Vaughaun's son in Easterhouse bid

The son of singer Frankie Vaughan has visited the area of Glasgow where his late father made a famous impact on reducing gang violence.

David Sye was in Easterhouse on Friday to hear about attempts to revive community initiatives. In the 1960s, Frankie Vaughan was so appalled by gang violence in the area that he organised a weapons amnesty.

He also helped set up the Easterhouse Project - a community centre designed to get young people off the streets.

Mr Sye said he found out about attempts to revive the Easterhouse Project through a newspaper article:

"I thought this was a great idea and called to offer my support," he said.

"Hopefully by bringing attention to the situation there we can get something done."

The centre also aims to provide links between all ages within the community encouraging communication, support and understanding.

Everything that we have achieved so far has been as a direct result of the dedication and hard work of a small group of people who have given their time and energies for no monetary reward.

Fundraising has now become a major part of our next steps.

Mr Sye said he had visited Glasgow several times with his father.

Now a yoga teacher, he has been involved in international projects aimed at conflict resolution.

BBC Friday, 7 November 2008

Yoga in Easterhouse

“David Sye is as calm and laid back as the sky is quiet and grey over Glasgow’s east end. But inside the 48-year-old is a bundle of energy as colourful as the spray-painted walls of the run-down youth halls. Now he hopes to energise young people with his unique Yoga style and inspire a city to back plans for a new youth centre. David is showing the same drive and appreciation for the Easterhouse neighbourhood as his late father, crooner Frankie Vaughan, did 40 years ago.

   Frankie’s commitment to the area and to convincing youngsters to put down their weapons is still legendary in Glasgow. So when his son recently decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, it was big news. But where Frankie used his singing skills to raise funds for The Easterhouse Project in the 1960s, David will use Yoga to start the ball rolling for the rebuilding of the youth centre.