30 mile cycling trip to Helensburgh

Yesterday, I completed a 30 mile cycling trip from Glasgow to Helensburgh. This was in support of efforts to build a new visitors’ centre and communal space at the Faslane Peace Camp.

The starting point of the cycling trip at the Riverside Museum.

Established since 12 June 1982, the Faslane Peace Camp is the longest permanent peace camp in the world. It has been the base for protests against the Britain's nuclear deterrent for over 31 years, through the use of non-violent direct action, civil disobedience and monitoring the movements of submarines from Faslane Naval Base. 

 Entrance to Faslane Peace Camp, with my bike parked.

The new building will be a sustainable straw-bale/earth building with rainwater-harvesting, turf roof, bottle walls, thermal mass heater. It will be made from a mix of ecological, sustainable and long-term usable recycled materials.

Cleared site for the new building.

The new facilities are needed to help anti-nuclear campaigning, but also provide training and workshops for sustainable low-impact living. Over the Summer months, supporters are encouraged to visit the camp to help out with day to day activities or take part in planned events.

Useful link:

Faslane Peace Camp - http://faslanepeacecamp.wordpress.com/

Open Day at Coachhouse Trust

On Saturday 29th June, I went along to find out what is happening in the gardens and training spaces of Coachouse Trust, located on Belmont Lane, near Kelvinbridge. I enjoyed looking around the market garden and art studios.

 Market Garden selling plants, seasonal veg, and hanging baskets.

 

Poppy at the viewpoint overlooking the River Kelvin

Sculpture Garden.

The Coachhouse Trust is providing courses in Horticulture, Computing, Arts and Media, and woodworking. It also offers gardening and landscaping services, and is supporting local community gardening projects in partnership with local housing associations.

Useful link:

CHT - http://www.thecht.co.uk/

You are Beautiful Art Exhibition and Book Launch

On Friday 28th June, I went along to view the artworks on display in the cafe of the Charlie Reid Centre at 19 Elmbank Street.

Members have worked hard together with the support of Art Tutors to produce an impressive collection of paintings and photos. In addition, poems have been published in a unique book entitled "You are Beautiful".

Useful links:

Charlie Reid Centre - http://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/information-and-support/services/charlie-reid-centre-glasgow

Stand Up for Dignity

On Saturday 29th June, I took part in the UK wide day of action to highlight the issue of asylum seeker destitution. At a gathering in St. Enoch's Square, I spoke with reference to the 2007 findings of House of Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights which stated, "the UK Government is practising a deliberate policy of destitution and a deliberate use of inhumane treatment against asylum seekers".

This UK Government policy is unacceptable and falls below the requirements of common law of humanity and international human rights law. Currently about 300 asylum seekers are homeless and destitute in Glasgow. They face loss of their dignity and basic rights including access to money for food, clean water, clothing and accommodation. Destitute asylum seekers are forced to sleep rough on the streets and rely on charity handouts. 

Asylum seeker supporters in Glasgow rallied as part of a national show of outrage over the number of people living in destitution as a result of Government policies. The day of action called for a change in policy to allow people seeking sanctuary to support themselves by removing the ban on working. Supporters are angry that people whose asylum applications have been turned down but who can’t return home are left without any form of financial support.

Scottish Fashion Awards 2013

We should expect fashion's next rising stars to come out of Scotland.

Known as Scotland’s Fashion Oscars, these awards are making an important contribution to the aim of placing Scottish fashion talent on the global map.

They were founded to provide a platform for Scottish creative talents, by fashion publicist Tessa Hartmann. Since 2006 they have honoured and celebrated the best of Scottish fashion, and top Scottish designers, fashion photographers, models, stylists and make-up artists. Design talents of those such as Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and Holly Fulton are establishing our fashion future.

For the first 4 years, this internationally acclaimed event was held in the majestic Stirling Castle. In 2010 and more recently, the event moved to Glasgow, taking place at the Science Centre and Armadillo.

This year, the awards ceremony is taking place in London. I was shocked to read this news in the Sunday Herald and consequently, I have submitted a motion for debate at Glasgow City Council on 27th June 2013.

"Council notes that the 2013 Scottish Fashion Awards will take place outwith Scotland for the first time in its history, at Dover House, in London on Wednesday 9th October 2013. It has been held in Stirling and Glasgow over the last 7 years.

Council acknowledges that this is an international fashion event that is a showcase for Scotland's top talent, and congratulates the entrants and winners in the 14 categories including Scottish Designer of the Year, Scottish Young Designer of the Year and Scottish Model of the Year.

Council regrets that there was a failure to reach agreement on the hosting of these Scottish awards in Scotland. Council requests that a civic reception be held to acknowledge the success of these talented Scots and, further acknowledges our continuing support for the fashion industry by making every effort to enable the Awards ceremony to take place in Glasgow next year."

Please support the motion and help bring the Scottish Fashion Awards back to Glasgow in 2014!

Woodlands Lane Clean Up

During the month of June, I have been inspired by the clean up of a lane between Woodlands Drive and Dunearn Street. This has involved a partnership between the Council's Cleansing staff and residents overlooking the lane.

Through dedication and hard work, tonnes of mud built up over 40 years were removed from the lane. Now, it is possible to enjoy the sight of cobbles and a litter free environment.

This lane has been transformed by a momentous effort leading to new friendships and increased socialising amongst neighbours.

Various residents across two other lanes have been involved in similar improvements. More work to clean up the lanes is planned and I would be glad to hear from any residents who want help to clean up their lane.

Public Information Event on Traffic and Road Safety

Yesterday, on Monday 24th June, there was a local public event held to provide information on parking, road safety, cycling and the City Car Club for residents in the Dowanhill area.

Residents were able to share their concerns and ask questions of various council officials. Also, I gathered comments on traffic and road safety from some of those who attended and these views will form the basis of a report back to council officials by 8th July 2013.

The staff involved in the promotion and management of the City Car Club were available to answer any questions. They received positive responses from residents, many of whom were not aware of the local car club spaces nearby.

Useful link:

Glasgow City Car Club - http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/locations/glasgow-car-hire