Diving for Pearls

Another little event happening this weekend.

I am writing to you from Govan and Craigton Integration Network. We are hosting an event tomorrow in Central Govan to celebrate the end of a multi- arts project.

We will be having entertainment throughout the day at the Pearce Institute, Govan Cross and the newly opened Cafe 13.

There will be storytelling, live music, participation in a public art workshop, a drama performance, a buffet, and an exhibition of work created throughout the project.

People can find out more information on our page,https://www.facebook.com/Govanintegration?fref=ts .

Heart of Govan

25 Jan 19:00 - 20:00
 

Its not all Burns this Tuesday with an interesting free event taking place at Govn Old Parish Church.

"A performance presented by Fablevision and CRAN Theatre in association with Hear Glasgow and Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Govan is famous for its industrial heritage but has a longer and more significant story to tell. It has been a place of spiritual importance as early as the 6th century with evidence of Druid presence, and home to Picts, Celts, Scots and Vikings.

We are reviving the heart of Govan - through performance we will celebrate its history and investigate its spiritual heritage using verse, song and music."

Govan Old Parish Church

866-868 Govan Road
Govan
G51 3UU



Last orders at Allotment

Last night we finally made it along to Allotment in Govan Cross Shopping Centre and had so much fun we are gutted that this is to be its last hurrah.

A series of events organised by the National Theatre of Scotland, "Allotment" takes place in an empty shop unit in Govan Cross Shopping Centre and is an incredible mix of bar, gallery, theatre, music, games and visuals. It’s slightly hard to describe, partly because there was so much going on, but also partly because to describe it might take away from the fun of discovering for yourself all that is to be found.

We were unsure what to expect when we first arrived - one slightly drunk and extraordinarily tanned wee man walking passed as we arrived at the front the door told us that “something shady must be going on in there” as we and all our the other people arriving “looked well dodgy”. Walking through the main entrance and along the mall you start to agree, its rather disconcerting to be inside a shopping centre out of hours, especially one which has obviously seen better days.

We entered the blacked out space and the firs things that hits you is how big it is and how many different things there are to see 17 in total plus 3 secret rooms which can only be reached by winning certain games or finding a golden ticket. We grabbed some drinks from the bar (supplied and manned by the local Brechin Bar) and were taking a nervous walk round when we were grabbed up and whisked into taking part in a mock gameshow. This level of audience participation is something which I normally dread, but rest assured there is not a single event in the place to fear. The “participation” is of the smallest amount and you ware not expected to sing, dance or speak on the microphone at all. All you have to do is complete a wordsearch, draw a picture of one of your friends or drive a remote control surf-board.

Not sure what our favourite things were, we enjoyed the roundabout bar, which you sit at while people push you or King Kahuna’s Totally Gnarly Wipeout with the aforementioned remote control surf boards. Our control wasn’t quite there and our blue team ended up going a bit robot wars on the poor red team by accident and totally trashing their board – all of which was accompanied by a guy sitting atop an old boat planning surf beats on a massive drum. The giant cardboard Love computer was also a highlight.

All in all we highly recommend getting along tonight for the last ever adventure, you won’t be disappointed. If you fancy a night with cheap drinks, surprises and a pile of imagination then pop along and join in the fun.

Allotment

Govan Cross Shopping Centre

795 Govan Road, Glasgow

Sunday 8pm – late tickets £3 on the door.

Art Talk - Govan/ Govanhill

Today sees the official launch of Central Station - a new creative collaboration site. To mark the launch they have organised a host of interesting events across the city. There are not too many taking place in the Southside but one very interesting sounding one - see below. The other is a talk by Tom Warren at Sloanes (just off Buchanan Street) about the work at the Govanhill Baths.

Central Station Event - Savalas
WHAT? Exclusive tour of the UK's first Dolby Premier Mix Theatre, Film City, Govan

WHEN? 5.45pm Saturday 14th November

WHERE? Savalas, post production sound facility

Giles Lamb, Composer and Sound Designer, takes us for an exclusive tour around Savalas, Scotland's largest sound-post facility with the UK's first Dolby Premier mix theatre.
The tour will include an exclusive peek at the sound design for some recent major projects mixed in the studio.
Your chance to ask questions about sound design for feature films, video games, television & commercials and to find out how a low budget filmmaker can benefit from such an amazing resource.

Please note that there are limited spaces available for this tour and RSVP is a must.

Please RSVP to Genny by putting "Savalas" in the subject line of your message.

*if you require any special assistance please let us know when you RSVP**children welcome

Govan Cross Environmental Improvements Community Consultation Event

Recent decisions by various bodies mean that there is a significant amount of funding available for improvements to Govan town centre and a key element of this is the improvement of Govan Cross. A two-session event will take place at the Pearce Institute on 1 October to hear the local community’s views on the project.Central Govan Action Plan are organising the event, and are looking to find out what local people think about the major environmental improvements planned, the types of improvements they would like to see, and the types of design they feel would fit Govan Cross best.There are three main sites at Govan Cross under consideration for improvement work - the square, the shopping centre’s forecourt and the underground / bus station precinct.

To book at a place at one of the consultation sessions on 1 October, please call 0141 445 5044 or email cgap@gswra.co.uk. Tea, coffee and cakes will be provided.

1 Oct 2009
15:30 - 17:30 & 19:00 - 21:00
Pearce Institute, 840 Govan Road, Glasgow

The Ole Govan Fair

The Govan Fair is the oldest fair in the city, it was started in 1756 by the weavers in the Burgh of Govan. It's held on the first Friday of June


Decked with coloured ribbons and carried aloft on a pole the age-old symbol of a Scottish celebration forms the honoured centrepiece of a parade the first Friday of June.The custom is unusual in itself, but the fact the talisman is a sheep's head makes it unique and peculiar to the most Scottish of occasions the Old Govan Fair.

The 'sheep's heid' is a symbol of the Govan of the past, when woolunderpinned the local economy and weavers looms clacked in everyhouse along Govan Road and down Water Row.The same prized relic belongs to the Govan weaver's society, one of theoldest benevolent organisations in the country, and has pride of place and its annual general meeting, which takes place just prior to the public celebrations on the streets of Govan. The Meikle-Govan Fair as it was first called dates back to the foundationof the society in August 1756, when the weavers became the backbone of the community spirit in wee area.


More information click here

New Govan Health Care Building Scrapped

Back in 2007 we posted about the new community Health Care Partnership scheme in Govan. The building, designed by Glasgow Architects GM+AD, was to be located on Craigton road in Govan. It would have been the first "carbon-neutral" building in Scotland to be open to the public. The centre received planning permission in late November, but in December, Glasgow city council decided to scrap the project.

Councillor Elaine McDougall, executive member for social work, said they were 'disappointed' but that the council had to 'act responsibly in the current economic climate'.

I thought public projects would be safe in this economic down turn

link

Govan Fair Parade

With all the talk of the Southside Festival, we almost forgot about Govan fair.
This years Govan Fair Procession will start at 7:45pm this Friday.

It will start from Copland Road proceed along Summertown Road, Broomload Road, Govan Road through Govan Town Centre, Drive road, finishing on Langlands Road at Arklet Road.Over 35 entries are expected this year including Pipe Bands, Dancers and Floats. Elder Park also has a Fun Fair.

It's the oldest Fair/festival in the city. For more information on the fair click here

Elder Park Meeting

There is a public meeting being held in Elder Park Library tonight [Tuesday] at 6 pm. The meeting is to elect new members of the community, who are interested in becoming members of the friends of Elderpark.

There will also be a presentation on the proposals for the regeneration of the park.

Re Shuffle at the Pierce Institute - Govan

An event called Re-Shuffle is on at the Pierce Institute in Govan on Saturday, their seems to be lots of interesting things going on for kids and adults.

The idea of Re-Shuffle is to present a series of activities ranging from things to do with the kids to how to become more active in your community. It will not be dull and boring, it will have interesting things for old and young, to try and do. We will cater for the book people, the film goers, as well as the experimental wean. We will be filling the MacLeod hall and other spaces in the Pearce with stalls and groups of all kinds.

Click here for further information

Fairfield Farmhouse - Govan

A couple of years ago LUV [Linthouse Urban Village] held an architecture competition for the regeneration of the Fairfield Farmhouse in Elderslie Park in Govan. Do Architecture won the competition with the proposal above.

The renovated farm and new buildings will provide among other things, a school for herbal medicine, creche facilities, a cafe and artists work spaces.

There is a regeneration consultation meeting at Elder Park Library on the 16th of January 2008 from 3.30pm till 4.15pm and then a second session from 6.30pm till 7.15pm. At the meeting you can find out more about the proposed plans for the currently derelict Farm House [which is possibly the oldest building in greater Govan].

LUV will be providing refreshments at the event. So if your interested in finding out more and voting on what you like ..go along.

There is more information the LUV website Click Here and also on the Do Architecture site

National Theatre Headquarters moving to Govan

The National Theatre of Scotland announced today that their new headquarters, would be located in Govan. They'll be locating from their current headquarters in Hope Street, to the Harland and Wolff engine shed, which hosted 'the Ship' during Glasgow's year of Culture in 1990. The space will not however be used as a theatre space but rather for offices and rehearsal space.

Personally I think this is great for Govan, here's what the Herald has to say

Click here to see inside the existing Shed

In the navy . . again

It seems funny to be writing a post about the launch of a new ship on the Clyde. Back in the day, I guess it would have been a very common event but now its extremely rare - just three ships in the last 3 years as far as I can tell.

It seems odd to be making a big thing about a new ship but at the same time given Glasgow's shipping history and the fact that it is now such an infrequent event, it is also strange that more is not being made of it.

At one time, shipbuilding/ ships were such a major part of Glasgow life (map below) but now its a completly detached area and bears no connection to the average Glasweigans life. This does make me wonder what things that we take for granted as just a part of Glasgow today will have disapeared in the next 50 years. Glasgow with no cars? Glasgow with no shops?

Anyway there is a good article on the BBC telling more about the launch - The launch takes place in Govan today and aparently 5,000 kids are getting out of school to go check it out. Bet they are delighted about that, until they get there and have to stand about in the cold and rain for ages.

[For a history of the Clyde visit the Clydesite website.]

Polish St Andrews Day

St Andrew's day is on Friday and for the first time in Scotland it's an official holiday. There are bound to be quite a few events on in the city. However the Pierce Institute in Govan are hosting a Polish/Scottish St Andrews night. The events free. There seems to be a mixture of Polish and Scottish music, Ceildh dancing and Polish fortune telling involving Hot Wax? Well if your brave enough.

The events on from 7pm until 10pm and it's bring your on bottle.

Luv's Christmas Market

The Linthouse Urban Village are hosting their annual Christmas Market, on Saturday from 10am until 3pm. The Markets being held in Tunnel Park, close to the south end of the Clyde tunnel.

There seems to be lots on for the kids, with Santa on a Horse and Cart, Santa's Grotto and face painting. There will also be a host of stalls selling everything from crafts to fine foods.

If your in the area on Saturday, you should go along....you may just pick up the perfect Christmas Present. If you are in a very festive mood, you could do both the Luv Christmas Market and the market in Langside Halls. See previous post

Design Collective Studio

The Design Collective Studio is holding an exhibition of work by local craftsman featuring work by Talking Jewellery, Crazy for Ruthie, DesIna Glass, Karen James Ceramics and Lucky Cats handmade soaps and toiletries.

The studio is open Wed-Sat , 11am - 6pm. 30/09/06-15/11/06.

Items are available to buy and commisions can be placed with the maker. Phone 0141 445 5077 for more information.

The current exhibiton ends on the 15/11/2006

Location: The Design Collective Studio, 847 Govan Road, Glasgow

Heritage Lottery win for Govan Cross

Great news for Govan, the Heritage Lottery fund has awarded a grant of £939,000. The award will enable the local community to revitalise Govan Cross.

HLF’s earmarked grant of £939,000 plus £25,000 of development funding will enable the local community to revitalise Govan Cross, helping it to become a better place to live, work and visit. The scheme concentrates on the Pearce Institute, a striking example of Edwardian architecture, gifted to the people of Govan in 1906 in memory of Sir William Pearce, Chairman of the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company and Govan’s flamboyant first Member of Parliament. The Pearce Institute’s historic features will be repaired and restored, as will the buildings, shops and streets in the surrounding areas.

Links: Heritage Lottery Fund

To Kill a Mocking Bird

On Monday night the Govan Festival are showing To Kill a Mocking Bird at the Pierce Institute, on Govan road, at 7 o clock.

An American film classic, based upon a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel: In the rural American south during the depths of the Depression, two children watch as their principled father takes a stand against intolerance. A gentle and leisurely movie despite some rough content, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' benefits immensely from its near-perfect casting, particularly of Mary Badham and Philip Alford as the children and Gregory Peck in the role for which he is best remembered, as their wise and patient father. Superb storytelling; superb film.

Call 0141 419 0329 for tickets

Opening night of the Govan Festival

Just a quick reminder that the International Govan Festival opens this evening. There are two events on: a show by Circo Modo and the opening night Ceilidh, both are being held at the Pierce Institute. I am not sure whether you can buy tickets at the door, but I am assuming you can, otherwise call the number at the bottom of this post.

If you ever wanted to run away and join the circus, the Circo Modo show is for you. It 's on at the Pierce Institute, tonight, and starts at 6pm. Phone 0141 419 0329 to book tickets

Re-Identyfikacja

On Sunday night at 7pm the Polish theatre group GAPPAD, are performing their piece entitled Re-Identyfikacja at the Pierce Institute on Govan Road. [diagonally across the road from the underground station - See our Govan Map].

RE-ID (Re-Identyfikacja) is a bi-lingual (English/Polish) exploration of the effects of emigration on identity, using bold physicality and live music. Reconstucting struggles of Poles in Scotland, they ask the unavoidable question: Do we return or re-identify? Following the success of 'RE-ID's premiere at the Tron Theatre Glasgow, where they played to sold out audiences, and a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, GAPPAD are thrilled to return to Glasgow for the Govan International Festival.

Tickets are £5/£3 and are available from the Pierce Institute 01414190329
*Image from GAPPAD website


EDIT REVIEW

Well, we went along to see the show on Sunday night. Was a bit strange when we arrived in Govan as the place was completly empty. Never really been there at night before and it was strange to see the streets so quiet.

The Pearce Institute however was bustling, with a good sized crowd turned out given a try of Polish chocolates, wine and beer before the show. It was the first time I'd been to the Pearce Institute, though Ann goes all the time for her lunch. I therefore did my usual and went for a wander to see what I could see. Looks an interesting place, and I'll maybe go back next year for the doors open day.

From overhearing conversations in the theatre before the play began, I'd guess the majority of the audience were Polish and I think therefore they probably got more out of the show which was half in Polish and half in English.

This was delibertly done, to create a bit of distance and confusion among the non-polish speaking audience and give you more empathy with the alienating situation than many non-fluent english speaking migrants find themselves in, but I did find myself sometimes struggling to understand people. As most of the dialogue was either shouted or whispered, I often couldn't decide if it was Polish or if it was English and that I was just having difficulty with the casts accents.

In saying the above, some of the finest moments of the play arose from skillful playing with and blending the two different languages. The best scene was an interview sequence where we could hear the interviewers questions in English, then spoken in Polish by a translator, inner thoughts expressed aside by the interviewe and then actual answers given in english and Polish. It felt very sharpe and fresh and was my highlight.

Overall we did enjoy the show, but felt that its short running time of 1 hour was long enough. The cast were all very good and we really enjoyed the music. I think in total I'll give it ***.

Govan International Festival

The third Govan International Festival kicks off this Friday night, with a free opening Ceilidh at the Pierce Institute, on Govan Road. This year's festival contains music, literature and theatre events, along with two new elements:Dance and Film.

Over the nine days of the festival, there are events taking place at several venues in the Greater Govan Area: The Pierce Institute will host the film nights, and theatre productions. To Kill a Mocking bird is being shown, and on Sunday evening there is a performance piece from the only Polish theatre group in Scotland. The piece is in both Polish and English, I'd really like to go and see this so I think I 'll book tickets tomorrow.

The Brechin bar on Govan Road, is hosting the literature events. {The Brechin Bar is the bar where Inspector Rebus drinks, in the tv programme. They've been filming inside and outside of the Brechin several times over the last few months.} Each evening there is a writer talking about their work, Alex Gray is scheduled for next wednesday night which should be interesting. After the literature reviews and readings there is live music.

There is also an event scheduled at the Grand Ole Oprey at Kinning Park. I've been wanting to go there for ages. I quite fancy an evening of drunken line dancing.

I'll post more details tomorrow...but there is some events, already in our calender.

For tickets and additional information contact 0141 419 0329 or click on the links below

Brochure 1 and Brochure 2

Green Govan

Another event in Govan....The Greater Govan Environment trust and Sunny Govan Radio have organised a Green Zone event [12pm - 4pm] this Saturday in Elder Park in Govan and then later on at the Pierce Institute [8pm till Late].

Saturday 8th September 8pm till late. Pearce Institute Govan Greater Govan Environment Trust and Sunny Govan Radio are proud to presentJaad/SchemeSteg G and the Freestyle MasterSan ,Toy Futuro, Acoustic Butterfly, Rudy Alba

The Govan Portal

I've been keeping a close eye on the development of 'The Portal' on Govan Road. It's being organised by the Govan Housing Association and is supported by various organisations including the Scottish Arts Council, Community Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the Central Govan Masterplan.

The initial project is to develop three empty shop units, at the corner of Howat Street and Govan Road, into Artist units. These have already been allocated to Roots in the Community, who are managing access to the studios, and Plantation organisations. The third unit is being turned into a working pottery.

Currently GHA are working on funding the second stage of the project, renovating the adjoining three units, these spaces havn't been allocated so if anyones interested, contact Govan Housing Association and they'll pass on your details to Roots in the community.

Personally I think this will be great for Govan and will hopefully restore some life and pride into that area of Govan Road.

GHA: 'we do hope that this will be a very exciting addition to Central Govan and it is due to come off site mid September.'

The Govan Housing Association has promised to keep us informed about the development and when the launch party is happening. The units are due to be opened in September so we'll keep you posted.

Link: Clyde Water Front Regeneration

LUV Gallery

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, but we've both had that cold that everyone has at the moment. The other day, in an attempt to make myself feel better, I went down to the LUV cafe for lunch...ah well they make scotch broth just like my mums. I sat outside in the sunshine, it was nice. The people in the flats beside the cafe have great gardens, loads of garden ornaments like windmills and gnomes. One must have a sensor in it, because as you walk past, it wolf whistles..ah it always makes me smile. Anyway I went across to the LUV Gallery, they have an exhibition of Christopher Biddy's work. Very glasgow, painting of tenements and other Glasgow buildings etc nice for a browse if your down there.

Puffers on the Clyde

I've been meaning to go to the River festival the last couple of years, this year my wee nephew might be visiting, so I am definitely going to take a wander over with him. It's taking place fair weekend, the 14th and 15th of July, between the science centre and the squinty bridge.

There seems to be lots going on and it's free. I am rather looking forward to seeing the old puffers and since the entry to the tall ship is free, during the festival, I might have a look around, I always pass it and think I should go.

On the sunday they are having a duck race for charity, they'll release a thousand ducks into the clyde, from the squinty bridge, and they'll race against a bright yellow car...brilliant. Maybe SSH should sponsor one.

Here's the programme of events, lets hope for sunshine.

EDIT: Click here to see our photos from the festival

New Govan Health Care Building

While in the Pierce Institute cafe yesterday, I noticed they had a presentation on the new South West Community Health & Care Partnership Headquarters, which is to be located on Craigton road in Govan. If it gets the go-ahead, it should be the first "carbon-neutral" building in Scotland which is open to the public.
If your interested in finding out more, I've added some links below

evening times article

scottish architecture.com article

The Design Collective Studio

We just received the below call for all budding artists/ designers in Govan.

"The Design Collective Studio is holding a textile exhibition from August 24 to 29 September 2007.

We are looking for makers who may be interested in taking part. There is no theme for the exhibition, we are looking for wearables, wall pieces, jewellery and conceptual work.

The Design Collective Studio is a independently run applied arts gallery/shop with a jewellery workshop and teaching area. We are based in 847 Govan Road in Glasgow and officially opened at this location in August 2006, however we had been holding events since the beginning of 2005 in our previous workspace in Argyll Court.

The Design Collective is run by makers and its two directors are both jewellers. We aim to promote small scale applied artists mainly from the West of Scotland. We are especially keen to support artists who have recently established themselves, be it because they have just graduated or retired from 'proper' jobs. We are always open to submissions for the shop and enquiries from makers who may wish to get involved on other levels.

The gallery space is not huge so we do suggest any makers interested visit the space to see where their work would fit etc. We are looking for a range of work - textile jewellery, wearables, wall pieces and conceptual pieces, to give visitors a taste of the diversity that textiles has to offer. Although we promote our events heavily we also expect participants to do their bit in helping to let people know about the exhibition.

For more information or to arrange to visit the studio, please contact Penny on: 0141 445 5077 (11am-6pm wed-sat) or 07981 900476 e-mail: design_collective@yahoo.co.uk

Deadline: 30 July 2007"

The Design collective also run a series of art classes workshops and more info can be found at their website http://www.design-collective.co.uk/.

Pirates at the LUV Cafe?

I was hoping to write a post about my upcoming adventure ......I am going to see the third and final Pirates of the Carribean film tonight, ah Captain Jack.... but instead I spent my lunch hour at the LUV cafe [Linthouse Urban Village]

The LUV café has become one of my favourite Café’s in the city. It’s situated in the Linthouse Urban Village, beside Elderslie park in Govan. The décor is really quirky, from the arts and craft style wall paper, with birds, to the chandeliers with cherub angles.
The food is really good, not a huge menu: soup, salads, sandwiches, paninis, baked potatos but a good selection of fillings and two types of soup everyday. Mmm they’re Lentil soup is fantastic well worth the ten minute walk from my office.

The best thing about LUV is it’s owned and run by the LUV organisation, so your money is invested back in the neighbourhood.
It can be busy at lunch time, but If you can’t get a seat, I suggest you go sit in Elderslie park beside the pond. If your lucky the model boating club might be out practicing.

I pinched the image of the pirate from the hole in my pocket blog

What we did when the oil ran out

While out and about this lunchtime, I noticed a flyer for a free performance at the Pearce Institute, in Govan.

Hopscotch Thetare are performing their play ' What we did when the oil ran out' on Saturday 26th May @ 12 noon and 3pm. The plays suitable for 5-12 year olds and families and last for an hour. I am sure if your over 12 years...they'll still let you in.

The Callows family live a happy and care free life with two cars, four televisions and the usual bundle of bicycles which do nothing more than fill up space in the garden shed. But one day they awaken to shocking news - oil reserves really are running out! No more cheap petrol, no more cheap holidays, no more cheap anything. Life as we know it has to change.Follow the family on a roller coaster journey to discover alternative sources of power and a cleaner, healthier lifestyle. Can they learn to live in a world without fossil fuels? How can they cut back on energy use and, most importantly, how will we all survive without oil… ?

For your free tickets call 0141 440 2025 or email info@hopscotchtheatre.com

link:www.hopscotchtheatre.com