Woodlands Big Lunch

As part of Big Lunch celebrations, I went along to Millennium Park in Woodlands today. Crowds gathered to share food and socialise in one of the few greenspaces within the area.

 View of the Millennium Park.

It was beautiful sunny day which encouraged all sections of the community to meet up. Everyone got the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, share local news and have a chat with other residents. The success of the event was not possible without contributions from local voluntary groups including Flourish House, Woodlands Community Development Trust and the Albany Centre.

Useful link:

The Big Lunch - http://www.thebiglunch.com/index.php

Support for shopping at local independent retailers

Today, I attended the public meeting organised by residents concerned about plans for a Tesco Express supermarket to open at 341 Great Western Road.  

Residents are fearful that this will lead to the loss of the distinct local independent shops on Great Western Road, Park Road and Woodlands Road. The dominance of supermarkets in the high street and the negative impact of one of the largest supermarkets opening in the area was discussed.

Independent retailers in the area are facing economic challenges and the opening of a supermarket would add to their current economic woes. 

As a result, it was agreed to organise a campaign to highlight the benefits of shopping locally and to give support to local independent businesses.

Walled garden by the Bothy Project

Yesterday, I dropped in to the walled garden at Sawmillfield Street, off Garscube Road. This is a derelict site which has been transformed in to a temporary exhibition space by the Bothy Project. 

There is a showcase of new sculptures, artworks, and murals alongside a wildflower meadow. Three views of the walled garden are provided for reference.

The colourful tree mural caught my eye as I walked over to the walled garden. It provides a striking skyline next to Speirs Wharf. There are various events and activities planned over the Summer. Details are available by visiting on Fridays or contact the project via facebook.

Useful link:

The Bothy Project: Walled Garden - http://thebothyproject.blogspot.co.uk/p/walled-garden.html

Beekeeping in Glasgow.

Currently beekeepers are prohibited from keeping bees (or any other livestock) on allotments. In response to requests from plotholders, the provision of hives on allotments is being considered. 

Partnership working is taking place between Glasgow & District Beekeeping Association, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Allotments Forum to discuss what support is required for beekeeping. Consultation is ongoing with allotment associations to identify the level of interest in bee-keeping and gather information from pilot projects on specific sites.Councillors supported a motion from Green Councillors to agree a policy for beekeeping on allotments by the end of 2013.

The honey bee is under threat and its best chance of survival is surprisingly in cities. Glasgow offers a very rich foraging area for bees including established allotments. Beekeepers on allotments can take a key role in the city's efforts to reverse the decline of bees. 

Awareness of the importance of bees has been increased by the film production "More Than Honey" which was shown as part of the Green Film Festival. At this film secreening, I met with various stakeholders interested in beekeeping across Glasgow. It would be helpful for  sustaining activity if beekeeping expertise is supported by a coordinated approach to supporting bees. There is a need to from a strategy to identify sites for hives and support creation of suitable habitats for bees. This comes from learning from beekeeping experience in other cities such as London.

In the next year, I hope to support beekeeping by working with council officials interested in beekeeping, Glasgow Beekeepers Association, specialist staff from Glasgow Life, and people involved in beekeeping projects such as Johnny's Garden, and Urban Roots.

Useful link:

Bee Heard: A Buzzing Campaign - http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/support_us/fightingfund.php

Jonny's Garden - http://www.johnnysgarden.co.uk/

Capital Bee Scheme criticised by beekeepers - http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/16/boris-capital-bee-beekeepers-criticise

Just Peace Walk from Iona to London

Last week, I gave my support to the Pilgrimage for Peace and Economic Justice which takes place between 19th May to 19th July. A group of campaigners are walking between Iona and London as part of efforts to get rid of Trident nuclear weapons from the UK.

 Walking through Helensburgh.

Arrival in Dumbarton, with minibus provided as back up.

In solidarity, I joined the walk on the 10 miles from Faslane Peace Camp to Dumbarton, on Monday 27th May 2013.

"A primary aim of the 2013 Pilgrimage is to focus national public attention on the Government’s proposal to spend up to £100 billion renewing the Trident nuclear missile system, while continuing to slash NHS, education and social welfare budgets, including vital financial support for some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities across the UK."

It was a wet day, but I really appreciated the chance to get involved.

Useful link:

2013 Just Peace Walk - http://www.justpeacepilgrimage.com/

Scotland Plays Its Part

Enough Food for Everyone IF is a UK-wide coalition of 180 organisations which come together to influence decision makers of the need for action on the issue of global hunger. I met some of the campaigners involved at the Oxfam stall, as part of the Gibson Street Gala yesterday.

People at the Gala were encouraged to support the call for action by the Scottish Government to help make 2013 the beginning of the end of world hunger. 

Useful links:

Enough for Everyone - www.enoughfoodif.org./scotland

A little bit of wilderness

The North Kelvin Meadow and Children's Wood gala was buzzing! Hundreds of families went along today to experience this beautiful greenspace and soak up the community feeling of this unique event. There was something to suit everyone including the traditional homebaking and face painting.

View of the North Kelvin Meadow's Gala Stalls.

An eclectic mix of craft stalls selling jewellery, crochet, and clothing showcased a range of talented artists and entrepreneurs.

Raised beds planted with vegetables.

North Kelvin Meadow is a lush growing space with a series of established raised beds and a conservation project for the bumblebee. There is a wooded area where orchids are flourishing.

                                                             An example of an orchid.

I visited the Children's Wood where I found a a tippee and stage area for storytelling. There are a series of book events going to held in the woodland during the West End Festival. 

 Entrance to the Children's Wood.

During the gala, a Dog Show took place and I meet up with Tilly, a friendly dog, who is supporting the campaign to keep this greenspace available for dog walking.

Teresa, Tilly's owner and myself with Tilly giving my support to 
the "Tilly Paws Off" Campaign.

The gala was an amazing community gathering which brought a lot of families together, along with their dogs, to enjoy their local greenspace. It shows the strength of support for North Kelvin Meadow and the Children's Wood to be preserved as an open space for community benefit and public health.

Useful links:

Tilly Paws Off - https://www.facebook.com/TillyPawsOff?ref=nf

North Kelvin Meadow - http://northkelvinmeadow.com/

Children's Wood - http://thechildrenswood.com/