Recently, URsTV found out about a website that appears to be doing just that and it would appear we have hit the big time!  That’s right folks ‘Urs’ truly has been copied!  Not bad for a family run start-up!

After seeking some legal advice, that confirms what we already know, there is very little we can actually do.  The Bottom line?  Lawyers cost money, which we don’t have.

So you’ll be asking, what is this site? what exactly are they copying?

URTV dot co dot uk (We wont be linking to the site for obvious reasons)

Firstly, they seem to have a similar site idea, although their implementation is more YouTube-esque, like our old design had originally intended.  Secondly, their logo & website colouring looks noticeably inspired by our old site design.

Now the thing is, we actually have no problem with any of those.  What we do feel is blatant copying, and done so to cause confusion, is the name.

We registered our name in December 2007, URTV however only registered in April 2010.

URsTV is pronounced as ‘Yours TV‘, hence the tag line

It’s Yours, It’s TV, It’s URsTV

This is an open invitation to Brian Keating of URTV, please change the name of your site.

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The stomping sixth and final release from the SeeSaw series finds GoGoBot declaring their presence to the world.

“We Are Here” will be officially released on the 28th November 2011, in nice time for their gig at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on 2nd December 2011, so mark your calendar’s folks!

Want to know more about GoGoBot?  Well just follow these lovely links :-

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Meeting Marko, Rosie and Gordon at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow was certainly the highlight of my year! The trio were relaxed, friendly and very down-to-earth and happily answered all our questions in detail, their sense of humour slipping in mischievously.  The band took turns describing each of their songs and revealed a little of their own personal feelings behind each piece.

Gogobot’s very first single, “Is This Love” was released in February this year and described by Marko as “… a straight up love song … I wanted to take the perspective of a teenager in love, being confused, not knowing where it goes next…”. “First Class Fool” was the second release in the See Saw Series and Marko explained this song is about growing up and being a witness to domestic abuse and the violence surrounding it; he wanted to explore how two people can be in love and still hurt each other physically and mentally.

In May, their new single “Do You Remember?” was released and Rosie explains it, “… is the most “disco” sounding track of the See-Saw Series…”. “It remembers how music used to be … reminiscing about what music was like before the internet came along … the video for this particular song was shot with Stewart Francis who is a really really very funny guy…”.  “We had a kind of Chat Show theme going on…”.  The next song Rosie explains was “Turn The World Around” which “…was probably about the most serious as we get in this whole series of singles…”. “It is about wanting something better for yourself … and trying to inspire people in that way…”. In the video Gordon put on a fantastic performance as a down-and-out and, according to Rosie he, “should have won an Oscar…”.

The fifth track in the See Saw Series is of course “Survey Says Dance” which Gordon commented, “…. on first listen most people would think it is a straightforward rock/dance type of song but there is an underlying hidden message in the lyrics whereby we are more or less dictated to in terms of what music we listen to… and it would be nice for some radio stations to take a chance and play something a little more different…”.

“We are Here” finishes off the series which is a great way to end as Gordon explained, “this song is really to say we have done a little bit of ground work and here we are…”. “It starts off with a slow tempo but it’s got a really good snaky, rock. almost industrial feel…”. “At gigs we always perform it live on the set so it pretty much seemed to be natural for us to put it last in the See Saw Series as well.”

If you want to see GoGoBot live they will be performing at The Apple Store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow on Thursday 29 September at 7 pm or catch them at King Tut’s in Glasgow on Friday 2 December after 9pm. If you get any pictures or videos send them in to GoGoBot’s Facebook Page and let us know what you think of the band.

URsTV will be publishing the lyrics for all GoGoBot’s songs in the See Saw Series and if you want to buy any of their fantastic songs check out their Official Website.

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Hayleigh Barclay’s smile shines brighter than Blackpool illuminations.  She greets me warmly when we meet at her home in Ayrshire.  I soon discover, she is also articulate, talented and intelligent with a well developed sense of humour and sharp wit.

Underneath the calm and courteous exterior, however, is a feisty 23 year-old honours graduate, campaigner and writer, on a mission to change the mind of airlines.  She wants disabled passengers to be allowed on planes WITH their wheelchairs.

“It started last year” she begins thoughtfully.  “I am a volunteer and campaigner for the muscular dystrophy sub-group called Trailblazers and every now and then we research an issue.  This time we chose tourism and during that research I suddenly discovered many people were having the same trouble as myself, we can’t travel by plane because there is no physical access for wheelchairs.”

The airlines can provide a wheelchair for disabled  passengers, but their attempts to deal with the situation fall a long way short of what Hayleigh feels is acceptable.

“Some airlines provide a small wheelchair to allow people to transfer into a standard airline seat” she explains.  “The wheelchair can also be used to help passengers to the toilet and transfer back, but our main issue is that disabled passengers have to sit in an airline seat throughout the journey instead of being able to sit in their own wheelchairs.”

This, Hayleigh went on to tell me, can cause considerable discomfort and even pain for many wheelchair users. But she remains magnanimous, refuses to target anyone for blame and says she understands that there are rules and regulations and health and safety directives to be adhered to.

She also tells me that she doesn’t believe that in these days of advanced technology and engineering, people could not get their heads together and come up with a solution.

“Not only does it affect the disabled passenger but family and friends of disabled passengers” She tells me candidly.   “I’ve heard stories of families feeling very guilty about the fact that they are able to travel abroad but have to leave their loved ones behind.  Disabled people have to find alternative means of travel…it’s undignified. People have to start saying this is unacceptable, people don’t like to see people being cheated like this so something has to be done.”

Hayleigh, who is preparing to start her masters degree and has an ambition to write and direct films – no one can doubt this young lady certainly has the ability – has the degenerative condition spinal muscular atrophy and is, herself, a wheelchair user.  But she is dismissive of her own situation.

“I don’t know if it matters who I am” she tells me frankly. “It’s about people.  The petition is to encourage not only those with technical expertise, but also disabled passengers and basically anyone who agrees with the campaign to sign and show that they care about the issue, and also to show the need for more funding and research to be undertaken to see if a solution can be found.”

I thank her for her time, and she, in reply, thanks me for playing a role in her student film. I mumble something about blowing my cover, that this interview was supposed to be the first time we’ve met.

“Oh” she says deadpan, before breaking into an infectious laugh.  I left her with the last word.

“Please sign the petition, show you care.”

To sign up for the petition check it out at  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/airlinepetition there is also a link on Hayleigh’s Facebook page.

The phone hacking scandal heads north as the Prime Minister confirmed that the judge-led inquiry would extend to Scotland.

As Parliament was recalled and the Prime Minister opened a debate on the issue, Labour MP Cathy Jamieson quizzed the PM on whether Scotland would be included in the inquiry.

Ms Jamieson said:

“I am pleased that the Prime Minister has confirmed that the inquiry will also extend to Scotland. This is not simply a London issue. The relationship between Government, the media and the police has to be examined in Scotland as well.

“Given that the Scottish Government was consulted on this, they need to come forward and explain how they will be involved and how Scottish police forces will be involved.

“It would also be prudent for the First Minister, in light of the impending inquiry, to publish details of all of the Scottish Government’s and SNP meetings and dealings with News International, so as to set the record straight.” 

In the interests of a balanced approach, URsTV requested a comment/statement from the First Minister and received this reply:-

“As previously indicated, Mr Salmond will be publishing a list of all his meetings with newspaper executives and editors since becoming First Minister, but unlike the Prime Minister will take the time to publish a full and accurate list, which will show that he has met with a very wide range of media organisations.”‪‪‪

Responding to Prime Minister David Cameron’s statement on phone hacking and related issues, and his announcement of the final terms of reference for the judge-led public inquiry announced last week, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:

“While we welcome the judge-led inquiry and hope that it gets to the bottom of some of the appalling revelations of recent weeks, it is deeply disappointing that the Prime Minister has rejected the Scottish Government’s call to specifically include in its terms of reference the findings of the Information Commissioner’s Operation Motorman report of December 2006.

“That report contained evidence of more than 3,000 breaches of data protection law across a range of newspaper titles, and nothing was done despite recommendations for tough action. This inquiry was the ideal opportunity to revisit that issue, which is vital if public confidence in the activities of the press is to be fully restored.

“What is abundantly clear is that this scandal is merely the latest catastrophic failure in a succession of failures by Westminster when it comes to regulation – they have failed to properly regulate themselves, the financial sector and the press. This inquiry must put right the last of these failures.”

So yes the inquiry is heading our way and we suspect this will affect all political parties, press and the Scottish Police Force.  Batten down the hatches and prepare for stormy weather ahead…

Cathy Jamieson MP had been nominated to take up the vacancy on the Culture, Media & Sport Committee created by the untimely death of David Cairns MP. Cathy was heading for Parliament to prepare her questions for Rupert and James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks in connection with the phone hacking allegations which have been all over the national and international press recently.

Today, Cathy was notified that she has been blocked from membership of the Culture Media and Sport Committee following an objection by Tory MP Nick de Bois and she has been given no explanation or valid reason for his objection.

URsTV sent an e-mail and a phone message to Mr de Bois earlier today to his Constituency Office to ask for a statement in connection with this matter. We also contacted his Westminster Office advising we would be publishing an article at 4 pm today. We have received no statement or reply to any of our messages.

In a News Release Cathy said, “Obviously I am very disappointed to no longer be able to join the committee today. The whole notion of the committee seemed not to be about political point-scoring, but rather political parties coming together in an attempt to find the truth.

“For this reason, I find it highly confusing that I would be refused admission onto the committee. I simply have no idea why Nick De Bois, the Tory MP who stood to object to the motion granting me attendance to the committee, blocked the move.

“At the very least, this action requires an explanation from Mr De Bois, as so far, the only response to justify the action has been “tit for tat”. This committee involves highly significant and serious issues, and the objective should be investigating these issues rather than engaging in ‘play-ground’ politics.”

We are all disappointed Cathy Jamieson was not allowed to take our voice and our questions into the Culture Media and Sport Committee and the current investigations into the phone hacking scandal.

Cathy also forwarded a comment to URsTV, ”

” I would like to thank all the constituents who have been in touch with me to express their concern that I was kept off the committee and could not therefore speak on their behalf. I know that many of them also emailed and phoned the office of Mr De Bois, and have had no explanation from him.

The matter will be dealt with again at 7pm tonight in the Commons and I wait with interest to hear his objection laid out in detail”

If you have any questions to put to Mr Nick de Bois please forward them into URsTV and we shall follow up our own investigations into why this was allowed to happen.

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An absolutely fantastic turnout at Rugby Park today as supporters of Breast Way Round congregated just outside the Kilmarnock stadium. So if you were wondering where all those loud horns were coming from now you have your answer.  What an excellent start to their four day tour!

Cathy, ShirleyAnn and Willie

ShirleyAnn Barnes from Kilmarnock gave a short speech to members and supporters alike just before they all headed out to start up the motorbikes of all shapes and sizes.  Police escort bikes were on hand and it was amazing to see how the mass of seemingly confused jumble of bikers make their way out of the stadium car park in smaller organised groups with their own allocated leader.

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Let’s face it. Everyone has been affected by this prevalent disease and we need to work together to fund the research to find a cure.

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It’s amazing to think Macmillan have been around for 100 years!

URsTV will be heading to George Square on Monday to welcome the bikers back and we hope to catch up with ShirleyAnn and the rest of the group then.  So watch out for more exclusive interviews and videos of this amazing event on URsTV.

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The campaign to save Kilwinning Library is not over yet – far from it. At a recent meeting of North Ayrshire Council the decision to close the library was merely deferred for a year. This of course means if the good people of Kilwinning and surrounding areas sincerely wish to keep their library they have to use it to its full potential. So this campaign should increase its momentum and also look for volunteers from far and wide to assist.

Why should other people outwith the Kilwinning area need to be involved with this campaign? Simply put, this is the forerunner to what is happening to small and large communities all over Scotland. We all have to work together.

Stephen King, a librarian in Ayrshire, talks in the above video as he wanted to add his opinion to this campaign and contacted us to shoot a video to put on to URsTV.

So anyone wishing to voice their concerns and support to save local libraries contact URsTV and let your voice be heard.

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Stephen King, Librarian at Kilmarnock Academy, has launched a campaign not only to save his own job but for the other librarians throughout Ayrshire.

If you believe that every school library needs a school librarian, please tell East Ayrshire Council what you think. You can write to:

Ms Fiona Lees, Chief Executive, East Ayrshire Council, Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7BU.

Stephen’s document entitled ‘East Ayrshire’s Secondary School Librarians – A vital cog in the Education System’ is on the next page. This is free to download or forward on to any interested parties.

Stephen has also written an Open Letter on his Facebook Page, a copy of which is also on the next page.

We all understand how local authorities need to make substantial cuts in spending. It is so easy to criticise. Why not make your criticism constructive? Where would you make the budget cuts? How would you save money in the local community?

We need our librarians. We need our libraries. Let your voice be heard.

Contact your local authority or Contact URsTV.

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A fantastic exclusive interview for URsTV – Mr Boyd Tunnock takes a break from baking teacakes and snowballs and gives URsTV a sneak peek behind the scenes. Tunnocks has now been baking in Uddingston for 121 years!

Keep an eye out on the URsTV site for more parts to this interview!

Midge - The Glasgow Lad

Yes, Midge Ure will be performing at The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock on Sunday February 27 February celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Band Aid. 25 Years. Now there’s a scary thought. Has it really been that long ago? I remember the 80′s very clearly and Band Aid has got to be one of the most memorable events which took place in that particular decade. Not bad for a young lad from Glasgow.

25 November 1984. That was the historic date when Midge brought together 36 various musical artists to produce “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” which he co-wrote with Bob Geldof. Band Aid was born. More than 3 million copies sold world-wide which led to Live Aid in the summer of 1985. An amazing £8 million was subsequently raised for the many starving people in Africa and the rest, as they say, is history.

Midge is still a Band Aid Trustee. Not only that, Midge has been working non-stop since that historic event and in April 2009 yet another historic event – Ultravox reformed which led to a 3 week tour of the UK and Ireland!

“Uncovered” is his latest live incarnation.. Combining Midge’s own classic hits with a selection of songs that have been a major influence on him along with a smattering of personal reflections, all done in an acoustic format and being performed in the Palace Theatre in February. I wonder if URsTV would be able to get an exclusive interview? Watch this space!

There is a rumour there are still a few tickets left….

See next page for the official “Uncovered” flyer.

Drive Into 1990 Kilmarnock Part 1

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Drive Into 1990 Kilmarnock Part 2

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Drive Into 1990 Kilmarnock Part 3

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There have been rather a few changes! Can you spot any? Send in your comments and let us know.

Time for a wee bit of fun.  Meet Dexter, he’s my 23 weeks old kitten.  Moira and I thought it would be a bit of fun to have a wee ‘Kitty Caption Contest’ since we both love this picture.  Just simply add your silly captions in the ‘Comments’ section below.

Also we’d love you to send in your silly pet pictures and we’ll show them here on URsTV and have some more fun with captions!

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The recently revamped Kilwinning Town Centre was hosting the very first Farmers Market recently and what a wonderful turn out on the day! The weather started off grey and cloudy but as the crowds got bigger the clouds got smaller and the sun came out. In fact, some of the stall holders were caught off guard at the sheer numbers of people who came to see and buy their produce – they sold out within an hour of the market opening!

Janey Grier asking questions on behalf of Kilwimming Community Council

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Nearby cashline machines were running out of cash but customers somehow found enough cash to keep buying. URsTV caught up with Janey Grier who was asking some of the many visitors to complete a questionnaire on behalf of Kilwinning Community Council.  There is a copy of the questionnaire on the next page if you would like to complete it to have your say.  Please forward the completed form on to Jim Watson, Chairman, Kilwinning Community Council, Kilwinning.  Of course, we had to ask one or two questions and yes, Janey was kind enough to give URsTV an exclusive interview.

URsTV also met up with two friends from our visits to the Kilmarnock Farmers Market, namely Howard Wilkinson of Petrie Fine Foods and Walter Young from Afton Glen Meats.  Yes, you’ve guessed it – two more exclusive interviews for URsTV! Enjoy!

Walter Young from Afton Glen Meats in New Cumnock

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Douglas Reid

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Willie Coffey

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Tom Cook

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Alisdair Hood

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Anne and Howard

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Walter Young

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