S T R A T H B U N G oN e W S

October/November 2001

T A L K A C K

B

N e W SS T R A T H B U N G o

The Strathbungo Society welcomes letters of up to 200 words – send them to 38 Queen Square or emailletters@strathbungo.org.uk

Published byThe Strathbungo Society;

Edited bySharon Schweps;

Contributors:Kay Caldwell, Ian Stark

& Gerry Hassan

Design & Layoutby Liz Macdonald.

Send letters & short articlesof general interest to:

38 Queen Square G41 2AZ.Tel: 0141 423 0050

or email news@strathbungo.org.uk

or hand them in at Evergreen’sin Nithsdale Road

The Strathbungo Society Com-mittee meets at 7.30 pm on the3rd Monday of every month,downstairs at the Fotheringay inNithsdale Road. To raise an issue,contact the Secretary TrishaJones, 16 Queen Square, on 4232621, or any member listed here.Or, if you prefer, just turn up inperson.

Strathbungo SocietySub-groups:

• Back Lanes Renovation

Stephen Lamb (423 5263)

• Communications

Sharon Schweps (423 0050)

• Events

Kay Caldwell (423 5746)

• Queens Park / LETS

Joanna Murphy (423 7756)

• Trees Survey

Ian Stark (632 4995)

INSIDe THIS ISSUe . . .FREE STRA’BUNGO!Sir Jeems rides again . . .

SHAPE UP With personal trainer

Carole Livesey . . .

And neither did around 100 Strathbungoand Shawlands residents who gathered atLangside Halls in late August to discusshow communities and officials can worktogether to deal with the graffiti. Themeeting was instigated by MP MohammedSarwar, who says this is one of the issuesmost persistently raised by local house-holders and groups. ‘Graffiti drags thewhole area down, even in Strathbungowhere there is an active pride in localheritage and a real sense of community.The message from the people is clear -catch the culprits and clean up the messon shops in Pollokshaws Road, CalderStreet and Allison Street,’ says Mr Sarwar.MSP Gordon Jackson attended themeeting as did Chief Inspector Kenny Kerr,in charge of Police in and around Strath-bungo. Environmental Protection ManagerJim Kennedy was there from the CityCouncil. Mr Kennedy, recently appointedto lead the clean up of graffiti and litteracross the city, made it clear that Strath-bungo and neighbouring areas in the

Southside would be prioritised overcoming months. Graffiti is either beingpainted over or washed away from localshops and doorways.Larger businesses such as Scottish Powerand BT have service contracts with theCouncil to clean up graffiti, but smallbusinesses in Strathbungo will face nocharge. The Council is also taking a moreaggressive approach to fining businessesthat dump rubbish illegally on pavementsand in back lanes. This is a particularproblem in and around Pollokshaws Road.Chief Inspector Kerr acknowledged thatStrathbungo had not been served well bythe Police, due to the absence throughillness of the local community officer, buta new community officer was set to startsoon (see page 4). He indicated that thepolice will investigate every call to trackdown who is responsible for graffiti in thearea, urging residents not to avoid makinga call because they feel that there aremore serious crimes for the police to dealwith.

Even casual observers will have noticed an increase in graffiti over the summer, often with trademarkmotifs and coded ‘signatures’. Urban art or vandalism? Local traders have no problem answering that one,not when their premises are so often the targets.

Councillor Walter MacLellan adds an interesting footnote.‘The Council is prepared to clean graffiti off private property without charge, both forhouseholders and small businesses, but if your property has been hit, don’t simply waitaround for us to remove it. Oddly enough, unless we’re specifically asked by the owner,it’s just as illegal for us to take graffiti off as it is for others to put it on! You might pointthis out to any local shopkeepers who haven’t yet taken advantage of our free service.’And if someone’s daubed your garden wall or garage door with their artwork, eventhough our lanes are private, it’s also worth a try!

THE WRITING’S OFF THE WALL!Residents and officials unite to wipe out graffiti

What’s in a name?

To the Editor:

Re: Letter from Andrew Downieregarding names of streets inStrathbungo.I remember there being references tonames within my Title Deeds. CarswellGardens was originally named AftonPlace and Thorncliffe Gardens wasoriginally named Thorncliffe Street.Changes took place in 1860s andaround 1927 when the last batch ofhouses were built.

Hope this helps. I’m sure there maysomeone out there with more details.

Paul FlynnThorncliffe Gardens

To the Editor:

Sorry I have no answer to Mr Downie’squery about Marywood Square, butregarding Vennard Gardens, I was toldwhen I came here 35 years ago thatthe builder, Mr Wright, married a MissVennard and the Gardens were namedfor her.

Also the rows of terraced housesbetween Titwood Road/VennardGardens were originally knows asMoray Park and were not part ofStrathbungo.

M MackayVennard Gardens

Thanks for these interesting bits ofinformation about Strathbungo’shistory– any more?-ED

Brand new terrace houses inThorncliffe Gardens around 1930- andnot a car in sight! (Photo courtesy ofMitchell Library.)

It pays (everybody) to advertise

Hi there –

Can you tell me if advertisers in thenewsletter are endorsed by theStrathbungo Society? I’m looking for areputable company to replace mywindows and any info would beappreciated.

Lynn GreerQueen Square

A good point. Where there is aconservation issue at stake – forexample, for windows - we do check tosee whether contractors comply withplanning guidelines for listedbuildings.But no, the StrathbungoSociety cannot endorse any advertisersper se.

We are quite pleased that several ofour advertisers have got work as adirect result of ads placed here, andeven happier to have had very goodreports back from residents who haveused their services.We have not yet hada bad report, but would certainlyinvestigate any complaint before takingmore advertising.

Do mention to local businesses thatyou’ve seen them in the StrathbungoNews – whether as advertisers,contributors to events (see page 5) orboth.Their support is vital if we are tocontinue publishing this newsletter.

We are also considering a bulletinboard for our website on whichresidents can recommend tradespeo-ple. What do you think?– ED.

Calling all web-footed friends

Hi Strathbungo.co.uk,

If you remember I was a ‘Strathbungotourist’ :) staying here occasionally.I have now moved officially toMarywood Square and am keen to getmoving in local online circles. I amworking on a Strathbungo/Southsideversion of my A to Z business directoryand will keep you posted on that. If yourequire any input for the Strathbungosite then please give me a buzz.The real world paper newsletter islooking great.

Tom Burke

http://www.bigspace.net

Thanks, Tom.We’re about to wander offin cyberspace (see page 3) and want allthe help we can get.And BTW, we’reactually an ‘org’, not a ‘co’. Email us atwebsite@strathbungo.org.uk –ED.

Thanks...… to the following localbusinesses who gave prizesfor our tombola at Bungo inthe Back Lanes.

Alims (Newsagents)

Alison Arms

Ashid Monir (Opticians)

Bank of Scotland (VictoriaRoad)

Bridges Dental Practice

Cairnquay Ltd

Camerons Hairdressers

Chilli’n’Cream

Evergreen

Floral Haven

The Fotheringay

Glasgow Land Services

Golden Boat ChineseTakeaway

Hairgarden

J & J Paul (Fine Arts)

John Masterton FamilyButchers

Letslink (Scotland)

Millen Meats Ltd

Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop

The New Anand

Nithsdale Dental Centre

Nithsdale Financial &Communications Services

HC Niven

Paris Balsillie Hairdressers

Pollokshaws Supersave

Pollokshields Newsagents

Queens Park Baptist Church

Safeway (Crossmyloof )

Shah (Newsagents)

Shaheds Kebabs

Strathbungo Post Office

Sue Ryder Foundation

Susies

Victoria Barbers

If we’ve left anybody out, letus know and we’ll makeamends.

Please support Strathbungo’slocal businesses – and do letthem know you appreciatetheir contribution to commu-nity events.

STRATHBUNGO.ORG.UK

Virtually here.

PEN PALSWomen’s Writing Southside . . .

LOOK WHO’S BACK

SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

Building chaos as term starts . . .

DEMOLIION DERBYBalvicar Centre’s gone for good . . .

Mr Jackson will also be co-ordinatingefforts towards securing CCTV cameras forlocal main streets. If demand in the widercommunity reflects the opinion of those atthe meeting, there is a real desire for thisin Strathbungo.Mr Sarwar urged everyone who lives andworks in Strathbungo to take an activestance against graffiti. ‘If you see someonescrawling graffiti, phone the Police on 5325300 or visit the station in Craigie Street. Ifsomeone has defaced your property, callthe Council’s freephone number 0800 595595.It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.’

After the long dry spell duringrenovations, the first pair ofswans returned to Queens Parkpond this autumn.

Women’s Writing Southside, established inPollokshields Library 10 years ago by award-winning author Janet Paisley, has recentlymoved to Strathbungo.

It is said that writing is the loneliest ofprofessions, but this group offerscompanionship and constructive criticism inequal measure when they get together everyTuesday afternoon from 1.30-3.30 pm in theupstairs room at Sammy Dow’s in NithsdaleRoad. Despite the name, members come fromall over and cut right across the gen-erations.[Sorry, fellas – it’s an all-girl outfit. – ED]

‘Some writing groups can be oh-so-veryearnest and dedicated – we tend to be quitelaid back,’ says Fiona McKemmie.Nevertheless, all members are publishedwriters and quite serious about their works-in-progress, which span every genre from poetryand short stories to novels, children’s booksand plays – non-fiction articles, too. ‘It’s aterrific support system that lets writers honetheir skills in an atmosphere of mutual respectand understanding.’ Four times a year theyinvite a well-established author to join them,with the meeting usually taking the form of aworkshop.

If you’re interested in joining or would like toknow more, Fiona has details on 637 4309.

STRATHBUNGO FAMILY RAISE £2,700 FOR KIDNEY RESEARCHAs featured in June’s newsletter, a Strathbungo family have raised a tidy sum for charity. Local artist NancyHenderson auctioned a framed drawing of Moray Place, taking bids first at Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop andthen at our Bungo in the Back Lanes. Meanwhile, husband Patrick Gillies was off cycling betweenBlackpool and Paris in the Tower to Tower Challenge – a return trip of over 1,000 miles. Together, Nancy’spicture and sponsorship for Patrick’s private Tour de France raised in excess of £2,700, all of which wentto the National Kidney Research Fund to prevent and eventually cure kidney disease. Thanks to all whocontributed to that total, and also to friends who helped them collect donations at the Bungo andelsewhere around the city, including Sammy Dow’s.

Demolition began in October on thenone-too-lovely Balvicar Centre alongsideQueens Park.Initially, following an application from JohnDickie Homes for building on the site, objec-tions were lodged from local residents, QueensPark Baptist Church and Cllr Walter MacLellan -these were largely to do with density ofpopulation and appropriateness of a moderndesign within a Victorian neighbourhood – a bitironic, considering the awful 60s architecture itwas replacing. (see below)

Amendments weremade to the originalplans and consentwas granted to builda development of 30luxury flats, whichwill include 100%underground carparking to avoidadding to con-gestion on thestreets.

Work is due to startsoon so, as they say,watch this space … !

GOING, GOING. . .GONE!

THE WRITING FINGER M O V E S

PC Andy Munro, Strathbungo’s newCommunity Cop, wants your help inreviving Neighbourhood Watch.

Strathbungo has a NeighbourhoodWatch scheme in place … or does it?We certainly used to, but it now it’s littlemore than stickers in the windows ofsome of the original members.What happened? Was our scheme too‘organised’? Did it cave in under thepressure of so much structure? Is thereany reason to have a representativefor each street, as well as the overallco-ordinator?Since the resignation of our NWco-ordinator a couple of years ago,nobody’s come forward to take on therole. Would you be willing to give it ago? Since our scheme is officially still onthe books, there’s no need to repeat allthe tiresome groundwork and question-naires. Your main responsibility would beto serve as a point of contact betweenthe Police and the local community.Police tell us that wherever Neighbour-hood Watch schemes are active, crimegoes down. Insurance companies seemto agree as they often offer discounts tohouseholders who live in a NW area. Allresidents have to do in return is keeptheir eyes open and phone the Police ifthey see something suspicious.PC Andy Munro, our new CommunityPolice Officer, stresses that you do nothave to give your name if you report anincident – and actively encourages youto ring, even though it turns out to beperfectly innocent.If we want to get our scheme back upand running, he’s ready to help withfree literature and advice, new windowstickers and street signs, and lots ofvaluable tips on home security andproperty marking.So give us a ring on 423 2621 ifyou’re willing to help revive theStrathbungo scheme – or emailnw@strathbungo.org.uk .

Get ready forHALLOWE’EN!Be you wizard or be you witchThis night will go without a hitch.By narrow streets and cobbled lanesWe’ll chant the spells with Bungo’sweans!

This year our traditional Bungosand Bogles event takes place onthe Sunday before Hallowe’en -and it’s for Strathbungo’s wannabewitches and wizards!

Our School for Spells is a trainingand development opportunity forbudding spellcasters – and greatfun for everyone! It’s a rehearsalfor the big night itself so the kidscan go guising with a brand newrepertoire of stories and poemsspecially designed to chase awaythe demons – and delightresidents on the doorsteps ofStrathbungo!

The party is once again downstairsat the Fotheringay in NithsdaleRoad. The two hour event willfeature a scary story from Wandathe Witch (aka Jan McSkimming)and spooky music by Joe ‘Fingers’McGinley. There will also bedooking for apples and a cauldronof presents so every witch andwizard gets a gift – with prizes forthe best costumes.

Numbers are strictly limited and,following delivery of leaflets toevery household in Strathbungo,tickets went on sale 23 October,first come, first served. If you’venot got yours yet, try 423 7756,but remember, no tickets will besold at the door.

Following three failures in the past seven years, another attemptis being made to upgrade the lanes in the older parts ofStrathbungo. This time, it’s not just the owners who are watchingand hoping for success – it’s Glasgow City Council. The smallstretch of lane being tackled is a pilot project that will be usedthroughout Glasgow by other owners of private lanes –that is, ifit works. IAN STARK reports.

THIRD TIME LUCKY?Ever wonder why doesn’t the Council just get on with it and re-build all the lanes that badly need work? Several reasons:

• the lanes are privately-owned and the Council isn’tallowed to spend taxpayers money on private areas

• to bring all these lanes up to standard would costaround £50 million

• as the lanes would still be private, the owners would becashing in on the millions spent by other taxpayers ontheir behalf

• almost all the other roads and lanes in the city had tobe built up to standard by private owners before theCouncil would look after them. What makes us anydifferent?

So, like it or not, owners are going to have to bear at least partof the cost for upgrading what is, after all, an asset.

Some people rarely use the lanes and, when they do, theymanage to get along them. Rather than spending lots of thehard-earned savings or borrowing loads of money, they ask –why not just leave the lanes to their own devices? Lots ofdifficulties there – but most obviously, the lanes will continue toget worse and worse.

However, most people in Strathbungo’s ‘squares’ do want theirlanes fixed and for the best possible reasons – they want thelanes made attractive and useable. You need only look at ourannual ‘Bungo in the Back Lanes’ to imagine their potential foradding to the amenity of the whole area.

So where are we now? All over Glasgow, councillors appearready to help constituents improve their communities. This is whythey have got together to work out what difficulties the ownershave – first among them, the design and estimating workrequired. This overcomes the need for owners to pay out moneybefore knowing the cost of the project. It also allows owners topursue grants. Once all these factors are known, owners will beable to make an informed decision about committing themselvesto getting the work done.

Strathbungo.org.ukBrief sets out the way for Society’s websiteAt long last, the Strathbungo Society’s getting set to make ourpresence felt on the internet. We’ve prepared a detailed brief forthe design and maintenance of our website and now want to hearfrom anyone who might be interested in taking on the job. Wecan’t offer a commercial contract, but it may be a good opportu-nity to build your portfolio and associate yourself with a dynamiccommunity organisation. To register interest and receive the brief,email website@strathbungo.org.uk .

F O U N T A I N B R I D G E

Stone restorationand masonry repairs.Stonecleaning and

powerwashing.

All work carried out tolocal planning and

conservation guidelines.

38 Queen SquareGlasgow G14 2AZTel: 07711 916 212

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ‘EXTENDED’BY CONSTRUCTION WORKTwo of the secondary schools in Strathbungo’s catchment area have been at thecentre of complaints by parents, pupils and teaching staff after major refurbish-ment programmes failed to be completed in time for the re-opening of theschools in August.Some 1,250 pupils at Shawlands Academywere sent home on the first day, whenteachers claimed the refurbishment had leftthem without time to prepare their class-rooms. Claims in The Herald by DeputeDirector of Education Ian McDonald thatShawlands Academy ‘operated as normal’were refuted by the glee of pupils escapinglessons for most of the first week of term,according to Strathbungo resident JeanMackenzie, who is Chair of the ShawlandsPTA.

Meanwhile, in mid-September, a series ofelectrical explosions led to 2,250 pupils atHolyrood Academy being evacuated.

‘Those are just the most outward signs ofdisruption, says Jean ‘It’s been a catalogueof disasters waiting to happen. On 21August, in a letter to the headteacher foronward transmission to the contractors andthe Director of Education, she listed dozensof concerns, including health and safetyissues (fire-safety, asbestos, broken glass),vandalism, theft of computers, TVs and otherschool equipment, and lack of supervisionof building workers on site. As of mid-October, the PTA was still waiting fora reply.

As winter approached, the PTA was still tryingto organise a meeting with the Director sothat he can explain why the project has not

been better managed as per the promises ofthe public private partnership (PPP). ‘Wewant to know why our children are beingeducated in a building site and whatmeasures the Council is taking to ensure thesafety of the pupils and staff. Unfortunately,this reasonable request has been ignored,and the Council once again shows nointerest in talking to its tax-payers, nevermind being accountable to them,’ says Jean.‘The PTA would like the Health & SafetyExecutive to investigate the circumstances ofthe opening of Shawlands Academy on 20Aug, particularly whether the Council’s ownH&S inspectors were put under tremendouspressure to sign off parts of the refurbishedareas that they might otherwise haverejected.’

Refurbishment at Shawlands and Holyrood isbeing carried out as part of the GlasgowSchool Project, Britain’s largest ever PPP. The£1.2 billion project will see all of Glasgow’s29 secondaries being rebuilt or upgraded,and then maintained for a period of 30 yearsby 3ED, a consortium made up of the MillerGroup, Amey, Halifax, Mitel, Hewlett Packardand Morse. Jean fears that the attitude ofthe Council’s Education Department and the3-ED Consortium bodes ill for the remaining28 years of this contract. ‘If they can’t bebothered to talk to us in the honeymoonperiod, what will it be like in five years?’

WANTEDSTRA’BUNGO MUST BE FREE!This soundbite is not, contrary to rumours, the new battle cry of the StrathbungoSociety. It dates from the 1870s and 1880s, when debate was raging about the expan-sionist moves of Glasgow as it became Scotland’s first city - and the pockets of resist-ance to annexation in areas such as Govan and Patrick.The Bailie was a humorous local journal whichsatirised, among other things, the ‘parasites’who lived outside Glasgow’s boundaries, butenjoyed its services (Some things never change!- Ed.). Now Strathbungo was too small at thetime to have Burgh status, but its villagementality (unlike the cosmopolitan, internation-alist community of today…) was the perfectplat-form for sending up these areas as small-minded and parochial.A regular column had Sir Jeems Kaye – coalmerchant, Colonel of the 1st Royal Stra’bungoFusiliers and Provost of the Burgh - fighting tosave all he loved. For example, giving evidenceto the Boundary Commission on the case for aGreater Glasgow, he was asked:‘What are you noted for?’‘The finest park in Scotland, the Crossmyloofbakery, the only place in the three kingdomswhaur ye will see a baronet sell-ing coals by thehunnerwecht ...’’You don’t wish to be annexed to Glasgow?’’Annexed to Glesca? I should think no. TheGlesca folk come rinnin’ oot tae us loking forhooses. Ye never hear o’ Stra’bungonianswanting tae flitintae Glesca.’The Chairman said, ‘Whatever we do withCrosshill and Govanhill, and all these mushroomburghs ... Stra’bungo must be free.’ ... So weadjourned, an’ that’s the way Stra’bungo wissaved.’Indeed, Sir Jeems, his wife Betty, and a host oflocal worthies who populated his column, hadsome-thing to say on all the popular issues ofthe day. The column was in fact written byArchibald MacMillan, who lived in Strath-bungoand reputedly based his characters on real lifevillagers.This is a story that captures a mythicalStrathbungo at a crucial point in the develop-ment of Glasgow, but some of the issues it

touches upon – for example, the need for a GreaterGlasgow – are still beyond the wit of gov-ernment tothis day. For more information, see the excellentImagine City: Glasgow in Fiction by Moira Burgess,Argyll Publishing £12.99. And thanks to Aileen Smartfor permission to print the Jeems Kaye cartoon fromher equally excellent Villages of Glasgow.

Win a FREE workout with Personal Trainer Carole Livesey!In conjunction with Ryvita and Carole Livesey, the Strathbungo News is offering afree one-to-one personal fitness session worth £30 to the first entry drawn in ourAutumn competition. Just send your name, address and phone number to the Secre-tary, 16 Queen Square, Glasgow G412AZ or email competition@strathbungo.co.uk.

All we ask is that you are 18 years or older, set your appointment with Carole at a mutuallyagreeable time and are willing to share your experiences with our readers in a future edition.Your free session will include an initial consultation so that Carole can build the hour round whatyou like, what you don’t like and what goals you want to achieve. Running, weight training,interval training, fartlek (yes, that’s what she said!) … she will put together a custom workout,perhaps followed by yoga and stretching and some advice on diet and nutrition!Carole, originally from Manchester, has been living in the Strathbungo area for six years. She wasa social worker for 12 years before retraining as a personal fitness expert, including an HNC instress management. Her long-term ambitions include developing opportunities for people withdisabilities to access fitness and leisure centres.Thanks, Carole, for this generous offer.

NOW COME ON, STRATHBUNGO – YOU’VE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR INHIBITIONS!

Any descendents of Sir Jeems out there?Send your proposal and – who knows? – you mayend up with your own column in the StrathbungoNews. – Gerry Hassan.

This magnificent Araucaria araucana (aka monkeypuzzle) graces the corner at Moray Place andVennard Gardens … sadly, it’s older ‘brother’ at thecorner of Regent Park Square has died of old age.

WE TALK TO THE TREES

The tree survey has started!Trainers have been trained,training packs and mapsissued, but none of thevolunteers thought thisexercise was going to bequite so satisfying, pleasantand stimulating.They are collecting detailedbut straightforward data fora baseline study ofStrathbungo’s natural andbuilt environment, whichcan then be used to informcommunity-wide issues inthe future.So far, the most interestingproperty for trees andprobably the best looking is33 Moray Place, where thevery well-shaped ‘monkeypuzzle’ is in great condition.This is complemented by a

nice silver birch and a veryrare tulip tree. On the otherhand, we were surprisedthat one of the trees on our‘patch’ was in poor condi-tion, dying of old age ataround 80 years.The bad news for owners oftrees is that a lot of trees inStrathbungo have sub-standard, unattractiveshapes. This has beencaused by the trees beingtrimmed by people orcompanies who either didn’tknow how to trim them – ordidn’t care. If you areconsidering making altera-tions to your trees, we canhelp with advice on contrac-tors, grants etc. Just ring 6324995.- Ian Stark

PC Andy Munro, Strathbungo’s newCommunity Cop, wants your help inreviving Neighbourhood Watch.

Strathbungo has a NeighbourhoodWatch scheme in place … or does it?We certainly used to, but it now it’s littlemore than stickers in the windows ofsome of the original members.What happened? Was our scheme too‘organised’? Did it cave in under thepressure of so much structure? Is thereany reason to have a representativefor each street, as well as the overallco-ordinator?Since the resignation of our NWco-ordinator a couple of years ago,nobody’s come forward to take on therole. Would you be willing to give it ago? Since our scheme is officially still onthe books, there’s no need to repeat allthe tiresome groundwork and question-naires. Your main responsibility would beto serve as a point of contact betweenthe Police and the local community.Police tell us that wherever Neighbour-hood Watch schemes are active, crimegoes down. Insurance companies seemto agree as they often offer discounts tohouseholders who live in a NW area. Allresidents have to do in return is keeptheir eyes open and phone the Police ifthey see something suspicious.PC Andy Munro, our new CommunityPolice Officer, stresses that you do nothave to give your name if you report anincident – and actively encourages youto ring, even though it turns out to beperfectly innocent.If we want to get our scheme back upand running, he’s ready to help withfree literature and advice, new windowstickers and street signs, and lots ofvaluable tips on home security andproperty marking.So give us a ring on 423 2621 ifyou’re willing to help revive theStrathbungo scheme – or emailnw@strathbungo.org.uk .

Get ready forHALLOWE’EN!Be you wizard or be you witchThis night will go without a hitch.By narrow streets and cobbled lanesWe’ll chant the spells with Bungo’sweans!

This year our traditional Bungosand Bogles event takes place onthe Sunday before Hallowe’en -and it’s for Strathbungo’s wannabewitches and wizards!

Our School for Spells is a trainingand development opportunity forbudding spellcasters – and greatfun for everyone! It’s a rehearsalfor the big night itself so the kidscan go guising with a brand newrepertoire of stories and poemsspecially designed to chase awaythe demons – and delightresidents on the doorsteps ofStrathbungo!

The party is once again downstairsat the Fotheringay in NithsdaleRoad. The two hour event willfeature a scary story from Wandathe Witch (aka Jan McSkimming)and spooky music by Joe ‘Fingers’McGinley. There will also bedooking for apples and a cauldronof presents so every witch andwizard gets a gift – with prizes forthe best costumes.

Numbers are strictly limited and,following delivery of leaflets toevery household in Strathbungo,tickets went on sale 23 October,first come, first served. If you’venot got yours yet, try 423 7756,but remember, no tickets will besold at the door.

Following three failures in the past seven years, another attemptis being made to upgrade the lanes in the older parts ofStrathbungo. This time, it’s not just the owners who are watchingand hoping for success – it’s Glasgow City Council. The smallstretch of lane being tackled is a pilot project that will be usedthroughout Glasgow by other owners of private lanes –that is, ifit works. IAN STARK reports.

THIRD TIME LUCKY?Ever wonder why doesn’t the Council just get on with it and re-build all the lanes that badly need work? Several reasons:

• the lanes are privately-owned and the Council isn’tallowed to spend taxpayers money on private areas

• to bring all these lanes up to standard would costaround £50 million

• as the lanes would still be private, the owners would becashing in on the millions spent by other taxpayers ontheir behalf

• almost all the other roads and lanes in the city had tobe built up to standard by private owners before theCouncil would look after them. What makes us anydifferent?

So, like it or not, owners are going to have to bear at least partof the cost for upgrading what is, after all, an asset.

Some people rarely use the lanes and, when they do, theymanage to get along them. Rather than spending lots of thehard-earned savings or borrowing loads of money, they ask –why not just leave the lanes to their own devices? Lots ofdifficulties there – but most obviously, the lanes will continue toget worse and worse.

However, most people in Strathbungo’s ‘squares’ do want theirlanes fixed and for the best possible reasons – they want thelanes made attractive and useable. You need only look at ourannual ‘Bungo in the Back Lanes’ to imagine their potential foradding to the amenity of the whole area.

So where are we now? All over Glasgow, councillors appearready to help constituents improve their communities. This is whythey have got together to work out what difficulties the ownershave – first among them, the design and estimating workrequired. This overcomes the need for owners to pay out moneybefore knowing the cost of the project. It also allows owners topursue grants. Once all these factors are known, owners will beable to make an informed decision about committing themselvesto getting the work done.

Strathbungo.org.ukBrief sets out the way for Society’s websiteAt long last, the Strathbungo Society’s getting set to make ourpresence felt on the internet. We’ve prepared a detailed brief forthe design and maintenance of our website and now want to hearfrom anyone who might be interested in taking on the job. Wecan’t offer a commercial contract, but it may be a good opportu-nity to build your portfolio and associate yourself with a dynamiccommunity organisation. To register interest and receive the brief,email website@strathbungo.org.uk .

F O U N T A I N B R I D G E

Stone restorationand masonry repairs.Stonecleaning and

powerwashing.

All work carried out tolocal planning and

conservation guidelines.

38 Queen SquareGlasgow G14 2AZTel: 07711 916 212

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ‘EXTENDED’BY CONSTRUCTION WORKTwo of the secondary schools in Strathbungo’s catchment area have been at thecentre of complaints by parents, pupils and teaching staff after major refurbish-ment programmes failed to be completed in time for the re-opening of theschools in August.Some 1,250 pupils at Shawlands Academywere sent home on the first day, whenteachers claimed the refurbishment had leftthem without time to prepare their class-rooms. Claims in The Herald by DeputeDirector of Education Ian McDonald thatShawlands Academy ‘operated as normal’were refuted by the glee of pupils escapinglessons for most of the first week of term,according to Strathbungo resident JeanMackenzie, who is Chair of the ShawlandsPTA.

Meanwhile, in mid-September, a series ofelectrical explosions led to 2,250 pupils atHolyrood Academy being evacuated.

‘Those are just the most outward signs ofdisruption, says Jean ‘It’s been a catalogueof disasters waiting to happen. On 21August, in a letter to the headteacher foronward transmission to the contractors andthe Director of Education, she listed dozensof concerns, including health and safetyissues (fire-safety, asbestos, broken glass),vandalism, theft of computers, TVs and otherschool equipment, and lack of supervisionof building workers on site. As of mid-October, the PTA was still waiting fora reply.

As winter approached, the PTA was still tryingto organise a meeting with the Director sothat he can explain why the project has not

been better managed as per the promises ofthe public private partnership (PPP). ‘Wewant to know why our children are beingeducated in a building site and whatmeasures the Council is taking to ensure thesafety of the pupils and staff. Unfortunately,this reasonable request has been ignored,and the Council once again shows nointerest in talking to its tax-payers, nevermind being accountable to them,’ says Jean.‘The PTA would like the Health & SafetyExecutive to investigate the circumstances ofthe opening of Shawlands Academy on 20Aug, particularly whether the Council’s ownH&S inspectors were put under tremendouspressure to sign off parts of the refurbishedareas that they might otherwise haverejected.’

Refurbishment at Shawlands and Holyrood isbeing carried out as part of the GlasgowSchool Project, Britain’s largest ever PPP. The£1.2 billion project will see all of Glasgow’s29 secondaries being rebuilt or upgraded,and then maintained for a period of 30 yearsby 3ED, a consortium made up of the MillerGroup, Amey, Halifax, Mitel, Hewlett Packardand Morse. Jean fears that the attitude ofthe Council’s Education Department and the3-ED Consortium bodes ill for the remaining28 years of this contract. ‘If they can’t bebothered to talk to us in the honeymoonperiod, what will it be like in five years?’

WANTEDSTRA’BUNGO MUST BE FREE!This soundbite is not, contrary to rumours, the new battle cry of the StrathbungoSociety. It dates from the 1870s and 1880s, when debate was raging about the expan-sionist moves of Glasgow as it became Scotland’s first city - and the pockets of resist-ance to annexation in areas such as Govan and Patrick.The Bailie was a humorous local journal whichsatirised, among other things, the ‘parasites’who lived outside Glasgow’s boundaries, butenjoyed its services (Some things never change!- Ed.). Now Strathbungo was too small at thetime to have Burgh status, but its villagementality (unlike the cosmopolitan, internation-alist community of today…) was the perfectplat-form for sending up these areas as small-minded and parochial.A regular column had Sir Jeems Kaye – coalmerchant, Colonel of the 1st Royal Stra’bungoFusiliers and Provost of the Burgh - fighting tosave all he loved. For example, giving evidenceto the Boundary Commission on the case for aGreater Glasgow, he was asked:‘What are you noted for?’‘The finest park in Scotland, the Crossmyloofbakery, the only place in the three kingdomswhaur ye will see a baronet sell-ing coals by thehunnerwecht ...’’You don’t wish to be annexed to Glasgow?’’Annexed to Glesca? I should think no. TheGlesca folk come rinnin’ oot tae us loking forhooses. Ye never hear o’ Stra’bungonianswanting tae flitintae Glesca.’The Chairman said, ‘Whatever we do withCrosshill and Govanhill, and all these mushroomburghs ... Stra’bungo must be free.’ ... So weadjourned, an’ that’s the way Stra’bungo wissaved.’Indeed, Sir Jeems, his wife Betty, and a host oflocal worthies who populated his column, hadsome-thing to say on all the popular issues ofthe day. The column was in fact written byArchibald MacMillan, who lived in Strath-bungoand reputedly based his characters on real lifevillagers.This is a story that captures a mythicalStrathbungo at a crucial point in the develop-ment of Glasgow, but some of the issues it

touches upon – for example, the need for a GreaterGlasgow – are still beyond the wit of gov-ernment tothis day. For more information, see the excellentImagine City: Glasgow in Fiction by Moira Burgess,Argyll Publishing £12.99. And thanks to Aileen Smartfor permission to print the Jeems Kaye cartoon fromher equally excellent Villages of Glasgow.

Win a FREE workout with Personal Trainer Carole Livesey!In conjunction with Ryvita and Carole Livesey, the Strathbungo News is offering afree one-to-one personal fitness session worth £30 to the first entry drawn in ourAutumn competition. Just send your name, address and phone number to the Secre-tary, 16 Queen Square, Glasgow G412AZ or email competition@strathbungo.co.uk.

All we ask is that you are 18 years or older, set your appointment with Carole at a mutuallyagreeable time and are willing to share your experiences with our readers in a future edition.Your free session will include an initial consultation so that Carole can build the hour round whatyou like, what you don’t like and what goals you want to achieve. Running, weight training,interval training, fartlek (yes, that’s what she said!) … she will put together a custom workout,perhaps followed by yoga and stretching and some advice on diet and nutrition!Carole, originally from Manchester, has been living in the Strathbungo area for six years. She wasa social worker for 12 years before retraining as a personal fitness expert, including an HNC instress management. Her long-term ambitions include developing opportunities for people withdisabilities to access fitness and leisure centres.Thanks, Carole, for this generous offer.

NOW COME ON, STRATHBUNGO – YOU’VE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR INHIBITIONS!

Any descendents of Sir Jeems out there?Send your proposal and – who knows? – you mayend up with your own column in the StrathbungoNews. – Gerry Hassan.

This magnificent Araucaria araucana (aka monkeypuzzle) graces the corner at Moray Place andVennard Gardens … sadly, it’s older ‘brother’ at thecorner of Regent Park Square has died of old age.

WE TALK TO THE TREES

The tree survey has started!Trainers have been trained,training packs and mapsissued, but none of thevolunteers thought thisexercise was going to bequite so satisfying, pleasantand stimulating.They are collecting detailedbut straightforward data fora baseline study ofStrathbungo’s natural andbuilt environment, whichcan then be used to informcommunity-wide issues inthe future.So far, the most interestingproperty for trees andprobably the best looking is33 Moray Place, where thevery well-shaped ‘monkeypuzzle’ is in great condition.This is complemented by a

nice silver birch and a veryrare tulip tree. On the otherhand, we were surprisedthat one of the trees on our‘patch’ was in poor condi-tion, dying of old age ataround 80 years.The bad news for owners oftrees is that a lot of trees inStrathbungo have sub-standard, unattractiveshapes. This has beencaused by the trees beingtrimmed by people orcompanies who either didn’tknow how to trim them – ordidn’t care. If you areconsidering making altera-tions to your trees, we canhelp with advice on contrac-tors, grants etc. Just ring 6324995.- Ian Stark

PC Andy Munro, Strathbungo’s newCommunity Cop, wants your help inreviving Neighbourhood Watch.

Strathbungo has a NeighbourhoodWatch scheme in place … or does it?We certainly used to, but it now it’s littlemore than stickers in the windows ofsome of the original members.What happened? Was our scheme too‘organised’? Did it cave in under thepressure of so much structure? Is thereany reason to have a representativefor each street, as well as the overallco-ordinator?Since the resignation of our NWco-ordinator a couple of years ago,nobody’s come forward to take on therole. Would you be willing to give it ago? Since our scheme is officially still onthe books, there’s no need to repeat allthe tiresome groundwork and question-naires. Your main responsibility would beto serve as a point of contact betweenthe Police and the local community.Police tell us that wherever Neighbour-hood Watch schemes are active, crimegoes down. Insurance companies seemto agree as they often offer discounts tohouseholders who live in a NW area. Allresidents have to do in return is keeptheir eyes open and phone the Police ifthey see something suspicious.PC Andy Munro, our new CommunityPolice Officer, stresses that you do nothave to give your name if you report anincident – and actively encourages youto ring, even though it turns out to beperfectly innocent.If we want to get our scheme back upand running, he’s ready to help withfree literature and advice, new windowstickers and street signs, and lots ofvaluable tips on home security andproperty marking.So give us a ring on 423 2621 ifyou’re willing to help revive theStrathbungo scheme – or emailnw@strathbungo.org.uk .

Get ready forHALLOWE’EN!Be you wizard or be you witchThis night will go without a hitch.By narrow streets and cobbled lanesWe’ll chant the spells with Bungo’sweans!

This year our traditional Bungosand Bogles event takes place onthe Sunday before Hallowe’en -and it’s for Strathbungo’s wannabewitches and wizards!

Our School for Spells is a trainingand development opportunity forbudding spellcasters – and greatfun for everyone! It’s a rehearsalfor the big night itself so the kidscan go guising with a brand newrepertoire of stories and poemsspecially designed to chase awaythe demons – and delightresidents on the doorsteps ofStrathbungo!

The party is once again downstairsat the Fotheringay in NithsdaleRoad. The two hour event willfeature a scary story from Wandathe Witch (aka Jan McSkimming)and spooky music by Joe ‘Fingers’McGinley. There will also bedooking for apples and a cauldronof presents so every witch andwizard gets a gift – with prizes forthe best costumes.

Numbers are strictly limited and,following delivery of leaflets toevery household in Strathbungo,tickets went on sale 23 October,first come, first served. If you’venot got yours yet, try 423 7756,but remember, no tickets will besold at the door.

Following three failures in the past seven years, another attemptis being made to upgrade the lanes in the older parts ofStrathbungo. This time, it’s not just the owners who are watchingand hoping for success – it’s Glasgow City Council. The smallstretch of lane being tackled is a pilot project that will be usedthroughout Glasgow by other owners of private lanes –that is, ifit works. IAN STARK reports.

THIRD TIME LUCKY?Ever wonder why doesn’t the Council just get on with it and re-build all the lanes that badly need work? Several reasons:

• the lanes are privately-owned and the Council isn’tallowed to spend taxpayers money on private areas

• to bring all these lanes up to standard would costaround £50 million

• as the lanes would still be private, the owners would becashing in on the millions spent by other taxpayers ontheir behalf

• almost all the other roads and lanes in the city had tobe built up to standard by private owners before theCouncil would look after them. What makes us anydifferent?

So, like it or not, owners are going to have to bear at least partof the cost for upgrading what is, after all, an asset.

Some people rarely use the lanes and, when they do, theymanage to get along them. Rather than spending lots of thehard-earned savings or borrowing loads of money, they ask –why not just leave the lanes to their own devices? Lots ofdifficulties there – but most obviously, the lanes will continue toget worse and worse.

However, most people in Strathbungo’s ‘squares’ do want theirlanes fixed and for the best possible reasons – they want thelanes made attractive and useable. You need only look at ourannual ‘Bungo in the Back Lanes’ to imagine their potential foradding to the amenity of the whole area.

So where are we now? All over Glasgow, councillors appearready to help constituents improve their communities. This is whythey have got together to work out what difficulties the ownershave – first among them, the design and estimating workrequired. This overcomes the need for owners to pay out moneybefore knowing the cost of the project. It also allows owners topursue grants. Once all these factors are known, owners will beable to make an informed decision about committing themselvesto getting the work done.

Strathbungo.org.ukBrief sets out the way for Society’s websiteAt long last, the Strathbungo Society’s getting set to make ourpresence felt on the internet. We’ve prepared a detailed brief forthe design and maintenance of our website and now want to hearfrom anyone who might be interested in taking on the job. Wecan’t offer a commercial contract, but it may be a good opportu-nity to build your portfolio and associate yourself with a dynamiccommunity organisation. To register interest and receive the brief,email website@strathbungo.org.uk .

F O U N T A I N B R I D G E

Stone restorationand masonry repairs.Stonecleaning and

powerwashing.

All work carried out tolocal planning and

conservation guidelines.

38 Queen SquareGlasgow G14 2AZTel: 07711 916 212

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ‘EXTENDED’BY CONSTRUCTION WORKTwo of the secondary schools in Strathbungo’s catchment area have been at thecentre of complaints by parents, pupils and teaching staff after major refurbish-ment programmes failed to be completed in time for the re-opening of theschools in August.Some 1,250 pupils at Shawlands Academywere sent home on the first day, whenteachers claimed the refurbishment had leftthem without time to prepare their class-rooms. Claims in The Herald by DeputeDirector of Education Ian McDonald thatShawlands Academy ‘operated as normal’were refuted by the glee of pupils escapinglessons for most of the first week of term,according to Strathbungo resident JeanMackenzie, who is Chair of the ShawlandsPTA.

Meanwhile, in mid-September, a series ofelectrical explosions led to 2,250 pupils atHolyrood Academy being evacuated.

‘Those are just the most outward signs ofdisruption, says Jean ‘It’s been a catalogueof disasters waiting to happen. On 21August, in a letter to the headteacher foronward transmission to the contractors andthe Director of Education, she listed dozensof concerns, including health and safetyissues (fire-safety, asbestos, broken glass),vandalism, theft of computers, TVs and otherschool equipment, and lack of supervisionof building workers on site. As of mid-October, the PTA was still waiting fora reply.

As winter approached, the PTA was still tryingto organise a meeting with the Director sothat he can explain why the project has not

been better managed as per the promises ofthe public private partnership (PPP). ‘Wewant to know why our children are beingeducated in a building site and whatmeasures the Council is taking to ensure thesafety of the pupils and staff. Unfortunately,this reasonable request has been ignored,and the Council once again shows nointerest in talking to its tax-payers, nevermind being accountable to them,’ says Jean.‘The PTA would like the Health & SafetyExecutive to investigate the circumstances ofthe opening of Shawlands Academy on 20Aug, particularly whether the Council’s ownH&S inspectors were put under tremendouspressure to sign off parts of the refurbishedareas that they might otherwise haverejected.’

Refurbishment at Shawlands and Holyrood isbeing carried out as part of the GlasgowSchool Project, Britain’s largest ever PPP. The£1.2 billion project will see all of Glasgow’s29 secondaries being rebuilt or upgraded,and then maintained for a period of 30 yearsby 3ED, a consortium made up of the MillerGroup, Amey, Halifax, Mitel, Hewlett Packardand Morse. Jean fears that the attitude ofthe Council’s Education Department and the3-ED Consortium bodes ill for the remaining28 years of this contract. ‘If they can’t bebothered to talk to us in the honeymoonperiod, what will it be like in five years?’

WANTEDSTRA’BUNGO MUST BE FREE!This soundbite is not, contrary to rumours, the new battle cry of the StrathbungoSociety. It dates from the 1870s and 1880s, when debate was raging about the expan-sionist moves of Glasgow as it became Scotland’s first city - and the pockets of resist-ance to annexation in areas such as Govan and Patrick.The Bailie was a humorous local journal whichsatirised, among other things, the ‘parasites’who lived outside Glasgow’s boundaries, butenjoyed its services (Some things never change!- Ed.). Now Strathbungo was too small at thetime to have Burgh status, but its villagementality (unlike the cosmopolitan, internation-alist community of today…) was the perfectplat-form for sending up these areas as small-minded and parochial.A regular column had Sir Jeems Kaye – coalmerchant, Colonel of the 1st Royal Stra’bungoFusiliers and Provost of the Burgh - fighting tosave all he loved. For example, giving evidenceto the Boundary Commission on the case for aGreater Glasgow, he was asked:‘What are you noted for?’‘The finest park in Scotland, the Crossmyloofbakery, the only place in the three kingdomswhaur ye will see a baronet sell-ing coals by thehunnerwecht ...’’You don’t wish to be annexed to Glasgow?’’Annexed to Glesca? I should think no. TheGlesca folk come rinnin’ oot tae us loking forhooses. Ye never hear o’ Stra’bungonianswanting tae flitintae Glesca.’The Chairman said, ‘Whatever we do withCrosshill and Govanhill, and all these mushroomburghs ... Stra’bungo must be free.’ ... So weadjourned, an’ that’s the way Stra’bungo wissaved.’Indeed, Sir Jeems, his wife Betty, and a host oflocal worthies who populated his column, hadsome-thing to say on all the popular issues ofthe day. The column was in fact written byArchibald MacMillan, who lived in Strath-bungoand reputedly based his characters on real lifevillagers.This is a story that captures a mythicalStrathbungo at a crucial point in the develop-ment of Glasgow, but some of the issues it

touches upon – for example, the need for a GreaterGlasgow – are still beyond the wit of gov-ernment tothis day. For more information, see the excellentImagine City: Glasgow in Fiction by Moira Burgess,Argyll Publishing £12.99. And thanks to Aileen Smartfor permission to print the Jeems Kaye cartoon fromher equally excellent Villages of Glasgow.

Win a FREE workout with Personal Trainer Carole Livesey!In conjunction with Ryvita and Carole Livesey, the Strathbungo News is offering afree one-to-one personal fitness session worth £30 to the first entry drawn in ourAutumn competition. Just send your name, address and phone number to the Secre-tary, 16 Queen Square, Glasgow G412AZ or email competition@strathbungo.co.uk.

All we ask is that you are 18 years or older, set your appointment with Carole at a mutuallyagreeable time and are willing to share your experiences with our readers in a future edition.Your free session will include an initial consultation so that Carole can build the hour round whatyou like, what you don’t like and what goals you want to achieve. Running, weight training,interval training, fartlek (yes, that’s what she said!) … she will put together a custom workout,perhaps followed by yoga and stretching and some advice on diet and nutrition!Carole, originally from Manchester, has been living in the Strathbungo area for six years. She wasa social worker for 12 years before retraining as a personal fitness expert, including an HNC instress management. Her long-term ambitions include developing opportunities for people withdisabilities to access fitness and leisure centres.Thanks, Carole, for this generous offer.

NOW COME ON, STRATHBUNGO – YOU’VE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR INHIBITIONS!

Any descendents of Sir Jeems out there?Send your proposal and – who knows? – you mayend up with your own column in the StrathbungoNews. – Gerry Hassan.

This magnificent Araucaria araucana (aka monkeypuzzle) graces the corner at Moray Place andVennard Gardens … sadly, it’s older ‘brother’ at thecorner of Regent Park Square has died of old age.

WE TALK TO THE TREES

The tree survey has started!Trainers have been trained,training packs and mapsissued, but none of thevolunteers thought thisexercise was going to bequite so satisfying, pleasantand stimulating.They are collecting detailedbut straightforward data fora baseline study ofStrathbungo’s natural andbuilt environment, whichcan then be used to informcommunity-wide issues inthe future.So far, the most interestingproperty for trees andprobably the best looking is33 Moray Place, where thevery well-shaped ‘monkeypuzzle’ is in great condition.This is complemented by a

nice silver birch and a veryrare tulip tree. On the otherhand, we were surprisedthat one of the trees on our‘patch’ was in poor condi-tion, dying of old age ataround 80 years.The bad news for owners oftrees is that a lot of trees inStrathbungo have sub-standard, unattractiveshapes. This has beencaused by the trees beingtrimmed by people orcompanies who either didn’tknow how to trim them – ordidn’t care. If you areconsidering making altera-tions to your trees, we canhelp with advice on contrac-tors, grants etc. Just ring 6324995.- Ian Stark

S T R A T H B U N G oN e W S

October/November 2001

T A L K A C K

B

N e W SS T R A T H B U N G o

The Strathbungo Society welcomes letters of up to 200 words – send them to 38 Queen Square or emailletters@strathbungo.org.uk

Published byThe Strathbungo Society;

Edited bySharon Schweps;

Contributors:Kay Caldwell, Ian Stark

& Gerry Hassan

Design & Layoutby Liz Macdonald.

Send letters & short articlesof general interest to:

38 Queen Square G41 2AZ.Tel: 0141 423 0050

or email news@strathbungo.org.uk

or hand them in at Evergreen’sin Nithsdale Road

The Strathbungo Society Com-mittee meets at 7.30 pm on the3rd Monday of every month,downstairs at the Fotheringay inNithsdale Road. To raise an issue,contact the Secretary TrishaJones, 16 Queen Square, on 4232621, or any member listed here.Or, if you prefer, just turn up inperson.

Strathbungo SocietySub-groups:

• Back Lanes Renovation

Stephen Lamb (423 5263)

• Communications

Sharon Schweps (423 0050)

• Events

Kay Caldwell (423 5746)

• Queens Park / LETS

Joanna Murphy (423 7756)

• Trees Survey

Ian Stark (632 4995)

INSIDe THIS ISSUe . . .FREE STRA’BUNGO!Sir Jeems rides again . . .

SHAPE UP With personal trainer

Carole Livesey . . .

And neither did around 100 Strathbungoand Shawlands residents who gathered atLangside Halls in late August to discusshow communities and officials can worktogether to deal with the graffiti. Themeeting was instigated by MP MohammedSarwar, who says this is one of the issuesmost persistently raised by local house-holders and groups. ‘Graffiti drags thewhole area down, even in Strathbungowhere there is an active pride in localheritage and a real sense of community.The message from the people is clear -catch the culprits and clean up the messon shops in Pollokshaws Road, CalderStreet and Allison Street,’ says Mr Sarwar.MSP Gordon Jackson attended themeeting as did Chief Inspector Kenny Kerr,in charge of Police in and around Strath-bungo. Environmental Protection ManagerJim Kennedy was there from the CityCouncil. Mr Kennedy, recently appointedto lead the clean up of graffiti and litteracross the city, made it clear that Strath-bungo and neighbouring areas in the

Southside would be prioritised overcoming months. Graffiti is either beingpainted over or washed away from localshops and doorways.Larger businesses such as Scottish Powerand BT have service contracts with theCouncil to clean up graffiti, but smallbusinesses in Strathbungo will face nocharge. The Council is also taking a moreaggressive approach to fining businessesthat dump rubbish illegally on pavementsand in back lanes. This is a particularproblem in and around Pollokshaws Road.Chief Inspector Kerr acknowledged thatStrathbungo had not been served well bythe Police, due to the absence throughillness of the local community officer, buta new community officer was set to startsoon (see page 4). He indicated that thepolice will investigate every call to trackdown who is responsible for graffiti in thearea, urging residents not to avoid makinga call because they feel that there aremore serious crimes for the police to dealwith.

Even casual observers will have noticed an increase in graffiti over the summer, often with trademarkmotifs and coded ‘signatures’. Urban art or vandalism? Local traders have no problem answering that one,not when their premises are so often the targets.

Councillor Walter MacLellan adds an interesting footnote.‘The Council is prepared to clean graffiti off private property without charge, both forhouseholders and small businesses, but if your property has been hit, don’t simply waitaround for us to remove it. Oddly enough, unless we’re specifically asked by the owner,it’s just as illegal for us to take graffiti off as it is for others to put it on! You might pointthis out to any local shopkeepers who haven’t yet taken advantage of our free service.’And if someone’s daubed your garden wall or garage door with their artwork, eventhough our lanes are private, it’s also worth a try!

THE WRITING’S OFF THE WALL!Residents and officials unite to wipe out graffiti

What’s in a name?

To the Editor:

Re: Letter from Andrew Downieregarding names of streets inStrathbungo.I remember there being references tonames within my Title Deeds. CarswellGardens was originally named AftonPlace and Thorncliffe Gardens wasoriginally named Thorncliffe Street.Changes took place in 1860s andaround 1927 when the last batch ofhouses were built.

Hope this helps. I’m sure there maysomeone out there with more details.

Paul FlynnThorncliffe Gardens

To the Editor:

Sorry I have no answer to Mr Downie’squery about Marywood Square, butregarding Vennard Gardens, I was toldwhen I came here 35 years ago thatthe builder, Mr Wright, married a MissVennard and the Gardens were namedfor her.

Also the rows of terraced housesbetween Titwood Road/VennardGardens were originally knows asMoray Park and were not part ofStrathbungo.

M MackayVennard Gardens

Thanks for these interesting bits ofinformation about Strathbungo’shistory– any more?-ED

Brand new terrace houses inThorncliffe Gardens around 1930- andnot a car in sight! (Photo courtesy ofMitchell Library.)

It pays (everybody) to advertise

Hi there –

Can you tell me if advertisers in thenewsletter are endorsed by theStrathbungo Society? I’m looking for areputable company to replace mywindows and any info would beappreciated.

Lynn GreerQueen Square

A good point. Where there is aconservation issue at stake – forexample, for windows - we do check tosee whether contractors comply withplanning guidelines for listedbuildings.But no, the StrathbungoSociety cannot endorse any advertisersper se.

We are quite pleased that several ofour advertisers have got work as adirect result of ads placed here, andeven happier to have had very goodreports back from residents who haveused their services.We have not yet hada bad report, but would certainlyinvestigate any complaint before takingmore advertising.

Do mention to local businesses thatyou’ve seen them in the StrathbungoNews – whether as advertisers,contributors to events (see page 5) orboth.Their support is vital if we are tocontinue publishing this newsletter.

We are also considering a bulletinboard for our website on whichresidents can recommend tradespeo-ple. What do you think?– ED.

Calling all web-footed friends

Hi Strathbungo.co.uk,

If you remember I was a ‘Strathbungotourist’ :) staying here occasionally.I have now moved officially toMarywood Square and am keen to getmoving in local online circles. I amworking on a Strathbungo/Southsideversion of my A to Z business directoryand will keep you posted on that. If yourequire any input for the Strathbungosite then please give me a buzz.The real world paper newsletter islooking great.

Tom Burke

http://www.bigspace.net

Thanks, Tom.We’re about to wander offin cyberspace (see page 3) and want allthe help we can get.And BTW, we’reactually an ‘org’, not a ‘co’. Email us atwebsite@strathbungo.org.uk –ED.

Thanks...… to the following localbusinesses who gave prizesfor our tombola at Bungo inthe Back Lanes.

Alims (Newsagents)

Alison Arms

Ashid Monir (Opticians)

Bank of Scotland (VictoriaRoad)

Bridges Dental Practice

Cairnquay Ltd

Camerons Hairdressers

Chilli’n’Cream

Evergreen

Floral Haven

The Fotheringay

Glasgow Land Services

Golden Boat ChineseTakeaway

Hairgarden

J & J Paul (Fine Arts)

John Masterton FamilyButchers

Letslink (Scotland)

Millen Meats Ltd

Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop

The New Anand

Nithsdale Dental Centre

Nithsdale Financial &Communications Services

HC Niven

Paris Balsillie Hairdressers

Pollokshaws Supersave

Pollokshields Newsagents

Queens Park Baptist Church

Safeway (Crossmyloof )

Shah (Newsagents)

Shaheds Kebabs

Strathbungo Post Office

Sue Ryder Foundation

Susies

Victoria Barbers

If we’ve left anybody out, letus know and we’ll makeamends.

Please support Strathbungo’slocal businesses – and do letthem know you appreciatetheir contribution to commu-nity events.

STRATHBUNGO.ORG.UK

Virtually here.

PEN PALSWomen’s Writing Southside . . .

LOOK WHO’S BACK

SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

Building chaos as term starts . . .

DEMOLIION DERBYBalvicar Centre’s gone for good . . .

Mr Jackson will also be co-ordinatingefforts towards securing CCTV cameras forlocal main streets. If demand in the widercommunity reflects the opinion of those atthe meeting, there is a real desire for thisin Strathbungo.Mr Sarwar urged everyone who lives andworks in Strathbungo to take an activestance against graffiti. ‘If you see someonescrawling graffiti, phone the Police on 5325300 or visit the station in Craigie Street. Ifsomeone has defaced your property, callthe Council’s freephone number 0800 595595.It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.’

After the long dry spell duringrenovations, the first pair ofswans returned to Queens Parkpond this autumn.

Women’s Writing Southside, established inPollokshields Library 10 years ago by award-winning author Janet Paisley, has recentlymoved to Strathbungo.

It is said that writing is the loneliest ofprofessions, but this group offerscompanionship and constructive criticism inequal measure when they get together everyTuesday afternoon from 1.30-3.30 pm in theupstairs room at Sammy Dow’s in NithsdaleRoad. Despite the name, members come fromall over and cut right across the gen-erations.[Sorry, fellas – it’s an all-girl outfit. – ED]

‘Some writing groups can be oh-so-veryearnest and dedicated – we tend to be quitelaid back,’ says Fiona McKemmie.Nevertheless, all members are publishedwriters and quite serious about their works-in-progress, which span every genre from poetryand short stories to novels, children’s booksand plays – non-fiction articles, too. ‘It’s aterrific support system that lets writers honetheir skills in an atmosphere of mutual respectand understanding.’ Four times a year theyinvite a well-established author to join them,with the meeting usually taking the form of aworkshop.

If you’re interested in joining or would like toknow more, Fiona has details on 637 4309.

STRATHBUNGO FAMILY RAISE £2,700 FOR KIDNEY RESEARCHAs featured in June’s newsletter, a Strathbungo family have raised a tidy sum for charity. Local artist NancyHenderson auctioned a framed drawing of Moray Place, taking bids first at Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop andthen at our Bungo in the Back Lanes. Meanwhile, husband Patrick Gillies was off cycling betweenBlackpool and Paris in the Tower to Tower Challenge – a return trip of over 1,000 miles. Together, Nancy’spicture and sponsorship for Patrick’s private Tour de France raised in excess of £2,700, all of which wentto the National Kidney Research Fund to prevent and eventually cure kidney disease. Thanks to all whocontributed to that total, and also to friends who helped them collect donations at the Bungo andelsewhere around the city, including Sammy Dow’s.

Demolition began in October on thenone-too-lovely Balvicar Centre alongsideQueens Park.Initially, following an application from JohnDickie Homes for building on the site, objec-tions were lodged from local residents, QueensPark Baptist Church and Cllr Walter MacLellan -these were largely to do with density ofpopulation and appropriateness of a moderndesign within a Victorian neighbourhood – a bitironic, considering the awful 60s architecture itwas replacing. (see below)

Amendments weremade to the originalplans and consentwas granted to builda development of 30luxury flats, whichwill include 100%underground carparking to avoidadding to con-gestion on thestreets.

Work is due to startsoon so, as they say,watch this space … !

GOING, GOING. . .GONE!

THE WRITING FINGER M O V E S

S T R A T H B U N G oN e W S

October/November 2001

T A L K A C K

B

N e W SS T R A T H B U N G o

The Strathbungo Society welcomes letters of up to 200 words – send them to 38 Queen Square or emailletters@strathbungo.org.uk

Published byThe Strathbungo Society;

Edited bySharon Schweps;

Contributors:Kay Caldwell, Ian Stark

& Gerry Hassan

Design & Layoutby Liz Macdonald.

Send letters & short articlesof general interest to:

38 Queen Square G41 2AZ.Tel: 0141 423 0050

or email news@strathbungo.org.uk

or hand them in at Evergreen’sin Nithsdale Road

The Strathbungo Society Com-mittee meets at 7.30 pm on the3rd Monday of every month,downstairs at the Fotheringay inNithsdale Road. To raise an issue,contact the Secretary TrishaJones, 16 Queen Square, on 4232621, or any member listed here.Or, if you prefer, just turn up inperson.

Strathbungo SocietySub-groups:

• Back Lanes Renovation

Stephen Lamb (423 5263)

• Communications

Sharon Schweps (423 0050)

• Events

Kay Caldwell (423 5746)

• Queens Park / LETS

Joanna Murphy (423 7756)

• Trees Survey

Ian Stark (632 4995)

INSIDe THIS ISSUe . . .FREE STRA’BUNGO!Sir Jeems rides again . . .

SHAPE UP With personal trainer

Carole Livesey . . .

And neither did around 100 Strathbungoand Shawlands residents who gathered atLangside Halls in late August to discusshow communities and officials can worktogether to deal with the graffiti. Themeeting was instigated by MP MohammedSarwar, who says this is one of the issuesmost persistently raised by local house-holders and groups. ‘Graffiti drags thewhole area down, even in Strathbungowhere there is an active pride in localheritage and a real sense of community.The message from the people is clear -catch the culprits and clean up the messon shops in Pollokshaws Road, CalderStreet and Allison Street,’ says Mr Sarwar.MSP Gordon Jackson attended themeeting as did Chief Inspector Kenny Kerr,in charge of Police in and around Strath-bungo. Environmental Protection ManagerJim Kennedy was there from the CityCouncil. Mr Kennedy, recently appointedto lead the clean up of graffiti and litteracross the city, made it clear that Strath-bungo and neighbouring areas in the

Southside would be prioritised overcoming months. Graffiti is either beingpainted over or washed away from localshops and doorways.Larger businesses such as Scottish Powerand BT have service contracts with theCouncil to clean up graffiti, but smallbusinesses in Strathbungo will face nocharge. The Council is also taking a moreaggressive approach to fining businessesthat dump rubbish illegally on pavementsand in back lanes. This is a particularproblem in and around Pollokshaws Road.Chief Inspector Kerr acknowledged thatStrathbungo had not been served well bythe Police, due to the absence throughillness of the local community officer, buta new community officer was set to startsoon (see page 4). He indicated that thepolice will investigate every call to trackdown who is responsible for graffiti in thearea, urging residents not to avoid makinga call because they feel that there aremore serious crimes for the police to dealwith.

Even casual observers will have noticed an increase in graffiti over the summer, often with trademarkmotifs and coded ‘signatures’. Urban art or vandalism? Local traders have no problem answering that one,not when their premises are so often the targets.

Councillor Walter MacLellan adds an interesting footnote.‘The Council is prepared to clean graffiti off private property without charge, both forhouseholders and small businesses, but if your property has been hit, don’t simply waitaround for us to remove it. Oddly enough, unless we’re specifically asked by the owner,it’s just as illegal for us to take graffiti off as it is for others to put it on! You might pointthis out to any local shopkeepers who haven’t yet taken advantage of our free service.’And if someone’s daubed your garden wall or garage door with their artwork, eventhough our lanes are private, it’s also worth a try!

THE WRITING’S OFF THE WALL!Residents and officials unite to wipe out graffiti

What’s in a name?

To the Editor:

Re: Letter from Andrew Downieregarding names of streets inStrathbungo.I remember there being references tonames within my Title Deeds. CarswellGardens was originally named AftonPlace and Thorncliffe Gardens wasoriginally named Thorncliffe Street.Changes took place in 1860s andaround 1927 when the last batch ofhouses were built.

Hope this helps. I’m sure there maysomeone out there with more details.

Paul FlynnThorncliffe Gardens

To the Editor:

Sorry I have no answer to Mr Downie’squery about Marywood Square, butregarding Vennard Gardens, I was toldwhen I came here 35 years ago thatthe builder, Mr Wright, married a MissVennard and the Gardens were namedfor her.

Also the rows of terraced housesbetween Titwood Road/VennardGardens were originally knows asMoray Park and were not part ofStrathbungo.

M MackayVennard Gardens

Thanks for these interesting bits ofinformation about Strathbungo’shistory– any more?-ED

Brand new terrace houses inThorncliffe Gardens around 1930- andnot a car in sight! (Photo courtesy ofMitchell Library.)

It pays (everybody) to advertise

Hi there –

Can you tell me if advertisers in thenewsletter are endorsed by theStrathbungo Society? I’m looking for areputable company to replace mywindows and any info would beappreciated.

Lynn GreerQueen Square

A good point. Where there is aconservation issue at stake – forexample, for windows - we do check tosee whether contractors comply withplanning guidelines for listedbuildings.But no, the StrathbungoSociety cannot endorse any advertisersper se.

We are quite pleased that several ofour advertisers have got work as adirect result of ads placed here, andeven happier to have had very goodreports back from residents who haveused their services.We have not yet hada bad report, but would certainlyinvestigate any complaint before takingmore advertising.

Do mention to local businesses thatyou’ve seen them in the StrathbungoNews – whether as advertisers,contributors to events (see page 5) orboth.Their support is vital if we are tocontinue publishing this newsletter.

We are also considering a bulletinboard for our website on whichresidents can recommend tradespeo-ple. What do you think?– ED.

Calling all web-footed friends

Hi Strathbungo.co.uk,

If you remember I was a ‘Strathbungotourist’ :) staying here occasionally.I have now moved officially toMarywood Square and am keen to getmoving in local online circles. I amworking on a Strathbungo/Southsideversion of my A to Z business directoryand will keep you posted on that. If yourequire any input for the Strathbungosite then please give me a buzz.The real world paper newsletter islooking great.

Tom Burke

http://www.bigspace.net

Thanks, Tom.We’re about to wander offin cyberspace (see page 3) and want allthe help we can get.And BTW, we’reactually an ‘org’, not a ‘co’. Email us atwebsite@strathbungo.org.uk –ED.

Thanks...… to the following localbusinesses who gave prizesfor our tombola at Bungo inthe Back Lanes.

Alims (Newsagents)

Alison Arms

Ashid Monir (Opticians)

Bank of Scotland (VictoriaRoad)

Bridges Dental Practice

Cairnquay Ltd

Camerons Hairdressers

Chilli’n’Cream

Evergreen

Floral Haven

The Fotheringay

Glasgow Land Services

Golden Boat ChineseTakeaway

Hairgarden

J & J Paul (Fine Arts)

John Masterton FamilyButchers

Letslink (Scotland)

Millen Meats Ltd

Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop

The New Anand

Nithsdale Dental Centre

Nithsdale Financial &Communications Services

HC Niven

Paris Balsillie Hairdressers

Pollokshaws Supersave

Pollokshields Newsagents

Queens Park Baptist Church

Safeway (Crossmyloof )

Shah (Newsagents)

Shaheds Kebabs

Strathbungo Post Office

Sue Ryder Foundation

Susies

Victoria Barbers

If we’ve left anybody out, letus know and we’ll makeamends.

Please support Strathbungo’slocal businesses – and do letthem know you appreciatetheir contribution to commu-nity events.

STRATHBUNGO.ORG.UK

Virtually here.

PEN PALSWomen’s Writing Southside . . .

LOOK WHO’S BACK

SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

Building chaos as term starts . . .

DEMOLIION DERBYBalvicar Centre’s gone for good . . .

Mr Jackson will also be co-ordinatingefforts towards securing CCTV cameras forlocal main streets. If demand in the widercommunity reflects the opinion of those atthe meeting, there is a real desire for thisin Strathbungo.Mr Sarwar urged everyone who lives andworks in Strathbungo to take an activestance against graffiti. ‘If you see someonescrawling graffiti, phone the Police on 5325300 or visit the station in Craigie Street. Ifsomeone has defaced your property, callthe Council’s freephone number 0800 595595.It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.’

After the long dry spell duringrenovations, the first pair ofswans returned to Queens Parkpond this autumn.

Women’s Writing Southside, established inPollokshields Library 10 years ago by award-winning author Janet Paisley, has recentlymoved to Strathbungo.

It is said that writing is the loneliest ofprofessions, but this group offerscompanionship and constructive criticism inequal measure when they get together everyTuesday afternoon from 1.30-3.30 pm in theupstairs room at Sammy Dow’s in NithsdaleRoad. Despite the name, members come fromall over and cut right across the gen-erations.[Sorry, fellas – it’s an all-girl outfit. – ED]

‘Some writing groups can be oh-so-veryearnest and dedicated – we tend to be quitelaid back,’ says Fiona McKemmie.Nevertheless, all members are publishedwriters and quite serious about their works-in-progress, which span every genre from poetryand short stories to novels, children’s booksand plays – non-fiction articles, too. ‘It’s aterrific support system that lets writers honetheir skills in an atmosphere of mutual respectand understanding.’ Four times a year theyinvite a well-established author to join them,with the meeting usually taking the form of aworkshop.

If you’re interested in joining or would like toknow more, Fiona has details on 637 4309.

STRATHBUNGO FAMILY RAISE £2,700 FOR KIDNEY RESEARCHAs featured in June’s newsletter, a Strathbungo family have raised a tidy sum for charity. Local artist NancyHenderson auctioned a framed drawing of Moray Place, taking bids first at Moyra Jane’s Coffee Shop andthen at our Bungo in the Back Lanes. Meanwhile, husband Patrick Gillies was off cycling betweenBlackpool and Paris in the Tower to Tower Challenge – a return trip of over 1,000 miles. Together, Nancy’spicture and sponsorship for Patrick’s private Tour de France raised in excess of £2,700, all of which wentto the National Kidney Research Fund to prevent and eventually cure kidney disease. Thanks to all whocontributed to that total, and also to friends who helped them collect donations at the Bungo andelsewhere around the city, including Sammy Dow’s.

Demolition began in October on thenone-too-lovely Balvicar Centre alongsideQueens Park.Initially, following an application from JohnDickie Homes for building on the site, objec-tions were lodged from local residents, QueensPark Baptist Church and Cllr Walter MacLellan -these were largely to do with density ofpopulation and appropriateness of a moderndesign within a Victorian neighbourhood – a bitironic, considering the awful 60s architecture itwas replacing. (see below)

Amendments weremade to the originalplans and consentwas granted to builda development of 30luxury flats, whichwill include 100%underground carparking to avoidadding to con-gestion on thestreets.

Work is due to startsoon so, as they say,watch this space … !

GOING, GOING. . .GONE!

THE WRITING FINGER M O V E S