Glasgow News

[Govangirl]

Ionns - made me cry. Lovely story.

[ionnsaigh]

A NEW debt counselling service helping hard-up residents in one of Glasgow's most deprived areas has been welcomed by city politicians.

The free service, based next door to the Findlay Church in Maryhill, will help Glaswegians in the area hardest hit by the UK recession.

Although the centre won't be officially opened until next week, struggling residents have already been in contact with the team worried about their financial problems.

Lord Provost Bob Winter, Glasgow Maryhill MSP Patricia Ferguson and Green MSP Partick Harvie, have welcomed the service set up by national debt charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

Glasgow's civic leader Mr Winter, who is also a councillor for the Maryhill and Kelvin ward, said: "Specialist debt advice for the people of Maryhill is something I support.

"Advice on money management has never been more necessary.

"I hope that people in debt or worrying about the risk of debt will make use of these services."

The Findlay CAP Centre is one of 13 new debt services to be opened by the charity throughout the UK this month as UK debt figures mount up.

Centre manager Jean Nicholson will be the point of contact at the centre, working alongside CAP volunteers offering support and advice to residents regardless of their religious beliefs.

She said: "We want to reach the people who really need help in the Maryhill area.

"Debt is an increasing problem but individuals in the north of the city can receive the help and support they need through this new centre.

"The worst thing someone in debt can do is stay silent, so I would urge anyone facing financial problems in the area to contact me and my team.

"Using a combination of practical and sustainable financial solutions along with sensitivity to individual and personal needs, the centre aims to bring hope to those trapped by debt in Maryhill."

The centre's team will be supported and managed by the charity's operations centre in Bradford, allowing them to offer residents CAP accounts and insolvency services. They will negotiate with creditors to work out realistic repayments budgets for people, which prioritise food and essential bills to make sure they are debt free within four years.

Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson said: "I welcome any organisation which helps people manage their debt and avoid further difficulties."

Patrick Harvie added: "It's vital that we get the services in place to help and I'm pleased to see that the Maryhill areas will benefit from the new CAP service."

To find out more about the Findlay CAP Centre call direct on: 332 9870, or the free national number: 0800 328 0006.

To find out more about Christians Against Poverty visit: http://www.capuk.org

[EMDEE]

Personal debt problems have escalated phenomenaly over the last couple of decades through a variety of causes, not least of which has been the eagerness of the banks to lend to almost anyone when the going was good. As we have seen, the chickens recently came home to roost for the banks.

What happened?

The government gave them our money to help them out. (Are you sure that's enough Sir Fred?)

What happens to the poor debtor who comes up against a similar situation?

You can shove off! Either pay up or go bankrupt! You got yourself into that situation through your own improvidence and fecklessness!

Double standards!

[ionnsaigh]

One enterprising Glasgow bus driver is to be rewarded for taking the time to help east European bus drivers working in Glasgow better understand the local dialect. First Glasgow bus driver, James Lillis, will be presented with an award at the STUC conference in Perth for his innovative approach to helping immigrant bus drivers with their language skills.

James, who has driven buses in and around the city of Glasgow for more than 30 years, took a basic Polish language course to assist foreign drivers unravel the more challenging words and phrases emploted by the city's traveling public.

Almost 10% of First Glasgow bus drivers are from eastern Europe, most are Polish, but other drivers come from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Mr Lillis, who, in addition to his language-learning exploits, is also a Unite union representative for eastern European drivers said:

"When new employees come to Scotland and hear the Glasgow accent, it can be a problem. We help them translate and understand Glaswegian so they can do their job. It's a brilliant thing to help others grow in confidence as they strengthen their everyday skills."

Mr Lillis went on to tell how the biggest challenge for new foreign drivers was not learning English, but adapting their limited English skills to accommodate Glaswegian. He added:

"A lot of them understand normal English, having been taught it at school, but when they come the Glasgow, they cannot make out a word people say. They expect people to speak English such as 'the black cat walked across the road', so find it very, very strange the way people in Glasgow talk.

They have trouble making out the meaning of phrases such as 'big man' and 'nae bother'."

Johann Lamont, Mr Lillis' local MP in Pollok said:

"I was delighted to learn of James' fabulous success. His role in developing the learning centre, and his tireless work in supporting his fellow Polish workers to integrate within their community, is an inspiration that speaks powerfully of everything that is best about trade unions and trade unionists."

Peter W. Alexander, spokesperson for the people of Glasgow, said:

Fair play tae the big chap! Ah've learnt a bit a Polish masel fae staunin behin big Artur at Parkheid. It's a smashin lingo, wae a wonderful linguistic flourish. If the big man wants a haun, just gies a shout.

[EMDEE]

Stanley Baxter did something similar a few decades ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0rgETg2Hoo

[bill]

Stanley Baxter did something similar a few decades ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0rgETg2Hoo

OH you are awful,but I like you.

[bill]

Not Glasgow news but a Glasgow Lullaby.

[ionnsaigh]

Glasgow Sheriff Court
First diet Apr 27, 09
Trail diet May 4, 09
An Easterhouse woman has been charged with assaulting neighbours by throwing liquid ammonia over them. Sharon Hamill is charged with assaulting Brendon Osbourne and Yvonne Craddock in their home, flat 1/2 139 Easterhouse Road last November.
The 38 year old, who used to live in the flat below, is also reported to have attempted to force her way into the flat committing a breach of the peace and assaulting Ms Craddock with a baseball bat, inflicting severe injury. Hamill, now of Clydeview Terrace, faces a second breach of the peace charge at number 139. Over a 16 month period she is said to have played loud music, shouted , swore and screamed.

A man and woman have been charged with assault and robbery at Gadshill Street in Royston. Last January Thomas McNeil and Leeann McLetchie, who will both appear from custody, are believed to have threatened Ajaz Ali and demanded money and valuables from him. In addition to £20 cash, the two accused are reported to have stolen a car stereo, CDs a mobile, earphones and other accessories.

A 21 year old male will appear from custody accused of forcing his way into a Possilpark flat and knifing a local man. David Dollin is alleged to have stormed into flat 2/1,148 Saracen Street and attacked Sean Martin to his severe and permanent disfigurement.

A 56 year old man has been charged with assaulting a man with a knife Andrew Lowe is alleged to have attacked James Reid with a blade last May. Lowe from Causewayside Street , Glasgow is believed to have committed the alleged offence at the Waverley Bar 1034 Tollcross Road. It is understood that the complainer was severely injured and scarred as a result of the alleged attack.

Shakespeare Street in Glasgow is believed to have been the location for heroin dealing last March. James Higgins, whose home is at Wyndford Road, is alleged to have supplied the class A drug in March 2008. The 34 year old has been charged with contravention of the misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

[Govangirl]

Carol Ann Duffy has just been announced as the first female Poet Laureate. Gaun yersel' Glasgow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Poet Laureate frae Glesga toon
It'll be Lord Ionnsaigh very soon!

[Hume]

Glasgow Sheriff Court
First diet Apr 27, 09
Trail diet May 4, 09

I was cited on 27th , only back at work today. Was the only poor sod out of about 60 to get selected for both juries!

[blueboyno1]

Throwing liquid ammonia over someone , does that come under bleach of th peace.

[Hume]

don't know blueboy but its not to be sniffed at

[ionnsaigh]

High Court Glasgow

A Maryhill man has been charged with raping a woman after allegedly assaulting her for more than 10 years. Steven Porteous is accused of assaulting and raping the women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to her injury, scarring and impairment, at an address in Glasgow last July. The 56 year old is further believed to have attacked the women on various occasions between 1993 and 2006. Porteous now of Wyndford Road, faces a preliminary hearing this week.

A man has been accused of carrying a handgun at a neighbours house. Steven Hewitt faces five charges under the Firearms Act, for allegedly possessing a Beretta handgun and ammunition at 49 Loch Achray Street, Glasgow in May 2008. Hewitt who lives a few doors down at number 37, where he allegedly had a stun gun and CS gas canister, is also believed to have been in possession of counterfeit £50 and £20 notes at his own home, contrary to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. The 24 year old will appear in court for a preliminary hearing this week.

Two men have been accused of stealing thousands of pounds from G4S security guards. Christopher Dickson 23 , and Jamie Robertson 24 , allegedly ran towards guards Colin Brodie and Frank Campbell , with their faces masked and robbed £15,000 last New Years Eve at Neilston Road and Stock Street Paisley. The pair are also charged with breach of the peace and reset. Robertson alone has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. He is believed to have been on bail at the time of the alleged offences. Both men will appear from custody for a preliminary hearing this week.

[Govangirl]

Do you have any happy wee stories from Glasgow, Ionns?

[ionnsaigh]

A GLASGOW youth orchestra blew the competition away when the musicians scooped a major award at a recent festival.

The Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) confirmed its place as one of Europe's leading youth ensembles after taking the Gold Award at the UK's largest wind and big band festival.

Managed by the Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra Trust, the jazz troupe was presented with the award at the National Concert and Big Band Festival finals in Cardiff last week.

Based at Strathclyde University, the SYJO is made up of gifted young musicians aged 16 to 24 years from schools, universities and music colleges throughout Scotland.

Three members of the orchestra - Heather MacIntosh (baritone saxophone), James Lindsey (bass) and Kevin Garrity (trombone) also picked up Outstanding Soloist Awards.

The orchestra is directed by Stewart Forbes, a lecturer in music at the university and one of the country's finest professional jazz musicians.

Derek Hart, SYJO Trust Manager, said: "This is an outstanding achievement and we offer our congratulations to all the members of the band who have worked incredibly hard to reach such a high standard under the direction of Stewart Forbes and assistant music director, Gavin Spowart.

"Their performance in Cardiff was exceptional and the fact three of the available four soloist awards in the final event went to members of Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra is remarkable."

With appearances at festivals worldwide, SYJO has provided young Scottish musicians with professional training and performance opportunities since 1986.

The band is also due to perform at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival in June this year. To find out more about the orchestra visit: http://www.strath.ac.uk/caas/syjo