Glasgow West End: Pat's guide to what's best in the West

It's been a hectic few weeks with lots of invites and outings and also been busy with the Glasgow West End Festival. I went along to the Opening Parade and Party with Ryan on Sunday 14th June, this year the parade went down Kelvin Way and the event was held in Kelvingrove Park. A lot less congested than Byres Road and we had a great time; we had a super view of the parade at the park gate the top of Kelvin Way and it was heartening to see so many local community groups involved so well done Michael Dale.

After the parade we headed into Kelvingrove Park and I have never seen it so busy. We had a leisurely stroll about and and enjoyed watching Bombskare on the main stage before moving down to our favourite spot at the swing park, where we had a little picnic. Then Ryan played and I sat back and relaxed in the sunshine. It was lovely to see so many people of all ages all out enjoying themselves together.

We then had a wee wander along to see Sub City entertain the crowd with their great sounds and we watched the dancers (children and adults) strut their funky stuff. Some of them more of a vision than others and I had a little chat with Rico from Sub City. The skies clouded over around 5 p.m. and we headed for the exit at the bottom of Kelvin Way, where Michael came and picked us up. Luckily there was no rain all day but not so far away in Dumbarton the skies opened and there were floods .

We really had a lovely day out and enjoyed the party atmosphere and I haven't heard too many disgruntled voices so all in all I think the switch from the Byres Road location has been considered a success. Although, Roy Beers was not convinced!

Lots of people have been singing the praises of The Lismore, where there was entertainment and a great atmosphere so maybe the local pubs should do their own thing on the day and contribute to the atmosphere.

Open Day at the Allotments

We (Jim, Ryan and I) enjoyed Open Day at The Allotments on Saturday 13th, and spent the whole day there. En route to Kirklee we stopped off for a wee while at St Luke's Greek Cathedral to pick up some of the lovely baklava and other Greek delicacies on sale. I was delighted to spot my friend Costas Papamikial serving behind the counter and met up with him and his wife Jeana for a coffee in Tinderbox later in the week.

At the Allotment we helped entertain visitors by providing information and letting them have a look around our plot. We also enjoyed a wee wander around ourselves, admiring some very spectacular crops and for the first time we took a peep into the beehives - we were fascinated watching the beekeeper busy at work.

Gibson Street Gala and The Glasgow Mela

Last week-end I went along to Gibson Street Gala and then The Glasgow Mela with my brother John and his carer, Allan, both events were very enjoyable with lots of people watching opportunities. We thought the line dancing cowboys and cowgirls in Gibson Street were great fun and it added to the festival atmosphere when they got some of the children, and adults, in the crowd joining in. More dancing in the street would be no bad thing.

We enjoyed some tasty food at The Left Bank Barbecue, sticky chicken wraps and spicy noodles and chicken and pepper skewers. All we had to do was sat back, lick our lips and enjoyed the scene.

Local people really got into the party atmosphere for the occasion and we had a laugh with Sandy Welsh of Felix and Oscar and River City fame, who looked very fetching prancing around in costume selling fairy cakes.

There were some lovely stalls and along the river bank at Westbank Quadrant and lots going on in the GOW Triangle - the best back court in Glasgow.

The Mela is always a very colourful spectacle and this year was no different - lots of lovely bright saris on display and the Asian dancers were absolutely amazing. Not such a big crowd as at the Festival Party but seemed to be much more for people to do.

Folk, Blues and Beyond, acoustic music festival

Also part of the West End Festival, The Folk, Blues and Beyond, acoustic festival has been going very well and watch out for some great gigs right up until the 28th June. We had a super time at The Aragon, with Issi, Maggs, Stephanie, Davie, Matthew and Ciaran, who came along to see Jim play. Also on the bill were Crawford Smith and Outi Karhula, arguably Glasgow's sweetest duo, who charmed the socks off the audience. Dochan MacMillan and his Ballachulish Hellhounds were also in fine form. Chris Rodgers, (Hercules Mandarin) who hosts the evening, also treated us to a few numbers.

The Free Candy Sessions at The Liquid Ship, which take place three times a week, are always enjoyable gigs and last Friday was no exception - on the bill were Jim, Ciaran Dorris, John Alexander and Patrick Monaghan and his band. The audience was very appreciative and attentive and we were in raptures when Patrick, who normally sticks to his role as soundman, got into full flight with his rock 'n' rolling blues. Nice to see Eva and Matts there and Julie and Tam also good to catch up with Paul Tasker from the Dog House Roses - just back from a great tour of Slovenia.

Another venue participating in the acoustic festival is The Hidden Lane Cafe. We had lunch there for John's birthday after a little jaunt down to The Tall Ship then we stayed on for the evening's entertainment. A lovely way to spend a day in Glasgow.

Other Festivals

Partick Folk Festival was a great success and Mick West did a marvelous job pulling together some amazing performers. We went along to St Peter's Church Hall for the opening of the festival and had a great night listening to some Glasgow Vernacular entertainment from Peter Nardini and Adam McNaughtan accompanied by Finlay Allison. We laughed until our sides were sore.

Rallion will perform at Partick Folk Club on Friday 26th June, St Peter's Hall, Chancellor Street. Get yourself along you will love it. BYOB and enjoy some fine entertainment plus homemade soup. Could you ask for more?

We've been along to a few festivals apart from the West End Festival and enjoyed our trip down to Moniaive and also had a lovely time up at Mugdock Festival, Jim performed a couple of short spots at Mugdock so we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the other acts. We were particularly pleased to catch John McCusker, Kris Drever, Heidi Talbot and Roddy Woomble perform some great songs. I particularly like Kris Drever singing Harvest Gypies.

Lately Jim has been lucky enough to have the opportunity to play with some very fine musicians and enjoyed his gig with Otis Gibbs at Glasgow Festival of Americana, when he was joined by Paul Baird, that much sought after guitarist. My friend Anne came along and also Margaret and Agnes so we all enjoyed a bit of a hoedown.

Edinburgh and Moniaive

We also went through to the Edinburgh Folk Club, where Jim opened for Hans Theessink, who is the most incredible blues player and a very charming man. Jim's sister Anne came along with her friend Margaret and we all loved the show at The Pleasance. It was an absolute honour for Jim to play with such a talented musician as Hans and he was also delighted when Paddy Bort, who books the acts at the club, asked him back to perform again at both The Pleasance and The Wee Folk Club.

It's only been a year since Jim changed musical direction - doesn't seem possible as we've been so many new places and met some great people. We had a great time at the Moniaive is a lovely village and we'll be looking forward to visiting again as Jim has been asked to play at the Guitar Festival in August and also at The Marquee Club next February.

Celtic Music Radio

Mary Kathleen Burke of Celtic Music Radio did a great hosting the open mike at Moniaive and she looked a picture in her blue wellies. We caught up with her again, and also, Ciaran Dorris back in the West End at the Outside Broadcast at OranMor.

There was some excitement when Ciaran had Jim on his show at Celtic Music Radio the following week with a bit of a panic when he disappeared out of the building just as the show began. I could have warned you, Ciaran. Still all eventually went to plan and he also arrived back in one piece from Dorris Island.

We got together again in the West End with Paul, Andy and Stephanie and put the world to rights over a drink down in Byres Road. Then did this all over again back at Stephanie's when she threw a lovely little soiree at her place in Hyndland. Lots of interesting guests including the artist Richard Whincop and his partner Shirley from New Brunswick in Canada. The evening ended like all good Glasgow shindigs with a singsong in the kitchen.

Jaunts around the West End

Apart from all this world of music and festivals I've been having lots of wee jaunts around the West End and had a few trips along to the heart of Bohemia on my bicycle. I caught up with Nicola, the new manager at The Aragon, to find out all about her exciting plans for one of the West End's favourite bars. All soon to be revealed.

Afterwards I had a little look around James Ingles' lovely gallery (West End Gallery) just next door on 121 Byres Road. I'm not among the most knowledgeable of art lovers but I was very impressed by Jennifer Paley's work and there is currently an exhibition of her work at the gallery.

While in the area I popped into Pattison and Sim to catch up with David Howat but I had just missed him so I had a wee chinwag with the delightful Maureen Ferguson instead. I'm starting to feel very drawn back to the heart of the West End so interesting learning about what's happening in the world of estate agents.

These sunny days Ryan and I have been out and about a lot, along to the Botanics and down to Kelvingrove sampling the joys of various swing parks. We also had some fun at the Subway Festival and saw the snowboarders in Kelvingrove. On one of our excursions we enjoyed a very nice lunch in Sonny & Vitos en route and I enjoyed a wee chat with the charming Sally Howitt, who plays Scarlett Adams in River City. Ryan was quite taken with the idea that she was a 'lady on the tele'.

Ryan and I have been having lots of little outings and at his suggestion we went along to Kelvingrove to the Dr Who Exhibition, it wasn't exactly value for money as he was terrified so we whizzed past the Daleks and some very scary baddies in a matter of minutes. I should maybe have realized that the age group they were aiming at was not five year olds. However, we didn't have the same problem in the shop and I had a bit of coaxing to do to get him away from the merchandise.

Shops

On the way home we popped in to see Maxine in Handbags and Gladrags and I picked up a beautiful dusky pink summer top for a few pounds. Always the best place to find a bargain.

Another day I had a wee wander down Ruthven Lane and had a rare auld blether with Anna in Starry, Starry Night. She was setting up a rail of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian gowns for auction - absolutely exquisite. I also had a chat with Bethsy Gray, who continues to produce some of the loveliest designer jewellery in Glasgow.

Afterwards I picked up some goodies from Little Italy and had a wee chat with Paulo and James then cycled home through Hyndland, happy in the knowledge that there would be no cooking that evening.

Way out West in Anniesland

I've also whiled away some time chatting with the man who has injected some pizzaz into Anniesland life, Mr Rossano McCulloch. I've known Rossano from way back when he ran his restaurant Trattoria Trevi along at Kelvinbridge and he now has Rossano's at Crow Road, Anniesland. The food is fabulous and it's great fun having a coffee with Rossano of an afternoon and listening to his mile a minute stories and being shown all the wonderful images he has of Italy. He almost had me heading straight home to book a holiday on the Amalfi Coast - still haven't given up on that idea.

On the opposite side of Great Western Road, I caught up with Roy Beers at Ecco, David and Sandra Ianucci's restaurant on Crow Road, to find out all that he has been up to recently - you can read all about it in his Dining and Drinking Column. We had a rare auld chinwag over some tasty bruchetta and lots of cappuccino. Roy is very impressed by Allan Mawn's new restaurant Velvet Elvis' down in Partick, although, unfortunately we didn't hook up at the opening.

New Restaurants

I had a very enjoyable evening at the opening party when I went along with my friend Kathy Sharp. It's great to see new places appearing when there is so much glood and doom around and going by the samples on the night - it's going to be a great success - the perfect place for some very special fish and chips. Right next door to Allan's other great eaterie 'Pinxto's, 562 Dumbarton Road.

Lots of familiar faces to be seen at the bash including Tom Shields and David Belcher from The Herald, Felonius Monk from Sunny Govan Radio, Robin Morton from Brel and very nice to see Colin Beattie from OranMor, whom I haven't ran into for ages and I also enjoyed a wee blether with Martin Gray.

I also managed along to Nasreen Aksi's new restaurant 'Tapaz International', which has replaced 'Spice of Life' down on Old Dumbarton Road at Yorkhill. I went along on my own but joined a lovely young woman and her family and we had a very nice time. Everything served was delicious and the restaurant looks lovely. Could be the perfect solution for a party where some prefer Asian food and some would rather opt for European.

Meeting up with friends

The same evening I hopped in a taxi down to the Merchant City to meet Andy Quinn and catch Dinny performing. Very enjoyable and I love when she sings those tunes from the 60s like 'Girl Don't Come'. I was a tad too ambitious that evening as I also stopped off at The Lismore to try and see Milwaukee Dave in action but I was about three hours too late!

It was fun catching up with the huge Venditozzi clan at Luisa and BJ's Engagement Party - good luck to the happy twosome. I hope you manage to hang onto that fantastic flat up in Wilton Street. The view from the window is amazing.

Good luck also to John Deery off on his travels back to Australia. Don't stay away too long, John. You can catch the last Quiet Riot, which John hosts at The Drawing Room, Thursday 25th June.

We had another enjoyable excursion and chance to meet up with friends and family when we went down to Old Kilpatrick to The Ettrick, where my friend Ann Morgan and her sister Claire had organised an event to raise cash for The Butterfly Memorium Garden. It's a lovely idea, although, based on sad events as the garden is in memory of all those people who have lost their lives committing suicide by jumping off the Erskine Bridge.

Ann had asked Jim if he would write a song for the occasion and he was a bit worried about this task. The two of us tackled it together and I gave him a bit of a hand with the words as there is reference in the song to Hamish Murdoch, a close friend who jumped off the bridge. It's a lovely, sad and simple song.

There was tremendous support for the fundraising event and it was really a great night. Chris Barratt (the fabulous 'Pookah' and member of 'Brawth') came down from the West End to perform and David Rodgers came over from the South Side with his new Mandolin. All the Old Kilpatrick talent was also on display with Johnny Russell and Sharon in excellent form.

The villagers, including some of my brothers, cousins, nieces and friends, threw themselves into the occasion with great gusto. They all sang along to The Butterfly Song and Jamie and other percussionists then joined Jim and David on stage for the more upbeat numbers. Chris performed some of his own stuff, John Martyn's 'Over the Hill' and when he sang some Johnny Cash tunes the girls were not only jiving but a perfect handstand was performed by one dancer for the finale.

We also had a wee family get-together with the Byrnes when we went through to Edinburgh for Nicola's First Communion. Nice to catch up with everyone including the contingent up from Newcastle.

What's coming up

Should be another event before the summer is over so we will definitely be heading back to the Village. Also lots more great events coming up: I recently met Iain Hunter and Ciaran Dorris at Smug in Great George Street to hear all about the Folk Boat 09 on 17th July, when The Waverley sets sail down the river for a lovely sail and a fantastic show. A fundraiser to keep this historical ship on the Clyde. Don't miss it.

Apart from all this there's lots of new stuff on the site:

• Glasgow What's On: Theatre - The Betrayal O' The Gael by Partick Community Players 29th/30th June.
• Glasgow Jazz Festival
• Barry Paton in Rural France
• Mature Student's Diary
• Glasgow Galleries Art News
• Update: Some excursions with the International Club
• Celtic Music Radio
• Update: Poetry by Paul Wright
• Jim Byrne's Acoustic Music Adventures
• Update: Christina's Latest Film Crits
• Some beauty tips from Dawn Murray
• Review: Dr Hook, featuring Ray Sawyers
Review of Annie Keating Gig at Brel
• Roisin Brady interviews Eoghan Colgan
• Beautiful apartment to let - Benalmedena

Enjoy the last week of the West End Festival and Folk, Blues and Beyond, acoustic music festival

Summer arrived for a wee while last month so I was out gadding about a lot and catching up with friends and family. On Easter Sunday we went through to Edinburgh to visit Jim's sister Rose and her family and meet up with the rest of the Byrne Clan. It was a very enjoyable day and we had a particularly good time at Portobello beach

We met up with Jim's mum and dad (Rena and Jimmy) again, when we went along to The Place, Folk Club in Milngavie. It's invariably a good night and fun catching up with the ebullient Erne Parkin and The Cross Border Band also enjoyed other acts and Jim was pleased to be invited to play some of his tunes.

Still gigging

He played another gig at The Twisted Wheel with Dean Ownes and Kim Edgar, for the finale of their UK tour; they are both brilliant performers and it was a super night, although, the audience was pretty sparse. It's a brilliant venue and Jim will be back there on 18th May to support Otis Gibbs as part of the Glasgow Festival of Americana, so I'm looking forward to that.

We're also planning a trip down to Dumbarton to St Augustine's to see Ciaran Dorris, Paul Baird and Rod Cordner play. I hear that it's a beautiful venue and I'm hoping to persuade some of my relatives, who live in that neck of the woods, to come along. It's always fun catching up with Ciaran, Stephanie, Paul and Andy and we had a rare old chin wag when we joined them recently down in The Common Room in Byres Road.

It was very decent of them to come to see Jim at The Butterfly and Pig, which was absolutely jumping on May Day. We usually go along to the Parade and catch the celebrations at the Old Fruitmarket but we didn't make it as we were out all day because it was Caitlin's First Communion down in Dalmuir. The service was lovely and she was a picture and it was great seeing lots of familiar faces.

Entertaining in Anniesland

Back at home we've been doing some entertaining and I've had visits from the Rosemount Gang, Margaret Brady, Margaret Carpenter, Val and Rosemary - Anne came along too and we had such a good night. Great fun. Jim went off to peruse the bookshops and leave the girls to it but on his return was persuaded to sing a couple of numbers, after all they are fans.

Another evening Eleanor, Joan and Jackie came for dinner then we had another get-together down in Broomhill at MacMillan's Emporium. Thia ia s very popular and lively cafe/bistro and I enjoyed my lunch of goat's cheese salad. Definitely a place worth a return visit.

It wasn't too long until I caught up with 'Les Gals' again, this time at Rossano's in Crow Road. Rossano McCulloch is a well known figure in Glasgow West End as he previously owned the Trattoria Trevi at Kelvinbridge. His latest venture, which he runs with his wife, Amanda, is super and a very welcome addition to the dining out options in Anniesland. Right on our doorstep so won't be too long before I'm back there again.

Another place I love in Anniesland is Arcaffe, run by David and Sandra Iannucci and I met up with Roy there earlier in the afternoon. I didn't eat as I knew I was going out in the evening but Roy got tore into some fabulous prosciutto and melon followed by a hearty pudding. Very tempting! We had a great natter and also a blether with Sandra about her son, who was involved in the recent Hinterland Festival. We also had a chat about Armando Iannucci, her brother in law, a writer and director. Jim and I had just seen his latest film 'In the Loop' and it made me laugh when Sandra spoke about her apprehension when going with her mother-in-law to see the film as the language is rather choice!

Folk and Festivals

I found myself hanging out in another West End Cafe when I went along to chat with Adam Ross regarding a project, which is part of his studies at The University of the West of Scotland (previously Paisley Uni). He's set up a website about Open Mics in Glasgow and pulled together a lot of useful information. Adam is also a pretty talented singer/songwriter and Jim and I saw him perform recently in The Drawing Room at The Quiet Riot. I'll just mention in the passing that John Deery, who runs The Quiet Riot Acoustic Music Night, is also a talented artist and he has a sale on his paintings at the moment - so have a swatch.

The Quiet Riot is one of the venues participating in the Folk, Blues and Beyond, Acoustic Music Festival, which is part of the West End Festival this year. I've been busy co-ordinating the programme for them, although I've got nothing to do with booking the acts, but been getting a lot of telephone calls from poets, singers and all sorts of performers wanting to participate in the festival this year. Sorry I can't help folks but I've enjoyed some interesting conversations.

I popped along to see Michael Dale, West End Festival Director, to iron out the details, whilst Jim entertained Ryan in Dowanhill Park. No brochure as yet but rumour has it that this year the parade and street party, which kick off the festival will switch from Byres Road to Kelvingrove Park. Although should still be plenty happening in the heart of the West End. Keep a look out for details on the west end festival website. Festival dates are 12th June to 28th June.

Stuff for the youngsters

We've also had Ryan down at the Transport Museum, his favourite haunt, and one of these fine days we plan to head for The Tall Ship. There are some great things on for children during Spring and Summer including activities at The Hunterian.

We've been planting loads of stuff in the allotment but Ryan is much more enthusiastic about digging things up so he's a bit disappointed that the potato season has finally drawn to a close. Still we've got some mustard cress popping up, some very health looking chives and a fine crop of shallots are now appearing. Must get back up to the Childrens' Garden at The Botanics and help with their planting and need to check out some of the events at Glasgow University Science Festival.

Along at Kelvinbridge

I spent a lovely afternoon along at Kelvinbridge catching up with some of the shopkeepers and moseying around. I wanted to have a look at all the lovely new children's fashions in Strawberry Fields and I popped in for a chat with Dawn Murray at Richardson Murray, which is undergoing a major refurbishment and already looking very inviting. I also caught up with Claire in Flounce, where there is some absolutely sensational new stock. No plain greens or purples here - the fabulous fabrics call for exotic sounding names like chartreuse and amethyst. Gorgeous!

I had a walk along Great Western Road and popped into Christo's to see what was new in this lovely gallery and gift shop and have a blether with Louise. The usual fantastic prints and paintings and some great jewellery in stock. I took a photograph of her with her wee Westie.

I bumped into Sandy Welsh on Great Western Road and will make a point of checking out what's new in his shop Felix and Oscar on my next sortie. Sandy always makes me laugh and we had a good old chinwag and he filled me in on his new part in River City, I'm sworn to secrecy but will be watching out for him.

I caught up with Jim in his usual haunt at Offshore with the intention of catching a bite to eat round the corner at Sonny & Vito's, but unfortunately we left it too late and just had time for a wee catch up with Mario Pelosi. Need to get there earlier next time as it is still my favourite place to dine - I also love their great coffee.

I had another wee disappointment as we had planned to go to the launch of Edwyn Collins Art Exhibition at the CCA but I was feeling rather poorly so Jim went along on his own. It was a pity I didn't make it and Jim did not stay long as so we both missed Edwyn singing some of his songs. Unfortunately, I didn't manage along to see Carol Kidd when she played OranMor with JJ Gilmour. Jim and I had been looking forward to the gig for ages as recently Jim collaborated with Carol and used her lyrics to write a new song. However, he went along to OranMor and absolutely love the show. You can hear a demo of the song 'Down By The Wildwood' on Jim's myspace

People far away

There's still a lot of songwriting going on in our house and we've just written a Butterfly Song, requested by Ann Morgan, who is behind the creation of a Memorium Garden in Old Kilpatrick. Her husband Hamish Murdoch, who was a close friend of ours will be one of the people that the garden is in memory of. Jim is, of course, the songwriter and I just help out with lyrics and opinions but between us we have come up with a lovely bitter/sweet song and Jim will perform it at their fundraising event in The Ettrick. It should be a lovely night and looking forward to seeing some of my buddies in Old Kilpatrick.

I've been making a bit more of an effort lately to get in touch with friends and even phone Catherine McGoldrick in Sydney, all of the McGoldrick family have been lifelong friends so we had a lot of catching up to do. Hopefully, we will see Chris, the youngest, when we go down to London in a couple of months.

I also took a trip down to Old Kilpatrick to see Maureen Maille, over from Nimes to see her mum,Cathie O'Donnell. We did a fair bit of reminiscing about our hitch-hiking exploits and other stuff from bygone days. This could be the year I make the effort to go and see Maureen in France. She's only been there for 40 odd years!

Website stuff

I've been working hard on the website with lots of reviews, new characters, and never ending information to be added to our What's On. I completed a feature about Gerry Carruthers, Director of the Robert Burns Centre at Glasgow University and also wrote a wee review about Celtic Music Radio's outside broadcast from OranMor, where Jim was one of the performers. Rena, Jim's mum came along to OranMor with us and we really enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards Jim and I had a bit to eat in Heart Buchanan's and he took some photographs for his photo diary.

I also wrote a review of the lovely Waterbury Guesthouse - where we stayed when we went to Birnam and Dunkeld.

I was delighted to hear all about Joanne MacLeod's fabulous teas and tea shop Brewhaha, which apparently has the stamp of approval of no less than Jude Law! Heather MacLeod has written a great feature about Joanne and Brewhaha for me.

Loads of other new stuff on the site including:

• Update by Roy Beers Dining and Drinking in Glasgow
• Issis' Adventures - Trees for Life
• Christina's Film Crits
• Dawn Murray's Wellbeing Words
• New feature: Dr Pauline Finlay - non-surgical facial rejuvenation
• Updated: Homecoming Scotland
• Moniaive Folk Festival
• Poetry by Paul Wright
• Poetry by Nina Quigley
• New Courses at Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Glasgow University
• Plus lots more, which you can see in our What's New
• Also check out our Glasgow Gig Guide and catch some of the best live music in town.

It's great to say goodbye to all those grey skies. Glorious sunshine this morning, the daffs are out and our baby cherry blossom tree has some blooms. These last few weeks Jim and I have been for walks in the Botanics and Kelvin Walkway and even got started planting in our allotment. We took a walk along to see the ducks at Bingham's pond and had an al fresco coffee at Booly Mardy's - in the delightful company of Gill Maxwell.

We've also enjoyed a few jaunts out of the city and investigated some garden centres (the hunt for the shed continues) and even had a bit of a hike along the West Highland Way.

Trip to Birnam and Dunkeld

Last week we spent a day in Birnam and Dunkeld and stayed overnight at the very charming, Waterbury Guesthouse. Jim had a gig in Perth so we decided to take the opportunity to visit Birnam CD, as the swathe of songs for the next album is swiftly growing. It's a brilliant set up and Martin and Mike made us very welcome, who would think that one of the most successful CD production companies in Scotland would be tucked away in this lovely little village - whose other claim to fame is the location of the witches in Macbeth.:-)

It really was a very enjoyable wee trip and we will definitely return to The Waterbury, a very attractive and friendly establishment, where we were made to feel very much at home. Chantal Winning may have served some of you in, The Grosvenor Café, a favourite West End haunt her family ran for many years.

Her mum and dad, Ghislaine and Larry, were over on a visit from their home in the South of France and it was interesting hearing all about their life amid the mimosa and reminiscing about giant doughnuts and melted millionaires' shortbread and other delicacies served in The Grosvenor.

Aye Write!

Back in the West End we've been having lots of fun meeting up with friends, dining out and going along to gigs. I thoroughly enjoyed the Aye Write Festival, although, as usual my plans to get along to loads of events were over-ambitious. Ultimately, I only managed to go to two but they were both very interesting: 'Days Like This' Scottish Book Project, where ordinary people write their stories and was particularly impressed by William Letford's story 'Waterfall'.

Sylvia Rossie and I went along to hear Brian McGilloway, Peter James and Anne Cleeves talk about their crime novels. Three very different approaches and highly entertaining discussions. I'll need to catch up with Sylvia again soon because we made a deal to swop books.

It was great just wandering around the fabulous Mitchell Library - what a brilliant venue for this hugely popular festival. We saw lots of familiar faces and enjoyed a wee chat with Maggie Graham, who's story for 'Days Like These' was one of those featured on the radio.

Afterwards Sylvia and I went along to check out the new Ad Lib at the bottom of Byres Road, we both had lots of happy memories of the first restaurant in Hope Street many moons ago. We ordered the same special 'Obama Burgers' - pretty tasty but so huge it required some effort in the demolishing.

Launches

Jim and I were invited to another enjoyable literary event at Borders - the launch of Aidan McEoin's book of poetry 'In the boat I don't yet have'. As usual Aidan gave a first class performance and David Hayman was the ideal man for the job of introducing this collection of sassy, sad and humorous poems about Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and Islands. Great stuff!

We had another brilliant night out at the Captain's Rest at the launch of Dave Arcari's 'Got Me Eletric" cd and "the king of uncompromising alt. blues" treated the audience to some first class entertainment.

Apart from the many enthusiastic fans the great and the good of Glasgow's world of music were at the launch so we got the opportunity to catch up with some folk and make some interesting new acquaintances. We had a little chat with Duncan McCrone, whom we met at Linlithgow Festival last year, when he and Jim played on the same bill. Duncan is also head honcho at MCSP and knows all there is to know about music copyright issues.

Lining up 'the local characters' candidates

It was also good to meet Peter McCalman, composer and promoter, and I met up with Peter again for a longer chat at The Lansdowne last week. A bit of a Monty Python type scene ensued as the place was not yet opened when I arrived but the man in charge kindly let me in and gave me some lovely coffee. However, when Peter then showed up - he found the door locked and took off with the manager in full flight after him - but in the wrong direction. Anyway, we eventually hooked up and had a great chat. Peter is definitely on my list as a 'Local Character' and I am looking forward to catching some of his fantastic 'Acoustic Affairs' concerts at the City Halls.

Another prime candidate as a local character is in Gerry Carruthers, director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at Glasgow University. Gerry is an old friend that I worked with many years ago in Clydebank, when I was involved in community development work with young musicians. He has certainly come a long way since then and I went along to meet him at the University to find out what he was up to and was fascinated to learn about his work. His enthusiasm is spectacularly contagious and he almost had me signed up for a series of lectures.

Festivals and Gigs

So lots of features to write up for the site. I've also had a fair bit of work with activities relating to this year's West End Festival and have been along to the White House to meet Michael Dale, Festival Director, to discuss a new acoustic music fringe event with him. Also involved are lots of very talented and hardworking young men (Dochan MacMillan, Mike Clarke, John Deery, Alexander Murray, Chris Barrett, Chris Rodgers and Chris Blai) who organise acoustic music events in some of the West End's most popular venues; in conjunction with them I've been busy pulling together 'Folk, Blues and Beyond'. This event will involve some of the most popular West End venues, including The Liquid Ship, Jinty McGuinty's, The Quiet Riot, Rio's, The Hidden Lane Cafe, The Aragon and Lebowski's.

Also gearing up for the Partick Folk Festival, which will take place at the end of May. Mick West, who has been doing a wonderful job of organising Partick Folk Club, ably assisted by his wife Irene and other stalwarts, has great plans for the festival and I'm expecting to receive information any day now.

We had another super night out at the Club last week, where everyone enjoyed hearing music from Cruachan, plus their singer Jim Shearer's daft jokes. It's always a treat to hear Mick West perform as his voice is totally amazing. There were lots of entertaining performances from the floor and Jim was invited to play a couple of his tunes. He was delighted that his latest song 'Under these Scottish Skies' - a kind of kitch country tune - proved to be a hit and folk were still stopping us on the way out to say how much they enjoyed it.

So looks like it will be firmly within his repertoire for the numerous gigs he has coming up. You can find out more on our Gig Guide and Jim's myspace.

Jim had a great time as special guest on the Mary Kathleen Burke show on Celtic Music Radio, even surpassed the rather remarkable evening we spent afterwards at The Butterly and Pig (If you've never tuned into Celtic Music Radio then you are missing out, especially Sunday evenings with Ciaran Dorris (5 - 7 p.m) and Mary Kathleen Burke (7 - 9 pm) 1530 AM or listen online Both the Irishman and Irishwoman are talented performers in their own right, great company and they are very entertaining both on and off the air. )

Another gig we really enjoyed recently was at the Free Candy Sessions in The Liquid Ship, where we went along to see our good friend Dochan MacMillan peform with The Ballachulish Hellhounds, who were super as were The Carlton Jug Band - a night when all faces were wreathed in smiles.

My friend Anne came along with us to The Hidden Lane Cafe a couple of Sundays back when Jim was playing there and that was another great wee jaunt. I particularly enjoyed Chris Barrett and Mhairi Morrison's performance. We are very attached to this venue and chose it for Jim's cd launch.

We had a great time at Woodend, one of the best West End Venues used by Sound in the Suburbs. Issi, Davie, Maggs, Craig, Joan and Louise all came along to see Jim and Graham play so now we are all planning a jaunt through to Edinburgh to the Folk Club for another performance.

Celebrations

I went back down to Finnieston to Cafe Bayan for a celebration of International Women's Day with a gang of Clydebank lassies including Lesley Coyle, Maureen O'Neill, Susan McLachlan, Val Tonner, Frances Gilroy and another forty or so more. We had great fun and the spirit of sisterhood was certainly alive and well.

Another good night was held in the company of the usual suspects (Eleanor, Joan, Jackie, Rena, Linda, and Janet) and we enjoyed a beautiful meal at Cail Bruach when we went out to celebrate Eleanor's birthday.

We stayed at home for Ryan's 5th birthday party and that was great fun, he was in seventh heaven with his best buddy Cal McGreevy, the rest of the McGreevy Family and the MacIntoshes. The highlight of the event was the easter egg decoration competition - everyone a winner, although we hadn't anticipated adding a category for 'the scariest egg'.

On the eating out front I am missing my buddy Roy Beers, who is working too hard these days, however, we have a plan to try out Paradise, a fairly new Persian restaurant at Kelvinbridge. I popped in for a little peep and it certainly seems very friendly and tempting so should be able to report back on that pretty soon.

The Bead Company

On Roy's advice I went along to check out The Bead Company in Keith Street at Partick Cross, what a marvellous place. An absolutely essential visit for any aspiring jewellery desingners among you. It's a most impressive shop with a truly remarkable selection of beads, allsorts of jewellery making paraphernalia and very friendly staff. They also offer various jewellery making courses, which are proving to be very popular - they will also help you arrange a very unique party for children, aged five and upwards, or adults. Sure is lots to get hooked on at The Bead Company.

Favourite Haunts

I always find Partick a very vibrant place for a wee jaunt and like nipping into Handbags and Gladrags, Eunice Whyte's and always enjoy a natter with, the always effervescent, Ross Parry in Rio's. Thanks for arranging the half portion of chicken enchiladas, Ross, delicious!

A couple of weeks back I spent a lovely morning along at Kelvinbridge, where I bought some fabulous earrings in Nancy Smillie's Jewellery Boutique, and found out about all the latest fashions in Doll. I had s super browse and blether with Maureen in the Caledonia Book Shop and caught up with the Pelosi's in Sonny and Vito's. Afterwards I met Jim in Offshore. Despite his plan for me to join him Wifi-ing in assorted cafes throughout the West End and my admiration for his approach, I have not yet taken to this idea. I think I am bit too interested in all that is going on around me to focus on my work and do my cafe culture stuff simultaneously. Maybe I need to try harder!

What's New

However, what I really want to do is give myself a shake and get some exercise so need to get the puncture fixed on my bike and make some plans with Jackie and Catherine and hit the Western Baths. You can check up on me next month. :-)

Lots of new stuff on the site:

• Hillwalking with Helen Rose
• Barry Paton's update from Rural France
• Courses in Salignac
• Jim's acoustic adventures blog
• Issi's West End Advenutures
• Kelvinside Allotments Spring Newsletter
• Poetry by Paul Wright
• Jim's photodiary - statues in The Kibble Palace
• Wellbeing words from Dawn Murray
• Munch: New Exhibition at The Hunterian
• Theatre Royal - Entertaining a Nation
• What's On
• What's New