onnectRutherglen C Autumn 2016

Rutherglen Connect Welcome HELLO and welcome to the first edition of Connect. STAY IN TOUCH: Brought to you by the Herald and Times Magazine Group, this small but mighty magazine aims to celebrate the best the area Editorial: has to offer. Packed with feel good news and features, Connect Maxine McCreadie prides itself on being a champion of the best things that happen 0141 302 7742 [email protected] in our community. However, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you and want Nicola Brown you to be as involved as possible, 0141 302 7741 If you have a tale to tell, an event to share or simply want to [email protected] tell us what you think of the magazine, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Advertising: Interested in advertising? Paul Johnstone Hand delivered through letter boxes, Connect is the ideal [email protected] platform to reach families in the heart of our community. 0141 302 7368 Our sales team is on hand to offer bespoke multi-media support to help you tell our readers what you do best. Write to us: And what’s more, they’re also happy to help with competitive Rutherglen Connect advertising rates in our sister Connect titles – offering you the Herald and Times Magazines chance to reach people across the country. 200 Renfield Steet Now all that remains to be said is we hope you enjoy this G2 3QB offering and we look forward to working on the next!

Autumn 2016 3 Rutherglen Connect Handy Numbers Council Community General: 0303 123 1015 Rutherglen Community Carers - 0141 613 2003 Rutherglen Baptist Community Church- 0141 569 Emergency 1060 Police Scotland- 101 (or 999 in emergency) Rutherglen Baptist Community Church- 0141 569 Scottish Water- 0800 0778 778 1060 Shelter Scotland- 0808 800 4444 Community Resources - 0141 Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East 647 4416 Renfrewshire- 01355 249897 Spittal Community Hall- 0141 634 7010 Key Housing Association Ltd- 0141 613 1769 Schools Springhall Community Centre- 0141 634 9249 Community Learning & Ics Service- 0141 630 2520 Trinity High School- 0141 646 3650 Stonelaw High School- 0141 643 0212 Burgh Primary School- 0141 647 6760 Health Burnside Primary School (Decant)- 0141 634 1916 NHS 24- 111 Calderwood Primary School- 0141 647 1277 Udston Hospital- 01698 723200 Bankhead Primary School- 0141 647 6967 Beckford Lodge - 01698 456212 St Anthonys R C Primary School- 0141 634 7353 Hairmyres Hospital- 01355 585 000 Fernhill School- 0141 634 2674 Wishaw General Hospital - 01698 361 100 St Marks Primary School- 0141 634 4238 Cathkin Primary School- 0141 634 4569

If you’d like the details of your club or organisation to appear on our handy numbers page please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Send the details to [email protected] or Nicola.Brown@newsquest. co.uk and we’ll be sure to include them in a future edition.

4 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 5 Rutherglen Connect Are you paying more for basic goods?

PEOPLE on lower incomes pay more than case of accident or theft. average costs for basic goods and services, CAS also asked these lower-income Scots what according to new research by Citizens impact their financial situation has on them: Advice Scotland (CAS). • 43 per cent said it had made them cut back on The new CAS report, ‘Paying More to be Poor’ food reveals some poorer Scots are paying a poverty • 24 per cent revealed they cut back on gas and/ premium for their energy, telecoms, credit, loans or electricity used and insurance. This premium exacerbates the • 22 per cent said they cut back on social problems experienced by those living at or near activities the poverty line and can force those on a low • 19 per cent reported that it increased stress income to cut back on essentials like food. and anxiety This in turn adversely affected their health and Publishing the report, CAS spokesman Patrick relationships. Hogan said: “We and other charities have Reasearch found: published evidence in recent years showing that • Energy: Low income families are more likely there are too many people in Scotland who are to use more expensive pre-payment meters struggling on low incomes. (PPMs) and 24 per cent of those using PPMs “What this new research shows is that many spent over £100 per month on their energy. of those peoples’ financial situations are actually Only 24 per cent switched their energy supplier being made even worse because the poverty they in the past three years, with those living in the are in. most deprived areas of the country less likely to “So if you are poorer in Scotland today you do so. end up paying more for basic services, and so • Telecoms: Those with mobile phones tend to become even poorer. This cannot be right, and use more expensive Pay As You Go payment needs to be addressed. methods. They are also more likely to be without He added: “We pledge that we will work mobile phones, and so are hit hardest by the together with those who supply essential services, rise in landline costs. Low income consumers to persuade them to bring down costs and offer are also less likely to switch phone suppliers. better deals to those on low incomes, and also • Financial services: 53 per cent said they were to raise awareness of cost traps and consumer not using credit or loans, indicating a possible choices. difficulty in accessing these products. Of those “The market must offer better value for who had used credit or loans, 11 per cent consumers of all income levels, but it is clear that were repaying over £100 per month. There we need to target information more at those on the is also evidence that low income consumers lowest incomes. take out credit or loans without understanding “Poverty should not breed even more poverty.” the full costs involved. Others told us they had Anyone looking for financial advice can speak no home contents insurance, as they find it with Citizens Advice Bureau - Rutherglen and unaffordable, leaving their home vulnerable in on 0141 646 3191

6 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 7 Rutherglen Connect

Advertisement Feature New Cruden home is a dream come true for Alison and Stuart ALISON Bowler and her son Stuart had been renting a flat in Shawlands for the past six years but felt that they had nothing to show for it. When they got information through their door from Cruden Homes, they wondered if home ownership could really be within their reach. Alison and Stuart had heard great reports about the quality of the houses at the Athletes’ Village in Glasgow’s East End, which Cruden helped to build as part of the City Legacy consortium so when they There’s no place like home for Alison and Stuart heard about Cruden’s latest developments, Alison and Stuart decided to take a look. for four months and in hospital on to the housing ladder. I’m Alison and Stuart didn’t for nearly a year. Stuart suffered so proud of everything he’s dream that homeownership many injuries which left him achieved and this is the perfect could be an option for them. disabled, but he has overcome start for a bright future for him. However, with the help of the all the odds and after years of Stuart said: “I can’t believe Cruden sales team and their dedication and training with I’m a homeowner at such a independent financial adviser, para-sport coach John Blair young age. As soon as I walked they quickly realised that all at the Scottish Rowing Centre through the door, I instantly felt Cruden Affordable homes in Strathclyde Park, he now right at home. Buying at King’s qualify for the Government- holds the title of Scottish Indoor View has given me such a boost backed Help to Buy (Scotland) Disabled Rowing Champion in and we love our new home!” scheme, which allows buyers his class of disability rowing. All Cruden Homes currently to own a home with only a five Mum Alison said: “When we available on Baron’s Vale and per cent deposit. Soon, their arrived at the Cruden Homes Kings View, from 2 bed well dream became a reality and development, we immediately designed mid terraced houses they are now proud owners of fell in love with these modern, to 3 bed spacious family homes a two bedroom apartment at stunning homes. I really didn’t are eligible for the Help To Buy King’s View. think we would qualify for a Scheme. Please visit or call the At 26-years-old, Stuart’s mortgage but the Help to Buy Cruden Homes Sales Team who journey to homeownership scheme made all the difference. will be happy to discuss your hasn’t been an easy one. Six “I’m absolutely delighted individual requirements and years ago Stuart was in a car that this scheme has helped needs to help you secure the crash which left him in a coma to secure Stuart’s first foot home of your dreams.

8 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 9 Rutherglen Connect Locals warned of dangers of wheelie bin fires

RUTHERGLEN residents are being warned they’ve been emptied. of the risks associated with wheelie bin Where possible members of the public are fires. asked to secure bins behind locked gates and The Lanarkshire division of Police Scotland away from nearby buildings and escape routes or is working in conjunction with Scottish Fire and emergency exits. Rescue Service and the council to highlight the In addition to the risks associated to any fires dangers associated with the fires which have the there is also the cost to the local authority with the potential to cause extensive damage to property cost of dealing with a wheelie bin fire estimated and serious injury to residents. at £2,500. The deliberate ignition of wheelie bins threatens Anyone who witnesses someone setting a fire, life and property but, by following some basic or suspects them to be preparing a fire, should safety advice, people can help minimise that risk. contact police. If a fire has already been lit, A series of relatively simple steps can help please call the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. safeguard properties from the potential ravages Police can be contacted on 101. Alternatively, of a wheelie bin fire. the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline can be Residents are advised to only put their bins out reached on 0800 555111. when they’re due for collection, and to remove Further fire safety advice can be found at www. them from the streets as quickly as possible once firescotland.gov.uk. You dancin’? TWINKLED toed dancers will have the chance to channel their inner Fred Alistair and Ginger at Tea Dances in this winter. Ballroom dancing has grown increasingly popular over the years thanks to shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and the craze has taken Rutherglen by storm over the years with the quaint events proving to be more popular than ever. Locals are invited to dust off their dancing shoes on Thursday, October 20 Thursday, November 17 and Thursday, December 1 to take part in the fun- hand at salsa. filled event. This dance, hailing from Cuba, is a great way to John Findlay will be on hand to provide live help keep your whole body feeling firm. music whilst dancers can enjoy a mix of both And the fast leg movements though out the sequence and ballroom styles. dance almost mimics a similar work-out as a legs, Tea and biscuits will also be available. bums and tums class As well as being a great social event, the dance Interested? is also a fun way for people to stay in shape. The Tea Dances will take place from 1.30pm Whether you are looking to achieve the perfect, until 3.30pm, with tickets costing £2.50. flat stomach or just improve your general fitness Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment then ballroom dancing is for you. – call 0141 613 5700 to reserve your space. For all round toning, make sure you try your 10 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 11 Rutherglen Connect Great value and great causes at Christmas Craft Fair this December THE skill and creativity goods on sale including wooden of South Lanarkshire’s crafts, jewllery, festive treats charities, community and toys to name just a few. organisations and social There will also be demonstration enterprises will go on show workshops on the day to inspire at a festive craft fair this others to get creative. Charities December. and community organisations Taking place on Friday participating include the Girl December 9 between 11am and Guides, Lanarkshire Association to pick up bargains, and also 4pm at Number 18 Community for Mental Health, Clydesdale spreading awareness of the Hub at 18 Farmeloan Road, Community Initiatives, Hamilton fantastic charitable work these the festive event will raise Information Project for Youth groups are involved in.” cash for local charities. It is a and Neigh Whips Riding There limited spaces joint venture between voluntary School. VASLan’s Social remaining for organisations sector support body Voluntary Enterprise Development Officer wanting to sell their own work. Action South Lanarkshire Jen Fleming said: “We hope to If you are interested, please (VASLan) and Healthy n Happy capture people’s imagination contact VASLan’s Jen Fleming Community Development Trust. by showcasing unique items, on 01698 300 390 or email Shoppers will find a range of giving people an opportunity [email protected].

12 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 13 Rutherglen Connect An invitation to dress to impress in aid of hospice

RUTHERGLEN ladies are being urged to Tickets cost £40 and the event kicks off at look out their glad rags all on the name of 12.30pm. charity. The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice will offers palliative care needs to people living in and host a stylish Handbags and Gladrags event on around Greater Glasgow. Sunday, November 20 at Glasgow’s Urban Bat According to figures, the cost of looking after and Brasserie. patients, their carers, and their families, is £5 Guests can enjoy an evening of good food, million a year, with £1.9 million coming from the great company and of course entertainment at National Health Service. the ladies only event which will include a mouth- In order to keep its doors open, and care for watering two course meal and entertainment from those in need of support, the hospice needs to Jamie McArthur. raise the remaining £3.1 million shortfall. This year’s theme is Gatsby offering the ideal Events, such as the Handbags and Gladrags opportunity to indulge in a truly glamourous look. afternoon, put the fun in fundraising to help the As well as dressing to impress, ladies are also team continue their work. asked to bring along ‘pre-loved’ handbags that For more details about Handbags and Gladrags can be donated to hospice shops and there will or for more details about hospice services, visit be a silent auction, hospice shop and a raffle. www.princeandprincessofwaleshospice. org.uk

14 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 15 Rutherglen Connect Residents asked for views

COUNCIL housing tenants in Rutherglen To give as many people as possible a chance are being incited to give their views on rent to take part, the meetings will be held across levels for 2017/18 at a number of meetings South Lanarkshire in the following locations: or by taking part in a survey. • Devlin Grove Sheltered Housing Complex, John South Lanarkshire Council believes that giving Street, Blantyre at 2pm on October 26 tenants a chance to share their opinions is • Town Hall, Rutherglen at 2pm on November 1 important given the current economic situation, • Cadoc Suite, Cambuslang Gate, at 2pm on and the pressures on tenants and the Council November 2 through the UK Government’s Welfare Reform • Council Chambers, South Vennel, Lanark at changes. 3pm on November 15 Residents are being encouraged to fill in an • Murray Owen Centre, Murray Road, East online survey, however, those unable to do so Kilbride at 7pm on November 16 are invited to attend a number of local meetings • Brandon Business Centre, 23 Brandon Street, throughout October and November. Hamilton at 6.30pm on November 29 The focus of these meetings will be to discuss • Community Centre, Montgomery Street, and consider the options for setting the level of Larkhall at 4pm on November 29 rent increase for 2017/18. Any South Lanarkshire Council tenants who The survey can be found online at would like to find out about the council’s housing www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s budget and give their views on the options for asp?k=147437332193 the rent increase will be welcome at any of the events. On yer bikes!

PEDAL power is well and Development Trust which bikes but want to get some truly here in Rutherglen is proud to play a part in practice in to be able go out thanks to Bike Town. helping to improve the health with the kids or just anyone The initiative, which is and wellbeing of people in who wants to try cycling or to holding their cycling festival Rutherglen and Cambuslang. get back into it, the BikeTown open day on October 29, Director Susan Miller and team can help.” prides itself on encouraging Manager Jim Ewing are “We’re also really keen on local people to discover the delighted at the success of getting donated bikes and benefits of cycling. the project so far and hopes cycling gear so we can recycle It aims to work with a their open day will encourage these and offer them back to number of local people and even more people to consider the community at a reasonable organisations to improve the taking up the activity. cost. We have a lot on the infrastructure for cycling, to “We’re really looking forward agenda for our day including provide a range of training and to it,” they told Connect. a kids treasure hunt, a prize support for people to cycle, “The open day will be a draw with a first prize of a new and also provide a place for chance for people to come bicycle and various other fun people to buy a bike or have along and find out a little bit events – there’s lots going on”. their bike fixed and maintained more about what we’re doing For more, pop along to the at a reasonable cost. and how they can get involved. event at Unit 5, Thomson Court The scheme is part of the “Whether it is mums and dads or check out www.biketown. Healthy n Happy Community who are a bit tentative on their org.uk for more info.

16 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 17 Rutherglen Connect

Family matters at Fleming Carpets

ESTABLISHED in Rutherglen in 1961 by local man Alex Fleming, Fleming Carpets has been helping locals make sure home is where the heart is for more than 50 years. Renowned for offering an honest and reliable service, customer satisfaction has long been at the heart of the companies values. And although the business may have moved and indeed grown over the years, one thing has remained constant and that is a commitment to quality. The business is now located at 33 Douniebrae Road, ideally next to Tesco, McDonalds and KFC, the Make the most of a huge range showroom has something for of styles in store everyone. Not simply content with sticking with the status quo, about giving your floors a the Fleming Carpets team are little attention than before honoured to continually go the your home is transformed into extra mile to ensure clients receive Suachiehall Street. the best possible service. Owner Stephen, who took over They understand that your home is from dad Alex in 1984, is delighted your castle and so treat every customer to offer a warm welcome to clients old with the same care and attention they would and new. expect themselves. Speaking to Connect he said: “Quality is of the Making the decision to give your home an utmost importance to us. image overhaul can be a daunting task. “We are proud to offer our clients a first class However, with the Fleming Carpets team on service and are looking forward to welcoming hand to help with all of your flooring needs customers old and new to our new premises.” showing your home a little TLC has never been For more details and to check out a video of simpler. what the team offer visit www.flemingcarpets.com And with the festive season fast approaching there has never been a better time to think

18 Autumn 2016

Rutherglen Connect Animal lovers urged to be aware of where to find help

RUTHERGLEN residents call our helpline if an animal is in concerned about animal danger or distress or if you need welfare in their community animal welfare advice. are being urged to make “If someone calls the wrong sure they call the correct telephone number it will delay number for help. rescues and could cause The call comes as the Scottish animals more suffering. SPCA (SSPCA) has released “By making our animal research which reveals 31 per helpline your immediate point cent of Scots are calling the Chief superintendent Mike of contact for any animals in wrong animal helpline. Flynn said, “Although awareness distress it will help us save more A recent study has shown that of our helpline has increased lives. although 69 per cent of people by an incredible 283 per cent “All calls to our animal helpline would call Scotland’s animal since 2009, and last year we are in strict confidence and welfare charity if they discovered received an incredible 240,000 can be made anonymously if an injured or distressed animal, calls, it is concerning that some necessary.” 25 per cent of people would people would contact the wrong Anyone with information about contact the RSPCA and 6 per organisation if they come across an injured or distressed animal cent per cent would contact an injured or distressed animal.” should contact our animal other organisations. He continued: “You should helpline on 03000 999 999. Fireworks celebrations will kick off with a bang

MAKE your bonfire night truly sparkle at the The annual bonfire will be lit at 7.15pm before a Starthclyde Country Park fireworks display. special guest appearance at 7.30pm. Just a short drive from Rutherglen it’s a fun Then it’s the moment everyone is waiting for at and safe way to remember, remember the fifth of 8pm when the fireworks display starts with a bang. November! Guests are asked to be aware that parking Families from across the area are expected to will be limited within Strathclyde Country Park, flock to the free event which is hosted by South however, there is additional parking at Airbles Lanarkshire Council and North Lanarkshire Road and Hamilton Retail Park. Council. Traffic management will be in place throughout It’ll be all systems go as the event kicks off at Strathclyde Country Park from 4pm. 5pm with the M&Ds funfair before live entertainment In the interest of safety, no sparklers or from Clyde 1 from 6pm. fireworks allowed. 20 Autumn 2016 Autumn 2016 21 Rutherglen Connect Youngsters to take part in diabetes study

RUTHERGLEN youngsters could take part in a new study aimed at preventing type 1 diabetes. Children from across Lanarkshire aged between five and 16 are invited to take part in the major study. NHS Lanarkshire’s research & development team is looking for young people who have a brother, sister or parent with type 1 diabetes, to join the research. Type 1 is the form of diabetes that usually develops before the age of 40, commonly in childhood. The new study, called adAPT (autoimmune diabetes Accelerator Prevention Trial), is being spearheaded in Scotland by Dundee University and NHS Tayside. NHS Lanarkshire is supporting adAPT by joining up with Scotland’s other health boards to contact families affected by the condition to offer them the chance to participate. NHS Lanarkshire consultant paediatrician Dr Kerstin Bumke said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this exciting study looking at the Metformin or a placebo, initially for four months, prevention of type 1 diabetes in children. and will be tested three times to assess how their “Children who agree to take part will have a metabolism and immune system respond. blood test at a local GP practice or hospital to find “If successful, this large-scale trial could have out whether they have a high risk of developing great benefits – helping to explain why type 1 the disease. If they do, they’ll be invited to take diabetes has risen five-fold in the last 40 years part in the trial. and providing a means of preventing it.” “They’ll be offered a drug called Metformin The research is launching in Scotland because to see what impact it has. Metformin is already the country has the third-highest rate of type used to treat diabetes, but it is not clear if it might 1 diabetes in the world, along with a group of prevent it from developing in the first place. diabetes doctors who work well together and “There is currently no way of preventing very good records to identify affected families. childhood diabetes and no cure, meaning type 1 NHS Lanarkshire lead clinical trials nurse Berni diabetes patients face sticking to a strict diet and Welsh said: “Any family in Lanarkshire who would having multiple daily injections of insulin for life. like to participate in the research can contact us “During the trial, each child will receive on 01236 713432.” 22 Autumn 2016