Millenium space - Govanhill

Ever passed the above and wondered what is was or is for? In 1999 five areas of Glasgow were designated for renewal under the Millennium Space project, for Glasgow's year of architecture and design . One of these areas was Govanhill.

'The Millenium Hut' was designed by Studio Kap Architects in collaboration with the artist Claire Barclay to provide a community facility, with in the area.. A garden store, workshop, library, growing shelves and viewing platform are contained within a timber three storey structure of new and recycled elements.

Is the structure ever open to the public and is it still in use? Does anyone know?

Gourock Outdoor Pool

cc-by-sa-2.5: Dave souza at Wikipedia.

This is definetly Deep South but it is such an interesting place and I was surprised by how few people know it exists, so we thought it worth writing about.

Built in 1909 the Gourock Swimming Pool is rather unusual. Its outside! One of only two outdoor pools remaining in Scotland it occupies a pretty spectacular location, right on the banks of the River Clyde and looking across to the Argyll Hills. Its location is not just for show though as the water that fills the pool is actually taken from the Clyde itself. It goes through a process of filteration and cleaning during which it is also heated to a lovely warm minimum temperature of 30oC. Like a nice bath.

The idea of going for a swim outside is always nice and when we were in Hungery not so long ago we went along to the public baths where people sit themselves down in the morning sun and soak in pools of warm water. Getting to do so in Scotland and in such a interesting setting sounds great and its funny that the pool is not better known or more widely advertised. I'd imagine bus loads of students and tourists being up for a trip down the Clyde for an outdoor swim. It doesn't even really matter if its sunny or raining as you're going to get wet anyway and the water is heated.

It seems it is with attracting people from further afield that the pool have organised some fun sounding events. On Wednesday 28 July and 11 August (doors open 9:45pm) the pool will have an extended opening until midnight. With a nice clear night, you'll be able to go for a swim in the Clyde under the stars.

Gourock Outdoor Pool
Albert Road
GOUROCK
PA19 1NQ
Tel 01475 631561
gourockpool@inverclyde.gov.uk
Open May - September
Times vary but around 9am - 8pm most days. Check before travelling.
 
Links:
Offical Website
Gazetteer Article about the pool
Aerial Photos

Gifted @ 36 Busby Road

Gifted is a great wee gift shop in Clarkston, set up by husband and wife team Fiona and Barry Leathem to showcase new designers. They have a wide selection of items, from kids toys and clothes to decorative glass, gift cards and note books. The shop is small but very well packed and you are likely to find something to suit anyone you are buying for. Think our favourite things were the mugs shown below with the split fruit symbols but also liked Gillian Kyle's Teacake tote bags too.

With a lovely selection of items at Gifted, a couple of good wee charity shops nearby and Eat accross the road, a trip to Clarkston makes for a nice morning browse topped off with some tasty treats.

Gifted Website


Gifted
36 Busby Road Clarkston Glasgow G76 7XJ


Mon-Sat: 9.00-5.30


0141 6200346

And the winner is . . . July 2010

Kids month's Great Southside Giveaway, winners, are Rebecca Thompson who has won the wonderful Kids rug from McKay Flooring, and Helen Walsh Sullivan who has won the huge pick + mix from Candy Love. The winners were selected by using the internet radomizer. Rebecca and Helen, please send us an email to claim your prize.

A special thank you to everyone at McKay Flooring, in Govan for donating such a fantastic prize for kids month and a huge thanks to Candy Love for generously donating such a great pick + mix. Plus thanks for all the tips on places for the kids, seems like the parks and the Tramway are the most popular places for kids in the Southside.

Helen and Rebecca hope you like your prizes and we look forward to getting your mini reviews of both them and the shops you collect them from.

Planning submitted for supermarket @ Larkfield Bus Depot

The planning application has been submitted for the (previously discussed) superstore, on the site of the Larkfield Bus Depot in Govanhill. Its an unfortunate coincidence that this application was submitted on the the eve of the Glasgow Fair holiday, meaning the window for people to officially comment on the proposals falls over the two weeks of the year when a large proportion of Glasgow is not here. Its also an interesting bit of serenpidity that the day it was submitted was also the deadline for responding to the Glasgow City Plan questionaire,which in theory is a document allowing us the citizens to shape the way the City develops and which this Supermarket proposal is currently contrary to (the site is designated for housing not retail).

When the Larkfield Supermarket scheme was first raised there was a lot of debate from people both for and against, with I'd say a majority raising more concerns about the negetive impacts that the scheme could bring about. As such we thought we should provide a link to information on how to comment on the application. Its very important that the Govanhill community have a strong say in what happens in their area and this is their oppertunity to impact on a very major site right in the heart of the community. We'd urge everyone with an opinion on the matter to take a read of the below and send in their views. We also thought it worth pointing out what is and isn't grounds for representation. For example one of the things which a lot of people have raised as a concern, "the impact on local shops" is not considered suitable grounds for a representation. The list of things which you can make representations on are only-

• Contrary to the Development Plan
• Appearance (design, materials, scale, massing etc)
• Traffic, parking and access problems
• Residential amenity (noise, overlooking, overshawdowing)
• Effect on listed buildings and Convervation Areas.

Other Council's have moved to an electronic system, but unfortunetly Glasgow doesn't yet upload applications for ease of review. Therefore anyone that wants to find out more regarding the scheme will have to make time during their working week to travel to the Planning Office at 229 George Street and ask to see a copy of the drawings. planning.representations@drs.glasgow.gov.uk 0141 287 8555.

As part of the application the developers have submitted an overview report, a copy of which you can read here. Its worth a read, to get a feel for the idea the developers are trying to sell. Having read through and re-read the comments on our previous post, it would appear most of the previously raised concerns from readers have not been addressed and I can imagine quite a few people still very worried about how the site may be developed.

As mentioned in an earlier post the quality of architecture and construction which has been foiseted upon this area of the city has been dreadful, with the M74 cutting through it, cheap buildings like the plaza thrown up to make a quick buck or the baths closed down to save a quick buck. It would be a tradegy if the Govanhill area was still not allowed to have a stronger say in what gets built or were not able to expect and to demand more thought, care and quality in how their area is developed. Therefore we urge everyone to take some time to read through the application, visit the planning offices if you can and make you opinions either way known.

When confronted by the huge number of complaints about the quality of the finished Plaza building the project developers said "Residents had their opportunity to object to the design during the planning process." Lets not let that happen again. If something is going to get built, lets make sure its something that we all feel deserves to get built.

EDIT: Funny but quite true image sent in by a reader below.

Pecha Kucha @ The Tramway

Peer to Peer, 2008 by Craig Mulholland (c) Courtesy of Sorcha Dallas

The Tramway will be hosting it's second Pecha Kucha event, Sound & Fury, on Thursday 22 July. If you didn't make it along to the last one or have never heard of Pecha Kucha before here's an over view:

Artists and creative thinkers take the floor for just under seven minutes when they will share with us their passions, hopes and fears. Pecha Kucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for chitchat, it rests on a concise presentation format based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds.

Speakers this time will be Laura Aldridge, Steven Cairns, Roanne Dods, Laurie Figgis, Michelle Hannah, Craig Mulholland, Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan, Nicholas Party, Ciara Philips, Gregor Wright.

The last one was seemingly very interesting - we never made it along because we were not quick enough to get a ticket  so be quick it'll sell out fast. (this time...we've already got ours)

Thu 22 Jul 2010 7:00pm £4 / £3

For tickets contact the Tramway Box Office 0845 330 3501

This Weekend 16-18 July 2010

Lots of events happening this fair weekend.

Friday night sees the opening of an exhibition of  watercolours by Southside painters Frank Boyle, Karen Cairns and Craig Smillie at 994 Pollokshaws Road.  Go along between 6.30 -.8.30 have a browse and enjoy a  glass of wine! If you can't make it on Friday night don't worry as the exhibition runs until 24th July 10am - 4pm.  

On Saturday, the farmers market will be pitching up in Queen's park from 10am till 2pm. It's the last weekend of the Christoph Buchel exhibition at the Tramway, if you have not been it really is worth while going to see the show. 12pm -6pm Saturday and Sunday

The Science Centre are holding a  fun filled family event this Glasgow Fair Weekend. They'll be having "A Grand Weekend" with loads of activities within the Centre itself and along the riverside. (Saturday 17th until Monday 19th of July)  2-4-1 admission over the weekend.

On Sunday, the residents of Battlefield will be throwing a street party, between 12pm and 6pm,  in the community garden on the corner of Arundel Dr and Ledard Rd. Bring along instruments, juggling balls, hula hoops, stories, songs. Just remember to bring along some food to share. It is the big lunch after all. more info

Improv Dogs present a night of improvisational comedy and randomness, on Sunday night, at the ex Service and Social club on Titwood road. Tickets can be bought on the door for £4.  Doors open 7.30pm

If you know of any other fun and exciting events this weekend let us know.

Battlefield Street Party - 18 July 2010

This Sunday sees the return of the Battlefield Street Party. After the success of last years event the residents of this fab area of the city are getting together for another  big lunch celebration and invite you to join them.

Four local bands will be performing at this year's event - Brian Gibson Band, Akotron, Bakushta and Chief playing along side local DJ's. Alongside the music there will also be  a zumba and  drumming workshops throughout the day. For the kids there will be a  bouncy castle; face painting; henna and glitter tattoos.

There will also be a variety of stalls from local projects; hook a duck; tombola with fantastic and generous prizes from local businesses.

Bring along instruments, juggling balls, hula hoops, stories, songs... anything to make the party swing. Just remember to bring along some food to share.

The party starts at 12pm in the community garden on the corner of Arundel Dr and Ledard Rd.

for more info contact battlefieldcommunity@yahoo.co.uk

Blue Lagoon - Skirving Street

I’ve never been to the Blue Lagoon on Skirving Street, mainly due to the fact that Guido’s on Coustonholm Road is marginally closer to me, however I wandered along one Sunday night to claim my winnings of a Fish Supper.

I’ve always seen people sitting in, however as a lazy Sunday evening was in store, I ordered the supper, and another one for my partner, to take away. Two girls were working behind the counter, who were very pleasant, and having shown them the letter I got my wrapped up tastiness to take away with me. As a bit of an avid badge fan, I then asked about the badge which led to a fair bit of hilarity as the girls, who, being eastern european, spoke better english than i tend to as a southsider, but did not know what a 'badge' was. Cue a game of charades, with as many words as possible to explain ‘badge’, which ended when one of the girls recognised the logo from the letter, and grabbed the badge from a shelf – I can honestly says it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had in a chip shop!

After a quick walk home, we sat down to eat our dinner. I was surprised at the amount in each supper – lots of chips, and one and half fish in each. My main worry with food from chip shops is grease, however neither the fish or the chips were particularly greasy, and with the addition of some tomato ketchup, the suppers went down a treat - Very tasty! I’ll definitely go back when a ‘chippie’ craving next hits.

* This post was written by Southside Happenings reader Jen Collinson (Winner of the Great Skirving Street Giveaway + a wee blue badge)

Bungo in the Back Lanes 2010

We're a bit late saying this but we really, really enjoyed Bungo in the Back Lanes this year. It was the busiest I've ever seen the event, probably a lot to do with the amazing weather we had on the Saturday. Everywhere you looked there were large groups of people chatting, laughing and having fun while their skin turned slightly pink.

As usual the lanes were chock full of stalls selling everything from cupboard bric a brac, to homemade cakes and from old furniture to art. It was so busy we didn't even get a proper wander around. We were taking turns to man our table but it took so long to properly look at every stall we never got too far before having to return. 

One of our highlights though was the Craft Mafia, who were pitched up in one garden and had some great selections of interesting local handmade goods. Our favourite things however were the amazing selections of homebaking which were spread throughout the lanes. (Who knew the Southsiders were such a baking-friendly people.) There were all kinds of stalls from local shops beautifully decorated cupcakes, to child made chocolate crispy cakes but our favourite was a delicious passion fruit sponge cake made by a couple of girls in the first main lane. They had 10+ different cakes with all kinds of amazing and unusual flavours.

The only problem with this years event was that the Council didn't grant Bungo their licence to serve alcohol - despite the event having been granted a license for the previous 12 years. We have attended Bungo in the Back Lanes for the last five years and have never seen any anti social behaviour or trouble. It's the type of event where most people will have a glass of wine and listen to Jazz or a beer and chat to their neighbours. It's just a pity that the Council decided to only give their refusal at 4pm the night before, leaving the organisers no time to work out alternative proposals. We also hear a couple of people say that the environmental health were trying to stop people selling food not prepared under commercial conditions.

We understand that these issues arose this year because the Council were more involved having provided a small amount of funding. While its great that some funding is provided to ensure the event continues it would be a tradegy if the event had to change itself too much to conform to meet its funders desires. The slightly ramshakle nature of the day with the kid produced smoothies, cakes and other items are what make the event different and special and it would be a disaster if the spirit of the event was lost.

As I mentioned we've been to Bungo in the Back Lanes many times but this was the first time we've actually been involved with a stall ourselves. Normally we spend the whole afternoon wandering the lanes, browsing the stalls and hanging out in the Big Tea Garden or the beer tent area.

However this year we organised a SSH Bungo badge hunt. We were up early that morning and with the help of Gav hid fifty little Southside Happenings cards, around the lanes, on stalls, inside items, under things, and clipped to trees, we even hide one on Gav's hat (though no one was brave enough to ask him for it). If you handed in one of these cards to our stall then we gave you one of the special blue SSH badges.

At our stall we were also selling little "I Love the Southside" + "Shop South" badges and had a massive map of the Southside onto which we asked people to mark their favourite places. People were loving the map and by the end of the day it was covered in little pins with suggestions of all kinds of great places. (We'll do another post this week sometime showing all the pins.)

Thanks to everyone that pinned on the map and to those that came up and spoke to us. The entire purpose of writing this blog is to help create the kind of fun, community spirit that Bungo in the Back Lanes embodies and getting all your feedback and kind comments makes it fun to keep doing. Congratulations to the Bungo in the Back Lanes organisers, it was a great day and we are looking forward to next year already.

Any Spare Land for Veggie Growers?

I've been growing veggies this year some courgettes, rocket, french runner beans, chillies, and peas. We don't have an allotment and unusually our tenement doesn't have a back green. We do however have access to our roof and a glazed cupola at the top of our stairs and grow our veggies in pots and window boxes. I like the idea of having an allotment, not only for the vegetable growing but also for the social side of being part of the growing community, however with waiting lists being around 3-4 years it's a long time to wait.

We know lots of people growing fruit and veggies in various places, allotments, back gardens, pots and window ledges. There is something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food, particularly in an urban environment.

A friend of ours  recently pointed us in the direction of Landshare. An organisation which connects people with spare land, to people who want to grow. The idea developed out of the the tv programme River Cottage. It began when Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall helped some Bristol families grow veg on derelict council land. Since then it has grown and now has almost fifty thousand members across the UK.

For people with land it's a win win situation. You may not have time to look after your garden, but by allowing a grower to share your space you'll have a tidy garden and some free fruit and veggies every year.

There are quite a few Southsiders already members of the scheme, so if you have a garden or some land no matter how small that you could offer to a local grower or alternatively if you are interested in growing your own veggies but need some land  sign up to Landshare.

The first rule about Poster Club

On Sunday just prior to the World Cup Final why not take a wander along to Albert Avenue where an exhibition of posters will be taking place in someone's flat.

The Poster Club are a group of like minded printers who meet once a week at the Glasgow Print Studio to create a whole range of different posters. In March 2010 they recieved funding from Central Station to get themselves set up properly and to put together the series of work which will be shown in this exhibition.

There is a short interview with some of the Poster Club members here.

Scotland Street School

We had loads of fun a few weeks ago when we visited the Scotland Street School. I hadn't been there since a primary school trip many years ago and couldn't remember much about it. My only scratchy memories were of us having to wear old victorian clothes, draw on slates and have a very stern woman tell us off.

The school was the last major Glasgow commission by one of the City's most celebrated sons Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Opened in 1906 it was in continuous use until 1979 when school numbers had dropped to below 100 and the doors were shut. It's a shame it closed as the spaces inside the building are fantastic, light bright and airy. We were very spolied the day we visited, not only was the school really quiet but it was also gloriously sunny. Both helped to show off what a beautiful place it is inside and we got slightly very carried away taking photographs.

After several years of closure the school was restored as Scotland's Museum of Education. It's really well done and from the moment you step inside you feel like you've gone back in time. It has that old school smell which is hugely powerful at transporting you back to being a child and as you walk around and see all the tiny chairs, small sinks and rows of low coathooks you feel a bit of a giant.

There is a whole range of different things to see, from an old b+w video about the changes in education in the 60's to examples of old school books, punishments and playground games. There are lots of things to interact with. The main assembly area is full of toys, there are interactive computers explaining different aspeccts of the history and the design and there are dunces caps to wear in the classrooms (everyone loves trying them on for some reason).

The lower floor houses the great cafe and shop (possibly worth a visit on its own), the video room and the temporary exhibition space. There area also regular workshops based around ideas of the current temporary exhibition.

Upstairs is where the real fun lies. There are three rooms set up as classrooms of the past - there is a victorian room, a WW2 classroom and a 1960's classroom. Each is filled with items from that era and are very nostalgic even for people who didn't live through those times. There is also a rather lovely cookery demonstration room where some of the workshops take place. (check out our hundreds of photos below)

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The school is in a funny location - development of the bridge and the motorway saw huge changes in the area in the 60's/ 70' and where once it was right in the heart of a vibrant area it now feels quite cut off. This shouldn't put people off visiting though, its not a far walk from Pollokshields and is right beside the Shield's Road underground making it very easy for all our friends in the North to pop over for a visit.

Originally the Sculpture Studios were meant to be moving into the empty property next door but they ended up going west. Currently the plans are to build office parks surrounding the school but the old warehouses to the left are so interesting I really hope they are saved and reused somehow.

Its such an odd location, surrounded by derelict sites that it actually helps in a way to making you feel you are going back in time. Its a really great place for an afternoon out but it will be interesting to see how the school develops if its surrounding sites are built upon.

Scotland Street School Museum
225 Scotland Street GLASGOW G5 8QB
0141 287 0500

[10am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 11am-5pm Friday, Sunday]

How many people can answer these 1955 test questions - answers in the comments.

 Other Links

Video by a family about their visit to the school

BBC profile on Mackintosh