Paisley Daily Express Column

Paisley Daily Express Column - 17 May 2010

ADULT LEARNERS WEEK

Many years ago I worked at Edinburgh University as a tutor working with people returning to education after many years. So I am delighted that all this week special activities are being held at Reid Kerr College's Ferguslie and Renfrew Learning Centres in honour of Adult Learners Week.

The centres are both putting on a wide variety of events for local people to try out including dance and fitness classes as well as taster sessions in computing, photography and various arts and crafts.

There will also be lots of information on hand for anyone who is interested in finding out more about adult education and training opportunities which are available here in Renfrewshire.

I think it is great that Reid Kerr is putting so much effort into making Adult Learning Week a really positive and memorable event for local people.

I am aware that many people take advantage of the adult education courses that are offered by the college and that often these can help people to get into employment or to gain promotion.

It is vital that we remember that learning doesn’t end as soon as you leave school and I hope that as many local people as possible take up the opportunities for adult learning that are available here in Renfrewshire.

DROP IN VIOLENT CRIME

I was pleased to see the latest statistics this week that showed that violent crime in Strathclyde has dropped significantly in the past year.

Strathclyde Police have estimated that the drop in violent crime has saved the taxpayer more than £26 million this year.

This is testament to the hard work of local police officers here in "K" Division based in Mill Street, and all the officers who make every effort to ensure that our streets and town centres are as safe as possible.

However, crime and anti social behaviour still blights the life of too many local people so its important that we do not become complacent. Whilst it is good news that figures are falling, there is still too much violent crime in the West of Scotland, much of it provoked by alcohol.

I would urge people to remember the dangers that over consumption of alcohol can cause, particularly in young people. It is vital that we continue to work together to support the police in the fight against crime in our local communities.

TANNAHILL TALK

2010 marks the bicentenary of one of Paisley’s best known sons, poet Robert Tannahill. When I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons thirteen years ago I talked about the Weaver Poet and how poverty had forced him to leave the town.

Now several events have been scheduled to commemorate Tannahill, including a lunchtime lecture which is taking place today at Paisley Museum.

If you have a spare hour at lunchtime, why not pop along to the library to find out more?

Local historians Les Fernie and David Rowland will be there to tell Tannahill’s story and shed some light on the personal story behind some of his famous works.

If you are interested to find out more then go along to Paisley Museum today at 12.30pm. The talk is expected to last for around 45 minutes.

There will be lunchtime talks every Wednesday throughout the rest of May and June covering a wide variety of topics, generally with a local slant.

For more information on the topics that will be covered at these lectures, go online to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk