onnectBearsden & C Autumn 2017

Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

Editorial

If you have a story you would like to be Welcome! included in a future issue of and Milngavie Connect contact: Hello and welcome to latest edition of Bearsden and Nicola Brown Milngavie Connect. [email protected] Brought to you by the Herald 0141 302 7741 and Times Magazine Group, our Erin McDermott community magazine seeks to [email protected] celebrate the best the area has 0141 302 6068 to offer. Advertising Inside, this edition is filled with ‘Step into some To find out how the magazine can help your wonderful community news. From a packed business connect with new customers, buildings for programme of local events in our Doors Open what’s on guide on page 16, to news of contact: Days. Turn to Scott Campbell pages 28 & 29. the local buildings opening their doors for this year’s Doors Open Days, there’s plenty [email protected] to enjoy. 0141 302 6064 Interested in advertising? Write to us: Hand delivered through letter boxes, Connect is Connect the ideal platform to reach families in the heart of the Herald and Times Magazines community. 200 Renfield Steet , G2 3QB We hope you enjoy this edition and will see you next time. All images are supplied by Getty images Team Connect unless otherwise stated

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Community Contacts

East Bearsden Primary Allander Evangelical School: Church: 0141 955 2254 0141 956 2253 Council contacts General: Milngavie Primary Milngavie United 0300 123 4510 School: Free Church: 0141 955 2251 0141 563 4815 Community Douglas Academy: St Andrews RC Brookwood Library: 0141 955 2365 Church: 0141 777 3021 Clober Primary 0141 942 4635 Milngavie School: Bearsden Cross Community Library 0141 955 2232 Parish Church: and Education Craigdhu Primary 0141 942 0507 Centre: School: Bearsden Baptist 0141 570 1522 0141 955 2237 Church: Milngavie and St Joseph’s Primary 0141 942 0752 Bearsden Sports Club: School: Baljaffray Parish 0141 956 3817 0141 955 2209 Church: The Scout Hall, 0141 942 5304 Bearsden: 0141 943 2183 Churches St Pauls, Milngavie: Schools 0141 956 4405 Bearsden Academy: Cairns Church: 0141 955 2344 0141 956 4868

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Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

The future looks bright for new bairns

NEW parents receiving of this Parliament. years development simply ’s Baby Box will Speaking after the visit at cannot be overstated, which is be among the first to Butterfly Nursery in Arden, why my government is putting benefit from a doubling Glasgow, the First Minister so much emphasis on doing of free early learning and said: “Scotland’s Baby Box all we can to improve the life childcare in Scotland. is giving children the best chances of youngsters across The Baby Box initiative possible start in life, and we Scotland.” which rolled out in August, are committed to doing all we The Baby Box generation is inspired by Finnish baby can to make sure Scotland is will also benefit from a new boxes, and gives all newborns the best place for a child to Early Years’ Grant for low and their parents a box of grow up. income families, delivering essential items to help them “Our commitment to almost £300 birth payments for through their first six months. doubling entitlement to free all children and additional The box can also be used early learning and childcare payments of £250 at key for babies to sleep in. hours will benefit the Baby transition points in the early First Minister Nicola Box generation and ensure years; access to affordable Sturgeon promoted the they can grow and develop in and nutritious food through the initiative during a visit to a the very best environments, Healthy Start Voucher scheme nursery in Glasgow, where she like the one I visited today. It for low income families; the met babies who will be among will also benefit families by expanded Family Nurse the first to benefit from the allowing parents to go back to Partnership programme; and commitment to double funded work or further study. 500 more health visitors by the childcare provision by the end “The importance of early end of next year. 6 Autumn 2017

Bearsden & Milngavie Connect A world of discovery awaits Accessing your favourite library membership barcode books is now easier number, your PIN or password than ever thanks to a and an email address. Web links recent makeover of East and more information about Dunbartonshire Libraries’ these services are available digital services. in the 24/7 Library section of An extensive suite of digital library services puts eBooks, the EDLC website at www.edlc. eAudiobooks, digital comics, co.uk/libraries/24-7-library. Any graphic novels and magazines library members who do not firmly at your fingertips. have a PIN or have forgotten The new eBook service - straightforward. it can ask at their local EDLC BorrowBox Library from Bolinda ComicsPlus Library Edition library or e-mail libraries@ Digital - offers a great collection is another recent addition to eastdunbarton.gov.uk and a PIN of over 2,300 eBooks and a the digital services, offering a can be reset for them. small collection of e-audiobooks selection of over 16,000 comic Alternatively, support is with titles for all ages. A free app books and graphic novels with is available for Apple, Android titles suitable for ages from over- available in all libraries or you and Kindle Fire devices which fives through to over-16s. can email your question to makes downloading, reading To register for any of these [email protected] or listening very simple and services you just need your or call 0141 777 3143.

8 Autumn 2017 Bearsden & Milngavie Connect For the movers and makers LOCAL artists and craftspeople have the chance to showcase their work by applying for a stall holder spot at one of the monthly Milngavie Makers Market. Set up last year by American artist, Jessica Stafford Cameron, the market provides a spot to showcase the wealth of talent in the area. Held in Milngavie Town Hall, there are plenty of stalls set to take place over autumn and winter. A chance for shoppers to support local makers whilst finding individual gifts, the next markets will take place on Saturday 2 September, Those wishing to apply to be a stall holder Saturday 7 October and Saturday 28 October. for any of the autumn/ winter markets can Selling everything from art, crafts, fashion, email [email protected] with soap and other items, with over 30 stalls present examples of work. Submissions will be reviewed buyers will be spoilt for choice. and a selection will be made from a range of As the Town Hall lies across the street from diverse and high quality products. Due to the Milngavie train station, it’s ideal for locals and high volume of applications please allow 10 visitors from further afield. business days for applications to be reviewed.

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Bearsden & Milngavie Connect The opportunity of a lifetime for a community superstar

IT’S no secret that the local superstar performances and area is full of people with remarkable personal stories. hidden talents. The channel is inviting a surprise such as this then it Whilst many might not believe ‘secret’ nominations of friends would be great to find out more in themselves enough to seek who may be a music lover and about them. the spotlight, it could be down to who deserve the chance to “We are looking for the a lack of opportunities to shine. showcase their talent. exceptional, the deserving, and Thames Television is looking A spokesperson for the the bravest people out there. for inspirational people or company said: “We are also “The nature of the show is community groups around the looking for people that may have for us to surprise people so if UK who have done something written a song for a loved one, or there is anyone you think would outstanding to appear in a new with a powerful message, and be worthy please do keep it a show where they will receive would like help recording it and secret from them.” a surprise performance by a performing it. To nominate, email your famous music artist. “If there are any people in name, contact number and The one-off show will be your local community who you reason for your nomination to broadcast on ITV, showcasing think would be deserving of [email protected]

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ADVERTISING FEATURE Spruce up your home with a fresh approach to interior decoration

Quality interiors, expert rotating stock is certain to trusted tradesmen on hand service and knowledgeable delight shoppers, with a little to help, newly fitted carpets staff can be found at the something to suit different and flooring will be fitted to recently launched DS tastes. the highest of standards and Interiors store in Bearsden. With 23 years of wholesale deliveries arranged at a time Opening its doors just over experience, owner Derek Spratt that suits the client. two months ago, the new brings his extensive experience To win a memory foam addition to the community to the community. double mattress, like and share stocks a wide range of As well as selling an array DS Interiors on Facebook and products to help kit out any of interiors, customers can leave CONNECT MAGAZINE in home in style. From carpets also benefit from the additional the comments. to beds, flooring to furniture, services provided. Find DS Interiors at 27 New the staff at DS Interiors are on DS Interiors offer a no Kirk Road, Bearsden or call hand to offer the best advice to obligation free measuring 0141 942 3030 to speak with a create the perfect look for you. and estimating service on all friendly member of staff. Whether you’re home could carpets and flooring. Whether use a revamp with freshly it be a small bedroom to a Get 10% off your first order by fitted carpets or a luxury vinyl large commercial project, no quoting CONNECT 10. Terms and tile, pop into the shop and job is too big or too small. With conditions apply; cannot be used browse for inspiration. The experienced fully qualified and in conjunction with other offers.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE After the grand opening the Bathroom Company Glasgow is now open for business

An array of shiny new bathrooms is their own showroom, and with a wealth of open for the public to view at 1/3 Erskine knowledge and a dedicated team behind them Square, Hillington. the pair are excited for this next step. Shoppers can receive a ten per cent discount Owners Jennifer along with husband Richard simply by bringing in and showing this advert. are excited for the big opening, Jennifer said: Take a stroll at your own pace to view the great “As Richard has been on the fitting side variety of fitted bathrooms on show. of bathrooms we feel that this will make our With beautiful bespoke bathrooms, the showroom very unique as his experience and Bathroom Company Glasgow pride themselves knowledge will benefit our customers massively.” in accommodating for their customers, whether For more info visit: that be in style or budget, you are sure to find a www.thebathroomcompanyglasgow.com bathroom to suit you. They’re selection also includes a disability range. Your dream bathroom can become a reality as the Bathroom Company has all your design, installation, tiling and bespoke lighting covered. The service offered includes full bathroom installation, wet room installation, wet wall panelling, boiler installation, mobility adaptations, boiler repairs and servicing. With over 15 years of experience in fitting bathrooms customers can be rest assured the Bathroom Company Glasgow know their stuff. It has been a dream for the owners to open

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Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

The healing power of tea

SUNDAY tea parties are proving an about, a change of scenery and regular meet effect way of combatting loneliness ups may be just what they need. among the elderly as a charity is Each older person is collected from encouraging people to host and their home by a volunteer driver attend a meet up over tea and and taken to a volunteer host’s conversation. home for the afternoon. The Contact the Elderly is group is warmly welcomed by supported by a network of a different host each month, volunteers, who organise but the drivers remain the monthly Sunday afternoon same which means that tea parties for small groups over the months and years, of older people aged 75 and acquaintances turn into friends over who live alone, offering a and loneliness is replaced by regular and vital friendship link companionship. every month. The tea parties are a real lifeline Sunday afternoon is highlighted as of friendship for older guests who have a particularly lonely day of the week for older little or no contact with family or friends. They people living alone and the charity is seeking bring people of all ages together, develop to remedy this and transform lives over tea, fulfilling friendships and support networks, chat and friendship. and give everyone involved something to look Keeping its groups small, with the same forward to each month. individuals meeting every month, it encourages Residents in Bearsden and Milngavie who guests and volunteers to make lasting and would like to host a tea party or refer a guest fulfilling friendships in the personal and are encouraged to visit www.contact-the- welcoming environment of someone’s home. elderly.org.uk. If you know someone aged 75 and over Find local groups to join or how to set up who lives alone, has little contact with friends your own tea party to help those who could or family and finds it difficult getting out and use the company. 18 Autumn 2017

Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

The results are in

PUPILS across have Highers rose by almost 2 per cent to 35.8 per proved they’re some bright sparks after cent with 33.1 per cent gaining three or more strong exam results were published by the Highers. SQA. Councillor Mohrag Fischer, Convener of the The results for the area’s eight secondary Education Committee, said, “It is clear from these schools remain strong across all year groups results that pupils, supported by conscientious with bigger numbers of S6 pupils achieving and committed staff, have worked very hard Advanced Highers and more S5 pupils achieving over the last academic year to return some very 3+ and 5+ Higher passes. strong exam results. Across the area, 94.7 per cent of S4 pupils “I’d like to congratulate all those young people achieved five or more National 4 passes while who achieved what they set out to do and are 66.8 per cent obtained five or more passes at now embarking on the next stage of their lives National 5. whether that be in school, further education, Amongst 5th year pupils, 77.9 per cent training or in the workplace. obtained one or more Highers while 60.7 per cent “My thanks go to the teachers and staff within achieved three or more Highers. The number of our schools who work tirelessly with young S5 pupils achieving five or more Highers rose by people to identify and build on their strengths 1.2 per cent. and ensure high levels of attainment and The number of S6 pupils achieving Advanced achievement in all our schools.” 20 Autumn 2017

Bearsden & Milngavie Connect Flu vaccine PRIMARY School pupils throughout East Dunbartonshire are set to receive the flu vaccine this October. A team of 29 school immunisation staff from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) will visit 34 primary schools in the area, reaching almost 9,000 children. The flu vaccine is given as a painless nasal spray. Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or religious reasons can receive the vaccine as an injection in the upper arm. Children have the highest flu attack rates and are more likely to pass on the virus to family, friends and the wider community. However, evidence from Public Health England has shown that where primary school age children were given the vaccine there is a significant reduction in the

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number of children and adults attending GPs and hospitals with flu like illness. Emilia Crighton, deputy director of Public Health, NHSGGC, said: “It may seem very early to be thinking about flu during the summer holidays, however we want to immunise as many children – one of the most vulnerable groups - as possible. “Vaccinating 85,000 primary children over a nine week period is a massive operation for our teams. However, it is hugely important as the vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which causes severe illness and deaths each year. “If a primary pupil was immunised against flu last year it is important they get the vaccine again this year, as the virus changes every year. As a result, a different vaccine has to be made every year, meaning annual vaccination is necessary for children. “I’d urge parents and carers to return the completed permission form as soon as possible. Flu needs to be taken seriously – it’s not the same as the common cold and the virus can have an immediate and severe effect.”

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Read all about it

YOUNG bookworms are invited on Each Bookbug session offers a world of discovery at their local the opportunity for children to library. play and learn whilst interacting with East Dunbartonshire Libraries invite others. parents and young children to Bookbug Parents keen to instill a love of sessions, which take place on various reading are encouraged dates throughout the year. to find out the sessions Open to youngsters aged between taking place in the 0-four, Bookbug sessions are fun, free area. and friendly events for little ones and Bearsden Libary their families to enjoy together. hosts sessions on a During the 30 minute sessions Wednesday, Thursday and children and grown-ups share stories, Saturday, whilst Milngavie songs and rhymes and have fun at the Libary sessions take place same time. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Studies have revealed that just a few Saturdays. minutes of reading or singing every day To find out more information or can help develop language skills, boost book a session, call 0141 777 confidence, help relaxation and offer 3143 Monday - Friday 9am-1pm quality time. and 2pm-4pm.

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For the love of the planet Organisations are being walk to work. Organisations walking instead of driving, encouraged to host events can also team up with Climate installing energy efficiency and raise awareness of the Challenge Fund groups which measures, or improving our impact of climate change are delivering climate actions green spaces for biodiversity. to coincide with Climate including energy efficiency “Scotland is already Week 2017. improvements, low carbon punching well above our Running from 18 – 22 travel options, community weight when it comes to its September, Scotland’s Climate growing initiatives and climate change ambitions. Week will highlight the actions schemes to tackle waste. I would encourage people and organisations Climate Change Secretary organisations across the can take together to reduce Roseanna Cunningham country to sign up to Climate emissions and adapt to a said: “Climate Week is an Week and help us spread changing climate. opportunity to get more the word that everyone can Activities could range from people talking about climate play a role in tackling climate having climate conversations, change and highlights how change.” hosting seminars and people can get together and For more information about educational sessions, to learn from each other to take doing your bit, visit www. sustainable travel fairs to action – whether it’s reducing keepscotlandbeautiful.org and encourage people to cycle or food waste, cycling and search Climate Week 2017. Autumn 2017 25 Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

What’s on EVENT: Have a Go Longbow Date: Sunday 15 October KEEP up to date with events taking Time: 2pm place in the local and surrounding Location: Mugdock Country Park areas. Cost: £1 What’s on: Take a shot at medieval archery with the Green Hollow Bowmen in the Walled Garden. Watch the demonstration at 2pm or turn up and join in at any time. Visit www.mugdock- country-park.org.uk to find more information.

EVENT: Bookbug for babies Date: Every Wednesday Time: 2pm EVENT: Proud Monsters of South Location: Bearsden Library Cost: Free Lodge Date: Wednesday 18 October What’s on: Fun, friendly and interactive sessions Time: 2-3.30pm for babies aged 0 to 18 months, Bookbug offers the Location: Mugdock Country Park perfect chance for parents and children to bond over a Cost: £3 love of reading. You and your baby will enjoy rhymes, What’s on: Bold backswimmers, wicked water songs, tickles, bounces and books. Call 0141 777 boatmen and crafty caddisfly nymphs are just a few of 3143 for more information. the amazing creatures you might find. Join the Ranger Service to try and catch these fascinating underwater beasties. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear wellies and meet at South Lodge car park or EVENT: Dougie MacLean follow the signs to find the Ranger. Date: Friday 20 October Time: 7.30pm Location: Milngavie Town Hall EVENT: Family Shine Cost: tbc Date: Saturday (monthly) What’s on: Internationally renowned for his song Time: 2pm Caledonia, music for Last of the Mohicans and Location: Milngavie Library inspired performances, Dougie MacLean is a singer- Cost: £1.50 per child *(Book one session get one songwriter and a national musical treasure who has free) developed a unique blend of lyrical, ‘roots based’ What’s on: A story-based session with games and songwriting and instrumental composition. Tickets challenges for children and their families. Lots of available in person from Haydock Music, Stewart St lovely books and ideas to make children happier and and The Iron Chef, Mugdock Road and by visiting more confident and to ‘help them shine’ as well as www.ents24.com/milngavie-events/milngavie-town- Lego Vs Minecraft fun. Book online by visiting by hall/dougie-maclean/1073830551 visiting www.booking.edlc.co.uk/horizons/culture or call 0141 777 3143. Bearsden & Milngavie Connect Can you spare a pint?

AN upcoming blood donation 15 minutes and staff aim session hopes to encourage to take around 470mls of locals to do their part to help save blood - with additional a life. samples for testing. On Monday 20 November the Every day Scottish Scottish Blood Transfusion Service patients receive (SNBTS) is calling on locals to join life-enhancing or them at Killermont Parish Church in life-saving treatments Bearsden from 2-3.45pm and again at using the blood 5.15-7.15pm. donated. The process of giving blood is quick Within 24 and simple. hours of a After filling in a donor health check donation, blood is questionnaire and having a check-up processed, tested from a nurse, a donor’s haemoglobin and available for use (iron) level will be tested to ensure they and one blood donation can spare a pint of blood. can save or improve Once everything is checked and the lives of up to three in order, they will then make their people. donation. To find out more, visit Each donation takes around 10 to scotblood.co.uk

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Unlock the local area’s potential

OPEN doors to the past, present and future at a variety of iconic locations throughout East Dunbartonshire. That’s the offer ahead of Doors Open Day 2017 - which takes place locally on Saturday 9 September. This is the 19th year that East Dunbartonshire has taken part in the Scotland- wide event and there are a range of buildings and events limited. Preparatory School) from in this year’s programme. Throughout Milngavie, 10am-1pm; Milngavie Heritage All activities are free, but locals will have the chance Centre - ‘Railway to Milngavie’ visitors are reminded you to step inside The Glasgow Exhibition from 10am-4pm; must book where places are Academy (formerly Atholl Douglas Academy from 10am- 28 Autumn 2017 Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

1pm; and Milngavie Railway Neighbourhood and ties in with the Year of History, Walk, which leaves from Corporate Assets Committee, Heritage and Archaeology. Milngavie Heritage Centre at said, “I hope as many “All of the events are free, 10.30am. people as possible take the but please note that you Similarly in Bearsden there opportunity to enjoy this year’s will have to book some in is the choice of visiting St programme, which offers advance.” Andrew’s RC Church for their a range of visits, tours and For further information on 50th Anniversary from 10am- walks in East Dunbartonshire. local events, phone 0141 4pm; Parish “We have been involved in 777 3143, e-mail culture@ Church from 11am-2pm; Doors Open Day for almost 20 eastdunbarton.gov.uk or visit Arts Centre Tour - ‘The years and it has proven to be the website - www.edlc.co.uk Story So Far’ at Kilmardinny a very popular celebration of Leaflets are available House - 11.15am tour; and a local history and heritage.” from libraries, the Auld Kirk Family Fun Workshop - ‘Print Sandy Marshall, Vice Chair Museum, Lillie Art Gallery and A Postcard’ at Kilmardinny of EDLC Trust, said, “I’m participating venues. House from 11am-noon. delighted that a number of For details of national Councillor Jim Gibbons, new venues are included in events, visit www. Convener of the Place, the 2017 programme, which doorsopendays.org.uk Autumn 2017 29 Bearsden & Milngavie Connect

Top tips to avoid your grass, plants and flowers having the post-holiday blues

Returned from holiday to an automatic irrigation system, to be fairly dry, so you need to find bedraggled plants, an or a friendly neighbour to give them a really good soak, overgrown lawn, herbs and water them in your absence. deadhead the flowers and flowers which have run to Guy Barter, RHS chief give plants a good feed,” he seed and a glut of crops horticultural adviser, reckons advises. you couldn’t give that if your bedding Cut back and feed away? plants haven’t dried container plants So, what do you out completely, Container plants, including do? Firstly, you should have petunias, can be cut back and don’t despair a month of should produce another burst The rain good growing of growth, provided the slugs we’ve had weather left in haven’t devoured the base this summer the south of the of the plants during the rainy may have country and a period, he says. gone some little less in the You should also be able to way to saving north. give trailing plants such as flower borders, “The recent lobelia and bacopa a haircut but containers left in wet weather will have and a feed, to prompt them sheltered spots may have helped gardens enormously, into further flowering. dried out without the luxury of but containers are still likely Watch out for slugs

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bargains at garden centres at this time of year, including herbaceous perennials such as delphiniums and lupins, which have finished flowering, but should grow strongly next year and hopefully be free of mildew.” Tackle overgrown lawns You may be returning to long grass, which will have been growing thanks to the mixed weather we’ve had in summer. When tackling it, Guy recommends not taking off more than a third at a time until it has recovered and don’t feed the lawn until autumn. As for vegetables, you should be returning home to bumper crops, although tomato blight tends to appear in warm, wet weather and if your plants succumb, there’s not a lot you can do apart from consign them to the bonfire. Giant veg may have to be ditched “You may have enormous marrows when you actually wanted courgettes and rather tough, stringy beans which have been left too long for picking. But some of the overgrown veg could go into “People who have been away biological chutneys.” during the wet weather should controls Lettuces may be prepared to come back to become have bolted or find a lot of slug damage,” he less reliable been damaged adds. “They will eat petunias when the by slugs and around the base and feast on temperature if they are, lift hosta leaves, and the plants drops, as the them and replace will not produce more leaves predatory insects them with other crops this year.” which provide the such as Chinese leaves It may be wise to feed control then multiply more and spinach, while mustard vulnerable plants with slowly. Check for greenfly and seeds can also be sown for nematodes, biological blackfly and take off shoots on green manure. Spring onions controls which are specifically plants which are infested and can also be sown now, where designed to attack slugs and dispose of them. they are to mature and left to vine weevil. Grab plant bargains overwinter until they are ready Be aware that many “You can also get some plant for harvesting in spring.

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