Inspiring clean up of Willowbank Crescent

Yesterday, I went along to the social event organised by volunteers at the Willowbank Crescent Community Garden. This was a chance to appreciate the work done to improve this corner of Woodlands and discuss ideas for the future.

Various flowers and bulbs were planted by people who gathered together.This work added to the raised planters already in place.

Notice board highlighting what plants have been sown.

There are gardening sessions planned on Sundays from 3 to 5pm. Volunteers are keen to keep the area free of litter and maintain it as an attractive place to meet up with neighbours.

Take care during firework season

In past years, I have observed unofficial bonfires in greenspaces and firework displays which have put residents at risk of burns and serious injury. The damage to local parks from bonfires has also created an eyesore for months afterwards.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) highlights that there are numerous incidents over the years where animals have come to serious harm and even death as a result of fireworks being set off near them. It is the case that animals will panic and flee at the sound of the bang. Reports have been received of wild swans flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly injured after running through barbed wire fences.

View of People's Palace and Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green.

This year, I hope that the official fireworks displays will be the chosen destination of residents. There are two public firework displays on Monday 5th November - the event at Glasgow Green starts at 4 - 9pm, and another in Drumchapel Park, from 4.30-8.30pm.

Useful links:-

Firework Safety - http://www.centralscotlandfire.gov.uk/firework-safety/

Help keep animals safe this firework season http://www.scottishspca.org/news/1095_help-keep-animals-safe-this-firework-season

Quality design from Scotland

Yesterday, I visited an exhibition "Scotland Can Make It!" at the People's Palace in Glasgow Green. It is located on the top floor of the building, next to the new portrait of Jimmy Reid.

View of Glasgow Green from David Dale's Gate designed by Adrian Wiszniewski.

The exhibition is a showcase for six designs for souvenirs inspired by the London Olympics 2012 and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Logos for the exhibition

The keepsakes include a travel blanket, a ceramic jelly mould, "medal" teacakes, sports scarves, an iPhone app, and miniature gold effect tenements.

Useful link:

Scotland Can Make It - http://www.scotlandcanmakeit.com/

A future that works

Gathering in George Square, thousands of campaigners marched for investment in jobs not austerity cuts, yesterday. There was a mobilisation of trade unions, community groups and individuals, all concerned about the serious threat from government spending cuts.

Marchers in George Square.

Scotland is facing long-term economic problems. Unless investment is provided in jobs and protecting services, our economy will not grow, and incomes will reduce in real terms. The focus has to be on closing the deficit by building a healthy growing economy that generates tax income. Current, austerity measures will only lead to a vicious circle of decline.

 

A new approach would encourage companies to raise average pay, penalise big bonuses and invest in training and the new green manufacturing industries. It can crack down on tax evasion by big companies and the super-rich. Growing inequality between the super-rich and everyone else has to be tackled.

Rather than deep, rapid spending cuts, we need to reverse our decline and build an economy that supports families and meets the Climate Change concerns that we face.

Useful links:

Make The March - http://makethemarch.org.uk/the-march/

STUC - http://www.stuc.org.uk/20-oct

Towards a nuclear free Middle East

Over the weekend, I attended the CND International Conference in support of a Nuclear Free Middle East.  

It is forty years since a WMD-free zone across the Middle East was initially put forward by Iran at the United Nations.  It will be discussed at a conference in Helsinki hosted by the Finnish Government in December 2012. This is seen as an important crossroads for the development of nuclear policies and support has to be provided for WMD disarmament from the International Community.

Speakers on the main platform at the conference.

The CND conference provided a platform for the a range of guest speakers including representatives from the Arab Human Security Network and Israel Disarmament Campaign. Natalie Bennett of the Green Party give a much appreciated input on the need to listen to campaigners on the ground. 

It was highlighted that civic society and Governments in the EU can take action to support the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.  There can be a focus on campaigns to decommission existing nuclear weapons and against their replacement in the UK.

Useful Link:

CND - http://www.cnduk.org/

Visit to The People's Supermarket

During a visit to London at the weekend, I found my way to the People's Supermarket on Lamb's Conduit which is near Russell Square. It is a thriving supermarket where members get 20% off their shopping for working 4 hours per month in the shop.

View of the shopfront for the People's Supermarket

After watching news reports about the development of the People's Supermarket, it was great to be able to finally shop there and buy their new cookbook.

 Herbs on sale at the main entrance.

This shop can give inspiration for social enterprises involved in sale of local produce including fresh fruit and veg. The need for locally controlled food supplies is more urgent than ever due to the emerging global food crisis.

Useful Link:-

The People's Supermarket - http://www.thepeoplessupermarket.org/

Creative Mackintosh

This evening, I went along to The Lighthouse to attended the launch of the Creative Mackintosh Festival. It takes place from 15th - 28th October 2012 across venues designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, including The Mackintosh Church at Queen's Cross, Scotland Street School, the Willow Tearooms, and House for An Art Lover.

 View of internal stairway of The Lighthouse

Signpost for the The Lighthouse in Mitchell Lane.

If you haven't visited The Mackintosh Church or The Lighthouse recently, now is your chance. There are a variety of free inspiring exhibitions to enjoy.

Useful link:

Creative Mackintosh Festival - www.glasgowmackintosh.com