This is your notice board to share your stories and experiences of living and working in the Gorbals.
Simply enter your story details in the form provided so we can put it online for others to enjoy. You may also ask questions or look for people you once knew. Please be aware that changes to the site setup have meant that ALL FIELDS must have text in the anecdotes form in order for submission to be successful.
Having received the ill-informed and somewhat abrupt emails you see below, I feel it necessary to, once again, reiterate how the GorbalsLive website operates and the limitations that lie therein.
GorbalsLive is run on a purely voluntary basis as a favour to the community. There is absolutely nothing in it for this company and the time I can devote to the role of webmaster is extremely limited due to other work commitments. I also spend much of my time out the office. At this time of year, with other staff members being on annual leave, there is limited resources available which I'm sure you will appreciate also. As a consequence, there is every chance the anecdotes will only be updated once or twice a week.
Not being from the Gorbals and still being relatively new to the role, it is almost impossible to differenciate between those of honerable intention and those whose sole purpose is cause trouble . I would like to point out once again that, as with the majority of content on the Internet, the comments on here merely represent individual views and not hard fact.
May I also remind users of the ethos behind the site:"....to share your stories and experiences of living and working in the Gorbals." Please bear this in mind when submitting your anecdotes.
Thanks to all the genuine contributors for your continued support and appreciation.
Submitted by: WEBMASTER Webmaster, once again the forum is lagging behind. Not good enough. I suggest if you can't keep up then you and your staff should stand aside and let competent folk take over. NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Submitted by: Oatlands Guy This used to be great place to write in and have a blether, but it's no longer. The WEBMASTER is slow and sometimes for weeks it's empty and not updated. If you cannot keep this site up and running and a pleasure like it used to be, then forget it. The purpose of this site is for daily use and enjoyment we are not getting it, and he/she allows sickos to print things - we all know certain people are printing sick and serious allegations. Please Webmaster put us all at ease - are we going to go back to normal?? By the way if you print this it's for the attention of all my friends who understand me so please do not skimp words out.
Submitted by: Billy Malcom I did attend Abbotsford place and did have blond hair then - it's more white now! I don't remember you but my memory's pretty bad nowadays. Anyway, that was about 50 years ago. I remember faces more. There was one girl in my class who genuinely had a glass eye - she used to take it out and show us. Did you know her name? Take care, Helen.
Submitted by: Helen Walker Hi Pammy, tell Mary I will be in touch with her pal Betty Meechan and she will get me the phone number. Cheers, Cathy.
Submitted by: Cathy Kennedy In response to 'disgruntled' posting about Crown Stand - to let all the people who don't live in the Gorbals know a little of what it's like now. There is one parade of shops in the whole of the Gorbals; it's on both sides of Crown Street (roughly where the George cinema used to be). We have a Post office, a Greggs bakers, a chemist, Ann's Fry chip shop (used to be in Queen Elizebath Square) a Co-Op supermarket and a couple of other shops. Disgruntled is right about what he says concerning the drug addicts and alchohol abusers hanging around, there are a few shops dotted around the rest of the Gorbals; newsagent/grocers, one in Balatter Street, one in Bridge Street, one at the Corner of Gorbals Street and Cumberland Street. The Gorbals is a bit of a ghost town now - it's actually really dead - there are six flats in my close. I have one African family, one Polish couple and an Asian guy as three of my neighbours. All very nice people I may add. There are a lot of middle class people who live here now, the streets are full of fancy cars parked outside all of the 'bought hoose's.' There is nothing wrong with nostalgia but the place people talk about here is long gone. Next time I might talk about the drug explosion in the late seventies/early eighties that decimated a generation and left a lot of grieving parents behind. I will repeat yet again, I have never posted anything here under any other name.
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man F.A.O. Myra - Hi there. Yes, Dennis was my good friend during my school years - really sorry to hear the news. We had great laughs in our youth - he was a good man. I hope your okay. Did you have children? Hope you keep in touch. All the best, Iain.
Submitted by: Iain Hossack F.A.O. Big Giant Wee Man - You'll have me in tears as you mention the likes of Big Rab Stevenson. He was great pals with James O'Brien known as 'OBAY'and Charlie Kelly. I remember winning a 5-a-side football medal in The Playbarn 'circa 1973' and still have it to this day. Like yo,u I have fond memories of The Playbarn In the early 1970's.
Submitted by: Manupaclose F.A.O. Emily Biros - hi Emily. I remember going to the Barrowland and seeing BILL HALEY AND THE COMETS with my pal - it was a great night. The place was mobbed and we were jiving all nite. Can't remember the date but we got a lumber home lol. Cheers, Ann.
Submitted by: Ann Davies (Kerr) I am an ex gorbals man many folk will remember me selling the Daily Record down at the gushet, its great to see this whole set up folk with funny memories ive been reading through all the mail its amassing good to see auld pals still in touch so I hope I can do the same my name is Hughie Carmichael I worked as in upholstery at Stragis in Salisbury street when i got laid off I sold the record every night mostly at the gushet used to have a few pints in the railway hope to hear from anyone who can recall me bye the way im 68 in a few days.
Submitted by: H Carmichael Anyone out there know Ted McCulloch who lived in Naburn St opposite the swing park. He joined the R.A.F. cadets around 1958. Before that as a child he attended St Francis Primary.
Submitted by: john bonar The last time I visited the gorbals was in 1968,my old dad and I went down to the old Southside to look at where our old house used to be.My dad was born in the Gorbals in 1892,he pointed out to me where our house used to be,it was right across the street from Caledonia Road Graveyard,I did go back one more time in 1984,I never did visit the Gorbals as I did not want to see how they had destroyed all those lovely old buildings.
Submitted by: Margaret Lindsay Helen Walker pleased to read your postings lass, you make a lot of sense, you might be aware the same person under so so many aliases tried to get to me, but I just laugh it off, a wee tip, ignore him he will eventually go away and play with his big g w toys, he is an attention seeker , if you dont mind me asking did you attend Abbotsford place school in the 60s, as I remember a Helen Walker with fairish blond hair? all the best lass Big Tam
Submitted by: Tam Craig At the risk of sounding like the "pedantic sod" I warned about, I think Mick Gallagher is mistaken. I also came from that side of Lawmoor St, 109 to be exact, and it was Hutchesontown not Oatlands. I would say the Oatlands started at the Ritz picture house, where Rutherglen Rd joined with Caledonia Rd. I could be wrong, but I never have been before. I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken! Also, I noticed someone called Jolly was mentioned in an enquiry. Would this person be related to Teresa Jolly, who married a chap called Goodfellow and thus became Teresa Jolly Goodfellow?
Submitted by: Pammy Young My new monthly "Trollybus Awards". 1. "Gone with the wind" T.Q. 2. "Braveheart" Helen Walker 3. "Love is all around" N mc Namee 4 " True stories" Agnes & Doris 5. " Memories" Jim / Jannie 6. "The devil rides out" Big giant wee man 7. " Funny Man" Iain Hossack 8. "One flew over the Cukoos nest" Major Marque 9." Silence is Golden" All. Fakers 10." A true Gorbals lassie" Rita Moffat Hope you all liked this months awards true to the end Iain.
Submitted by: Iain Cleary Rita Moffat, good to hear from you again you brought memories with the tadpoles, we went to the Queens park to do our bit of fishin, did you ever see the bats flyin at Roukin Glen? My there was a lot of home made fun as you said, we used to sit on our bums all day taking car numbers, train numbers things you could never think of today, and eating my puff candy I didnt have a care in the whole world with big holes in the soles of my feet I tramped thro the Gorbals to my hearts content. James Fletcher, YES I did similar things to get my bottles sold and found Bullochs the off licensee impossible they never once took my bottles, the Kiloreon bar was the easiest wee Johnny the barman was magic. Good luck Iain
Submitted by: Iain Hossack Hello Agnes sweetheart, hope your having a great day, yesiree the Church was in the top end of Cumberland street, between Egliton st and Abbotsford place , its well gone so has the whole of that side of the road, georgie used to do a wee bit of winchin in them old closes up there it was not far away from my old street Nicholson street, the Church itself was magnificent and had beautiful gardens at the front, I was in it a few times we used to attend the wrestling classes, but I preferred wrestling with the girls ha ha friendly wrestling so I left to do what I knew best! did you come from near by love? see you Georgie
Submitted by: GEORGIE PORGIE my mum was born in 71 South Portland St. to Margaret Finlay and Alexander Lawrie. Margaret died the day after my mum was born on 22 Sep 1940. He father abandoned her and her 4 siblings which I don't think was uncommon back then!!
Submitted by: Anne Henry Maniac drivers,double parked for a pie out of greggs,junkies and winos treking around like spacemen and neds and children disrespecting anything that moves.Another day in crown street
Submitted by: disgruntled DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER GOING TO THE BILL HALEY CONCERT? CAN,T REMEMBER WHAT THEATRE BUT IT WAS IN THE 50S THAT WAS MY FIRST TASTE OF ROCK,N,ROLL. HERSELF THE ELF EMILY BIROS
Submitted by: EMILY BIROS AAAAAHHH JUST GOT THE SAD NEWS ABOUT A OLD FRIEND JOHN MC CUE WHO PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK AND WAS TOLD AT HIS FUNERAL NOT TO MANY OF US MATURE ONE S LEFT.. RIP JOHN WONDER IF U DO MEET UP WI AWE THE AULD PALS NOO THAT WID BE WAN HELLUVA CONVERSATION.....ARTIE HE TOOK THE NEWS RATHER BADLY , AND WISHED THAT HE COULD HAVE BEEN THERE BUT LIKE I TOLD HIM YOU WERE THERE IN YOUR MIND AND HEART... I HAVE FOUND FACE BOOK AND ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW LOTS OF PEOPLE THAT I HAD FORGOT ABOUT DONT KNOW IF I LIKE IT TO MUCH BUT WILL SEE....WENT ROLLER SKATING WI THE WEANS OCH N OCH AGAIN MA ANKLES WERE KILLIN ME AND ONLY FELL A COUPLE OF TIMES ONLY BECAUSE THEY WERE PUSHING AND SHOVING ME BUT HEY RITA AM GONNA STICK TO THE PEERIE IT IS SAFER...... GLAD TO SEE THAT SAM HE IS GETTING ON AND AH KNOW THE FOLKS WILL JUST LOVE HIS BROUGE SEEMS IN THIS COUNTRY EVERY ONE HAS A SCOTTISH OR IRISH GRANNIE NAE MAITER WHIT COLOUR YOU ARE AYE A GUESS WE ARE ALL JOCK TAMSONS BAIRNS......HOPE EVERY ONE IS WELL AND NOW THE WEANS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL I HAVE MY LIFE BACK AGAIN (grandchildren) no more beach swimming and all the stuff to keep them happy . I SAY KEEP THEM WEE PEOPLE IN SCHOOL ALLL YEAR AND SEND THEM HOME ON HOLIDAYS (joking) well am aff ti the garage and yard sales IT IS A LOCAL THING AND ONE DOES FIND SOME DECENT THINGS AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR STUFF FOR THE YARD AND GERDIN.....STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre My partner is Thomas Thomson of Surrey Street, Glasgow. His father was David Thomson who had brothers named William, Andrew, a sister named Isobel who married an Englishman named Thomas Jeffries. Any information or leads on family member whereabouts is gratefully appreciated. We know little of this side of the family. Thank you. Judy.
Submitted by: Judith Aracsy For JANE HARRISON I have now moved to USA 0ne month now.I do miss my Gorbals Hi to all i enjoyed looking over the postings.
Submitted by: Marie Kelly fao cathie blackpool. hi if you google rennick church gorbals glasgow,there is some great photos of the church, and lots more photos of the last days of the gorbals.regards agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Many Thanks manupaclose, you really have jogged my memory. I remember Ian well, I just couldnt remember his name,its more than 35 years ago.I remember Morag as well she was a really nice person. As I said in a previous posting Ian was in charge at Balmacarra, I was think Rab Stevenson (RIP) was one of the helpers . They took about a dozen of us to Skye one day to look at a cave, when we came out of the cave the tide had come in, Ian had some climbing ropes with him and we had to climb up this rock face all roped together to escape the incoming tide, it was a miracle no one was killed.As far as i remember before the playbarn was built crossraods had a flat at the corner of Eglinton St and Norfolk St where we used to go, the guys who started crossroads were sort of hippies from the sixties, thats the impression I had. Crossroads was an important part of mine and an awful lot of Gorbals kids growing up then.
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man hi sam glad to see that you are getting the hang of it..see i told you it would work out....you must be talking ha ha posh now that folks can get a gist of what you are saying......sam if you by any chance get to aspen a lot of brits there working , and ask for justin gordon they all work the clubs and resturants, justin he knows every one , he is from new jersey and used to live in kearny so when do you think that you will be on the road? it gets pretty ciold were you are at but a great place to visit, and the winter sports will be happening soon ha you might even bump into a few soccer fans or a rich burd now would that not be nice.......so enjoy everything you can and keep useing the brouge not to thick though it does open doors honest.....take care safe driving and dont forget yir woolin city slickers (knickers) good health doris hi rita and every one else.
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre Hi Emily Biros... Hope you are well and fit cousin.. xx
Submitted by: David Hi, I am looking for Ella Watson and Joe Tohill. I lived at 121 Lawnmoor Street but went to New Zealand in 1953 with my parents. I now live in Australia. If either of you get this please reply. Laurie.
Submitted by: Laurie McCabe F.A.O. Big Giant Wee Man - The man you refer to who died while climbing The Matterhorn and was Involved with The Crossroads Playbarn was Ian Ferris, His wife was called Morag, They lived at the top of Cumberland Street at Eglinton Street, Morag Ferris was my teacher at Blackfriars Primary School 'circa 1972.'
Submitted by: Manupaclose Great to see us back on track - I thought all the golden oldies had popped their clogs!! Saw the post relating to Ayton Sandwiches. It's amazing how much you think you've forgotten until someone mentions something you loved. Glad to hear Rita has mastered the whip and peerie again. I'd love a wee shot. My favourite was "doublers" but you don't seem to get the proper bouncing rubber balls just old tennis balls. Keep the posts coming in. Cheers, Nan.
Submitted by: Nan Cameron Hi Agnes - talking about churches, there was the Rennick Church on Cumberland Street between Abbotsford Place and Eglinton Street. Is it still there or has it been demolished along with all the other ones?
Submitted by: Cathie Noticed the old "where is Gorbals" argy bargy still on the go. Who gives a toss but go to "The Glasgow Story", click on valuation rolls then ward maps. All you need is their streets with names and hunners o' quiz answers, Be warned - once you get into it you will be there for hours. Tons of memories from the forties etc.
Submitted by: Anonymous Apologies for the lethargic updating of the anecdotes over the past few weeks, but staff shortages due to holidays mean that priorities have had to lie elsewhere. Hopefully, that is us now back up-to-date. Please note: I cannot respond to messages addressed directly to myself if I do not have an email address to reply to. As always, thank you all for your continued support.
Submitted by: WEBMASTER Big giant wee man - I have been reading your postings for quite some time and you say you live in the Gorbals and have never left it, is that correct? Then may I ask why your address is London, England when sometimes it's Glasgow? Seems you're in two places at once. I would also like to know why you accuse at least eight people on here of being "Stoat the baws?" Your language is distasteful and aggressive and I have informed the webmaster of the meaning behind these posts.
Submitted by: Helen Walker Nicky Miller - I played football all my life so did my elder brothers. I remember Geoff Shaw - we all played for Crossroads, Big Budgie from Eglington street - he was the character at the time. Dougie Flannagan was tall and lanky but a great player. I see someone has written in about Andy St. John - my brothers or me have never heard of him so this guy is leading you up the garden path. We went to Balloch and to Rouken Glen and had street parties but never anywhere else - nissen huts a lot of baloney. I stayed upstairs in the flat at Abbotsford Lane with Geoff and his family many a time. He was a fair man. We did not have many successful teams as players would always let us down and not turn up. We played up the Rex and Glesga Green and we used to wear red and white kit. I have photos of me and my brothers with Geoff and all the players over a period of ten years - you're welcome to have copies. Doris - many thanks for your kind letter love - I will keep you posted and I am beginning to enjoy it out here. Seems like my accent, never mind my skills, is popular!! Haha. Take care all, Sam.
Submitted by: Sam Hallidice Hi Peter Coyle. I will check my files. I should have photos of Nicholson Street - not sure of the number but I will email you what I find. Please let me know if you get the photos (some folk don't bother). Bye for now, Norrie.
Submitted by: Norman McNamee F.A.O. Rita Moffat - Hi Rita. You mentioned Hayfield Street. Can I ask you, do you remember a guy called Geordie Hay - he was a pal of mine years ago. Him and John Paton were pals. Can I ask do you still get Ayton sandwiches? I used to love them. Take care, Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Holland Pat - I worked at the old Metropole Theatre. While working my day job, I was doing my usherette there at night and weekends saving to come to the states. I was there when Lex McLean and Billy Rusk were the big stars. It was a great place in its day. When we were young my mum would take us there - I remember standing in the lane waiting to get in as we were up in the nosebleed seats, good memories. Mick - I remember the rag man and running up and asking my mum for rags. If you had woolen rags, you got a better toy. Anytime my mum had anything made out of wool she would unravle it and knit us kids socks with it so we never got the better toy. Herself the Elf, Emily Biros.
Submitted by: Emily Biros John Robertson was a friend of my father David Morland - Florence Street boys. John was taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore. Taken to Burma/Thailand and was made to work on hells railway (The Bridge over The River Kwai). When the British, Australian and Indian forces came through Burma and Thailand, John who had survived and others were marched back to a Japanese prison ship. The ship was sunk by a USA sub when it was torpedoed. John was one of over 500 out of 900 who drowned and his memory lives on at a war graves cemetery in Singapore. Anyone out their who knows the family please get in touch. My father until he died in 1990 talked fondly of his very good pal. Anyone with contacts of John's family please get in touch. Cheers a very good site. I thank the crew and moderator for all their hard work. Further info I can make available to family of Johns.
Submitted by: David Morland Anyone who lived in or around 246 Florence Street please let me know. Many thanks. JMG.
Submitted by: Jim McGill Do you remember the wheelbarrow a guy used to push around by hand shouting, "Toys for Rags?" I would run up three flights of stairs and ask my mammy if she have any rags for the rag man? My mammy would reply, "Go and tell him it's rags we're wearing." Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher To Nicky Miller regarding Crossroads, I was there at the beginning, a poor wean in need. One person you left out or are not aware of is Andy St John, an English film director (pronounced sin-gin). He ran the playbarn when it opened up in the early - mid seventies, crossroads had a few nissan huts in a place called Balmacara just across the water from Skye, and we would be taken there for a holiday. There was a guy who ran the Balmacara site whose name has slipped my mind - he actually died in a mountaineering accident climbing the Matterhorn. If you want any more information about Crossroads, please email me at biggiantweeman@yahoo.com. As for protecting my anonymity, I live in the Gorbals unlike over 90 percent of the people who contribute here. The Gorbals is a small place now and I prefer anonymity.
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man Hiya folks. Thinking recently about memory. Isn't it odd how you can remember tiny details from 50 some years ago and can't remember what happened 2 minutes ago! Anyway, my wee pals from years ago keep comming into my head sooo I am going to give another try at contacting them. Ann Hay - from Hayfield School and John Street School; Phamie Duff from Hayfield; Martha Quinn from Hayfield; Pauline Ferguson; Ellen Watson Hayfield; Helen Kater/Cater - I believe Helen came from Waddell Street and lived in Canada? Cheers Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat F.A.O. Georgie Porgy - Hello there. I was talking about Gorbals parish church at the corner of Pollokshaws Road & Cumberland Street. I watched it being pulled down on Friday the 16th of July. Was there another church in Cumberland Street? Regards Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Herrity F.A.O. Doreen - I lived at number 43 Sandyfaulds Street and I think the Camerons lived in my close. There was a family in your close called Mitchell. The dad was always working on a car in the street. The rag 'n' bone man was called Jackson. I too moved to Commercial Court. Hope you're well Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Holland Does anyone remember going to the "Metropole Theatre" and seeing "Jimmy Logan" and his mother and brother? He was the funny one and the only reason I think people went to see their show. The brother thought he could sing like "Sinatra" but when Jimmy got serious he would bring the house down. Those where great times.
Submitted by: Pat Lynch Hi Tucker. One side of Lawmoor Street was Gorbals and the other side were I lived at 331 was a posh area called Oatlands. Mick
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher At the risk of incurring the wrath of others, in reply to Tucker from Cambridge, I would say the Gorbals, into which I would incorporate Laurieston and Hutchesontown, ran north to south from the Clyde at Adelphi Street up to the Gushet at the top of Crown Street and east to west from the Clyde again at Waterside Street to Bridge Street. I think I've got it about right, but no doubt if I haven't, some pedantic sod will correct me. Cheers, Pammy.
Submitted by: Pammy Young Nice to see this site is getting back on track, and good to hear Sam Hallidice is coaching the young girls in the USA. They call football soccer!! Also a diaper is a nappy and a pacifier is a dummy. Well The Big Giant Wee Man will be heading over the Jamaica Bridge later, might go into Macsorley's. There are so few pubs left in the Gorbals now, TTFN.
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man Anyone remember my da? His name was John Gallacher (skeets). We lived in Camden Street no 176 next to the school from about 1963-1968.
Submitted by: Bryan Gallacher Hi Frank Ford, your memory is correct - the suspension bridge is at the bottom of South Portland Street and Carlton Place. Bye for now, Norrie.
Submitted by: Norman mcNamee Hi Sam, glad to see that you are somewhere I think Colorado? About you being a Rangers fan - it doesn't matter the Scots club is all proddies (grin) and I am sure the Irish club would welcome you also. You have to still remember the American top sport is still what they call football and soccer is tagging along. No matter were you go, your brouge is an asset so use it and talk like you read. Slow down - people have to get tuned in to you. Let me know when you are heading to LA - will arrange something, so drive safe and everyday will be a great trip....best of British, Doris aka DAM.
Submitted by: Dorisn McIntyre To Iain Hossack, Irene Muir, Christina Philbin - Summertime when we were wee...well, summer is nearly over but the posting about memories of summers gone by keep returning to my head. The list of activities seems endless, the back street concerts, away feeding the ducks in the ducksie. At least we called them ducks but they were as they are now - SWANS! Catching baggie minnies and putting them in a jeely jaur wi a string handle. Boasting about the fat baggie minnies we called doctors for some strange reason. Being sick efter 3 times in a row on the waltzers. Playing film stars, statues chases and rounders in Hayfield Street. Climbing over the railings to get into the swings at Hayfield Street school. Burling roon and roon the maypole. Watching my cousins do their acrobatic stuff on the American swings in Glesca Green. Making castles wi moats in the sauny pawn. Nay time for Xboxes or mobile phones in those days - too busy making our own fun. Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Trying to find a family member belonging to Thomas Warren from the Gorbles. He's Tommy's 3rd born child, a boy born in the mid 60's, and I think his name was Christopher. If anyone can help me, or knows anything, it'd be much appreciated.
Submitted by: Anne Niehus It's 1953 - the Coronation in Lawmoor Street. The bunting is all up on the street, someone has brought out their stereo outside and everyone is up there dancing, myself included. It was a great atmosphere, now that is something you will never see again.
Submitted by: Catherine Davidson Hi, I'm looking for anyone who knew my father John who lived in Oatlands during and after the war till sometime in the fifties, when the family moved to Castlemilk. His mother was Annie, Father Andrew and his 2 sisters are Jean and Isabel. I am also looking for information on the football team RanCel F.C who were runners up in the Glasgow Cup Final of 1955 - my dad was the goalie. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Submitted by: John Hogg F.A.O. Iain Hossack - Ah remember when Bullochs at cumberland Street and Eglington Street and Sproules at Turrif Street and Eglinton Street started putting stamps on ther Beeries. Wit ah dun wis tae get ma hauns oan wan ah they John Bull printing sets, a wee bottle ah blue ink, and wae a penknife, moulded as best ah cud the shape ah the stamps oan the printin set then stamped the empty beerie. Bingo, ma very 1st forgery aged 8yrs. Great days. Thanx Ian. The Jannie. x
Submitted by: James Fletcher Does anybody know Thia Johnston? She is my mum. I lived in Germiston, 16 Stronsay Street or did anybody go to Rosemount Primary?
Submitted by: Brian McKinnon To Ian Hossack, I read your mention about a Dennis Fraser - it sounds like my partner who died 2008. He too was a Gorbals boy and he was always a gentle giant till he passed away. Loved and missed by everyone who knew him. By the way, he was always a Dennis the Menace. He died age 60.
Submitted by: Myra My partner is Thomas Thomson of Surrey Street, Glasgow. His father was David Thomson who had brothers named William, Andrew, a sister named Isobel who married an Englishman named Thomas Jeffries. Any information or leads on family member whereabouts is gratefully appreciated. We know little of this side of the family. Thank you. Judy.
Submitted by: Judith Aracsy I am writing a book on the murder of Michael McGurk. He was shot in Sydney last year. I believe he grew up in the Gorbals as Mick Rushford. His date of birth was 26 January, 1964. His mother Jean divorced his father Eddie McGurk and married Bob Rushford. If anyone can help, I would be most grateful, Kate.
Submitted by: Kate McClymont Hi Rita - feeling a bit nostalgic after reading your letter on auld Glesca toon. It's been a few years since I was last up there and it was looking great - quite cosmopolitan and I'm like you - I walk about looking up at the buildings in the city centre and amazed at the beautiful architecture and wondering why I never noticed this when I was young. I loved going into the St.Enochs shopping centre, having a coffee and just watching the people and listening to the guid Scots tongue. You don't realise how much you miss it all till you go back for a visit. I will be back to visit soon - can't wait. Hope your peerie's still spinning Rita. Hope you are well. Cathie
Submitted by: Cathie F.A.O. Bob Kidd. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I remember the Sullivans and the Scotlands were cousins. Hughie Scotland was my age and his cousin Margaret Sullivan was my age too. We were all part of a group who were friends and played together and I have great memories of all the fun we had. Is it my imagination or did it always seem to be summertime when we were young? F.A.O. John Miller. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I left Abbotsford School in 1950 when I sat the qually exam and went on to Strathbungo. It must be old age but the only teacher's name I can remember is Mrs Macfarlane. Keep well, Cathie.
Submitted by: Cathie F.A.O. Bob Kidd. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I remember the Sullivans and the Scotlands were cousins. Hughie Scotland was my age and his cousin Margaret Sullivan was my age too. We were all part of a group who were friends and played together and I have great memories of all the fun we had. Is it my imagination or did it always seem to be summertime when we were young? Keep well, Cathie.
Submitted by: Cathie Hi. I recently heard form Joe Toehill from the Gorbals. He was a pal of my brother Laurie. We lived at 121 Lawmoor Street from 1946 to 1953. Could Joe please get back to me as my brother would like to make contact. Thanks, Norma.
Submitted by: Norma Larkin nee McCabe Watching Taggart the other night and saw it had been filmed in and around St Francis. It was strange to see a TV murdurrrr taking place inside the chapel that holds so many memories from my childhood.
Submitted by: Mac Just been reading the site - strange how memories come back. I lived at 106 Florence Street when I was 4 (1949) ground floor. Old Paddy McQuade was my grandfather, Wee Maude was granny and I remember four uncles Big Mick McQuade , Andy Jolly, Jimmy Schofield, Henry McAllister and my Da Paddy ( A right waster) Wee Muade apparently was very social!! Then I remember Cavendish Street and playing on the big turntable at the rail yards, moved shortly after that to Patterton Camp near Rouken Glen. May not mean anything to anyone but the memories are priceless.
Submitted by: Mac Looking for information about Kate McCulloch who lived in Wolsley Street, Oatlands, around the 1940s or 1950s she had a daughter called Rose who died in 1941 and I believe she had two other daughters and I think there was a son - would be grateful for any information. Thank you.
Submitted by: C Meek Hello, I was born at 168 Nicholson Street, Glasgow. My mother was described on my birth certificate as a bond store worker - her name is Elizabeth Coyle who was born in Brook Street, Calton in 1924. Does anyone have any photos of 168 Nicholson Street? Regards, Peter Coyle.
Submitted by: peter Coyle Did anyone work with Geoff Shaw, Walter Fyfe, John and Molly Harvey and Lilias Graham and possibly the Gorbals group and Crossroads. I work for crossroads to this day, managing their youth centre in the Gorbals and I am currently reading Geoff's book which has inspired me to carry on some of his work for the organisation. I would welcome speaking/meeting with anyone who has made contact with the individuals above and Crossroads in the years gone by. Regards Nicky.
Submitted by: Nicky Miller To Auld Soosider - you asked for summer memories. Lots...long, long days playing in the back or in Glesca Green if you got lucky. Playing with melted tar from the then, cobbled McNeil Street. Getting tar on my dresses, arms legs and hair! Getting laldie for this. Remember ma Mammy putting margarine on the tar to melt it. One year, this was an unsuccessful ploy and I had to get dodds of tar cut out from my hair. Didnae make the mistake of getting tar oan ma herr again. An early realisation of consequences.... Glesca Fair when all the factories shut down infact it seemed the world shut down. Plenty of "bungs" for your Fairn from aunties and uncles. Feeling very sorry though, for the wives whose men went on the Ran Dan and drank too much of the holiday money, tried to make it up by gambling on the horses. Guess what? Ended up losing the lot - dead skint with three weeks to the next pay poke!! The men widnae get a way wi that these days!! Loved the "shows" that came to Glesca Green every Fair - the excitement, the music. Great fun from waltzers, motor bikes, steam boats, the Wall of Death, Helter Skelter then there were the side shows - anyone remember the headless wummin? The mother stood outside persuading folk to come in whilst the two daughters not exactly the ideal size 12... gave a very energetic kinda can-can dance all to pull the crowds in. Great fun and not a computer game in sight.. Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Does anyone know an old friend of mine called Tam Dougan? He used to live in Bedford Street and we went to Adelphi together.
Submitted by: Barry Grahame Big giant wee man, you mention no one gives there name ha ha whats your name then? Hey, what school did you go to any mates we know? The only people who do not give names are the silly fakers, yes? How can we meet old friends? How can we talk about old friends? Molls myre again you pun, stand up and be counted. The weather is so beautiful - sun shining makes one so happy to be alive, and its great to be able to be kind to our fellow human beings. Life is so sweet, I love people who are open not sad. Mellow in the sun chum.
Submitted by: Helen Walker I have two special memories of "summer in The Gorbals". The first is going to the Kiosk at the corner of Gorbals and Cleland Street with a glass jug and getting it filled with ice cream. The second is walking from Hospital Street to Queens Park, and how excited we got when, from somewhere in Victoria Road, we first spotted the trees. This was in the forties, so it's probably way before anyone on this site can remember.
Submitted by: Joan "F.A.O. Auld Soo-Sider - aye the shows, 1970, Yellow River, Alrite Now, Gimmethat Gimmethat Gimmethat thing - noo 1970 World Cup Mexico, somebody oan the telly added these type of songs tae clips of the fitba fae the world cup. It wiz magic - they fastforwarded/rewound, the fitba clips n added the music, hilarious stuff, dae ye remember thame ma frend? Thanx the Jannie" x
Submitted by: James Fletcher Hi all - just come out of the Victoria Infirmary. My it's changed. Everyones from the Highlands. I was hospitalised for 12 weeks with a liver complaint. Hope you have all missed Georgie!! Hi Agnes - the church in Cumberland street went down yonks ago - it was a beautiful spot and about the shinangins that have started up on here the guy is Alfred Hitchcocks brother thats a cert.
Submitted by: Georgie Porgie Lived at 89 Gorbals Cross - I left in 59 to come to California for work, but I remember the old Gorbals very well. The gang leader I was so afraid of was Tim Reilly. He would be at the corner with his deaf, mute gang. I remember one night my friends and I where watching them out the window and he was yelling up at us and the ones that couldn't talk where making the most awful sounds with there mouths. They where trying to find out what close we lived up, I don't think we slept a wink that night as you could hear them running up and down the stairs looking for us. I was so scared to even look at him when I was coming home from work.
Submitted by: Pat Lynch Born November 1949 in Abbotsford Place.
Submitted by: John McIntosh I have been going through some old photos and have a photo of a kilted drummer with a side drum. I would guess the man is 30/40 years old and I am certain it was taken just outside the St. Francis School in Sandyfaulds Street which you can see in the background. The occassion would be the May Procession. I can vaguely recall that he used to lead the procession. I would be happy to send it to anyone who think they would know who it is. I am guessing it would be taken in the late 1940 early 1950s.
Submitted by: Jim Paterson The post by Agnes with the info on 'The Streets where we Lived' is great as I browsed thru it mention was made of the Suspension Bridge and Ballater Street. I lived in South Portland and as far as I remember the Bridge was at the bottom of the street and Calton Place. Can someone help me on this one? I have also been looking at the Tron Theatre site which brings back memories of in the 50s-60s which was the Corporation workshops in Parnie Street. I used to walk over the Bridge to get to work, any help appreciated Frank Ford, Australia.
Submitted by: Frank Ford Looking for Ann & Elaine Hassen - they used to sing in the Riverside Tavern. Anyone help?
Submitted by: Margaret Sehar Hi to all. Can anyone tell me what the boundries are of the Gorbals? It would be interesting to know. Myself, I was born and brought up in Adelphi Street between Crown Street and Florance Street in 1940-58.
Submitted by: Tucker I'm searching for a Mr Angus McFarlane born 1948 - he lived in Naburn Street in the late 1940's-1950's. I did receive a reply from his cousin but unfortunately I missed it. He is the son of Margaret and Alec McFarlane also brother of Margaret and John McFarlane. If anybody knows of him could you please reply to this ad! To the attention of S. Rigmond who replied to my ad searching for Mr Angus McFarlane in 2009. Could you please get in contact with me via e-mail at caledonia_18@live.co.uk? Many thanks.
Submitted by: Cally McFarlane Hey Doris & co. - I am in a small place called Alpine working at the school coaching the kids soccer. The girls here are better than the boys by a mile - about two years behind. Pubs are lousey so I might have to take your tip but New York is not just around the corner. Anyway, forgot to tell you I'm a Rangers man so going to the Celtic bar is not on. I see we still have some nutters writing in - hey Tarzan and all your other aliases. They are looking for people like you out here. There's a warehouse that makes big babies dummies & bouncing money. Still having trouble with my glesga accent? Cheers everyone, Sam.
Submitted by: Sam Hallidice Hi Everyone. I lived at 45 Sandyfaulds Street in the 50's & 60's. The folk I hung around with were Caroline & Marie Smith, Marie Viola, Catherine and Lucinda Reid, David and Irene Cameron, Jim Brown, Florence and Anne Burton, Sophia Coyle, Christina Sommervile, George and Sandra Kernachan & Jesie Adams to name but a few, I'm still in touch with some of them. I moved to Waddell Court when it first opened and went to Hayfield then Adelphi. I lived straight across from St Francis School gates - I remember the shop wee Murns, the back court singer with the fur coat the rag and bone man through the pen. He had a club foot and kept his horse and cart in a stable there, whip and peeries, the games a bogey the mans in the lobby your no het. It's good to remember those times.
Submitted by: Doreen Jamieson (nee Rice) Looking for Grady Marion, Ron, Mick, Rose lived at 134 Rhymer Street. Half brothers and sisters to George Dunbar - there mother was Ann Jane. Any info or contact appreciated.
Submitted by: Angus Dunbar Did any of you ever go to "The Tea Meetings?" It was a kinda gospel revival meeting in a little room off Commercial Road. A few of us rag a muffins would go there for tea and crumpets and biscuits supplied by very nice people, however we had to sing some gospels songs. I can only remember "Deep and Wide" and "My Cups Full and Running Over." Does anyone know the rest of the words to those gospels songs? Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Rita, thanks for your letter. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Another wee thing I remember was going to football matches and collecting "Beeries" - it was for the boys only that one. We would wait till the match was nearly done and collect the empty beer bottles and put them in a sack. Mind you some were not empty but full of pee! Oh the memories of that! We then took them to the pub and got a couple of pennys for them each but alas the pubs started to put stamps on the labels and that virtually put us out of business. It was a great way of getting money and go to the Palace on a Saturday night - probably still smelling of pee! A few years before that, we used to pay our entrance by Jellie jars - now can anyone remember those days? Iain.
Submitted by: Iain Hossack I remember my mother giving me, on occasion, thruppence (in old money) to run down to the Moy Bar on a Friday to get my father and him giving me the same to say he was not there. Sixpence got me a bag of chips! Oh happy days! Sorry to hear about Mick Rushford, he was a hellava character. Re. making tablet, I have had many a go and it comes out like nothing I have ever seen sold as tablet, possibly like the tablet the 10 commandments were written on, but then my cooking skills probably break every one of them! All the best everyone and enjoy the summer noo that it is here (no it's no, yes it is, no it's no)!! I get a bit annoyed when it rains in July then someone up the road reminds me it is the fair and I think, of course, it always rained at the fair, so that proves global warming is no as bad as it is made out to be, but maybe having my turkey on the beach at Ayr this might prove me wrong. I remember going over to the shows at the fair and happy summer songs on the waltzers and motorbikes. In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry always makes me smile. Cheerio for now. What is your favourite summer memory from your days in the Gorbals?
Submitted by:Auld Soosider Hi! I was hoping someone might remember John McDonald from 345 Lawmoor Street. John was my uncle, born 1909. I am trying to find out where he went and if he's married. John still lived at this address in 1945/46 according to the votors register. I would love to know more about him as I never met him and it was my mother's greatest wish to see her brother again. Sadly she never got her wish. Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light as to what happened to my uncle John McDonald.
Submitted by:Sandra F.A.O. Cathy Kennedy - I told Mary I was in touch with you. She said to tell you she will be in Canada on the 16th of September. She wanted to give her friends phone number in Canada but I said that wasn't advisable, so I don't know if there is anyway round this impasse. I know she would love to meet up with you if possible. Cheers, Pammy.
Submitted by:Pammy Young Are there any of the scallywags who frequented the 'Molls Mire' pub out there ?? I think there is!!! Maybe not giving your real name, but thats ok, who is ?
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man F.A.O. Cathy Kennedy - Hi Cathy, Mary told me she was talking to you in Tenerife. She said you were looking great. Beattie's Crisps must have been some work, your ma, my ma, and wee Agnes Dillon. If you remember it moved to Cambuslang but my ma said it wasn't the same. I think the Cambuslang lot weren't very friendly towards people from the Gorbals...I wonder why? As to me, yes I am still in Castlemilk (nae time aff fur good behaviour). Castlemilk has changed quite dramatically - there is now a mix of social housing and owner occupiers, plus the population is a good bit less. (I think they shipped a lot of the riff raff off to the colonies, Canada mostly). When you think about it, when we moved to Castlemilk in 1960, nearly all of our part of Lawmoor Street moved en masse to Hoddam Avenue, the 4 closes from 59 to 65 were practically all our old neighbours from the Soo Side. I hope you keep in touch Cathy - it's always good to hear from old friends and neighbours
Submitted by: Frank (Wee Pammy) Young Hi Agnes - me a legend, steady on!! I have been called many a name but never that, hee hee. Bye for now, Norrie.
Submitted by: Norman McNamee The Gorbals Church in Cumberland is now Demolished(very sad)Does anyone know if another church was built to take its place. I am not a church person, but its a shame for the people who did use the Church. I went to the old Abbotsford Chalmers Church in pollockshaws Road when I was young.I know a lot of the people went to the new Gorbals Church when Abbie closed.Does anyone remember the Teese Family, bobby Nimmos family,The Armour Family. they all done a lot for the church,as did my Dad, he was an officer in the BB, He was Bill(William) Kerr. GORBALS ON THE STREETS WHERE WE LIVED. I bought this CD at the Forge Market yesterday (Saturday). It's really good. I have seen a lot of the photos before, but it was good to hear the patter of the wee guy on the DVD - what made it extra special was it showed Bedford Street where I was born and brought up, Abbotsford School that I went to from 1953 till 1961, St. John Church where my daughter was christened 40 years ago, Devon Street where my hubby and I had our first house when we married and many many more places that I have great memories of. It lasts 45 mins. Anyone who has already bought it or anyone who buys it will love going through THE STREETS WHERE WE LIVED. Regards to all Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Caltonian - I went to school with nearly every one of the guys you mentioned playing football with and I married Chic Doris's cousin. Small world!! My da is 80 in January and I am trying to get together a story book about everything he's done. His name is Joe McCluskey and we stayed in Camden Street. As a boy, he stayed in Commercial Street. He went to Canada in the merchant navy when he was younger. He worked for Scottish Farmers milk and delivered to Castlemilk when it was a new scheme. His milkboys all came from Castlemilk so if you were one of them I'd love to hear from you. He also worked on the buses out of Larkfield Garage before getting a black hack and drove one for years. Believe it or not, he worked right up till a couple of years ago in the Queens Park Hotel homeless unit so if anyone knows him and can send me any stories I would be grateful. His ma moved from the Gorbals to Pollok in the 50's so he was also known in Pollok and about the Shaws. Thanks again.
Submitted by: Helen Doran I am trying to find out if anybody knew a lady called Janet McDonald Wilson. She lived at 139 Wolsely Street and worked in a restaurant. She had a son, Davy Wilson, who was born 31/7/1937. He is trying to trace a brother he thinks he may have. Davy cannot read or write and he was evacuated to the highlands with his family circa 1941-42. Davy recalls that both he and a brother were moved together but were separated after a short while. Please could anyone with a memory of Mrs Wilson contact me at my email address. Thank you. Ivor Smith.
Submitted by: Ivor Smith Tablet was brilliant - gave a lot of it to my neighbours and their wanes. They want me to make more ha ha! Thanks girls and everyone for your help. Someone mentioned pies, so lets go got a reciepy? I will end up with my own bakers here, Charlie McMurray
Submitted by: Charlie McMurray Talking of old Gorbals characters maybe Doris and Artie will remember Lazarus Dubbin who ran the ragstore? Always wore a long black coat down to the ground and bowler hat. We used to climb to the roof of the ragstore when it was shut, wait for the rats to appear and drop bricks on them. No Xbox 360 in those days. By the way, I lived at the corner of Lawmoor Street and Caley Road and went to St. Bonnies. Proud to be an old Gorbals boy - Jack.
Submitted by: Jack (Ben) Duffy I have been writing in here for many years and it is so good to read again happy chatter - goodbye troublemakers but alas still the odd persistent ones refusing to leave our beloved Gorbals site alone. This place is normal again - please can you leave us alone - your trying to trick the Webmaster with your Glesga slang which is shameful. Pack it in because us good folks didnae want you, you do not impress anyone except yourself, let the webmaster do his job without this kind of jiggery pockery.
Submitted by: Iain Cleary Auld biddy - thanks fer yer kind words...very much appreciated. It's great tae see ye back oan here again. Awrabest, Scunnered.
Submitted by: Scunnered Hi there Ian Hossack - yeah, bogies were the gemme. We had a few boy racers running up and down Moffat Street at the UCBS Garage bit. Lovely smooth road surface there to get the bogies going a treat. Hiv tae say, I'm not really a bogie person - more of a peerie person but some of those bogie's were a work of art. Coloured tin taps put on in a pattern. Dead gullus or whit? Same tin taps that were tied oan to yer shoes and voila you became Ginger Rogers. Versatility - another Gorbalite quality. Do remember the orange boxes too? Carrying their wee crouched up pasengers. Some brave weans always willing tae show aff for a derr, used to get hudges from the back of lorries, whilst balancing wan leg oan the bogie and the ither leg stuck out tae the side. Scared of NUTHING so we wurnie. But isn't that gist the spirit of Gorbalites? Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Hi Gorbals friends, I'm trying to find any relatives of David Drummond Campbell, born 23 July 1886 at 45 Adelphi Terrace, Glasgow. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
Submitted by: Colin Jacques Strange you cannot get Scotch pies in England yet we can get them here in Melbourne. We can also get Bridies and Scotch sausage.
Submitted by: John Bonar Just a few lines to let people know George Kirk sadly passed away on 15/7/10. Gone but not forgotten. Funeral is Saturday 24th 10am at John Duns Scotus, Gorbals. RIP COOKIE BOY.
Submitted by: Jinky Hello to you Marie Kelly. Is it all right to ask what part of USA you will be going to? Jane.
Submitted by: Jane Harrison Hi Pammy, I remember when our mothers worked in the crisp factory - it was great getting crisps every night. Are you still in Castlemilk? I met your Mary in Tenerife a couple of years ago.
Submitted by: Cathy Kennedy F.A.O. JOHN ADDISON. Well done to you John - it is great to read a letter that makes sense. In the 5 years I have been writing on the Gorbals Website, it's now not the fun it used to be with the good banter, jokes, nice letters I enjoyed reading. And even the sad letters. Good for you speaking up for I'm sure a lot of people who enjoy this site. I hope you have great success in getting all the rubbish thats going on. Good luck to the Webmaster - you have a big task ahead. Regards Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Does anyone remember the Jewish Bakery and Deli in Crown Street? My mum used to send me in every week for bread and muffins. It was the best bread around and the muffins were lovely and crisp. After you ate that bread there was no way you could go back to the white bread again.
Submitted by: Catherine Davidson My mother was born in 1927 at number 38 Norfolk Court. Her maiden name was Helen Jackson, daughter of William Jackson (fruit dealer) and Helen (nee Kerr). She had an elder sister Sadie and brothers George, James and John. I am not sure when she left there but I know that she and her siblings were orphaned when she was 12 after her parents died close together. My mum eventually moved to Nottinghamshire, England to join the Women's Land Army after a period in service in Dunfermline. Her married name was Tysoe. She passed away a few years ago now - she never spoke about the past as I think it was too painful. My biggest regret is that I didn't talk to her more about what happened while she was still alive. All I have is a letter to her and her brothers from the Chaplain of Barnhill Institution following the death of her mother and it is only recently I have come to realise that this was a poorhouse I think at that time. I believe my mum's brothers joined the armed forces and apart from the youngest brother John she had no more contact with her family. I know it is a long shot but I am hoping that someone somewhere has information that might connect me with relatives in the Glasgow area. I am looking for the children of George and James Jackson and their sister Sadie (Sarah) whose married name I'm afraid, I don't know.
Submitted by:Gail Tysoe Three cheers for the Webmaster - perhaps now we can all enjoy reading the Gorbals mail.
Submitted by: Iain Cleary F.A.O. NORRIE MCNAMEE - I have had "The Gorbals - An Illustrate History" since it came out, and I had read the names on the Acknowledgements Page, but it was only when I first went onto the Gorbals site and I saw your name after reading some of your letters through the years that I knew your name from the book. You give a great deal of detail to people who need information on different things. I have used your information many times when I have been looking for photos and stories about the Gorbals. You're a legend Norrie, keep up the good work. I was born and brought up in Bedford Street, so I am 100% a Gorbals girl. Regards Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes OMG! What is it with you old foggies? I'm a bit of a youngster at 46 yrs old! I love coming on this site to read about the old times, but all I read is argy bloody bargy. Get a grip of yerselves people - life is too short for that. If getting old is all about being abusive then God help me, I don't want to go there - shoot me now! I'm a Glasgow girl myself, now living in England, but Glasgow is in my blood. Please stop bickering and write some good things - it's fun to read about the old times. Come on you old foggies, shake your shammies and have fun!
Submitted by: Glesga Lassie Does anyone remember the Whites of George Street? There was Betty, Jessie, Wull and Walter. Mum was a character - Agnes,dad was Henry Baker White. He had 3 brothers, Bobby, George, Walter and his sister was Nellie.
Submitted by: Grace Rutherford Thank you Webmaster for removing the filthy contents letter sent in by someone calling themselves Mrs Gorbals. Hope that's the last we hear that language. I see that someone else called H. Walker on here - we are not related people but would you please tell me where you are from? Many thanks for now.
Submitted by: Helen Walker Another character in the old Gorbals was Dennis the Menace Frazer. He was a gentle giant and as mad as a brush. We paled together with the slavens broons. We were always up to mischief. We used to make bogeys out of wooden orange boxes then a plank of wood with roller skates on the bottom. You could even have a passenger inside the box. It looked similar to a big skateboard. We used to dress the box up with the metal lids of the scretaps or ginger bottles. Anyone remember them? We used to go up and down Hospital Street, Thistle Street and Caley Road....great days.
Submitted by: Iain Hossack Absolutely wonderful news from the WEBMASTER. Since my friend Melvin passed away, I have hoped that this day would come, when derogative letters from troublemakers would stop. Let's hope it does and thanks to John Addison for his concern. We can now feel free to call people "Big" or whatever they are called now. I am proud to be a Gorbals man and hope we can enjoy the site for what its real intentions are. Billy Malcom.
Submitted by: Billy Malcom To Rena or Carol Ross of Naburn Street (1950's) I think - Rena wrote a book. Get in touch please.
Submitted by: Margaret Graham Hi - the Jannie wae mer sad news. Ah dae voluntary work as a befrender at Drumchapel. Av been visitin a guy at drumry hoose residential. He passed oan on Monday 12th July. He wiz a retired polisman who grew up in Centre Street, Tradeston. As a say he passed oan at 82 years of age. He began his police trainin at Oxford Street polis skool. He learnt his trade ploddin the beat alang Carlton Place, up Eglinton Street and aw the other streets in n oot bak doon tae Oxford Street. He worked here fer a number of years and ended up becumin CHIEF INSPEKTOR AH GLESGA. No bad fer a soo-side boy. Err the years a visited him (am 56yr auld). We sherd sum stories!!!!! A wis only a wee guy wen he wis jailin ma da etc, altho, based at Pitt Street,he NEVER FORGOT WER HE CAME FAE!!! Many a sher aboot the shebeens, the characters etc. fae the Gorbals, as he wid say THE SALT OF THE EARTH. His funeral is at the Linn on Fri 16th - al salute the man fae the Gorbals. It wis a pleasure tae know him. God bless ye inspector Bill. Thanx fer the memories. R.I.P. the Jannie x.
Submitted by: James Fletcher To Anne and Catherine - thank you girls for coming up with the tablet recipe. I shall be making it on Saturday. It's a shame I cannot invite you up for a bite, but let's hope I do it right this time round. Thanks both of you, Charlie.
Submitted by: Charlie McMurray In the summer of 1961 about 30 [boys+girls] of us fae Big Bonnies went on a school swap holiday to Versailles [outside Paris]. Anybody out there remember? Also round that time my tenement which butted on to Big Bonnies playground collapsed - can anyone remember? I left Glesga in 1968 to build bricks halfway roon the world - 'am writing my life story so ask any readers for any info please. Only started to learn using a laptop early this year. We never had them in the soo-side when ah was a boy. Thanks for any help, Wee Danny.
Submitted by: Danny Gill 1955 I was working in Dixons Blazes as an apprentice engineer. I interrupted two tradesmen talking - "that was really rude among HARDMEN!" One of them gave me a bunch of fives sending me crashing down a flight of steel stairs! The next day the three apprentices (Boomer big Dennis and me) decided to get some revenge as the tradesmen stayed together so did the apprentices! It was lunch time and they were playing pontoon while eating their lunch around a huge fire in the plumbers hut. All the huts had a padlock on the outside making it easy for us to lock them in, we had a balloon which each of us "Peed in! With the aid of a ladder we quickly climbed on top of the shed, Boomer with a wet heshing bag would quickly cover up the smoking chimney as I dropped the "P.bomb" - their screams of "Bass" is heard above our laughter! As we could imagine, the smelly dust exploding all over them and their pieces as they tried to make their way out of the hut! Yes it takes hard men to get their own back on other HARD MEN! Aye and is that not true whats your name thingmay jigger ache whatever yer called! "You didn't believe it well I can't help you!" Tenquid
Submitted by: Tenquid Hopefully the site will get back to good old memories now......well done Webmaster and Mr Addison. Now to more important business - SCOTCH PIES. Why is it we can't get the real thing over the border? We can buy them out of a well known frozen shop but they're rubbish. Also out of 1 of the supermarkets down here - rubbish as well. Oh for a good SCOTCH PIE. Can any Gorbalites help?
Submitted by: Ann Davies Thank you for your e-mail John. As Webmaster for the anecdotes section of the GorbalsLive website, it is my responsibility to ensure that messages are proof read and, where necessary, amended before being published. Not being from the Gorbals and being relatively new to the role, it is almost impossible to differenciate between those of honerable intention and those whose sole purpose is to "upset the applecart" so to speak. I would also like to point out that, as with the majority of content on the Internet, the comments on here merely represent individual views and not hard fact. As Mr Addison quite rightly points out, however, such defamatory comments are not in keeping with the intended puropose of this website: to share your stories and experiences of living and working in the Gorbals. To this end, I would respectfully ask that no more anecdotes be posted containing derogatory comments directed toward individual contributors. They will not be posted on the website. Regards
Submitted by: WEBMASTER F.A.O. Penny McPhee Thorton England. I sent you an email a good few days ago but never got an answer so I gather you are not the same Penny that I knew from Cumberland Street next to the Red Star cafe?
Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay Hi Jack McDonough. I remember the Melba - I lived facing it in Carfin Street. I was called up in 1955 - it was the Majestic or the Sticks - when I got demobbed in 1957, it was the Melba. It was a great wee dance hall my pals and I had some great Saturday nights in it - happy memories.
Submitted by: Phil Mack F.A.O. Marie - I lived at 113 Hospital Street. Thanks for reminding me of the Rutherglen Road address. My husband said his mother went to the steamie in Calder Street, but I knew there was one in the Gorbals. I remember going there to the public baths. You went there when you were too big to get bathed in front of the fire in a zinc tub. I think the women who worked there must have been trained by the Gestapo, because they scared the hell out of us. My kids had their own bathroom, so it was hard to explain to them that we shared a toilet with four other families. It was hell, but it taught me never to take anything for granted. Did you ever play peever with a shoe polish can? We had to do that if we didn't have a real peever.
Submitted by: Joan To the Webmaster and to all on Gorbals Ancedote: Firstly the recent letters submitted ridiculing two persons ie. Father Peter Devlin and Tam Craig are so serious that they are open to legal action. The letters are threatening and libelous. I hope in future that these type of letters are interrupted and not printed. This forum is for peaceful, calm, humane beings who in their latter years want to meet either old friends or talk about their happy pasts. IT IS NOT for criminals or insane people such as these small minded idiots. Please Webmaster, get rid of them for the sake of the good living Gorbals people. I myself was a well known character in my youth and to this day I am known to a lot of Glasgow people I call friends. Disrespect to Father Peter is something we won't tolerate. He was a friend of my mother's and a number of people in the Gorbals. The person who is complaining is thousands of miles away in a foreign land - what does he know and what gives him the right to persecute a very old and well respected man? I have checked the mail on this forum and it appears this Tenquid has non-stop insulted several people on here. I do not know the other person (a Mr Tam Craig) but I know of him and must tell the people on here who are insulting him ought to be very careful - there is not one Glasgow man who does not know or have heard of his family, so we could have a war because of the sick people writing on here. I hope this can be avoided. As for me, I am naturally not happy that this was printed and I will certainly look into it all. Please Webmaster protect these innocent elderly people on this site from getting this type of unnatural abuse. My Sincere Regards, John Addison.
Submitted by: John Addison I did not make the posting on 24/6/10. (It has now been deleted - Webmaster). I have not made any postings under any other names. To reiterate, my intention was not to offend anyone. I think it would be helpful if people would state what age they are. I am a Gorbals boy through and through but I just have never heard of 90 percent of you - it may be an age thing, different generations. I have never heard of Father Devlin - was he at St. Lukes ?? I was a St. John's boy, Father Duffin was the main man in the late 60's early 70's. I am against people telling lies on this site, the truth cannot hurt but who decides who is telling the truth and who the liars are? In conclusion, I expect like me you have much more to bother you than what is being posted on an obscure site about what happened in a place that just doesnt exist anymore. I should know - I live here.
Submitted by: Big Giant Wee Man
03/09/10
Glasgow, Scotland
03/09/10
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27/08/10
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26/08/10
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26/08/10
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25/08/10
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24/08/10
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23/08/10
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23/08/10
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22/08/10
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20/08/10
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19/08/10
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19/08/10
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19/08/10
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19/08/10
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18/08/10
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17/08/10
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10/08/10
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09/08/10
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08/08/10
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08/08/10
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07/08/10
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06/08/10
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05/08/10
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04/08/10
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04/08/10
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03/08/10
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31/07/10
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30/07/10
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29/07/10
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29/07/10
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26/07/10
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27/07/10
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25/07/10
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24/07/10
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24/07/10
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23/07/10
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23/07/10
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22/07/10
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22/07/10
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22/07/10
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21/07/10
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21/07/10
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19/07/10
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16/07/10
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14/07/10
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14/07/10
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15/07/10
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13/07/10
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