Latest news with #Bridgeton-based
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow community campus receives boost of up to £5,000
Bridgeton Community Learning Campus is one of eight charities and good causes in Scotland to receive a funding boost from the Scottish Building Society Foundation. The foundation provides individual grants of £5,000 to support charities' work in their communities. Read more: Primary school to gain new classrooms following £500k investment Bridgeton Community Learning Campus was awarded funding to "further its work supporting local businesses and organisations based in Bridgeton". As well as the Bridgeton-based charity, grants were awarded to Very Inclusive Play Club, Forth Canoe Club, Ochil Trail Association, The Birks Cinema Trust, Works+, Trossachs Tigers Hockey Club, and Duntocher Village Hall, who all received donations to support their initiatives in their community. Paul Denton, chief executive officer of the Scottish Building Society, said: "As we welcome members to our AGM this year, it feels fitting to celebrate the incredible work charities do in their local communities, and we are proud to support their efforts through this next round of funding. "All the charities and community organisations who have been successful in their applications have a fantastic cause and we look forward to seeing their positive work go further as a result of the funding they have received. "By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities." The Scottish Building Society Foundation was established in May 2023 in partnership with Foundation Scotland. Since then, it has provided more than £150,000 shared among 43 charities. The latest funding round coincides with a successful year for the world's oldest remaining building society. In April, the society revealed a 17 per cent increase in total assets over the last 12 months. The society's assets have doubled since 2020 to £866.5 million, while its mortgage portfolio grew by 7 per cent and retail savings balances rose by 20 per cent. Additionally, for the fifth consecutive time, the Scottish Building Society was recognised as the 'Best Building Society' at the 2024 Scottish Mortgage Awards. Read more: 'I couldn't recommend it highly enough': Care facility earns high praise Mr Denton also received the 'Lifetime Achievement' award during the ceremony. He said: "Over the past 12 months, we've seen strong results driven by our commitment to the communities we serve, building loyalty and trust with our members to provide them with the services they need. "As a mutual, we make decisions exclusively for the benefit of our members, not shareholders, and today, that feels more important than ever. "That's why we continue to invest in relationship centres, passbook savings accounts, and a personal approach, while at the same time developing our digital tools to give members secure, convenient access to their accounts." More information on the society's efforts can be found on the Scottish Building Society Foundation's website.
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Dance academy 'changing perspectives' of Glasgow kids
'Many people believe East End kids have no ambition, but really, they are the most hardworking, talented people,' Paige McGarrity, who is also the director of Volume Dance Academy (VDA) told the Glasgow Times. Image by Gordon Terris, Newsquest Although it only formed last year, the Bridgeton-based dance academy has already won several first-place titles at a range of contests, including the Full Out Championships. The school also has 96 individual solo and duo winners, of which Paige says she is so proud. Youngsters at VDA – which takes children from the age of 15 months to 22 years old and teaches a range of dances from street, lyrical and commercial – will compete in their biggest competition at Alton Towers this November. It comes after the academy sold out their one-year anniversary dance show, which will take place on August 2. READ NEXT: Meet Glasgow's newest star inspired by Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender Paige, who was previously crowned world champion at the United Dance Organisation Competition, said: 'The kids sold out the show in two days and they are just on cloud nine. They can't quite believe it. 'We all cried when the last ticket sold because it felt so special that over 200 people wanted to see them dance. I am so proud of them.' She added: 'Each dancer works so hard, and they deserve to feel this excitement. I believe in these kids so much, and I couldn't have picked a better bunch to fulfil my dream.' The show, which is called Enters the Jungle, has been dubbed the school's most exciting production yet. Filled with throwback classics, vibrant-themed dance costumes and an added Rio De Janeiro Carnival feather feature, attendees are in for a brilliant night. 'The show has been hard work, in all honesty,' Paige said. She continued: 'We did not expect to sell out the show at all, but it has been amazing to see so many people wanting to come and watch these kids perform. We even have a waiting list. 'It's incredible, I'm truly gobsmacked at how fast the tickets have sold out and now the pressure is on to create our best show yet.' Image by Gordon Terris, Newsquest The show will also act as a celebration, given the ups and downs VDA has experienced within its first year. Paige explained: 'The first year has been a bit of a challenge as I didn't expect the dance school to blow up like it did and for it to be so busy. 'I'm forever grateful for what we have built together as a dance family. It was tough getting here but I know the struggles - being an East End kid myself. But winning a world title, it got me thinking that I wanted to inspire more young people to do the same.' And to say that VDA has been inspiring for youngsters in the area seems to be an understatement. 'Volume Dance Academy makes a difference to the East End kids' lives every day,' Paige said. She added: 'Our studio helps improve mental health as it helps the kids express themselves and teaches them to take control of their emotions. The sport itself reduces stress and helps build self-esteem. 'The academy is a safe place and gives the kids a sense of belonging. It also creates an inclusive environment, builds friendships, and teaches discipline. "It just shows that with encouragement and support, the youngsters can do anything. These East End kids just need the right place and right support around them and that is what Volume does.' Image by Gordon Terris, Newsquest READ NEXT: Popular Irish band announce huge Glasgow show The dance academy is currently fundraising to cover the cost of every kid competing at Alton Towers. You can find out more or donate to the fundraiser by visiting
