November December 2019 Westender Magazine

www.westendermagazine.com | 1

WESTENDER

nov/dec

2 | www.westendermagazine.com

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Contents

Regulars

4 Editor’s Letter

24 Mum’s Notebook

42 Cover to Cover

Lifestyle

7 READER OFFER! 2-4-1

Tickets for The Country

Living Christmas Fair

17 West End Christmas

Gift Guide 2019

34 A Shop That’s Close

To Home

Fashion, beauty & health

8 Mono Fashion

25 WIN! At Rainbow

Room International

Going out

26 Top Things

28 West End Live

with Greg Kane

30 Musician Interview:

The Pastels

41 Restaurant Review:

Five March

Westender living

45 Winter Warmer


Editor’s

Letter

Iapologise in advance but I am going to

say it…the dreaded ‘C’ word – Christmas!

There you go. That wasn’t too painful now

was it? Ok, maybe a bit. The 25th December

does seem to whizz round earlier and earlier

each year but as always we are helping you

to prepare with our Christmas Gift Guide

loaded with goodies from our West End gift

boutiques (Page 17).

Keeping it local remains our theme for

Pamela Palongue’s shopping guide on page

34. Visiting the local florists, grocers and

markets of the West End, Pamela promotes

the great value and choice we have right

on our doorstep – whilst supporting local

businesses and families too.

As the nights draw in and the weather

deteriorates what a great excuse to cheer

ourselves up by visiting one of our great

music and entertainment venues. We could

all do with some cheering up (oh yes we

could!). There are pantos for young and old at

Websters Theatre and Oran Mor, Elfingrove

magic at Kelvingrove, street parties and

Christmas markets on Vinicombe Street, plus

many more – so check out our Top Things

happening in the West End this winter on

page 26.

SWG3, the QMU, The Hug and Pint, and

the Armadillo are all featured in Greg Kane’s

top music listings this festive season on page

28. We are blessed with venues from intimate

spaces to world class facilities hosting the

likes of Scottish songstress Magpie Blue

to the 80s icons a-ha. And to add to this

bounty, The Great Western festival launches

this November, bringing top bands such

as Songhoy Blues and Cass McCombs to

community spaces around Great Western

Road. Heading the line up at the Maryhill

Community Central Halls are The Pastels.

Read Nicola Maule’s interview with Stephen

Pastel on page 30 about why they chose to

get involved.

This is our last edition of Westender for

2019. A huge shout out must go to our regular

advertisers who’ve supported us throughout

the year. Without you we couldn’t do it.

Literally. So let’s give a huge cheer for small

local businesses sharing the love this winter!

Suzanne Martin


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EDITOR

SUZANNE MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHER

GREGOR REID

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AMY GLASGOW,

MICHELE GORDON,

GREG KANE, NICOLA MAULE,

TRACY MUKHERJEE,

PAMELA PALONGUE,

SUSAN ROBERTSON, BRIAN TOAL

HAIR & MUA

TERRI CRAIG

STYLIST

JACKI CLARK

WESTENDERMAGAZINE.COM

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Country Living Magazine Christmas

Fair is back at the SEC from 21-24

November 2019. The annual

celebration of all things festive is a must for

anyone looking to find everything for the

perfect Christmas celebration under one roof.

Source beautiful decorations and original

gifts from gorgeous garlands and beautiful

baubles, to glassware, scented candles and

stylish cards. Arts and craft lovers can pick

up haberdashery, ribbons, fabrics, sewing

kits and craft essentials – everything required

to get seriously creative this Christmas.

Over 350 of the UK’s finest designers,

makers and boutique businesses will gather

together under one roof to offer unique gifts,

decorations, crafts, food and drinks and

inspired interior ideas.

For the foodies, the temptations and treats

are endless. An exclusive collection of artisan

food and drink producers will give visitors

the chance to sample authentic regional

delicacies such as gourmet sausages and

hams, local cheeses and pâté, Christmas

cakes, puddings, chocolates and tempting

festive drinks.

The day out wouldn’t be complete without

a glass of fizz. The Viking Cruise Champagne

Bar is a great place to review purchases, plan

the rest of the day’s shopping or just relax

with a glass of Champagne.

2-4-1 TICKETS*

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purchasing 2 for 1 tickets for £19. Simply

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entry cost for one adult visitor. The offer is not

valid for VIP tickets or add on ticket items. No cash

alternative is available. A £2.20 book fee applies

per transaction. The closing date is 17 November

2019. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network access

charges.

2-4-1 TICKETS*

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CHRISTMAS

FAIR

GLASGOW 21-24 NOVEMBER

Unique gifts

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More than 350 artisan exhibitors

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Inspiring style ideas

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Top tips for festive entertaining

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Crafting workshops and free to attend talks

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Discount valid on advance adult tickets only. Not valid on VIP or add-on ticket options. A £2.20 booking fee applies per

transaction. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network access charges. Quote 241CLGPR16 to gain your discount. Offer expires 17 November 2019

The must-attend Christmas event


LIVE

LIFE

IN

MONO

photography GREGOR REID

stylist jacki clark

mua terri craig

top, river island.

trousers, h & M

bag, pink poodle

Jewellery, cassiopeia

shoes, daniel footwear



dress & shoes, next

BAG, pink poodle


jacket & Trousers, jasmine

boots, daniel footwear

COAt, ted baker. Dress, next. Shoes, daniel footwear


top, river island. Skirt, top shop. bag, monsoon

necklace, cassiopeia. shoes, new look


dress, h & M


Dress, ted baker

Jacket, top shop

hat, jasmine

bag, monsoon

shoes, primark

stockings, eurasia crafts

photography www.westendermagazine.com gregor reid, gregorreidphotography.com | 15

stylist jacki clark, jackiclark-stylist.co.uk

MUA terri craig, terricraig.co.uk

model kate boyle

blouse, river island

skirt, topshop

shoes, primark

model courtesy of

coloursagency.com


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for a media flyer, or call 07905 897238



Christmas

a merry west end

Gift Guide

for kids

Peter Rabbit Egg Cup Set

Made from Eco-friendly Bamboo

£10.95, Cassiopeia

Dinosaur Lights

£25, Spirito

Recycled Pencil Range

Boxes from £12.50

Nancy Smillie

Mini Fox Terrier Toys

£5.95 each, Nancy Smillie

Sophie la Giraffe Star Activity Toy

£22.99, Cassiopeia

Jellycat Leek Soft Toy

£9.95, Papyrus

Nape Textiles Scrunchies

£12 each, Wuid & Stitch

Alex Makes Kids Lampshade

£35, Wuid & Stitch

Magnetic Dress Up Game

£12.99, Spirito


for her


Arthouse Unlimited Gifts

from £4.95, Nancy Smillie

Stork Print Kimono Gown

£69.95, Nancy Smillie

Silver, Gold and Opalite Ring from

Banyan £95, Cassiopeia

Miami Vice Tote Bag by Freitag (various colour

options) £75.00, CoLab Store

Green Thomas Houndstooth Shawl

£110, Hoos

Lab 6 Candles and Diffusers

£25 each, Wuid and Stitch

Necklace £105

Spirito

Keyrings £9.99

Cassiopeia

Original Duckhead Olive

£26, Hoos

Alice Dansey-Wright Tote Bag £40 & Purse £20,

Love & Squalor


for him

The Whisky Game £22

Cassiopeia

ESWS RAF Ejector Seat Parachute

Wind Shirt £55, Wuid and Stitch

Chilly’s Matte Blue Water Bottle

£20.00, Papyrus

Green Thomas Semaphore Black Scarf

£130, Hoos

Light Up Globe

£90, Spirito

Roka Urban Bags selection

from £32.50, Cassiopeia

YLF Shower Gel from Triumph &

Disaster £25.00, CoLab Store

Olive Pearson Rugby Cowal

£46, Wuid and Stitch

Click Clock £54.95

Nancy Smillie

Large Book Light £64.95

Nancy Smillie

for home


Sada Blue & Green Steel Vase

by House Doctor £75, CoLab

Wagging Tail Clocks £44.95 each

Nancy Smillie

Santa Ducks starting

from £9.95, Cassiopeia

Octopus Bowl

£145, Spirito

Light Up Folklore Circle Large £44

Small £24, Spirito

House Doctor Scented Candle

£12.50, Hoos

Upcycled N Salvaged Lamp

(heat gun lamp) £85, Wuid and Stitch

Glass Terrarium £49.95

Papyrus

West End Suppliers

Cassiopeia 165 Hyndland Road G12 9HT cassiopeiaonline.co.uk

CoLab Store 11-13 Dowanhill Street G11 5QS colabstore.co.uk

Hoos 715 Great Western Road G13 8QX hoosglasgow.co.uk

Love & Squalor 427 Great Western Road G4 9JA loveandsqualor.co.uk

Nancy Smillie Shop 53 Cresswell Street G12 8AE nancysmillieshop com

Papyrus 374 Byres Road G12 8AR papyrusgifts.co.uk

Spirito 317-319 Crow Road G11 7BU spiritogifts.com

Wuid and Stitch 86 Dumbarton Road G11 6NX


1

The Nickel Boys

by Colson Whitehead

BY BRIAN TOAL

WESTENDER’s

COVER TO COVER

Colson Whitehead’s previous novel, The Underground

Railroad, won a Pulitzer prize and was endorsed by

Barack Obama.

It conveyed the testimonies of

former slaves who had escaped

the American south, neither

exaggerating the brutalities

endured nor pulling any punches

when depicting the attitudes of

the white slave owners. In his new

novel, The Nickel Boys, that same

raw depiction of the harsh realities

of being black in a white world is

utilised to stunning effect.

The main protagonist, Elwood,

is thrust into The Nickel Academy,

a reform school where education

is minimal and work in the form

of cheap labour for the white

population is par for the course.

Elwood’s crime: simply being in the

wrong place at the wrong time.

As the novel progresses, we begin

to understand that very few of

the ‘students’ at Nickel Academy

have done much to merit their stay

there, as the seemingly arbitrary

arrests of black youths provide a

constant stream of free labour to

fulfil a plethora of manual tasks,

bringing in a handsome profit for

the white governors of the school.

Students are regularly beaten,

isolated for days at a time, as well

as simply disappearing.

For students who have really

overstepped the mark there is

The White House, a building in the

middle of the complex where boys

are taken at night and beaten to

within an inch of their lives. This

is the fate Elwood suffers not

long after arriving at The Nickel

Academy, intervening in a fight

and getting caught up with the

rest in a group punishment. He is

inspired by the words of Dr. Martin

Luther King, and is determined to overcome oppression through

non-violence, just like his hero. Whitehead describes the ensuing

brutal beatings briefly and the injuries and long-term damage is

catalogued, but these stark, sparse accounts are actually a more

effective way of conveying the true horror of what went on, where

others could lean towards ghoulishness or gratuitous gore.

The novel opens with a grisly find by construction workers

on the site of the former reform school, so we know from the

beginning the fate that often awaited these boys. What makes

this novel so terrifying is that it’s all based on real events, as

the endnote confirms. The inspiration for this book is the Dozier

School for Boys, which was a reformatory school in Florida which

ran for more than a hundred years. Just recently, Florida officials

announced that they would begin the search for more bodies on

the site.

There was a lot of hype surrounding the appearance of this

book, mainly because of the huge popularity of The Underground

Railroad, and many saw this as a sequel. Whilst that’s not entirely

true, it is certainly a continuation of Whitehead’s exploration of

black history in America and what underlies the still simmering

racial tensions plaguing that land.


Top Marks For

Murder

by Robin Stevens

2

Top Marks for Murder is book 8

of the Murder Most Unladylike

series, a series which focusses

on a group of high school super

sleuths. I must admit, I’m new

to this series but if number

8 is anything to go by, many

younger readers will find this

series highly entertaining.

The novel is set in

Deepdean, a private school

for girls – girls of the highest

echelons of society only, don’t

you know? There is the usual

banter, cattiness and snobbery

you would expect from this

setting (fans of Malory Towers

will enjoy this) before a

murder rocks the school to its

foundations.

One of the group of sleuths,

better known as the Wells

and Wong Detective Society,

spots a murder from their

dorm window and the game

is afoot. Through dogged

determination, guile and wit,

the girls, with the help of a

friendly local Police Inspector,

manage to narrow down the

list of suspects by a process

of elimination. Another murder

along the way only serves to

complicate matters.

Do they catch the culprit

in the end? What do you

think? It’s not going to tax the

brains of any young readers,

but they’ll enjoy the chase.

The characters are amusing,

the plot speeds along with

many twists and turns along

the way, and the concept of

teen detectives will appeal to

many younger readers. This

would be an ideal stockingfiller

and will entertain the

youngsters during those long

winter nights.

Jason announces after years

of silence that he identifies as

a girl and wants to live life as

a girl. He starts to grow his

hair and wear more feminine

clothes, and these very visible

changes lead to consternation

amongst his family and friends,

despicable name calling and

online comments, as well as

support from some surprising

quarters.

The novel focusses primarily

on his younger brother, Sam,

who struggles to deal with

the loss of his big brother and

can’t accept that his big sister

is essentially the same person

with whom he loved spending

time. Sam is bullied mercilessly

at school for his brother’s

situation and takes this out on

Jason, who is now known as

Jessica.

To add to this tension,

his mother is a high-profile

cabinet minister who is

vying for the top job, and

this situation is at best a

distraction and at worst an

embarrassment to her and a

real obstacle to her chances

of becoming Prime Minister,

as her rivals use this as

ammunition against her.

This book has caused a

bit of a backlash from the

trans community over Boyne’s

representation of a trans

teenager and he was criticised

for making the focus of the

novel the family, rather than

the person transitioning.

However, others have

commented that this is the

book’s strength, and I’d agree.

The ending is perhaps a bit

too neat. Nevertheless, this is

a thought-provoking book for

any teenager to read, whether

cis or trans.

My Brother’s Name

Is Jessica

by John Boyne

3


Endmum’s

West

notebook

by Michele Gordon thelanguagehub.co.uk

Is it just me or has this last year been a

particularly fast one? It seems not that long

ago we opened our multilingual lending

library in September, hosting Halloween

parties, preparing for St. Andrews events and

planning our Christmas festivities at The Hub!

As you know, I like Christmas a lot:

particularly the time in the run up to the big

day. There is so much anticipation of things

to come, lights and decorations everywhere

and the smell of Christmassy things. It is

especially lovely to see children bursting

with excitement, asking all sorts of questions

around Santa and how it works. Just Magic!

I also like Christmas as it gives a little

extra time to do things as a family. I do miss

some of the German Christmas traditions.

I miss celebrating the four Sundays of Advent

and a proper Christmas market. In Germany,

Christmas markets are the place where you

spend hours with friends, singing carols while

enjoying some Glühwein and eating either

very greasy or very sweet food. I have always

thought that the West End should have its

own little Christmas market on Mansfield

Square and I still live in hope that one day

this will become a reality. In the meantime,

we have decided to get a start on things by

hosting a one day only Christmas market

inside The Café Hub on the 1st of December

(11am-5pm). But maybe our scheduled

Advent Sunday family brunches (11am-1pm)

are more to your taste; either way, we hope

to see you.

But there are many more things to

do throughout the West End starting in

November. One of the early events is the

musical at the SEC ‘How The Grinch Stole

Christmas’ (13th-17th November) which has

been described as ‘A genius of a show! A

total delight for both kids and adults’.

If you are looking for events where you can

purchase some gifts and yummies instead

then check out the beautiful range of handmade

crafts, cards, gifts and delicious baking

at the annual Paul O’Gorman Christmas Fair

on the 24th of November at Knightswood

Community Centre (201 Alderman Road).

And if you missed the opportunity last

year to make your own Christmas wreath,

sign up to the wreath making workshop

hosted by The Floral Design Boutique at

McPhapps on the 28th of November and 5th

of December (23 Sandyford Place).

If you are looking for more entertaining

things for children then visit the Riverside

Christmas Festival weekend (7th & 8th

December). Its event square will be

transformed into a traditional fairground with

free rides and carousels for all to enjoy.

There are also various pantos available.

We have tickets again this year for The

Webster’s Theatre production of ‘The Pure

Amazing Wiz of Oz’ (416 Great Western

Road). We love the cast and the theatre, they

always put on a very funny and interactive

show; last year I had tears running down my

face with laughter. However, the one ‘must

do’ thing this year will certainly be Elfingrove

at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

between the 5th and 23rd December.

The team behind GlasGLOW is turning

Kelvingrove into Elfingrove, with a night time

tour of the museum (5.30-10.30pm) where

‘the magic of Christmas is brought to life’;

we’ll definitely be buying tickets for this!

And don’t forget the official ‘switching on the

lights’ on the Vinicombe Street Christmas

tree on the 1st of December at 5.30pm,

always a great event among the many

Christmas stalls and live music bands and

choirs.

This leaves me to wish you all Frohe

Weihnachten und ein frohes neues Jahr, until

next year!


CHRISTMAS

AT

RRI

by John Parker

What a quick year it’s been and at

Rainbow Room International, we

have so many things to celebrate.

Throughout the year we have been

celebrating our 40th anniversary but as well

as this, we’ve also been celebrating Co-

Owner and Director of the George Square

salon, Dylan Brittain, finalising for the

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year category at

the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards.

This month we will attend the awards to

support Dylan and we all have all our fingers

crossed for him. Should he win he will take a

space on the British Hairdressing Awards Hall

of Fame for winning the category three times.

In the lead up to Christmas we have

fantastic treatments and colour services

available. If you want to keep your hair

looking full of life, in a healthy condition

and with super shine, we have many hair

treatments including a Glossing service

to ensure your hair is vibrant during the

Christmas party season! Do also be sure to

pop in for your winter trim to keep you hair

free from split ends!

317-319 CROW ROAD G11 7BU

0141 337 3307

SPIRITOGIFTS.COM

WIN! Rainbow Room International

are offering one lucky reader a hair

makeover in their Great Western Rd

salon. For your chance to win go to

westendermagazine.com and click

on competitions by the 31st Dec ‘19.

Rainbow Room International

607 Great Western Road G12 8HX

0141 337 3370

rainbowroominternational.com


Top Things To Do

in the West End

by Tracy Mukherjee

Top For Festive Festivals

The West End celebrates the coming of winter

with some fabulous entertainment for all the

family. Take a wander to Ashton Lane on 1st

December for the Winter Wonderland. The

lane will be transformed into the North Pole;

there might even be a visit from Santa himself!

The kids will love to get into the feel of this most

magical of seasons, especially as, rumour has

it Elsa and Olaf from Frozen might be making

a guest appearance. Expect a fair few festive

food stalls serving warming goodies on a cold

December day. If that isn’t enough, why not

take a weight off in one of Ashton Lane’s many

welcoming taverns and listen to the Christmas

choirs that are taking part in this fantastic day?

Meanwhile along on Vinicombe Street it’s time

for the Christmas Lights Switch On. As well as

Vinicombe Street, Cresswell and Ruthven Lane

will also be joining in on the 1st December with

Christmas shenanigans beginning at noon. There

will be entertainment all day on the main stage

and in the lanes all leading up to the big switch

on at 5.30pm.

If you still have some festive spirit left over, head

along to the Riverside Museum on 7th and 8th

December for the museum’s annual Christmas

Festival. With traditional Christmas markets

lining the resident Victorian street, you may well

happen upon Mr Scrooge! There will be Victorian

fairground rides and free carousels, so this is

definitely not one to miss.

Winter Wonderland at Ashton Lane

Sun 1st Dec, 12 – 6pm

fb:Winter Wonderland at Ashton Lane

West End Christmas Lights Switch On, Sun

1st December, 11am - 6pm, Vinicombe St,

fb:West End Christmas Lights Switch On

Riverside Christmas Festival,

Sat 7th - Sun 8th Dec, 11am - 4pm,

Riverside Museum, Pointhouse Place

fb:Riverside Museum

Top for Christmas Magic

We’ve long been aware that Kelvingrove Museum

is a magical place, but this December experience

the magic up close as Kelvingrove is transformed

into the spectacle that is Elfingrove. Events

company ITISON have made a spectacular

success of Halloween’s GlasGLOW; but now

(with the help of Santa obviously) visitors will be

able to have a magical night at the museum too.

The show promises a 70-90 minute tour of the

museum with light and sound installations not to

mention the big Magic of Christmas finale. There

is even a mystical ancient secret to be revealed

as you make your way through the museum’s

ethereal glow…

The event is a super addition to our many

Christmas staples. Roll on December and

prepare to be dazzled!

Elfingrove, Kelvingrove Museum and

Art Galleries, Thurs 5th – Mon 23rd Dec

w:itison.com/elfingrove

Top for Christmas Present

It’s Good 2 Give may not be a charity well known

here in the west, but it’s one that’s making

waves across Scotland. The charity supports

young cancer patients and their families in many

ways not least of which through their stunning

Ripple retreat set on the glorious shores of Loch

Venachar in Loch Lomond National Park.

In support of the tremendous work this charity

does, the inaugural Glasgow Blingo will be

taking place in January at the Radisson Blu

Hotel. This sparkling ladies lunch is a chance

to dress up with the gals for a fizzy drinks

reception, followed by a sumptuous three course

meal. Included in your ticket is some superb

entertainment throughout the afternoon and of

course, eyes down for the main event – BINGO!!!

There really is very little anyone needs at

Christmas these days when we can buy buy buy


Top Things To Do

in the West End

with a click of the computer mouse. And that

purchase rarely gives us the pleasure that we

hoped it would. But helping others whilst having

a ball at the same time? Well that’s a Christmas

present that LITERALLY will keep on giving.

It’s Good to Give Blingo

Radisson Blu Hotel, G2 8PD

Fri 31st Jan 2020, 12.30pm – 5pm

Tickets: Tables of 10 - £550

Bookings t:07428737516

e:shonagh@itsgood2give.co.uk

w:itsgood2give.co.uk

Top for Christmas Markets

It’s always lovely to open a pressie on Christmas

Day to find something unique and thoughtful.

And those gifts are often those chosen with love

at the myriad of craft markets taking place at

this time of year. Making a welcome return to the

Botanic Gardens, Tea Green Festive Market are

gracing the elegant Kibble Palace once again

with their fine art, craft and design pop-up event.

The markets are running for one weekend in

November and one in December.

Along in Knightswood the annual Paul

O’Gorman Christmas Fair and Tearoom gives

you the chance to pick up some unique home

furnishings, children’s clothes, jewellery and

much more whilst raising funds for local causes.

If you are in the City Centre, Art On The

Exchange in Royal Exchange Square provides

a great opportunity to choose from lovingly

designed products from local talented creatives

and designers. With so many opportunities to

purchase that special something there really is

very little excuse for a boring present this year!

Tea Green Festive Market

Sat 16th – Sun 17th Nov & Sat 7th – Sun

8th Dec, 10am - 4pm Kibble Palace,

Glasgow Botanic Gardens w:teagreen.co.uk

Paul O’Gorman Christmas Fair and

Tearoom, Sun 24th Nov, 1pm – 4pm

Knightswood Community Centre G13 3DD

fb:The Paul O’Gorman Christmas Fair

Art On The Exchange, various

dates throughout Nov and Dec,

Royal Exchange Square, G1 3AH

fb:Art On The Exchange 2019

Top for Pantos and Shows

There must be something in the water, because

never before has there been such a choice for

live entertainment over the Festive period to

suit all age groups. Glasgow Mask and Puppet

Theatre have a fantastic programme of events

for younger audiences. Look out for The

Snow Child and Handsome and Gretel. If it’s a

Panto you are after, there are several choices.

At Websters Theatre join Dotty for a Glaswegian

twist on a very famous tale in The Pure Amazing

Wiz of Oz which young and old will enjoy.

Meanwhile at Oran Mor, Dixie Whittington: The

Hamecoming is a tale of our heroine trying to

make her way back to her Granny in Glasgow and

is aimed at an adult audience.

The broadway musical Elf takes to the boards of

the colossal SSE Hydro for one weekend only as

everyone’s favourite Buddy puts on a Christmas

spectacular with a 30 ft Christmas tree in tow!

Better get those tickets soon as these shows are

bound to be popular.

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

w:maskandpuppet.co.uk/whats-oncalendar

The Pure Amazing Wiz of Oz, Websters

Theatre, Sat 30th Nov - Sat 4th Jan,

w:webstersglasgow.com

Dixie Whittington: The Hamecoming

Oran Mor, Mon 25th Nov – Sat 28th Dec

w:playpiepint.com

Elf – A Christmas Spectacular

SSE Hydro, Sat 14 & Sun 15th Dec

w:thessehydro.com/events


LIVE

November

a-ha

Friday 1st November 7pm

The SEC Armadillo, sec.co.uk

a-ha are a Norwegian band formed

in Oslo in 1982. Founded by Morten

Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen

(keyboards, guitars) and Paul

Waaktaar-Savoy(guitars), the band

rose to fame during the mid 80s and

are most notable for their global

hit record Take On Me. They have

sold in excess of 50 million records

worldwide and continue to tour every

year. Another notable fact is that

singer Morten Harket is listed in the

Guinness Book Of Records for the

longest live note held; he held a note

for 20.2 seconds. Now I don’t know

who is timing these things but I’ve

always felt sorry for Morton having

to hit that E5 note in Take On Me on

stage every night. Anyway it should be

an 80stastic night full of swooning

quinquagenarianettes.

Choice Tracks: a-ha 'Take On Me'

Marc Rebillet

Wednesday 6th November 7pm

SWG3, swg3.tv

Artists breaking through on their

YouTube channels is a common 21stcentury

occurrence these days

and Franco/American Dallas born

Marc Rebillet’s craft is tailor-made

for the YouTube generation, who watch

to see the bedroom hipster perform

music, comedy and performance art

with an array of musical instruments

and a loop station.

He began publishing YouTube videos

of himself improvising songs in his

apartment in 2016. These videos

began to go viral through Reddit and

Facebook garnering a huge, hyperengaged

loyal fan base.

Watching him do his thing on

YouTube is truly mesmerising. He

builds his songs from scratch using

only his prodigious natural talent

and his trusted Boss RC-505 loop

station referencing Prince, Vulfpeck

and classic R’n’B along the way.

He takes calls from his fans when he

does live streams on Sundays with

the broadcast morphing into a sort

of radio show with him presenting,

chatting and creating music on the

fly. It can be a bit chaotic at times

but the 300,000 subscribers he has

suggests no-one seems to mind.

He’s out on his quirkily named

Comeback World Tour in 2019.

Choice tracks: Marc Rebillet

‘You Were there'

Magpie Blue

Tuesday 19th November 7pm

Hug and Pint, thehugandpint.com

Millie Hanlon-Cole aka Magpie Blue

is an incredibly gifted 19-yearold

female singer songwriter from

Edinburgh. I think I’ve caught this

one early as she has only two songs

listed on Spotify, but what assured

and compelling recordings they are.

You get the sense listening to her

of an old head resting on young

shoulders, of someone who has the

emotional intelligence to channel

real feeling into their music. Having

already gained comparisons to the

likes of PJ Harvey and Anna Calvi, her

Jeff Buckley-esque vocals inflect with

a sense of raw melancholy. Once again

the Scottish music scene produces

another prodigious talent. I look

forward to watching her meteoric rise.

Choice track: Magpie Blue ‘Haunted’


by Greg Kane

December

Beak>

Friday 6th December 7pm

QMU, qmunion.org.uk

Featuring members of Portishead and

Moon Gangs, Beak> is the musical trio

of Geoff Barrow, Billy Fuller and Will

Young from Bristol who craft dense

and atmospheric music inspired by

Dub, Krautrock and The Beach Boys,

quite a mix.

But the band have a pretty simple

ethos of playing music for enjoyment

sake and laying it down live and as

one in the studio. What comes out

of these sessions is, to these ears,

a contemporary take on 'prog' that is

soulfully executed and both playful

and serious in equal measure. In the

10 years that they’ve been together

they’ve toured extensively all over

the world and released three albums,

the latest one '>>>' was released in

2018. At times they remind me of the

iconic 70s band King Crimson but

they definitely have their own sound.

The city of Bristol’s mantra is Keep

Bristol Weird and Beak> certainly

subscribe to that. Very enjoyable

modern prog.

Choice track: Beak> 'Sex Music'

Clairo

Sunday 8th December 7pm

QMU, qmunion.org.uk

Claire Cottrill known professionally

as Clairo, is a 22-year-old American

singer-songwriter from Carlisle

Massachusetts. Her fame escalated

after releasing the song Pretty Girl

in 2017, a lofi produced song that

attracted over 40 million views on

YouTube. Now describing your music as

'lofi' often hints at a 'do it yourself'

attitude to creating your stuff,

but this girl is the daughter of one of

the most influential marketing men

on the planet, namely Geoff Cottrill

(Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Converse,

The Grammys, to name but a few).

So I’m thinking not much of what she’s

doing is left to chance. Nonetheless

she does create a sound that is

compelling in it’s delicacy. She’s

surrounded herself with some clever

and thoughtful music makers too who

help her produce some genuinely

beautiful music.

Choice Track: Clairo 'Pretty Girl'

The Japanese House

Monday 16th December 7pm

SWG3, swg3.tv

The Japanese House is an English

indie pop act from Buckinghamshire,

aka 23 year old Amber Bain. She makes

dreampop electro music utilising

the smarts of Bon Iver’s producer

BJ Burton and recording at said Iver’s

studio in Wisconsin, USA. She’s also

been nurtured and supported by the

guys from the band The 1975. There’s

just something about left-handed

guitarists, to me they come across as

more genuine than their conventional

contemporaries and playing her

Fender Stratocaster upside down,

Amber Bain delivers honest, beautiful,

heartfelt music. She also plays most

of the instruments on her lastest

album Good At Falling admitting to

being a bit of a control freak, but it’s

definitely not to the detriment of the

record. Pretty English Rose pop music.

Choice track: The Japanese House

'Maybe Your The Reason'


Talking Shop With

The Pastels

WORDS NICOLA MAULE IMAGES JOHNNY MCLAUCHLAN

Nicola Maule speaks to Stephen McRobbie from influential Glasgow band,

The Pastels, about record labels, record shops, and the ever changing

musical landscape. This November The Pastels take to the stage at

The Great Western, a brand new multi-venue festival right on our doorstep.

The Pastels are playing at The Great

Western festival in November, which

is showing to have a great line-up of

bands, at a number of venues throughout

Glasgow’s West End. What was it about

this festival that made you sign up to play?

It was a combination of things. It seemed

potentially exciting and the timing was good

for us. We’ve worked with the promoter, 432,

in the past and we knew that they would trust

us and help us realise an event that we would

all be proud of. I’m wary of the word ‘curate’,

it’s become such a cliché, so it’s more a

co-operation between us to put something

amazing in place for one of the shows,

in Maryhill Community Central Hall. So far

we’ve got Sacred Paws, Lightships and Molly

Linen playing, we’re about to add a couple

more and DJs. We’re hoping it can become a

real hub for The Great Western festival.

Your last album Slow Summits was

released in 2013 through indie label

Domino Records, and shortlisted the

same year for Scottish Album of the Year

– did you enjoy reconnecting with your fan

base at this time?

With regards to Slow Summits, we never

felt disconnected from our fanbase as we’d

been playing live from time to time and of

course working on other things that became

public domain like the collaboration with

our friends, Tenniscoats, the Two Sunsets

album. We’d been doing some film and

theatre things too so it felt not too much like

a massive comeback. We were very proud

when it started to get good reviews and

we could see that people liked it. Great to

make the shortlist of the Scottish album of

the year. I think many people always feel an

affection for a group’s first music but maybe

we managed to make people feel an affection

for our most recent music. I only hope that

we can do it again, we’ll always try to come

up with something that’s better than we’ve

done before.

Being a part of Glasgow record shop,

Monorail, you clearly love being immersed

in the music scene – are you always

on the lookout for new bands and still

enjoy watching live music as much as

playing?

Being involved in Monorail Music gives

me a different perspective. I get to hear

so many different records, it’s healthy and

sometimes daunting trying to keep up.

For me, I prefer playing music to watching it,

it’s just a bit more satisfying. That said, I have

seen some amazing shows this year – Jarv

Is, Julia McFarlane’s Reality Guest, Trash

Kit. I’m proud to be working with Spinning

Coin through our label, Geographic, and

on a Strawberry Switchblade retrospective

too. I try to keep learning and try to keep my

enthusiasm. So far it’s not been a problem.



After your first single, Songs for Children,

released on Whaam records in 82’ I read

that you released a cassette tape. Did that

format give you more control and how do

you feel about the resurgence in releasing

tapes recently as an ‘old school’ format?

I actually can’t remember what came first.

We were really keen to reach an audience

and impatient so we were always trying to

take things into our own hands. Cassettes

were easy and cheap – a good format for

where we were. I understand them coming

back round because they still maybe seem

more fun than a file. I think they’re extremely

niche objects but they have a place. I still

like a well made mix tape with a nice piece of

handmade art.

You have always been in what seems to

be a crowd of musicians that were very

comfortable collaborating with each

other. Is this something that you still enjoy

and are there any new collaborations in

the offing?

We’ve not really got anything planned but

would like to make another record with

Tenniscoats sometime. I think of The Pastels

as a collaboration – between the various

musicians in the group and the sound

engineer. Sometimes it’s good not to colour

everything in to the nth. Then you’re leaving

space for a collaborator. If Kicking Leaves

had been too realised Craig Armstrong might

have felt there was nothing for him to do.

Instead he was able to help give it a particular

identity which we loved.

How do see the music industry moving

forward considering the seismic changes

that have taken place since The Pastels

started out?

I’m not sure what changes are coming next

– people listen to music in so many different

ways. Even on our label, Domino, some of

the artists are reaching their fanbase mainly

through streaming. I think people are after

a mixture of convenience and quality. The

quality part is ultimately really important.

That’s why so many people still love listening

to records.

The Great Western is an all-day multivenue

music festival on Saturday 23rd

November. For full listings and ticket sales

go to: tgwfest.com.


Celebrate

Esteem Beauty’s

10th Anniversary

this Christmas

528 Great Western Road

G12 8EL

0141 334 3254

esteembeauty.co.uk

esteembeautyglasgow@gmail.com

Purchase a voucher (£99 or over)

and receive a complimentary

voucher of the value of £30

Vouchers are only valid for six months from the date of issue.

Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash. Vouchers can only be

used towards full price services unless stated. All vouchers

cannot be redeemed in conjunction with other offers and

are not valid towards the purchase of products.


A SHOP

that’s close to home

When the holidays roll around, you might be tempted to jump online, make

a few quick clicks, select the standard shipping, and choose the generic gift

wrap for Auntie Claire. It’s quick, it’s easy…and completely devoid of any

forethought or sentiment. Yet it’s fun to shop in the neighbourhood where

all the store owners know your name and greet you with a smile.

WORDS PAMELA PALONGUE

IMAGES GREGOR REID

When it comes to the holiday fare

you’ll be serving family and friends,

you’ll want the healthiest and best

ingredients you can get. By shopping the

local independent markets, you can ensure

that everything is fresh, and hasn’t been

sitting in a warehouse for months. Also,

shopping local helps to support small

businesses, which in turn, helps support local

families.

One thing the area independent

merchants all seem to have in common,

is that they are passionate about what they

do and how they do it.

One local business is Anderson’s,

located at 92 Queen Margaret Drive in

North Kelvinside. This establishment has

been at this exact spot for over 100 years!

And though you may have noticed a new

name outside (Barvas & James) the family

that runs it is still the same. Because they

have pivoted from a fruit market into flowers

and gifts, they felt they needed a new name

to reflect the change. But John, who is

the great-grandson of the original owners,

will still be offering fruit – just with a slightly

different twist. People will be able to order

fruit online and have it delivered right to their

door!

With some larger scale businesses,

ordering produce online might be a bit risky,

since fruit and veg can vary in quality and

freshness. The difference with Barvas &

James is that it is ordered, hand-selected

and delivered by John and his family. It is

a plan with all the convenience of online


shopping, but from people that you know and

trust. Watch for the launch soon!

The shop itself has lovely pots, candle

holders, luxurious bath products and even

speciality chocolates! As much as possible

John stocks products that are sustainably

sourced from local suppliers. If you’re not

sure what to buy someone, why not select a

lovely plant that will add some colour to their

home? A surprise bouquet will always light up

someone’s face as well. John, his wife Nicola,

and their team of florists create stunning

displays from top quality seasonal blooms.

And, as they are an independent florist, each

bouquet or arrangement is a custom creation.

From late November, be sure to stop by

their shop to pick out your Christmas tree!

Many families have made this their annual

ritual. They will have Nordmann Firs, and also

Living Spruce Trees if you prefer to plant your

tree in the garden after Christmas, and they

deliver.

John’s great-grandparents who were from

Barvas on the Isle of Lewis, would be proud

of the company that they started in Glasgow

over a century ago. Barvas & James is an

enduring family legacy.

Another familiar face in the neighbourhood

since 1979 is Roots, Fruits & Flowers.

Its owner, Garth, has a long history with fresh



produce, which began with working for a

competitor’s fruit market, before leaving to

start his own.

His initial foray into fruit, has morphed into

a company that sells fruit and veg, flowers,

whole foods, a whole foods deli and catering

service! (They probably couldn’t fit all of that

on the sign) They offer fruit and veg boxes,

which are a mixture of fresh, local produce

that can be delivered to your door either

weekly, or bi-weekly. The contents of the box

changes according to what’s in season, so

you have to be open to eating with the natural

variance of harvesting times.

The Whole Foods Deli, as the name

implies, uses whole foods and organics in

the dishes, with vegan and gluten free dishes

on the menu, which again are prepared

according to what’s in season. They also

have delicious gluten-free cakes for dessert!

You can have Roots, Fruits & Flowers cater

your holiday meal or party, for innovative

recipes that are good for you. But don’t delay!

Kieran recommends ordering by the 1st of

December to avoid disappointment. This year

they will be offering organic turkeys.

If you’re looking for a gift (and who

doesn’t love food?) you might consider

one of their lovely cheese hampers or their

full breakfast hampers. They’ll surely be

appreciated and well-digested.

Roots, Fruits & Flowers will also have

Christmas trees for sale, including organic

and Living Trees and they’ll deliver to your

door. The company has been moving things

around a bit, with the flower shop and the

fruit market trading places, but by the time

you read this, they should be all settled in.

Another great way to shop several local

businesses in one place is the Glasgow

Farmers Market at Mansfield Park. Held on

the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month,

this market may be a bit of a misnomer.

There’s plenty of farmer’s produce, but

there’s also lots of other interesting things

from soup to soap.


The Caurnie Soaperie, located in

Kirkintilloch comes to the market and sells

their natural skin care soaps, shampoos,

shower gels and lotions. They even have their

own organic herb garden where they grow

their own nettle for use in their products.

They happen to be the oldest and last

working soap makers in the world who use

a natural soap making process known as

coldprocess. In two years they will celebrate

their 100 year anniversary!

At the other end of the spectrum is

Root Candy. This energetic group of young

entrepreneurs just launched in August,

and sells baked goods and sweets that

contain healthy ingredients such as beetroot

and carrots. If you’re needing something

interesting for a dinner party that will be

innovative (and tastes great) stop by the

market for some of their wares.

And there’s organic fruits and veg offered

by Bellefield Organics from Abernethy,

where you can pick up a little farm to table

action. The market is also home to around

40 vendors, including those specialising in

fish, pork, lamb, and even a local importer of

French Provencal delicacies. Many shoppers

drive from several miles away to attend

the Mansfield Park Market. Residents of

Glasgow’s West End are so lucky to have

such a lovely market right at their doorstep.

It’s great to support all the local

merchants who care so much about the

products they bring to you and your family.

barvasandjames.com

rootsfruitsandflowers.com

citypropertymarkets.co.uk


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Qi Gong

with Ulrike

Taiji Qi Gong – Shibashi

Learn these gentle and graceful exercises

that enhance your health and wellbeing

Now open in Jordanhill

Family owned and run, the restaurant serves

modern Scottish food, using seasonal Scottish

produce. Perfect for friends and family to enjoy

a meal in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Book online, email or call.

0141 959 9666

info@theprancingstag.co.uk

www.theprancingstag.co.uk

1A, Ashwood Gardens

G13 1NX

New classes starting in 2020

For more information:

Email: u.litschka@gmx.net

Mobile/WhatsApp: 07942 494028

Ulrike Litschka

Certified and insured instructor for Qi Gong

Classes • Tuition for small groups • 1-to-1


@

Image I Gregor Reid

Five March

Reviewed by Amy Glasgow @theglasgowdiet

Ithink there is somewhat of a divide

developing between the people who love

‘small plates’ and the people who don’t.

Luckily for Five March, I’m on the loving side.

Who doesn’t want the chance to try 12 dishes

instead of two?

I’ve visited Five March a couple of

times now and it still feels like one of those

‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ spots, nestled

into Elderslie Street, a mere moment from

bustling Charing Cross.

If you do manage to notice it as you walk

by, it is most certainly worth dropping in.

The minimalist, Scandinavian-style décor

might leave some cold, but the welcoming

staff does a perfect job of warming you up

– and if that doesn’t do it, then their list of

unusual and inventive cocktails definitely will.

The ever-changing menu focuses on fresh,

seasonal produce and celebrates a wide

range of cuisines, with distinct Asian and

Middle Eastern influences.

All plates are, as mentioned, designed to

be shared, with a fantastic mix of seafood,

meat and vegetables on offer. In fact, the

vegetable dishes are often where Five March

shines.

Take, for example, the confit garlic

panisse, with sweet potato, zuni pickle,

almond and parmesan crumb. A perfect

plate of textures and flavours that will convert

even the staunchest of meat-lovers. The fried

potatoes are also not to be missed – a staple

on the menu, the only thing that changes

about them is the flavour of aioli they are

paired with.

The real winner though is the charred

octopus with corn, radish, cucumber,

grapefruit and puffed rice. Both fresh and

smoky, this dish pairs perfectly charred and

tender octopus with a smooth and sweet

corn puree and zesty grapefruit. It is a dish

not to be missed.

If you are looking to cleanse your

palate after your meal, I highly recommend

the lemongrass and kaffir lime posset,

which feels both luxurious and refreshing.

For something a little richer, the chocolate

parfait with peanut butter granola is

incredibly indulgent.

To be perfectly honest, there was very

little on this menu that I did not enjoy.

Some might say that the mixture of such

different dishes might make the meal feel

inharmonious, but I feel the opposite is true.

Every dish is perfectly balanced, and seeing

that level of skill on every plate only shows

how talented the team of chefs at Five March

truly are.

Five March

140 Elderslie Street G3 7QF

0141 573 1400

fivemarch.co.uk

42 | Westender www.westendermagazine.com

Magazine Promotion

Image I Gregor Reid

Accountancy

Matters

by Bruce Wilson & Simon Murrison

Is There An App For That?

At Murrison & Wilson we make it easier

for individuals and businesses to get

tax right. The secret to keeping the tax

man happy and managing money is to have

the correct tools at your fingertips.

Managing finances in the cluttered digital

landscape is becoming overly complicated.

This is down to the vast number of Making

Tax Digital (MTD) solutions all promising

to simplify your life but many actually

complicate your tax affairs.

Under MTD spreadsheets are outdated in

the accountancy world. So how do you find

the right tools and keep the tax man happy?

There’s an app for everything but where do

you begin?

We can help. Working with small to

medium sized businesses we identify and

test the best finance apps and select only

those that over deliver instead of over

promise.

The apps we recommend to clients

are fully compatible with HMRC systems.

It makes all our lives simpler. Clients can

capture and record financial data and submit

the information to us easily. What’s more, the

best apps on the market turn MTD regulation

into an advantage:

√ Single entry populates multiple fields

√ Repetitive tasks automated

√ Paperwork digitally stored

√ Automated debt collection

√ Automated reminders

√ Messaging tracks email open rates

√ Monitor credit scores

√ Integrated payment systems

√ Snap and go OCR for receipts / invoices

√ Direct Debit solutions

√ Reporting

Choose the right app and you will be

MTD compatible. Better still, make informed

decisions that improve your financial affairs.

Murrison & Wilson, CA is a full service

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Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Promotion | 43

Legal Matters

Hate Thy Neighbour

Words from Donald Reid, Chairman at Mitchells Roberton:

West End tenement living can give rise to conflict over noise or use of

communal spaces. How do you deal with those less than considerate

neighbours? Read on to find out more.

The capacity for human beings to fall

out with each other is amazing.

A resident in a converted big house

in Pollokshields thinks it’s OK to store his

six old motor bikes permanently in the

communal front hall. A ground floor resident

in the West End padlocks the door to the

communal rear garden area to stop an upper

proprietor exercising his dog on the grass.

The upper proprietor retaliates by taking the

dog into the front garden owned exclusively

by the padlock wielding neighbour. Residents

of a steading development agree among

themselves that they can place their own wee

garden huts in a shared area. A new owner

moves in and erects an outhouse the size of

the Taj Mahal.

These examples come from actual cases

I have had referred to me. What we have

here are bullies and victims. Understandably

the victims turn to their lawyers but there

are at least two difficulties. First: contrary

to fokelore bullies are rarely cowards in my

experience. A ‘lawyer’s letter’ might put

the fear of death into most people but to a

bully such a letter is often gleefully received.

The obnoxious behaviour gets cranked up.

Second: lawyers are expensive. Even

to send a lawyer’s letter requires an initial

meeting with the victim, looking at evidence,

and then composing the letter. A few hundred

quid is gone and the bully just laughs the

letter off. So we need to consider court action

and if the bully squares up to fight the action

the costs can move from the disturbing to the

downright frightening.

My advice is first to ask the victims if

they have legal expense insurance. Lots of

household policies now routinely include

this but remember, prospects of success

are not the same as justice or fairness.

If there is no insurance nor enough money,

what can be done? All I can suggest is polite

confrontation. The victim should pluck up

courage to go and see the bully in the hope

that an offer to bury the hatchet might work.

Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t,

because the bully says he’s not bullying the

victim but the victim is bullying the bully so

the victim is the bully and the bully is the

victim.

The capacity for human beings to fall out

with each other is amazing.

If Donald Reid can help please

call him on 0141 552 3422, or email

dbr@mitchells-roberton.co.uk

Mitchells Roberton Solicitors

& Estate Agents

George House

36 North Hanover Street G1 2AD

0141 552 3422

www.mitchells-roberton.co.uk


The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Place, Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 2UP

0141 950 1333 | www.thestoreinteriors.co.uk

Email: sales@thestoreinteriors.co.uk

TheStore - HIS - Emma.indd 2 07/12/2017 09:48

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info@bespokedecorglasgow.co.uk

T: 0141 389 3287

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Homes & Interiors

winter

warmer

by Susan

Robertson

This is the time of year when we really want to

love our homes the most. Whether we’re everready

for guests, snuggling in front of the fire,

or hosting the Hogmanay bash, it’s the season we

want to feel warm and welcomed.

The natural touch is a key interior trend for 2019.

Combining soft wools and woods with warm

chocolate browns and creams is a relaxing backdrop

for a festive flourish.

The classic festive feel never goes out of fashion

and luxurious touches of red or green velvet

immediately nod to the nostalgia of traditional

trimmings. Many of us still opt for the turkey (or nut

roast) dinner, the mince pies and the old films, and

alongside the mulled wine – it’s nice to have a touch

of traditional warmth in our environment too.

Once you have the soft, warm backdrop, you

can add the festive touch to whatever greater or

lesser extent you prefer. Think about the natural

plants and flowers of the season as the core way

to effortlessly bring the season into your home. It

doesn’t take much to create an impression if you’re

sticking with the traditional favourites. Just a bowl

full of holly immediately says ‘Santa’ or some

strategically placed mistletoe adds a festive edge.

Bring the outside in with some chunky pine cones or

twisty twigs. Spray with a touch of gold paint, or


hang little baubles from the twigs to easily add that

understated sparkle to your room.

The Christmas tree is of course the seasonal

focus point. For me, when I was growing up,

this was an annual traipse of a mission, getting from

forest to borrowed roof-rack to wrong sized pot.

It was never guaranteed the tree would last to the

big day, and very often the hoover was full of needles

before Santa had fired up the sleigh. However this

is no more. There’s no need to travel or scrabble for

your tree this year. There’s an array available right

on our doorsteps. The West End Garden Centre is

even creating a festive forest. Owner Martin says,

'We’ll have hundreds of trees for people to choose

from, locally sourced with non-needle options – all of

which can be delivered free of charge'.

Whatever you do to decorate your tree, is a matter

of taste and tradition. But bear in mind that you

can also borrow a few snippets from a branch or

two at the back to create little natural touches in

place settings, or table displays. Even for your

present wrapping, think natural and keep it simple.

Use brown paper to wrap your presents, with a

personalised red ribbon, or even some traditional

string then tie it off with a sprig of holly, or a tiny

pine cone or tree clipping. Make a simple old-school

printed gift tag with a star or a tree cut from an

old sponge or a potato, get the kids involved in the

process and it will be easy, cheap, fun and admired

under anyone’s tree.

And our local florists are also gearing up for

supplying our creative Christmas needs, with a

wide array of festive florals available. Hyacinth

House is also running wreath-making workshops in

November and December. Meaning that not only can

you pick up everything you need to add that natural

outdoors touch to your home, but you can also

learn the creative skills to make a fresh Christmas

statement with simple plants and products.

As we’re bringing the outside in this year, think

about your outside space too. Are there some trees

you can gaze out on that can hold a few lights, can

you make a festive bird feeder to bring a winter robin

to your windowsill, could you hang a few decorations

from the rose bush? Also have a think if there’s a

better way to maximise your outdoors too. Outside

In Garden Rooms are based in the West End and they

can create standalone new rooms in your garden in

as little as two weeks. So – if you need a new space to

put a gym, an office, or a relative this winter, keep

your options open and consider all your spaces.

And remember that Christmas is a season of the

senses, the sounds of jingling bells, crunching frost,

and carols; the sights of the lights and colours; the

feel of the velvet cushions and the fluffy slippers;

and the smell of the fresh pine, cinnamon and clove.

Invest in a few good quality candles to add that spicy

scent to your home, or better still – get the mulled

wine on the stove and light the fire.

West End Garden Centre 40-44 Peel Street G11 5LU

Hyacinth House Floristry 950A Crow Road G13 1JD

outsideingardenrooms.co.uk

The image on this page is of products available from

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November December 2019 Westender Magazine

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