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Great Ideas, Inspiration and Information for over 55s living in and around Glasgow. May/June 2012 - Issue 3

Win Dinner for Two at Mussel Inn

Great Travel Club Offers

Inside The Grand Central Hotel!

Meet Archie Forrest

2 Issue 3: May/June 2012

Next

deadline for

submissions is

1st June, 2012

Contents

Welcome

3-4 In this Issue - Handy wee snippets

of local interest

5 Me and My Glasgow - Leading Scottish Artist,

Archie Forrest

6-7 Home & Leisure - Diamond Jubilee,

Scotland’s Favourite Places

8-9 Upstairs Downstairs at the Grand Central Hotel

10-11 Health and Wellbeing - Fitness, health advice

12-13 Travel 55Club - Great Getaways and Inn at

Kippen review

14-15 Food, wine and all that Jazz - Dish of the Day at The Mussel

Inn, wines by Inverarity, Competitions, Jazz

16 -17 Your letters and Articles

18-19 Legal & Later Life - Wills & Family Protection Trust

20-21 Motoring - Featuring the Suzuki

Swift Sport

22- 24 What’s On - Theatre, concerts, days out

Remember it’s totally FREE to appear on this page - just call us or email your news.

Disclaimer - 55Life takes every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. 55Life is a trading style of Linton Media Ltd.

Welcome to 55Life Glasgow Magazine!In this issue we hear about the glamour and glitz and the lives of people that worked upstairs and downstairs in the magnificent Glasgow Central Hotel, which are featured in new book about the Hotel. We bring you news of an exciting writing project to encourage people to write about the place in Scotland that they love the most. We highlight details of a treatment that will help you say goodbye to back and neck problems for good, and we feature all our regular favourites as well as classes and exercise regimes that will keep you looking and feeling fit for the summer!

Enjoy!Jen Nash, [email protected]

If you would like to guarantee a copy of 55 Life Glasgow delivered direct to you or a friend please complete and return this form together with a cheque for £10 (for next 6 issues) made payable to 55Life to 55Life (Subs), 4 Woodside Place, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7QF. or subscribe online with PayPal via our website: www.55life.co.uk

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Home - Leisure - Health - Fitness - Travel - Food - Wine - What’s on?

FREE!

Please take

this Copy

Great Ideas, Inspiration and Information for over 55s living in and around Glasgow. May/June 2012 - Issue 3

Win Dinner for Two at Mussel Inn

Great Travel Club Offers

Inside The Grand Central Hotel!

Meet Archie Forrest

Glasgow Gift Subscription

Archie Forrest

Glasgow-based online farmers market now openScotland’s newest online fine foods store www.countrymarketonline.com specialises in restaurant-quality Scottish produce. This greengrocer, butcher, cheesemonger and fishmonger delivers direct to your door,

www.countrymarketonline.com

Please mention 55Life Glasgow if you enquire about any of the products or services featured, thank you!

If you would like a pack of FREE copies delivered for your reception area tel. 0141 280 2111

3Issue 3: May/June 2012

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Get a Free Will in May & June!If you make a donation to The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow.

Please call McClure Solicitors on 0141 221 0045 for more information.

Making Friends, Helping PeopleThis is the Oddfellows motto and they have a new programme of social events this year.

The Western group enjoy taking part in a lively and diverse programme of events and trips to suit all pockets and tastes.

Everybody is welcome at Oddfellows social events, even if you are not a member. Whether you want to meet new friends, take advantage of a wide range of benefits or simply have fun, the Oddfellows has something for you. Trips this year include Hamilton Races, National Museum in Edinburgh, Burns Monument Centre, and Beamish in County Durham.

If you’d like to find out more, please contact David Mackenzie on 01563 850 622 or 07749 797 731 or email: [email protected]


What’s New?

Get your life back with IDD Therapy...What is IDD Therapy?IDD Therapy is the non-surgical spinal decompression treatment which is helping chronic back and neck pain sufferers to live a normal active life again.

Safe, gentle and non-invasive, IDD Therapy addresses the failings of traditional traction and natural limitations of what can be achieved with the hands alone.

If you suffer with back pain or neck pain which won’t go away, discover why thousands turn to IDD Therapy.

How does IDD Therapy work?IDD Therapy can isolate each lumbar vertebra (L1, L2, L3, L4 or L5) and distract targeted vertebrae surrounding an injured disc 5 to 7 millimetres. The comfortable 25 minute treatment provides static, intermittent and oscillatory forces on structures that may be causing low back pain.

Pressure differentials promote the diffusion of water, oxygen and nutrients into the vertebral disc area with a goal to improve disc health.

The distraction forces work tight muscles and stiff ligaments to improve mobility in the joint. If you are suffering with a herniated disc, taking pressure off a targeted disc and improving movement in the joint can help the body retract the bulging disc nucleus. Consequently, when a disc bulge is putting pressure on a nerve and causing pain, removal of this nerve pressure can help to relieve your pain.

IDD Therapy is suitable for:• herniated disc (lumbar or cervical) • degenerative disc disease • sciatica • chronic low back pain

Why choose IDD Therapy?• current treatment is not working • want to stop taking painkillers • want to avoid injections or surgery • seeking long term pain relief

The Buckingham Clinic 24 Buckingham TerraceGlasgow G12 8ED

www.buckinghamclinic.com

0141 339 4340

Retirement apartments for SaleAre you looking for a home which provides you with peace of mind, comfort and independence? Then McCarthy & Stone’s new assisted living retirement apartments planned for sale in Fenwick Road, in Giffnock, Glasgow could be for you

The apartments bridge the gap between more conventional retirement living and residential care or a nursing home, by offering a range of additional features designed to help residents retain their independence and importantly, for those in retirement, home ownership. These assisted living retirement homes are located in a lovely part of Glasgow with amenities and transport links.

Cut out the coupon on page 7 or phone 0800 919 132 and please mention 55Life Glasgow magazine when you phone!

Glasgow and District Branch of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research are holding their next bi-monthly Dine Out With LLR on Tuesday June 5, 7.00 for 7.30. Venue has

still to be confirmed but you can keep up with us at www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk and put ‘Glasgow Branch’ in the search box.

We are a very sociable bunch of people in the Glasgow Branch, so don’t be afraid to come alone or as a couple – you will find a warm welcome and we will ensure you join some congenial company. Alternatively, create your own table by bringing along some friends. Your support will be much appreciated, but book as early as you can because these are popular events!

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is the only UK charity solely dedicated to research into blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. We are currently supporting ground breaking research in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and need all the help we can get to ensure we can maintain our efforts.

Dine Out on June 5!


Every issue 55Life chats with a local resident about what they do, where they live, why they love Glasgow and what they heartily recommend in and around the city. In

this issue, we talk to Archie Forrest, Scotland’s leading contemporary Colourist Painter who has won numerous awards for both his painting and sculpture. Examples of his work can be found in private and corporate collections worldwide.

Where did you grow up and how did you become interested in painting?

I’m a Glasgow boy born and bred and grew up in a small community called Kingston. I had an interesting childhood. The Clyde was like the M8 at that time – boats coming and going all the time. I remember being given broken cases of nuts and raisins off the boats and a saddlers at the bottom of the close who used to deliver items of saddlery for the horses. It was also a time when estates were springing up around us and the attraction of an inside toilet proved too much for my parents who decided to move us all to Thornliebank.

I went to Shawlands Academy and was very fortunate in that the head art teacher recognised my talent. I came from a family of craftsmen, my granddad was the head pattern maker at Weirs of Cathcart. When my art teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said a draughtsman. He asked me if I had heard of Cezanne and Degas and I replied yes of course and he said, “That’s the draughtsman I think you should be.” He encouraged me to start selling my paintings and taught me how to frame my own pictures. From there I went to Glasgow Art School and discovered Byers Road - I thought I was in Paris!

I graduated in Drawing and Painting from Glasgow Art School which is like committing suicide in the art world – people said to me you will never make money, so I decided to teach. At school you are only two seconds away from a piece of paper and colour and I always treated my classroom like a studio, leading by example. I used my lunchtimes to get teachers to sit for me so I could practice sculpture. Then I got a job teaching part time at Glasgow Art School, while spending weekends driving to London with bronzes. In 1985 I gave up teaching to become a full time professional painter. In my first week of doing so, I received a big commission; one thing led to another.

What do you like best about Glasgow?

Its people and zany sense of humour! Glasgow makes me laugh and I like that. I think of myself as being reasonably well travelled but I take a lot of comfort in knowing that there are places nearby me that can stimulate me. There’s the Kelvingrove Gallery for example, Loch Lomond. The West End is particularly multi-cultural and you can eat well, there’s lot of choices.

Favourite Restaurant?

I’m a great fan of Hotel Du Vin at One Devonshire – it’s handy and I like the convenience of it. I also like La Parmigiana and Brian Maule’s.

Favourite Place for coffee?

Jelly Hill or if the weather’s nice, Marcos Pizza Magic in Hyndland.

What are you listening too at the moment?

I have a very broad taste in music – it just has to be good. This week in the studio I’m listening to Maria Callas, Jennifer Warnes, Django Reinhardt, Amos Lee, Lady Antebellum, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Elbow, Sade. I also like to listen to Radio 4.

How do you keep fit?

I don’t. Exercise is not part of my life – my right hand usually has a glass of wine in it!

Favourite weekend break?

I like meeting people outwith my profession and particularly enjoy the company of farmers - they look at the landscape as much as artists do. I like watching the dogs working, beaters while out on a shoot, and a nice picnic lunch – that’s a great day out in my book!

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I would say my home and my studio. I like to surround myself with beautiful furnishings and interiors. It inspires me - I like to feed my eye as well as my stomach!

What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?

A fitter body!

What would be your perfect retirement?

It doesn’t exist for me – I never hope to retire. A couple of friends of mine have been found behind the studio door with a whisky in one hand and a paintbrush in the other – I think that’s the best exit from the planet!

Me & My Glasgow

Archie Forrest Recommends

Restaurants...

Hotel du Vin

One Devonshire Gardens

[email protected]

0141 339 2001

La Parmigiana

447 Great Western Road

www.laparmigiana.co.uk

0141 334 0686

Brian Maule

176 West Regent St

www.brianmaule.com

0141 248 3801

Archie Forrest’s Forthcoming Exhibition

Portland Gallery London18 Apr 2013 - 10 May 2013For more information please [email protected] or telephone 020 7493 1888


Home & Leisure

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee1952 - 2012Commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee with some of these little gems for your home.

Anyone for a cuppa?Brewhaha was launched in 2004. Tired of seeing tea marketed in dowdy grey and brown boxes, Brewhaha founder Joanne McLeod decided to create a fun loving brand. With its retro feel, and great tasting tea all the way from Shri Lanka, Brewhaha is just what you need for the perfect cuppa !

To place your order or find nearest stockist visit: www.brewhahatea.co.uk

Fancy something stronger? – what about a wee tipple!Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin based and family-run Single Malt Whisky specialist, has launched a 60 year old Single Malt Whisky in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Distilled on 2nd February 1952, four days before the Queen acceded the throne, the whisky was bottled on 2nd February 2012 at cask strength, making it exactly 60 years old. The limited edition bottles are now being put on the market for a recommended retail price in the UK of £8,000 per bottle.

For more information and stockists visit www.gordonandmacphail.com/diamond

Visit The Royal Yacht BritanniaA must see attraction in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith. This famous ship was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family and many of The Queen’s official tours were undertaken on the Royal Yacht Britannia. It was launched by Her Majesty on 16th April 1953 and was commissioned for service on 7th January 1954. It was de-commissioned in December, 1997. During this time, Britannia travelled more than a million miles on Royal and official duties.

For tickets and tour times visit www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0)131 555 5566

In the beautiful Scottish Highlands, just fourteen miles from the city of Inverness, Moniack Mhor runs residential writing courses tutored by some of the finest authors from the UK and beyond.

Over six months of the year residential writing courses are run in association with the Arvon Foundation. Tutors and Guests for 2012 include Carol Ann Duffy, Manda Scott, Christopher Brookmyre, Liz Lochhead, Julia Donaldson, Bernard MacLaverty, Boo Hewerdine, Eddi Reader, Lemn Sissay, Stewart Conn, Kapka Kassabova, Richard Holloway and Andrew Greig.

To find out about rates, bookings, courses, lets or retreats, please contact: The Centre Directors Tel: 01463741675 E: [email protected] www.moniackmhor.org.uk

Did you know• TheQueenisthesecondlongest

serving monarch. Only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more.

• TheQueenhassentover175,000telegrams to centenarians in the UK and the Commonwealth and almost 540,000 telegrams to couples celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

• TheQueenhaslaunched21shipsduringherreign

• TheQueenhas30godchildren.

• TheQueenhasownedmorethan30corgisduringher reign and has also introduced a new breed of dog known as the “dorgi” when one of Her Majesty’s corgis was mated with a dachshund named Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret.


Home & Leisure

My Favourite Place in Scotland

Scottish Book Trust and BBC Scotland have launched an exciting new writing project to encourage people to write about the place in Scotland that they love the most. My Favourite Place

in Scotland will run from 19th March to 21st August 2012, and in that time Scottish Book Trust wants to involve everyone in Scotland in building a written picture of Scotland’s best-loved places.

Submissions should be made to the Scottish Book Trust website and can be written in a huge variety of different forms, such as a story, poem, song lyrics, a short play or sketch, a letter or even diary entry. Each submission will feature on Scottish Book Trust’s website and a selection of the most interesting and inspiring offerings will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and published in a book in late 2012.

To find out how to get involved visit the Scottish Book Trust website at www.scottishbooktrust.com/myfavouriteplace. Submissions can be made online at www.scottishbooktrust.com/myfavouriteplace or by post to My Favourite Place, Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunks Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. The closing date for entries is 31st August 2012.

McCarthy & Stone Assisted Living Apartments

CoMing Soon to giffnoCk

If you’d like to find out more, visit our website www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

• Restaurant • Domestic Assistance • 24-hour Staffing

Hilltree Court Fenwick Road, G46 6AA

0800 919132

For more news & information from the McCarthy & Stone Group send to: Freepost SCO2891, McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd., GLASGOW G51 1PR

You may be contacted via the methods of communication for which you have provided details. Where a mobile number has been provided, you may also be contacted by SMS or other electronic means.

Title Name Address

Postcode

Email Tel and/or Mob

Interest: Yourself Other New Properties Previously owned

55Life1.5.12

Sara Winter, Elgol Beach, Skye, www.istockphoto.com


Feature

Upstairs Downstairs at the Grand Central Hotel

Since it opened in 1883, the Central Hotel, adjoining Central Station, has played host to many famous names including Winston Churchill, Charlton Heston, Mae West, Laurel & Hardy, Frank Sinatra,

Ella Fitzgerald, and The Beatles.

Following a £20million refurbishment by Principal Hayley hotel group, it has been restored to magnificent grandeur and is now known as the Grand Central Hotel. Now the history, drama, romance, glamour and glitz which captivated so many, have been chronicled in a fabulous new book titled Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel. 55Life magazine takes a peak inside the book and the lives of people that worked upstairs and downstairs in this magnificent hotel.

Memories of a Page BoyDesmond Lynn was just 15 years old during the mid 1950s when he decided to apply for a job as page boy at the Central Hotel. He smiles with fond memories of those days and his former colleague, hotel doorman, Jimmy Cawley. Jimmy would give Desmond a nod when someone rich or famous was due, so he could be on hand to take their suitcases to their rooms, thus ensuring a big tip. When Roy Rogers and his famous Palomino horse, Trigger, arrived at the hotel in 1954 Desmond was assigned to carry trunkloads of embellished suits, white Stetson hats and hand–tooled boots for which he was handsomely rewarded with a £5 tip. In a great promotional stunt, when they arrived, Trigger and Roy walked up the wide hotel staircase much to everyone’s amazement. It was reported that Trigger had his own suite in the hotel, when in fact he was stabled nearby.

Persuading everyone to part so generously with their money was not always that easy. When Laurel and Hardy stayed at the hotel, Desmond accompanied them to the third and was asked by Oliver Hardy for a pencil. When the comedian commented on how small it was, Desmond deftly replied, “not as small as your sixpenny tip,” at which point the comedy duo laughed and handed over a princely five shillings each.

Mum’s the WordLike the rest of the kitchen staff Anna Bain was not allowed upstairs. One of Anna’s first tasks when she started working in the kitchens in 1973, was to make a fruit salad from scratch for 1000 guests who were celebrating New Year in the hotel. The bananas were always put in last and there was a huge sigh of relief when the last slice went in the juice. This is one of many memories Anna shared with ‘her boys’ at the Chefs’ Reunion Dinner held in the hotel last year, many of whom are now head chefs in other top hotels and restaurants around Glasgow.

Hundreds of chefs have worked in the hotel kitchens over the four decades that she herself worked there. Known affectionately as ‘Maw,’ Anna looked after the head chefs making sure their jackets were immaculate and their breakfast on the table. ‘Maw’ who has raised five children of her own, also listened to the grumbles and woes of junior chefs and when they went on a night out she made sure glasses with Alka-Seltzer were ready for their next morning’s hangover! Anna only hung up her apron when she retired in 2009 at the age of seventy-seven.

Corridors of FunLiving in was part of hotel life in days gone by and it was no different in the Central Hotel. Manager’s children, like Brendan Nelson and his late brother, Iain were brought up in the hotel.

“We lived in the Central from when I was six years old until I was seventeen (1955-1967). We came from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute where my brother Iain, who was eighteen months older than me, and I were born. Dad was then the manager of the Glenburn Hotel in Rothesay which was owned by Lord Bute. Moving to Glasgow was a great adventure although at that age my brother and I didn’t know what to expect. At Glenburn we lived in a proper house in the hotel grounds and lived a ‘normal’ life.

“Dad was a real hotelier and under his management the Central became the hotel in the West of Scotland and the centre of most of the grand social activity in Glasgow. It was also the place to stay for visiting royalty, politicians, film stars, pop stars and the like.

Anna Bain retires from the Grand Central


Feature

“Living in the hotel had its advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages were that there was nowhere to play and you had no neighbours. We did kick a ball around and ride our bikes up and down the corridors (and tried to make sure dad didn’t catch us doing it). Mum joined in this little conspiracy!

“The advantages were that we lived in comparative luxury with all the services of the hotel available to us. However, this did not mean that my brother and I just picked up the phone every time we wanted something to eat. Mum tried to make our lives as normal as possible so was in charge of food until our teenage years, when, yes, we did order our own food on occasion.

“We lived in a flat on the fourth floor right at the end of Hope Street corridor. It had three bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, dining room and lounge. Mum used to cook whenever she could but provisions came from the hotel. There were certain traditions at that time, one of which was afternoon tea. When we arrived home from school every day a trolley would appear, piled high with sandwiches, scones and cakes and occasionally we would bring school friends back to share in this feast.

“We were lucky to be at the hotel during the ‘Swinging Sixties’ when it was used regularly by all the visiting pop stars of the time. Because we lived in the hotel, we would just find out which floor their rooms were on and then knock on the door! We met the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield and Bobby Vee.

“I have been back to stay since the hotel was refurbished and it was really strange revisiting it after so many years. So much of it was familiar yet different. Champagne Central did not exist in my day. My dad’s office was down that corridor. My room for the night was on the third floor right just underneath our old flat on the fourth floor.”

A few thoughts from the Authors, Jill Scott and Bill Hicks“It is a story which deserves to be told and the memories of times spent under its roof of many individuals recorded. The very first time I was in the hotel was as a junior newspaper reporter and I was sent, along with a photographer, to see the late Sir Jimmy Saville when he was staying there in the 1970s.

He greeted me with the words, ‘I was told this was how I had to dress when I came to Glasgow, is it ok?” He was wearing a top he’d had specially commissioned made with Celtic strips on one side and Rangers colours on the other!” - Jill Scott

“When I was asked if I would be interested in writing about the history of the Grand Central Hotel I was reluctant. Having worked for over forty years with The Sunday Post and recently retired, it was time for a break. What I hadn’t bargained for was not being ready to hang up the tools of my trade – an inquiring mind and a nosey nature that transposes thoughts into print. The other thing that attracted me was a love for the city I’ve lived in and worked in all my life. Glasgow is full of charm, character and characters and ‘the Grand Old Lady’ which was the Central and now the Grand Central is up there with the best of them.” - Bill Hicks

Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel written by Bill Hicks and Jill Scott and published by Waverley Books is available from Waterstones and can be ordered from all good book shops for £20.

See www.55lifeshop.co.uk for more details.Photography kindly supplied by Waverley Books

Front cover: pictured is doorman Jimmy Cawley hailing a cab for a customer on a chilly December morning in 1957. He was responsible for welcoming the hotels many guests and seeing them safely on their way. The words ‘carriage attendant” are embroidered on the lapels on the heavy mid calf winter coat and ‘Central Hotel’ is round the peaked cap.

Photo Copyright:

Anna Bain: Anna Bain

Laurel & Hardy: Dean McKeown, Sons of the Desert

The Beatles: DC Thomson

Cover image: Waverley Books


Health & Wellbeing

New Exercise Class

Starts 10am Friday 20th April Balance and Bone Care Class at the Western Baths Club, Glasgow

The new Class starting at the Western Baths Club is ideal for those looking for an exercise class but suffer from a medical condition or have poor balance. The weekly class is designed to help build and maintain strength,

co-ordination, endurance and flexibility, with an emphasis on improving balance.

The instructor, Anna Downes, has had specific training to support participants with different physical abilities and medical conditions. If you have poor balance and have considered using a walking stick or have a heart condition, or other medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, breathing difficulties or other, then this could be the class for you. Regular attendance at the class should enable you to more easily carry out daily activities, such as shopping, travelling, personal care and stair climbing. During the one hour class you can expect to exercise either seated or standing. Everyone works at their own ability level and as the exercises are progressive you will steadily improve.

For details on how to book a place, please contact Anna Downes on 07803124391 or 0141 576 0294 email [email protected].

Mind and Body & Fitness Classes at the Baths (Open to non-members) AEROBIC CLASSES Tuesday 11.00-11.45am CORE STABILITY 6.00-7.00pm AEROBICS Wednesday 6.00-7.00pm CIRCUITS Thursday 9.30-10.30am CORE STABILITY Friday 6.00-7.00pm CIRCUITS

GROUP CYCLING CLASSES Monday 12.30-1.00pm, 5.45-6.15pm Thursday 7.30-8.00am, 7.15-7.45pm Saturday 10.20-10.50am

YOGA CLASSES Monday 7.00-8.30pm, 8.30-9.30pm Tuesday 10.00-11.30am, 7.00-8.00pm, 8.00-9.30pmThursday 10.15-11.45am, 6.50-8.10pm, 8.15-9.15pmSaturday 11.30-1.00pm, 1.00-2.00pm Sunday 3.30-4.30pm PILATES CLASSES Monday 12.30-1.30pm, 6.00-7.00pm Thursday 12.00-1.00pm, 5.45-6.45pm Saturday 5.00-6.00pm

DANCE CLASSESTuesday Zumba 6.00-7.00pmSaturday Zumba 1.00-2.00pmWednesday Dance easy 6.25-7.25pm Wednesday Bellydancing 7.30-9.00 pm

No bookings required. See www.thewesternbaths.co.uk for further details. Telephone: 0141 576 0294

ShopPutnamsLeaders in British Backcare for 30 years. Putnam products are used and recommended by the medical profession and exported throughout the world. Visco memory foam was originally developed by NASA to reduce the forces on their astronauts during space travel.

Putnams Inflatable Back Support

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Health & Wellbeing

Do you suffer from sciatic pain, back pain, whiplash, shoulder pain or neck pain? Then IDD Therapy could be for you. IDD Therapy is a safe, painless, non-surgical, non-invasive treatment which is helping chronic back and neck pain sufferers to live a normal active life again. IDD Therapy® in studies has shown an 86% response rate. The Buckingham Clinic situated in Glasgow’s West End is the only clinic in Scotland to offer this treatment.

Case Study – Betty, Age 57– Housewife & Mother“Betty was experiencing sudden severe back pain after bending down to tie her shoelaces. Pain radiated into her right buttock and leg, and was significant when sitting or standing; and she could only walk short distances before the pain stopped her in her tracks. Her normal activities were considerably disrupted which presented a major problem as Betty was a very fit active lady.

However, she’d experienced a similar episode almost three years previously which had taken considerable time to resolve. Since then, she’d been cautious with her back and had gradually

lost some mobility as a result. Her concern was a trip planned to visit family in Germany as she worried she wouldn’t be able to travel due to the pain.

“After a thorough examination & diagnosis it was decided IDD therapy would be the most suitable treatment option based on the type and distribution of her symptoms.

“Betty received 8 IDD treatments over a two week period prior to her holiday. During this time her pain levels reduced significantly, her posture improved and walking returned to normal. On holiday she was able to participate in all normal activities. Betty returned to the clinic to complete a further 2 treatments one week apart and following this she reported she was more or less pain free. We prescribed a course of core strengthening exercises within the Med-X facility to ensure functionality has been restored. She now benefits from a home exercise programme given recommended to her and we anticipate a long term resolution of her back problem.”

Mr James Sneddon - Managing Director / Principal of The Buckingham Clinic.

To find out more or to book a consultation call The Buckingham Clinic on tel. 0141-339-4340.

Putnam Visco Travel PillowTake comfort with you, wherever you go...

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TravelTravel

Inn at KippenA Traditional Village Inn (with rooms) Fore Road, Kippen, Stirlingshire FK8 3DT t.01786 870 500, e. [email protected] reviewed by Jen Nash

I don’t know how many times I have arrived at a traditional Scottish Inn with the expectation of a warm welcome and a hearty lunch, and been sent on my way with a brisk, cheerless, “the kitchen is closed!”

I’m pleased to say that was anything but my experience when I stayed recently in the picturesque and historic village of Kippen. Inn at Kippen is a little gem of a find which if you have not had the pleasure, is well worth a visit. It was late afternoon when I arrived and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming with lots of contented chatter and satisfied murmurings that accompany a good Sunday lunch. In my book, these are all signs of good old fashioned Scottish hospitality at its best. And I wasn’t disappointed.

The Inn underwent considerable refurbishment prior to being taken over by its current owner, Gordon Wright, three years ago. The surroundings are comfortable with quality soft furnishings and lovely artwork which hangs in the lounge dining area and the slightly more formal restaurant. There is also a secluded courtyard and beer garden, complete with a wood fired pizza oven for alfresco dining. There are three en-suite rooms available, king size, double and twin. My king size room was very spacious, bright and well appointed with lovely furnishings and a large bathroom with shower (no bath). All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer and free wi-fi.

Ensuring that their guests are well looked after is clearly rooted in the service ethos of this popular village Inn. As I sat among the diners, I couldn’t help but notice that the staff are very pleasant and always on hand to top up your glass, or make sure you are being looked after, or simply engage in friendly conversation. I found out later, that they had nearly a 100 covers for dinner the night before, which is a credit to Gordon Wright and his team, particularly the chefs who deserve a special mention for their outstanding cuisine.

The food is a reason itself to visit the Inn at Kippen. Food is served all day and the menu offers diners traditional and more contemporary styled plates using seasonal, locally sourced, freshly prepared ingredients. I was spoilt for choice between the twice baked parmesan soufflé and a half baked shell crab gratin served with rocket and tomato salad and opted for the latter which was delicious. My main dish was outstanding – roast duck breast which melted in your mouth served with butternut squash mousse, red cabbage, dauphinoise potatoes, oranges in caramel, and a red wine jus. The portions were generously sized and in truth I thought I was fit to burst, but I couldn’t resist a taste of the lemon posset topped with rhubarb and almond shortbread on the side to finish. It was heavenly! And if you do decide to stay overnight, prepare yourself for breakfast. It is an equally gastronomic affair and I promise, will keep you going all day!

Kippen is situated within 45 minutes north west of Edinburgh; north east of Glasgow and south of Perth.

It is only 10 minutes from Stirling and 30 minutes from Loch Lomond.

Food is served all day.

Accommodation from £85.00 per room per night B&B.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

On the date of publication

Inn at Kippen had received

24 reviews, giving an

average of 4.5 stars out of 5

including 19 ‘Excellents’.

Food, wine

Australian Wine Selectionby Pete Stewart, Inverarity One to One

In recent years Australia has become one of the most important and most loved wine destinations for the UK consumer.

This love affair started with the simple approachability of the wines. In the nineties, they immediately had lots of up-front fruit flavours hitherto unseen in the popular wines from France. The producers also used ‘varietal labelling’, simply meaning that they put the grape variety on the front label to let you know what you were getting. (Shiraz is peppery and spicy, Merlot is soft and fruity, and Cabernet Sauvignon has tannic structure and blackcurrant fruit in equal quantities). And then there was the alcohol by volume (ABV). Don’t be put off by a high ABV, just make sure you factor in some decanting time before serving, and the wine will taste better as a result.

Oh yes, we loved the Australian wines from the start, but now they have become a global force to be reckoned with.

They have changed and grown with the market, and are now significantly better than they were even just ten years ago. The change has come from boutique producers making instant cult classic wines with the characteristic Australian fruit and alcohol, coupled with an amazing depth and complexity.

Reliable big brands include Wolf Blass, Penfolds and Lindemans, but here are a few smaller producers to try…Fox Creek, Wirra Wirra, and McHenry Hohnen.

Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2009 (Waitrose, £11.99) is well worth a try, being a classic Aussie blend with lots of fruit concentration, a healthy dose of alcohol (14.5%) and a finish that you’ll still be tasting long after the bottle is empty. Try this one with a peppered steak, or anything from the barbecue.

The wine dudes at Fox Creek make a great range of tasty gluggers from the

entry level Shadow’s Run (Inverarity, £9.99) to the Red Baron (Inverarity, £11.99) and right up to the deluxe Short Row Shiraz (Inverarity, £15.99) which rivals the likes of the d’Arenberg Dead Arm and the Peter Lehmann Stonewell for a full-on taste explosion. The Short Row is ideal with chilli or spicy enchiladas, pour a large glass and enjoy!

Inverarity One to One,

185a Bath Street, G2 4HU t. 0141 221 5121

e. [email protected] or visit www.inverarity121.com

Mussel Inn

Experience the welcoming casual dining atmosphere of Mussel Inn, situated

in the heart of the city centre, and enjoy a variety of delicious signature dishes prepared with locally sourced fresh seafood like this Fillet of Sea Bass with Roasted Red Peppers, Feta, New Potato and Rocket Salad.

Recipe:100g new potatoes, boiled1 handful of rocket 30g4 cherry tomatoes, cut in half10g red onion finely sliced1 roasted red pepper, sliced into rings (jars are available in most supermarkets)35g Feta cheese, cut into cubes40g cucumber, finely sliced1 x 160g fillet of sea bass, seasoned with salt and peppera little olive oilsalt and pepperbalsamic vinegar to drizzlelemon wedge to garish

MethodCut the sea bass fillet in half and score the skin. Brush the seasoned sea bass with a little olive oil and grill skin side up for 4-6 minutes, until the skin is coloured and crisp. In the meantime cut the boiled new potatoes into wedges and heat some olive oil in a frying pan over a fairly high heat.

When the oil is very hot, add the potato wedges and sliced roasted red pepper and continue to cook until the wedges are coloured. Remove the red pepper and potato wedges from the pan and allow to rest for one minute.

Next mix the feta, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl with a little olive oil.

Add the warm potato wedges and red peppers to the salad and mix through. Put the mixed rocket salad onto a plate and drizzle with some balsamic vinegar. Put the fillet of sea bass on top of the dressed salad and garnish with the lemon wedge.

To book a table at The Mussel Inn call 0141 572 1405 or visit www.mussel-inn.com.



...and all that Jazz

Jazz by Hugo

Win! a Meal at Mussel InnLocated at 157 Hope Street, the award-winning Scottish seafood restaurant Mussel Inn is renowned for its passion for delicious locally sourced fresh seafood, providing excellent value for money and a quick and friendly service.

Priding itself on providing great value for money for its customers, Mussel Inn’s special pre theatre menu offers diners fresh and delicious food for only £10.95 for two courses and £13.95 for three courses. And its famous ‘Lunchtime Quickies’ offer diners a selection of healthy, nutritious, freshly prepared dishes for only £7.50.

For your chance to win a complimentary meal for two with wine answer this question: How much does a Lunchtime Quickie cost at Mussel Inn?

Please email your answer and full contact details to [email protected] or send your answer and full contact details to 55Life Magazine (Mussel Inn), 4 Woodside Place, Charing Cross, Glasgow G3 7QF. Terms and Conditions: Competition closes at noon on Wednesday, 6 June and the prize must be used by end of July.

Win! A Wine Tasting Evening for 8Inverarity One to One in Glasgow’s Bath Street is a haven for wine lovers. There are over 450 different wines to choose from and over 20 different expressions of whisky, not to mention a fine collection of speciality spirits and the best selection of hand-rolled cigars in the west of Scotland! The Inverarity team are passionate about what they do. Their knowledge and customer service is second to none, which is why they were voted Specialist Off Licence of the Year by Scottish Local Retail (SLR) magazine in 2011.

Win a complimentary tasting for eight people in the Bath Street shop at a date to be arranged with the winner (normally worth £120).

For your chance to win this enjoyable, informative evening in good company with fine wines, please email your full contact details to [email protected] or send your answer and full contact details to 55Life Magazine (OnetoOne), 4 Woodside Place, Charing Cross, Glasgow G3 7QF.

Bill Frisell, Matt Chamberlain, Lee Townsend and Tucker MartineFloratone 11(Savoy)The style of the album is Americana and is less experimental than the first. It includes funky bass, great trumpet with a viola and organ. It’s something a little bit different.

Wallis Roney - Home(Highnote)This album brings together two great musicians who also happen to be brothers. Wallis Roney is a trumpeter and his brother, Antoine is a saxophonist. Funk, fusion, hip hop and the influence of Miles Davis are all here at Home. The ballads are excellent and Evolution of the Blues is superbly played.

The Dudley Moore Trio - Jazz JubileeAs well as being a highly acclaimed actor, Dudley Moore was also a fine jazz pianist, and with drummer Chris Karan and bass player Peter Morgan, he had the opportunity to indulge in one of his greatest passions - music. This album was released in July 2002 and includes 12 tracks. I would highly recommend you buy this album and if you don’t already, you will realise what a great musician he was.

www.brassandwoodwind.co.ukMusical Instrument Repairs

Email: [email protected]

Call Bryce on 0131 453 4652

Mobile 07795 594 370


Letters to the Editor

Fundamentally for me if you want to pursue a momentous change you better be sure there is something clearly wrong

that needs to be put right. The great independence movements of the past in various parts of the world have been rightly driven by a deep and genuine sense of injustice at the way they have been treated by very distant centres of empire. This could not be further from the truth here in Scotland.

Does anyone in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness really feel they are worse off than people in Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle? On the contrary, we seem to have the best of all worlds with a high degree of local decision making from the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament and a financial settlement that tends to favour all of us living in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK. We have hundreds of years of integrated cultural, social and business interdependence between the various parts of the United Kingdom that has worked well for us all. Geographically a break-up of the country makes no sense.

In a world where even quite large countries can find themselves at the mercy of international financial markets, do we really want to go from being part of a relatively stable UK with a real voice at the top table of nations, to become a vulnerable minnow on a par with Ireland, Iceland or Greece? If the First Minister had managed to break up the United Kingdom before 2008, a separate Scotland would have been well and truly bankrupt by now as a result of the financial crash. Something I notice the First Minister does not like to talk about…

Keith Howell, Scottish Borders

I personally feel that Scotland should be independent but I accept that others may choose for themselves so long as

they research and understand why they say YES or NO. There are those who would try to muddle the argument, to blindly go with the status quo. I see the referendum as a real opportunity to let the politicians know what their voters really think.

For years Scotland has not addressed the vital issues, ie employment, housing, education and so forth. Independent Scotland when self governing will have no choice but to work for growth, success and an end to the culture of blaming those who ruled before. I urge every voter to ask the questions now, before the referendum

Trevor Swistchew, Lothians

The only question I see right now is: is Independence going to happen?

And the answer to that is, I believe, yes. I believe it will happen because of our growing realisation that we are no longer one country. Our values, our mores, and yes, our politics are traveling on increasingly divergent paths from the people living south of the Border.

I went to London first as a post graduate student in 1977. We were one country then. Yes, I was Scottish and they were definitely Home Counties but only in the sense of a Yorkshireman, or someone from the West Country feeling the same difference. We were all still British.

We valued the same things, all the corner-stones of a sound body politic: the rule of law, probity in public life, the health service, education. That is not true anymore. At every level of civic life we here are better served in Scotland from libraries to rural bus services. Let us not even bother discussing law or public probity

Also, I think we will be helped on our way out the door by the reaction of the English. The man on the Clapham omnibus thinks,“if you want to go, then bugger off”, without the remotest notion of the impact it will have on him and his country. For that impact will be just as, if not more, profound as independence will have on Scotland’s place in the world.

The English political classes think it is about the money. It is never about the money. All the sophistry that is the Barnett Formula is being trotted out to scare us … but it is irrelevant and bears no significance as to how a post-union Scottish economy might perform. As I’ve said, that will be up to us. And of course there will be the lies. Make no mistake about that.

Even at this early stage we’ve been variously assured that Alex Salmond wanted the referendum on the anniversary of Bannockburn. Risible. That he is demanding two questions. Not true. That a second question would be too complicated. But two questions weren’t too complicated when we voted for devolution. The closer we come to the vote, the lies will become bigger, more complex and more bare-faced

D Black, Argyll

55Life recently invited readers to send us their thoughts regarding the forthcoming independence referendum.

Here are a selection of some of the comments we recieved. If you would like to respond or make an additional point please email the 55Life editorial team. [email protected]

We reserve the right to edit Letters to the Editor for space. (Sorry but we are unable to accept comments by telephone)

55Life Letters, 4 Woodside Place, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7QF.

Statutory Retirement AgeShare your thoughts with 55Life

When I discovered I would have to work until I was 65 I was very upset I could have cried. I left school on

the Friday just after my 15th birthday and have never been unemployed I couldn’t even have a break when my son was born because of circumstance. I am now 55 so by the time I retire I will have worked 50 years. I was so looking forward to having a bit of a life to myself and not having to go to work. I could do things I had always wanted to do. The government has put paid to that I’m not financially well off so not much chance of me retiring early. Unless maybe I decided to give up and go on jobseekers allowance! - Jean

Please do tell us about your own experiences. [email protected]

Motoring

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The Twilight World of Daytime TVBy 55Life Glasgow reader David Pearson, Newton Mearns

Readers of my vintage (55++) will recall from their childhood that if they turned on their TVs during the day they’d either get Watch With Mother or the test card, with a little girl smiling shyly from among various lines and curves and shadings. Fastforward to the present and retirees who switch on their sets of a morning will be confronted by a monster for which no pre-retirement course prepared them: the twilight world of daytime TV, a danger zone to which prolonged exposure can only result in psychosis.

Now I’m not fussed about the antiques shows and the property programmes – I’ve nothing to flog, and have no cash in my attic. Nor am I remotely interested in purchasing a converted barn in the Dales. No, what really gets me is the range of “reality” programmes which make up the daytime fodder of the commercial channels – Come Dine With Me, Coach Trip, Airline, Four In a Bed,etc etc The list seems endless.

They all seem at first glance very different: people on a coach holiday in Europe, a bunch of seemingly ordinary folk taking turns at hosting a dinner party, hoteliers sampling one another’s

establishments. But look closely and you’ll be confronted by a relentless army of pompous diners, illmannered and arrogant travellers, pettyminded and neurotic B &B owners. They all have one thing in common, and I’m sure it’s encouraged, maybe even orchestrated by the programme makers: they all have a tendency towards unpleasantness, insult and at times a level of aggression that leads to shouting, tears, storming off camera, or indeed all three.

Maybe I’m particularly sensitive to aggression, to questioning, to confrontation. As a Depute Head in charge of a year group, I had to deal with aggressive and unpleasant behaviour, name-calling, even threats.

But never did it reach the scale of daytime TV. I wonder what other readers think? Is it all just harmless entertainment for those who may be at home on their own? Or does it subtly condition viewers to believing that this level of human behavior is actually acceptable?

I’d rather tune into Watch With Mother, even though Bill and Ben could be fairly snippy with each other at times. I’d even prefer the test card. Come to think of it, that little girl will be retired by now.

Wonder what she watches….

[email protected]



a d v e r t I s I n g f e a t u r e

Wealth & LegalWealth & Legal

www.mccluresolicitors.com

Wills – have you got one and is it the right one?Most people do not have a Will or have the wrong one.

You do not have a Will?• Yourestatemightgotothewrongpeopleanditwillcost

more when the time comes!

You have an old Will?• TheLawchangedsubstantiallyin2007.

• TherightWillbeforethencouldbethewrongonenow.

You have a recent Will?• WasitpreparedbyaprofessionalEstatePlanner?

• Ifnotitcouldbeinadequate!

It makes sense to see an estate planner to give you peace of mind.

Make a Will now or get your existing one reviewed.

W W & J McClure Solicitors will prepare your Will or review your existing one free of charge in exchange for a donation to The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow.

To date our clients have helped us raise over £100,000 for local people. W W & J McClure Solicitors have been established for over 100 years and have specialised in Estate Planning for many years.

For further information or to arrange an appointment

visit: www.mccluresolicitors.com


Or call Glasgow on 0141 221 0045

We also have offices in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverclyde.

W W & J McClure Solicitors (Glasgow)3 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE

Tel: 0141 221 0045

19Issue 3: May/June 2012 19

a d v e r t I s I n g f e a t u r e

Protect your Assets in a Family Protection TrustAs we grow older, we face 7 problems:

• ExecutryCosts

• Childreninheritingatthewrongtime

• Children’sInheritanceTax

• SidewaysDisinheritance

• Children’sLegalRights

• Incapacity

• CARECOSTS

If you put in place a Family Protection Trust at the right time it will help with all of these problems.

The biggest worry as we see it, is Care Costs and how you can protect your assets from being taken to pay for these costs.

Did you know?1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men go into care

Did you know? The Council can take all your assets including your home

Did you know? Only the last £14,500 is protected

If you follow these simple steps you can protect your assets:

1. Get an Estate Planner to set up a Family Protection Trust

2. Set it up at the right time

3. Protect as much of your assets as you can within the Family Protection Trust

W W & J McClure has arranged almost 10,000 Family Protection Trusts that are working and our clients testimonials can’t be wrong. Have a look at them by visiting our website www.mccluresolicitors.com or call us and we can send you our success stories booklet.

It really is as simple as calling or emailing us and discussing further and by doing this you have made the first simple step in protecting your hard earned assets.

For further information or to arrange an appointment

visit: www.mccluresolicitors.com


Or call Glasgow on 0141 221 0045

We also have offices in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverclyde.

W W & J McClure Solicitors (Glasgow)3 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE

Tel: 0141 221 0045

Wealth & Legal

www.mccluresolicitors.com


Suzuki Swift SportBy Bruce Booth

In my book, the little Suzuki Swift has to be best-looking supermini currently on the marketplace. While a raft of other offerings come pretty close to matching it in the looks department, for me the Japanese marque’s little compact

just pips the best of the rest by a whisker, for it’s just one of a small band of motors that looks great from any angle.

The latest addition to the range, the three-door Swift Sport, adds even extra visual appeal, with its lower slung stance, 15-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured roof spoiler and side sill covers, large front grille and finned fog lamp bezels all helping to add to the car’s sporty-looking character.

Under the bonnet is honed a revised 134bhp, EU5-compatable edition of the previous Sport model’s 1.6-litre engine. But it now offers more power, increased torque, lower emissions and improved fuel economy, aided by a new slick-changing six-speed gearbox.

Top speed is a respectable 121mph while the zero 62mph dash can be accomplished in 8.7seconds, more than a match for most competitors in its class.

The Swift Sport is a fabulous little gem to drive. Thanks to its wide track and short wheelbase, there’s oodles of grip matched by great amounts of body control which helps to give confidence through tight bends.

As expected from a hot hatch, the ride is a little on the firm side, but not so hard that it will rattle the fillings out of your teeth.

Inside the cabin there’s a remarkable amount of space all round for such a small car, and the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel coupled with a height-adjustable seat, means the driver can’t fail to get comfortable.

When it comes to interior design and quality of fittings Suzuki have made big advances in recent times and you would be hard to find any serious fault in the new Sport.

Ok, some of the plastics may be on the hard side but that doesn’t really detract from the overall ambiance of the interior.

The five-dial dash certainly looks the business and the leather-covered steering wheel contains the switches for the cruise control, sound system and Bluetooth, keeping them all at the driver’s fingertips.

All Swift models excel on the safety front and the Sport continues the trend.

Seven airbags – including one for the driver’s knees – are fitted as standard, along with stability control, ABS, ISOFIX child seat system, projector headlamps with wash function and side impact protection beams.

At just £13,500, the Swift’s price tag makes it a truly affordable piece of kit to put on the driveway, and while it sits in insurance band 18, its 44mpg fuel consumption figure means it won’t break the bank to keep on the road.

Suzuki hope to sell around 1000 Sport models to UK buyers this year, around ten per cent of total Swift sales. While this is not a huge number by any stretch of the imagination, it should help keep the little Sport’s resale figures at something of a premium.

Motoring

Useful Motoring Websites www.orangewheels.co.ukUK main dealers bid to deliver you the best deal on the car you want. Superb savings are possible.

www.blackcircles.com

Tyres at great prices, fully fitted.

issuu.com/freewheelingscotland.com A Scottish car review website

SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT

PRICE: £13,500

DRIVETRAIN: 1586cc, 136bhp

petrol engine, driving front

wheels through six-speed manual

gearbox

TOP SPEED: 121mph

0-62MPH: 8.7 seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Combined 44.1 mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 147g/km

WARRANTY: 3 years/60,000m


Various Dates in May

Pilates Classes in Glasgow’s West End

Open to men and women of all ages, the classes work to tone and strengthen the body whilst improving your posture. Evening and daytime classes are in Hyndland, Hillhead, Botanics, Partick and Bearsden.

www.pilatesglasgow.com Tel : 0787 647 3381

1 - 31 May

The Essence of Beauty: 500 Years of Italian Art Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Kelvingrove’s summer exhibition showcases the best of Glasgow Museums’ wonderful collection of Italian art and celebrates the launch of our first fully illustrated catalogue of Italian paintings, researched and written by Professor Peter Humfrey of the University of St Andrews.

Ticket Prices: £5/ £3 concession www.glasgowmuseums.com/italianart Tel : 0141 353 8000

3 May, 7 - 9pm

Thursday Evening Talks: Introduction to the Alexander Technique Woodland Herbs, 100 Woodlands Road

Gain insight into your posture, breathing and movement habits. With practitioner Paul Marsh STAT.

£10 www.woodlandherbs.co.uk

4/11/18/25 May, 1pm - 3pm

Adults Only Afternoons - Weekly - Every Friday Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Join us every week for a chance to learn about a different topic, or to try something new. Many sessions have a practical activity to try. Drop in for ten minutes, or come for the whole session.

All sessions are Free. www.glasgowlife.org.uk

5 & 6 May (Various Times)

EFC Festival Glasgow Merchant City Glasgow

Events for Charities are pleased to announce their first Annual Festival in Aid of Yorkhill Childrens Foundation. EFC Festival will take place in Glasgow’s Merchant City area. We have over 61 bands & artists giving up their time to play at the event in 5 venues in the Merchant City - Maggie May, The Clutha, Blackfriars, The 13th Note and The Victoria Bar. Every penny raised goes to Yorkhill Childrens Foundation.

www.eventsforcharities.co.uk

6 May, 1pm - 2pm

GOMA: Bites Workshop for Adults: Sculpture - Gallery of Modern Art

Explore, draw and sculpt in this experimental sculpture workshop. An active workshop inspired by the work of Karla Black.

Free, Drop in - 0141 287 3050

6 May, 7:30pm

Swing Sensation’s Glasgow Big Band Swing Night Glasgow University Union

Dust off those dancing shoes for another great night of Big Band classics.

www.swingsensation.co.uk

What’s on in May & June?

MAY 2012

Vienna Comes To EasterhouseEasterhouse Phoenix Development, www.epdl.org are holding a unique Charity event on 23rd June 2012 as Glasgow will host for the first time ever a Viennese Gala Ball with the Opernball Orchestra and Dance Master being flown over from Vienna specially for the event.

The Glasgow Thistle Hotel will be transformed into a magical evening as guests will be treated to a champagne reception with Viennese music, a traditional Viennese Gala menu, the grand opening, a charity auction – including a car!!, midnight supper and group dancing’s. The event will be hosted by Scottish Entrepreneur, Charan Gill.

This ball is in aid of the charity Phoenix Easterhouse www.epdl.org

The charity, Phoenix Easterhouse raises funds for people in the deprived area Easterhouse with a main focus on encouraging kids out of gangs and off drink & drugs whilst offering them alternative opportunities and a new perspective of life by training them in football, art, yoga, drama, racquetball, etc. The charity also runs a pensioners club, a tenants association with the objective of progressing a better society and bringing communities together.

Tables of 10 only cost £900 inc vat and includes: champagne reception, 4 course dinner & wines, all entertainment and a midnight supper!

Copyright of Glasgow City Council (Glasgow Museums) 2012

Boticelli: The Annunciation. Copyright of Glasgow City Council (Glasgow Museums) 2012



8 May, 7 - 10pm

EATFILM presents Citizen Kane Sloans, 62 Argyle Arcade Glasgow

Every Tuesday Sloans brings you the tasties film night in town with Eatfilm’s Meal and a Movie for only £9.95 for 2!

Tel : 0141 221 8886

9 May, 12:30pm

Curator’s Talk - China’s Rhino Burrell Collection, Glasgow

The Curator of Chinese Civilizations talks about a bronze wine vessel.

Free, Drop in Tel : 0141 287 2550

12 May,

Kilmacolm Annual Show Kilmacolm

The Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Annual Show.

www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk for further details.

12 May, 10am - 3pm

Book Sale Glasgow Women’s Library, 15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow

Calling all book lovers! Why not come along and bag yourself a bargain at our booksale? The perfect chance to stock up on some summer holiday reads.Lots of fabulous books on offer from just 50p! Pop in any time between 10am and 3pm to the Library at 15 Berkeley Street.

Tel : 0141 248 9969

12 May

Greenbank House and Garden, Clarkston Monthly Garden Walk

This month we look at ways to incorporate fruit

into the garden. Join the garden staff to see what is doing well in the garden at the moment and get advice on jobs to do in the garden now.

www.nts.org.uk

12 May, 8pm

Johnny Dickinson Milngavie Folk Club, The Fraser Centre, Douglas Street Milngavie

Northumbrian Johnny Dickinson’s unique, engaging slide guitar style crosses boundaries from Western Swing to heavy metal to traditional folk.

Tickets £10 www.milngaviefolkclub.co.uk Tel : 07743 885991

13 May, 2:30pm

Sunday Concert with Moira Kerr House for An Art Lover

Moira Kerr, one of Scotland’s finest singer/songwriters, will be performing at House for an Art Lover. Currently working on her ninth album, Moira will be accompanied by two very accomplished musicians Susan Menzies and Jennifer Clark.

Price : £7.50 www.houseforanartlover.co.uk

13 May

Afternoon Tea & Cocktail Demonstration Saint Judes, 190 Bath Street, Glasgow

Ladies afternoon tea & cocktail demonstration. The event will be hosted by Epilepsy Scotland Ambassador and International Scotland rugby player Graeme Morrison. All profits raised will go directly to Epilepsy Scotland, working for the 54,000 people living with epilepsy in Scotland.

£30 for 2 ladies. www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

17 May, 5:30 - 7:30pm

Thursday Exchange Gallery of Modern Art

GOMA’s series of special Arts Events take place on the third Thursday of every month.

Free, Drop in 0141 287 3050

18 May, 8pm

Vienna Series : Gusztav Fenyo, piano St Bride’s Church, 69 Hyndland Road

The last two recitals in this series bringing together the four greatest Classical composers feature Schubert’s sublime, final piano sonata and Beethoven’s magnificent ‘Eroca’ Variations.

www.fenyo-musicmakers.co.uk Tel: 0141 339 2078

19 May

Armed Forces & Queens Jubilee Concert Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock

The Armed Forces Day & Queen’s Jubilee Concert is supporting the work of Glasgow’s Helping Heroes.

Prices : Adults £7; Concession £5 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk/boxoffice or Tel : 0141 577 3107

19 May, 10am - 5pm

Scottish Pipe Band Championship Levengrove Park, Dumbarton

A fantastic day of colour, spectacle, fun and music with pipe bands from around the world, in a spectacular setting on the banks of the Clyde.

www.rspbs.co.uk Tel: 0141 221 5414

MAY 2012



20 May

Vintage & Craft Fair Dance HQ, 411 White Studios, Templeton on the Green, Templeton St.

Dance HQ’s monthly fair full of vintage gems and craft treats.

Admission is FREE to this event. www.dancehq.co.uk Tel : 0141 556 0039

21 May, 8pm

SECC, Glasgow

Barry Manilow in Concert

www.secc.co.uk

25 May, 7 - 9:30pm

Glasgow Preview Tasting, Scottish Malt Whisky Society - Radisson Blu Hotel, Argyle Street, Glasgow

Your local Society Ambassador will introduce a sneak preview of some truly remarkable drams. Sit back and indulge, with an exclusive first taste of five specially selected single cask & single malts from the upcoming Outturn. A scrumptious supper will be served and bottles will be available to purchase on the night.

www.smws.co.uk

26 May, 11am - 4pm

Byres Road Makers Market Hillhead Library

Glasgow’s monthly boutique craft & design event.

Admission is FREE to this event. www.byresroadmakersmarket.co.uk

27 May, 1 - 3pm

Simple Pleasures Walk - River Clyde Glasgow Green

Join us for a linear walk from the People’s Palace along the Clyde Walkway where we will be giving you a taster of outdoor activities you can do for free whilst enjoying your local parks and greenspaces.

Booking essential. Please contact the Countryside Rangers on 0141 276 0931

27 May

Carmunnock International Highland Games 2012

The Carmunnock International Highland Games are sure to be a fabulous day for all the family.

JUNE 2012

1 - 30 June

The Essence of Beauty: 500 Years of Italian Art Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Kelvingrove’s summer exhibition showcases the best of Glasgow Museums’ wonderful collection of Italian art

Ticket Prices : £5/£3 concession www.glasgowmuseums.com/italianart Tel : 0141 353 8000

1-3 June

Gardening Scotland Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

The country’s premier gardening and outdoor living show - a gardener’s paradise!

www.gardeningscotland.com

1 - 24 June West End Festival

Events taking place in various venues.

2 - 3 June, 10:30am - 4:30pm

Craft Fair - Botanic Gardens

Regular craft fairs in the Botanics’ Hopkirk Building, featuring wooden items, handmade cards, designer jewellery, glass, candles and much more. Organisers’ profits go to Marie Curie and BLESMA.

Tel : 0141 334 2422

2 - 3 June

Fyne Fest - Cairndow

A selection of over 30 of the best ales and scumpies from around the UK, together with excellent food from Loch Fyne Oysters and Winston Churchill Venison.

www.lochfyne.com

2-5 June

Ideal Home Show, ScotlandSECC, Glasgow

www.secc.co.uk

6 June, 10am - 12 Noon

Adult Art Workshop : Watercolour Landscapes Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Book in Advance.

Free. Tel : 0141 287 2550

8 June, 5:10pm

Olympic Torch Relay Giffnock

Get a glimpse of the Olympic Flame as it passes through Giffnock in it’s iconic journey! All East Renfrewshire residents, businesses and visitors, on Friday 8 June, are invited to line the Olympic Torch Relay route and welcome the Olympic Flame which will arrive at 17.09hrs into East Renfrewshire at Merrylee, on Fenwick Road and 11 individual torch bearers will carry the Olympic Flame through Giffnock and up to Eastwood Toll at 17.35hrs.An Olympic street party will take place on Fenwick Road between Eastwood Toll and the Orchard Park Hotel from 3pm before the Olympic Flame arrives.

Free event. www.london2012.com

9 June, 7:45pm

Concert Night : The Turn Mugdock Country Park

Enjoy another great evening of popular music from the 60s to present day. The Turn is a group of local professionals who love music and entertaining audiences.

Booking essential. Tel: 0141 956 6100

MAY 2012 JUNE 2012


We at W W & J McClure offer our clients professional and impartial advice.Remember everyone is different. We explain the options! You decide!

Please visit us at www.mccluresolicitors.com

Tel: 0141 221 0045 3 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE

W W & J McClure Solicitors have been established for over 100 years.

We specialise in:

W W & J McClure Scotland is authorised by FSA and Law Society of Scotland and W W & J McClure England is authorised by SRA and FSA

• Wills

• Power of Attorney

• Family Protection Trusts

• Inheritance Tax Planning

Remember - arrange a Will in May or June and it’s FREE and all we ask is that you make a donation to The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow.

9 June, tbc Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games West of Scotland Football Club, Milngavie

Traditional Highland games with dancing, piping, flat racing, wrestling, tossing the caber, tug o’war and heavyweight events.

10 June, 1 - 3pm

Garden Talk – Outdoor Fruit Pollok Country Park, Visitor Centre

Choosing the right type of fruit for your garden; learn the essentials about selection, cultivation, pruning and care of soft fruit and fruit trees.

No booking required, just turn up.

13 - 30 June

Macbeth – National Theatre of Scotland Tramway, Glasgow

Multi award-winning actor Alan Cumming assumes every role in this radical reimagining of Shakespeare’s Scottish play. This new version of Macbeth is presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and directed by John Tiffany and Andrew Goldberg.

Tel : 0845 330 3501 or www.tramway.org

13 June

The Cottier Chamber Project: Da Vinci Trio Cottiers Theatre

Debussy : Piano Trio and Ravel : Piano Trio.

Advance Tickets: Adults £7, On the Day: £9 www.cottierchamberproject.com Tel: 0141 357 4000

13 June, 7pm

Karen Matheson Oran Mor

Tickets : £18 www.ticketweb.co.uk Tel : 08444 77 1000

14 June, 7pm – 8:30pm

Liz Lochhead on Playwriting, In Process Scottish Writers’ Centre, CCA, Glasgow

The Makar discusses the process of playwriting.

Free www.scottishwriterscentre.org.uk

16 & 17 June, 10am - 6pm

Duntreath Castle Garden Show Off A81 Blanefield, North of Glasgow. G63 9AJ

Garden Open. Gardening & cookery talks. SAFAS Floral Displays. Trade Stalls. Hot & Cold Food. FREE Parking & show guide.

Adults: £8. Children under 15 Free www.duntreathgardenshow.co.uk Tel : 07802 282193

17 June, 4pm

In Conversation III: Tom Service Cottiers Theatre, Hyndland Street

Guardian writer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service talks about music. Part of Cottier Chamber Project.

Tel: 0141 357 4000

22 June

John Barrowman Live Outdoor Summer Shows Glasgow Green

Join John Barrowman in a spectacular new Summer Concert Tour set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. This summer John Barrowman will perform four exclusive open-air shows.

www.ticketsoup.com

30 June, 11am - 4pm

Byres Road Makers Market Hillhead Library

Glasgow’s monthly boutique craft & design event.

Admission is FREE to this event. www.byresroadmakersmarket.co.uk

JUNE 2012

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