Community Noticeboard - January 13, 2010

Snow on the agenda

RESIDENTS in Woodhill, Bishopbriggs, are being given the opportunity to have their say on snow-clearing operations during the recent bad weather.

Snow clearing has been added to the agenda of the next meeting of Woodhill Residents' Group, which is due to be held in Bishopbriggs Academy on Monday, January 18.

Other items on the agenda will include Caterpillar Corridors, the group's bio-diversity project, and plans for a rock concert for local bands.

Local residents and aspiring musicians are invited to attend the meeting, which will start at 7pm.

BB course for leaders

THE Strathkelvin Battalion of Boys' Brigade will be holding a youth leader training course on January 30 and January 31 in Torrance Parish Church – from 9.30am to 6pm both days. The cost is 25 per person.

Contact David Buntain on 07712 578171 or e-mail [email protected]

Names must be in by Monday, January 18.

Giving local firms a boost

IF you are a budding entrepreneur desperate to turn your idea into a prospering business or perhaps you already run your own company, but need inspiration on how to make it grow, then take advantage of the services offered by Business Gateway, East Dunbartonshire Office.

A series of free workshops designed to benefit local businesses are being held.

Last year more than 3,000 businesses across Dunbartonshire were supported by Business Gateway.

A total of 224 workshops were run in 2009 – ranging from learning how to raise your company's profile to understanding the importance of time management, with more than 1,300 local business owners gaining invaluable advice.

A comprehensive programme of free, practical workshops is running throughout January in Enterprise House, Southbank Business Park, Kirkintilloch.

To find out more, visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611.

Alternatively call the local office direct on 0141 435 7560.

Fab family fundraiser

FAMILY and friends of a tireless fundraiser held a charity night in his memory and raised a fantastic 2,170.

Jamie Fleming's life was cut short in March 2007 when he suffered a fatal heart attack, aged 38.

Jamie lived in Twechar with his wife, Ann, and two young daughters, Lesley and Amy.

He raised funds for Yorkhill Hospital, in Glasgow, as Lesley, who suffers from diabetes, has been a regular patient there.

A special night was thrown in Twechar Miners' Welfare Club recently in memory of Jamie and the money will go to the Diabetic Dependency Unit at Yorkhill.

Organisers of the charity bash would like to thank everyone who donated auction and raffle prizes to the successful event.

Ann Fleming is pictured (left) with Lesley and Amy presenting a cheque to Dr Ian Craigie and nurse Gavin Allison at Yorkhill Hospital, both of whom have looked after Lesley.

Beauty spot blueprint

FORESTRY chiefs have outlined their timetable for a local beauty spot after being slammed for failing to deliver on promises.

Knowehead Farm, near Lennoxtown, was purchased in November 2007 by the Forestry Commission.

The organisation intends to plant native trees and open the area up to walkers.

But little has been done and Campsie and Kirkintilloch North councillor John Dempsey told the Herald he was disappointed at the delay.

He said: "They said they were going to do the work and they simply haven't.

"I met last July with stakeholders at Haughhead Hall to discuss the proposals and little progress has been made since."

But the Forestry Commission said that, following consultation, work would progress this year.

A spokesperson said: "In order to prepare a design plan for the area we have carried out surveys and consulted local people for their knowledge – it was important they contributed to the process.

"The design plan was completed in November and we expect to begin ground preparations in the summer.

"In November we resurfaced the track to the farm and undertook to re-profile it so that the water would shed from it properly. This was completed.

"We are planning to hold a public meeting to explain the design plan for the area and this will ensure that the community is well informed of our proposals.

"Readers should keep an eye on the Kirkintilloch Herald for further details."