Latest news with #ParkMainsHighSchool
Telegraph
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Muslim teacher claims discussing Rushdie's Satanic Verses is harassment
A Muslim teacher has sued for discrimination after her colleagues discussed The Satanic Verses in front of her. Rabia Ihsan claimed she was harassed on religious grounds when one of her colleagues brought up the Sir Salman Rushdie novel in what she claimed was a deliberate attempt to 'provoke [her], incite hatred and create a hostile environment'. The book was discussed when, not long after the assassination attempt on Sir Salman in New York, a colleague asked for book recommendations. Ms Ihsan claimed the book, which was condemned as blasphemous by Ayatollah Khomeini, the late Iranian leader, was 'offensive to Islam'. Sir Salman, 78, was forced into hiding for a decade after a fatwa was issued against him calling for his death. In Ms Ihsan's case, it was ruled that it was not 'reasonable' for the biology teacher to conclude that her colleagues had harassed her by talking about it. The tribunal, held in Glasgow, heard that Ms Ihsan, who is Pakistani, started working for Park Mains High School in Renfrewshire in 2010. In October 2022, a teacher Laura Gardiner had asked for suggestions of audiobooks, and Mairi Lagan, another teacher, stated that after the stabbing of Sir Salman in August 2022 she 'downloaded a sample of Satanic Verses intending to learn more about the circumstances. 'However, she did not find that to be the kind of book she would read so she read no further.' Ms Lagan was reportedly 'not aware that the book had any connection to Islam', and her colleagues 'stopped talking about' the book when Ms Ishan raised that it is 'offensive to Islam'. The tribunal heard that Ms Ihsan thought the conversation was 'pre-planned to trigger her' and she believed it was 'an attempt to provoke [her], incite hatred and create a hostile environment'. Ms Gardiner told the tribunal that she 'didn't realise that anything had happened' and Ms Lagan said she became 'concerned about how relatively innocent comments were being perceived by [Ms Ihsan]'. A month earlier, in September 2022, Ms Ishan had been 'very upset' when staff in the science department put pages of the Creationist book, the Atlas of Creation, in the bin after discovering it had been 'sent unsolicited' to schools, and that its author had been convicted of sex crimes. Ms Ihsan was 'very upset about the destruction of the book because of the holy symbol on the front cover' and raised her concern to the school's headteacher. The deputy head teacher investigated the incident, and it was considered alongside a number of incidents which Ms Ihsan complained about in a grievance hearing. She was signed off sick with work related stress in August 2023, and resigned in March 2024 while the grievance proceedings were still ongoing. Employment Judge Muriel Robison said that regarding The Satanic Verses, 'neither of the staff directly involved knew that it was a book about religion.' She added: 'Even if it could be said that raising this matter was unwarranted conduct related to religion which made [Ms Ihsan] feel uncomfortable, it was not reasonable for her to conclude that it had the proscribed effect [of harassment], particularly when the subject was dropped when she raised her concerns.' Regarding the Atlas of Creation incident, the tribunal was 'concerned to hear that the book had been destroyed' but accepted that staff 'did not appreciate that the book contained a holy symbol and they did not appreciate that it was a book about Islam'. All of Ms Ihsan's other claims, including discrimination related to race, religion and sex and constructive unfair dismissal were dismissed.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Veterans and Renfrewshire school pupils team up to create Second World War book
Memories of the Arctic convoys and the Clydebank Blitz were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine. Second World War veterans have been interviewed by Renfrewshire school pupils for a book which preserves their stories to educate future generations about the conflict. Memories of the Arctic convoys and the Clydebank Blitz were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine. Recollections of evacuation, rationing and life after the war have also been documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley. It was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. 'It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. Capt Warren said: 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.' Some editions will be auctioned to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity.
STV News
05-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Veteran brought to tears by schoolchildren's book of VE Day memories
Second World War veterans have been moved to tears by a book put together by schoolchildren which preserves their stories to tell future generations about the conflict. Memories of the Arctic convoys, the Clydebank blitz, evacuation and rationing were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity, with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine, Renfrewshire, and documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. PA Media Veterans and pupils celebrated the launch of the book on Monday. 'In the past, when I was a younger man, I often wondered why old men cried,' he told STV News. 'It's memories of the past, that come back long forgotten, hidden if you like, when events like this come forward, and you start to think back – so that's why. 'I'm one of those old men who now cry, sometimes when things come up.' Captain Warren's lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses,' Capt Warren said. 'I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. 'This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley, which was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. 'We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? PA Media Second World War: final days. 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. 'Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.' Some editions will be auctioned to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Western Telegraph
05-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Schoolchildren and veterans co-author book of memories for VE Day
Memories of the Arctic convoys and the Clydebank blitz were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity, with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine, Renfrewshire. Recollections of evacuation, rationing and life after the war have also been documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. Veterans and pupils celebrated the launch of the book on Monday (Jamie Williamson/PA) It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley, which was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. 'We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' (PA Graphics) Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. Capt Warren said: 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. 'This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect Wing Commander Ian Cumming The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. 'Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.' Some editions will be auctioned to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity.
Powys County Times
05-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Schoolchildren and veterans co-author book of memories for VE Day
Second World War veterans have been interviewed by schoolchildren for a book which preserves their stories to educate future generations about the conflict. Memories of the Arctic convoys and the Clydebank blitz were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity, with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine, Renfrewshire. Recollections of evacuation, rationing and life after the war have also been documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley, which was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. 'We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. Capt Warren said: 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. 'This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. 'Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.'
