The LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS is delighted to have published 100 editions. We thank everyone who has supported this community enterprise throughout the years – from valued advertisers to editorial protagonists. Some people who have featured in LOCAL NEWS pages from time to time, have joined in the celebration and sent messages of congratulations.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Liz Cameron:

‘As Glasgow’s First Citizen, I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding work which makes the LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS such an invaluable resource for communities across the South of our great City.

Since 1997, the LOCAL NEWS has reported on the changing face of your city, with the regeneration of the Clyde and later rebirth of many of our once deprived communities. From the banks of the river which made Glasgow so great, to areas such as Pollok, Castlemik, the Gorbals and Govan, we are witnessing a social, economic and physical renaissance of the city. I sincerely hope the LOCAL NEWS will be able to report on even greater change as we work towards achieving our goal of a Glasgow where all of our citizens can truly flourish.’

Strathclyde Police Chief Superintendent, Robin Howe:

Divisional Commander G Division, Glasgow South and East Renfrewshire, Strathclyde Police.
‘Local papers are an excellent way for police to get their message out to a wide audience. The LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS is a valuable asset to both the police and the community in the Southside of Glasgow. I congratulate the paper on its 100th edition and wish them all the best. I hope that our good relationship will continue to flourish.’

Govan Law Centre:

Govan Law Centre congratulates the LOCAL NEWS on reaching its 100th edition.
As a campaigning organisation, we have been impressed and heartened by your ability to report the news without fear or favour. Whether covering issues such as substandard housing conditions or bad planning decisions which undermine local communities, the LOCAL NEWS has always been a voice for the ordinary Southsider. Long may you continue to provide a valuable service to the people of Glasgow.

Kamran A. Beg Events:

I thank and salute the prodigious community-led effort that Grace Franklin and her dedicated team have catalysed and spearheaded in promoting the LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS, which celebrates the pluralistic and cosmopolitan diversity of the community it serves and which brings together different faith traditions and all sections of the community in a progressive and enterprising way.

Kamran A. Beg Events is a global matrimonial service provider offering an events-based, online and marriage bureau service for Muslim professionals. We are a Manchester-based organisation that witnessed its 100th marriage worldwide earlier this year. We have marketed our community-driven service proposition in the Local News for Southsiders over the past two years or so and have always received a very favourable and encouraging response from the paper’s readership. I am thankful too for the consummate professionalism of the staff.

Candy Munro Chief Executive, The Initiative:

The LOCAL NEWS is an invaluable resource for the communities it covers and I thank you for your support of The INITIATIVE.

NHS – Lothian:

It’s heartening to see a truly local paper survive within an industry where cuts and speed are squeezing out the news people really care about. It’s also nice to see a paper thrive without the need for a huge corporation behind it or where tyranny is a CV requirement.

Glasgow City Councillors who used their BlackBerry Wireless Handheld gizmo included:
Bailie Christine Devine (Glenwood) who thanks the paper for bringing the local news from all the neighbouring areas and for ‘the support that has been given to Castlemilk and its community.’

James Scanlon (Toryglen) on holiday in Turkey, ‘A wonderful achievement. I look forward to the 200th edition.’

Anne Marie Millar (Govanhill) believes the community takes more interest in what is happening in their area when local newspapers keep them informed of events and issues. ‘I also believe it encourages people to read more if they can relate to the printed article. Keep up the good work and I look forward to many, many more editions of the LOCAL NEWS.’

Alex Glass (Nitshill), ‘Any community thrives on knowing what is happening within its area. It is commendable that the Local News has always retained a sense of balance it its many reports over the last nine years. Hopefully, the paper will continue to grow and build on the strengths it has demonstrated so far. Well done to all.’

Bailie John Flanagan (Govan):
The LOCAL NEWS has played a very important role in Govan and the Southside in reporting local news. Never shying away from controversial issues, the paper has been fighting for the betterment of its readers at every turn. In November 2001 your front page read ‘Govanites Take to the Streets Over Closure’ and detailed how 250 people outside the Pearce Institute prevented the trustees from closing the building. That meeting is now local folklore. The Pearce remains a local, community-owned asset. The LOCAL NEWS is an independent voice and supports the community it serves, in the process.

Islamic Relief:
Hearty congratulations on the 100th issue of your paper. It is definitely making a valuable contribution to the Southside community and we hope you continue this great work for a very long time.

Geraldine Cotter, Manager, Money Matters Money Advice Centre, 986-988 Govan Road:

Congrats on all your hard work and dedication over the years. 
Ian Davidson MP:

Congratulations on achieving a significant milestone. An interesting and dynamic local newspaper is a vital part of any community, reporting what is happening and helping to build a sense of shared identity. I look forward to your 1000th edition!
Mr Davidson, having distributed EU surplus cheese, butter and beer to pensioners in the past, has now proposed that the current wine lake should be reduced by a distribution of a case of wine to every pensioner. ‘Each pensioner could get a bottle a week for a year without draining the lake completely. It would be a – stagger – in the right direction,’ said the MP.

Greater Govan Community Forum:
The LOCAL NEWS provides the community with information they might not otherwise get to find out about. Well done everyone involved!