West End Life #57 April/May 2020

staY Home

But eat arounD the WorlD

rIDInG for tHe DIsableD SUPPORT THE STABLES

HOP OFF

Is It easter bUnnY or Hare? www.westendLife.biz

aPr maY 2020

#57 1

CARDWELL GARDEN CENTRE IS CLOSED Due to the COVID 19 Virus Cardwell Garden Centre is closed and will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The safety of our employees, our customers and their respective families is paramount and closing Cardwell is the only responsible course of action.

Cardwell Garden Centre will re-open when it is safe to do so. Updates will be posted on our website and social media channels.

Please follow the advice given by the authorities and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones and our community.

With love, Stef, Drew, Kieran and everyone at Cardwell.

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

C

CONT

05 EASTER HARES 07 DOS AND DON’T RIGHT NOW 08 EASTER FOOD

ENTS.

12 STYLE FILES

ON THE FRONT Easter bunny on a basket with spring flowers (Irinetta / Shutterstock)

LISA SANDERSON Advertising Sales lisa@westendlife.biz

JOANNE SIMMS Feature Writer jsimms@wyvexmedia.co.uk 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

18 RIDING FOR THE DISABLED 20 SPRING GARDENS

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t is amazing how quickly life has turned around – one day we were planning this edition to be packed full of Easter and May holiday weekend activities with great things to go to and the poignant events planned to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Then suddenly we were all adding new phrases to our vocabulary: self-isolation, social-distancing, lock-down.

There has never been a more important time to think and act locally – small businesses are the lifeblood of a community, from employment to the actual street scene. Please let’s all work – and spend – together to keep it that way.

We should all support them to make sure that they are as strong as possible and help keep our communities ticking over until Coronavirus has passed.

Still valid 75 years later: ‘We shall all face the future with stern resolve and prove that our reserves of willpower and vitality are inexhaustible.’ HRH George VI speaking on the original VE Day; this portrait was issued to the press to mark the occasion.

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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If mum hadn’t been working with you, I think she would be in a wheelchair by now!

I

was deeply humbled by this compliment that I received from a client’s family member recently. It also made me realise that many people in similar situations may not realise that despite advancing years, memory problems and health concerns, there is still great potential to make improvements in your quality of life, so I wanted to share my client’s story with you.

My client, who is in her 80’s, fell about 1 year ago and injured her knee. She started having trouble walking because of pain. She did exactly what everyone does, rest and take painkillers, unfortunately the pain didn’t change, so she rested some more.

Over the next few months she started to lose her independence around the house as her walking got worse. This got to a point where she was no longer able to go out on her own and was very limited with how far she could walk. She was trying to keep active, but nothing she was doing made any difference and she continued to decline. That was when her family got in touch with me. www.simpsonphysio.co.uk HOME VISIT SERVICE

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It was clear from the beginning that my client had become very weak and she was having a lot of problems with her balance, both of which were affecting her walking and independence. Together, we put in place a treatment programme to help improve her strength and balance. Fast forward 5 months and a lot of hard work from my client, she is becoming much stronger and her balance and walking are getting better. Because of my clients hard work and now that she is working on the right things, she is seeing herself get better rather than worse.

My client’s story made me realise just how important knowing the right things to work on and having the right support really is.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please visit www.simpsonphysio.co.uk where you can get a FREE tips report to help you start working on the right things to get your mobility and independence back.

J. FRASER SIMPSON MSC Neuro-Specialist Chartered Physiotherapist CALL NOW TO BOOK:

07988 015190

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BE FAIR TO THE HARE! W hy should the Easter bunny get all the credit – the hare is at the heart of spring’s symbolism found across the world.

The modern Easter bunny with his basket of eggs is just a commercialised take on ancient spring and fertility myths and mysteries.

Hares are larger than rabbits; longer in the body with larger ears, powerful hind legs and are shy creatures.

Their amazing, jewel-like eyes have fascinated and inspired artists and stories across the centuries.

The hare is associated with the northern Europe’s ancient goddess Ēostre or Ostara from whose name comes the word Easter. Celtic mythology is awash with shape shifters who turn into hares; Eostre, was said to shape-shift, becoming a hare at the full moon The hare is nocturnal, making it mysterious; many say it is a hare or rabbit on the moon, not a man, and the moon-gazing hare is an image found across most cultures.

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The symbol of three hares running in a circle is found across the world; each hare looks to have a pair of ears, but only three ears are drawn in the design, creating a triangle in the middle. This can be found all across Europe, including the UK, across the Middle East and on into China and Japan.

It can be found in Ancient Egypt and Rome in early Churches and other religious buildings.

One theory is that it is an early international business logo, as it is found all along the ancient silk route linking China to Europe, showing that travelling traders and their supplies can be assured of security, a welcome and fair dealing.

In the UK one theory was that it was an emblem for the tin mines, but it appears in so many places and in so many contexts that this has been ruled out. The tin mines attracted trade from all across the known world so the business emblem seems more likely.

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WELL, I NEVER!

WELL PERHAPS YOU SHOULD...

We have never been in a situation like this before so all the more reason to do things you have never done before - here’s a few dos and one big don’t for surviving the next few months

A

lot of us are paying dearly for this time in terms of income lost and future job security so make sure you use this time wisely.

DO

DON’T

Establish a routine: especially for children, it reassures them. No lying in your pit and slobbing round the house in PJs. Google: Make your bed, by US Navy SEAL Admiral William H McRaven.

Don’t be misled

Home-school: use the BBC webpage to back up the work your children have been given by their schools.

BBC bitesize is superb and make sure you read the BBC teach pages.

You can also find a lot of disinformation and half-grasped ideas. At a time like this the majority genuinely want to help each other and will send you links or post things on community pages they believe to be helpful.

Learn: something new – the web is packed with short courses from the world’s top universities. Go back to work smarter.

Knit: the internet is full of free knitting patterns.

Tell the guys that it is engineering with wool and if they can knit an amigurumi – miniature toy animal - everyone will think them awesome. Download a basic pattern for quilt squares and get everyone in the family to knit a few to create a family heirloom – a Covida-quilt. Sew them all together once its over.

All the ‘to do’ items here on this list have one thing in common – you can find advice and help on line.

Always check and rely on good sources - use government, council and NHS websites, BBC and STV and the established national and local press like ourselves. We are owned by companies which all work within the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) guidelines.

Cook: food is essential for morale and kids can join in – you will eat a lot of chocolate crispy cakes before this is over. Come out of Covid time having mastered an all-in-one sponge, scones, flapjack, and fork biscuits and you will never go back to shop-bought.

Perfect your egg-fried rice and wok technique and save cash on takeaways.

Mend: all those missing buttons, burst seams unravelled hems, broken mug handles, loose screws, that huge garden tidy-up you have been promising to do.

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EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD THIS EASTER Stay home but let your taste-buds travel!

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ou might not be able to get out, but the world can come to you this Eastertide.

First off all check your neighbourhood – which eateries are offering take-away – many of our ‘eat-ins’ are now doing ‘to-go’.

So please support them by having one of your Easter meals over the holiday from them.

And then, think that if you cannot get out in the world then the world can come to you.

The good news is that these are traditional, older, recipes and as such all use basic simple ingredients – chances are that in this cosmopolitan age you will have all the herbs and spices in your store cupboard already.

Here is just a small sample of traditional foods from across the globe and though they vary wildly they all have an underlying theme.

The ingredients include dairy, sugar, fruit and yeast – all rich-tasting things which were lacking from the Lenten diet – the period from the close of Shrove Tuesday through to Good Friday when fasting took place.

Fish for Good Friday and lamb for Easter Sunday are meals that go around the world.

Traditionally Christians fasted and did not eat meat on Fridays.

Salt fish and potatoes feature in a lot of recipes – don’t forget our own tattie and herring suppers of old!

And in each country the recipes vary from region to region and from family to family as recipes are handed down through the generations.

So go on line and find a version that appeals to you – the internet is full of them – and let your taste-buds travel, even if you can’t!

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POLAND MAZUREK Mazurek pastry is a traditional Polish Easter cake made of short crust pastry, chocolate, cream, candied fruit, nuts and almonds. What it contains and how you decorate it is your final choice but remember it is always flat – never more than an inch high.

Mazurka also is the word for a Polish folk dance, a country sparrow and someone from Mazur in North Central Poland. It is a bit like our hot cross bun – so popular that it is turning up all year round now.

ECUADOR FANESCA This is the traditional Easter week soup from Ecuador. It features dried salt cod, squash, fava (broad) beans, corn peas, rice, peanuts and milk, cream, with onions rice garlic and cumin.

But where it comes into its own is in what is added on top – think of it as a South American bowl of ramen. Hard-boiled egg, slices of avocado, peppers, onions in lime juice, cheese slices and hot sauce plus tiny little pastries to name a few. Once again it varies from region to region and family to family.

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ITALY BACCALA This stew of salt cod and potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce with olives and capers turns up along the Mediterranean coast; Spain also has a popular version. In Italy it is eaten at Christmas and Easter.

LAMB Everyone’s Easter Sunday feast involves lamb; the herbs and spices vary from country to country but garlic and rosemary feature strongly throughout.

KULICH A traditional Orthodox Easter bread which is something like a cross between French brioche and Jewish challah, this bread is a lightly sweetened, eggglazed cylinder, often baked in a coffee can to make a tall loaf, and served with paskha.

RUSSIA & UKRAINE PASKHA A cream/cottage cheese dish stuffed full of dried fruit,

sugar, almonds and everyone’s family has their own recipe. A traditional mould for the dish looks like a pyramid with the top snapped off, to represent the tomb and many have the three-bar cross or the Cyrillic letters X and B to symbolise the traditional Easter message of Christ is Risen.

Improvise and use a flowerpot lined with butter muslin. Avoid the recipes which include raw egg yolk in these times of compromised immune systems.

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WE ARE STILL HERE AND READY TO SUPPORT YOU It takes more than a pandemic to stop Glasgow Women’s Aid – the service remains open for business

‘O

ur services are still open to support women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse,’ is the message from Glasgow Women’s Aid. ‘ While we will always continue to provide support to the best of our ability, it is essential to work in the interests of the safety of our women, children and young persons and workers – as well as the general public and reduce our services during this time.’

Following government advice, they are continuing phone and email support between the reduced hours of 10am- 2pm, Monday through to Friday but they have had to temporarily stop all face-to-face crisis support in their office in Bell Street.

‘If you or someone you know does need our

services please know that we hear you and we are still here to listen and provide support,’ said the spokesperson.

‘We acknowledge that these circumstances can bring specific challenges to women and young people experiencing domestic abuse, so we want to encourage those requiring support to phone our helpline number and, or, to email us.

‘Our biggest concern is for the safety of our women and workers so we will be consistently reassessing and updating you all, as always, on the situation via our social media pages. We will continue to do everything we can to support women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse to the best of our ability given the current circumstances.

Glasgow Women’s Aid Helpline Number: 0141 553 2022 Email Support: officecover@glasgowwomensaid.org.uk Facebook: Glasgow Women’s Aid Twitter: GWA1973 Instagram: glasgowwomensaid

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS The hours may differ from usual due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19, please check each organisation’s website for more details.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24hrs): 0808 2000 247 Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (24hrs): 0800 027 1234 Shakti Women’s Aid: 0131 475 2399 Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Helpline: 08088 000 014 Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: 08088 010 302 Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre: 0808 801 0301 10

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Just for fun

SUDOKU HARD

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EASY

HARD

trY not to Use tHe answers Unless YoU reallY neeD to! test YoUrself!

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THE

STYLE FILES

by Marilyn Thompson

Top fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2020

F

rom the main trends to the little design details - keep reading for all that’s in style this coming season. Hot pants and bra top anyone?

Let’s begin with the most wearable of the Spring/Summer trends and work from there!

Tailored shorts suits are pretty much everywhere. Now, this is good news as the fitted jacket, with its wide shoulders and high-waisted Bermuda shorts combo make for a really flattering silhouette.

The pieces can, of course, be worn separately and this only increases the wearability and longevity of your initial investment. Think relaxed power dressing in feminine strong colours.

Waistcoats, or as Americans call them - vests, haven’t really been on fashion’s radar since the 70s – and with good reason, you may be thinking.

They are definitely making something of a comeback and once you get over your initial knee-jerk dislike, you will find them surprisingly versatile.

These waistcoats can be worn as part of a three-piece ensemble with the tailored suit and are practically perfect with denims or a floaty skirt. They look great worn loose with a feminine, floaty blouse or buttoned up on top of a fitted tee-shirt and, if you are feeling particularly sassy, you can even wear them with nothing underneath!

With so many good ways to wear a waistcoat, you may come to wonder how you

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managed so long without one.

Another throwback to the 70s is crafty, folksy crochet and love or loathe it, there’s going to be no getting away from it. Lots of designers showed it in their collections in one way or another, and not just as a design feature.

Oh no - this time around it’s the main event. Look out for dresses and other items of clothing made entirely of crochet. There will even be crochet bra tops as these little lingerie inspired tops are a major trend this summer. These bra tops are designed to be worn on their own and there’s no denying that they did look lovely on the catwalk models, peeking out from an impeccably tailored jacket.

However, the thought of a bra top, big enough for me, peeking out from anything, is quite frankly a sight that no one is ready for! A trend probably best left to the young and gorgeous.

White Summer dresses are just lovely and unlike the scary bra top, there’s a flattering style for everyone. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t look fresh and more youthful in a crisp white dress; perhaps you may even get one with polka dots on it, as the classic polka dot print is massive this season.

You’ll be seeing dots everywhere.

Time for some final pointers: unusual, I know for summer but there’s lots of leather around - it’s a thing! Then there’s drawstring details, lightweight trench coats, statement disco collars, voluminous balloon sleeves, neon highlighter colours, ankle chains attached to shoes and . . . drum roll please, hot pants. Yikes!

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TEEN

THE

Below: dorothyperkins.com Opposite top: riverisland.com Opposite bottom: joebrowns.co.uk Right top: missselfridge.com

STYLE FILES

by Holly Thompson

BEAUTIFUL BOHO

Pretty, girly dresses and tops, with elasticated bodices and balloon or puff sleeves, are the perfect addition to your laid back Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Ditsy little flower prints add to the overall romantic vibe.

MAKE UP NOTES To compliment the relaxed look of your outfit - keep your skin natural and fresh looking with this fab highlighting kit from Sleek Make up £9.99

HAIR NOTES All you need for your hair are these cute velour scrunches in sweet dusky pink tones. Primark £2

SHOES The ideal footwear to capture the Bohemian look are Espadrilles and this ankle-tie style is just perfect. New Look £23.99

BAGS Finish off the boho look in style with this straw tote bag. This one is big enough for all your necessities and has a drawstring closure, keeping all your things safe.

Accessorize £39 WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ

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GS E IN BL EW LA VI AI AV

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Contact home manager Ms Bobby Dougan to arrange a visit on 0141 942 4644.

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Only £199 Everyone over 50 should have a Power of Attorney Visit: www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk/power-of-attorney Without a Power of Attorney, if you lose capacity, someone will need to apply to the Court for Guardianship. This is expensive, time consuming and a hassle for all involved. A Power of Attorney avoids that.

Multi-award winning McClure Solicitors will prepare your Power of Attorney for just £199 and we will donate £30 to charity.

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Your WIll WIll helP More than Your FaMIlY McClure solicitors raise the most cash for will Aid in any one campaign

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cClure Solicitors has been named as one of the top fundraisers in the UK after taking part in a charity will-writing campaign.

The firm raised £26,284 - the most ever in one campaign - for Will Aid in its 30th anniversary year, writing more than 300 wills in exchange for voluntary donations.

McClure was the highest fundraising firm for 2018 in the month-long fundraiser which takes place every November.

Andrew Robertson, from the law firm, said: ‘McClure Solicitors is extremely proud to support the work of Will Aid. It gives us the opportunity to encourage people to get their Will written - the majority of adults do not have a Will.

‘As this is a time-limited campaign it gives people a sense of urgency to get their Will instructed before the campaign is over.

‘In addition to the peace of mind that they are getting their affairs in order, clients also have the bonus of knowing that charities are benefiting.’

Will Aid is a charity will-writing scheme that raises money for: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save The Children, Sightsavers, Age UK, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Joanne Dallas from Christian Aid paid the firm a visit to present a certificate to thank them for their achievement.

Will Aid has been running since 1988 and has encouraged more than 300,000 people to write their Will with a qualified, regulated and insured solicitor.

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In so doing it has raised more than £20 million in donations and millions more in pledged legacies.

The suggested donation is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

To put those donations into perspective: £95 buys three water hand-pumps in South Sudan and £150 a mobile clinic in Kenya for mother and baby care and childhood inoculations.

Not only does your family benefit at a time of bereavement by having your affairs in order but also families you will never meet are helped in lifechanging ways.

‘My heartfelt thanks to McClure Solicitors for their incredible efforts. Many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life-changing support and local people who used the scheme have the peace of mind that having a professionally drawn-up will brings.’

– PEtEr DE VEnA frAnKs, CAMPAIGn DIrECtor

‘The team at McClure Solicitors have really embraced the Will Aid scheme and all their time and hard work will translate into transformed lives for those living in poverty across the world.’

– JoAnnE DALLAs froM CHrIstIAn AID

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If you can support RDA Glasgow please make a donation to www.justgiving.com/ridingforthedisabled-glasgow £2 will feed a horse for the day | £5 will provide bedding for one horse for a week £75 pays a horse’s farrier fees Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow Group is a charity registered in Scotland Charity number SC002041 18

WWW.WESTENDLIFE.BIZ For more information contact RDA@rdaglasgow.org 0141 9451369

Riding for the Disabled is on lock down but its bills aren’t The Glasgow charity with incredible results needs your help

R

iding for the Disabled Glasgow at Summerston is a charity that provides therapy through horses to local disabled people – all supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

In an effort to protect both participants and volunteers from Coronavirus RDA Glasgow has decided to suspend all activities until further notice.

Susan McNeil who chairs the Glasgow group said: ‘We support and work with many people who are more vulnerable to infection so we have made the decision to close until the situation improves.

‘This comes at a big price for us, as without riders we have not got an income. Our loyal horses will still need feed, hay, and to see a farrier - possibly even care from the vet which all adds up.

‘With no clear idea of when we will be able to start activities again it is difficult to know if we will have enough money to support our horses until riding resumes.’

The Glasgow Group first started in 1967 at Kilmardinny Riding School in Bearsden, originally as the St Mungo Group.

The Trustees quickly saw the benefits of riding and decided that they wanted to expand; a lot of hard work and fundraising went on until 1986 when work began in a field at the end of Caldercuilt Road.

It became the Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association in 1987, moving to the purpose-built facility at Summerston.

The centre was officially opened in 1988 by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the association. The purpose-built facilities include stabling for 20 horses, indoor and outdoor arenas, tea bar, office, meeting room and accommodation for the yard staff.

The Lord Provost officially laid the first bricks the dedication stone can still be seen in the tea bar which provides a space for parents and carers to share experiences while riders are in classes.

‘In addition to providing more than 37 hours of horse riding per week, we offer volunteering opportunities to more than one hundred local people,’ said Susan.

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‘Volunteers are vital to RDA Glasgow because each rider may require support from up to three of them during lessons.’

RDA Glasgow received the accolade of the British Horse Society Approvals Award 2019 for being the facility which made the greatest difference to their community.

Susan added: ‘Most volunteers help us by leading ponies or walking at the pony’s side to assist the rider. We aim to cater for all levels of ability from being led on a quiet gentle pony with a helper at each side to those who progress to walk, trot and canter independently.’

‘It’s what you can do that counts’

The RDA motto is ‘It’s what you can do that counts’. Research shows riding with RDA is not only fun but delivers physical benefits, boosts confidence, improves communication skills and helps participants to build relationships.

RDA Glasgow currently has 19 horses and 273 riders.

Mounted exercises, games and proficiency tests benefit riders both mentally and physically and they gain a strong sense of achievement, enjoying interaction with the ponies and volunteers. The progress they make over the weeks is amazing.

Riding is a challenging activity where they build a relationship with the horses over the school term. Riders’ senses are stimulated by unique sights, sounds and smells at the stables. Children develop communication skills with adults who are new to them and learn to give verbal or physical prompts to the ponies; they have the opportunity to work towards gaining proficiency certificates.

Lynda McKeeman, yard manager said: ‘The impact this lock down will have on some of our riders, is huge - both physically and mentally. It has never been so clear just how much the time they spend with our horses helps. To ensure these sessions can continue as quickly as possible we need to keep our horses well cared for, in work and fit.’

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doN’t let the frost fOol you!

Let the garden dry out and recover from its winter soaking, get cracking with the compost and keep an eye out for Jack frost says our expert Kieran Gallagher from Cardwell Garden Centre

a

lthough the majority of this past winter has been more wet and windy than anything else it would be foolish to think that the threat of frost is now over. It is common to have cold or frosty nights well into April and even May in the west of Scotland, so continue with your precautions for a while yet.

February was especially wet and in places the soil is literally at saturation point. There is little point in trying to do much digging in borders when it is this wet, I would recommend allowing it time to dry.

Having said that, one job you can do in borders is feeding trees and shrubs, using either a granular fertiliser or by top dressing the area

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with fresh compost or manure.

Weeds are probably showing through the soil by now and removing these at the earliest opportunity will make things easier later on. Do this manually with a hoe or similar as chemical treatments will often not be effective in cooler temperatures.

Lawns are a similar story and I would advise against walking on a soaked lawn if at all avoidable. Your grass has likely shown signs of life by now and the urge to cut it will be strong.

Allowing it to grow a little at this time of year will help build up strength in the lawn.

When you are ready to trim it, I would suggest raising the height of the blade or wheels on your lawnmower and only remove a quarter to a third of the length.

Once the season is under way and temperatures have risen you can return to your usual regime. Lawn fertilisers and treatments should generally not be used until at

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least April, due to low temperatures.

A question often asked at Cardwell is what to do with spring flowering bulbs once they have flowered. The answer varies according to the variety of bulbs, but the most common spring bulbs are straight forward and include the humble Narcissus or Daffodil.

The bulb expends a huge amount of energy in producing its vibrant flowers and we must allow this energy to be restored. Even after the last flowers have withered you should leave the foliage alone for four to six weeks. The foliage will collect and store nutrients that will go towards producing next year’s flowers and this foliage should only be cut once it has died back to ground level.

If you have houseplants in your home then you should be watering them more frequently now. A little food may also be used.

Some councils are now starting to charge for ‘brown bin’ garden reuse collections. To me, it is a reasonable cost for the service provided but I know a lot of people disagree with that and, perhaps, see it as a ‘hidden tax’.

So what are the alternatives?

You can bag up your garden debris yourself and take it to the local council nominated depot for free, although you have the cost of your time, fuel etc and not everyone can drive or has access to a vehicle.

Composting your own garden trimmings is the most environmentally-friendly option.

Compost bins come in all shapes and sizes and are most often made from plastic or wood. I have www.westendLife.biz

seen old pallets used to create larger spaces for composting and this may be of use if you have a lot of waste.

There are some common rules for composting.

Green waste, ie the trimmings from your lawn or plants, should all be of a similar size. Ideally, layers should be formed using different types of waste. Torn up newspapers and kitchen waste can also be used here, but I advise against using cooked food or leftovers. They do not break down as well and can often attract vermin or flies.

Weeds and diseased plants should never be composted as seeds or disease can spread through the compost.

Additives for making compost can be helpful in speeding up the process, the most common brand being Garotta. Garotta is available at Cardwell, if you have trouble sourcing it.

Another way to speed up an otherwise slow procedure is to turn the compost every few weeks.

Depending on the composter you are using this can be easy or difficult. If it is proving difficult then poking holes into the pile with a bamboo cane will have a similar, if slightly reduced, effect.

Finally, if that all seems like too much hassle, then I suggest looking up ‘trench composting’. This method dates back hundreds of years and, once the initial digging has been done, is completely maintenance free.

And remember to make time to enjoy the amazing display that nature will surely bring to our gardens over the coming months.

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ProteCt & sUrViVe during the Cold war nuclear threat the government issued a booklet, Protect and survive. for the viral threat this is our equivalent for you work-from-home warriors

ProteCt Your KIt

I

f you do not have a home office then think about creating one – fast! If you cannot convert a spare room or make your home office into a more professional space, create a safe space.

This is not for you but your files, documents and kit. Think of a no-fly zone but in your case it is a no-sticky and no-spill one. Rampaging toddlers, hyper-active kids and grumpy, texting, teenagers can - and will - inflict untold damage.

Do you really want to be the one who has to tell IT there is an eggy-bread soldier wedged into your keyboard?

Suddenly there are not enough power sockets you might need to invest in extension sockets - make sure they are surge protected.

Ruthlessly guard all stationery. This is the one legitimate time in life to hide things from your family.

Your boss may be at the end of the phone or app but your TRUE boss is right there with you. Your cat knows it is the ruler of the known universe; you are not going to persuade it otherwise. Resistance is futile.

Likewise tell the dog that it cannot guilttrip you into an extra walk, so stop the big, pleading, eyes routine.

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ProteCt Your IMaGe

S

et up a Skype space. You know that all around you is domestic chaos but when video conferencing make sure the background is bookshelves carefully arranged with some impressive looking books.

You have spent the last six years creating the image of that formidable person in accounts and Peppa Pig plus a clothes-horse full of underpants is not going to cut it.

You may be wearing your trackies and flip-flops but make sure you have a casual-smart top on and can throw a work jacket on to let the boss know you haven’t gone feral.

ProteCt YourSelF

T

he kitchen is 10 paces away so stick to break times and resist the lure of the biscuit tin; you want your work clothes to still fit when you return to the office.

Try and bring your office chair home. Sounds crazy but it will help keep you grounded to the notion of the work routine and help your spine.

Remember that working in bed is a no-no – your back will hate you.

If you are home alone and find the silence unnerving try www.asoftmurmur. Create a soundscape and work from a coffee shop, beach or field full of crickets.

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Alcoholics Anonymous goes online

You are not alone

T

he success over the last 70 plus years for alcoholics finding sobriety, and long term contented sobriety, in Alcoholics Anonymous has been due to the caring sense of fellowship, mutual aid and peer support people find there.

AA meetings, often in church halls and so on, sometimes sat in a circle like you see in TV dramas, face to face honest sharing of experiences, has been the back bone of recovery for many.

The current need for self isolation and social distancing has a potentially disastrous impact for alcoholics, particularly newcomers, as the government recommends cancelling any gatherings of people, and meetings in groups.

As a result many AA meetings in the UK , as indeed around the world, have had to be cancelled.

These decisions for meeting closures, or suspensions as we could say more optimistically, come for the first time ever in the history of AA in the U.K. All is not lost, thanks to the technology of online meeting software, that business have been using for years. Individual AA groups have grasped the opportunity to keep their fellowship groups going, but online.

Online AA meetings are being set up every day, details are kept up to date on the national AA Web Site as more get set up and are added. Meetings listed online are open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, or to find out more about AA, just as an open physical AA meeting would be.

Members can choose to join a meeting showing voice only or with video.

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/AA-Meetings/ Find-a-Meeting/Online

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23

West end CoMMunity rises to the ChallenGe food donations and neighbourhood groups springing up

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eople across the West End of Glasgow have mobilised to help their neighbours at this time of crisis.

The West End is famous for its street life, café culture and excellent eateries - all making it one of Glasgow’s fastest growing tourist destinations.

In recent weeks, as the Coronavirus situation developed, the cafés, bars and restaurants began to shift to take away only and then close slowly.

During that time there have been some incredible acts of generosity with free meals and food to the community and key workers.

We should all remember that and when this is all over make sure that we show them the same care in return and come out in force to support them.

Image to the right: Edinburghcitymom / Shutterstock.com

Wan Mair tune support for freelance creative scene

L

ife here in the West End goes on against a backdrop - and soundtrack - of immense creativity.

Playwright and actor Meghan Tyler has established the Go Fund Me page, ‘Wan Mair Tune’ to raise cash to help freelancers who have found their work and gigs have just evaporated.

‘The gig economy we exist in was fragile at the best of times, but in these unprecedented times, it’s starting to collapse with no safety net,’ she said.

You can help and find out how to get help by contacting: uk.gofundme.com/f/wan-mair-tunefund-coronavirus-scottish-artists

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Free SChool MealS Glasgow City Council free school meal entitlement contingency plans during school closures

T

he council is currently issuing Farmfoods Cards to eligible parents and carers. It may take up to 10 days for people to receive their card.

Parents and carers whose children and young people are currently entitled and in receipt of footwear and clothing grants and, or, free school meals will receive information about the contingency plans in place to help replace free meal entitlement while pupils are not attending school.

Letters are being posted out direct to home addresses with a £20 pre-paid Farmfoods card that can be used to buy food at stores across the city. To find your nearest store visit: https://www.farmfoods.co.uk/store-finder.php Then £20 will be uploaded every two weeks to the cards for each Glasgow primary and secondary pupil in a family who currently receive a footwear and clothing grant and, or free, school meals.

People must hold onto the card and keep it safe. Each card has a serial number on it which will be matched to the addressee.

The council will top up the cards on the following dates: April 13 April 27 May 11 May 25 June 8 www.westendLife.biz

neeD HelP?

West End Covid Support has been organised and has a number of sub-groups visit the web page below or more information. westendcovidsupport.wordpress.com/west-end-groups/ And the sub groups can be contacted at these addresses CLEVEDEn chat.whatsapp.com/J9UjrmZwm4F0JS04Sh1Ik7 HILLHEAD chat.whatsapp.com/ECf10UEHn21H5o4Wp76E8l HYnDLAnD nextdoor.co.uk/g/b3mxdghwy/ or chat.whatsapp.com/ImSjhUgqD3vFjQy9bNe5ah PArtICK chat.whatsapp.com/IRy3gJPmGCUG0q1un7egMS fInnIEston/AnDErston chat.whatsapp.com/CY7iazY0dxf2D46SsBZbl2 WHItEInCH m.facebook.com/groups/825094211300114 nortH KELVInsIDE www.northkelvincc.org.uk/covid19/ Also look out for Glasgow West End Volunteer to Help Platform www.facebook.com/groups/ volunteertohelpglasgowwestend/ West End Support for Self Isolation www.facebook.com/groups/194603845176515

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CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS IN GLASGOW’S WESTEND

Quote ‘WESTEND LIFE’ on booking to receive 30% off your food bill.

Special NHS discount of 40% off food showing ID Badge. Discount against a la carte menu only. Valid till end November 2020.

Call 0141 337 6988.

Visit www.thesquareglasgow.com

Broomhill Shopping Centre Broomhill Drive, 2–26 Norby Road Glasgow G11 7BN www.broomhillshoppingcentre.com

FREE PARKING 26

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