Proposal to build on Queens Park Recreational Ground

It has been brought to our attention that part of the Queen’s Park recreation ground is the City Council’s preferred site for a large residential facility for elderly people. This decision has been made with out consulting the community or the community councils. It is our understanding that the local elected members were only made aware of this plan recently. 

It is also our understanding that at least one community council have already objected in writing to the council regarding the proposal on the following grounds.

1. Whereas the sites preferred in other parts of the city are brown field, the site selected here is not only a green field site, but an intrinsic part of Queen’s Park which is Common Good land according to the current definitions employed by the legal team within Land and Environmental Services. We see no evidence that brownfield sites on the south side, such as the sites of schools scheduled for closure, have been considered.

2. This area of Glasgow is one of the most densely built up areas with narrow tenemented streets and with the few recreational facilities or green space other than Queen’s Park, according to the City’s own ward analyses. The Park and recreation ground therefore represent an exceptionally important facility. The recreation ground, though not well maintained, is frequently used by young people from Crosshill/Govanhill and other parts of the area for football and cricket. There are few flat and suitable areas in Queens Park for this type of activity. Part of it is on the long lease, far from expired, to the Queens Park Bowling club.
3. The site selected cuts across and blocks a major and much used path /right of way crossing the Recreation Ground to Queens Park and Battlefield and Langside. In particular it is used by children to and from Holyrood School.
4. The whole of the recreation ground area is used by the Southside Festival, perforce displaced there as a result of the mine workings affecting the safety for mass use of other parts of Queen’s Park. Its immediate proximity to the Park enables easy linkage between events in the Park and Glasshouses and the recreation ground.
5. Further encroachment on this area will damage the viability and usefulness of the rest of the space and suggests a cavalier attitude to its parks and open spaces by a City Council which claims to wish to encourage community cohesion, healthy lifestyles and opportunities for young people.

Up-date........
We'll be posting an up-date shortly, once we have received further information on the proposals and what the local community can do about the plans.  Have a look at http://www.writetothem.com/ which gives details on how to contact your local councillors.

The Little Cake Parlour, Pollokshaws Road

Well I tried to write a post about The Little Cake Parlour last week but hit a snag when we managed to eat both cakes before taking any photos of them. This should give you a good indication that the cakes are very tasty. That night we had a rich chocolate brownie and a gooey chocolate cupcake. Lisa (who owns and runs the shop) advised that the brownie was a new recipe she was trying out and that she preferred her own recipe. I'm looking forward to trying the old recipe then as the new one was v good indeed. With a wee bit of Brooklyn Cafe Ice cream, it would make an excellent desert to serve up to guests.

Actually, this what we intended to do at the weekend. We'd invited friends round for dinner on Sunday night so on Saturday I went along to The Little Cake Parlour to buy some cakes for serving up after the meal. This time, as a precaution I took all my photos, before I'd even purchased the cakes, preventing any eating mishaps robbing us of photos.

I decided to go for two lemon cupcakes, which have gooey lemon centres and very tasty iced tops, two chocolate chip Oreo cupcakes which come with tiny Oreos on top and two raspberry cupcakes with fresh raspberry icing and two real raspberries on top. (Un)fortunately, our guests had to cancel at the last minute and so I've been eating cupcakes after dinner the last three nights. I can't quite decide on my favourite - I'm usually quite a big lemon cake fan, as it has quite a light taste but the raspberry filling was also pretty tip top.

The shop doesn't just do single cupcakes though, you can order big batches for special events - like the MOBO awards recently did and you can also get larger cakes for any occasion made in any flavour you choose. With a changing selection of cakes each week and with your own flavour choice available to special order I think I might need to start doing more exercise while I think of something I'd like made. Mmmm cinemon flavour cupcakes . . . or mayple syrup flavour . . .

Win FREE cakes and get a 10% off in March's Great Southside Giveaway.

The Little Cake Parlour
1002 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, G41 2HG
0141 636 0808
Heres the link to their site. The Little Cake Parlour

Queens Park Performance Project

[Queens Park Bandstand 1920]

Last week we were invited to a presentation by the Queen's Park Performance Project which is a community group, set up by a pilot Government Funding scheme, to explore regenerating the old queens park bandstand space.

The talk by Evelyn Silber and Bob Marshall was very interesting and they discussed the origin of the pilot funding scheme and the works which have been undertaken so far. The project has only been going for about 5 or 6 months but they have already made good head way getting the area surveyed, carrying out a questionnaire with locals and drawing up some rough proposals for basic costing purposes.

[Queens Park Bandstand 1995 by Monkeyiron]

Its been 13 years since the last band stand burned down and I think if done right, this project could be a huge benefit to the park and the local area.

The steering group have identified their aims as

• 
  
  creating a modified seating area for around 950 people.
• 
  
  a flat performance space suitable for use with or without staging, canopy projection
• 
  
  providing an electrical supply for sound and light systems
• 
  
  performer wc/ changing facilities
• 
  
  flexible space able to host drama, music, film, children's events and exercise classes
• 
  
  the capacity to host free and charged events
• 
  
  possibly a unique space capable of attracting city, national and international performances

All sounds good to me. With the Tramway, the Ballet and the Citizens also all in the Southside now we are building up quite the cultural flare.

In terms of visitors to the park I think it would be a great boost and in turn could result in the park being able to attract for funding for its maintenance and upkeep. Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, Queens Park is one of the nicest parks in the city and with the Glasshouses, the reptile room and the free sports in the summer it already has a few fun things to get involved with but with a carefully designed and detailed bandstand it could become a real strong tourist attraction. I love wandering through Queens Park but I always feel it could do with something extra- possibly some modern sculptures or art works to give it another layer of interest.

[Queens Park Bandstand 2009 by Monkeyiron]

I guess ultimately the project will succeed or fail on the quality of the design and on the commitment and maintenance of both the finished construction and the programme of events that it stages.

So far only very basic designs have been drawn up by the Council's in house team - examples from the presentation are below. Don't judge them too harshly, I know they are not particularly very inspiring images but they are meant to get you thinking and to assist with costing purposes.

At the presentation someone raised the idea of a design competition and details have been passed on to the Steering group relating to the Glasgow Institute of Architects work with local projects and the RIAS matched funding schemes for getting advice and ideas worked up. I'm sure that this kind of project would be of great interest to local artists and architects etc but it's such an attractive project I could see it attracting interest at a national level.

The Scottish Government Funding £15k runs from April 2009 to March 2010 and will enable preliminary consultation, planning and costing to take place. The next steps will include discussions with potential users and the application for various grant funding based on fully researched and prepared costings - including the various community area committees and to external bodies such as the Lottery. The aim would be to have the work beginning on site in 2011.

There is a fair amount of information on the QPPP website but I understand there might be a public meeting further along the process to present the work and ideas to the wider area so we will let you all know when that is when it is announced.

In the mean time to be kept up to date with whats going on or if you have any questions or just wish to send the group messages of support then you can email chair@qppp.org.uk.

Food, glorious (organic and delivered) food

Andy contacted us yesterday and we thought it might be of interest to a few of our readers so agreed to pass it along.

Andy says

"Just wanted to let you know about an organisation I've been running for a few months now based on the Southside. We're called Southside Foodshare and aim to provide affordable, fresh organic fruit, vegetables and dairy to customers in the area. Much of the produce comes direct from one farmer, while the rest is sourced from other local producers and wholesalers. There are four delivery options and our bags are delivered every Wednesday to Tapa on Pollokshaws Road. By buying collectively we reduce transport costs (not to mention carbon emissions) and therefore get a cheaper rate than normal home delivery customers. "

Watch the skies

Doooo doooo deee doooooo
Quite a few Southsiders have posted messages about seeing spooky sites in the nights sky over the last month or so. Scott Young posts on uk-ufo of seeing orange lights flying over Queens Park "Looking through my binoculars I could only make out a solid spherical shape with a point of bright orange light at the base." and another person on another ufo site reports that "Multiple people reported seeing orange balls of light flying in formation."

Did anyone here see these?

Will the Southside be the first place to be visited by visitors from Mars or has someone been playing about with helium balloons, string and some torches?

New balls please

Have you still got the Wimbildon bug? With Mr Murray about to come back on court in the third round of the Montreal Masters in five minutes I thought it was a good time to mention the family tennis weekend taking place on the 29 and 30 August.

We also thought it worth a reminder that the lawn bowling, tennis and pitch and putt in the park are all free and are open all day until 9pm seven days a week in August. (Closing time will change to 8pm in September.)

If you fancy having a go, and we highly recomend it, give them a call first to double check they are open and to book a space in the highly popular tennis courts.

The telephone number is 07827305385

QP Camera Club show 2009

As part of the Southside Festival Ann organised the rather brill Art in the Park show in the Glass Houses in Queens Park. During that weekend we got chatting to members of the Queens Park Camera Club and suggested the Glass Houses might be a good venue for their upcoming summer show. I'm pleased to say that they took up our suggestion and on Sat 22 and Sun 23 August they will be showing a selection of their new work in the main space of the Glass Houses. They will also be showing a selection of work in Shawlands Arcade the following Saturday.

These events are meant to publicise the club's activities in advance of the new membership year which starts on 3 September. At the moment they are over subscribed for members but would love to encourage anyone interested to add their names to the waiting list.

For more info about the club and their exhibition check out http://www.qpcc.org.uk/

Crafty as a crafty fox who's just won craftiest fox of the year

We recieved an email from Fiona to remind us about the craft fair at Langside Halls this Saturday. We still haven't made it along to one the craft fairs and again this weekend I'm going to miss it as I head to London for the judging of the Common of Houses competition I set up. Hopefully Ann will make it along in my abscence and even more hopefully she'll buy me a present!

Glasgow Craft Fairs

Zippos circus - June 9th - 16th 2009

The Circus is coming to town or at least to Queens Park Recreational ground.

On the 9th June Zippo and his crew will be setting up their tents and performing to us Southsiders. I have not that much of a fan of the circus..clowns are a little scary...Though we have been to see circus de soleil several times and the acts and performances are amazing...so perhaps I would enjoy the circus. Anyway you can book tickets online by clicking here there are shows on:

Tuesday June 9th at 7.30pm only
Wednesday 10th until Friday 12th June at 5pm & 7.30pm
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June at 3pm & 7pm
Monday 15th & Tuesday June16th June at 5pm & 7.30pm

Companion Dog Show

Yet another interesting event happening in the Southside which we are missing by being on holiday. (Yes I know we are really sad posting on here while we are actually supposed to be on a wee break.)

There is a Companion Dog Show being held at the Victoria Road Entrance to Queens Park on Sunday 7 June - starting at 11:30am (Entries from 10.30am)

My entire dog show knowledge comes from watching the move "Best in Show" so my view my be slightly squee-iffed but I love any kind of event where people show a huge passion in something they love to do or care deeply about and I imagine thats what you'll have here so it gets my vote.

There will be four Pedigree Classes - Judge Karen Dalglish, 6 Novelty Classes amd a Road Safety Obedience Competition.

Plus there will be a Therapet Parade, Tombola, Prize Draw, Stalls and Demonstrations of Agility.

For more info visit the website http://www.canineconcernscotland.org.uk/ or call the show Secretary on 01436 675381

(If anyone gets any good photos let us know)

Crafty as a fox

Doh, the arty craft fair is coming to town and again we are away while its on. Those of you who are not out of the city should pop along to the Langside Halls and tell us what its like as we think it looks and sounds like good fun. Its on 10.30am - 4.30pm Saturday 6 June.

For a list of who will be exhibiting and for the dates of future craft fair events in the Southside take a look at the website. Glasgow Craft Fairs.

The Wee Chill

Just one short week after the Festival has finished and already Queens Park is hosting another interesting event. The Wee Chill is the pre-event to The Big Chill.

Have a read on the List for and interview with the orgainsers or check out the main site.

It all looks pretty class with lost of music stages, art installations and entertainers for more info visit here and for tickets go here.

Southside Festival

Well the forecast is for a wee bit of sunshine come the weekend. Lets all keep fingers crossed that stays true.

We are pleased to post the maps we've been making for the Festival - so you can all get a better idea of what you will find when you along to Queens Park on Saturday. Click on a map for a bigger image and check out http://www.southsidefestival.co.uk/ for all the event times etc.

Art in the Park

The stunning Victorian glass house’s, in Queens Park, is to host Art in the Park, during this years Southside Festival. The art show aims to promote both established and emerging locally based artists.

Alongside the work of Artists such as Joe Hendry, Patricia Cain and Sam Cartman, the show will also exhibit work from amateur artists and groups from the surrounding area. Art in the Park will be exhibiting paintings, sculpture, prints, glass work and photography in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. So whether you’re browsing or buying make sure you visit the show. Art in the Park will be open from 12pm until 5pm, 23rd and 24th May.

Southside Festival 2009

We've been busy working away on a lot of the graphics and art work for this years festival and are now really looking forward to it - it should be great fun.

Here are the poster and the main map that we've designed which will give you a bit more of an idea of all the fun things coming up next week. Click on the images for bigger versions.

Baked the Pigeon?

His favourite bit is the pigeons in the title sequence of coronation street.

And so the pigeon story rolls on.

I had thought contacting the Police would have done the trick and that a visit from the boys in blue would make Pigeon Man retire.

Either he is made of sterner stuff or the Police didn't follow it up because at the weekend our friend Alan informed us that early on Saturday morning he too had seen the Pigeon Man up to his old tricks and this time he had an assistant.

I'm not too sure what the Pigeon Assistants job would be - maybe he is going to dress up as a lady pigeon with big eye lashes and lip gloss and entice the amorous male pigeons.

Thankfully this time no pigeons were hurt and Alan kept a careful watch of the Pigeon Gang and once they noticed him watching they packed up and drove away scowling at Alan the whole time.

While I'm glad they didn't manage to get any more pigeons the real thing that bothers me is the unknown answer of why he is catching them in the first place? Is it really to eat, as so many people keeping suggesting? Even the Beeb has Pigeon recipes on its menu - the idea of eating a mangy urban pigeon is disgusting.

I prefer the idea that he is training them as pets like this crazy lady. What do you all think - have a vote.

I've contacted the Park to let them know about it and they are going to keep their eyes out. A lot of people have posted saying that pigeons are vermin so catching/ killing them is allowed. The only piece of legal speak I can find on the subject however seems to say that hunting is strictly forbidden unless you have a license.

"P.5.2. The bird pest species which may be killed or taken under licence are: crow, jackdaw, magpie, rook, jay, house sparrow, starling, woodpigeon, feral pigeon, collared dove, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull and greater black-backed gull. The general licence permits these birds to be killed only for the purposes of preventing serious damage to agricultural concerns or for public health and safety. For any other purposes an individual licence must be obtained. "

So what now? I think I might stick up some wanted posters in the park with the guys picture to see if we can track him down, though this might scare him into moving hunting ground, so keep your eyes peeled everyone - he might move to a park near you.

Ate the pigeon?

So still no news from the Police - you don't suppose they never followed it up? Surely a crack squad of commandos should be investigating this right now? I guess we'll never find out what he was up to but I shall keep an eye out just in case he returns. Below are a list of our favourites of your suggestions for what the pigonnappers motives were. What do you think?

Image by David Shrigley

Art in the Park

It seems that the plans for the Southside Festival are moving along at a fair old pace and word has reached us of a new element for this years event. Art in the Park is a two day "selected" art exhibition held, as part of the festival, at the victorian Glasshouse in Queens Park.

To be in with a chance of being included in this exciting event then all budding artists have to do is download an application form and send all the relevant information to the Southside Festival. Selected artist will then be contacted and will be responsible for delivery and removal of their from the show. I understand that it is open to most mediums but check the form for details.

I think this sounds a lot of fun, it might even be my favourite bit of the Festival so far.

Application Form

Bowling Tennis and Pitch and Putt Open

For me the sign that summer has arrived, is when the bowling opens in Queens Park. While walking through the park yesterday, we took a quick wander down to see when the bowling was due to open.....to our delight the bowling was already open, in fact it was the first day of the summer season...this was possibly the reason why the greens were empty apart from a Magpie which was happily hopping about.

The greens, tennis and pitch and putt will be open from 10am till 6pm 7 days a week. For anyone that doesn't know the council greens and equipment hire is free.

So I am already planning on a trip to the park next weekend to perfect my bowling technique...looking forward to many summer afternoons of triumph...

* There's also free bowling in Bellahouston Park

Caught the Pigeon

Oh no - you will never believe me - but he came back.

In what is fast becoming the most popular story to ever feature on Southside Happenings (how sad is that?) the pigeon man returned.

Again I was just quietly getting on with some work when I glanced out the window and there he was, dressed far more appropriately and this time with a newly design trap. It was like watching a live action version of Wile E Coyote trying to catch the road runner.

The modified trap consisted of the tried and tested stick, an old shopping basket instead of a plastic box and . . . . a piece of string. I suddenly feel guilty - maybe he reads Southside Happenings and we tipped him off or else he was up all last night redesigning it.

Humorously the bit of string wasn't very long meaning the hunter had to kneel down right beside the basket - with the result that none of the pigeons should any interest in the mountain of bread that he had laid as bait.

Our humour was short lived - as showing far more patience than yesterday the hunter stayed still long enough to entice the pigeons to enter his lair. He waited, and waited and waited then . . . pounce he made his move - two pigeons in the basket.

Suddenly the humour of the situation vanished and the gravitas of the unknown fate of the pigeons raised its head. As the hunter scrabbled underneath basket one of the pigeons made a break for it - sadly the other wasn't so lucky and was soon in what appeared to be quite expert hands.

Within seconds he had the pigeon huddled against him, his trap packed up and he was heading for the car - not even shouts from the nearby bus stop did anything to stop him.

We were perplexed - "eh maybe we should have called the police instead of just sitting back and filming him."

After some debate we did call the police which started with me having to say "Hi yes, eh bit of a strange one, I'd like to report the kidnapping of a pigeon."

We have handed over his registration plate and we await the police report into what happens - watch this space.

If I have to go to a police interview about a pigeon-napping I will not be pleased.

Stop the Pigeon

OK this is one of the oddest posts I've had the pleasure of writing.

Yesterday I was just sitting quietly getting on with work when I looked across and what should I see in the park but a man trying to catch a pigeon in a homemade trap. Armed with a plastic box, a stick and a box of bread crumbs he spent 45 long minutes unsuccessfully trying to entice them to enter his trap.

His technique was seriously flawed though, as he had forgotten a key component of the trap - a bit of string tied to the stick. He got plenty of pigeons going into the box but none of them knocked the stick causing the box to fall. All that happened was the pigeons happily tucked into the free breadcrumbs under a little shelter while our hunter stood about at the edges looking increasingly glum while the rain poured down upon his head. (We managed to capture the whole thing on film and might upload it here someday - it is quite fascinating.)

Why he was trying to catch pigeons - we have no idea. Maybe the credit crunch is hitting people even harder than I thought? Eventually, he just gave up, despite the pigeons showing more interest than ever before and he stormed over grabbed up his box and walked off.

Not sure why this makes it seem even weirder but he walked over and put all the equipment in the boot of a car and then drove off. That meant he had specifically driven there to carry out this odd behaviour.

At one point he did leave the trap completely and go around other areas of the park picking up other peoples bread, I guess in an attempt to make his trap more alluring. He also went to the shop to buy some juice. I was very tempted to run over the road and put a plastic pigeon that I happen to own inside the box to film his reaction but we chickened out.

If anyone has any clues as to what was going on then please let us know.

Southside Festival

Short film we put together capturing a bit of the fun from last year's Festival. Looking forward to this years festival, should be a lot of fun.

Hope they get the duck herding guy this year - he was great when he took part in the Queens Park funday a couple of years ago. So too was the falcon guy though his turkey vulture did peck a woman on the head.

Crafty stuff

We were emailed by Bianca to alert us to the craft fair taking place in two weekends at Langside Halls, Sat 21 March 10am - 4pm.

Should be fun - there are a selection of the exhibitors on their site glasgow craft fairs but I think they are still looking for more so if you've been making crafty things of your own then check out the site and try and get yourself a stall.

Its on the same weekend as the farmers market so why not wander through the park with a nice ice-cream cone, pick yourself up a necklace, a painting, a bunch of carrots and a venision sausage.

I really enjoy wandering around these kind of things so am very disapointed that we're away that weekend. Not anywhere as exciting as Riga or Japan this time - just London town, might try to pick up some cockney slang for our return posts guv, init.

apples

Steffi from Carside.civiblog.org has sent us a wee email to tell us about the Queens Park Orchard Pampering event taking place on Sunday 1 March 2009 from 1-4pm.

Here's the blurb-

"Come straight to the flag pole at the top of Queen's Park's hill and you'll see us!
A spring celebration! Come along and bring your family - we'll do
- apple tree maintenance
- tree planting
- apple juice pressing (and drinking)
With John Hancox from the Commonwealth Orchard. Tools will be provided.
Afterwards there will be a film screening and chat over tea and curry:

""The Story of Stuff"
20 min animation about the impacts of a consumption-based economy which makes the connections between environmental and social issues, calls us to create a more sustainable and just world. for more info check out http://www.storyofstuff.com/

"Wake Up Freak Out"
11 min animated piece about the causes and mechanisms of climate change, and about what we can do about it. for more info check out http://wakeupfreakout.org/

4.30pm, Go Slow Café, 452 Victoria Rd
Special: Veggie Curry & pot of tea £5 (kids pay half)
organised by members of Towards Transition Glasgow & the Commonwealth Orchard; for further information please visit
http://ttglasgow.ning.com
http://www.commonwealthorchard.com "

Sounds pretty interesting and the vegie curry special sounds super tasty.

Free Comedy Night at the Ivory Hotel

The Ha Ha Raw Comedy night at the Ivory Hotel has become a regular event over the last year or so. We've been along a few times, but not for a while. ....so when I walked passed the Ivory hotel the other day, I was pleased to see it's still going strong and attracting quite a crowd.

I am a bit of a coward when it comes to comedy nights, I am always a little scared I am going to be picked on, but I have to say I really enjoyed it. It's a bit of a mixed bag, there are a round ten acts on the Sunday night ranging from professional comedians, to people who are just starting out.

It's on every Sunday from 8.30pm

The good news it's a free event, so if you don't like it you can just leave..

More details can be found here

Whats black and yellow and goes toot toot?

In the first of our posts about local alternatives when it comes to your shopping, we thought we should make mention of this curious little southside institution. Started by Charlie Hayes on Pollokshaws Road before briefly flirting with a City Centre venue near Central Station - this bright banana of a store has been selling its wares for 20+ years. Despite its age and despite it being such a brightly coloured and identifiable part of the south - we didn't know anyone who had actually been into the shop.

Possibly that is to do with the stores unusual opening times for example its only open two hours on a Sunday. But when we asked a few people why they hadn't been in, they said that they thought it was a pirate DVD shop or catered for more adult interest. I guess I can see why people might have got that idea, the shop does use quite a lot of the same components that those kind of shops use - stark colours, hand written signs, bold text, no windows. It seems our friends weren't the only ones, as a sign on the front door states.

"We do not sell copies, pirate or adult material - DON'T EVEN ASK."

Must get annoying to be constantly asked for something you don't sell. We can reassure everyone (and probably disappoint a few) that there no pirate or adult items on sale - what they do sell are pretty decent pre-owned CD's and DVD's. They are also very interested in doing exchanges (hence the shops name) and also pay for your old unwanted discs which in the current climate might be a good scheme for making yourself an extra bit of dosh.

As you can see from the photos the inside of the shop is the Aladdin's cave that you would hope - with piles of DVD's and CD's lining the walls. There's a pretty good selection - obviously being an exchange shop its not all the latest releases but theres still plenty so choose from. I opened a few cases to check the health of the discs and am pleased to report no scratches or scuff marks on any of the disks I had a look at which is a failure a couple of other exchange stores I know of have suffered from.

That this little places has kept going for 20+ years while bigger places like Woolies and Zaavi have started closing their doors means they must be doing something right. I bet they've seen a lot of changes for a start they won't need as much storage these days compared to the days of records, VHS and cassettes. (How rubbish were cassettes? - it seems weird to think we'd all carry piles of these odd shaped bits of plastic now we live in the mp3 era.)

I must admit I strangely like the decor of the shop - maybe I'm just so used to seeing it, but there is something charming about its hand crafted nature and it certainly gives the place some character - even if it is a bit in your face. Currently there is a sale on - with £2 off any DVD and a further 50p off if you take along the voucher below - with DVD's costing about £6 its no a bad bargain and with Woolies no longer around - its one of the few stores in the Queens Park area where you can pick a quick DVD or CD for a birthday present.

Anyway - what do people think? Who's used Record Exchange? Did you get a good deal? Anyone have any further suggestions on places in the south to get music etc from?

Tea today, gone tomorrow

Oh no - looks like we have some terrible news. The above image looks like it shows the wonderfully relaxing and comfortable Tchai Ovna tea house as it has always been -a home from home of fantastic teas, comfy chairs and an old tattered Scrabble board. Sadly though the photo actually shows a bunch of workmen in the middle of converting it into a laundrette!! :-(

We've emailed Ken who ran the Southside Tchai Ovna to find out what the story is but I'm afraid on the evidence it looks like they have shut - when we find out more we'll let you know.

If they have closed then it again highlights the importance of us all to support our local businessess and where possible shop in the south. We previously suggest starting up some kind of campaign or list of readers top southside shopping destinations or those places that give the south its character. If anyone has any suggestions then plese post below.

Below images are of the interior of Tchai Ovna in the happy old days.

Bah hum bug

This year GYCT/Theatre Ecole are presenting "Ebenezer the Rock Musical" (taken from a Christmas Carol) from Wednesday 10th December to Saturday 13th December 2008 in Queen's Park Parish Church at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £6 adults, £5 concession and £20 family ( 2 adults and 2 Chidren) available from admin@gyct or each Wednesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at Queen's Park Parish Church, 170 Queen's Drive or by phoning 0141 423 6037

Beginners Yoga Class - Shawlands

If you fancy trying out a beginners yoga class, go along to Langside Halls on Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30L, The class is mixed and is £4.95

You need to bring your own mat.

We are sailing

Fun little shot of Queens Park from 1925 as part of Claude Friese-Greene's The Open Road - originally filmed in 1925/6 and now re-edited and digitally restored by the BFI National Archive. Britain seen in colour for the first time was heralded as a great technical advance for the cinema audience - now we can view a much improved image, but one which still stays true to the principles of the colour process.

For more information about 'The Open Road' see http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/openroad/To buy the DVD click here - http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmstore

Nice to see the park has always been a popular place to sail boats. Just a shame that some of the nice buildings spotted in the backgorund are no longer standing and the pond only has a wee green portocabin as the model boat folks club house.

Carnival coming

The above and below images probably give you all the information you require. There is a carnival taking place in Queens Park from 3pm and then in the evening there is an after party in conjunction with SubClub taking place at the Glasshouse.

Model life

This Sunday 10 August is the annual regatta of the Glasgow South Ship Modellers Society. It is on from 12 - 4pm and is usually really good fun, with lots to see and do. Event takes place around the large pond in Queens Park.

The Southside Festival

On Saturday the first ever southside festival took place, in Queens Park. The festival kicked of with the parade which left from Shawlands academy at 12 o clock, the parade continued along Pollokshaws road, Allison street and then up Victoria road and into the park. Linda Fabiani, the minister for culture, opened the festival.
There were several music tents as well as dance and comedy - so when it rained you could keep dry. There was also stages out in the open so when the sun did shine you could sit in the sun and listen to the music. There were huge queues for the kids rides.
The camp at the top of the park was quite amazing with three battle reinactments during the day.

The Glass house held the 'Southside Flavours' event which celebrated the cultural diversity of the southside. Lots of food stalls selling food from different ethnic groups as well as local deli's like 1901.

If you want to comment on the festival, what you liked and perhaps what could be improved click here to go to the my space site.