STYLE FILES

FAB FITNESS GEAR

SPRING

BEGINS IN THE GARDEN

VISIT WEST END WORKING HARD BEHIND THE SCENES WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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CONT

10 VISIT WEST END 14 LET THEM EAT CAKE

ENTS.

ON THE FRONT

08 GET READING

16 KEEP FIT IN STYLE

Glasgow Botanic Gardens (TreasureGalore / Shutterstock)

LISA SANDERSON Advertising Sales lisa@westendlife.biz

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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20 HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 23 PROPERTY 28 ENJOY YOUR SPRING GARDEN

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id you know that originally Mother’s Day wasn’t about your mum at all? It was the day you had to return to your Mother Church, where you were baptised, and as it was church law all employers and apprentice masters had no choice but to let people go. What a cunning plan to make them give servants and workers a day off. As this was one of the few times people could go home and see their family they picked flowers along the way or brought home a gift. As centuries unfolded the event became more about celebrating mothers. So this year, on Sunday March 22 let your mum, granny or in-law know how much they are appreciated! We have plenty of inspiration for your Mothers’ Day celebration in this edition. So make that reservation for lunch, get those flowers bought and a box of chocs wrapped because, yes, they are worth it!

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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03/02/2020 12:25:36

Can I make improvements in using my hand after suffering a stroke?

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ave you or a loved one had a stroke? Are you frustrated that you aren’t able to use your affected hand as much as you would like? Would you like to try to improve your ability to use your hand and get a bit more independence back? Most of the Stroke Survivors I work with tell me how they remain frustrated that they are not as independent as they would like. They feel that if they could get better use of their hand then they would be more independent. Pretty much all stroke survivors have had specialist Neuro-Physiotherapy in the past that focused on improving your walking and balance, but very few have had the amount of support they would like to get more independent with using your hand. Does this sound like you? Or your loved one? If so, I would like to let you know that even though your stroke was a few years ago, there is still potential to make improvements and get more independent use out of your hand.

www.simpsonphysio.co.uk HOME VISIT SERVICE 4

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I have created a FREE Report for people like you Getting More Out of Your Hand and Arm Following a Stroke. To claim your FREE Report, please e-mail me at enquiries@simpsonphysio.co.uk with your name, your best contact number and your address. I’m worried because my stroke hand and arm are getting tighter as I get older and I am worried about losing my ability to use it! This is another common reason why people reach out to me, and the truth is that there are some simple ways to help keep the ability you have as you get older – some are contained in the free Tips Report. If you need more individual support from a Specialist Neuro-Physiotherapist you can book an assessment by calling me on 07988015190 or email enquiries@simpsonphysio.co.uk I look forward to hearing from you. J. FRASER SIMPSON MSC Neuro-Specialist Chartered Physiotherapist

CALL NOW TO BOOK:

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Our attention to detail, creativity and passion is demonstrated through our work and allows us to ensure your property fulfils its potential. From flats to farmhouses, we buy a wide range of property types and are proud to create dream homes in Glasgow where we live and work.

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03/02/2020 12:25:39

‘Reading for pleasure is more important than social class in determining economic and academic success.’ – UNESCO ‘A library card is one of the best gifts you can give your child.’ – GLASGOW LIFE

You are never too young to own a library card

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chools and libraries are on a mission – to generate a love of books and reading from the earliest age possible. The Scottish Book Trust says cuddling up with a book is also an excellent way for families to spend time together, develop their relationships and most importantly, have fun. Through its Bookbug scheme the trust gives every child in Scotland four, free, Bookbug Bags between birth and the age of five. Each bag contains picture books, CDs and other

The Scottish Teenage Book Prize is voted for by young people in schools and libraries across Scotland. Voting is open until February 7 and the winner will be announced on Thursday February 27.

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ONE SHOT

Tanya Landman

items suited to the child’s age, for families to enjoy together and develop a child’s love of stories, songs and rhymes. This year thestudio, Hope Street, Galsgow plays host to the Bookbug conference on Tuesday March 24. This year the theme is back to basics: celebrating songs and rhymes, exploring why they are so important and their benefits for speech and language acquisition, physical development and coordination, emotional wellbeing and attunement between adults and children.

ROK OF THE REDS

John Wagner, Alan Grant, and Dan Cornwell

STARFISH

Akemi Dawn Bowman

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

03/02/2020 12:25:41

I

It can be easy to ignore your misty windows, but failed double glazing can do a lot more than obscure your view. If condensation is forming between your window panes, it means that there are gaps in the glass that are allowing in moisture. Whether it’s due to physical damage or poor fitting, these gaps mean that heat from your home will escape – causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

not exposed to the elements and best of all you do not have to redecorate. We are talking quick, simple, minimum disruption for maximum benefit.’ Peter and his team who are locally based, are all highly-experienced window repair engineers and their visit to give you a quote will take, on average, no longer than 20 minutes.

m i T E V A S • ! y g r e n E E V A S •

‘Issues with double-glazing can be gradual Peter and his Cloudy2Clear team will also and you might only notice them on a clear replace faulty or broken locks, handles and maintained no longer than sunny day,’ said Peter Brummitt our area hinges on windows and e,doors. ag er av , working or quick ‘We are talking specialist for Cloudy2Clear windows. minutes. 20 simple, minimum ‘There is no need to buy a whole window, So make Cloudy2Clearthpart of your is clean and um ‘Once e quote ption for maxim disru the frames and all the hardware,’ said Peter. repair regimine this spring. Just visit thesitwebsite ill w e completed, w beneisfit.’ e a thbe n ai ‘There is minimal disruption; your home or call the numberdo below. Repairing will pl ex wn and your e w w ho d fracton of the price of replacing a window. The first step on an m proble urney is ter. window repair jo can fix it,’ said Pe ar le 2C dy ou Cl e th e not it ar vis e to ‘Remember w ter on lesmen! sa g website or call Pe zin double-gla iring pa Re 8. 11 21 owledge 080061 Cloudy2Clear’s kn of n io ct fra a be ip has will and workmansh acing a d Which de ar the price of repl seen us be aw s and tu sta window. er ad Trusted Tr with a our work comes e, which 25-year guarante er.’ “Cloudy2Clear ad le is an industry-

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in From their base Our d his an r te Houston, Pe rep s er engine team of trained ndl ha h ut so cover north and n w do Glasgow as far up into Peter a to Ayrshire and of ea ar h rg bu ns Cloudy the Hele d over an te Bu d also re an ll Argy 9. d Cowal an on broke no Du to in and h n io cis de Peter told us: ‘The and d g le glazin 12:25:41 to install doub03/02/2020 hich

The big BID iceberg... Visit West End works hard, mostly behind the scenes to keep the area vibrant

A

ristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, was right when he said: ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ Today we call it synergy and if you want to see this in action look no further than Visit West End. It is the public face of the Business Improvement District (BID) for the Byres Road and Lanes area. Deborah Murray, project manager, and John Turner, who chairs the organisation, have likened it to an ice berg – the general public only see the tip of what they do. Underneath there is lobbying, liaising, researching and networking – to keep the area a vibrant and prosperous place to live and work with a viable range of shops and services. The result is one of the best shopping, eating and cultural areas of the city which has become a powerful tourist magnet. In a BID businesses invest collectively in additional local projects and services to enhance their trading performance and environment.

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‘It is about trying to increase footfall and spending, and reduce costs,’ said Deborah. What the public sees is the financial support for projects such as The West End Festival, St Andrew’s Day Parade and the hosting of events such as Byres Road Fashion Show, Outdoor Cinema in the Botanics, Byres Road Book Festival and Christmas on Byres Road. Businesses benefit from an improved refuse collection thanks to the BID working with Changeworks recycling and eyebright ltd which helps organise and purchase utilities for them, saving money and time. WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

03/02/2020 12:25:45

‘We also act like a welcoming committee for new businesses and help them network.’ said Deborah. John Turner, who runs Janet & John Scottish Arts and Crafts with his wife, Janet, based in DeCourcy’s Arcade, said: ‘People do not see around 80 per cent of our work.’ Recently this has involved making sure that local business voices are heard over the design of cycle lanes which could have had major implications for parking, pedestrian flow and ease of access for disabled people. And now there is a new addition to the BID work - helping to widen the portfolio of businesses in the area by liaising with start ups and relocations and the area’s property owners as a go-between, helping to match the right business to the right premises. A bit like a match-maker or dating agency – what’s not to love in the West End? WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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One of the big success stories is The Visit West End Card, which is a Mastercard-based gift card which can be used in a network of more than 60 businesses on and around Byres Road. It works just like a shopping centre gift card but is spread across a wider area with plenty of choice. It gives local businesses a tool with which they can compete with shopping centres’ and major retailers’ gift cards.

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03/02/2020 12:25:48

Baby Sensory WHY ATTEND ONE OF OUR AWARD-WINNING BABY SENSORY CLASSES?

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Before

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• 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. Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, scents and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. We also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help you and your baby communicate from birth.

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WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

03/02/2020 12:25:51

Our Wkend Pi zzas back! i

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 February 12 noon – 9.30pm The pizza pop-up is back with two dates in February. We’re firing up the wood burning pizza oven to bring back pizza the way pizza should be - hand crafted, thin and crispy and using only the finest ingredients. Watch pizza Paul create your pizza masterpiece. Eat in or takeaway. Booking advisable to avoid disappointment.

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THE FOOD OF LOVE Whether it is vanilla ones, made by the kids for Mother’s Day, or your partner decides to rustle up romantic red velvet ones for Valentine’s day - your cup (cakes) will runneth over with love. Let’s get baking!

RED VELVET CUPCAKES

A chocolate sponge, coloured a deep red and a luxury cream cheese topping. How romantic and perfect with something fizzy and alcoholic! INGREDIENTS

For the sponge 150g plain flour 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 50g butter softened 150g caster sugar 1 large egg beaten 1 tsp vanilla paste 100ml buttermilk 50ml vegetable oil 1 tsp white wine vinegar Red colouring

METHOD

Line a cupcake tin with 12 cases. Oven on 180°C, 160°C fan, gas mark 4. Sieve the flour, cocoa, bicarb and a pinch of fine salt into bowl; and mix together well.  In a separate bowl use electric whisk to together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg, vanilla, buttermilk, oil and vinegar until combined. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dried. When combined mix in the red food colouring; different makes and varieties vary so go slowly until you have a deep red colour. Divide  between the paper cases and bake for 15 mins. Icing Beat together the butter and icing sugar until pale and fluffy. Then beat in the loosened cream cheese until well combined. When cakes are cool either pipe (star nozzle) or pile on the icing, giving it a sexy swirl.

For the cream cheese icing 100g slightly salted butter, softened 25g icing sugar 100g full fat cream cheese, beat lightly before use to smooth out

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City says it is the birthplace of the red velvet cake.

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FINISHING TOUCHES

KIDS’ CUPCAKES

The basic recipe, true and tested and sure to turn out right. The fun comes in the decorating with lots to sprinkle on or perhaps some ready-made toppers for smaller children. Supervise the bottles of food colouring, or things could get messy. INGREDIENTS

For the sponge 115g butter or margarine 115g caster sugar 2 large eggs 140g self-raising flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla essence For the icing 85g butter or margerine 225g icing sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla essence 2 tbsps milk

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METHOD

Oven on at 190°C, 170°C fan, gas mark 5; with a shelf second from the top. Put 12 cupcake cases into the holes of the tin. Place all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl and beat together with a wooden spoon, or electric mixer, until well mixed. Divide between the cupcake paper cases. Bake on the second shelf from top for 15 - 20 minutes. Cool on a wire tray. Icing Beat together the butter, icing sugar, vanilla extract and milk until light and creamy. Now is the time to add colour; mix well for solid colour or swirl through before piping or spreading over cupcakes. Unleash the children with the decorations of their choice and stand well back.

If you are the recipient of all this wonderful baking remember the ‘correct’ way to eat a cupcake is to slice the cake horizontally through the middle and flip the bottom half over onto the top of the icing making a cupcake sandwich, which keeps your fingers, top lip and tip of your nose free from icing. Whatever – just dive in, we say.

PERSONALISED CONFETTI FILLED BUBBLE BALLOON VALENTINE'S DAY gettingpersonal.co.uk

BAKE ON SIGN £10.00 The Contemporary Home www.tch.net

FLORAL CUPCAKE STICKS - BOHO

Ginger Ray www.gingerray.co.uk

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03/02/2020 12:26:06

THE

STYLE FILES

by Marilyn Thompson

It’s fashionable to be fit! Sportswear for everyday

F

ashion and Fitness make a perfect match and the name given to this hybrid is ‘Athleisure’. Defined in the dictionary as ‘casual clothing to be worn for exercising and general use’ it’s now one of the biggest influences in the fashion industry. According to Global Data statistics, the UK sportswear market is set to reach £6.7 billion by 2023 - Now, that’s a really big slice of the fashion pie! Social media is part of the reason for this huge growth in everyday casual wear. The ‘Instagram’ influencers glossy girls who post lots of photographs showing themselves sipping healthy green juices, (freshly blended of course) to displaying their spectacular, (if slightly unrealistic), yoga moves on beautiful deserted beaches - all while wearing covetable high end sportswear. This ‘lifestyle’ is the perfect

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balance between performance, aesthetics and fashion and has us all wanting to tap into it. (Disclaimer - don’t try the ultra advanced yoga poses without the assistance of a trained professional!) Seriously though, with more and more of us caring for our overall health and wellbeing, it makes perfect sense to feel comfortable and look amazing all at the same time. Whilst undoubtedly casual, the Athleisure trend still takes time and effort to successfully pull together. However, once mastered it’s a wardrobe that will then easily take you from the early morning school run to your choice of fitness class - gym, spinning, running, yoga, boxing, dancing, golf or tennis and then on to whatever else the day may bring. There’s no need to change out of these clothes - they are wear all day, look good, feel good products.

With Athleisure’s popularity soaring, it appears that most retailers want a slice of this calorie free, gluten free, sugar free, yet still delicious pie! Everyone, from top design houses like Chanel and Gucci to high street shops like M&S, Matalan, New Look and H&M all have their own ‘in house’ designers working to bring us on trend athletic clothes. While designer sportswear may be prohibitively expensive, if you are looking for something a bit different but more affordable - you could try these brands: Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, GymShark and Fabletics. All of them offer well designed, fashion forward pieces. There’s also the more traditional brands such as Nike, Under Armour, New Balance and Adidas, all of whom are forging forward with innovative developments in fabrics and construction as well as design. There’s everything from sweat wicking fabrics, which help keep your body cool, to technology which inhibits the growth of the bacteria which causes odour. There’s also lots of research and development being done on highly innovative tracking technology. Incorporated into sports and casual wear, it monitors your every breath and movement. (If you are into that kind of thing!)

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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TEEN

THE

Athleisure: Fashion & Functionality and, if you are on the go most of the day, it makes perfect sense to wear clothes and trainers which are specifically designed for actual athletes. If it’s good enough for them...

STYLE FILES

RUNNING INTO 2020 Awesome athletics

It’s a New Year - why not join your local running Club ? - it’s the perfect way to keep fit, make new friends and you get to wear the most fashionable sports kit, from shorts and leggings to crop tops, hoodies, vests and more - what’s not to like?

STATIONERY

Keep track of your progress with this running journal. There’s even a part for planning your outfits! Paperchase, £12

ACCESSORIES You will need to hydrate. So, a water bottle is a necessity. With so many to choose from you will be spoiled for choice. This cute one is from npw, £8.

GADGET Invest in some technology with a Fitbit watch and you will soon wonder how you managed without it. Fitbit,Very, £129.

DO’S & DONT’S:

RUNNING SHOES

• DO try on lots of

• DON’T prioritize brands. style over comfort. • DO break them in. • DON’T wear wet you’ll get blisters! • DO get professionally fitted. WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Discover stylish apartments with high specification finishes at Jordanhill Park. Set amongst acres of beautiful parkland, yet with the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s city centre and West End a stone’s throw away, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Prices from £220,000. Show apartment now open. 0141 319 8954

Jordanhill Park, Jordanhill, Glasgow, G13 1PP Showhome images feature fittings, décor, flooring, soft furnishings and landscaping that are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest possible finishes that can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Representative for further details or visit our showhome to see this exciting development for yourself. Some images have been enhanced.

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z

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Fro Tue &1

Len

Me par 8-1 Feb

Mugdock has lots of events and activities for 2020 and the Easter programme is no exception. From a mixture of Ranger led activities to ‘have a go craft’ sessions there’s something to attract everyone. Our new ‘what’s on’ booklet, starting from March 2020 is available in the Visitor Centre detailing all the events and activities for the next 6 months. You can also check out our website at www.mugdock-countrypark.org.uk or our facebook page and posters around the Park. Please check our website for prices and booking details for all the events below or call the Visitor Centre on 0141 956 6100.

Mugdock Sensational Safari Wonderful Welly Walk! No parents required. Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Tuesday 11th February 1pm - 4pm.

Drop in Craft Sessions

From age 5 + supervision. Tuesday 11th February 10am 12pm & 1pm - 4pm.

Lenzie Sensational Safari

Messing About on the Moss! No parents required. Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Wednesday 12th February 1pm - 4pm.

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EASTER AT MUGDOCK!

Mugdock Sensational Safari

The Great Welly Walk! No parents required, suitable for 8-12 year olds. Tuesday 7th April 1pm - 4pm.

Drop in Craft Sessions

From age 5+ supervision. Tuesday 7th April at 10am - 12pm & 1pm-4pm.

Wildlife Weans, Mugdock

Fabulous Bird Feeders! Wednesday 8th April 10.30am - 11.30am or 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

Mugdock Sensational Safari

Under Water and Over Land. No parents required, suitable for 8-12 year olds. Thursday 9th April 1pm - 4pm.

Wildlife Weans, Mugdock

The Great Egg Hunt! For 5 years and under with their grown-ups. Friday 10th April 10.30am 11.30am or 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

Easter Fun at Mugdock Country Park

Celebrate all things spring-like and join in with some cracking activities! The search is on in our great Easter egg hunt, create a wildlife pavement art masterpiece,

and bring a hard-boiled egg for the egg rolling competition. Activities based around the Visitor Centre. Egg Hunt £3 per child. Tickets should be purchased from the Visitor Centre on arrival. Sunday 12th April 2pm - 4pm.

Children’s Cinema

Toy Story 4. Sunday 12th at 11am.

Wildlife Weans, Mugdock

Amazing Amphibians! For 5 years and under with their grown-ups. Tuesday 14th April 10.30am 11.30am or 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

Mugdock Sensational Safari

Woodland Discoveries. No parents required, suitable or 8-12 year olds Wednesday 15th April 1pm - 4pm.

Mugdock Castle Open Day

Saturday 28th March at 12pm 4pm. Come down to the Castle and have an opportunity to climb the tower and take in the magnificent views of the Park and beyond. You can also find out about becoming a Volunteer Castle Steward. Refreshment stall, raffle, children’s crafts and egg and spoon race.

Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL T: 0141 956 6100 | E: mugdockoffice@eastdunbarton.gov.uk 19 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk 03/02/2020 12:26:13

Walk for Parkinson's Chatelherault Country Park Sunday 31 May 2020 10:00am

Striding For A C ure parkinsons.org.uk/walkchatelherault 0344 225 3781 Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK

C reated in RightMarket - 16/1/2020 - 3:47:46 PM

For the love of history Visit the past with the Historical Association

A

history of ideas and old Castle Lachlan are on the programme for the Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Historical Association. The UK-wide organisation encourages everyone to enjoy history, whether at school, in higher education or just interested and wanting to know more. For February members are not holding their usual style of meeting but supporting an event from Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13, titled ‘Johnson and Boswell: The History of Ideas’. It is described as a programme of literary and historical presentations, talks, and symposia on the Scottish Enlightenment and the London Club famously of Joshua Reynolds, Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith, and others. The event takes place at Auchinleck House, the Boswell home, recently restored by the Landmark Trust. For the Thursday March 12 meeting the branch returns to its usual venue of Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow at 5.30pm for ‘Old Castle Lachlan: Its

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Consolidation and Clan Lachlan’, to follow a talk on the rebuilding of the Puffer VIC 32. The speaker will be Donald Maclauchlan. Admission is free, the members always make people very welcome and for further information, contact the secretary: gwsbhistoricalassociation@gmail.com

Lachlan Castle. Stutterstock/Brightoak WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

03/02/2020 12:26:15

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We are a family business providing a range of services throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas in Stirlingshire. All our quotations are free of charge and carry no obligation.

www.gs-roofing.co.uk • info@gs-roofing.co.uk 23 Kirkland Avenue, Blanefield, Glasgow G63 9BY

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03/02/2020 12:26:16

At Digby Landscaping, we offer a wide range of landscaping and maintenance services. We are committed to providing an all-round quality result! • Gutter cleaning from the

ground with recordable camera • Chemical free weed and moss

clearance on hard surfaces • Power washing without the

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Tel: 0141 564 8993 digby-landscaping.co.uk office@digbylandscaping.co.uk

WEST END LIFE is delivered to 18,500 households in

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To advertise in the next issue contact Lisa Sanderson Tel: 07792066706 Email: lisa@westendlife.biz www.westendlife.biz 22

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03/02/2020 12:26:23

ENTHUSE YOUR KERB Your ‘kerb appeal’ will bring the buyers flocking

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pring is just around the corner and we will soon see that multi-coloured species, the ‘for sale’ sign, blossom in gardens all over the neighbourhood. So make your first impression count with ‘kerb appeal’ to make sure that potential buyers like what they see as they arrive. A morning’s labour will reap dividends when you do a front garden feng-shui by having a good tidy and clean up. Remove winter’s plant debris, with a little judicial shrub and hedge pruning where needed, and pull up any weed daring to show its face. Give hanging baskets and pots a clean before replanting with fresh spring bedding. Garden seats and ornaments will look better for a good scrub and give those gnomes of yours their annual bath! A old nailbrush and a bucket of hot water and detergent will do it. Get a sweeping brush, power washer or gravel rake, depending on your chosen surfaces and go to work on the drive. Who needs the gym for a work out? Don’t just clean the windows but also the frames, the doors and their fittings and steps. Evict any spiders and their webs on show in the porch. If it’s needed, reach for a paint pot for touch ups. Make sure the front gate looks good and the hinges and latch are working smoothly. Hide or camouflage the wheelie bins, if they have to stay at the front, and give them a good scrub too. Lastly make sure the cars on the drive are clean and tidy too!

From top: Tidy up your wheelies! (gardenfurniturecentre. co.uk); Metal accessories like these galvanised metal planters send a subtle message of dependable quality (gardentrading.co.uk); You can never go wrong with terracotta, in a traditional or modern design (dobbies.com); Add a unique wow factor with a custom-designed window (film.purlfrost.com). WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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WE LOVE THE SPRING Kieran Gallagher says it is important to take the time to mark Spring’s arrival while working in your garden

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ow that the festive period is a distant memory and we are all trying to maintain our New Year’s resolutions, our collective thoughts can turn to Spring and the inevitable burst of colour and life that awaits us in our gardens and in nature. We love Spring at Cardwell and I think it is important to take the time to welcome it’s arrival. The transition between the bare branches of deciduous trees and shrubs and the first bright green signs of growth are one of the most heart-warming sights of the season. Even an evergreen Laurel hedge outside my living room window will have an amazing range of shades of green that are, honestly, the highlight of an otherwise plain display throughout the year. Although the winter weather has brought more wind and rain than anything else it is too early to assume that we have escaped any frost or snow. February, March and even April will almost certainly hold some frost for our gardens, particularly if you live inland. Coastlines and cities tend to avoid the worst of the cold, but precautions should still be taken. Have a look around your trees and bushes for damage caused by the high winds we have experienced. Damaged limbs are usually best removed and if these limbs are of a significant size or are high up, please consider hiring a professional to help you.

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The type of fertiliser to use will, again, depend As always, obtain quotations for any work you on what you plan on growing. It is definitely worth require and check that the operator has any necessary taking a little time to plan what you intend to plant insurance before allowing them to work on your where, bearing in mind what you wish to achieve property. when it is all said and done. Height, width and colour We have been subjected to a high volume of rain should be considered. in Gourock over the last three or four months, high A natural fertiliser like well-rotted manure or even for Gourock! The ground is at saturation point a man-made granular fertiliser are commonly used in many places and, unless you are able to provide to boost your soil. Both will offer your plants all sufficient drainage, there is not a lot you can do about the nutrients they need when they are planted and, it. depending on the fertiliser used, will feed them Try not to walk on the lawn if the soil underneath through at least the early part of the is very wet as you may leave indents season. which could remain once the grass The first bright In most cases some more fertiliser has recovered. The flip side of that green signs of will need to be added later in the advice is that this is the ideal time to growth are one of year and this may need to be a sort out any bumps that you already the most heartdifferent fertiliser to achieve different have on the lawn. warming sights of outcomes. I have said it before, there Other than perhaps using a the season. is no one fertiliser that is suitable for garden fork or aerator to create everything in your garden. drainage through the upper layer of If you are not familiar with the large range of soil, I would suggest you leave the lawn alone until at fertilisers and other treatments that we stock at least April, maybe even May. Cardwell, we are more than happy to guide you If it does begin to grow during a mild spell, then through and help you choose exactly what you need. you should only give it a very light trim. This will It can appear daunting trying to figure out what is allow it to build up it’s strength prior to the main right for you and most folk are not experts, but our growing season. staff are. Beds and borders in the garden can be We offer free and unbiased advice, so please do reinvigorated by the addition of fertiliser, which not be afraid to ask for help with any aspect of your should be dug through the soil to a similar depth as garden. the plants that you intend to use. The aim here is to And remember to take the time to simply notice mix the fertiliser a little bit deeper and wider than the root system of the plants that will live here, allowing Spring’s arrival. It won’t come around again until the roots access to the nutrients as they grow. next year.

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PREPARE FOR SPRING

Potted Spring bulbs, new season’s seeds, winter/spring bedding and much more now in stock. Expert advice available in store.

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

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t a e r g o Tw

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Braeval Suer Club

Valentine’s Suer Club

14 & 15 February 6.45pm-10pm £59.00 Nick’s Valentine’s Supper Club - Nick’s favourite Valentine’s dishes consisting of canapés, a main course and dessert, all served with a seriously good helping of anecdotes, tips and advice in Nick’s own inimitable style.

28 March 6.45pm-10pm £69.00 In 1986 he opened his first restaurant, Braeval, near Aberfoyle. Entirely self-taught, Nick was soon causing a stir with his fresh style of cooking, and just a year after Braeval opened he won the Scottish Field and Bollinger Newcomer of the Year Award. Four years later, Nick’s status as one of Scotland’s finest chefs was confirmed as the restaurant was awarded a coveted Michelin star. Join Nick for an evening of some Braeval favourites consisting of canapés, a main course and dessert, all served with a seriously good helping of anecdotes, tips and advice in Nick’s own inimitable style.

Personalise your gift and add a gift wallet for a ready-to-go present. Make it extra special - add a bottle of Champagne, Prosecco, Wine or a signed Cook Book and we’ll have it waiting at their table when they arrive.

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