The Sherlock Holmes Society of Scotland

Image by Hole in my Pocket [Prints for sale here]

Barry Young of Young's Interesting Books noticed something unusal, there are over 400 Sherlock Holmes Appreciation societies throughout the world but not a single one in the birthplace of his creator. Barry has therefore set out to correct this and is founding Scotland's first Sherlock Holmes Society right here in the Southside. He has set up a Facebook page about it here The Sherlock Holmes Society of Scotland.

As yet, they have no affilication with any other societies and the name of this page is a temporary idea, which may change after the members discuss an appropriate title for the group.

"Even if you've never read any of the 60 short stories or novels,... and just like the movie or the TV series, don't be shy. Anyone with an enthusiasm for the greatest fictional character ever created is very welcome."

The first meeting of this fun new group will be taking place Wednesday 29 September in The bar at The Boswell, Mansionhouse Road,Glasgow G41 3DN. Facebook link to the event here.

Looks like a lot of fun, sitting in comfortable chairs and chatting about good books.

Poetry and writing

Really interesting sounding new writing group starting up in Skirving Street at Young's Interesting Books. Its being organised by Jayne Brown and she promises lots of tasty chocolate biscuits and an antidote to world cup fever. The Group will be meeting fortnightly between 6 - 8pm from 15 June onwards and people are welcome to join, to find out more and to book a place then contact Jayne.

There are poetry performances running at the Ivory organised by Jacqueline Smith. These will be happening the first Wednesday of each month between 7-9 at The Ivory Hotel, Camphill Avenue and cost just a £2 donation. For more information on these performances, who will be performing or how to get a readers slot then contact Jacqueline.

Queens Park Camera Club

The Queen's Park Camera Club is on the large list of Southside places we've been meaning to write about for ages. I was reminded and spurned into action today when I saw an advert for a group exhibition they are putting on at the Mussel Inn (runs until 3Feb). Anyways take a look through the Club's website and you'll see why we think it such a great Southside resource and you'll be amazed that its not better known.

Formed in 1945 a few months after the end of WWII by a small group of friends the club has spent the last 60+ years working to promote the study, practice and knowledge of the art and science of photography and proved so popular that by 1946 they had to put a limit on the membership to 75. In the 50's to try and accommodate the ever increasing waiting list and to provide proper photography facilities the club moved into 54 Millbrae Road, which they subsequently purchased and where they live to this day.

Image by Michael MacLean

The club as a whole meet every Thursday night from September to May and each week there is a talk or presentation of some kind. (Non-members are welcome to come along and listen to these talks). On other nights of the week there are various special interest meetings such as digital images, projected images or contemporary photography. Every third Tuesday the club also hold Instruction nights where guidance and instruction are given to members on all levels of photography techniques.

The Club also hosts annual social events and runs numerous competitions and exhibitions.

If all that sounds like your cup of tea then have a read of the club welcome pack for more info or fill out an application form and see if there are any membership vacancies left.

Queen's Park Camera Club
54 Millbrae Road, Glasgow, G42 9UG

idle be as idle do

We just received an email from Jennifer Claire the chieftess of the Southside Idlers Guild with the following news.

"The southside branch of the Scottish Idlers Guild will be meeting at the Granary in Shawlands on 06/09/07 at 7:30pm.

The main branch will be meeting up at The Lab in Springfield Court on 27/10/07. All welcome to both gatherings.

Am I alone in wanting to spend my days lazing drinking, reading, making things and laughing rather than dreary old work? Has anyone else read How To Be Idle or How To Be Free, by Tom Hodgkinson? Would you like to put some of the ideas into practice?Interested in meeting up with a view to ridding our lives of nasty, dreaded, pointless work? Then let's get together and share ideas, scheme, plan and plot a way to get off the work-mortgage-death cycle.Visionary timewasters welcome. All Hail Robin Cooper! The rest of you trot back to your workstations-the boss is calling. In other words if the height of your ambition is to spend a few hours in the pub on the time you have off from work, this group isn't for you. Membership is free but a small donation towards the meet up fees would be welcome."

So all idle souls drag yourselves out the house and join a fellow group of people happy doing nothing.