Rachael Simpson

This weeks news story…

DO you have a passion for fashion? Are you keen for green creations? Then come along to the Magpie Eco Fashion Show, happening this St. Andrews day in Govan.

The event will be run by Glasgow charity, Starter Packs, who are dedicated to sourcing household goods for previously homeless people to set up their new homes.

The fashion show will feature designs from women who have attended dressmaking classes with Starter Packs and will celebrate the launch of the Govan Gals 2010 calendar.

The show is also a fundraiser for Starter Packs, starting at 3pm on November 30.

Reflecting the recycling nature of eco fashion, the event will be held in a transformed cell at the redesigned former Govan Police Station which is now the new Orkney Street Enterprise Centre.

Development Manager, Sarah Findlay said: “It’s a great opportunity for the women who have attended our dressmaking classes to build their confidence by strutting their stuff in their creations.

It’s all about promoting eco fashion as an affordable option. We are frustrated that so much ‘green fashion’ comes with a hefty price tag, as a charity committed to inclusion we couldn’t subscribe to exclusivity as a tag – unique and affordable fashion, that’s our message.”

Starter Packs packages contain a variety of basic household items including everything from cutlery to bed linen. Currently they require more donations than ever due to the success of the initiative, resulting in an increase of 33% more referrals than last year.

The community project also have their own retro, recycled and thrift shop and community refuse information point, the Magpies Nest, 25 Burleigh Street, a short walk from Govan subway stop. Dressmaking classes cost £10 and a mens clothes making group is planned for the future.

You can contact Starter Packs on 0141 440 1008 or visit their website at www.starterpacks.org.uk

Looking for a flat in central Govan, with a mysterious past and some character adding fire damage? Then perhaps the Scottish National Theatre’s Allotment is the place for you.

A disused shopping unit was the unlikely scene for an interactive arts, music and theatre event last Friday. Govan’s community projects helped bring the night to life.

Over 200 people attended the fusion night which took place in the Govan Cross Shopping Centre. An empty shop was transformed into two flats, a karaoke bar and exhibition space.

Established Govan pub, Brechins Bar appeared in a boat shaped bar, designed by the GalGael Trust.

Volunteers from the Bridges Project, who help asylum seekers and refugees find work experience in Govan, helped run the night.

Creating atmosphere were LUV Projects, Starter Packs Glasgow and Impact Arts, providing a taste of their work by styling the space.

Lynne Dickie of Govan’s Impact Art said: “It’s never been done before and it has totally worked. There are lots of local people here tonight. It’s good being right there in the community.”

The inspiration for the untraditional shopping unit with no borders such as a box office was inspired by wanting an audience like a supermarket queue with a wider range of people than usually associated with theatre, embracing a blend of community and professional projects.

Allotment Producer, Angie Bual said: “The community takes ownership of what Allotment is. Govan is a really interesting area and I wanted the project to be really close and recognisable.”

Actress Morag Stark played the landlady. Artwork came from Nic Rawling, Rob Drummond, Fergus Dunnet, Claire Halleran, Lyndsey MacLeod and Lynda Radley.

Visitors were invited to take part in a paper-boat vote if they would attend an Allotment project again. Upon last sighting the yes bucket was full.

Allotment returns to Govan December 5^th with a game theme.

The cluster of protesters included representatives from various unions and university student groups stood against the decision to allow BNP leader Nick Griffin a platform on national television last Thursday. Several speakers shared their views with the crowd outside the Pacific Quay Building.

Labour councillor Jim Sharkey said: “Remember, they’re a party who if you beat them in the argument, they will come back and beat you with a truncheon. That’s the difference between them and any other party.”

Scottish Human Rights lawyer, Aamer Anwar said: “You don’t beat them by debating with a convicted Jew hating Holocaust denier who says he wants to build an organisation that defends rights for whites [on a programme] courtesy of Director General Mark Thompson.”

When asked by David Dimbleby during Question Time if he had ever denied the Holocaust, Nick Griffin replied that he did not have a conviction for Holocaust denial.

Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: “The BBC is giving oxygen to an organisation that would victimise every ethnic minority, who would victimise gay people, attack trade unionists and wants to deport people.”

Raymie Kiernan, a protest organiser and Unite Against Fascism militant, said: “The best chance we have is that people in the audience will shame Nick Griffin and will expose Nick Griffin.”

A statement from the BBC said: “There is evidence of electoral support after the British National Party won two seats in the European Elections so like any party in this position the BNP may appear on programmes like The Andrew Marr Show and

Question Time.”

Written by Rachael Simpson