Georges X Chalkboard

Glasgow Residents Network

2006-10-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

2nd Conference of the Glasgow Residents Network - Glasgow community action discussion day

Two very important meetings happening this week

2006-09-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

The first is about Cumlodden Estate, where Tam Brown - a long standing resident - was evicted from in May, after he withheld payments due to the disgusting conditions he and neighbours were living in.

The second: The Souidi family from Cedar Court in Maryhill have been served notice of imminant deportation by the Home Office.  The family - originally from Algeria - fear that if deported they may face persecution and torture. 


FULL POST
The first is about Cumlodden Estate, where Tam Brown - a long standing resident - was evicted from in May, after he withheld payments due to the disgusting conditions he and neighbours were living in.  It's been called by the GHA, and will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, at 7pm, at GCC's Thornton Street Repair Office beside the high flats in Summerston.

It's vital that people attend to let the GHA know they're not going to get away with treating people like shite.  Together with Tam some leaflets have been drawn up for a demonstration about the conditions ands GHA lies and mistruths later this month on the 27th and printed by Andrew for distribution afterwards, depending on what the GHA have to say.  Tam needs your help to give these out as well.

-- 

Elsewhere in Maryhill there is a meeting concerning an asylum seeker the home office wants to send back to Algeria:-

No Dawn Raids! No Deportations!
Support Asylum Seekers in Maryhill!
PUBLIC MEETING
Friday 8 September - 7:30pm
Community Central Halls, Maryhill Road

The Souidi family from Cedar Court in Maryhill have been served notice of imminant deportation by the Home Office.  The family - originally from Algeria - fear that if deported they may face persecution and torture.

Ahlam Souidi, an activist and well-known figure in the local community, will address the meeting asking for solidarity and support.

The meeting will be chaired by Rosie Kane and will aim to generate a strong campaign of support for the Souidis and everyone else facing the brutal treatment of the UK Home Office.

All welcome

Parks and Green Space Networking Event 6 Aug

2006-07-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

Dear all, Please find below details of a forthcoming event which could be of interest to yourselves and others. The event, a get together for local 'friends of' groups, campaigning organisations and neighbourhood forums who take an interest in parks, green spaces and playing fields.

The day is aimed at broadening communication between groups involved in local fights to save, renew and develop for the community their local parks, green spaces and amenites. We think that it is very important that such networking happens because it will allow us to spread good ideas, develop 'best practice' as well as open up the possibility to fight for improvements collectively across Glasgow and the West.

The event is tabled to start at 11:30AM at the George's X Chalkboard, 34 Clarendon Place, Glasgow G20 7PZ, and tabled to finish at 4PM, but this can be extended if necessary.

This venue is 50 yards away from the St George's Cross subway station, and 10 minutes walk from Charing Cross train station and Buchanan bus station. A map is available here:-map If anyone has any questions about the event or would like to contribute on the day (e.g. give a presentation about their group or campaign), help organise or publicise the event further please contact myself or Bob at the addresses above or phone and leave a message on 0141 332 2902.

In the meantime we would also appreciate it if you could forward this email on to anyone who may be interested, and if you could let us know if your group plans to attend.

There will be a table available for any leaflets, snapshots or literature that anyone would like to share among others, and we encourage people to make use of this. Some snacks will be provided, but the venue is within walking distance of a number of local shops, cafes and takeaways. All the best and hope to see you there! Nick

Proposed Agenda:-

# Introductions and welcome

# Go round of individuals and organisations present and what is going on in respective areas, and what they hope to get out of the meeting

# Overview of the threat to parks, playing fields and greenspaces, followed by  discussion of the  points raised.

# The role of parks, green space and playing fields in our communities. What makes a really good park or green space facility, how is it used, is there a size, scale or amount of facilities necessary, or is it just a question of sympathetic design, and can every community expect to have the best? What can be done to improve and safeguard our existing parks?

# Best practice: how do we fight against development, how do we improve our parks, liase with and involve the community, network with others effectively, make use of the resources available to us and safeguard our parks and facilities for future generations?

# What is the role of a network around these issues? How can it expand and who do we see as joining it and how do we see it functioning?

*NB Within 20 minutes walking distance of this venue dozens of football pitches are under threat, two local parks are proposed to be given over to housing and another local park is threatened by the council opening it up to businesses while key facilities remain closed. The canal too is under threat from large scale housing development and a local common is similarly threatened and neglected.

map

2006-07-25T13:52:00.000-07:00


Click image to enlarge

People power saves pitches at city park - Evening Times

2006-05-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

People power saves pitches at city park - Evening Times

We need a youth club to get us off streets at night - Evening Times

2006-05-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

We need a youth club to get us off streets at night - Evening Times

2006-05-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Banner fun day at the Chalkboard. Come down through the week and draw a placard for next weeks march for the "Campaign for a kids Youth Club" March 20 May

Sunday Fun At The Chalkboard

2006-05-11T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Folk's
The Georges X Chalkboard is campaigning for a youth club in the Georges X area. Keep the young people off the street and give them a place to do things. We are organising a community march on the 20 May

This weekend Sunday 14th from 2:00 we will be doing a workshop to make banners placards and colourful things to take on the march. If you want to help us, it will be a good laugh. You don't need to be an artist - just like splashing paint about and playing with cardboard. All welcome, any age.Go on! B.

Support the kids calls for a youth club c/o
Georges X Chalkboard, 34
Clarendon Place, Glasgow, G20 7PZ,
T: 0141 332 2902
email: info@chalkboard.org.uk

BLOG: http://georgesxchalkboard.blogspot.com/

2006-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Click image for details

2006-04-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge (Map)

"The need to know. The publics right to be informed"

2006-03-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

Public meeting organised jointly by "Georges X Chalkboard" and "Save our Homes Campaign" Thursday 16th March 7: 30 at the Woodside Hall, 36 Glenfarg Street, Glasgow G20 7QF (Map)

The meeting was called to address and demystify a range of issues including: Second stage transfer - What is the future of your home and your community. 

"Save Our Homes Campaign" is a group who recognise the need for joined up thinking, and cooperation, and that the housing problems and confusion that tenants are experiencing, is city wide and systematic.

Georges X Chalkboard is a small drop in social centre, set up and run by volunteers. We have been involved in a range of activities, from local history projects, music, local group meetings We cater of all ages. 

What the group is finding more and more, through talking to local people, is a need to discuss housing problems. In as much as it has becoming one of the staple occupations of the shop. The confusion and insecurity of local folk who are unaware of. Where they will be in a year or two, whether there house will be demolished, or whether they will they get one of the new houses that have been promised, is having a drastic effect on the community. This insecurity, compounded by the private development, that is sprouting up all around them, the lack of repairs to rented property, or the over pricing to house owners, when repairs are done, is creating frustration to both rented and house owning tenants and has fueled and created the need for the above meeting. 

The Chalkboard has risen to the challenge of doing what is necessary in trying to help people understand from an independent point of view, of what is involved, when tenants have to decipher the plans, strategies and promises, of organisations such as the Glasgow Housing Association, and Glasgow City Council, who spend great deals of money, selling ideas to the public and very little, on allotting costs towards public representation. 

This meeting will attempt to address and explain the wider issues that will eventually have an effect on all of our houses and financial costs to ourselves by the upheaval of property development that is consuming our city.

The indications are that people are getting sick of the constant barrage of council led attacks on social infrastructure: Hamiltonhill where a public meeting attracted 70 angry residents with more unable to get in, who are fed up being ignored by housing bosses. Or the outrage at a public meeting when the council put forward an idea to tarmac Victoria parks football pitches as a 260 permanent car park, and space for 400 more cars, for use by a sports complex.  -  While ten minutes from the stadium (Scotstoun) the Clydeside has an abundance of space for thousands of cars. It is in this context that the public will have to start informing each other of the ramifications of these events and their detrimental effects on community life.  The Chalkboard as a community social center, feels it has a responsibility towards these aims.

The Georges X chalkboard is in receipt of no public funding, is independent, and is not affiliated to any political party.


Georges X Chalkboard, 
34 Clarendon Place,
Glasgow, G20 7PZ,
 T: 0141 332 2902
email: info@chalkboard.org.uk


---------Info on flier---------------

What does GHA's business plan mean for you?

Is your home under threat of demolition, and if so why?

What is second stage transfer 
and what does it mean for 
Woodside?

What is the future of GHA 
rental guarantees – will rents 
go up?

GHA's planned doubling of 
charges for homeowners, what 
does it mean for you?  Are 
you already being charged too much?



Whether you are a tenant of the GHA or a homeowner GHA's latest business plan
is likely to have implications for you.  This is a joint meeting being held by
the Save Our Homes Campaign and the George's X Chalkboard.  

Invited speakers include:- 

- Sean Clerkin  (Save Our Homes Campaign, Chair)
- The George's X Chalkboard

Women fight for the right to feel safe

2006-03-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance, a group of about 100 women, children and some male supporters gathered near the river to protest at violence against women in general, and their inability to exercise their right to use the walkway in particular. Before the heavy snowfall on Saturday night, organisers had intended to "Reclaim the Path"  
Women march for the right to feel safe
ELEANOR COWIE  March 13 2006
The Kelvin Walkway winds unobtrusively through Glasgow's urban landscape. For generations it has afforded its users a welcome break from the bustling city streets nearby. A green and pleasant path popular with runners and cyclists, the nine-mile stretch links the north bank of the River Clyde with the start of the West Highland Way, in Milngavie.
However, on a grey, cold autumn morning last October the local walkway – specifically, a secluded stretch running through Maryhill – assumed national significance in the most macabre of circumstances.
At the point where lock 24 of the Forth and Clyde canal meets the River Kelvin, 34-year-old Farah Noor Adams was brutally raped and murdered by Thomas Waddell, a local teenager, while out power walking in broad daylight. The savagery of the incident – Waddell raped the single mother twice and smashed her nose with a brick before killing her – sent shockwaves through Farah's local community of Maryhill and beyond.
Almost immediately, hundreds of female users felt in grave danger – the simple act of using the pathway unaccompanied was now out of the question. If something so terrible and so random could have befallen Farah, then it could just as easily happen to one of them, the thinking went.
In recent months, women have rarely used the pathway alone, either through personal choice or at the behest of concerned relatives. It is a highly unsatisfactory situation, one reminiscent of a time where women were afraid to go out at night unaccompanied in safety.
Yesterday, as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance, a group of about 100 women, children and some male supporters gathered near the river to protest at violence against women in general, and their inability to exercise their right to use the walkway in particular. Before the heavy snowfall on Saturday night, organisers had intended to "Reclaim the Path" by marching from the Botanical Gardens to the spot where Farah's battered body was found. There, they had hoped to hear tributes from colleagues of the Citizens' Advice Bureau where she worked, and then drop flowers into the river.
Instead, those who were able to surmount the whiteout conditions had to settle for a low-key affair. The police ban on marching the walkway necessitated a stationary protest outside the Botanical Gardens, but the wintry conditions failed to dampen the collective warmth and united front of those gathered. Jude Stewart, an organiser, was delighted at the turnout. "When we saw the depth of snow we couldn't believe it, but we just wanted to carry on. It just goes to show the strength of feeling about the issues involved. We want this event to inspire confidence in women of all ages to get back out using public spaces. We enjoy the right to exercise and the right to enjoy the fine, green spaces we have in Glasgow. That's what Farah was doing that day. We need to get out there and not be afraid."
The group's brightly coloured woolly hats were only outshone by their smiles and laughter. The power in the protest was not only to be found in its sincerity but also its positivity. Susan Douglas-Scott bravely sang Reclaim the Night by Peggy Seger unaccompanied, while protesters – holding carefully-made placards and banners bearing solemn messages such as 'WE WANT JUSTICE', 'WE ARE ANGRY' and 'STOP MURDERING WOMEN' – joined in with the chorus. "We are here because we care. We are not just here to commemorate Farah, but all women who are victims of violence and to protest at the unacceptable number of women murdered annually," said Gerrie Douglas-Scott, opening the proceedings.
In so many ways, Farah Adams lives on. On witnessing yesterday's event it is clear she has become an emblem – not just for the women of Maryhill, but for all those who defend and cherish the right to venture out unaccompanied in public, whether that be first thing in the morning, as Farah did, or last thing at night.
The event's organisers from the Crossroads Youth and Community Association, where Farah worked, and the Cailleach Collective, a local arts group, say they will continue to fight for safer public spaces and greater awareness of the horrific violence suffered by thousands of women every year in Scotland.
Janet Hay, a lay worker for Maryhill community health project, was at the march. Prior to Farah's murder she often used the walkway on her way home. "It was more scenic than the main road. Walking along there gave you a chance to calm down and unwind before you got home for the evening. I think a lot of women miss using the pathway. It never crossed my mind that the walkway would be unsafe. You just assume you're safe. I think that is what has knocked so many women in the area. Farah was super-fit and streetwise, it was in the morning, she had her mobile phone with her. I still think there are many women who are struggling to know what to do in terms of getting some exercise. There is a lot of fear out there," she says.
 
Sue McVie, a criminologist and a senior research fellow at Edinburgh University school of law, says there is a saying in the criminal-justice fraternity. "'The fear of crime is often more of a problem than the crime itself'. The truth is, we do not really know what constitutes the fear of crime. But we do know that it inhibits people from doing what they would normally do and in this case that means fewer people using the Kelvin Walkway. Walking to reclaim the Kelvin is such a positive statement, those involved should be very proud," she adds.
"This sort of crime could have happened anywhere as these sorts of attacks are so rare and the chances of being attacked in that way are so low. By avoiding places such as the walkway for fear of a crime happening to you could actually increase the number of attacks because people [like Waddell] think they have a better chance of getting away with a certain crime because no-one else will be about. Of course, it is important that people take personal safety seriously, but if as a society we start to avoid places that have been a crime scene then we all lose out."
Although it is unclear just how women can practically and safely reclaim the Kelvin Walkway in their everyday lives, the belief exists that it can be done. "The message today is that we will not lose the walkway. In the short-term, a way forward could be to set up a buddy system between joggers and walkers in addition to increasing police patrols of the area," says Ms Hay.
Areas around the Kelvin Walkway in Maryhill are gradually being cleared and pathways widened and extended. While such measures may not ultimately deter a criminal such as Waddell, every step helps in restoring public confidence.
Superintendent Peter McLaughlin, a sub-divisional officer, concludes: "Following Farah's death we implemented high-visibility policing on and around the Kelvin Walkway and canal tow paths to reassure the public and reduce their fear of crime. I can assure members of the community that we are committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime and these patrols, with the exception of the mounted branch, are still deployed. We are continuing to work closely with Glasgow City Council and British Waterways in an effort to improve the general area and make the walkway safe."  Herald

International Women's Day report

2006-03-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

From 2 till 10 yesterday the chalkboard was filled with a succession of over 40 women, a few girls and the only male - a 4 month baby. We drank tea, ate cake, and laughed together. A wide range of women, from many different walks of life, including feminists, those that were looking for more female companionship and others who had never celebrated IWD before, but had been either walking past or picked up a flyer and curiosity brought them in.

There was a several hour wide ranging discussion that included hormonal contraception, feminism, abortion, class struggle, disability and how boys and girls are and should be brought up. Although many of us were passionate about the topics, and had very different opinions, it remained good humoured and respectful, with almost no interuptions - a first for the Chalkboard! ;)

There was a very interesting, interactive workshop on the history and meaning of IWD, two poets reading their work and an episode of Buffy to finish off with.

Lots of future plans were discussed including a creative writing workshop, a women's friendship group and more feminist activity.

Thanks to everyone that made the day happen, especially thanks to the men that were incredibly supportive and hard working, even though they were never going to enjoy the fruits of that labour.

See you all on Sunday?

*** RECLAIM THE KELVIN THIS SUNDAY ***
Sunday 12th March

- a Cailleach Collective event -

On 7 October 2005 Farah Noor Adams was raped and murdered in broad daylight as she exercised along the Kelvin riverside in Glasgow. Her attacker has since pled guilty.

On Sunday 12 March, during International Women’s Week, a walk will take place to the spot of Farah’s murder where the Kelvin meets Lock 25 on the Maryhill canal.

Assemble at 2pm at the main gates of Kelvingrove Botanic Gardens to set off at 2.15pm.

The walk along the banks of the Kelvin will take approximately 45 minutes, culminating in a gathering to commemorate women victims of violence and protest the unacceptable number of women murdered annually. This will include speakers and singing from the Women’s Socialist Choir. This is a women-led event, with men welcome to come along and march at a distance.

For more information about this event please contact the organising group themselves directly on reclaimthekelvin@yahoo.co.uk

2006-03-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Click on image for details.

International Women's Day @ the Chalkboard

2006-03-06T05:51:00.000-08:00


Wednesday, 8th March.
Friendly, informal and welcoming. Organised by local women to celebrate feminism.

Drop by from 2pm for creativity, cake and constructive chat. Displays and information.

Discussions / workshops 5-7pm: History of International Women's Day. Working class feminism. The women's health movement.

Entertainment 7pm-10pm : Poetry readings, films and Buffy.

George's X Chalkboard, 34 Clarendon Place. G20 7PZ.
0141 332 2902. 
iwd@chalkboard.org.uk

All women welcome. Trans friendly. Accompanied kids welcome during the day.
Sorry, no men allowed at this event.

This program is still being added to. If you have ideas or things you want to do, please get in touch, or bring them along on the day.

Also email if you would be interested in organising a mixed gender anti-sexist group.

What do "we" get out of the Games

2006-03-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

IN 2014, Glasgow intends to host the Commonwealth Games. In 2007 and 2008, Glasgow intends to prepare for that great event by selling off football pitches at Maryhill Road, North Kelvinside; Acre Road, Summerston; and Cowlairs Park, Springburn.Pitches next to recently closed primary schools are also planned to be built over.

Burgh Angel

2006-03-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Download (pdf) version of the Burgh Angel here. Next one out soon!

Welcome to another Glasgow Autonomous update 21 Feb

2006-02-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

With spring on the way, what better time to get on yer bike?! Glasgow Bike Library is a new project where you can borrow bikes, share maintenance skills and hang out with fellow cyclists. Although it will be back, it's only on this time till Friday, so pop in if you can. (The Bike Library conveniently closes just as Glasgow Critical Mass is starting!) Glasgow is bristling with meetings this week too - check out details of how to get involved with Save Our Schools, Hands Off Iran and many more. And if your diary for March and April are empty, take note of the upcoming International Women's Day events and Celtic Fire Fest.

Have a good week!


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CONTENTS:

MEETINGS

- GAP Meeting -  Monday 27th February
- Jam 74 Meeting - Tuesday 21st February
- IWW meeting - Wednesday 1st March
- Save Our Schools meeting - Wednesday 22nd March

REFUGEES

- Please Support the Raja family - ongoing
- Donate to No Borders Glasgow - ongoing
- Brand Street Immigration Centre demos - every Saturday
- Creche volunteers needed for Sighthill English and Support Class - ongoing
- TEFL teachers needed for new literacy class - ongoing
- No Borders Glasgow - new group
- Help a homeless asylum seeker: appeal from Positive Action in Housing

PALESTINE

- Scottish Palestine Solidarity stall - every Saturday

ZAPATISTAS

- Glasgow Zapatista Solidarity Group - alternate Mondays

ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

- Help set up a peer-to-peer internet radio broadcast - alternate Thursdays

ANTI-WAR

- Hands Off Iran Seminar - Wednesday 22nd February
- Hands off Iran / Troops Out of Iraq meeting - Wednesday 1st March
- Anti-war vigil - every Wednesday
- Faslane 365, get involved! - ongoing
- Help organise Vanunu Freedom Ride from Faslane - ongoing
- Faslane Peace Camp needs visitors!
- Weekly anti-war stall - every Saturday
- Join the Direct Action Against War network - ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

- Glasgow Bike Library - until Friday 24th February
- Talamh needs a gardener!
- Cre8 Summit Community Garden - ongoing
- Glasgow Critical Mass - Friday 24th February

TACTICAL FRIVOLITY

- Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army - Thursday 23rd February

SOCIAL CENTRES

- Learn to Juggle at the Chalkboard - Sunday 26th February
- Saorsa Social Centre - ongoing

WOMEN

- Self Defence and Banner Making - Sunday 5th March
- International Women's Day at the Chalkboard - Wednesday 8th March
- Reclaim the Kelvin - Sunday 12th March

ARTS

- Art Not Oil exhibiton - February
- PigBrother and Blutgeil Case multi-media road show - Thursday 23rd February

SCOTTISH CULTURE

- Free Gaelic Classes - Saturday 25th February
- Celtic Fire Festival to celebrate Mayday - Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April


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MEETINGS

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GAP meeting - Monday 27th February

We hold weekly meetings in our social centre, the Georges Cross Chalkboard, at 8pm on Mondays. Everything to do with how the centre is run is decided at the Monday meeting.

Georges Cross Chalkboard, 34 Clarendon Place, just off Maryhill Road.

Nearest underground:  St George's Cross
Buses:  20, 30, 40, 61, 66 from town centre to St George's Cross end of Maryhill Road

All who agree with our vision statement are welcome at our meetings:
"We strive for a sustainable society where all people are free to live
their lives as they see fit without fear of oppression, persecution or
marginalization insofar as this does not prevent others from doing the
same. We see this fulfilled thru a society built upon principles of
co-operation, solidarity, mutual-aid, direct democracy and freedom of
association."

http://www.chalkboard.org.uk/

If you are interested in coming along this week please send an email to
glasgow-autonomy@lists.riseup.net

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Jam 74 Meeting - Tuesday 21st February

Anti-M74 motorway campaign.
7.30pm
Venue: Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre, 6 Daisy Street, Glasgow G42 8JL

www.jam74.org

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IWW meeting - Wednesday 1st March

Radical union for workers not bosses. New members can sign up at meetings.

7.45 for 8pm

Georges Cross Chalkboard, 34 Clarendon Place, just off Maryhill Road.

Nearest underground:  St George's Cross
Buses:  20, 30, 40, 61, 66 from town centre to St George's Cross end of Maryhill Road

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Save Our Schools meeting - Wednesday 22nd March

Opposing closures of local schools.
7:30pm
Dowanhill Primary School, Highburgh Road

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REFUGEES

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Please Support the Raja family - ongoing

Asad and Tahira Raja are currently living in a small cold flat in Sighthill with their small baby. They have lost all NASS benefits. They have no income. They are living with their baby in cold and unsuitable accommodation and are surviving on food parcels and charity and a small amount of money paid out by Social Services to help with their child.

In April 2005, Asad and Tahira learnt that UK Home Office had refused their claim for asylum. The family say that they have never received any formal letter advising of this decision, and their lawyer confirmed that nothing had been communicated to his office in reference to this asylum decision. Asad and Tahira only discovered this negative decision when they received a letter from NASS in April 2005 notifying the couple that they would no longer be in receipt of any NASS support because of their negative asylum decision.

Please print off and send this letter to McNulty back to the campaign. More details: http://www.ncadc.org.uk/newszin67/raja.html

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Donate to No Borders Glasgow - ongoing

No Borders, with other groups and individuals, are planning to open an office early in March. We need volunteers to help renovate and decorate the office to get it ready. We also need office equipment such as some desks and chairs, filing cabinets and computers. If you can help – either with painting, etc or with office equipment - please get in touch
noborders-glasgow@riseup.net or leave a message on 0141 423 9055

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Brand Street Immigration Centre demos - every Saturday

10am - 12 noon
Picket/Vigil outside Brand Street Immigration Centre (near Cessnock Underground - turn left out of station and then left into Brand Street - the Immigration offices are about 200m along Brand St.)

Stop dawn raids and deportations!

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Creche volunteers needed for Sighthill English and Support Class - ongoing

Teaching English
GCtWR’s English & Support Class in Sighthill is needing some help with the
crèche side of its regular Thursday evening class (between 7pm and 9pm). If
you are interested and are either Disclosure checked or prepared to be, then
please contact Sheila on 07718 896 041.

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TEFL teachers needed for new literacy class - ongoing

Do you have qualifications in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Adult Literacy Education? The Saorsa Social Centre is planning to start free, fortnightly, English Language classes in the New Year and are looking for more people to help with this. Get in touch if you can help.

Saorsa Social Centre
674 Pollokshaws Road
0141 423 9055
g42collective@riseup.net

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No Borders Glasgow - new group

No Borders Glasgow is committed to practical solidarity, mutual aid and
direct action in the fight against deportation, detention, poverty and
racism.

The main thing for us at the moment is being involved in the growing
resistance to deportations in Glasgow - e.g. the recent occupation of the
Immigration Reporting Centre in Govan - while putting forward the
arguments against all migration controls (often ignored or opposed by
other groups).

We have a weblog for updates on actions, campaigns,meetings, links to
other groups etc at www.openborders.org.uk and a discussion/updates email
list at: https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/noborders-glasgow

No Borders Glasgow
email: nobrders-glasgow@riseup.net
weblog: www.openborders.org.uk

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Help a homeless asylum seeker: appeal from Positive Action in Housing

Over the last few weeks Positive Action in Housing has needed to find homes for
several refugees who have been evicted or who have unstable living situations.
They would like people to get in touch if you have a spare room in your house
and would like to welcome a refugee into your home.

www.paih.org

Positive Action in Housing Ltd, 98 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1PJ
tel: 0141 353 2220
fax: 0141 353 3882
email: home@paih.org

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PALESTINE

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Scottish Palestine Solidarity stall - every Saturday

2pm-4pm at the Junction of Hope St. and Sauchiehall St. (opposite Watt Bros.) The Scottish PSC stall attracts supporters to sign petitions or sign-up sheets, get information about coming meetings and events, collect literature, or buy a ribbon, tee-shirt or Palestinian headscraf (kiffeya) and more.

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ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

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Help set up a peer-to-peer internet radio broadcast - alternate Thursdays

A small group of Glasgow based individuals are attempting to start a peer to peer internet radio broadcast and are looking for others interested in such a project with or without expertise. It would be good if some of those interested came with some expertise as we have very little.

Meetings usually alternate Thursdays in the Saorsa Social Centre.

Contact via G42collective@riseup.net

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ZAPATISTAS

---

Glasgow Zapatista Solidarity Group - alternate Mondays

7.30pm, in the Saorsa Social Centre.

Supporting the Zapatista struggle in Chiapas, Mexico .

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ANTI-WAR

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Hands Off Iran Seminar - Wednesday 22nd February

Al-Furqan Mosque, Carrington Street (off Great Western Rd, near St. George’s
Cross underground)

Time : 7.45pm

Speakers :
Rory Winter (veteran peace campaigner)
James Gibb Stuart (author and pub-lisher)
Mohammad Idrees (spinwatch.org)

Followed by open discussion. All welcome, admission free.

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Hands off Iran / Troops Out of Iraq meeting - Wednesday 1st March

Planning for action as well as discussion and analysis about the situation in
the Middle East.

7:30pm.
George's X Chalkboard.
34 Clarendon Place, G20 7PZ  0141 332 2902
Behind Alpine Bikes and posh furniture shop at bottom of Maryhill Rd / Great
Western Rd.
Map on http://www.chalkboard.org.uk/

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Anti-war vigil - every Wednesday

5-6pm demonstration at Donald Dewar statue. If its
really raining, look for people in Dino's nearby.

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Faslane 365, get involved! - ongoing

Faslane 365 is a civil resistance project focussed in Scotland to apply critical public pressure for the disarmament of Britain's nuclear weapons by a continuous peaceful blockade of the Trident base at Faslane.

We are inviting groups and individuals from a wide range of public interest organisations to join in the blockade and to use the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues that each group is working on and to make the links between its core issues and how the UK's nuclear weapons system affects them.

www.faslane365.org

---

Help organise Vanunu Freedom Ride from Faslane - ongoing

On 21st April 2006, Mordechai Vanunu will have been held captive in Israel for 20 years. His crime?  Letting the world know about Israel's nuclear weapons.

A bike ride will set out from the Faslane Nuclear Base just north
west of Glasgow on Friday 7th April and make its way south over a two
week period, arriving in London on 21st April 2006.  The first stop
will be Glasgow University, where Vanunu is the Rector; the riders
will then continue via Carlisle, Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford,
arriving in London on the anniversary of Mordechai's release from
prison 2 years ago.

The organisers would like help with:

1) offers of accommodation overnight (beds or floor-space) if you are
on the route of the ride.
2) organising events such as public meetings/film showings;
3) contacting local media;
4) ideas you and your group may have about events that could be held
in your local area to coincide with the Vanunu Freedom Ride;
5) donations towards the costs for organising the Ride.
6) people to join in with the ride!

Get in touch:

Vanunu Freedom Ride, c/o London Region CND, Mordechai Vanunu House,162 Holloway Road, London N7 8DQ
Tel: 0845 458 1965
info@vanunufreedomride.org.uk
www.vanunufreedomride.org.uk

---

Faslane Peace Camp needs visitors!

Faslane Peace Camp recently celebrated its 23rd year of direct action to oppose the Trident nuclear submarines stationed 30 miles north of Glasgow.  Visitors are always welcome, for a day, a week, or longer!

Directions: Train from Glasgow Queen Street or 216 bus from Jamaica Street to Helensburgh Central.  Then catch the 316 bus to the peace camp.

For more info and to check the current situation: 01436 820 901
faslanepeacecamp@hotmail.com

---

Weekly anti-war stall - every Saturday

All fliers, information etc relating to the war, welcome.

12noon

Buchanan St, outside Borders bookshop.

bomb22bomb@yahoo.co.uk

---

Join the Direct Action Against War network - ongoing

Visit us: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/directactionagainstwar/
To join our network, please send a blank email to the address below, & then wait for the confirmation message:

directactionagainstwar-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The DAAW message board was initially created in Jan 2003 to improve communication around direct action, as protests and demonstrations were carried out to protest the arrival of US B52 Bombers to the RAF Airbase in the otherwise sleepy Cotswold village of Fairford. Since then the message board has become home to a wide range of campaigns and protests, from info on the next Disarm DSEi 2005, to planning objections to the expansion of the Atomic Weapons establishment, to defending the right to protest in Parliament Square.

Most events or actions which are asking more than just the signing of another petition, or which are more than another march from point A to point B, will be considered for approval as a form of direct action.

We look forward to receiving your subscription request.

---


***********

SUSTAINABILITY

---

Glasgow Bike Library - until Friday 24th February

10am  6pm
9-11 West Graham Street,
Cowcaddens, Glasgow

COME ALONG.

Bikes to borrow, film screenings,
Pedal powered  information  highway,
Bike maintenance workshops, guided cycle tours
Resource Wheel

Part of AYE at GSA

For more info, contact and reply to-
glasgowbikelibrary@riseup.net

Visit  www.glasgowbikelibrary.co.uk

---

Talamh needs a gardener!

Talamh Housing Co-op is looking for a new member who has enthusiasm and
time enough spare to co-ordinate gardening. Talamh has a large
productive polytunnel, organic veg terraces, and soft fruit bushes.
Talamh grows for those living here, and we'd like to increase this
amount but need help to do this from someone keen to help co-ordinate
growing for next year.

Anyone who is interested, and thinks they'd like to live in a busy,
sometimes chaotic community, but fun too, is welcome to visit and stay
to see what they think. Talamh is home to 10 adults, 4 children,
visitors, 4 dogs, a cat, and chickens. It's a member of Radical Routes,
a network of co-ops working for social change.

Contact: talamh@lineone.net or phone 01555 820555 or 820550

---

Cre8 Summit Community Garden - ongoing

Over the time of the G8 summit, Southside residents and visiting anti-G8 activists started to create a community garden. People are welcome along at any time to enjoy and add to the garden.

http://www.dissent.org.uk/content/view/230/108/

The garden is behind the billboards at Eglinton Toll. Bus Numbers 44,22,23,57

---

Glasgow Critical Mass - Friday 24th February

A happy coincidence of cyclists (i.e. YOU) getting together to ride
through Glasgow, have fun and make our streets more human, less hostile.
All welcome!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass
http://www.citystrolls.com/z-f-page/critical.htm
http://www.citystrolls.com/z-temp/bike-runs-pics.htm

Last Friday of every month, 5:30pm, George Square

---


**************

TACTICAL FRIVOLITY

---

Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army - Thursday 23rd February

The Glasgow Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army meets weekly on Thursdays at 5:50 in the upstairs gallery of the Lansdowne Church (across from Kelvinbridge Underground).

Come along to clown around and plot sinister plans for revolutionary silliness.  Contact Major Pan-Sweat, mashtram@yahoo.co.uk

www.clownarmy.org

---


*********************

SOCIAL CENTRES

---

Learn to Juggle at the Chalkboard - Sunday 26th February

Workshop starts at 2pm, come along and have fun!

---

Saorsa Social Centre

Open from 2pm every day except Saturdays and Sundays
Regular meetings in Saorsa:
Alternate Mondays: 7.30pm Glasgow Zapatista Solidarity Group - raising money for medical clinics in Chiapas
Tuesdays: 7.30pm Reshape Glasgow - set up to protest against the G8 but now campaigning against globalisation, corporations, etc
Wednesdays: Open platform - films, talks, social events - as and when we arrange them
Thursdays: 7.30pm G42 Collective meetings - the collective responsible for maintaining the social centre (we always need new people!)
Sundays: 5pm Sunday Social nights - bring food to share or add to the pot. An evening to chat and chill out.

Want to use the Social Centre for meetings or other events - phone 0141 423 9055 after 2pm to arrange it!

---

**************

WOMEN

---

Self Defence and Banner Making - Sunday 5th March

2 - 6pm, Woodside Hall, 36 Glenfarg St, Glasgow G20 7QF – come and make banners and paper boats for the Reclaim The Kelvin March.  Free self defence workshop from 3- 5pm.  This is a women only event, but children are welcome.

reclaimthekelvin@yahoo.co.uk.

---

International Women's Day at the Chalkboard - Wednesday 8th March

A feminist celebration. Friendly, informal and welcoming.

Drop by from 2pm for creativity, cake and constructive chat. Displays and
information.

Discussions / workshops 5-7pm: History of International Women's Day. Working
class feminism. The women's health movement.

7pm-10pm : Poetry readings, films and Buffy.

George's X Chalkboard, 34 Clarendon Place. G20 7PZ.
0141 332 2902.
http://www.chalkboard.org.uk/
iwd@chalkboard.org.uk

All women welcome. Trans friendly.
Sorry, no men allowed at this event.

---

Reclaim the Kelvin - Sunday 12th March

- a Cailleach Collective event -

On 7 October 2005 Farah Noor Adams was raped and murdered in broad daylight as she exercised along the Kelvin riverside in Glasgow. Her attacker has since pled guilty.

On Sunday 12 March, during International Women’s Week, a walk will take place to the spot of Farah’s murder where the Kelvin meets Lock 25 on the Maryhill canal.

Assemble at 2pm at the main gates of Kelvingrove Botanic Gardens to set off at 2.15pm.

The walk along the banks of the Kelvin will take approximately 45 minutes, culminating in a gathering to commemorate women victims of violence and protest the unacceptable number of women murdered annually. This will include speakers and singing from the Women’s Socialist Choir.  This is a women-led event, with men welcome to come along and march at a distance.

reclaimthekelvin@yahoo.co.uk.

---

***************

ARTS

---

Art Not Oil Exhibition - February

Art Not Oil was set up in response to BP's corporate sponsorship of art exhibitons, and features art on the themes of climate change and corporate greenwash. This month it's coming to Mono Cafe, King St.

The Camcorder Guerillass are putting on some screenings about oil, energy, the war ...
Other groups are encouraged to plan their own events on these themes.

To co-ordinate your event and publicity, contact agitatethis@googlemail.com

---

PigBrother and Blutgeil Case multi-media road show - Thursday 23rd February

This multi-media event from Zurich concentrates on the theme of police brutality.
Including film show, refreshments and discussion with a speaker from the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO).

7pm, Saorsa Social Centre

http://PigBrother.info

---

************

SCOTTISH CULTURE

---

Free Gaelic Classes - Saturday 25th February

Weekly GAELIC CLASSES at Saorsa Social Centre.
If you're interested in learning Gaelic - come along.
(Free!)

---

Celtic Fire Festival to celebrate Mayday - Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April

Re-introducing the Celtic tradition of celebrating Beltane to welcome summer with fire all things fire, dance and music. This will include skill sharing and re-empowering ourselves with the ancients’ knowledge of community development, when history and troubled times were handed down thru song, and altho’ the road was long, there was support and trust in the Celtic community.

Now, more than ever, we need to open our hearts and minds to embrace the differences within, and outside of our own cultures.

http://www.freewebs.com/celticfirefest/

---



=====================================================================

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glasgowautonomyupdates-subscribe@lists.riseup.net

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glasgowautonomyupdates-unsubscribe@lists.riseup.net

***

PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT EVENTS HAPPENING IN AND AROUND GLASGOW SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE THEM NEXT WEEK.

Preferred format is a short summary, with practical details of when and where, and a link to a web page for more detail. If you do not have a web site of your own, the excellent http://scotland.indymedia.org/ allows anyone to easily create a page letting others know what you have been, or are up to.

Send that to glasgowautonomyupdates@lists.riseup.net before Monday for inclusion in the following week.

***

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http://www.glasgow-autonomy.org/

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***

George's X Chalkboard,
34 Clarendon Place, G20 7PZ
0141 332 2902

Open 2pm-7pm most days - more volunteers needed if we want it open more often!

A place to have a cup of tea in a friendly, non commercial space, read a book or magazine and find out about stuff that's going on in the city, the country and the rest of the world.

A meeting place for wayward souls.

A resource centre for groups fighting for autonomy, freedom, solidarity, equality, sustainability, mutual aid and peace against poverty, war and oppression.

***

If you would like to contribute to the project financially please note the following details.  We are looking for one-off donations but especially standing orders.

Account Name: "Printworks"
Sort Code: 11 47 21
Account Number: 00026891
Halifax / Bank of Scotland

=====================================================================

Workshops at Georges X Chalkboard, February:

2006-01-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

See list here; Will be updated

Create a Workshop at the Chalkboard or elsewhere

2006-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

The Chalkboard, and Glasgow User Manual, will be hosting a variety of events leading up to summer, Computer for beginners, musical things, art things and such like. If you would like to do, or take, a workshop, read the following and make a suggestion

"Workshops for Common Goals"

The user Manual needs to cover a lot of territory in order to produce content:

The main purpose being to expose the general public to what is happening out there. And as to how we can attract folk to our and your events and encourage people to create there own:

I am in the process of designing some fliers and posters for 2006, workshops, for about the middle of February . Which you will find below.

If you would like to participate in the Workshops for Common Goals, idea. Hers the rub:

The Manual, is hosted on City Strolls web site which stimulates 50,000 hits a month and climbing each month. There are a few articles to be published at the beginning of the year in community papers and lots of people know about the project. The web site takes up a helluva lot of my time, and doesn't leave me as much time as I would want, to run workshops for the User Manual.

I don't have time to run after people, even the ones who say they will help with workshops. People are kind of busy with their own things. It can be a major task, just contacting one person to do a film, or a two hour workshop.

So what I am proposing is. The User Manual, will produce a Program and poster each month, where people can advertise their workshops, events and so on. The User manual processes the information and produces it in some organised form on-line. That way even if someone wants to do a one off volunteer couple of hours on an event, workshop, or show a film, or help with some time, teach some history, go for a stroll, or offer some service - they can do so without to much fuss, of printing posters and advertising the event. etc. All the have to do is the thing its self

Then we start cross referencing all this stuff, history, art, politics, community and citizenship, and how it is all related, phew

Of course we need to keep in mind, this is not a social club, for them in the know. The whole GUM idea is to encourage folk who don't normally do this kind of thing, I.E. send stuff to web sites, and perhaps don't have, (yet) the confidence to push their ideas and to point out to others, what is important to them. Or indeed even to use the internet. But we will change that. Wont we.

We need information folks, thoughts on how this thing should all work and come together. So stop thinking about it and do this: User-Manual@citystrolls.com

We need to teach the weans the history of their city, from every conceivable angle.

Sample Poster
Sample Flier
Sample Cookbook-send idea leaflet
Sample A workshop idea Cardboard kids
View these here

Time - The greatest gift

Chalkboard activities - Westercommon - Community centres and Newsletters

2005-10-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

The centre will be focussing over the next few weeks on activities in the Hamiltonhill area, namely helping out a new community association for Westercommon - a disused mediaeval common land which has been allowed to become populated by Japanese knotweed, burnt out tyres and other rubbish. Currently the common is unused and disused - the association 'Friends of Westercommon' wants to see the area become a publicly used park, and wants to see some council funds spent on this.We will also be looking at kickstarting the campaign to re-open the Halls at Raglan street (a popular community centre that was closed several times against the wishes of the community and successfully reopened by community pressure twice, before they were shut again and given over the GHA after stock transfer) and will be continuing to provide a forum for those groups that are already using the centre, such as a local women's health group, the Cedar Tenants Association, and a newly started community newspaper which is soon to publish its first issue.

The shop is now opend

2005-09-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

2:00 till 7:00 every day.

Picture of the "wee tree"

2005-09-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

We need a picture of the wee tree when it was in the chimney above the glazers on Maryhill road. You know the one.

Show me a sign

2005-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

We now have a sign on the shop (maybe needs jazzed up a bit) to direct useful, participants towards the preparation for our (your) opening display, a photographic and story-telling history of Woodside Maryhill and Possil.

We thought as we are situated in this area we would start with a local theme to introduce ourselves. The "Georges X Chalkboard" is a geographical marker of where our base is situated. We are a no borders group and our interests are city wide. We are open to integration, participation, in any useful community events, anywhere. We also need some practical help and support to widen our base of activities, usefulness and financial survival.

This is a new project and has been created by a handful of people committing their time and energy over the last year. If it is to survive it will need more people, a diversity of types, doing small things, rather than the few doing everything. We look forward to and welcome your help and support.

Drop in for a cup of tea, find out what's happening. Ask a question on the blog. Make a comment, send a link, tell a friend. We can help make communities grow.

Chalkboad history day & wishlist

2005-09-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Come along and support Glasgow's newest social centre. George's X Chalkboard. 34 Clarendon Place. Just along from Bank of Scotland at George's X. 0141 332 2902 - Phone first to make sure someone's in as we're not officially open yet.WOODSIDE, MARYHILL AND POSSIL. PEOPLE'S HISTORY DAY Saturday 24th September. 12 noon til 6pm. Free admission A day to share and celebrate memories, people and events that make up the interwoven stories of this corner of Glasgow. PREPARATION DAY. Wednesday 14th, 12 noon - 9pm All Welcome. Free tea and coffee. Bring food to share, scissors, stories, local photos and ideas. This will be a practical day to work on the community history event. Needed: Cardboard, coloured paper, sticky backed plastic, unused wallpaper rolls, coloured pens, snacks... ---CHALKBOARD WISHLIST * Mugs - especially any that match each other and hold lots of tea. * Tea and coffee pots * Rugs - preferably large and thick * Chairs - comfy ones and stackable ones * Plants and plant pots. Hanging basket materials would make our gardener very happy. * Boardgames, dominoes, packs of cards * Books, especially about Glasgow * Pictures and picture frames * Homemade cakes and biscuits... preferably vegan * Computer equipment. Printers, scanners, wireless cards, ADSL USB router * 2 seater sofa - preferably with washable covers * Projector unit and pull down screen * Small, sturdy tables. * Wall hangings and throws * MONEY!

Now we need nice things to put in the shop

2005-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Social centre wish list:

Wee sofa or two

Nice Plants

Small frames for pictures

Stack together chairs

Kitchen stuff

Computer

Useful storage devices

To be continued...

New social centre opening in Clarendon Place soon

2005-08-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

The main aim of the social centre is to engage local people in running the space, dealing with the issues that affect there community and enjoying community events of their own making. The centre is still at the organisational stage, what better time for locals to get involved.
The Chalkboard is situated at:

34 Clarendon Place
Glasgow G207PZ

just off Maryhill Road.

Nearest underground: St George's Cross
Buses: 20, 30, 40, 61, 66 from town centre to St George's Cross end of Maryhill Road