West End Life #55 Dec/Jan 2019/20

SHAKE IT OFF GET YOUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND

HOGMANAY

GO OUT OR STAY IN, WE LOVE IT

PANTO TIME! A LAD IN MARYHILL WEL55_01.indd 3

DEC JAN 2019/20

#55 27/11/2019 09:22:16

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ON THE FRONT A Lad in Maryhill cast (GMPhoto)

LISA SANDERSON Advertising Sales lisa@westendlife.biz

ENTS.

CONT

08 SANTA CLAUS FOR PAWS & CLAWS 11 CHILL OUT THIS CHRISTMAS 14 FASHION: GET FESTIVE 19 HERE’S TO US THIS HOGMANY 23 SHAKE IT OFF 27 NEW YEAR QUOTES 27 THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION 28 GARDENS: WINTER WORK

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

hat is not to love about a panto? It should be enshrined in the rights of all Scottish children that they get taken to - and perform in at least one - pantomime.

The first time you take a child into a theatre you get as much fun watching the kids as you do the show as they react to all the colour, lights and fun.

Brendon McIlroy is directing A Lad in Maryhill, a very Glasgow take on the panto story in a production with West End Festival and Halo Arts at Maryhill Community Central Halls.

The idea is that high quality, professional panto not only belongs in the city centre but in your local community – Oh yes it does!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at West End Life.

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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27/11/2019 09:31:03

I haven’t felt this good in 20 years!

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ohn, who has just celebrated his 90th birthday, said this to me a few months ago. John got in touch with me because he was having difficulty with general aches and pains, and he was finding it harder to stay independent and look after himself.

John was finding that his aches and pains were making him unsteady on his feet and he was worried that he would fall.

Like many people, John had ‘tried different things’ in the past that hadn’t really helped. He felt that he wasn’t getting the support he needed to keep as independent as he wanted to be. He told me that he ‘was worried about losing his ability to look after myself ’.

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27/11/2019 09:33:09

Looking good at Iris Blue Optical

I

ris Blue Optical owners Morven Campbell, optometrist, in charge of clinical eye care and Evelyn Fawbert, in charge of eye wear, decided it was time to set up their own independent practice at Broomhill Cross. Evelyn explains ‘We have worked together for many years but we both wanted to provide eye care services with a personal touch, a warm, friendly, stylish space where customers feel valued and receive individual service’.

With enhanced eye exams and a bespoke range of glasses and frames, high quality lenses and a wide range of contact lens options, they are becoming the local go-to optical boutique.

‘We have had a good start and we thank our customers for that! This part of Crow Road is full of independent shops and people appreciate the personal touch,’ said Morven.

Iris Blue offers additional, enhanced retinal scans both 3D OCT imaging and stunning ultra-widefield images with Optomap.

‘These additional scans allow us to see more and ultimately protect your eyes and health,’ said Morven.

‘The usual photo of the eye reveals 15 per cent of the retina but Optomap shows us up to 82 per cent.

This helps early detection of problems and better management of eye health.’

Morven stresses the importance of starting young.

‘It’s so important that children’s eyes are cared for, when they turn 2 it’s a good time to bring them along for a fun eye test tailored to their needs. Our eyes develop from birth to age 8, it’s essential to pick up any issues long before then.’

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‘There is a huge area of research into children and short-sightedness. The short-sighted eye is more fragile and prone to damage. The usual pattern of deterioration with age can be slowed down, lowering the risk of damage later in life. Come and speak to us about this, especially if you are a short-sighted parent’ ‘As an adult often the first time you experience an issue with your eyes is in your 40s, when reading becomes more difficult. There are lots of solutions and there are contact lenses, both daily and monthly that can solve this!’

Iris Blue offers a full range of contact lenses, including daily and monthly options.

Iris Blue sells a curated range of frames sourced by Evelyn’s expertise from boutique designers in Spain, Italy, Holland, Scandinavia and more.

SEEING GREEN

Does your optician recycle old contact lenses?

Iris Blue does, as well as packaging, along with old glasses for Vision Aid Overseas. They also sell frames made of entirely recycled materials.

@irisblueoptical 7

27/11/2019 09:33:58

SANTA CLAUS FOR PAWS & CLAWS Our pets love a pressie just as much as we do!

W

have more competitive prices at Christmas time. e all know someone who looks like their A young pup and older, less active dog will pet; the serious, portly old uncle who owns a basset hound; the princess cousin looking appreciate a warm coat for our cold, wet winters.

Leggings prevent snow and ice matting on longer down her nose like her Siamese cat and the wee kid haired dogs’ legs and mud splatter brother with braces who used to can contain salt and grit which can keep gerbils.

GETTING A BIT NOSY! cause eczema. New things for us at And so we buy our pets pressies The human nose has Christmas help mark the occasion at Christmas. about 5 million olfactory and so do new collars and leads.

People who don’t have pets receptors; a cat 80 million As for pet treats? Come on, be don’t get it but we all know that and dogs as many as 300 honest here – you love your pets the non-human family members million. In a dog’s brain more than certain members of love to receive gifts just as much as the area interpreting the your family and if that unpleasant, we do - be it a trip to the groomer, incoming information grumpy person is being given a box new furniture, clothes, accessories is 40 times larger than of chocs we are going to make sure or toys. ours... so don’t leave any our cat, dog, budgie, rabbit or pony We like a spa day, and so do food treats under the is going to get something they our dogs. This is not silly papering; Christmas tree! enjoy too! good grooming is essential. A well-groomed, clean, unmatted coat Toys are important as boredom busters for pets and the best keeps all kind of minor ailments designs mimic natural activities. and problems away and so does professional nail And most important of all it is fun and isn’t that clipping for cats, dogs and small mammals. what Christmas and Hogmanay are all about?

A new pet bed or bedding for Christmas? It makes sense because the stores widen their selection and often 8

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27/11/2019 09:35:43

Chill out this Christmas Keep it simple, keep it local and your Yule will be cool

C

hristmas is a time when you relax and enjoy your home and your family and if not, then you seriously need to reconsider what you are doing and cut out all the pressure.

So chill out a little, appreciate your family and friends and let’s get an attitude of gratitude going.

For advice on how to stop getting all hot and

bothered we would like to point out that the West End is one of the best places in Glasgow to find privately-owned shops and services with people who are passionate about what they sell and offer.

You are spoilt for choice here in Broomhill, Woodlands Road, Byres Road, and the iconic lanes plus Hyndland, Milngarvie and Bearsden to name a few.

SHOP LOCALLY – YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE Instantly lift a huge weight off your shoulders by shopping locally and avoiding the city centre’s epic queues. You will also avoid big crowds – another stress maker.

Never forget the West End card, a Mastercard-based gift card which can be used in more than 60 businesses here.

TAKE YOUR TIME Shopping locally means more of your time can be spent shopping. This means you can stop for coffee or afternoon tea or lunch and really make a day’s Christmas shopping a memorable event especially when you consider the incredible choice here in the West End.

KEEP IT SIMPLE When they are grown, with kids of their own, your children will remember very little about the stuff they were bought but they will remember their experiences.

When it comes to present buying remember to buy memories too. Think going to the panto or cinema or to try a new experience like a trip to a spa for a manicure, a smart haircut, or a taster session for a new sport, dance, exercise or musical instrument.

LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE FOOD Either decide to go out for your Christmas dinner or remember to divide by three: cook in advance, cook on the day and buy in.

We have some fantastic local artisan food and drink producers and specialist shops – they are your secret weapon!

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Spend it in over 60 shops, restaurants, bars, and other businesses on Byres Road & the Lanes. Buy yours on Byres Road at Papyrus and online at visitwestendcard.com

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27/11/2019 09:37:43

THE

STYLE FILES

by Marilyn Thompson

Welcome to Winter – dressing in style during the Festive Season

T

here’s a lot going on at this time of year - from Christmas shopping trips and catch up lunches with friends to office parties and theatre outings.

Then, there are the numerous family get togethers and of course the big day itself!

Dressing well for each and every festive occasion doesn’t need to be challenging. When it comes to dressing successfully, it really does pay to put quality over quantity, investing in the best quality clothes and accessories possible.

Doing this helps in many ways, and probably the most important but least mentioned, is in the slowing down of the relentless fast fashion market (more on that another time).

Additionally, clothes last for longer and there is the undeniably special feeling that comes with wearing more luxurious items.

DRESSING IN STYLE OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON WHAT DO WE REALLY NEED?

Let’s start with outerwear - a classic, well cut coat in long lasting durable wool is a must have and when teamed with a stylish scarf, leather gloves and low heeled boots, that’s already a winning look suitable for every occasion.

For everyday wear, a few high quality key items are needed. A luxe cashmere sweater layered over a stunning silk blouse, perhaps in a sumptuous jewel colour and finished off with a well fitting pair of jeans.

This kind of outfit will keep you warm and looking the part, while allowing you to dash around in comfort and style.

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A party outfit is probably required - perhaps for your works night out, cocktails, a fancy dinner or maybe even a New Year extravaganza.

Whatever the social occasions filling your calendar, you have the chance here to make a real style statement.

With no better time than Christmas to wear red, why not take the opportunity to dazzle in a glamorous racy red dress. Not feeling quite so adventurous? - you can still make an entrance with the classic LBD (little black dress) either with or without sparkles. For a slightly more relaxed party outfit you could try elegant wide legged trousers and a glamorous silky top, accessorised with a show stopping statement necklace.

At home while decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, preparing mountains of food and so much more, you’re going to need some comfy though still stylish loungewear.

Cashmere lounge wear is the ultimate in sophistication and elegance - think relaxed, belted cable knit cardigans and well cut, easy to wear bottoms.

However, given the eye watering price tags, perhaps more purse friendly (and machine washable) substitutes might be for the best.

Finally, on a cold winters night, there’s nothing better than a pair of thick, brushed cotton, tartan PJ’s.

They have got to be the perfect way to cosy up at Christmas and you could maybe even go wild and add a pair of luxurious cashmere socks!

Seasons Greetings.

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27/11/2019 09:38:30

THE

TEEN

STYLE FILES TIME TO PARTY! Shimmy and shine this Christmastime There’s no better time than at Christmas to wear the glitziest, sparkliest, most glamorous dress ever!

Shine bright this festive season by choosing a shimmering eye catching outfit and prepare to dance the night away in style FASHION & BEAUTY NOTES

Pucker up with a glamorous red lip. There’s no need to spend a lot as you’ll get a decent lipstick for around £7

ACCESSORIES Finish off your crowning glory with a fabulous glitzy hair accessory like this pretty jewelled one from Primark £6

GADGET Are you on the Naughty or the Nice list?

Help yourself decide with this cool mug.

Wilco £2

DO’S & DONT’S:

PARTY SHOES

• DO make sure you can • DON’T have too high walk in them. a heel.

• DON’T have a huge • DO add comfort gel platform. patches.

• DO pop a pair of flats in your bag.

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27/11/2019 09:39:00

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27/11/2019 09:40:48

HERE’S TO US THIS HOGMANAY!

H

ogmany is the big one; historically Christmas Day played second fiddle to New Year celebrations in Scotland.

Many people today forget Christmas Day did not become a public holiday in Scotland until 1958.

New Year’s Eve is when Scotland shows the world how to throw a party, whether you are all dressed up in your finery, wrapped up warm for a street event or celebrating at home with family and friends.

There is always something very special about ‘the bells’ when midnight chimes across Glasgow.

Traditionally all the ships’ horns and sirens sounded on the Clyde and echoed around the city; listen out to hear if you can catch the few that are left today.

Scotland gave the world THE song to celebrate the New Year. Many attribute Auld Lang Syne song to Robert Burns, but he said he ‘collected’ it from an old man and added to the lyrics.

We also have culinary traditions in the west of Scotland of a butcher shop-bought steak pie for New Year’s Day dinner and also black bun.

The ‘bun’ is spiced, dried fruit mix wrapped in pastry and made in a loaf tin or shape, almost like an enormous mince pie but with a far higher ratio of fruit to pastry. It should be made in advance to ‘mature’.

HOW ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN HOGMANAY TRADITIONS?

If your Hogmanay is being spent at home, why not get into the ‘auld lang syne’ and search out old family photos to show the latest generation.

Tell them all about great grandparents, uncles and aunties now long gone.

A year is a long time when you are wee so why not get your younger children to make a ‘time capsule’ to open next Hogmanay? Put in drawings, a small toy, a photo of them now or anything that captures their imagination.

If they are older, get them to write letters to ‘older me’ to open on New Year’s Day in five or 10 years’ time or on their 18th birthdays.

The best thing about the West End is that we have so many great bars, eateries and venues. Many are so popular that tickets are needed on New Year’s Eve. Make sure you book well in advance!

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12/11/2019 12:12 27/11/2019 09:45:27

SHAKE IT OFF! Are you regretting over indulging?

Y

ou had one too many mince pies and went a bit too heavy on the turkey and trimmings and now you are paying for it.

Feeling a little bloated and jaded are we? Well there is only one thing to do - go outside and shake it off.

Wrap yourself up warm, get those wellies or hiking boots on and get out there!

You could try a leisurely stroll around the Botanic Gardens if you do not want to be too strenuous.

The paths around the River Kelvin are always popular, or the Kelvin Walkway’s 10 miles between Glasgow to Milngavie.

At Mugdock Park, Milngarvie, you can pick and mix the trails depending how long you want your walk to be, plus bikes to rent.

Milgarvie also has the start of the West Highland Way . . . if you are feeling really energetic.

A walk on a cold, crisp, bright day in a urban setting can be magic, perhaps stopping off for coffee or hot chocolate somewhere along the route. Remember that

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this is supposed to be an antidote to too much food, so go easy on the cake.

You could get on your bikes, especially if you get a new one for Christmas.

REMEMBER:

• Dress in layers – you will be surprised how quickly you will warm up but also how quickly you will cool down if you stop to chat or take a photo • The right footwear – is it a day for hiking boots, wellies or shoes with a good grip on the soles • Can you be seen – if it starts to get dark before you reach home remember to take reflective strips or a pocket torch.

If you don’t want to leave home you can catch up on winter jobs in the garden – see Keiran’s advice on page 28.

23

27/11/2019 09:47:13

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West End open now

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£10 off next booking 61 Ruthven Lane, Glasgow, G12 9BG

•This offer is valid in Chaakoo West End only • Valid until 31st January 2020, Mon - Thu all day, Fri/sat/ Sun from 12-3 – exclusion period wed 18th Dec – 3rd January 2020 • Available only with the A La Carte menu ( NOT valid with the Lunch Menu ) • To qualify your bill must be £30 before the discount is applied • Your table MUST be booked on line, Bookable via this unique link: bit.ly/Chaakoo10Off • One voucher per booking • Not valid with any other promotion or discounted offer •

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Happy New Year

and you can quote me on this!

Impress people with your wit and erudition - memorise a couple of these, and lob them into the conversation during Hogmanay An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.

A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

- BILL VAUGHAN

New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.

It takes only one drink to get me drunk.

The trouble is, I can’t remember if it’s the thirteenth or the fourteenth.

- GEORGE BURNS

- MARK TWAIN

Love makes the world go round? Not at all.

Whisky makes it go round twice as fast.

- COMPTON MACKENZIE

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The Glorious Revolution

I

f you want to know why and how you voted in the General Election on Thursday December 12, go along to the Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Historical Association’s talk that evening at Hillhead Library.

The talk is by DR Ian McIntyre on ‘The Glorious Revolution 1688-89’.

His theme is the Glorious Revolution from a Scottish perspective. He is giving this talk in response to requests after his earlier talk to the branch on Darien and the evening will feature some of his newest research.

This throws light on the Revolution of 1689, when politics and religion were not separate and we still live with the consequences.

Admission is free, the members always make people very welcome and the talk begins at 5.30pm.

For further information, contact the Secretary: gwsbhistoricalassociation@gmail.com 27

27/11/2019 09:49:20

WINTER GARDENING

INSIDE & OUT T

he run up to Christmas and the New Year is a quiet time in the garden.

That is just as well, given how the weather has been over October and November.

As much as I enjoy the festive season, the winter solstice is always noted in my diary on December 22 as it represents the darkest the day of the winter and, therefore; the days will slowly begin to get longer after the solstice.

It is of little importance, I grant you, but is a psychological milestone for someone who craves the long evenings of summer.

If you feel the need to do something in the garden, or just to escape the house on a nicer day, there are always odd jobs to catch up on.

Make sure all debris from storms and high winds has been removed from lawns, beds and paths.

Gutters are always an issue if you have surrounding trees. I am not a fan of ladders and if that applies to you, I recommend getting prices for someone to come in and do it for you.

There are plenty of commercial gardeners who are happy to perform odd jobs at this time of year and will supply a quotation to do the gutters and roofs for you. I always recommend agreeing costs and details up front.

Written quotes and copies of their liability insurance are the best way to go. Insurance is often overlooked when hiring workmen, but really is a must for anyone working at your home.

You can still plant deciduous trees and shrubs during December and good garden centres like Cardwell will still have plants available.

Deciduous plants only simply because they are more or less dormant just now.

If you have Acers ( Japanese Maple) in your garden, then you will have enjoyed the vibrant display they inevitably put on every autumn.

Any trimming or pruning of Acers should be done during December, thus avoiding the pruned limbs from ‘bleeding’ too much.

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Well established hardy perennials should be fine during the worst of the winter weather, although care should be taken in the event of snow or prolonged periods of frost.

Less hardy or newly planted young plants should be offered protection in the form of frost protection fleece. Frost protection should be wrapped around the entire plant as best as you can manage.

If you wrap the plant 3-4 times this will create air pockets between the layers that act as insulation.

String, or even elastic bands, can be used to hold it in place.

When there is a milder period you should remove the fleece to allow any condensation to be released and not promote fungal or bacterial growth. Fleece should not be left on for long periods without the plant being aired.

It is not just plants in the ground that are affected by frost, tubs and baskets can be damaged, as well. Containers can be placed on pot feet to lift them off the ground, reducing the chance of the soil itself freezing.

Winter hanging baskets can be wrapped or taken down and stored during prolonged frost, but, assuming you have winter bedding in the baskets, they should recover. Winter baskets and tubs do not require as much watering as

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summer plants and watering them prior to frost will cause more damage than them being under watered.

Away from the garden your houseplants will require less watering over winter, but they are still a great addition to any room. Basic requirements for most houseplants are some daylight and a consistent temperature. Avoid placing houseplants near outside doors and radiators.

Bathrooms are a nightmare for houseplants!

It is something our horticulturists at Cardwell are frequently asked and the simple answer is most houseplants are not suited to the changing environments of a bathroom.

The best solution is to have three to four plants that you like and rotate them from the bathroom to other rooms in the house every couple of weeks.

This gives each plant time to recover before being returned to the bathroom.

Houseplants also make great gifts at this time of year.

Of course, the usual Poinsettia, Cyclamen and Christmas Cactus are the most popular, but there are plenty of others if you fancy something a bit different.

At Cardwell, we sell a lot of planted bowls for Christmas and many of them will have prepared Hyacinths or Amaryllis to give both colour and fragrance.

Finally, please take a moment to remember our feathered friends in the garden.

It has been a bumper autumn for berries on trees, so the bird population has had a good start to winter, but that food source will soon dry up.

Prolonged cold spells and snow are when the

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birds really need our assistance. Bird foods should have a high fat content, like peanuts and suet balls. Seeds are also a good part of their diet. Bird bath water should be replaced every week or so and any ice that forms on top needs to be broken up.

May I take this opportunity to wish every one of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, from everyone at Cardwell Garden Centre.

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WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP FREE ENTR

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• Indoor Children’s Carnival & Santa’s Grotto • New Inflatable Assault Course • Selection of Decorations, Lights, Trees & More!

• Enormous range of quality gifts, candles and housewares • Licensed 300 Seater Restaurant • Breakfast with Santa

(booking required, visit our website for more info)

Top quality Scottish Grown Xmas Trees now available!

Home delivery available

Call us on: 01475 521 536 or visit: www.cardwellgardencentre.co.uk Address: Lunderston Bay, Gourock, PA19 1BB 030_WEL55.indd 30

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