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Ahoy, shipmates

A VOYAGE of a lifetime is coming up for young people training in Inverclyde. They will take to the high seas in July for a Sail Training Association trip aboard the Tall Ship Prince William. The magnificent seven are being sponsored by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire (SER) to become part of the crew for a journey from Greenock, through the Hebrides and around the north coast of Scotland to dock in Dundee. They are all trainees on Skillseekers or Modern Apprenticeship programmes with local organisations. They are David Frame (18) from Port Glasgow, based at Argyll Training; Kevin Pearson (16) of Greenock (Unity Enterprise Ltd); Campbell McDougall (18) of Greenock (Construction Industry Training Board); Eunice Quigley (19) of Gourock (IBM); Luis de Sancha (18) of Largs (James Watt College); Stephanie Nelson (18) of Port Glasgow (Unity); and David Alford (22) of Greenock (Royal Bank of Scotland). A spokeswoman for SER said: "The event is designed to enhance the personal development of young people aged 16 to 24. "The challenging experience of crewing such a large sailing ship on the high seas will develop their leadership, motivation, organisation and teamwork skills." The seven were chosen after a rigorous selection process. SER's head of skills, Dougie Somner, said: "This is an opportunity of a lifetime for these young people. "We know from our previous experience of supporting this event what a huge positive impact it has on the lives of young people, and we are delighted to support it." Association chairman, Malcolm Jones, said: "We take 48 young people at a time. We take them through a personal development programme."

Published: Wednesday, 15th May, 2002 00:00

Brave Barry shows degree of courage

BRAVE Barry Lees, who suffered horrific brain injuries in a car crash, has beaten all the odds to gain an Open University degree. Barry, from Greenock, has twisted double vision which causes difficulty walking and reading. He also suffers from poor memory, epilepsy and is registered partially-sighted. But that didn't stop him from persevering with his studies. And today he said that he couldn't have done it without the help and support of his wife Norma. Barry (43) studied a wide variety of subjects for his Bachelor of Science degree, including sociology, psychology, renewable energy, environment and physics. He said: "All the hard work has been worth it. Sometimes it could be a bit stressful. A lot of people think Open University is the easy option, but it involves a lot of graft." Barry applied to the Open University in 1985 while working as a hospital pharmacy technician. While on holiday in the Highlands his car was struck by another and he spent four weeks in a coma. He is now registered disabled and had to give up his job because of his condition. He said: "I soon became aware that I needed mental stimulation at least as much as physiotherapy, so I contacted the university again to study social sciences." Barry began his course in 1994, but had to take a few years out when his health deteriorated. He said: "The great thing about the university is you don't have to do it continuously. You can take a year out or ten years out. It lives up to its founding ideals. It is accessible to anyone." He said: " My wife Norma has been a great help. She organised my study time and reminded me when it was time to stop playing a game on the computer." Barry's graduation will take place at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall in May and will be attended by mum Sarah Wilson, stepfather Bill, and Norma, who said: "I am really proud of Barry's achievement."

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Suspected measles cases spark new MMR plea

AN Inverclyde doctor has urged all parents to get their children vaccinated with the MMR jab after two suspected measles cases in Renfrewshire and two cases in Fife. Dr Mustafa Kapasi, a GP at Greenock Health Centre, said the cases showed there are falling levels of immunisation against the disease. He said: "This is not good news. If one child dies that is one child too many. All children should be vaccinated." Dr Kapasi, who is a member of the BMA's GP committee, added that parents of children who had not been vaccinated should not send their children to nurseries. "Children who have been vaccinated can still get the disease, albeit in a milder form. So parents whose children have not been vaccinated are putting other children at risk," he said. A spokesman for Argyll and Clyde Health Board said tests on the patients, who became ill at the beginning of March, were currently being analysed at a laboratory in England. He would not say what age the patients are or where they live in Renfrewshire. The results of the tests will be available in two weeks. Campaigners against the MMR jab claim it can cause autism. However, doctors say there is no evidence to confirm that this is the case. Earlier this year Dr Kapasi urged the prime minister Tony Blair to say whether his son Leo had been given the controversial vaccine.

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

First Mother's Day ruined by thieves

A TEENAGE mum's first Mother's Day was ruined by callous thieves who ranscaked her home and stole her baby's toys and clothes. Caroline McNeil (16) was visiting her mum Pamela McNeil in Port Glasgow when the thieves struck. She came home to find the house wrecked and clothes and playthings belonging to her seven-month-old son Conor stolen. The thieves also took the young mum's hi-fi and microwave oven. Now Caroline says she is afraid to return to her flat at 97 Drumfrochar Road, Greenock, and is living meantime with her mother in Port Glasgow. The break-ins at Caroline's home took place between 4pm and 10pm on Sunday - Mother's Day. Mum Caroline said today: "One of my relatives saw lights on in my flat. He knew I was at my mum's, so he went to see what was happening. "He discovered the toilet window had been broken and found three youths ransacking the flat. "I'm really sickened. It's bad enough stealing my midi hi-fi set and microwave, but taking Conor's stuff was just absolutely disgusting." The council have now put a steel door on the flat to protect it, but Caroline is worried about going back. Her mother, Pamela McNeil, said: "I hope people will tell the police if they are asked to buy any of Conor's things." Police said today they are following a positive line of inquiry into the theft.

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Envelope may fetch £4,000

A TATTERED envelope that passed through Greenock 139 years ago is expected to fetch a whopping £4,000 when it goes under the hammer. Marked 'Greenock Ship Letter', the envelop began its journey in Newfoundland and arrived in Greenock before being taken by coach to its final destination in Devon. Despite bearing a rare 'rose-lake' stamp, it is the unusual post mark that gives the envelope its value. Nicholas Startup, Spink auctioneers stamp expert, explained: "It is unique. Letters from Newfoundland usually travelled south on boats to Liverpool and London on established mail carriers aboard the Cunard line. "This letter arrived on the steamship 'Patrick', and we can tell it was just handed to someone onboard in the hope that it would be passed on to a mail carrier when the boat reached the UK." "It was posted in 1863, and between 1857 and 1865 there were only 280 'rose-lake' stamps issued. "There are only about six of these stamps still remaining, but with this one we can trace where it came from. Mr Startup added that during the 19th century there was no direct mail service between Newfoundland and the UK, and letters would just be given to any passing ship. "It is quite romantic to imagine how things worked in the bygone age this envelop comes from,” he said. The stamp will be auctioned at Spink auctioneers in London on 22 March.

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Don't break up our community

TENANTS are demanding better homes and are prepared to fight to get them. But residents in Maukinhill want to remain a community. They are going to tell Inverclyde Council: " We like it here. Improve our homes, but don't move us out." Maukinhill Residents' Group have carried out a survey and want new heating and new windows in their homes. They say the houses are long overdue for upgrading or being knocked down and replaced. The report states: "Maukinhill suffers from lack of resources, poor services, poor housing and environmental conditions and rapid neighbourhood decline. "The core of our argument is that a new, radical strategy is required if Maukinhill is to avoid a grim future of continuing decline, neighbourhood collapse and widespread dereliction." Group secretary, Jet Gallacher, said: "We don't want to see demolition and people being moved out of the area. "The only way we want demolition is if we get new houses to replace those knocked down. "People who live here want to continue staying here." There are 295 council houses and 13 owner-occupied homes in Maukinhill, the majority tenemental or four-in-a-block flatted properties. The survey states: "Overwhelmingly, the data from the survey has highlighted the fact that current residents feel they are part of a genuine Maukinhill community. The majority of them have lived in the area for more than ten years and would clearly like to continue to do so." The report will be presented soon to the council. Ward councillor, Stephen McCabe, said £1 million from the Scottish Executive's 'better neighbourhoods fund' had been allocated already to Maukinhill, and the report would be useful in deciding how it should be spent. Mr McCabe, who is convener of social work and housing, said: "Hopefully the report will convince everyone that Maukinhill should have a long-term future."

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Royal knees-up for former gala queens

FORMER gala queens are being invited to a right royal knees-up. Gourock's three community councils want to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in style - and they want to invite all the queens, rose queens and Miss Gourocks, who have been chosen since 1952, to the party on Saturday 15 June. Community councillors from Upper Gourock, Old Gourock and Cardwell Bay Community Councils will also be sending invitations to all those who were ladies-in-waiting, pages and attendants over the last 50 years. The organisers of the town's annual garden party have come up with nearly all the names and plan to hold the special reception in Gourock Park walled gardens on 15 June. The following day a new queen will be crowned at the combined garden party and fancy dress parade. They hope a community council special project grant from Inverclyde Council will help to make it a jubilee night to remember. Garden party committee member Jim Hunter said he anticipated a total of 600 people, including members of the community councils, could be present at the special event. "We cannot use money raised by the garden party as that all goes to charity," he said. Councillor Hunter was speaking at Upper Gourock community council's meeting. He said: "A tremendous amount of work has gone into researching all the former qeens," he said. "It is all go. We just need the funding."

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Council clean up after dog is hurt

BROKEN glass which littered waste ground and seriously injured a dog has been cleaned up. Pet owner Jennifer Willitts contacted the Telegraph after her dog Sasha sliced its paw on broken glass on the disused football pitch outside her home in Holefarm Road, Greenock. But hours after the council was made aware of the problem, workers were sent out to clear up the area. Mrs Willitts said: "I couldn't believe it - this area hasn't been cleaned since I moved here four years ago. "But a couple of hours after I spoke to the Telegraph there were two council men sweeping up the glass. It is too late for Sasha, but it is an improvement and it will be safer now. "It would nice of they could do something with the land - like make it into a playground." A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said: "A squad was sent to clean up the area as soon as we were informed of the glass. While we do regularly check our areas of land for litter and clean up as necessary, we obviously cannot provide daily patrols for all footways. "We would urge people to dispose of their litter, including glass, responsibly and not to throw it away indiscriminately. Anyone who sees discarded glass should let us know and we will clean it up as soon as possible."

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Honorary Texans

FOLK band The Wherries were made honorary Texans during a successful tour of the Lone Star State. Robert Platt, Kenny Wilson and Dave Currie were given authentic stetsons and a key which gives them the freedom of the city of Seguin. During their tour the Inverclyde-based group performed with the Southwest Texas University Symphony Orchestra as well as a solo concert and live-radio shows. And the tour of Texas started off on a real high when the band performed on the state capital's top radio show. Presenter John Ailee had scheduled a 15-minute slot for the Wherries, but the phone-in demand for tickets was so great they extended the section to 30 minutes, and by the time they came off air their concerts were virtually sold out! Wherries frontman Kenny Wilson said: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the hospitality and reception of the Texans, with some folk travelling over 200 miles to the concerts. A bunch of fans even flew in from Florida for two of the shows. We really had no idea that our music had been so far reaching." The Wherries have worked closely with the university, which has been given $1.2 million to help develop the folk music studies department. And as a special thank you for all their work, the university organised a special award ceremony to make the Wherries Texans.

Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00

Yard order will secure 100 jobs

A PORT Glasgow yard celebrated today after clinching a £8 million deal to build a ship for the Scottish Fishery Protection Agency. Ferguson's managing director Richard Dean said that this would secure a 100 jobs for a year. But he warned that more orders are needed to secure the future of the yard. He said: "This is the fulfilment of three years work. It will preserve employment in the short term, but is not sufficient for our needs in the long term." The ship will replace the Westra, the oldest vessel in the agency's offshore fleet. It is believed that all ships in the fleet will have to be scrapped in the near future and Ferguson's will be hoping to secure further orders. Ross Finnie, minister of environment and rural development, said: "It was absolutely a great thrill to be advised that my local yard Ferguson's had put in the best bid. "It is one of the most satisfying decisions I have taken as a minister, authorising my officials to finalise the contract with Ferguson's. "I add my congratulations to them and the workforce." Trish Godman MSP for West Renfewshire said: "I'm absolutely delighted that this order has come to Ferguson's. It is a great yard - a gem on the lower Clyde. "I worked alongside Wendy Alexander and Ross Finnie to fight for Ferguson's to get this order. "The whole fleet of navy protection vessels has to be replaced in the near future, and I'm hoping that Ferguson's will be in with a shout for that."

Published: Friday, 15th February, 2002 00:00

Workers make a stand over holiday concession

AROUND 150 workers at an Inverclyde computer factory turned up for work today to stage a "lock out" over a dispute about holiday entitlement during a company audit. Union and non-union employees showed up for their 8am shift at Fullarton Computer Industries Ltd in Gourock but were not let in. The protesters claim the company has unreasonably asked them to take two days of annual leave while it does a stock take as it transfers a contract from IBM to Sanmina-SCI. They believe the concession they are being asked to make could lead to erosions of their terms and conditions. The move came after a series of talks between managers and representatives of the ISTC union leaders broke down. Dave Marshall, divisional organiser for the trade union ISTC, said only workers who were helping with the audit were allowed through the front door. "We have made proposals about other work that could be done during the audit and these have not been accepted. This is a flexible workforce and has tried to accommodate the company," he said. "The workforce is making a stand today because it is concerned this situation could be the beginning of something more." A second protest is planned for tonight when around 150 workers on late-shift are expected to turn up and not be let in. No one from the company was available to comment today but earlier Robert Baxter, group HR manager, said it was reasonable to ask workers to take the days as holidays.

Published: Friday, 15th February, 2002 00:00

This is not the worst place on the planet

INVERCLYDE has escaped the worst critcisms of a new controversial travel guide. The Lonely Planet guide to Scotland condemned Edinburgh for its drugs and prostitute problems, denounced John O'Groats as "little more than a car park" and warned visitors to take care in Dunoon at night. But the guide recommends Port Glasgow's replica of the Comet and Newark Castle as worth visiting along with the McLean Museum and HM Customs and Excise Museum in Greenock. And it also highlights Gourock's beautiful location as well as the wonderful views across the Clyde from Lyle Hill. As for eating out, attention is drawn to the great variety of restaurants, cafes and pubs in Greenock's West Blackhall Street and the Tontine Hotel in Ardgowan Square. However, the reports on Inverclyde are not all positive. Gourock's town centre is described as "fairly run down" and Port Glasgow "unprepossessing". Robert Jackson, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: "I very pleased with the pluses, but I would point out that a major development is being proposed for Gourock which would see the town centre pedestrianised and upgraded. There is also a major development to take place in Port Glasgow which I should make it more attractive to people. But there are already positive things there such as the Comet and the Kelburn Park areaa." A Lonely Planet spokeswoman defended the new book as a realistic portrayal of Scotland as a place to go on holiday. She said: "It's not realistic to say everywhere in Scotland is paradise. But we think it's a fantastic destination and that's reflected."

Published: Friday, 15th February, 2002 00:00