gold standard AUTUMN/WINTER 2006

Win Panto tickets

Awesome autumn recipes Win Winter warmer bags

gold standard autumn/winter 2006

Golden welcome! This latest issue of Gold Standard brings you updates on Glasgow Gold, with fantastic prizes to be won. What’s more,

Community Chest grants available

you can find out what’s going on in Glasgow and have the chance to win some brilliant days out. We’re sure you’ll soon complete our competitions and have some fun with Gold Standard. Enjoy yourself!

Golden neighbours, golden gifts

Applications for the Community Chest grant have been flooding in, from many different groups, for projects such as: • Broadband internet connection – a local group offering free internet and IT classes were supported by a grant that paid for their internet connection to ensure the classes can stay free. • Football equipment – an Under 18s team needed football equipment to help make the most of their practices. • Music festival – a community group wanted to expand their music festival to offer taster lessons in various musical instruments.

Another 32 neighbours have been awarded the title of Golden Neighbour, in recognition of the assistance and care they give to those living in their communities. The Golden Neighbour award is part of the Glasgow Gold scheme and those nominated receive flowers, plants and certificates as a big “thank you” for their kindness. May and Mary of Burnmouth Court were jointly nominated by their neighbours. Their housing support officer, Derek Riddell, wrote to Glasgow Gold on behalf of the tenants of Burnmouth Court to say that May and Mary are invaluable, since they take it upon themselves to make the gardens and communal areas at Burnmouth attractive for all their neighbours. May and Mary can be seen out in all weathers working to make the

gardens gorgeous for everyone. They don’t stop there and have also been seen helping neighbours with their shopping. Other comments from those who nominated neighbours:

These are just a few examples of what the Community Chest grants can be used for. If these projects have given you some inspiration, remember as a Glasgow Gold member you can now apply for Community Chest grants ranging from £50 to £500. For an application form, tick the box on the back of the magazine and send it to us or phone the Glasgow Gold team on 0141 274 6791.

“This was totally unexpected and a lovely surprise for them.” “She helps out everyone, welcoming new neighbours, helping new friends … we want her to know that we really appreciate all her help.” “His life is so full with a young family … but he always makes time for me and my husband … he is an absolute delight and a true Golden Neighbour.” Remember if you would like to receive a form to nominate a neighbour, simply tick the back of the competition coupon or phone the Glasgow Gold team on 0141 274 6791. 2

Education grants We have grants of between £50 and £500 available for people over 16 years old studying in full or part-time education. To apply just tick the box on the competition entry form and send it to us, or for more information contact the Glasgow Gold team.

Awesome autumn eating Granny Smith … Soor Plooms, lemon slices out of G&Ts and dealing with call-centres are amongst others. So if, unlike me, you do enjoy a generous helping of apples and your “five-piecesof-fruit” halo is definitely glowing (be honest now), then chuck everyone out for an afternoon, put on the radio and spend a relaxing time in the kitchen, lovingly and slowly putting together an irresistible fruit crumble. Of course, you needn’t just stick to apple … use a mixture of apples, pears and plums. You can also make fruit sauces and chutneys to enjoy alongside roast, grilled and cold meats throughout the rest of the winter.

Seasonal food ideas from Chef Allen Chalmers. Autumn, is they say, the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”. My piano teacher used to say that it was the season of “musts and mouldy frightfulness”. Well there’s nothing frightening, and plenty that’s fruitful about just now. Fast, zingy, summer fruits and salads may not be at their tastiest, so it’s our job to enjoy the mellow, slower fruits and vegetables that are at their best. Over the coming weeks, start buying yourself some pears, plums, apples, leeks, courgettes, parsnips and pumpkins and you’ll ease into the darker nights nicely.

Irresistible Talking about apples, there are few things in life that clamp my jaws together as tightly as an over-ripe

Delicious Leeks are a deliciously mild and sweeter member of the onion family, so why not make a savoury crumble instead? Don’t forget that leeks, finely shredded, are an excellent addition to any stir-fry and, softened in a little butter, make the most fantastic quiches. So to pumpkins … besides gouging out the insides of a pumpkin, cutting a scary face in it, balancing a tea-light inside and there’s always spiced pumpkin soup. Boil some potatoes, pumpkin flesh, onion and a tablespoon of curry powder until you know it’ll mash easily, then add a little milk and blend until smooth. Now it really is time to take your foot off the culinary accelerator. Relax and savour … fruits of your labour. Allen Chalmers owns Portofino Catering, providers of high quality catering for every style of event. He’s available for cookery demonstrations and teaching classes, he is also a pianist and comedian and stars in the upcoming BBC Radio show “Dance, Monkey Boy, Dance!” You can contact him directly on [email protected] 3

Pear Crumble Ingredients 5 pears, (or equivalent quantity of apples, plums etc.), peeled, cored and chopped 100g sugar 3

/4 tsp ground cinnamon (just leave this out if you don’t have any) 65g sugar 95g plain flour 85g butter

What to do 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Mix the 100g of sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the pears. Put in an ovenproof dish. 2. Mix the 65g of sugar with the flour and cut the butter into the bowl. Mix through with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Cover the pear mixture with the breadcrumbs. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until the fruit is softened and the top is slightly browned. For extra flavour and texture, add some rolled oats to the crumble topping … delicious! If you have some spare leek, chop roughly and add to cooked potato, carrot and/or parsnip. Lightly cover these with some condensed soup … either mushroom, chicken or chicken – and white wine will be great. Omit the sugar and add a little pepper and perhaps a teaspoon of mixed herbs.

Competition To help you make Allen’s fantastic warming recipe we have three mini food hampers and hand blenders to give away. To have your chance of winning, simply answer the following question and put your answer in the competition coupon. Complete this popular pairing of condiments “Salt and …” A Gherkins

B Pepper

C Salsa

Competition closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

gold standard autumn/winter 2006

Keep yourself warm Save Although the amount of actual heat ingested is small, hot foods and beverages give the nervous system a warmth signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities. Spicy foods will do this too. • Eat at least one hot meal a day. • Sip hot drinks regularly throughout the day and before bedtime. • Keep a flask of hot drink by your bed should you wake up feeling cold.

Home in on heat – keeping you and your house warm this winter Cold weather can be a nuisance – freezing temperatures, bitter wind-chill factors and higher bills. There is useful information in the key to help you keep the bills down. Dress appropriately • Wear thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer. Air trapped between layers of clothes insulates better than a single heavy garment. • Choose clothes made with wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic materials. These materials retain your natural body-warmth even when wet and have a very high “warmth to weight” ratio making it effective without being bulky.

• Alcohol is a poor choice when you’re chilled. Alcohol is dehydrating and may suppress shivering, the involuntary muscle contraction through which the body warms itself. • Tobacco also tightens blood vessels and acts to cool the body. • Eating foods high in iron such as red meats and green leafy vegetables can help keep you warm. The body needs iron to make the thyroid work.

Keeping your home warm – hot tips!

Stay active

• Don’t stay sitting still for long periods – even standing will increase your heat production by 20 per cent over sitting.

• Exercise without taking risks in wet or icy weather.

• Stock up on provisions in case it is too cold to go to the shops. • Seal gaps around windows and doors.

• For icy hands, swing arms windmillstyle!

• Check your heating system is working and serviced once a year.

Eat well – here’s food for thought

• If you are using an electric blanket make sure you have it checked by a safety expert at least every three years.

Eating is another remedy to cold, since the digestion process produces heat.

Lights: Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. The bulbs last 12 times longer and for each bulb you fit, you could save up to £7 on your annual electricity bill. Water: Take a shower instead of a bath – you'll use a staggering 40 per cent less water. Central Heating: Did you know that turning your thermostat down by just one degree centigrade could cut your annual bill by up to £50? Stand by: TVs, videos, and stereos left on stand-by use around 70 per cent of the energy of a switched-on appliance. Switch them off when not in use and you could save around £17 a year. Insulate: Simple steps such as draught excluders can cut chills and your bills. Buying: If you are thinking about buying a new appliance, such as a washing machine or fridges and freezers, they have an energy rating, ranging from the energy efficient “A++” to the expensive to run “G”. An “A” rated appliance may be more expensive than an equivalent “E” rated machine but will use up to 30 per cent less energy.

Competition – worth bagging!

Physical activity counters the cold by increasing the flow of warming circulation. The good news is that a little effort can go a long way.

• Spread chores through day and alternate between rest and activity.

money on your bills

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We will be giving away Winter Warmer goodie bags that include a cold alarm, hot water bottle, a flask and a voucher you can use to get yourself warm winter clothes. Three bags will be given away each week for the next eight weeks – to have a chance of getting a bag, simply tick the winter warmer box on the competition coupon. Giveaway closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

Glasgow Gold – out and about

The Glasgow Gold team have attended a variety of fun-filled events across Glasgow; including an attractive environmental awards ceremony in Castlemilk, where we were staggered by the prize-winning tallest sunflower reaching over 2.5 metres (eight feet four inches)! In TCH Baillieston’s Silver Deal day, we took part in armchair aerobics – which was just the thing we needed after sampling Allen Chalmers’ delicious recipes! The team went to the launch of Tarfside Oval’s play area at SWATCH LHO. Over 400 people joined in the activities, and enjoyed free fruit, face painting, arts and crafts and belly dancing. Not forgetting the actual playpark itself! Whenever we go to an event we also have prizes exclusive to Glasgow Gold members. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the Glasgow Gold team at an event near you.

Competition If you would rather stay in as the nights are drawing in, then why don’t you enter this competition to win five DVDs. Five lucky winners will have the chance to win. To enter just answer the following question: Which film is considered the highest grossing of all time? A Staying with the Sunshine B Lost after a Storm C Gone with the Wind Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

Why don’t you belt up? Did you know that a new law came into force on 18 September 2006 which means all children under the age of 12 will have to use some form of child car seat, unless they are taller than 135cm (4ft 5in)? What are the main changes from the existing law, when it comes to carrying children in cars? Here are four of them: • Up to now, children aged between three and 11 have been obliged to use the appropriate seat or cushion “if available” – now they have to use it, full stop, with only a few exemptions. • Children under the age of 12 and less than 135cm tall may not travel in the front of a car without an appropriate seat or cushion, under any circumstances. • Children three years old may not travel without an appropriate seat, whether they are in the front or the back, except in the rear of a taxi. • It becomes illegal to use a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat protected by an airbag. Are there any exceptions to these rules? Yes. There are three cases where a child between three and 12 years old may travel in the back of a car using no more than an adult seat belt: • Short and occasional journeys made for reasons of “unexpected necessity”. • Two other children are already using restraints in the back seat, leaving no room for a third. • In taxis. Who will be held responsible for violations? The driver is responsible for violations by passengers under the age of 14. Police can impose a £30 fixed penalty, but the maximum fine is £500 if it goes to court. 5

Why are the rules changing? The government says that surveys show 75 per cent of children are wearing adult seat belts before they are tall enough to do so safely. In other words, the belt could hurt their neck or their internal organs if the car stops suddenly. How do you find out what kind of seat is appropriate for your child? The best seat for your child depends on your child’s height and weight as well as your car. Try the seat before you buy it, to make sure it can be fixed properly in your car.

Competition – so good you’ll have to sit down! To help you get the right seat for your child we have TEN £50 Halfords vouchers to be won. To have a chance, simply answer the following question and put your answer in the competition coupon. Which of these is a well-known car breakdown service? A NHS B RAC C BBC Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

gold standard autumn/winter 2006

In fact it’s the Tron

WULLIE WHITTINGTON Tuesday 5 December to Friday 7 January Wullie Whittington arrives in George Square to seek fame and fortune, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his fantastically famous second cousin Dick. However, there is a slight stumbling block. Whilst Dick is the Pantoland master of song and dance, charming crowds all over Pantoplanet, Wullie appears to be totally talentless! How can this penniless and hopeless fool, armed with only his pet sheep, Baarbaaara, ever hope to win the hearts, minds and votes of the people? Find out this Christmas as the Tron team deliver another fun-filled flabbergasting fiasco!

The site of the present day Tron Theatre has played a central role in the life of Glasgow for nearly five centuries, during which time it has been a place of Christian worship (Catholic and Protestant), a place of execution, a meeting hall, a market, a store house, a police station and a theatre. • Originally, in 1529, a church was built on the site now occupied by the Tron Theatre. • The name Trongate first appeared around 1560. The “tron” was the beam with which trading goods were officially weighed on entering the city walls. • In 1821 the Tron steeple clock was the first in Britain to be illuminated with gas reflectors, the invention of a Glasgow pastry baker. • The Tron Theatre is celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

Competition We have two pairs of giveaway tickets to see Wullie Whittington. To try your luck, simply answer the following question and put the answer in the competition coupon. Which of the following is a famous pantomime? A Fred and the Pumpkin B Jack and the Beanstalk C Sarah and the Creeping Ivy Closing date: Monday 27 November 2006. Show on Saturday 9 December 2006.

Music on the go Now’s your chance to win a fantastic Bush 512MB Black MP3 Player with Speaker Dock. The stylish player can hold up to 128 MP3 files. To have a go at winning this great prize simply answer the following question: What is the common name for the best selling singles, in the UK, each week? A The UK Top Forty

B Icelandic Index

C The Fabulous Record Fifteen

Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

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Other highlights from the inspiring August to December programme include The Tempest, Thursday 12 to Saturday 28 October, tickets from £6; and a chance to see five of Alan Bennett’s original Talking Heads, 18 October to 7 November. Box Office: 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk

Spot the difference

We had such a great response to the last edition’s Spot the Difference competitions that we though we should give everyone another go to spot what Goldie is missing this time.

control car and a dance mat. To enter, all you have to do is look at the two pictures, then check which three items we’ve taken away – in the competition entry form put TWO of the missing items.

Five fantastic kids’ goodie bags must be given away. Each and every bag contains a collection of traditional games, a remote

Competition closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

Winter wordsmith

Glasgow Gold competition answers 4th edition

The hamper is back! One of the wintry words listed below is not in our wordsearch. Put this word on the competition coupon and you could win yourself a hamper packed with very tasty prizes! AUTUMN

WINTER

OCTOBER

FIREWORKS

HOGMANAY

CHRISTMAS

ADVENT

ICE

SNOW

Not sure if you got last edition’s questions right? Check them out here. Snap up a giveaway camera Q: What is the name of one of the first types of camera? A: Brownie Box Cameras It’s showtime

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Q: When was the traditional Glasgow Fair? A: Third and fourth weeks in July Suncream giveaway Q: What are the sun’s rays called? A: UV rays Picnic Time Q: What children’s toy gets its own picnic? A: Teddy Bear

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The three missing items were a banana, a football and sweets.

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Q: Which of these islands can’t be reached on a CalMac ferry? A: Bermuda

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Grill giveaway

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Q: Before he started selling grills, what was George Foreman famous for? A: Boxing

Piping hot chances to win – crossword Clue: The Waverley is the world’s last sea-going _________ steamer? A: Paddle Ferry Good Fun – A day trip to Arran

Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006. 7

gold standard autumn/winter 2006

Competition – with degrees of fun!

Competition entries To win any of the prizes in this magazine, please fill in the answers on this coupon and send it to the Glasgow Gold team.

Prize

Your answer

Allen Chalmers Competition Music on the go Phone home One good way to keep warm this winter is to keep moving. To keep your body and vocal chords warm why not enter this fantastic competition to win of two fantastic X Factor DVD Karaoke Machines. The karaoke machine comes with a built-in camera and monitor, so you can even see yourself sing! To have a chance to win of the machines simply answer the following question. Where is Michelle McManus, winner of Pop Idol 2003, from? A Isle of Wight B Denmark C Glasgow Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

WULLIE WHITTINGTON DVDs Karaoke machine Car seat vouchers Word search Spot the difference If you would like to receive forms for any of the following, please tick the appropriate box(es), fill in your details below and return it to us with your competition answers.

Golden Neighbour form Community Chest grant Education grant Winter Warmer bags

Phone home

Name: Address:

Post Code:

Tel:

Gold Card Number (if known): Chequebook discounts

Win one of BT’s Digital cordless phone sets. The twin phones features include handsfree, caller display and a number directory. To win this fantastic phone set simply answer the following question. Traditionally, what colour were BT phone booths? A Orange and brown stripe B Red C Eggshell blue Closing date: Monday 4 December 2006.

You will have now received your new Glasgow Gold Membership card and discount booklets. Because we are adding new discounts to the card all the time we will be sending out a chequebook of vouchers and discounts to all members in November. The chequebook will feature new retailers and discounts providers who have signed up to the discount card in the last two months. Remember if you would like a particular discount added to the card contact the Glasgow Gold team on 0141 274 6791 and we will try and organise it for you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Glasgow Gold, Glasgow Housing Association Ltd, 177 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HF. Tel: 0141 274 6791 Fax: 0141 274 6218 Email: [email protected] These competitions are only open to current Glasgow Gold members. Closing date for competitions is as stated. No cash alternative. Prizes are not transferable. No correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost or damaged in the post. The judges’ decision is final. One entry per household. Details of winners will be available after the closing date by writing to the above address. Winners will be drawn at random after the closing date. Competitions are not open to GHA employees. We make every effort to verify all the information we publish but products and prices do change. GHA cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any losses that may arise as a result. 8