2007

News & Events

Dennistoun | Glasgow | Scotland | UK | World | Sport

December 2007

Christmas Fayre
At The Salvation Army, 265 Craigpark Drive, Dennistoun
Saturday 8th December 1:00pm-3:00pm.
All welcome.

Christmas Community Carol Service
At Whitehill Secondary School, 280 Onslow Drive, Dennistoun
Sunday 9th December at 4:00pm.
All welcome.

November 2007

Glasgow to Host the 2014 Commonwealth Games

The proposed new National Indoor Sports Arena in the East End of Glasgow
(Courtesy of Designhive/Glasgow 2014)

Glasgow won the vote of 71 nations to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 11-day sporting event will begin on the 23rd July 2014 with an opening ceremony at Celtic Park, chosen because of its close proximity to the new Athletics Village that will be purpose built in Glasgow's East End. The East End will also benefit from a new National Indoor Sports Arena (NISA) and Velodrome that will host badminton and cycling respectively.

The Games is set to boost the reputation of Glasgow as a sporting and friendly city. It will boost the Scottish economy in general and the local economy in the East End in particular with a consequential increase in house price. The Games is also expected to be instrumental in pushing forward plans for the extension of the underground to the East End of the city and the completion of the M74.

After the closing ceremony at Hampden Park, the Athletics Village will become quality mainstream housing for sale and rent. The NISA will become a national venue for a 5000 capacity crowd and the Velodrome will be a permanent home for Scottish cycling.

Hall of Fame for The Firhill Flyer
Dennistoun born Johnny MacKenzie, the Firhill flyer and former Scotland international player, will be inducted into Partick Thistle's Hall of Fame on the 9th November 2007.

Johnny MacKenzie is honoured with four other greats for his part in the history of the Jags where he played nearly 400 games in the 1950's as a strong, fast and skillful right winger.

The four other inductee's are former manager Davie MacParland, Alex Rae, Denis McQuade and the late Jackie Husband. Partick Thistle plan to add five more Thistle greats every year.

October 2007

Robberies in Dennistoun
Two men were robbed in the early hours of Saturday morning 13 October 2007 on Alexandra Parade. The first, around 1.05am involved a 23 year-old man near City Park where he was threatened with a knife and robbed of money. The second, around 4.20am involved a 22 year-old near Wishart Street and was also threatened with a knife and robbed of his mobile phone and money.

Both men were uninjured but badly shaken as a result of the robbery. The suspect is described as 22-28 years of age, 6ft in height wearing blue jeans and white trainers. Detective Constable Alan Moir of London Road CID said: “I would particularly like to hear from three women who were walking in Alexandra Parade at the time of the first robbery, as they may have information that is vital to this enquiry.”

A 19 year-old man was robbed in Cumbernauld Road near Aitken Street around 5.20am Saturday morning 13 October 2007. He was approached by six youths, wearing tracksuits and baseball caps, who threatened him with a knife and took his mobile phone. He was uninjured but badly shaken as a result of the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact London Road Police Office on 0141 532 4600 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.

Friends of Alexandra Park
There will be a meeting on Thursday 4th October for all those interested in being involved in a group that will work with the council to improve the park. The meeting will take place in the upstairs 'youth' room within Whitehill Swimming Pool at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. For further information please email: l_garden1010@hotmail.com | Forum

September 2007

 Dennistoun Community Together AGM
This Thursday at 7pm will be the AGM of Dennistoun Community Together. If you've been involved and want to get more involved in the future, we welcome your participation. The positions that are up for re-election are; Chair, Secretary, Publicity Officer, Treasurer,
Ordinary Board Members (up to 4 positions available). We are also interested in introducing the position of Vice-chair, which should it be ratified at the AGM, will be empty as well.

Even if you don't want to stand for a position, then coming along and supporting the election process would be appreciated and give you an idea of how far we've come in the past six months.
Details & Discussion on the Forum

Tour Glasgow City Council Recycling Facility
Dennistoun community council have arranged a tour of the Glasgow City Council Recycling Facility. A bus will leave the church on Armadale St at 10.30am on Friday the 14th of September 07. All are welcome: call 0141 556 6748 or email peter.aitchison@gmail.com to book a place.
Discuss on the Forum

August 2007

Report Published on Factoring Services
The Scottish Consumer Council has published their report summarising the independent findings of a snapshot survey of owners in Dennistoun. 134 owners responded to the survey carried out by ODS Consulting that was also made available online at this website.

The report - Consumer Experiences of Property Management Services: A Case Study - highlights that over half indicated that they had complained about the service they received from their factor and that 86% of those who complained were dissatisfied with the response they got. Few of those involved in the survey knew exactly what rights they had and many were unsure what redress they had when things went wrong.

The SCC is calling on the Scottish Government to intervene for the sake of thousands of people living on common stairs and in shared properties. They want a national accreditation scheme that was first recommended four years ago to be implemented.

SCC chair, Douglas Sinclair, says, “The level of dissatisfaction with standards of service and complaint handling amongst our sample group is unacceptable.  People should have the comfort of knowing that they’ll get a decent standard of care in return for the money they pay every year, that things will be put right when they go wrong and that they’ll be kept properly informed about what is going on."

See also: Consumer Views of Factoring in Dennistoun and Discuss in the Forum

Woman Attacked in Eastercraigs
A 35-year-old woman was attacked on return from a shopping trip. The incident happened in Eastercraigs Dennistoun on Tuesday 14th August 2007 at around 6:05pm. A man followed her into the close wielding a knife and demanded the keys to her car. She sustained injuries that led her to being admitted to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The man drove off in her stolen Silver Peugeot 407 Reg. No.CF55 FDG, towards Alexandra Parade.

Detective Sergeant Andy Faull of London Road Police Office said, "This was an extremely frightening attack on a defenceless woman.” The man is described as male, mid to late 20's, thin build, thick stubble, wearing a blue hooded top with "90" on the front and white or grey tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact London Road Police Office on 0141 532 4600.  Alternatively, contact CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Swan Injured in Alexandra Park

Last month Dennistoun residents were concerned that one of a pair of cygnets was missing from the pond area of Alexandra Park. It was posted in the Forum that the "cygnet's legs became entangled in fishing rod wire and had to be rescued. It was returned to the pond to rejoin it's family. However, the signet continued to have difficulties with the leg injury."

Around 6:30am Tuesday 14th August, the park ranger discovered an injured swan that appears to have been shot with a crossbow. The swan was taken to Hessilhead Animal Sanctuary, Beith, where it is presently being cared for.

Inspector James Kirkland at London Road Police Office said; "This was a dangerous and barbaric act of cruelty and I am appealing to the public to assist us in apprehending those responsible.  The public will rightly be outraged that wildlife within their park has been targeted in such a callous manner and I would ask for their full cooperation."

Anyone with information should contact London Road Police Office on 0141 532 4617.  Alternatively, contact CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dennistoun Community Together
Upcoming Community Meeting Dates. Remember - nothing happens if no-one comes.
23rd Aug: Regular Dennistoun Community Together meeting, primarily to plan for the 13th Sep and 27th Sep meetings and 15th Sep Litter Picks. Details posted in the Forum.

July 2007

Friends of Alexandra Park

Friends of Alexandra Park will have their first meeting on Thursday 2nd August at 7.30pm, Whitehill Swimming Pool (upstairs room). Everyone is welcome to come along and suggest what they would like to see happening in their park. The group are also looking for some people to be on a board to allow a bank account to be set up.
For further information please contact: l_garden1010@hotmail.com

Active Futures  - A programme for 17-24 year olds
The Active Futures programme is currently running at the East End Healthy Living Centre at Crownpoint road, Bridgeton. The programme aims initially to get young people active, with the longer term goal of increasing employability through providing voluntary opportunities and the chance to gain coaching qualifications.

All activities are free of charge and include: Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Archery, Raft Building, Canoeing, Gorge Walking, Combat Fitness, StreetDance, Fitness Testing, VO2max, Golf, Hip Hop, Street Dance, Cheerleading, Jogging, Salsa Dance, Belly Dancing, Body Conditioning, Circuit Training, Tai Chi, Field Craft,  Fire Lighting, Shelter Building & Navigation.

Download a copy of the current timetable, which started this week and will be running for the next 12 weeks. Both individuals and groups are welcome.
 
If you would like to find out more, please contact Nadine Bloomfield on 0141 550 5006, or alternatively email her at nadine@eehlc.org.uk

June 2007

Ellen Munro: Folklore
Market Gallery - Talks and Events

Tea and Baking: Thursday 26th July, 1pm - 3pm
Country Sing-a-long: Friday 27th July, 1pm - 3pm

Tea and Baking: Thursday 3rd August 1pm-3pm
Country Sing-a-long: Friday 10th August 1pm - 3pm

Tea and Baking: Friday 17th August 1pm - 3pm
Artist talk, Country Sing-a-long and closing event: Saturday 18th August

All events are free and there is no need to book. For more information please drop into the gallery or contact on 0141 556 7276 or market@marketgallery.org.uk
Market Gallery, 334 Duke Street Glasgow G31 1QZ

Dennistoun Community Youth Project
This year the Dennistoun Open Day will be held in Whitehill School, Onslow Drive on Saturday 23rd June at 12.00 – 4.00pm. This is an opportunity for young people to see what youth services and community clubs are available in the area and to try out some of the fun. On the day there will be  Bouncy Castle, Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Henna Tattoo’s, Badge Making…….And lots more!

May 2007

Golfhill Primary School Closed
Golfhill Primary and Westercraigs Nursery have closed following a subsidance survey on the old listed Dennistoun school. Pupils from the primary school have transferred to temporary accommodation at Whitehill Secondary School and the nursery children have transferred to Alexandra Parade Primary.

A public meeting was held in Whitehill Secondary School with local councillor Frank Docherty and staff from the education department. Parents were told that their children will be taught in purpose built huts in the grounds of Whitehill Secondary after the summer holidays. There will also be a public consultation later in the year to decide the future of the building.

Philosophy Group
Join us on the last Wednesday of the month from 7 - 9pm to explore and learn more about philosophy guided by Donald, a former university lecturer of the subject and co-ordinated by Dennistoun Community Together. The group will decide what it is that they want to discuss and will be friendly and relaxed.

There are a maximum of 10 spaces within this group and the service is provided free and informally by community members for community members within the Dennistoun area. If you are interested in attending, please phone Genevieve on 07919 426 735 or email info@dennistouncommunitytogether.org.uk

First session will be Wed 30th May. Meeting place to be arranged.

Police and Pupils Unite to Fight Cancer!

"St Mungo's Maiden's" take part in the Resolution Asset Management 10K to raise money for
Friends of the Beatson Cancer Care

Pupils at St Mungo's Academy, in the East End of Glasgow, teamed up with the local police at the weekend. Taking part in the Women's 10K were 26 pupils, 19 staff and local police officer Pamela Tomney.

Pamela said she will definitely be joining the pupils again next year and told pupils "Good effort girls! Here's to the next 10K. Keep training and see you all next year."

The link came about through the work done at the school by Police Constable Geoff Smith, who works with pupils in the school. Organiser Annette Bredin says, "It was a fantastic day. The atmosphere was excellent. Having Pamela involved was a real boost for the pupils and helps to foster good relationships within the community. We wore yellow t-shirts to stand out amongst the 14,000 ladies taking part, promoting St Mungo's Maidens and Strathclyde Police. We're looking forward to the challenge in 2008!"

Heather Milne, an S5 pupil who took part in the run said, "It's a great Feeling! I felt like I'd really achieved something by being on the team."

S6 Pupil Nicola Glencross added, "A finish line never looked so good! Everyone should do it next year!"

Each year the "St Mungo's Maiden's" take part in the Resolution Asset Management 10K to raise money for Friends of the Beatson Cancer Care. In the last 4 years the staff and pupils have raised £4,000, donated to the Beatson Centre. This year the team again raised £1,500, making that a grand total of£5,500.

April 2007

Foghorn Films

A scene from the short film "Sandwich" by Colin Ross Smith photographed in Duke Street.
Robert Harrison (Tommy Granger) in the driving seat, Chris Somerville (Jimmy) in the passenger seat and Gareth Hunter (Andy)

Film director Colin Ross Smith from Dennistoun is making a short film due to be completed by the middle of this year called "Sandwich". The film is about a fictional character called Tommy Granger, a former notorious Glasgow gangster, played by Robert Harrison who decides on a quieter life but one small incident could upset his plans. "Sandwich" was shot in various Dennistoun locations such as Reidvale Park, Duke Street, Ramsay's Pub and Bellgrove. The trailer is available for viewing on MySpace.
http://www.myspace.com/foghornfilms

Universal Pictures
"Doomsday", a futuristic action thriller set in Scotland by director Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers,The Descent) is coming to shoot in Haghill. The film features local scot Martin Compston as well as big name "Bob Hoskins".
http://imdb.com/title/tt0483607/

Dennistoun Community Together
Everyone is welcome at the next Dennistoun Community Together meeting - from 6.30pm upstairs at Whitehill Pool on Thursday 26th April.

Things are really gathering momentum now and following on from previous meetings, we're at the point where various aims and objectives have been identified. Projects and activities currently underway or being organised include: a Summer Celidh / a Skills Bank / Friends of Alexandra Park / All Abilities Chess / a Local Litter Pick-up / Philosophy Group / Car(less) Boot Sale / Farmers & Craft Market / Photography Group / Potential Development of a New Allotment Space.

If any of the above interests you then we'd be pleased to welcome you on Thursday evening. All levels of involvement are welcome, from just listening in through to getting involved in the organisation of an activity.

For more info, visit us at www.dennistouncommunitytogether.org.uk & http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dennistoun_community

The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis
There are still a few places available for our tour this Wednesday 18th April @ 6.00pm. Members of the Friends of the Glasgow Necropolis have priority booking. All other places will be allocated on a first come basis and the meeting point will be provided with every confirmed booking.
For details see http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/index.php?id=66

Upcoming Glasgow Necropolis tour dates are:
Sunday 20th May @ 2.00pm
Thursday 21st June @ 6.00pm
Sunday 15th July @ 2.00pm
Wednesday 15th August@6.00pm
Tours can be booked on the website -
http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/index.php?id=63
Tours are free and donations are gratefully received.

March 2007

Dennistoun Community Together
The next Dennistoun Community Together meeting will be on Thursday 5th April, 6.30pm at Whitehill Pool. The last meeting saw the creation of a Board that will be in place while the group finds it's feet. This one will be more focused on developing working groups that are able and willing to organise some of the events that have been discussed so far or are suggested on the night. - Wes
For more info see the Dennistoun Community Together Page

Consumer Views of Factoring in Dennistoun
In December 2006 we were asked by the Scottish Consumer Council to undertake a short study to look at consumer experiences of factoring services in the Dennistoun ward of Glasgow. We carried out a survey of home owners, two public events and interviews with factoring companies in the area.

In recent years there has been a lot of interest in issues relating to the management of flats. One of the measures that the Scottish Executive has been considering for some time is the introduction of an accreditation scheme that would establish national standards for property management services.

The findings of this study, although based on a fairly small sample of home owners, suggest that the maintenance of property with common and shared parts can be an upsetting experience for many people.

There are around 434 buildings with flatted properties in Dennistoun. We were able to identify factoring arrangements in 70 per cent of them. Nearly 200 are factored by two housing associations. Of the remainder, 13 factors provide services in 108 buildings.

ODS Consulting Report

Saga Radio Leaves Dennistoun
Saga 105.2fm radio which launched in September 2004 from its base at City Park in Dennistoun is moving to Baillieston after its acquisition by the Guardian Media Group. The station that broadcast popular music for the over 50's in West Central Scotland will also have a change of name to Smooth Radio and will be sharing premises with Real Radio and Rock Radio formerly Q96.

Gingerbread to receive IT Computer Suite from Dell Foundation

The Dell Foundation Grant (Scotland) announced today that it is donating £17,500 to local Glasgow community charities Gingerbread East End and Teenscene, National Autistic Society.

The Dell Foundation Grant is a global programme, committed to providing access to technology in local communities where Dell employees live and work through providing IT equipment, as well as services and support from Dell staff.

Both community groups were nominated for funding by Dell employees based in City Park, Glasgow, and were successful in a series of judging rounds, including face to face meetings with an evaluation panel from Dell.

Gingerbread and Teenscene will now receive fully connected Dell IT Computer Suites, including OptiPlexTM desktops, PowerEdgeTM servers, colour laser printers, software, installation and three year warranties as a result of the Dell Foundation Grant. In addition, Gingerbread will receive additional funding from Dell to help with essential interior upgrading of their facility and a children's day out.

Gingerbread East End is a self funded support group for single parents in the Dennistoun area of Glasgow which provides after-school and holiday care for children - allowing single parents to get back into employment.

Dell employees will also be involved in setting up, testing and maintaining the IT suites as well as providing lessons in areas such as web development skills and online learning.

"Both Gingerbread and Teenscene are doing excellent work providing local community services" said Niall Scolard, General Manager, Dell Scotland. "This funding from the Dell Foundation Grant and the provision of the IT suites will allow both charities to enhance these services through providing access to technology and improving educational opportunities for their users."

Gingerbread East End's Elaine McDonald said: "We are delighted to have secured funding from the Dell Foundation Grant. The new computer suite will allow both children and parents greater opportunities to develop their skills. Part of the grant will also be used for much needed internal upgrading of our facilities, creating a more pleasant environment for the service users.

"The children were also thrilled to hear that they will also receive funds for a fantastic day out", she continued.

"On behalf of everyone at Gingerbread East End, we would like to give a huge thank-you to Dell for choosing us to receive this grant."

Gingerbread East End is a single parent support group managed by a voluntary management committee. Gingerbread provides support for single parents by providing an after school and holiday care, thus enabling parents to enter back into employment. The group has been running for over 25 years.

Dell sells more systems globally than any computer company. www.dell.com.

Stop Smoking Support Group
Want help to stop smoking. Why not come along to a stop smoking support group. The groups are run on a Wednesday evening in Whitehill Secondary School. They are relaxed, informal and free. For more information call Trish or Angela on 0141 232 1658

February 2007

Dennistoun Community Youth Project
DCYP have staff on the streets of Dennistoun most nights to help direct young people towards activities that they might be interested in and find out what they would like to see put on in their area.

The Whitehill Youth Wing is aimed at 12 to 18 year olds interested in taking part in swimming, gym, football, games and consoles on Friday and Saturday nights. Entry is free.