Walk beside the River Kelvin

On Saturday 10th December, I spend some time on the Kelvin Walkway, meeting up with members of Friends of the River Kelvin and going along to the Botanic Gardens.

A new bridge installed to provide access 

along the riverbank at the Botanic Gardens.

Sunset over the Kibble Palace.

I heard about pollution and rubbish in the river. Please support efforts to reduce the amount of rubbish found in our rivers and seas. Please refer to information at: https://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Clean+seas+and+beaches/Pollution+and+litter+problems. 

Bulb planting to support backcourt improvements

On Saturday, 10th December, I helped with planting bulbs within a backcourt in Woodlands. This gardening project helped to bring together neighbours to improve their backcourt.

Furniture dumped in the last month has been uplifted by Cleansing Staff.

Residents planting bulbs on Saturday.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of social events for residents in the backcourt which support efforts to reduce the problems with refuse and bulk.

Bhopal Commemoration at Glasgow Green

Along with representatives from the Scottish Friends of Bhopal, The Bhopal Medical Appeal, Trade unions, and members of the European Green Party, I organised a commemoration for the Bhopal Gas Disaster on 3rd December 2016 at the Workers Memorial in Glasgow Green. This event remembered the thousands who died as a result of the gas explosion in Bhopal between 2nd to 3rd December 1984, but also the survivors who have long-term injuries and people who are second or third generation sufferers.

People gathered at workers memorial in Glasgow to remember Bhopal.

The Bhopal Medical Appeal continues to seek funds for clinics for the survivors. Currently, they are concerned about the proposed merger of Dow Chemical and Dupont, and have written to the EU Competition Commissioner to seek an investigation in to this merger. 

Further details at: http://bhopal.org/still-killing-after-32-years-2/

St. Georges Cross Xmas Lights Switch On

This year, the Xmas lights on the trees at St. Georges Cross were switched on by Robert Alston, winner of the Glasgow Community Champion Seniors Award for North West Glasgow and member of Woodside Community Council. The switch on of the lights took place on Thursday, 1st December and was organised by Woodside Community Council.

Musicians from the Salvation Army.

Kingsley, the mascot from Partick Thistle FC and Robert Alston.

I attend this event along with other local politicians, local children and their parents, local school teachers, staff of the Salvation Army, and local community police officers. We gathered in the Woodside libary after the lights were switched on. Thanks to everyone at Woodside Community Council, and staff at Woodside Library who supported this event.

Special Xmas Tree for Byres Road

As part of the festive celebrations, I am delighted that a Christmas Tree has been established in Vinicombe Street by the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District. 

Xmas Tree in Vinicombe Street.

There was an Xmas Fair and a Xmas Tree Lights Switch On within Vinicombe Street on Sunday 28th November.  The switch on event was supported by hundreds of residents and was a great success. 

Further details at: https://www.visitwestend.com/whats-on/

Support for St. Andrew's Day Anti-Racism March and Rally

No Racism: Protecting Rights, Defending Communities is the theme of the STUC St. Andrews Day Anti-Racism March and Rally took place on Saturday 26th November 2016. Thousands of people marched from Glasgow Green to the Glasgow Film Theatre to stand up for human rights, employment rights and migrant rights.

On the march.

Meeting up with Scottish Green Party members.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the election of Donald Trump as US President and on the uncertainty arising from the Brexit result. People gathered together to show their ongoing support for anti-racism campaigns and efforts to tackle hate crime.