On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending a seminar by Faten Nastas, a Palestinian Artist based with Diyar, in Bethlehem. This was part of a series of events supported by the twinning agreement between Glasgow and Bethlehem.
The mission of Diyar is "That We Might Have Life and Have It Abundantly".
The Diyar Consortium offers educational opportunities in visual arts, performing arts and tourism. It appears to have a vital role by supporting new job opportunities and talented people are able to develop their own livelihoods.
Useful links:
Diyar Consortium - http://www.diyar.ps/
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Plans for a bus car park
The Accord Centre is a day care facility for people with learning disabilities in the East End. Currently, it is proposed that this Centre will be demolished and a transport hub with bus parking created on the site for the 11-day Commonwealth Games in 2014.
As part of the legacy for the Commonwealth Games, investment in new transport infrastructure seems to have been higher up the agenda than services for carers and people with learning disabilities. There is funding provided for new roads including the M74 Extension and East End Regeneration Route, and a transport hub with bus car park on the site of the Accord Centre. However, there is uncertainty over resources for day care services needed by people with learning disabilities and their families.
View of the Accord Centre.
As part of the legacy for the Commonwealth Games, investment in new transport infrastructure seems to have been higher up the agenda than services for carers and people with learning disabilities. There is funding provided for new roads including the M74 Extension and East End Regeneration Route, and a transport hub with bus car park on the site of the Accord Centre. However, there is uncertainty over resources for day care services needed by people with learning disabilities and their families.
Banner from the demonstration to save the Accord Centre on 27th August.
I understand that there are negotiations taking place to ensure that there is a plan to accommodate the services provided by the Accord Centre.
As a legacy of the Commonwealth Games, investment should be provided to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families have access to dedicated day care facilities, and they should feel that they are recognised and valued members of the community within the East End.
Capping of Kilgarth Landfill Site
There is a landfill site owned by Glasgow City Council which is located nearby Coatbridge. It has not been in the use for the last 10 years and a contract has been agreed for the capping of the site.
The existence of this landfill site was flagged up to myself several years ago. I have taken on board the concerns of local residents who live nearby, and asked questions about the site. Thanks to assistance from council officials, I have been able to visit and gain a detailed insight in to its history.
On Friday, I saw significant progress being made by contractors to complete the capping. In the months ahead, I will make further enquiries about tree-planting and assist in the ongoing monitoring of activities at the site.
View of haulage road and part of the landfill site.
The existence of this landfill site was flagged up to myself several years ago. I have taken on board the concerns of local residents who live nearby, and asked questions about the site. Thanks to assistance from council officials, I have been able to visit and gain a detailed insight in to its history.
View of the landfill site which is currently being capped.
On Friday, I saw significant progress being made by contractors to complete the capping. In the months ahead, I will make further enquiries about tree-planting and assist in the ongoing monitoring of activities at the site.
Update on 17th June 2012:
The report with the CQA Validation Statement on the capping was finalised in April 2012. I have viewed the report in the council offices. Trees can puncture the seal and only landscaping with grass is provided.
Entry to the Great Scottish Run 2011
My T-shirt and runner number have arrived in the post. I am going to be part of the 10K on 4th September 2011, which starts at 9.30am from George Square.
Logo on the T-shirt
The route takes in the Kingston Bridge, Scotland Street, Maxwell Drive, Pollokshaws Road and Gorbals Street. We finish at Glasgow Green.
My runner number.
This year, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour will be at the race finish. In the lead up to the Olympics 2012 and Commonwealth Games 2014, there is a lot of support for anyone interested in sports or getting more active.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Launch of Women's Aid Art Exhibition
Yesterday, I attended the launch of an exhibition of artwork, poetry and video by women and children who have experience of domestic violence.
The exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum provides an opportunity to shared the impact of domestic violence on people's lives with a wider audience, promoting awareness and increased understanding.
The displays located on the ground floor of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
During the launch, there was singing which echoed around the gallery and attracted onlookers and visitors to the exhibition area.
I hope that people find their way to the art work and get a chance to watch the video. It is a very effective way to tell the story of how domestic abuse affects children.
I hope that people find their way to the art work and get a chance to watch the video. It is a very effective way to tell the story of how domestic abuse affects children.
Poem by a women from a refuge.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Take a good long look at what you're investing in
As a member of Amnesty International, I received an information pack highlighting that Barclays, HSBC and RBS are investing in companies that make cluster bombs.
The UK has signed up to an international treaty banning the manufacture and use of cluster bombs.
There is evidence that our major banks are making loans, managing assets and providing funds to cluster bomb manufacturers. Therefore, it is necessary to join in the action to send a message to these banks that we will not stand for this outrage.
I have written to ask chairman of RBS to stop investing in companies that make cluster bombs immediately.
Useful links:-
Amnesty International - http://www.amnesty.org.uk/index.asp
Update on 4th September: RBS U-turn - http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=19663
The UK has signed up to an international treaty banning the manufacture and use of cluster bombs.
There is evidence that our major banks are making loans, managing assets and providing funds to cluster bomb manufacturers. Therefore, it is necessary to join in the action to send a message to these banks that we will not stand for this outrage.
I have written to ask chairman of RBS to stop investing in companies that make cluster bombs immediately.
Useful links:-
Amnesty International - http://www.amnesty.org.uk/index.asp
Update on 4th September: RBS U-turn - http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=19663
Monday, 15 August 2011
Gathering the Harvest
Over the weekend, I spent some time in the countryside and enjoyed walking amongst fields of golden barley.
The heavy rains in the last week have stopped farmers from cutting crops that are ripe. It is a demanding, difficult situation facing farmers at the moment due to the highest rainfall on record in August.
Today, I was glad to hear about various harvest events taking place in Glasgow. It is great to bring gardeners and their communities together to share the fruit and vegetables produced this year. Go along and get involved in local garden projects.
Useful links:-
Glasgow Harvest - http://www.nva.org.uk/current-projects/glasgow+harvest+2011-32/
View of barley field as the sun is setting.
The heavy rains in the last week have stopped farmers from cutting crops that are ripe. It is a demanding, difficult situation facing farmers at the moment due to the highest rainfall on record in August.
Today, I was glad to hear about various harvest events taking place in Glasgow. It is great to bring gardeners and their communities together to share the fruit and vegetables produced this year. Go along and get involved in local garden projects.
Useful links:-
Glasgow Harvest - http://www.nva.org.uk/current-projects/glasgow+harvest+2011-32/
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