Photos Courtesy of Bellsmyre Digital Community Digital Delights On Our Doorstep By Steven Hastings Thereʼs a ʻsecretʼ room at the end of the gym hall in Dumbartonʼs Concord community centre, when the door opens you are taken into a world of innovation, technology and design. This is Bellsmyre Digital Community and Project Manager, Kathleen Smith, welcomed us in. Bellsmyre Digital is Clydesider Editor • Community
❄️ Clydesider’s Winter Holiday Pet Competition! ❄️ COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Clydesider Editor • Christmas
Tenants' Champions By Laura Giannini Photo by Harvey Smart Here's some good news for West Dunbartonshire Council tenants and home owners with WDC as their factor – you have a champion. A Scrutiny Panel is tasked with the job of checking the performance of the Councilʼs Housing Services. This panel, of Clydesider Editor • Community
Don’t Wait Until Winter - Sponsored Editorial WD Citizens Advice Bureau Clydesider • Sponsored Editorial
Stepping Stones: Sponsored Editorial Wellness, Wellbeing & Recovery Just a Stone’s Throw Away Clydesider • Sponsored Editorial
IMG_6120 Pride of Place Words by Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Caroline Finn What makes you proud of your hometown? At the start of the year, we put this question to a group of Bankies and provided a variety of creative opportunities for them to share their thoughts. Together they remembered the town’s proud Clydesider Editor • Activism
Pilgrim What is changing? Are we powerless? What does it mean to really care? In September 2024 a group of young adults from West Dunbartonshire and Hydra Arts enacted a pilgrimage across Europe by train to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the area of the world where the affects of climate change are Clydesider Editor • Creative
original-CF46C286-B1CF-4A21-B774-53D2E77130DF ‘13’ A Teenage Drama Review by Ben Pryde & Photos by Kevin Rodgers Having had no knowledge of the synopsis of ‘13’, I had no idea what to expect when I entered Clydebank Town Hall for the performance. It’s safe to say I was blown away by the crude humour, excellent choreography and Clydesider Editor • Creative
5ba2219a-93e0-4058-b63c-755f9090c35f Words of Change - The Wee Glesga Poet Words by Jenny Watson & Photos courtesy of Emma Armstrong There is a curious little phenomenon we often experience in this life called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, also known as Frequency Illusion. It’s when you see or experience something new, then suddenly you start to notice it everywhere. Maybe you Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
image9 My Journey from Sri Lanka to Scotland: A Dream Seven Years in the Making By Suhaila For seven years, I waited. Not just waited, but held my breath—hoping, wondering, fearing. Every decision I made in Sri Lanka felt like a question mark. Should I buy these school textbooks? Should I enroll in this course? Should I just do what I want here? Or Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
Going For Gold Words by Layla Blackwell & Photos by Caroline Finn Life has taught me many important lessons but how to be resilient is the top one. An unexpected accident left me with a choice to make. I could be brave and embark on a new adventure or let the fear of Clydesider Editor • Issue 29
STEPHEN-3 Some Heroes Wear Lab Coats By Emily Fraser Not all environmental activists stand on a protest line – some of them stand in front of a school class. Vale of Leven Academy hero Stephen Halkett mixes all his favourite elements for his latest experiment, a kids’ comedy show on fighting climate change. In ‘Save The Planet’ Clydesider Editor • Education
Leven Litter Pickers by Laura Giannini No prizes for guessing what the Leven Litter Pickers do. They are an active and prolific group of volunteers, that first came together way-back in the spring of 2021. The core members, who are still active in the group, met in Alexandria in response to an article Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
A Pilgrimage to the End of the World Words by Laura Giannini Photos by Joseph Dalton Pilgrim, by Hydra Arts, is an innovative, even daring project. The brainchild of artistic director, Peter McMaster, it is a project with big heart and an even bigger scope: climate change. How do we show the effects humans are having on our, Clydesider Editor • Environment
Become A Life Saver By Laura Giannini What is the best thing you could do on a rainy night? How about learning to save a life? That was exactly what Maureen Cummings and husband Gordon, co-founders of Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, thought. So, they invited Heartstart Lomond Rotary and partner Helensburgh and Local District Clydesider Editor • Community
Healing Power of Nature Words by Kevin Unitt Photos by Sarah Badman-Flook In my lowest life moments I’ve always managed to apply the belief that I can ‘walk walk walk until I feel well again’, so potent have I found physical activity in the great outdoors to be in terms of positive mental Clydesider Editor • Health & Wellness
Healthy Heart Lifestyle Club by Laura Giannini The HHLC was born 20 years ago from the original heart attack and stroke rehabilitation group. This restricted group was extended to allow for a more diverse range of participants. The current HHLC is the perfect place for the many who would like to move toward exercise Clydesider Editor • Community
PXL_20231025_135414326 Photography Tips & Techniques – Trees By Harvey Smart The theme of our next photography competition is ‘Trees & Leaves’. These beautiful, important and often ancient organisms are all around us, and make fantastic and varied subjects for photography. Here are a few simple tips to get the best shots possible! Think about light Golden hour Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
group all standing in a line behind a bio diversity sign Hidden Heritage Spotlight: Havoc Meadows Words by Kayleigh Hirst Photos courtesy of Friends of Havoc Meadows If you say the word ʻheritageʼ, most people might think of a building or a famous person, perhaps even folk tales and traditions. But thereʼs another aspect of our collective heritage thatʼs just as important. Heritage can be defined Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Cycling For All Words by Jenny Watson, Photos by Caroline Finn Around 13 years ago, I was involved in a creative arts group based in Levengrove Park. Through this group I met a wonderful man named Andy Binnie. During our meetings Andy would often share snippets of information he had learned about the Clydesider Editor • Accessibility
group all standing in a line behind a bio diversity sign Hidden Heritage Spotlight: Havoc Meadows Words by Kayleigh Hirst Photos courtesy of Friends of Havoc Meadows If you say the word ʻheritageʼ, most people might think of a building or a famous person, perhaps even folk tales and traditions. But thereʼs another aspect of our collective heritage thatʼs just as important. Heritage can be defined Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Costumes, Castles and Community Words & Photos by Kevin Monaghan In what can only be described as a glorious mash-up of creativity, cosplay and historical geekery, the Dumbarton Castle Society joined forces with Bellsmyre Digital and a whole bunch of enthusiastic volunteers to transport Primary and S1 pupils back to medieval Scotland. The event, Clydesider Editor • Education
Photo courtesy of Inclusive Images From the Darkness to the Light: Reflections of Me Words & Photos by Sarah Dillon Clydesider • Mental Health
DSC07856 Community Garden Spotlight - Beardmore Community Garden Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Nestled against the banks of the Canal and hidden at the end of a leafy cul de sac, Beardmore Community Garden is an oasis of horticulture on the site of Dalmuir’s former dockyards and factories. When I arrive on a sunny April afternoon, Clydesider
Think Outside The Books Words by Emily Fraser Photos by Charlie Eleftheriades-Sherry Newly renovated public libraries in Alexandria and Clydebank are now perfectly poised to welcome us, offering connection, accessibility, and inclusion for each and every local person. This is partly thanks to the creative yet practical upcycling of their beautiful, historic buildings, blending Clydesider Editor • Community
Pg 6 take a minute Take A Minute From the prehistoric remains of the Cochno Stone buried in the hills above Clydebank, to Dumbarton’s royal links to Robert the Bruce, to the industrial heritage of the Vale’s Turkey Red dyeworks and the Clyde’s shipbuilders, our local area is steeped in fascinating history. Sadly, much of Clydesider Editor • Community
Information & Tips Quick Cash Savings Tips by Georgia Edwards One of our Clydesider volunteers decided to take direct action against the ever-rising cost of living. And with just four phone calls managed to save over £200. Here’s what worked for her. Computer Antivirus Software I have one of the more expensive computer protectors because I Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Keeping Well in WD By Sam Paton, Dreamcatcher Lady This year we asked local therapists and well-being experts to share some simple tips and techniques we can all try at home. In this first column Sam Paton provides a beginner’s guide to meditation. Even You Can Meditate Some of the things I often Clydesider Editor • Health & Wellness
Welcome to the Knowes (knowes – Scots: a rough hilly area) Words & Photos by Sam Gibson The Hardgate (or Faifley) Knowes consist of a rocky ridge which runs through Hardgate between the Faifley housing estate and Hardgate Golf course. Perhaps the terrain gave the name to Hardgate itself as it was once on the main road from Old Kilpatrick to Clydesider Editor • Heritage
VeteranAshTree Story of a Native Tree - The Magnificent Ash By Breeze Balloch Castle Country Park is a place of great beauty and natural wonders. I believe it hosts the most magnificent ash tree in the most stunning location in Scotland. This ash is hundreds of years old and although it has stood on the lawn exposed to dozens of Clydesider • Environment
Information & Tips Support Hub Services: The Big Disability by John Donnelly The Big Disability Hub in Dalmuir has a range of external service providers offering support with benefit applications. Cunninghame Solicitors A small firm of Glasgow-based solicitors their work mainly involves legal advice and representation in relation to disability benefit applications, appeals, power of attorney and guardianship applications. Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Benefit Spotlight: Pension Credits Who is it for? For people over state pension age who are on a low income. Take up is extremely low with an estimated 123,000 households in Scotland not claiming their entitlement. The aim is to top up your weekly income to a weekly guaranteed minimum. It is separate Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Personal Experience Claim What's Yours - PENSIONER'S RIGHTS By Amanda Eleftheriades “It’s very difficult to ask for help.” Sarah,* a retired teacher in her late seventies, is one of millions of pensioners who have never investigated the social security support available. She explained: “I was brought up to believe if you can’t afford something, you just Clydesider • Benefits Campaign
The Cost of Living - My Story. by Jenny Fulton When people talk about the cost of living they talk about fuel poverty and food poverty, but what does that actually mean to the average person? I am gonna give you all a little insight to my life in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis. I get Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
IMG_1396 Finding Food & Warmth in WD Words by Amanda Eleftheriades & photos by Caroline Finn From hot meals to energy vouchers, Christmas gifts to school uniforms, baby clothes and household goods, community groups across West Dunbartonshire are digging deep to support local people struggling with the cost of living this year. West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, the Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Benefit Spotlight: Universal Credit Who is it for? Universal Credit is for people on low income or who need help with their living costs. You could be working (including self-employed or part time) or be out of work. You are entitled to UC if you are 18 or over but under State Pension age, Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Our Voices, Our Stories Words by Annaleese Brown, S2 pupil at St Peter the Apostle High School. Photos by Gemma Wilson Clydesider • Education
Celebrating Diversity Words & Photos by Janet Adeshiyan In a world that is more connected than ever, embracing our cultural differences is not just important - it's essential. The first historical multicultural event held at Our Holy Redeemer (OHR) in Whitecrook, Clydebank was a resounding success, showcasing the rich diversity Clydesider Editor • Education
Teenage Fundraiser Words by Suhaila Ahmed Photos by Kellyanne Devenney Clydebank teenager Courtney Devenney is on a fundraising mission in memory of her father Joseph, who sadly passed away in 2019 after a brave battle with oesophageal cancer. Since then, Courtney, now 14, takes on a new challenge every year to honour Clydesider Editor • Fundraising
Reader Recommends: "The Magic Scales" by Paul Murdoch by Mary Irvine Local author Paul Murdoch talks to Mary Irvine about how being asthmatic inspired his latest book. Living with asthma “At four years old I remember rolling down a grassy hill on a summer’s day. I tried to take a breath, but I couldn’t. "This Clydesider Editor • Issue 26
The Cost of Living - My Story. by Jenny Fulton When people talk about the cost of living they talk about fuel poverty and food poverty, but what does that actually mean to the average person? I am gonna give you all a little insight to my life in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis. I get Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Improving Lives - Sponsored Editorial Improving Lives are excited to announce that we are launching an independent advice and guidance service for Self Directed Support (SDS). Working together with the SDS team at West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP), and funded by Support in the Right Direction (SIRD) funding from Inspiring Scotland, Improving Clydesider Editor • Issue 26
Value in Volunteering - Dominique Di Santo Dominique Di Santo, 30, is a swimming teacher from Dumbarton. He started volunteering with Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore during lockdown and is a regular on their local litter picks. “I was doing litter picks by myself and putting photos up on Facebook to show how much I was collecting. " Clydesider Editor • Environment
Bumper Crops for Balloch Gardeners Tucked behind the safe haven of Lomond Parish Church, Lomond Community Gardens & Allotments is a gardener’s delight. Established in 2013 when the Church was awarded the Bronze Eco Congregation Award, the first plots were offered to those on the Alexandria Allotments’ waiting list. Eight years on and Loch Clydesider Editor • Environment
Jim Byrne - 4 Country & Folk Songs Reader Recommendations - 4 Country & Folk Songs Review by Mary Irvine I’ve just finished listening - again - to an EP of four new songs from accomplished singer/songwriter and ‘Bankie’, Jim Byrne. Four very different tracks. Most people will relate to the theme of loss and remembrances in ‘The Yellow Clock’, the theme of true love Clydesider • Creative
Information & Tips Healthy Food Millions Going Unclaimed - Claim What's Yours By Amanda Eleftheriades Are you one of thousands of households missing out on millions of pounds? Families who received a prepaid card to help with the cost of healthy food are being urged to check their balance. Best Start Foods helps with the cost of buying healthy food and milk Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Benefit Spotlight: Scottish Welfare Fund Who Is It For? Anyone aged 16 or older who is on a low income, OR getting certain benefits, can apply for a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund. There are different grants you can apply for depending on your circumstances. You do not need to pay these grants back. Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
The Heart of the Community OKFP - Sponsored Editorial From Fish Supper Fridays to Country & Western nights there’s always something happening at the OKFP Community Hub and Chatty Cafe. The emergency food aid charity hosts regular events to help bring the community together and reduce isolation. Maureen Cummings, OKFP director, explained: “We have a Fish Supper Friday Clydesider Editor • Issue 23
Through A Lens Darkly Words by Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Robert H King There can be few folk who embark on a career in graphic design and photography as they begin to lose their sight – but Clydebank creative Robert H. King is one such inspiring individual. Robert, who currently works as a librarian in Clydesider Editor • Creative
Grown In Nature Words & Artwork by Ann Pryce Nature is important for my well-being. It always has been. I got thinking about how it played a part in my childhood and was astonished at just how big a part it played. We lived in Govan Drive, opposite us was the Academy Sports Clydesider Editor • Issue 16
Zooming Down Memory Lane by Belle Sorrell Vale of Leven Academy recently launched a Sporting Memories Virtual Club in partnership with the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland. Nathan Williamson, Abbi Pilkington and Lucy Oliver are sixth year students who volunteered to organise and run the club - the first of its kind in the UK. Clydesider Editor • Community
Our Voices, Our Stories Words by Annaleese Brown, S2 pupil at St Peter the Apostle High School. Photos by Gemma Wilson Clydesider • Education
Photos Courtesy of Bellsmyre Digital Community Digital Delights On Our Doorstep By Steven Hastings Thereʼs a ʻsecretʼ room at the end of the gym hall in Dumbartonʼs Concord community centre, when the door opens you are taken into a world of innovation, technology and design. This is Bellsmyre Digital Community and Project Manager, Kathleen Smith, welcomed us in. Bellsmyre Digital is Clydesider Editor • Community
Growing Wilma's Wishes Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Pupils at St Michaelʼs Primary in Dalreoch are enjoying a new outdoor music wall thanks to a local charity and a much-loved mother. The project was led by June Hopkins, who founded Wilmaʼs Wishes in memory of her late mother, and the installations were Clydesider Editor • Community
Banking On The Bankies Words & photos by Ben Pryde Clydebank has always been a footballing town. It has boasted many great talents such as the McGinn brothers: Stephen - now at Falkirk, Paul - at Motherwell and, most notably, John who is at Aston Villa; also Ken Eadie, who was one of the Clydesider Editor • Issue 25
Along the River of Time by Billy Scobie I live a matter of yards from the River Leven, just beside Bonhill Bridge. Often, when I look out of my window and watch the water rolling by, I think of the famous Scottish historical personalities who have sailed down that river or ridden along its banks, Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Entrance to Christie Park, Main Street, 1905 Discovering Our Hidden Heritage By Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Chris McCaughey & courtesy of West Dunbartonshire Arts & Heritage Green ghosts, royal remains, revolutionaries and writers, industrial spies and luxury liners, they all have one thing in common – a home in West Dunbartonshire. Take a walk along most of our local streets, through the Clydesider Editor • Clydesider
Personal Experience Life Changer By Amanda Eleftheriades Climbing four flights of stairs used to be all in a day’s work for Cath, a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service. But 18 months after falling ill with Covid-19 she can barely manage one flight without becoming breathless. Both Cath* and husband Mick*, also a Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Whatever You're Happiest Doing! By the Armchair Philosopher “Whatever you're happiest doing!” is a phrase many of my friends have cheerily used in the strange new times and strange new world we are forced to embrace. My friends, relatives and acquaintances are well intentioned: Whatever YOU are happiest doing. They are handing Clydesider Editor • Covid-19
Student Solutions By Aidan MacDonald The last 12 months have been a struggle for everyone. From those who work in the NHS to those who have had to shield. It really has been a year to forget. One group significantly impacted by the pandemic is young people. From the constant stop-start of Clydesider Editor • Covid-19
Guides Above and Beyond: A Life Well Lived By Annie Jordan Often the most outstanding people are the most unassuming and humble folk you will ever meet: Margaret Rice is one such individual. You would never guess she had recently been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for her 62 year career in education by a Motion presented by Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
Photos Courtesy of Bellsmyre Digital Community Digital Delights On Our Doorstep By Steven Hastings Thereʼs a ʻsecretʼ room at the end of the gym hall in Dumbartonʼs Concord community centre, when the door opens you are taken into a world of innovation, technology and design. This is Bellsmyre Digital Community and Project Manager, Kathleen Smith, welcomed us in. Bellsmyre Digital is Clydesider Editor • Community
Header Claim What's Yours Campaign By Amanda Eleftheriades, Editor Every year billions of pounds of benefits which should be helping people on the lowest incomes, goes unclaimed. In 2020 the online benefits calculator service, entitledto, estimated a staggering +£15billion a year was not being claimed. This included nearly £2.5million of child tax credits, over Clydesider • Benefits Campaign
Personal Experience Life Changer By Amanda Eleftheriades Climbing four flights of stairs used to be all in a day’s work for Cath, a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service. But 18 months after falling ill with Covid-19 she can barely manage one flight without becoming breathless. Both Cath* and husband Mick*, also a Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
image0 (2) 'Gie me a word' - Mary Irvine interviews debut author Evelyn Lawrie Where were you born/brought up? I was born and brought up in Bonhill in 1936. I went to Bonhill Primary and then the Vale of Leven Academy. I then attended the West of Scotland Commercial College in Glasgow. I married a local man and we had three children. When Clydesider Editor • Creative
713i2mqsttL._SL1500_ (1) (1) (1) Reviews and recommendations - A Dynasty of Dragons by Doreen Hopwood Review by Mary Irvine Local author, Doreen Hopwood, launched her debut novel ‘A Dynasty of Dragons’ at Alexandria Library, attracting an audience of over 40. In conversation with fellow author, Mary Irvine, Doreen spoke of how her love of writing developed from the less than helpful primary school teacher to Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
dji_fly_20240618_094026_186_1718701611047_photo_optimized (1) New Kid in the Gardening Block Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Dillichip Community Garden is one of the latest growing spaces to pop up in West Dunbartonshire, opening last spring with support from the council and West Dunbartonshire Greenspace. Iain McPhie, who sits on the local community council was approached to head up the project. Clydesider Editor • Community
Iain Campaign Honours Lives Lost at Sea Words by John Donnelly Photos by Mitchell Lindsay On an unusually sunny and warm Saturday in early May, I went along to the unveiling of a new memorial plaque at the Govan/Partick Bridge on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow. The plaque is to commemorate the approximate 60, Clydesider Editor • Activism
Neither Here nor There Book cover Reviews & Recommendations: 'Neither Here nor There' by C.G Docherty Review by Mary Irvine More people than ever before are interested in their roots. This book explores the origins of the people of the Vale and of Dumbarton, but it is much more than a ‘where did they come from?’ account. In telling the story of the Irish immigration and Clydesider Editor • Issue 28
Dumbarton Central Station: An Intriguing Past Words & Photos By Jeremy Watson Motivated by considerable concern about its condition, Dumbarton Stations Improvement Trust (DSIT) commissioned a comprehensive assessment of Dumbarton Central Station. Funded through the WDC Common Good Fund a team of conservation specialists headed by Leslie Kerr not only identified problems, but also potential for Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Man and Nature Combine Words by Mary Irvine & Artwork by Anne Marshall I have often praised the high standard of talent prevalent in my locale but on a recent walk around Balloch Country Park I was put in mind of one more. Not an unsung hero by any means but, perhaps one unknown Clydesider Editor • Creative
Clydesider Community Exhibition By the Clydesider Team Sharing stories is part of life but we all have different ways we enjoy communicating. For some, it’s the written word – factual or fictional. Others find their stories through the lens of a camera, in the rhyme of a poem or in a carefully crafted Clydesider Editor • Community
Dumbarton FC Scottish Cup Winners 1883 An Elephant in the ‘Henhouse’ Words by Brian Wright Photos courtesy of West Dunbartonshire Council Arts & Heritage Services A local building demolished some 45 years ago continues to demand attention on social media platforms to this day. Sadly, however, the reason for this continuing interest is generally one of derision. It is a completely Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Jim and James preparing for the Mens group at Stepping Stones Stepping up for Neurodiversity - Sponsored Editorial If you haven’t heard already, we were recently awarded £178,887 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our work with neurodiverse people who have common mental health challenges. This led to the recruitment of three much-needed additional staff who are now at the final stages of the Clydesider Editor • Issue 30
Benefit Spotlight: Carers Benefits Who is it for? There are three different benefits/awards people in Scotland could be eligible for if they are caring for someone. * Carer’s Allowance – is available for someone with earnings (after NI and expenses) of £139 or less a week, who spends at least 35 hours a week Clydesider Editor • Issue 21
Issue 21 Caring For Someone With a Brain Injury by John Copeland I am a Brain Injured person who provides care for another Brain Injured person. I’m one of the lucky ones, I can still do much of what I could do before Brain Injury, even if it’s a little slower and more cautious. Some people aren’ Clydesider Editor • Health & Wellness
DSC_2168edit Men Matter Scotland - Sponsored Editorial Men Matter Scotland is a peer support network for men aged 16+. You do not have to be struggling with your mental health to access our services, we have a prevention approach and would encourage any man to come along and check out our base at 20 Drumchapel Road. Also Clydesider Editor • Issue 21
Conversations With Nature by Johnny Dale I feel nature and being outside watching the wildlife out in the garden or on my walks has helped me a lot during these unprecedented times. I have to admit I loved last year’s lockdown. Not from the point of many people losing their lives, but Clydesider Editor • Environment
Student Solutions By Aidan MacDonald The last 12 months have been a struggle for everyone. From those who work in the NHS to those who have had to shield. It really has been a year to forget. One group significantly impacted by the pandemic is young people. From the constant stop-start of Clydesider Editor • Covid-19
All Mapped Out By Brian Wright Have you noticed how maps sneaked their way into our lives. It used to be there was maybe a touring map on a shelf in your hall cupboard, under the BT phone book and the Yellow Pages. It was always at least a year or two out Clydesider Editor • Adventure
What a Winner Deep Dive into Swimming With Autism Words by Annie Jordan & Photos by Harvey Smart Clydesider • Issue 34
IMG_0115 Changing Perspectives Words by Layla Blackwell & Photos by Caroline Finn Who you are is moulded by how you see the world and vice versa. That’s something that I've really come to understand this year. All my adult life I’ve been focused on what I thought I could Clydesider Editor • Accessibility
Picturing Our Past in Stirling Castle by Amanda Eleftheriades-Sherry. Photos courtesy of Inclusive Images & HES Local photo enthusiasts from community groups across West Dunbartonshire had their photography displayed in Stirling Castle for a three-month exhibition. Organised by Inclusive Images, a local social enterprise which supports people to share their stories via the medium of photography, Clydesider Editor • Accessibility
Meet Our Volunteers: Patricia Patricia Laws had a full house of fellow volunteers to interview her for this issue. Billy: What encouraged you to become a volunteer with Clydesider? Patricia: My daughter was working with Clydesider, she was doing a workshop and I went along. It was as we were coming out of Covid, Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
IMG_4350 #MoreThanYouThink My Journey Through the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award Words & Photos by Ben Pryde In April I humbly accepted my certificate of completion of the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award at the Radisson Blu on Argyle Street. When sitting back down in my seat after receiving this Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
original-CF46C286-B1CF-4A21-B774-53D2E77130DF ‘13’ A Teenage Drama Review by Ben Pryde & Photos by Kevin Rodgers Having had no knowledge of the synopsis of ‘13’, I had no idea what to expect when I entered Clydebank Town Hall for the performance. It’s safe to say I was blown away by the crude humour, excellent choreography and Clydesider Editor • Creative
Community Cinema Celebrations by Jenny Watson Photos Courtesy of the Community Cinema When two local camera enthusiasts decided to put on a community film show they couldn’t have guessed it would become a local institution. I caught up with Lawrie Pennycook from Dumbarton to find out how he and Tommy Crocket turned Clydesider Editor • Community
Reader Recommends: The Wiz was Whizz! Words by Ben Pryde & Photo by Holly Steel The Clydebank Musical Society cast a spell on their audiences with their recent production of ‘The Wiz’. With 23 songs, all performed with passion, and a plot followed and acted beautifully, the cast had audiences laughing and chuckling throughout. CMS is Clydesider Editor • Entertainment
Information & Tips Check Your Council Tax Could you be paying too much Council Tax? There are lots of reasons why you might be entitled to a discount or even fully exempt from paying Council Tax. These include living alone, being a student, being disabled, being mentally impaired or in receipt of certain other benefits. Also if Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
Personal Experience CLAIM WHAT’S YOURS – Seeking Support Leanne shares her Universal Credit journey with Angela Clark “I would advise anyone who is applying for Universal Credit to get a welfare rights advisor, it is a gruelling process even with that support.” Peer support worker Leanne is used to helping others deal with life challenges faced by people Clydesider Editor • Benefits Campaign
WASTE OPPORTUNITIES Waste Opportunities By Angela Clark Recycling has become a big part of everyday life. We are more aware of the harm discarded rubbish causes to the environment, our well-being and wildlife. People are always looking for ways to help the battle against pollution. Sometimes it takes just one idea to set the Clydesider Editor • Community
clydesider More Than A Magazine - 5 Year Anniversay by Amanda Eleftheriades, Editor ‘If it bleeds, it leads’. This was the ethos of the media industry in 1996 when I started my first job as a local reporter in Dumbarton. Sadly, not too much had changed when I left it seven years later. Disillusioned by the industry’s growing Clydesider • Issue 17
choir socially distanced Singing In The Rain How does a choir stay connected when it can't sing together? This was the challenge Firecloud's Community Choir, affectionately named Big Happy Noise, faced at the start of last year's lockdown. With members coming from across West Dunbartonshire and further afield, the pandemic brought Clydesider • Issue 17
❄️ Clydesider’s Winter Holiday Pet Competition! ❄️ COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Clydesider Editor • Christmas
Local Unsung Heroes to be Celebrated in New Heritage Project Clydesider Creative CIC, is excited to share our good news to kickstart the year. We have been awarded a multi-year grant of £138,954 by The National Heritage Lottery Fund for our multi-media project ‘In Peace & Revolution.’ We will use the funding to record and celebrate stories of local Clydesider Editor • Clydesider News
ATM Cost of Living Community Media campaign Clydesider Creative will be launching a new Cost of Living campaign, thanks to funding from the National Lottery's Improving Lives fund. The multi-media project will build on our two-year Claim What's Yours campaign and aims to raise awareness and challenge stigma associated with financial challenges. Over Clydesider Editor • Clydesider News
CLS logo_no bgr_REGENERATION SERVICES Supporting Communities - Sponsored Editorial Community Link Scotland The overarching role of Community Links Scotland (CLS) is to work with individuals from fragile deprived communities, developing partnership projects to: support the transition into further employment; develop new skills and opportunities; create social connections; increase income; sustain homes. We do this through a combination of consultancy Clydesider Editor • Issue 31
Welcome to WDwellbeing.info - Sponsored Editorial West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Welcome to WDwellbeing.info The website is a hub of information, support and guidance for children, young people, their families, and professionals who work with them to support wellbeing. Anyone looking for information can access the site. The site was a response by Clydesider Editor • Issue 31
Improving Lives Volunteers Chat with Kevin Crawford: The Man Behind the Charity - Sponsored Editorial From a laptop at his kitchen table to running one of West Dunbartonshire’s disability charities, Kevin Crawford has dedicated himself to ensuring no one faces the same struggles he did. As founder of Improving Lives, Kevin built a charity providing vital support to thousands of people with disabilities and Clydesider Editor • Issue 31
Gartocharn team pic Football Club Celebrations Words by Steven Hastings Photos courtesy of Gartocharn F.C Hip, Hip Hooray it’s Gartocharn Football Club’s 70th anniversary. The amateur team was started by a few local men in the village and after some friendlies they played their first official match on Saturday 30 April 1955. I Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Dumbarton FC Scottish Cup Winners 1883 An Elephant in the ‘Henhouse’ Words by Brian Wright Photos courtesy of West Dunbartonshire Council Arts & Heritage Services A local building demolished some 45 years ago continues to demand attention on social media platforms to this day. Sadly, however, the reason for this continuing interest is generally one of derision. It is a completely Clydesider Editor • Heritage
IMG_3039 A Community’s Course Words & Photos by Ben Pryde It has been 95 years since Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course first opened its doors to the public, yet people from across the community still flock to play the peaceful yet enthralling municipal course. As it’s not nationally ranked or part of any major Clydesider • Issue 28
5ba2219a-93e0-4058-b63c-755f9090c35f Words of Change - The Wee Glesga Poet Words by Jenny Watson & Photos courtesy of Emma Armstrong There is a curious little phenomenon we often experience in this life called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, also known as Frequency Illusion. It’s when you see or experience something new, then suddenly you start to notice it everywhere. Maybe you Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
IMG_6120 Pride of Place Words by Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Caroline Finn What makes you proud of your hometown? At the start of the year, we put this question to a group of Bankies and provided a variety of creative opportunities for them to share their thoughts. Together they remembered the town’s proud Clydesider Editor • Activism
Gartocharn team pic Football Club Celebrations Words by Steven Hastings Photos courtesy of Gartocharn F.C Hip, Hip Hooray it’s Gartocharn Football Club’s 70th anniversary. The amateur team was started by a few local men in the village and after some friendlies they played their first official match on Saturday 30 April 1955. I Clydesider Editor • Heritage
713i2mqsttL._SL1500_ (1) (1) (1) Reviews and recommendations - A Dynasty of Dragons by Doreen Hopwood Review by Mary Irvine Local author, Doreen Hopwood, launched her debut novel ‘A Dynasty of Dragons’ at Alexandria Library, attracting an audience of over 40. In conversation with fellow author, Mary Irvine, Doreen spoke of how her love of writing developed from the less than helpful primary school teacher to Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
Gartocharn team pic Football Club Celebrations Words by Steven Hastings Photos courtesy of Gartocharn F.C Hip, Hip Hooray it’s Gartocharn Football Club’s 70th anniversary. The amateur team was started by a few local men in the village and after some friendlies they played their first official match on Saturday 30 April 1955. I Clydesider Editor • Heritage
Composite B Discover What Lies Behind the Door - Doors Open Day 2024 Words & Photos by Jeremy Watson Have you ever been intrigued by a local building or location, but not had the opportunity to visit? This Saturday September 14, West Dunbartonshire will hold a DOORS OPEN DAY to find out more. We hold ours every two years although similar events are Clydesider • Uncategorised
Echoes of Voices - An Anthology of Short Stories and Poetry by Clydebank Writers Review by Mary Irvine Clydesider • Review
History of the Vale Photography Project A Community Photo Story by Eddie Barclay, Fiona Jamieson, John Jamieson, Kacho Naseem Haider Khan, Lorraine Kerr, Catherine MacDonald, Natalie MacDonald, Francis Reilly & Adrian Wyer The Vale of Leven has a fascinating heritage and, if you know where to look, there is evidence of its proud past all around Clydesider Editor • Creative Storytelling
The Rare Pine Marten in Balloch Castle Country Park Words & Photos by Jim Duncan The shy and elusive pine marten, one of Britain’s rarest mammals has been seen and photographed in Balloch Castle Country Park. This woodland creature, almost hunted to extinction was given full legal protection in 1988. They are similar in size to a domestic Clydesider Editor • Issue 29
Saving Textile Studies in the Vale Words by Laura Giannini & Photos by Natalie MacDonald The Vale of Leven has a rich heritage in textiles. Unsurprising then that WDC Adult Learning, in collaboration with West College Scotland ran an excellent course dealing with textile design, creation and manufacture. This group, which met weekly in Alexandria Library, Clydesider Editor • Community
Growing Wilma's Wishes Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Pupils at St Michaelʼs Primary in Dalreoch are enjoying a new outdoor music wall thanks to a local charity and a much-loved mother. The project was led by June Hopkins, who founded Wilmaʼs Wishes in memory of her late mother, and the installations were Clydesider Editor • Community
dji_fly_20240618_094026_186_1718701611047_photo_optimized (1) New Kid in the Gardening Block Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Dillichip Community Garden is one of the latest growing spaces to pop up in West Dunbartonshire, opening last spring with support from the council and West Dunbartonshire Greenspace. Iain McPhie, who sits on the local community council was approached to head up the project. Clydesider Editor • Community
default 10 Year Celebrations for Bellsmyre! Words & Pictures by Harvey Smart This summer saw 10th anniversary celebrations for Bellsmyre community garden. Since taking over the derelict plot of land on Whiteford Avenue a decade ago, the gardens have expanded dramatically, growing from a small community garden to a highly successful model for similar projects across Clydesider Editor • Gardening
Guides Above and Beyond: A Life Well Lived By Annie Jordan Often the most outstanding people are the most unassuming and humble folk you will ever meet: Margaret Rice is one such individual. You would never guess she had recently been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for her 62 year career in education by a Motion presented by Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
Journeys Through A Foreign Language By Working4Uʼs ESOL Learners Photos by Kayleigh Hirst The Working4U Adult Learning and Literacies Team offers a range of courses for adults to develop confidence, personal skills and gain qualifications. One of their programmes is English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), which aims to help people who are new Clydesider Editor • Education
Guides Above and Beyond: A Life Well Lived By Annie Jordan Often the most outstanding people are the most unassuming and humble folk you will ever meet: Margaret Rice is one such individual. You would never guess she had recently been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for her 62 year career in education by a Motion presented by Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
Women For Women By Laura Giannini Photo courtesy of Women for Women Statistics say that West Dunbartonshire is the second worst area in Scotland for domestic violence, or perhaps it's fourth, depends who's telling. Either way the blight of domestic violence is rife in our area and 83% of Clydesider Editor • Activism
PXL_20231025_135414326 Photography Tips & Techniques – Trees By Harvey Smart The theme of our next photography competition is ‘Trees & Leaves’. These beautiful, important and often ancient organisms are all around us, and make fantastic and varied subjects for photography. Here are a few simple tips to get the best shots possible! Think about light Golden hour Clydesider Editor • Issue 33
Picturing Our Past in Stirling Castle by Amanda Eleftheriades-Sherry. Photos courtesy of Inclusive Images & HES Local photo enthusiasts from community groups across West Dunbartonshire had their photography displayed in Stirling Castle for a three-month exhibition. Organised by Inclusive Images, a local social enterprise which supports people to share their stories via the medium of photography, Clydesider Editor • Accessibility
Leaving Behind Ordinary A Photo Essay by Katie Kennedy Katie has been volunteering with Clydesider for nearly a year and become a valuable member of our team. She helps with everything from photography to distribution to transport, even collecting pine cones! We first crossed paths when she entered – and won – the photography competition Clydesider Editor • Creative
The Shanghai Express By Ally Craig Just recently, I have been going to a wee gathering every Wednesday night, with like-minded individuals who share a sort of common purpose. We are all people who have experienced difficulties, to a varying degree, with alcohol and the causes and effects associated with the various problems Clydesider Editor • Community
Light at the End of the Tunnel By Charlie Sherry Ten years ago I realised my relationship with alcohol had changed from maybe having one too many on a night out, to sneaking up to the local Spar for my carryout at times when I was least likely to meet someone I knew. I had become totally Clydesider Editor • Community
Rambling Adventures Words by Harvey Smart & Photos by Stephen Durand Back in 2023, six-year-old Ollie Durand and his dad Stephen walked the West Highland Way in support of local charity Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, a distance of nearly 100 miles between Milngavie and Fort William. No mean feat even for experienced Clydesider Editor • Adventure
Lily Loves Munros Words by Jim Duncan, Photos by Andrew McBride & Jim Duncan “My name is Lily McBride and I live in Balloch, I am a 13-year-old girl who loves climbing Scotland’s Munros.” A Munro is a Scottish mountain that is over 3,000 feet (914 meters) tall, the name comes Clydesider Editor • Adventure
IMG_3275 (1) Walk This Way: A Walk For All Seasons Words by Harvey Smart & Photos By Paul Murdoch "There are lots of books purely focusing on one topic, but I wanted to give people a full experience of the area through the local walks I have done for the past 50 years - everything from an historic building Clydesider Editor • Adventure
dji_fly_20240618_094026_186_1718701611047_photo_optimized (1) New Kid in the Gardening Block Words & Photos by Harvey Smart Dillichip Community Garden is one of the latest growing spaces to pop up in West Dunbartonshire, opening last spring with support from the council and West Dunbartonshire Greenspace. Iain McPhie, who sits on the local community council was approached to head up the project. Clydesider Editor • Community
STEPHEN-3 Some Heroes Wear Lab Coats By Emily Fraser Not all environmental activists stand on a protest line – some of them stand in front of a school class. Vale of Leven Academy hero Stephen Halkett mixes all his favourite elements for his latest experiment, a kids’ comedy show on fighting climate change. In ‘Save The Planet’ Clydesider Editor • Education
_DSC1277 A Call to Peace Words by Layla Blackwell Photos by Charlie Sherry I sat looking over the beauty of the gardens before me. Tulips of every colour stand watch from the borders of the flowerbeds. On such a sunny day, it’s difficult not to feel grateful. The inscription on the Statue of St Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
Clyde walkway Dumbarton Views From The River Clyde Words & Photos by James C Duncan Titan Crane, Clydebank Over 100 years old, originally built for the John Brown & Company Shipyard, the crane was designed by Sir William Arrol, and is one of four remaining on the River Clyde. The giant 150-tonne cantilever crane was erected around 1907 Clydesider Editor • Adventure
Peacock butterfly 1 WALK THIS WAY - Butterflies & Moths Need Your Help Words & Photos by James Duncan Butterflies and moths are far less common than they were 40 years ago and you don’t need to look hard to find out why. Many species are in serious decline, as their countryside habitat has been lost to industrial and housing developments, intensive Clydesider Editor • Environment
Teenage Fundraiser Words by Suhaila Ahmed Photos by Kellyanne Devenney Clydebank teenager Courtney Devenney is on a fundraising mission in memory of her father Joseph, who sadly passed away in 2019 after a brave battle with oesophageal cancer. Since then, Courtney, now 14, takes on a new challenge every year to honour Clydesider Editor • Fundraising
Rambling Adventures Words by Harvey Smart & Photos by Stephen Durand Back in 2023, six-year-old Ollie Durand and his dad Stephen walked the West Highland Way in support of local charity Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, a distance of nearly 100 miles between Milngavie and Fort William. No mean feat even for experienced Clydesider Editor • Adventure
A Mother's Journey Words by Angela Clark Photos courtesy of Vicky Lenaghan Climbing the highest mountain in Africa helped a grieving Clydebank mother put her life back together following the sudden loss of her daughter. And in the process of scaling the 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) dormant volcano, she raised £6, Clydesider Editor • Fundraising
Rambling Anniversary The Bay Inn Ramblers celebrated 20 years of rambling in 2022. The group welcomes people from Bowling and the surrounding areas to join their walks. Over the years as well as local walks they have rambled on Scottish islands such as Tiree, Benbecula, Bute and Barra. They plan to return Clydesider Editor • Community
Issue 21 Caring For Someone With a Brain Injury by John Copeland I am a Brain Injured person who provides care for another Brain Injured person. I’m one of the lucky ones, I can still do much of what I could do before Brain Injury, even if it’s a little slower and more cautious. Some people aren’ Clydesider Editor • Health & Wellness
The Hottest Ticket In Town Words by Annie Jordan & Photos by Ross Donnelly What is the hottest ticket in town? Taylor Swift at Murrayfield? Scotland v Finland at Hampden, the big send-off before the Euros? Or could it be another real gem, in our local area? In the east of Scotland, destination Murrayfield, it’ Clydesider Editor • Community
Inn Defence: a Musical Haven on the High Street Words & Photos by Natalie Macdonald Have you heard the gossip about the new kid on the block? Inn Defence, located at the former site of The Gossip Cafe on Dumbarton’s High Street, is transforming the local music scene. This unique venue is more than just a café and Clydesider Editor • Community
Have Mercy Las Vegas - Light and Shade Words by Emily Fraser, Photos courtesy of Have Mercy Las Vegas In March, Crispin McAlpine, Eilidh Cowan, Stephen Scott, Marc McLean, Andrew Napier and Grant Dallas, otherwise known as Have Mercy Las Vegas, played a sold-out launch at Dumbarton’s Denny Civic Theatre. Roughly 10 years after their first album, Clydesider Editor • Creative
Friendship is Golden Golden Moments Words and Photos by Charlie Sherry “I hadn’t been out my room for 17 years.” For 28-year-old Stephen Coombe, life before Golden Friendships Club was a lonely and difficult place. Walking through the doors of the Dalmuir-based charity with, what he described as “not much expectation and even less Clydesider Editor • Community
Pg 16 Recyle Hub Recycle, Reuse Words and photo by Angela Clark When we think of items that are harmful to the environment we rarely consider our unwanted clothes. But every time we throw an unwanted outfit into the bin it ends up decomposing on a landfill site somewhere and the material produces gases, known as Clydesider Editor • Community
https://clydesider.org/2020/01/23/a-little-boat-with-a-big-heart/ A Little Boat with a Big Heart by Amanda Eleftheriades A little boat which once rescued hundreds of stranded soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during WWII, is again on a recovery mission. This time Skylark IX is providing a lifeline to local people battling the dark and lonely world of substance misuse. And the ripple effect Clydesider Editor • Heritage
IMG_4350 #MoreThanYouThink My Journey Through the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award Words & Photos by Ben Pryde In April I humbly accepted my certificate of completion of the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award at the Radisson Blu on Argyle Street. When sitting back down in my seat after receiving this Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
_DSC1277 A Call to Peace Words by Layla Blackwell Photos by Charlie Sherry I sat looking over the beauty of the gardens before me. Tulips of every colour stand watch from the borders of the flowerbeds. On such a sunny day, it’s difficult not to feel grateful. The inscription on the Statue of St Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
DSC09497 Activists of Our Past By Florence Boyle Perhaps you know some of the streets in Whitecrook are named after former councillors. But what many don’t know is that Lappin Street is named after Clydebank’s first woman councillor. Isabella, “Bella” Lappin (1880 1961), is a case study in how quickly and completely women Clydesider Editor • Community Activist
Celebrating Success - Sponsored Editorial Join West College Scotland in celebrating 30 fabulous years since their HND (Higher National Diploma) Makeup Artistry qualification was first launched at their Clydebank campus. This qualification was a first of its kind in Scotland at the time.Since then, the programme has enjoyed significant growth and diversification across the Clydesider Editor • Education
image9 Creative Superpowers Words by Angela Clark, photos and artwork by Louise Kane Louise Kane is a young woman who refuses to let anything stand in her way. She faced many struggles throughout her teenage years because she is on the autism spectrum, which affects her speech and ability to communicate easily. Louise Clydesider Editor • Creative Cafe
Dumbarton Artizan Centre Council to Buy Dumbarton Shopping Centre West Dunbartonshire Council is in negotiations to purchase Dumbarton's Artizan Shopping Centre. The pedestrianised precinct is a key element of their plans to regenerate and transform the town centre. Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development committee, said: “Regenerating Dumbarton town centre has always Clydesider Editor • Community
❄️ Clydesider’s Winter Holiday Pet Competition! ❄️ COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Clydesider Editor • Christmas
Layla Meet our Volunteers: Layla For Issue 32 some of our regular volunteers put colleague Layla Blackwell in the hot seat to find out more about why she volunteers with Clydesider. John: Layla, you have been involved with volunteering at a few other groups. What do you find is different for you here at Clydesider Clydesider Editor • Clydesider
What a Winner Deep Dive into Swimming With Autism Words by Annie Jordan & Photos by Harvey Smart Clydesider • Issue 34
Echoes of Voices - An Anthology of Short Stories and Poetry by Clydebank Writers Review by Mary Irvine Clydesider • Review
https://clydesider.org/2021/03/05/from-letting-to-living/ From Letting to Living by Amanda Eleftheriades-Sherry At the start of 2020 Maureen Cummings was an office manager at a Belvoire Letting Agency in the west end of Glasgow, a job she had enjoyed for the past 10 years. Then in March when Covid struck and Scotland, along with most of the world, went Clydesider Editor • Community
LOVES LOCAL CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE TOWNS A new campaign is helping to generate support for local traders and businesses in West Dunbartonshire’s towns. Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, West Dunbartonshire Council and Business Gateway along with local Business and Community Groups have been working together to develop and deliver practical proposals to support town centre and Clydesider Editor • Community
Flynn Our New Life by Gail Russell Tapping my foot in anticipation, I squinted at the small strip in front of me, watching as one pink line and then a second slowly appeared. I’d already known I was pregnant - despite the lack of morning sickness, I’d just had a ‘feeling’. My Clydesider Editor • Issue 13
Inn Defence: a Musical Haven on the High Street Words & Photos by Natalie Macdonald Have you heard the gossip about the new kid on the block? Inn Defence, located at the former site of The Gossip Cafe on Dumbarton’s High Street, is transforming the local music scene. This unique venue is more than just a café and Clydesider Editor • Community
Where's Good For Food: The Big Taquero Words by Jenny Watson Photos by Katie Kennedy & Marcus Cole A passion for food, the need for a career change and a social conscience are the perfect ingredients for an exciting new gastronomic venture in Dumbarton. Early this year Dave Summerson, owner of the Mexican-inspired food truck The Big Clydesider Editor • Community
cheese & ham toastie 1 Where’s Good for Food? Words & photos By Jenny Watson One of my favourite local places for good food is the Pavillion Café in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton. Enjoying wholesome, tasty treats in a vibrant setting helps me relax and be thankful for living in such a beautiful part of the world. On my last Clydesider Editor • Good Food
5ba2219a-93e0-4058-b63c-755f9090c35f Words of Change - The Wee Glesga Poet Words by Jenny Watson & Photos courtesy of Emma Armstrong There is a curious little phenomenon we often experience in this life called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, also known as Frequency Illusion. It’s when you see or experience something new, then suddenly you start to notice it everywhere. Maybe you Clydesider Editor • Issue 32
Creative Spotlight: Loch Lomond Folk Club Words by Steven Hastings and Jenny Watson Photos by Steven Hastings & Hugh Hastings Loch Lomond Folk Club has had a few homes and seen many faces come and go over the past 50 years, however, the same warm welcome is extended to all who love good music and great Clydesider Editor • Creative
Photo by Laura McMahon Poetic Dreams by Amanda Eleftheriades Photo by Laura McMahon Many of us lie awake at night, watching the hours tick by but unable to switch off an overactive mind. In the morning we get up more tired than when we went to bed, frustrated at the waste of time and energy. Mental Clydesider Editor • Creative
❄️ Clydesider’s Winter Holiday Pet Competition! ❄️ COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Clydesider Editor • Christmas
Christmas Greery (1) Christmas Greenery Many people like to decorate their houses at Christmas with real plants such as holly, ivy and mistletoe. Although there are songs and carols linking these plants with Christianity, they were originally used long before Christian times in the celebration of the winter solstice, a looking forward to the new Clydesider Editor • Christmas
A Christmas Story I was living on the Greek island of Spetses, my first Christmas alone, following the death of my partner. Many islanders had invited me to join their celebrations but respected my refusals. My closest neighbours were a family of five. Swiss born Esther, Greek husband, Christos and three daughters, Irene, Clydesider • Christmas
yoga 03 Fitness for Mind & Body by Angela Clark Photos by Caroline Finn The right kind of exercise can improve your mental health, as well as your physical wellbeing. When asked to try out a Yoga class for this feature on inner change I didn’t quite know what to expect. I discovered there are many Clydesider Editor • Health & Wellness
Library Places Of Magic And Opportunity Words by Sarah-Ann Dillon, Photos by Caroline Finn More than 50 years ago there existed, in Clydebank, a place of magic. I am happy to say that building still exists today. I don’t even have to close my eyes to remember…the Children’s Room in my local library. Clydesider • Issue 17
Levengrove-Park-parkrun-volunteers Join parkrun for Fitness, Friendship And Fun Why not kick off a new year with a new you? Whether you want to shed a few pounds, increase your activity levels or volunteer at an exciting new local event the Levengrove Park parkrun could help meet your New Year's Resolutions. The park is now host to Clydesider • Community
Women For Women By Laura Giannini Photo courtesy of Women for Women Statistics say that West Dunbartonshire is the second worst area in Scotland for domestic violence, or perhaps it's fourth, depends who's telling. Either way the blight of domestic violence is rife in our area and 83% of Clydesider Editor • Activism
Iain Campaign Honours Lives Lost at Sea Words by John Donnelly Photos by Mitchell Lindsay On an unusually sunny and warm Saturday in early May, I went along to the unveiling of a new memorial plaque at the Govan/Partick Bridge on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow. The plaque is to commemorate the approximate 60, Clydesider Editor • Activism
IMG_6120 Pride of Place Words by Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Caroline Finn What makes you proud of your hometown? At the start of the year, we put this question to a group of Bankies and provided a variety of creative opportunities for them to share their thoughts. Together they remembered the town’s proud Clydesider Editor • Activism
Clydesider Community Exhibition By the Clydesider Team Sharing stories is part of life but we all have different ways we enjoy communicating. For some, it’s the written word – factual or fictional. Others find their stories through the lens of a camera, in the rhyme of a poem or in a carefully crafted Clydesider Editor • Community
History of the Vale Photography Project A Community Photo Story by Eddie Barclay, Fiona Jamieson, John Jamieson, Kacho Naseem Haider Khan, Lorraine Kerr, Catherine MacDonald, Natalie MacDonald, Francis Reilly & Adrian Wyer The Vale of Leven has a fascinating heritage and, if you know where to look, there is evidence of its proud past all around Clydesider Editor • Creative Storytelling
Creating Stories Words & Photos by Caroline Finn Creativity is a great way to share stories and ideas. And over the next two years Clydesider is offering free creative storytelling sessions to local community groups. This spring we teamed up with 13 participants from Neighbourhood Networks in Dumbarton and Clydebank. Together we Clydesider Editor • Creative
Reader Recommends: The Wiz was Whizz! Words by Ben Pryde & Photo by Holly Steel The Clydebank Musical Society cast a spell on their audiences with their recent production of ‘The Wiz’. With 23 songs, all performed with passion, and a plot followed and acted beautifully, the cast had audiences laughing and chuckling throughout. CMS is Clydesider Editor • Entertainment
Reader Recommends: "The Magic Scales" by Paul Murdoch by Mary Irvine Local author Paul Murdoch talks to Mary Irvine about how being asthmatic inspired his latest book. Living with asthma “At four years old I remember rolling down a grassy hill on a summer’s day. I tried to take a breath, but I couldn’t. "This Clydesider Editor • Issue 26
Clydesider Summer School Ever thought about volunteering for Clydesider but not sure you had the skills to get involved? You may be surprised to learn most of our volunteers started that way and we provided basic media training and support – now they fill every issue with interesting stories. With the start of Clydesider Clydesider Editor • Ads
Dark-Rum-by-Island-Slice-Craft-Rum-Distillery-Scotland-UK A Rum Tale The murky banks of the Clyde have little in common with the white sands and crystal blue seas of the Caribbean. Until now - when an ambitious young St Lucian decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and try his hand at distilling. But instead of the traditional whisky Clydesider Editor • Community
Express Yourself Express Yourself by Amanda Eleftheriades From an early age Carla Woodburn discovered that poetry and rhyme helped her express her emotions and clear her mind. Now the Clydebank-based poet has created an audio space which celebrates the power of poetry and provides a platform for local writers to share their work. ‘Express Clydesider Editor • Community
DSCN9280.JPG JD Gone Fishing Words and photos by Jim Duncan “Before I came to DACA I hadn’t been out the house in over two years.” Stephen is one of DACA’s Fishing Group regulars who I met up with to hear how Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol helps people learn how to support Clydesider • Issue 28
Recovering Voices Words by Angela Clark & Photos by Caroline Finn Local people recovering from substance and alcohol abuse channelled their life experiences into drama and on to the stage. The six-month drama project, run by Creative Change Collective, uses creativity to help people in recovery or at risk of entering the Clydesider Editor • Creative
Dancers Got Talent Words by Angela Clark Photos by Caroline Finn In a world designed by and for able-bodied people, those with a different range of abilities often miss out. Now a local dance school is trying to create a dance space for all. April’s Street Feet studio in Dalmuir runs a Clydesider Editor • Accessibility
Blooming With Potential Words and Photos by Charlie Sherry If you ever have the good fortune to come across Clydebank man, Johnny Dale, the chances are he’ll be confidently sharing his extensive knowledge of horticulture in one of the community gardens around West Dunbartonshire or Glasgow where he regularly volunteers. Or perhaps Clydesider Editor • Issue 10
Know Your Rights Providing advice and information on everything from benefits to housing is all part of a day’s work for the West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau. But since lockdown kicked in they have found themselves with a whole new set of enquiries to deal with. “In the early days we had Clydesider Editor • Community
image9 Creative Superpowers Words by Angela Clark, photos and artwork by Louise Kane Louise Kane is a young woman who refuses to let anything stand in her way. She faced many struggles throughout her teenage years because she is on the autism spectrum, which affects her speech and ability to communicate easily. Louise Clydesider Editor • Creative Cafe
Frilled With Love By Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Caroline Finn An Aladdin’s cave of frills, fabrics and wicker lies hidden in Faifley’s Skypoint Community Centre. It is here that local creative genius Alison Bell conjures up stunning wedding backdrops and light installations, the front-facing element of her social enterprise, Frill Factory. Clydesider Editor • Community
Mental Health Arts Festival Launch Levengrove Park made the perfect setting for the launch of West Dunbartonshire's local programme for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. The annual arts festival which runs from May 3 - 23 aims to challenge preconceived ideas about mental health. This year's theme is 'Normality? Clydesider • Clydesider News
image0 (2) (1) Somewhere Over the Rainbow Words by Amanda Eleftheriades Photos by Helen Connolly & Julie Murray A marathon fundraiser in memory of a Dumbarton woman took three friends to the top of one of the most technically challenging peaks in Scotland. Helen Connolly and Julie Murray from Dumbarton, and Helen’s cousin Fiona Campbell from Clydesider • Issue 27
Take A Minute Have you watched our Take a Minute heritage videos? This collection of short films takes you on a journey through time to visit some of the fascinating, and often long-forgotten places from our community’s past. From the Singer’s Clock in Clydebank to the ancient Kilmaronock Parish Church, to Clydesider Editor • Heritage
