Latest news with #Inverclyde
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
In pictures: Primary one class photos taken in Inverclyde schools in 1999
FOR this week's trip down memory lane into Inverclyde's classrooms of the past, we're travelling back all the way to 1999 to showcase the second bunch of bright faces. Last week's P1 pictures put six classes in the frame and this weekend we are showing off five more for you to have a look and sport any familiar faces. This week we're featuring the pupils who were starting out at the two classes of St Ninians's Primary in Gourock, Overton Primary, St Laurence's Primary and Ravenscraig Primary in Greenock, and Inverkip Primary in the summer of 1999. Ravenscraig Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) St Laurence's Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) Overton Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) St Ninian's Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) St Ninian's Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) Inverkip Primary (Image: Greenock Telegraph) Our latest dig into the Tele's photo archives has brought up these fantastic photos taken 26 years ago - meaning that all those pictured here will now be in their early thirties. We'll share more old pictures from our P1 archive next week!
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local live music scene desperately needs our help, says Inverclyde councillor
As Oasis mania sweeps across the country this summer, the nostalgia of the music scene of my youth has left me saddened at the decline of such an important part of our culture. Inverclyde was a hive of musical activity then and there were a range of venues all offering acts a chance to perform to packed out audiences every weekend. We even attracted renowned British artists, like Ian Brown, which made our town feel like it was on the map and created an exciting atmosphere about the place. There were also lots of local bands that garnered a loyal following wherever they played. It was a great time to be young and the music brought us together. Oasis fever has gripped Britain once again as the band's reunion tour gathers pace - but with live music venues closing at an alarming rate, where will the next Oasis come from? (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) The scenes from the Oasis tour were reminiscent of those days, as you can feel the connection their music creates for those attending, with or without tickets. It's been something joyful to witness in amongst what appears to be a never-ending, doom-scrolling cycle of societal division and bad news. Sadly, the local live music scene today is barely existent. The weekends seem eerily quiet and, with a few honourable exceptions, barely any live music is on offer. Of course, this problem is not solely one Inverclyde is grappling with. The threat to the UK's music scene is well documented, as venues continue to close at an alarming rate. Last year, almost 44 per cent of grassroots venues reported a loss, with the average profit margin being only 0.48 per cent for live events. Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late-night venues have permanently closed, and at the current rate there will be no clubs left by 2039. Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late night venues have permanently closed. (Image: The UK is renowned worldwide for our music scene and we have produced some of the best bands to ever walk the earth. The threat to these venues means that the Oasises of the future may not even get a start. I have spoken with promoters, band managers and artists themselves about this issue and they have all reported these concerns. Coupled with the issues Brexit has caused for artists touring in Europe, we have created a perfect storm for our emerging talent. We still have world-class acts: we need to ensure we have places they can perform, or we risk losing them too. Beyond the threat of cultural decline caused by the closure of live music venues, losing these places where people gather to enjoy a shared interest could also exacerbate the rising mental health issues we are facing. Inverclyde councillor Kirsty Law says live music venues have a huge role to play - not just in promoting new music, but in helping people socialise. (Image: George Munro) I know personally that live music has helped me through times of poor mental health; it allows me to immerse myself in the music and to escape any worldly woes for a while as I dance my cares away. These venues have been places where I have formed life-long friendships, and they are vital for providing spaces for people to socialise. If we don't use them, we'll lose them - and once they're gone, we'll all be worse off as a result. Let's support our venues and help us find the next Oasis!
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Old enough to pay tax, old enough to vote': Inverclyde's MSYPs on voting age change
INVERCLYDE'S representatives at the Scottish Youth Parliament have welcomed the decision to lower the voting age for general elections to 16. The UK Government has announced plans to lower the voting age across the country to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote, meaning these born in 2013 will be able to cast a ballot in the 2029 general election. In Scotland, those as young as 16 have been voting since 2016 when they were granted the right by Holyrood to vote in Scottish Parliamentary elections and local elections. Matthew Quinn MSYP (Image: Contributed) Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Inverclyde, Matthew Quinn and Maya McCrae, have both praised the Westminster decision and have offered some advice for first time voters. Matthew said lowering the voting age is a 'major victory' for young people. He said: 'One of the main Scottish critiques of the Westminster system is that it is not always representative of the people. I feel this decision is an important step towards changing that. 'I would say to younger voters who will be voting [for the first time], do your own research and try to become as informed as possible. 'It is easier to make a choice in an election if you have a good idea of all the parties, candidates and what they stand for.' Despite his praise for the plans, Matthew also says that this policy change 'merely gives young people what they deserve'. Maya McCrae (Image: George Munro) Maya has also welcomed the decision, saying it is a change the electoral system 'really needed'. She told the Tele: 'I think this is fantastic news and proves that if young people stick to our guns and campaign for what we want, we will see results. 'Young people working alongside the SYP have put in so much time and energy to create the impact that was needed to see this policy pushed through and I'm just delighted to see our hard work pay off. 'With voter turnout consistently decreasing and with the change in the political atmosphere, young people deserve to have their say. 'If you're old enough to pay taxes, you're old enough to vote on how that money should be spent.' Other News Calls for a new Port Glasgow health centre as building is 'past its due date' Concern raised over £6m Greenock street works after road surface is torn up Athletes of all abilities encouraged to join Inverclyde's triathlon next month Maya's advice to young voters is to become involved in politics early on and to be wary of using social media as a primary source of information when it comes to election time. She added: 'With the rise in social media becoming the primary source for news, I think it's really important that governments focus on decreasing the levels of propaganda and misinformation that's spread across the internet, and that there's a real drive to encourage young people to get involved in politics from as early as possible.' Alongside this change, voters will now be able to use UK-issued bank cards as a form of voter ID, providing the card displays the elector's name.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labour is delivering for defence in Scotland through Clyde 2070, says Inverclyde MP
It's been a busy few weeks both in Westminster and back home in the constituency. The House of Commons rises for summer recess next week, and I'm looking forward to a summer of getting out and about meeting as many people, groups, and businesses as possible. Yesterday, I held street surgeries in Braeside and it was great to speak to people on their doorsteps and see what I can do to support them, and over the weekend I'll be out in Port Glasgow. We've got street and high street business surgeries planned in addition to my regular coffee mornings and advice surgeries over the summer so please do get in touch with my office if you'd like to know when we're next in your area! We're delivering for defence in Scotland The UK Government's announcement of a £250 million investment at HM Naval Base Clyde is welcome news and, on Wednesday, I joined colleagues at the base to discuss how this funding can benefit communities across the west coast. More than 6,000 people work at HM Naval Base Clyde. (Image: Newsquest)HMNB Clyde is already one of the largest single employment sites in the west of Scotland with more than 6,000 people employed there, many from our area. The Clyde 2070 programme will modernise the base to support the next generation of submarines, and this defence dividend can be maximised by local communities for years to come. It will open up skilled roles in the defence sector – an area where Inverclyde has real potential to lead. I'll be working to ensure that local people benefit from this investment. Through this, we can foster skills and deliver for the next generation of workers in our area. I'll keep fighting for Ferguson Marine This week, the chief executive of Ferguson Marine, Graeme Thomson, appeared before the Scottish Affairs Committee in the House of Commons and, once again, said that the yard will struggle if they are overlooked for the replacement contract for the MV Lord of the Isles ferry. We can't have a situation again where work for Scottish boats is sent overseas. Graeme Thomson appeared before MPs at Westminster this week. (Image: Ferguson Marine) I was proud to see the UK Government delivering for Fergusons as they signed a contract with BAE Systems to build structural components for one of the Royal Navy's new state-of-the-art warships. Now, we need the Scottish Government to step up and step in to ensure the yard's place on the Clyde for the next generation. Over the coming months, I'll continue to push CMAL and the Scottish Government to do right by the yard. Our UK Labour Government is empowering young people One of the most exciting parts of my job is meeting young people across [[Inverclyde]] and Renfrewshire West and visiting our local schools. Over the past few months, I've visited several schools to talk about politics, democracy, and the issues that matter to them and welcomed schools to Parliament to do the same. I'm always struck by how well informed our young people are about politics and how engaged they are in making a change in their community. That's why I welcome the UK Government's announcement that it plans to lower the voting age to 16 before the next general election. Young people aged 16 and 17 will soon be able to vote in UK elections. (Image: PA) Young people are already able to vote in Scottish council elections and Scottish Parliament elections. It's right that it should be the same for UK elections. Young people are already shaping our communities, and they deserve a say in the decisions that affect their future. Bank cards will be now also accepted as voter ID at polling stations, stripping away the red tape for voters to make your lives easier.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Athletes of all abilities encouraged to join Inverclyde's triathlon next month
INVERCLYDE'S annual triathlon race will return to Gourock next month with experienced athletes and beginners encouraged to take part. On Sunday, August 17, swimmers, runners and cyclists will be lacing up their trainers and looking out their goggles as they gear up to compete in Inverclyde Leisure's popular event. The main event of the Adult Sprint Distance Triathlon includes a half-mile swim - which is 24 lengths of Gourock's outdoor pool - followed by a 10-mile cycle to Ardgowan Estate and back, before finishing with a 5km run to McInroy's Point and back. Inverclyde Leisure's triathlon will return to Gourock outdoor pool in August with competitors of all abilities encouraged to take part (Image: George Munro) There's also something for the younger athletes, with a Junior Aquathlon for 10 to 17-year-olds, featuring 12 lengths of the pool and a 3km run to the Gourock Royal Yacht Club and back. To ensure the event is as inclusive as possible Inverclyde Leisure organisers said people of all fitness levels are welcome to take part, and every year lots of entrants do their first-ever triathlon Inverclyde. The only thing requirement that organisers ask is that competitors can complete the swim in under 45 minutes. Head of Inverclyde Leisure, David McCorkindale has been taking part in the triathlon since it began in 2007 and says he has never missed a year of the race. He said: 'It's a fantastic even and I would encourage anybody of any level to try it out this year just for the taking part and then build on their time for next year. "You can also take part as a team so get you friends or work colleagues together so you can build it up to doing it all yourself. "It can be a challenge, but it is also very rewarding when you cross the finish line." Other News Seafield House residents put their cowboy hats on for a summer rodeo party Calls for a new Port Glasgow health centre as building is 'past its due date' Take a look inside the Port Glasgow apiary home to half a million bees To take part in the event as a team, there only needs to be three members: one runner, one cyclist, and a swimmer. David says the Inverclyde Leisure team has done an 'incredible job' in getting the course ready and making sure every competitor has a safe and fun race. Even if you aren't taking part in the race, spectators are welcome to cheer on the athletes as they race along Gourock. Entry for individuals to the adult sprint distance triathlon is £44.60 for Inverclyde Leisure members, or £55.10 for non-members with a team entry costing £60 total for three people. Entry for junior race is £17.50 for members and £21 for non-members. For more information and to sign up call 01475213135 or email Entries close on August 3, and with limited places available on a first come, first served basis.
