiries@simpsonphysio.co.uk or call me on 07988 015190.

CALL NOW TO BOOK: 07988 015190

J. FRASER SIMPSON MSC Chartered Physiotherapist

www.simpsonphysio.co.uk HOME VISIT SERVICE 24

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WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

27/09/2019 11:08:41

2 FOR 1 TICKET OFFER Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is back at SEC, Glasgow from 21- 24 November 2019. The annual celebration of all things festive is a must for anyone looking to find everything for the perfect Christmas celebration under one roof. Save £19 with our 2 for 1 offer* and enjoy a day of festive fun. Over 350 of the UK’s finest designers, makers and boutique businesses will gather together under one roof to offer unique gifts, decorations, crafts, food and drinks, toys, fashion, accessories and inspired interior ideas, to help bring that magical Christmas sparkle to every home. Visitors can source beautiful Christmas decorations, original gifts and toys and the foodies amongst us will be delighted by the tempting range of festive treats. The perfect day out wouldn’t be complete without a glass of fizz from the The Viking Cruise Champagne Bar. Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is more than an exclusive shopping experience. There are lots of things to learn and try at two informative theatres; The Country Living Kitchen, sponsored by Stoves and The Country Living Crafting Workshops where experts will offer invaluable advice and entertaining demonstrations. Craft workshops start from £8 each.

For further information or to book tickets call 0844 209 7348 or visit www.countrylivingfair.com/ticket-prices To purchase 2 for 1 tickets for £19 simply quote promo code: 241CLGPR19 when booking online at http://www.countrylivingfair.com/ or CALL 0844 209 7348. • This offer provides 2 tickets for £19, the advanced entry cost for one adult visitor • The offer is not valid for VIP tickets or add on ticket items • No cash alternative is available • A £2.20 book fee applies per transaction • The closing date is 17 November 2019. • Calls cost 7p per minute plus network access charges

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27/09/2019 11:09:16

MAKE TIME FOR THE PAST

G

lasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Historical Association always welcomes new members to join them at their season of talks. Their fascinating monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of month at Hillhead Library, Byres Road at 5.30pm. Admission is free. For further information, contact the secretary: gwsbhistoricalassociation@gmail.com

NOVEMBER, THURSDAY 14TH ‘WHY MEN GO TO WAR’ Speaker: Carole Divall Thomas Graham was an ordinary Scottish country gentleman with a beautiful wife, whose portrait was painted by Gainsborough. She died abroad of tuberculosis and when bringing her body home for burial, her corpse was desecrated by French revolutionaries. Graham’s response was to take up arms against the French, raising his own regiment and becoming one of Wellington’s most trusted commanders.

OCTOBER, THURSDAY 10TH ‘ENVOI’ Envoi is our send off; some of us are the last generation to have known those who fought in the First World War. Members are taking it in turns to show their treasures, letters, medals, photographs Top: Embroidered postcard sent from the and memorabilia and speaking about trenches. Right: Drawing of Gainsborough’s ST - Landscape, 135mm x 97mm.pdf 1 25/01/2018 14:58 them, if they wish. portrait of The Hon Mrs Thomas Graham

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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Remembrance Sunday falls on Sunday November 10 this year. Church services and the laying of wreaths at memorials will take place across the city with the civic act of remembrance taking place, as always, at the Cenotaph in George Square. Lord Provost Eva Bolander, in her role as Lord Lieutenant, will lead the ceremony. ‘Remembrance Sunday is a day for reflection and gratitude for those who gave their lives in conflict to preserve our freedoms,’ she said. Members of the public wishing to attend and pay their respects should gather in George Square at 10.30am.

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27/09/2019 11:11:18

JAPANESE KNOTWEED Ornamental but Detrimental Now is the best time to tackle the problem

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t this time of year a common question at Cardwell Garden Centre concerns Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica), so I thought I would share some of the key points. Japanese Knotweed is classed as a ‘controlled non-native invasive species’ by the authorities. This means that there are strict controls on how it is handled. It was brought to the UK in the early 19th century, via Europe, as an ornamental plant. Due to its fast growing root system, it was also used commercially to bolster the likes of railway embankments and avoid landslips. Although hard to spot for most of the year, during late summer and autumn it becomes quite easy to spot thanks to the stems changing colour and clusters of flowers. It has elongated heart shaped leaves; its stems turn bright red in late summer/ autumn and have an abundance of small, white flowers. It almost completely dies back in winter and will grow around 2m/6 ft every season. In many ways, it is an ideal garden plant and can be pretty. However, its endearing looks are accompanied by an extremely aggressive urge to spread. The plant 28

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will not spread by seed in our climate, instead using ‘rhizomes’, like bamboo. A rhizome is essentially a root that behaves like a stem. The plant’s rhizomes grow like horizontal roots, but then surface and grow into a plant. Within a couple of years these rhizomes can spread 3m/10 ft directly down, into your soil. If you think that is bad, in the same time it could spread 7m/23ft horizontally across your garden! Left to its own devices, the knotweed will completely take over a significant area in a small amount of time, smothering most other plants in its path. While it is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed present in your garden, it is your legal responsibility to ensure it does not spread beyond your boundaries to neighbouring gardens or land. The presence of knotweed on a property can cause issues when buying or selling and mortgage lenders may not offer terms on an infested property, for fear it may cause structural damage with its root stock. So how do you get rid of it from your garden? It is possible to treat the spread of knotweed WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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with weed killers like glyphosate, but it will take at I will give you a statistic to back up the danger of least three years and it is highly unlikely that you will the spread of Japanese Knotweed. A mature plant can completely eradicate the plant from your soil. grow in three years from a piece of another knotweed You cannot cut it down without spreading it. rhizome as small as 0.7 grams or 0.025 of an ounce! A Qualified experts may remove part of the stem piece the size of a fingernail could start to germinate for treatment purposes using specialist tools and, within days and grow up to 10cm/four inches per day. importantly, are skilled at ensuring the complete Can you imagine the damage that is caused by removal of the trimmings. several kilograms of the plant being tipped illegally? You cannot dig it out by hand; it is not even Consider the chaos brought to your garden by an worth trying. untrained gardener taking a strimmer to it on the basis Even if you do any of the above, ‘he knows what he’s doing’. The the disposal of Japanese Knotweed is thing is, you may not see the damage controlled. It cannot go in any colour You cannot dig it for a year or so, by which time the of refuse bin. You cannot compost it out by hand; it is not problem will be significant. or even burn it without it spreading. October is a good time to spot even worth trying It should only be transported by a the knotweed in your garden or specialist haulier to a licensed disposal around your area in general. The site. And there are restrictions on how it must be plants will be still be tall and the stems could be red. transported, including it being in sealed packaging. There may be remnants of small, white flowers or seeds My recommendation is always to pay for a specialist still on the plant. to come in. Most of them will visit the site and provide Familiarise yourself with them just now and then a quotation for treatment. Importantly, they should you can easily spot them again in the spring. The also guarantee their treatment will be successful. This treatment for Japanese Knotweed should be carried out usually involves repeat visits to your garden to check in the growing season, so if you have some present you the knotweed has not returned. have until spring to arrange for treatment. Only licensed contractors should be used. Anyone Japanese Knotweed is not the only species of plant who tells you they can do it and does not have the that has this invasive nature and a little time spent appropriate license should be avoided. What is worse is researching at the garden centre can save a lot of that the ‘cowboys’ are the ones who will often fly tip the heartache later. remains of the knotweed illegally. WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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AUTUMN - NATURE’S TIME FOR PLANTING - ENORMOUS RANGE OF TREES, SHRUBS AND HEDGING IN STOCK - SPRING FLOWERING BULBS AVAILABLE IN STORE

WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP • Indoor Children’s Carnival & Santa’s Grotto • Pets corner and kid’s sandy play area • Selection of Decorations, Lights, FROM Trees & More! NOVEM BER • Real Christmas Trees Available Late November

Don’t miss Breakfast with Santa at Cardwell from November, see website or press for details.

Lunderston Bay, Gourock, Inverclyde, PA19 1BB 01475 521 536 www.cardwellgardencentre.co.uk WEL54_30.indd 30

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